1
|
Kolanko E, Cargnoni A, Papait A, Silini AR, Czekaj P, Parolini O. The evolution of in vitro models of lung fibrosis: promising prospects for drug discovery. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230127. [PMID: 38232990 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0127-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a complex process, with unknown underlying mechanisms, involving various triggers, diseases and stimuli. Different cell types (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages) interact dynamically through multiple signalling pathways, including biochemical/molecular and mechanical signals, such as stiffness, affecting cell function and differentiation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common fibrosing interstitial lung disease (fILD), characterised by a notably high mortality. Unfortunately, effective treatments for advanced fILD, and especially IPF and non-IPF progressive fibrosing phenotype ILD, are still lacking. The development of pharmacological therapies faces challenges due to limited knowledge of fibrosis pathogenesis and the absence of pre-clinical models accurately representing the complex features of the disease. To address these challenges, new model systems have been developed to enhance the translatability of preclinical drug testing and bridge the gap to human clinical trials. The use of two- and three-dimensional in vitro cultures derived from healthy or diseased individuals allows for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for lung fibrosis. Additionally, microfluidics systems, which replicate the respiratory system's physiology ex vivo, offer promising opportunities for the development of effective therapies, especially for IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Kolanko
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Anna Cargnoni
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Andrea Papait
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piotr Czekaj
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Keshavan S, Bannuscher A, Drasler B, Barosova H, Petri-Fink A, Rothen-Rutishauser B. Comparing species-different responses in pulmonary fibrosis research: Current understanding of in vitro lung cell models and nanomaterials. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 183:106387. [PMID: 36652970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, irreversible lung disease that is typically fatal and characterized by an abnormal fibrotic response. As a result, vast areas of the lungs are gradually affected, and gas exchange is impaired, making it one of the world's leading causes of death. This can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the onset and progression of the disease, as well as a poor understanding of the mechanism of adverse responses to various factors, such as exposure to allergens, nanomaterials, environmental pollutants, etc. So far, the most frequently used preclinical evaluation paradigm for PF is still animal testing. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need to understand the factors that induce PF and find novel therapeutic targets for PF in humans. In this regard, robust and realistic in vitro fibrosis models are required to understand the mechanism of adverse responses. Over the years, several in vitro and ex vivo models have been developed with the goal of mimicking the biological barriers of the lung as closely as possible. This review summarizes recent progress towards the development of experimental models suitable for predicting fibrotic responses, with an emphasis on cell culture methods, nanomaterials, and a comparison of results from studies using cells from various species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Keshavan
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Anne Bannuscher
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Drasler
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Hana Barosova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Alke Petri-Fink
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland; Chemistry Department, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schmidt A, da Silva Brito WA, Singer D, Mühl M, Berner J, Saadati F, Wolff C, Miebach L, Wende K, Bekeschus S. Short- and long-term polystyrene nano- and microplastic exposure promotes oxidative stress and divergently affects skin cell architecture and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:3. [PMID: 36647127 PMCID: PMC9844005 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nano- and microplastic particles (NMP) are strong environmental contaminants affecting marine ecosystems and human health. The negligible use of biodegradable plastics and the lack of knowledge about plastic uptake, accumulation, and functional consequences led us to investigate the short- and long-term effects in freshly isolated skin cells from mice. Using fluorescent NMP of several sizes (200 nm to 6 µm), efficient cellular uptake was observed, causing, however, only minor acute toxicity as metabolic activity and apoptosis data suggested, albeit changes in intracellular reactive species and thiol levels were observed. The internalized NMP induced an altered expression of various targets of the nuclear factor-2-related transcription factor 2 pathway and were accompanied by changed antioxidant and oxidative stress signaling responses, as suggested by altered heme oxygenase 1 and glutathione peroxide 2 levels. A highly increased beta-catenin expression under acute but not chronic NMP exposure was concomitant with a strong translocation from membrane to the nucleus and subsequent transcription activation of Wnt signaling target genes after both single-dose and chronic long-term NMP exposure. Moreover, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation accompanied by an increase of α smooth muscle actin and collagen expression was observed. Together with several NMP-induced changes in junctional and adherence protein expression, our study for the first time elucidates the acute and chronic effects of NMP of different sizes in primary skin cells' signaling and functional biology, contributing to a better understanding of nano- and microplastic to health risks in higher vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schmidt
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Walison Augusto da Silva Brito
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany ,grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Department of General Pathology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Debora Singer
