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Song J, Peng H, Lai M, Kang H, Chen X, Cheng Y, Su X. Relationship between inflammatory-related cytokines with aortic dissection. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110618. [PMID: 37480750 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110618] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aortic dissection, characterized by severe intramural hematoma formation and acute endometrial rupture, is caused by excessive bleeding within the aortic wall or a severe tear within the intimal layer of the aorta, which subsequently promotes the separation or dissection in the layers of the aortic wall. Epidemiological surveys showed that aortic dissection was most observed among those patients from 55 to 80 years of age, with a prevalence of approximately 40 cases per 100,000 individuals per year, posing serious risks to future health and leading to high mortality. Other risk factors of aortic dissection progression contained dyslipidemia, hypertension, and genetic disorders, such as Marfan syndrome. Currently, emerging evidence indicates the pathological progression of aortic dissection is significantly complicated, which is correlated with the aberrant infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the aortic wall, subsequently facilitating the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and inducing the aberrant expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon (IF). Other pro-inflammatory-related cytokines, including the colony-stimulating factor (CSF), chemotactic factor, and growth factor (GF), played an essential function in facilitating aortic dissection. Multiple studies focused on the important relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and aortic dissection, which could deepen the understanding of aortic dissection and further guide the therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. The present review elucidated pro-inflammatory cytokines' functions in modulating the risk of aortic dissection are summarized. Moreover, the emerging evidence that aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms wherebyvarious pro-inflammatory cytokines affected the pathological development of aortic dissection was also listed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjin Song
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hua Peng
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Min Lai
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huiyuan Kang
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ye Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Cardiology, The Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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Diaz-Payno PJ, Browe D, Freeman FE, Nulty J, Burdis R, Kelly DJ. GREM1 suppresses hypertrophy of engineered cartilage in vitro but not bone formation in vivo. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:724-736. [PMID: 35297694 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current repair of articular cartilage (AC) often leads to a lower quality tissue with an unstable hypertrophic phenotype, susceptible to endochondral ossification and development of osteoarthritis. Engineering phenotypically stable AC remains a significant challenge in the cartilage engineering field. This motivates new strategies inspired from the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins unique to phenotypically stable AC. We have previously shown that BMP antagonist gremlin-1 (GREM1) protein, present in permanent but not transient cartilage, suppresses the hypertrophy of chondrogenically primed bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in pellet culture. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of GREM1 on the in vitro and in vivo phenotypic stability of porcine BMSC derived cartilage engineered within chondro-permissive scaffolds. In addition, we explored whether GREM1 would synergise with physioxia, a potent chondrogenesis regulator, when engineering cartilage grafts. GREM1 did not influence the expression of chondrogenic markers (SOX-9, COL2A1), but did suppress the expression of hypertrophic markers (MMP13, COL10A1) in vitro. Cartilage engineered with GREM1 contained higher levels of residual cartilage after 4 weeks in vivo, but endochondral bone formation was not prevented. Higher GREM1 levels did not significantly alter the fate of engineered tissues in vitro or in vivo. The combination of physioxia and GREM1 resulted in higher sGAG deposition in vitro and greater retention of cartilage matrix in vivo than physioxia alone, but again did not suppress endochondral ossification. Therefore, while physioxia and GREM1 regulate BMSCs chondrogenesis in vitro and reduce cartilage loss in vivo, their use does not guarantee the development of stable cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Diaz-Payno
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - David Browe
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Fiona E Freeman
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Jessica Nulty
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Ross Burdis
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Daniel John Kelly
- University of Dublin Trinity College Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 548636, Dublin, Ireland;
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Wang K, Zhang M, Zhao S, Xie Z, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang Y, Yang X, Wu N. Mutational spectrum of syndromic genes in sporadic brain arteriovenous malformation. Chin Neurosurg J 2022; 8:4. [PMID: 35209959 PMCID: PMC8867132 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-022-00270-8] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are abnormal vessels that are apt to rupture, causing life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The estimated prevalence of BAVMs is 0.05% among otherwise healthy individuals. In this study, we aim to investigate the mutational spectrum of syndromic genes in sporadic BAVM. Methods We recruited a cohort of 150 patients with BAVM and performed whole-exome sequencing on their peripheral blood DNA. To explore the mutational spectrum of syndromic genes in sporadic brain arteriovenous malformation, we selected six genes according to the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and literature. All variants in the six candidate genes were extracted and underwent filtering for qualifying variants. Results There are a total of four patients with rare variants in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-related genes. In addition, we identified two patients have the variant of RASA1 gene in our database, which are also rare mutations that are absent from population databases. However, we did not find any patients with GNAQ mutations in our database. Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated that variants in syndromic vascular malformations play important roles in the etiology of sporadic BAVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Mingqi Zhang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhixin Xie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yisen Zhang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xinjian Yang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute and Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, 100730, China. .,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Duffy L, Henderson J, Brown M, Pryzborski S, Fullard N, Summa L, Distler JHW, Stratton R, O'Reilly S. Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonist Gremlin-1 Increases Myofibroblast Transition in Dermal Fibroblasts: Implications for Systemic Sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681061. [PMID: 34150776 PMCID: PMC8213337 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic Sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which results in fibrosis of the skin and lungs. The disease is characterized by activation of myofibroblasts but what governs this is unknown. Gremlin-1 is a BMP antagonist that is developmentally regulated and we sought to investigate its role in Systemic Sclerosis. Methods Dermal fibroblasts were transfected with Grem1pcDNA3.1 expression vectors or empty vectors. Various markers of myofibroblasts were measured at the mRNA and protein levels. Scratch wound assays were also performed. Media Transfer experiments were performed to evaluate cytokine like effects. Various inhibitors of TGF-β signaling and MAPK signaling were used post-transfection. siRNA to Gremlin-1 in SSc dermal fibroblasts were performed to evaluate the role of Gremlin-1. Different cytokines were incubated with fibroblasts and Gremlin-1 measured. Bleomycin was used as model of fibrosis and immunohistochemistry performed. Results Overexpression of Gremlin-1 was achieved in primary dermal fibroblasts and lead to activation of quiescent cells to myofibroblasts indicated by collagen and α-Smooth muscle actin. Overexpression also led to functional effects. This was associated with increased TGF-β1 levels and SBE luciferase activity but not increased Thrombospondin-1 expression. Inhibition of Gremlin-1 overexpression cells with antibodies to TGF-β1 but not isotype controls led to reduced collagen and various TGF-β pathway chemical inhibitors also led to reduced collagen levels. In SSc cells siRNA mediated reduction of Gremlin-1 reduced collagen expression and CTGF gene and protein levels in these cells. IL-13 did not lead to elevated Gremlin-1 expression nor did IL-11. Gremlin-1 was elevated in an animal model of fibrosis compared to NaCl-treated mice. Conclusion Gremlin-1 is a key regulator of myofibroblast transition leading to enhanced ECM deposition. Strategies that block Gremlin-1 maybe a possible therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases such as SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Max Brown
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Fullard
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Lena Summa
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Jorg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Yu Y, Cheng L, Yan B, Zhou C, Qian W, Xiao Y, Qin T, Cao J, Han L, Ma Q, Ma J. Overexpression of Gremlin 1 by sonic hedgehog signaling promotes pancreatic cancer progression. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2445-2457. [PMID: 30272371 PMCID: PMC6203161 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is an important promotor of desmoplasia, a critical feature in pancreatic cancer stromal reactions involving the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Gremlin 1 is widely overexpressed in cancer-associated stromal cells, including activated PSCs. In embryonic development, SHH is a potent regulator of Gremlin 1 through an interaction network. This subtle mechanism in the cancer microenvironment remains to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the association between Gremlin 1 and SHH, and the effect of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer. The expression of Gremlin 1 in different specimens was measured using immunohistochemistry. The correlations among clinico-pathological features and levels of Gremlin 1 were evaluated. Primary human PSCs and pancreatic cancer cell lines were exposed to SHH, cyclopamine, GLI family zinc finger-1 (Gli-1) small interfering RNA (siRNA), and Gremlin 1 siRNA to examine their associations and effects using an MTT assay, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis, and migration or invasion assays. The results revealed the overexpression of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer tissues, mainly in the stroma. The levels of Gremlin 1 were significantly correlated with survival rate and pT status. In addition, following activation of the PSCs, the expression levels of Gremlin 1 increased substantially. SHH acts as a potent promoter of the expression of Gremlin 1, and cyclopamine and Gli-1 siRNA modulated this effect. In a screen of pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells expressed high levels of Gremlin 1, but only AsPC-1 cells exhibited a high expression level of SHH. The results of the indirect co-culture experiment suggested that paracrine SHH from the AsPC-1 cells induced the expression of Gremlin 1 in the PSCs. Furthermore, Gremlin 1 siRNA negatively regulated the proliferation and migration of PSCs, and the proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Based on the data from the present study, it was concluded that an abnormal expression level of Gremlin 1 in pancreatic cancer was induced by SHH signaling, and that the overexpression of Gremlin 1 enabled pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtian Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Cancan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jiguang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Zeng T, Shi L, Ji Q, Shi Y, Huang Y, Liu Y, Gan J, Yuan J, Lu Z, Xue Y, Hu H, Liu L, Lin Y. Cytokines in aortic dissection. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 486:177-182. [PMID: 30086263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most dangerous forms of vascular disease, characterized by endometrial rupture and intramural hematoma formation. Generally, the pathological process is complicated and closely related to the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the aortic wall and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Currently, multiple cytokines, including interleukins, interferon, the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, colony stimulating factor, chemotactic factor, growth factor and so on, have all been demonstrated to play a critical role in AD. Additionally, studies of the link between cytokines and AD could deepen our understanding of the disease and may guide future treatment therapies; therefore, this review focuses on the role of cytokines in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qingwei Ji
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China; Emergency & Critical Care Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jianting Gan
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Zhengde Lu
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Haiying Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Handan First Hospital, Handan 056002, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
| | - Yingzhong Lin
- Department of Cardiology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.
