1
|
Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Tani A, Andreucci E, Romano E, Sgambati E, Manetti M. Blockade of Sialylation with Decrease in Polysialic Acid Levels Counteracts Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Skin Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition. Cells 2024; 13:1067. [PMID: 38920695 PMCID: PMC11201575 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sialylation with overexpression of the homopolymeric glycan polysialic acid (polySia) was recently reported in fibroblasts from fibrotic skin lesions. Yet, whether such a rise in polySia levels or sialylation in general may be functionally implicated in profibrotic activation of fibroblasts and their transition to myofibroblasts remains unknown. Therefore, we herein explored whether inhibition of sialylation could interfere with the process of skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition induced by the master profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Adult human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with the competitive pan-sialyltransferase inhibitor 3-Fax-peracetyl-Neu5Ac (3-Fax) before stimulation with recombinant human TGFβ1, and then analyzed for polySia expression, cell viability, proliferation, migratory ability, and acquisition of myofibroblast-like morphofunctional features. Skin fibroblast stimulation with TGFβ1 resulted in overexpression of polySia, which was effectively blunted by 3-Fax pre-administration. Pretreatment with 3-Fax efficiently lessened TGFβ1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation, migration, changes in cell morphology, and phenotypic and functional differentiation into myofibroblasts, as testified by a significant reduction in FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, and FN1 gene expression, and α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein levels, as well as a reduced contractile capability. Moreover, skin fibroblasts pre-administered with 3-Fax displayed a significant decrease in Smad3-dependent canonical TGFβ1 signaling. Collectively, our in vitro findings demonstrate for the first time that aberrant sialylation with increased polySia levels has a functional role in skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and suggest that competitive sialyltransferase inhibition might offer new therapeutic opportunities against skin fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Tani
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090 Isernia, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goto A, Komura S, Kato K, Maki R, Hirakawa A, Tomita H, Hirata A, Yamada Y, Akiyama H. C-X-C domain ligand 14-mediated stromal cell-macrophage interaction as a therapeutic target for hand dermal fibrosis. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1173. [PMID: 37980373 PMCID: PMC10657354 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dupuytren's contracture, a superficial dermal fibrosis, causes flexion contracture of the affected finger, impairing hand function. Specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms within genes in the Wnt signalling pathway are associated with the disease. However, the precise role of Wnt signalling dysregulation in the onset and progression of Dupuytren's contracture remains unclear. Here, using a fibrosis mouse model and clinical samples of human Dupuytren's contractures, we demonstrate that the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in Tppp3-positive cells in the dermis of the paw is associated with the development of fibrosis. Fibrosis development and progression via Wnt/β-catenin signalling are closely related to stromal cell-macrophage interactions, and Wnt/β-catenin signalling activation in Tppp3-positive stromal cells causes M2 macrophage infiltration via chemokine Cxcl14, resulting in the formation of a TGF-β-expressing fibrotic niche. Inhibition of Cxcl14 mitigates fibrosis by decreasing macrophage infiltration. These findings suggest that Cxcl14-mediated stromal cell-macrophage interaction is a promising therapeutic target for Wnt/β-catenin-induced fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Goto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Shingo Komura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
| | - Koki Kato
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Rie Maki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hirakawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hirata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hayashi F, Morimoto M, Higashino K, Goda Y, Sato N, Tezuka F, Yamashita K, Sairyo K. Myofibroblasts are increased in the dorsal layer of the hypertrophic ligamentum flavum in lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Spine J 2022; 22:697-704. [PMID: 34775048 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) is a major contributor to the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS). Although previous studies have identified some factors related to hypertrophy of the LF, the etiology remains unclear. It is well known that myofibroblasts have a key role in the pathology of fibrosis in other tissues, including the skin, liver, kidney, and lung. We hypothesized that myofibroblasts were also important players in the pathology of fibrosis in the LF. PURPOSE To elucidate the distribution and role of myofibroblasts in the hypertrophic LF. STUDY DESIGN A histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analysis of the LF in the human lumbar spine. PATIENT SAMPLE Hypertrophic LF tissue samples were collected from patients with LSS. OUTCOME MEASURES Histology, immunohistochemistry, microarray, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. METHODS The degree of fibrosis in the dural and dorsal layers of the LF was evaluated by Masson's trichrome tissue staining. Collagen gene expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining of αSMA was performed to evaluate localization of myofibroblasts in LF tissue. The association between gene expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and that of several types of collagen was investigated. The signal activated on the dorsal side of LF was examined by gene set enrichment analysis using microarray data. Expression levels of αSMA and several types of collagen in LF fibroblasts were investigated under hypoxic conditions. RESULTS In the histological study using Masson's trichrome staining, the fibrosis score was significantly higher in the dorsal layer than in the dural layer. Gene expression levels for several types of collagen (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL6A1, and COL11A1) and heat shock protein 47 (a collagen-specific chaperone) were significantly higher in the dorsal layer. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly greater number of αSMA-stained cells in the dorsal layer. There was a strong correlation of αSMA mRNA expression with COL1A-1 in LF fibroblasts. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that the set of fibrosis-related gene signals, including those for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, and inflammation, were significantly upregulated in the dorsal layer compared with the dural layer. Under hypoxic stimulation, expression of αSMA and several types of collagen was increased in LF fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to reveal that myofibroblast expression levels are higher in the dorsal layer of the LF than in the dural layer. We confirmed that hypertrophy of the LF in LSS is associated with increased expression of myofibroblasts in the dorsal layer. Hypoxia could be a cause of expression of myofibroblasts leading to fibrosis and finally to hypertrophy of the LF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study partially elucidate the molecular mechanisms of LF hypertrophy and suggest that myofibroblasts may be involved in age-related degeneration of the LF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Hayashi