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Melissa Mühl
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julia Berner
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany ,grid.5603.0Department Oral, Maxillofacial, and Plastic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fariba Saadati
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christina Wolff
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany ,grid.5603.0Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kristian Wende
- grid.461720.60000 0000 9263 3446ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wei WC, Liaw CC, Tsai KC, Chiou CT, Tseng YH, Chiou WF, Lin YC, Tsai CI, Lin CS, Lin CS, Liou KT, Yu IS, Shen YC, Su YC. Targeting spike protein-induced TLR/NET axis by COVID-19 therapeutic NRICM102 ameliorates pulmonary embolism and fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106424. [PMID: 36064077 PMCID: PMC9443660 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic remains a critical public health threat, as existing vaccines and drugs appear insufficient to halt the rapid transmission. During an outbreak from May to August 2021 in Taiwan, patients with severe COVID-19 were administered NRICM102, which was a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula developed based on its predecessor NRICM101 approved for treating mild cases. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of NRICM102 in ameliorating severe COVID-19-related embolic and fibrotic pulmonary injury. NRICM102 was found to disrupt spike protein/ACE2 interaction, 3CL protease activity, reduce activation of neutrophils, monocytes and expression of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1, RANTES) and proinflammatory receptor (TLR4). NRICM102 also inhibited the spread of virus and progression to embolic and fibrotic pulmonary injury through reducing prothrombotic (vWF, PAI-1, NET) and fibrotic (c-Kit, SCF) factors, and reducing alveolar type I (AT1) and type II (AT2) cell apoptosis. NRICM102 may exhibit its protective capability via regulation of TLRs, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and NET signaling pathways. The study demonstrates the ability of NRICM102 to ameliorate severe COVID-19-related embolic and fibrotic pulmonary injury in vitro and in vivo and elucidates the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Wei
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Liaw
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan; Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600355, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Chang Tsai
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Tang Chiou
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hwei Tseng
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Fei Chiou
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - Chia-I Tsai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407204, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Shien Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City 424033, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Sung Lin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City 424033, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tong Liou
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan
| | - I-Shing Yu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Chiang Shen
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chang Su
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 112026, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu N, Bowen CM, Shoja MM, Castro de Pereira KL, Dongur LP, Saad A, Russell WK, Broderick TC, Fair JH, Fagg WS. Comparative Analysis of Co-Cultured Amniotic Cell-Conditioned Media with Cell-Free Amniotic Fluid Reveals Differential Effects on Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Myofibroblast Activation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092189. [PMID: 36140291 PMCID: PMC9495976 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092189] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblast activation is a cellular response elicited by a variety of physiological or pathological insults whereby cells initiate a coordinated response intended to eradicate the insult and then revert back to a basal state. However, an underlying theme in various disease states is persistent myofibroblast activation that fails to resolve. Based on multiple observations, we hypothesized that the secreted factors harvested from co-culturing amniotic stem cells might mimic the anti-inflammatory state that cell-free amniotic fluid (AF) elicits. We optimized an amnion epithelial and amniotic fluid cell co-culture system, and tested this hypothesis in the context of myofibroblast activation. However, we discovered that co-cultured amniotic cell conditioned media (coACCM) and AF have opposing effects on myofibroblast activation: coACCM activates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stimulates gene expression patterns associated with myofibroblast activation, while AF does the opposite. Intriguingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) purified from AF are necessary and sufficient to activate EMT and inflammatory gene expression patterns, while the EV-depleted AF potently represses these responses. In summary, these data indicate that coACCM stimulates myofibroblast activation, while AF represses it. We interpret these findings to suggest that coACCM, AF, and fractionated AF represent unique biologics that elicit different cellular responses that are correlated with a wide variety of pathological states, and therefore could have broad utility in the clinic and the lab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naiyou Liu
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Charles M. Bowen
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mohammadali M. Shoja
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Laxmi Priya Dongur
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Antonio Saad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - William K. Russell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas Christopher Broderick
- Merakris Therapeutics, RTP Frontier, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Fair
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - William Samuel Fagg
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Merakris Therapeutics, RTP Frontier, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(409)-772-2412; Fax: +1-(409)-747-7364