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Generation and Applications of a DNA Aptamer against Gremlin-1. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050706. [PMID: 28452949 PMCID: PMC6154100 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1, a highly conserved glycosylated and phosphorylated secretory protein, plays important roles in diverse biological processes including early embryonic development, fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and renal pathophysiology. Aptamers, which are RNA or DNA single-stranded oligonucleotides capable of binding specifically to different targets ranging from small organics to whole cells, have potential applications in targeted imaging, diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we obtained a DNA aptamer against Gremlin-1 (G-ap49) using in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Binding assay and dot-blot showed that G-ap49 had high affinity for Gremlin-1. Further experiments indicated that G-ap49 was quite stable in a cell culture system and could be used in South-Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked aptamer sorbent assay (ELASA), and aptamer-based cytochemistry and histochemistry staining to detect Gremlin-1. Moreover, our study demonstrated that G-ap49 is capable of revealing the subcellular localization of Gremlin-1. These data indicate that G-ap49 can be used as an alternative to antibodies in detecting Gremlin-1.
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Gremlin is a key pro-fibrogenic factor in chronic pancreatitis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:1085-1093. [PMID: 26141517 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The current study aims to identify the pro-fibrogenic role of Gremlin, an endogenous antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP is a highly debilitating disease characterized by progressive pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis that ultimately leads to exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. While transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a known key pro-fibrogenic factor in CP, the TGF-β superfamily member BMPs exert an anti-fibrogenic function in CP as reported by our group recently. To investigate how BMP signaling is regulated in CP by BMP antagonists, the mouse CP model induced by cerulein was used. During CP induction, TGF-β1 messenger RNA (mRNA) increased 156-fold in 2 weeks, a BMP antagonist Gremlin 1 (Grem1) mRNA levels increased 145-fold at 3 weeks, and increases in Grem1 protein levels correlated with increases in collagen deposition. Increased Grem1 was also observed in human CP pancreata compared to normal. Grem1 knockout in Grem1 (+/-) mice revealed a 33.2 % reduction in pancreatic fibrosis in CP compared to wild-type littermates. In vitro in isolated pancreatic stellate cells, TGF-β induced Grem1 expression. Addition of the recombinant mouse Grem1 protein blocked BMP2-induced Smad1/5 phosphorylation and abolished BMP2's suppression effects on TGF-β-induced collagen expression. Evidences presented herein demonstrate that Grem1, induced by TGF-β, is pro-fibrogenic by antagonizing BMP activity in CP. KEY MESSAGES • Gremlin is upregulated in human chronic pancreatitis and a mouse CP model in vivo. • Deficiency of Grem1 in mice attenuates pancreatic fibrosis under CP induction in vivo. • TGF-β induces Gremlin mRNA and protein expression in pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. • Gremlin blocks BMP2 signaling and function in pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. • This study discloses a pro-fibrogenic role of Gremlin by antagonizing BMP activity in chronic pancreatitis.
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Erdmann R, Ozden C, Weidmann J, Schultze A. Targeting the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis - a promising strategy for multiple diseases? J Pathol 2015; 236:403-6. [PMID: 25875212 DOI: 10.1002/path.4544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Published recently in the Journal of Pathology, Lavoz et al. show that Gremlin promotes renal inflammation directly via VEGFR2. As Gremlin has been implicated in many other diseases, such as heart, lung and liver fibrosis, osteogenesis, angiogenesis and cancer, the new findings provide a rationale for novel concepts to investigate and potentially treat several pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Erdmann
- Department of Haematology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Centre Hamburg, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Cansu Ozden
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jens Weidmann
- Department of Haematology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Centre Hamburg, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Schultze
- Department of Haematology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Centre Hamburg, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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Wellbrock J, Harbaum L, Stamm H, Hennigs JK, Schulz B, Klose H, Bokemeyer C, Fiedler W, Lüneburg N. Intrinsic BMP Antagonist Gremlin-1 as a Novel Circulating Marker in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Lung 2015; 193:567-70. [PMID: 25926293 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-015-9735-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin-1, an intrinsic antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, it is unknown whether gremlin-1 can be detected in the circulation of PAH patients and whether it is associated with patients' functional status and outcome. With a mean level of 242 ± 24 ng/ml, gremlin-1 levels of 31 PAH patients were significantly elevated compared to 151 ± 18 ng/ml in 15 age- and gender-matched healthy subject (p = 0.016). In PAH patients, increasing gremlin-1 levels correlated with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels (r = 0.608, p < 0.001) and inversely with the 6-minute walking distance (r = -0.412, p = 0.029). Furthermore, gremlin-1 significantly stratified survival in PAH patients (p = 0.015). Gremlin-1 may represent a new biomarker for PAH which can be linked directly to the underlying pathomechanism. Elevated levels of gremlin-1 are associated with patients' functional status and survival, thus gremlin-1 neutralization could represent a potential therapeutic strategy to increase BMPR2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,
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