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Morimoto
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kosaku Higashino
- Department of Orthopedics, Shikoku Medical Center for Children and Adults, 2-1-1 Senyu-cho, Zentsuji-shi, Kagawa 765-8507, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Goda
- Department of Orthopedics, National Hospital Organization Kochi Hospital, 1-2-25, Asakuranishimachi, Kochi 780-8077, Japan
| | - Nori Sato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Fumitake Tezuka
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuta Yamashita
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Koichi Sairyo
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Myofibroblasts: Function, Formation, and Scope of Molecular Therapies for Skin Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081095. [PMID: 34439762 PMCID: PMC8391320 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are contractile, α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells with multiple roles in pathophysiological processes. Myofibroblasts mediate wound contractions, but their persistent presence in tissues is central to driving fibrosis, making them attractive cell targets for the development of therapeutic treatments. However, due to shared cellular markers with several other phenotypes, the specific targeting of myofibroblasts has long presented a scientific and clinical challenge. In recent years, myofibroblasts have drawn much attention among scientific research communities from multiple disciplines and specialisations. As further research uncovers the characterisations of myofibroblast formation, function, and regulation, the realisation of novel interventional routes for myofibroblasts within pathologies has emerged. The research community is approaching the means to finally target these cells, to prevent fibrosis, accelerate scarless wound healing, and attenuate associated disease-processes in clinical settings. This comprehensive review article describes the myofibroblast cell phenotype, their origins, and their diverse physiological and pathological functionality. Special attention has been given to mechanisms and molecular pathways governing myofibroblast differentiation, and updates in molecular interventions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Embryonic Stem Cell-Like Population in Dupuytren's Disease Expresses Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2017; 5:e1422. [PMID: 28831359 PMCID: PMC5548582 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) mediates cardiac and renal fibrosis. Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a proliferative fibromatosis affecting the hands. This study investigated the expression of the RAS in DD. METHODS 3,3-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) and immunofluorescent immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for (pro)renin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II receptor 1 (ATIIR1), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (ATIIR2) was performed on 4-μm thick formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of DD cords and nodules from 6 patients. Western blotting (WB) and NanoString mRNA analysis were performed to confirm RAS protein expression and transcriptional activation, respectively. RESULTS IHC staining demonstrated the expression of PRR, ACE, ATIIR1, and ATIIR2 on the ERG+ and CD34+ endothelium of the micro vessels surrounding the DD cords and nodules. PRR was also expressed on the pericyte layer of these microvessels. WB confirmed protein expression of PRR, ACE, and ATIIR2 but not ATIIR1. NanoString analysis confirmed transcriptional activation of PRR, ACE, ATIIR1, but ATIIR2 was below detectable levels. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated expression of PRR, ATIIR1, ATIIR2, and ACE on the embryonic stem cell-like cell population on the microvessels surrounding DD nodules and cords by IHC staining, although the expression of ATIIR1 was not confirmed by WB and that of ATIIR2 was below detectable levels on NanoString analysis. These findings suggest the embryonic stem cell-like cell population as a potential therapeutic target for DD, by using RAS modulators.
Collapse
|
6
|
Embryonic Stem Cell-like Population in Dupuytren's Disease. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2016; 4:e1064. [PMID: 27975007 PMCID: PMC5142473 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Recent research has identified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within Dupuytren’s disease (DD) tissue and they have been proposed to give rise to the myofibroblasts, implicated in the progression of this condition. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the primitive population that might be upstream of the MSC population, within DD. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded 4-µm-thick sections of DD cords and nodules obtained from 6 patients underwent 3,3-diaminobenzidine and immunofluorescent immunohistochemical staining for embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4 and endothelial markers CD34 and ERG. NanoString gene expression analysis was performed to determine the transcriptional activation of these markers. Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the expression of ESC markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4 on the endothelium of the microvessels expressing CD34 and ERG, particularly those surrounding the DD nodules. NanoString analysis confirmed the transcriptional activation of OCT4, NANOG, STAT3, and SALL4, but not SOX2. Conclusion: This article demonstrates the novel finding of an ESC-like population expressing ESC markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, pSTAT3, and SALL4, localized to the endothelium of the microvessels within DD tissue, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for this condition.
Collapse
|