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Palano G, Foinquinos A, Müllers E. In vitro Assays and Imaging Methods for Drug Discovery for Cardiac Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:697270. [PMID: 34305651 PMCID: PMC8298031 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.697270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of stress, injury, or aging, cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components resulting in pathological remodeling, tissue stiffening, ventricular dilatation, and cardiac dysfunction that contribute to heart failure (HF) and eventually death. Currently, there are no effective therapies specifically targeting cardiac fibrosis, partially due to limited understanding of the pathological mechanisms and the lack of predictive in vitro models for high-throughput screening of antifibrotic compounds. The use of more relevant cell models, three-dimensional (3D) models, and coculture systems, together with high-content imaging (HCI) and machine learning (ML)-based image analysis, is expected to improve predictivity and throughput of in vitro models for cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of available in vitro assays for cardiac fibrosis. We highlight the potential of more physiological 3D cardiac organoids and coculture systems and discuss HCI and automated artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis as key methods able to capture the complexity of cardiac fibrosis in vitro. As 3D and coculture models will soon be sufficiently mature for application in large-scale preclinical drug discovery, we expect the combination of more relevant models and high-content analysis to greatly increase translation from in vitro to in vivo models and facilitate the discovery of novel targets and drugs against cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Palano
- Division of Physiological Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ariana Foinquinos
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Müllers
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chandrasekaran SN, Ceulemans H, Boyd JD, Carpenter AE. Image-based profiling for drug discovery: due for a machine-learning upgrade? Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:145-159. [PMID: 33353986 PMCID: PMC7754181 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00117-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Image-based profiling is a maturing strategy by which the rich information present in biological images is reduced to a multidimensional profile, a collection of extracted image-based features. These profiles can be mined for relevant patterns, revealing unexpected biological activity that is useful for many steps in the drug discovery process. Such applications include identifying disease-associated screenable phenotypes, understanding disease mechanisms and predicting a drug's activity, toxicity or mechanism of action. Several of these applications have been recently validated and have moved into production mode within academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Some of these have yielded disappointing results in practice but are now of renewed interest due to improved machine-learning strategies that better leverage image-based information. Although challenges remain, novel computational technologies such as deep learning and single-cell methods that better capture the biological information in images hold promise for accelerating drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Ceulemans
- Discovery Data Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Justin D Boyd
- High Content Imaging Technology Center, Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne E Carpenter
- Imaging Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schmidt A, Liebelt G, Nießner F, von Woedtke T, Bekeschus S. Gas plasma-spurred wound healing is accompanied by regulation of focal adhesion, matrix remodeling, and tissue oxygenation. Redox Biol 2021; 38:101809. [PMID: 33271456 PMCID: PMC7710641 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to injury, efficient migration of skin cells to rapidly close the wound and restore barrier function requires a range of coordinated processes in cell spreading and migration. Gas plasma technology produces therapeutic reactive species that promote skin regeneration by driving proliferation and angiogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating gas plasma-aided cell adhesion and matrix remodeling essential for wound closure remain elusive. Here, we combined in vitro analyses in primary dermal fibroblasts isolated from murine skin with in vivo studies in a murine wound model to demonstrate that gas plasma treatment changed phosphorylation of signaling molecules such as focal adhesion kinase and paxillin α in adhesion-associated complexes. In addition to cell spreading and migration, gas plasma exposure affected cell surface adhesion receptors (e.g., integrinα5β1, syndecan 4), structural proteins (e.g., vinculin, talin, actin), and transcription of genes associated with differentiation markers of fibroblasts-to-myofibroblasts and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cellular protrusions, fibronectin fibrillogenesis, matrix metabolism, and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Finally, we documented that gas plasma exposure increased tissue oxygenation and skin perfusion during ROS-driven wound healing. Altogether, these results provide critical insights into the molecular machinery of gas plasma-assisted wound healing mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schmidt
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Grit Liebelt
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Nießner
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gianni D, Farrow S. Functional Genomics for Target Identification. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:531-534. [PMID: 32567999 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220927692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gianni
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stuart Farrow
- Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Cancer Research UK, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hironaka T, Ueno T, Mae K, Yoshimura C, Morinaga T, Horii Y, Nagasaka A, Kurose H, Nakaya M. Drebrin is induced during myofibroblast differentiation and enhances the production of fibrosis-related genes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:224-230. [PMID: 32703415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is attributed to excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen and is associated with various organ dysfunction. This excessive ECM is produced by myofibroblasts, which are differentiated from various cells by a variety of stimuli, represented by TGF-β. However, molecular mechanisms for the regulation of ECM production in myofibroblasts remain obscure. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of drebrin, which binds to and increases the stability of actin filament in neurons, is increased in mouse hearts and lungs upon fibrosis. Drebrin is mainly expressed in myofibroblasts in the fibrotic hearts and lungs and promotes the expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as Acta2 and Col1a1. Taken together, our study identifies drebrin as a molecule that promotes the production of fibrosis-related genes in myofibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Hironaka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Ueno
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Mae
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chikashi Yoshimura
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takumi Morinaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuma Horii
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akiomi Nagasaka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kurose
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Michio Nakaya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Turner RJ, Golz S, Wollnik C, Burkhardt N, Sternberger I, Andag U, Cornils H. A Whole Genome-Wide Arrayed CRISPR Screen in Primary Organ Fibroblasts to Identify Regulators of Kidney Fibrosis. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:591-604. [PMID: 32425084 PMCID: PMC7309357 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220915851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis presents a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. With ever-increasing patient numbers and limited treatment options available, novel strategies for therapeutic intervention in kidney disease are warranted. Fibrosis commonly results from a wound healing response to repeated or chronic tissue damage, irrespective of the underlying etiology, and can occur in virtually any solid organ or tissue. In order to identify targets relevant for kidney fibrosis, we aimed to employ CRISPR screening in primary human kidney fibroblasts. We demonstrate that CRISPR technology can be applied in primary kidney fibroblasts and can furthermore be used to conduct arrayed CRISPR screening using a high-content imaging readout in a whole genome-wide manner. Hits coming out of this screen were validated using orthogonal approaches and present starting points for validation of novel targets relevant to kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Golz
- Lead Discovery, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Uwe Andag
- Metabolic Disease, Evotec International GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schruf E, Schroeder V, Le HQ, Schönberger T, Raedel D, Stewart EL, Fundel-Clemens K, Bluhmki T, Weigle S, Schuler M, Thomas MJ, Heilker R, Webster MJ, Dass M, Frick M, Stierstorfer B, Quast K, Garnett JP. Recapitulating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis related alveolar epithelial dysfunction in a human iPSC-derived air-liquid interface model. FASEB J 2020; 34:7825-7846. [PMID: 32297676 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902926r] [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: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease of unknown cause that is characterized by progressive fibrotic lung remodeling. An abnormal emergence of airway epithelial-like cells within the alveolar compartments of the lung, herein termed bronchiolization, is often observed in IPF. However, the origin of this dysfunctional distal lung epithelium remains unknown due to a lack of suitable human model systems. In this study, we established a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived air-liquid interface (ALI) model of alveolar epithelial type II (ATII)-like cell differentiation that allows us to investigate alveolar epithelial progenitor cell differentiation in vitro. We treated this system with an IPF-relevant cocktail (IPF-RC) to mimic the pro-fibrotic cytokine milieu present in IPF lungs. Stimulation with IPF-RC during differentiation increases secretion of IPF biomarkers and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of these cultures reveals significant overlap with human IPF patient data. IPF-RC treatment further impairs ATII differentiation by driving a shift toward an airway epithelial-like expression signature, providing evidence that a pro-fibrotic cytokine environment can influence the proximo-distal differentiation pattern of human lung epithelial cells. In conclusion, we show for the first time, the establishment of a human model system that recapitulates aspects of IPF-associated bronchiolization of the lung epithelium in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schruf
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Victoria Schroeder
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Huy Q Le
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Tanja Schönberger
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Dagmar Raedel
- Nonclinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Emily L Stewart
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Katrin Fundel-Clemens
- Global Computational Biology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Teresa Bluhmki
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Sabine Weigle
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Michael Schuler
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Ralf Heilker
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Megan J Webster
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Martin Dass
- Nonclinical Drug Safety, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Manfred Frick
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Birgit Stierstorfer
- Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Karsten Quast
- Global Computational Biology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - James P Garnett
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.,Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|