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Sun Y, Ge J, Shao F, Ren Z, Huang Z, Ding Z, Dong L, Chen J, Zhang J, Zang Y. Long noncoding RNA AI662270 promotes kidney fibrosis through enhancing METTL3-mediated m 6 A modification of CTGF mRNA. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23071. [PMID: 37389924 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202202012rrr] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The sustained release of profibrotic cytokines, mainly transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), leads to the occurrence of kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) appears to be an alternative target to TGF-β for antifibrotic therapy in CKD. In this study, we found that long noncoding RNA AI662270 was significantly increased in various renal fibrosis models. In vivo, ectopic expression of AI662270 alone was sufficient to activate interstitial fibroblasts and drive kidney fibrosis, whereas inhibition of AI662270 blocked the activation of interstitial fibroblasts and ameliorated kidney fibrosis in various murine models. Mechanistic studies revealed that overexpression of AI662270 significantly increased CTGF product, which was required for the role of AI662270 in driving kidney fibrosis. Furthermore, AI662270 binds to the CTGF promoter and directly interacts with METTL3, the methyltransferase of RNA N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification. Functionally, AI662270-mediated recruitment of METTL3 increased the m6 A methylation of CTGF mRNA and consequently enhanced CTGF mRNA stability. In conclusion, our results support that AI662270 promotes CTGF expression at the posttranscriptional stage by recruiting METTL3 to the CTGF promoter and depositing m6 A modifications on the nascent mRNA, thereby, uncovering a novel regulatory mechanism of CTGF in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jia Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhengrong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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2
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Mitsui Y, Yamabe F, Hori S, Uetani M, Kobayashi H, Nagao K, Nakajima K. Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10133. [PMID: 37373277 PMCID: PMC10299070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210133] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan; (F.Y.); (S.H.); (M.U.); (H.K.); (K.N.); (K.N.)
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3
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Pervaiz N, Kathuria I, Aithabathula RV, Singla B. Matricellular proteins in atherosclerosis development. Matrix Biol 2023; 120:1-23. [PMID: 37086928 PMCID: PMC10225360 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an intricate network composed of various multi-domain macromolecules like collagen, proteoglycans, and fibronectin, etc., that form a structurally stable composite, contributing to the mechanical properties of tissue. However, matricellular proteins are non-structural, secretory extracellular matrix proteins, which modulate various cellular functions via interacting with cell surface receptors, proteases, hormones, and cell-matrix. They play essential roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion, migration, and several signal transduction pathways. Matricellular proteins display a broad functionality regulated by their multiple structural domains and their ability to interact with different extracellular substrates and/or cell surface receptors. The expression of these proteins is low in adults, however, gets upregulated following injuries, inflammation, and during tumor growth. The marked elevation in the expression of these proteins during atherosclerosis suggests a positive association between their expression and atherosclerotic lesion formation. The role of matricellular proteins in atherosclerosis development has remained an area of research interest in the last two decades and studies revealed these proteins as important players in governing vascular function, remodeling, and plaque formation. Despite extensive research, many aspects of the matrix protein biology in atherosclerosis are still unknown and future studies are required to investigate whether targeting pathways stimulated by these proteins represent viable therapeutic approaches for patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases. This review summarizes the characteristics of distinct matricellular proteins, discusses the available literature on the involvement of matrix proteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and suggests new avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Pervaiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA
| | - Ishita Kathuria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA
| | - Ravi Varma Aithabathula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA
| | - Bhupesh Singla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.
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4
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Fuchs L, Mausner-Fainberg K, Luban A, Asseyer SE, Golan M, Benhamou M, Volovitz I, Regev K, Vigiser I, Piura Y, Kolb H, Paul F, Karni A. CTGF/CCN2 has a possible detrimental role in the inflammation and the remyelination failure in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 371:577936. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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5
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Complement 3a Mediates CCN2/CTGF in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:3259453. [PMID: 36276919 PMCID: PMC9581697 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3259453] [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: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Complement 3 (C3) is the crucial component of the complement cascade when retina was exposed to external stimulus. Cellular communication network 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is important in response of retinal stress and a fulcrum for angiogenesis and fibrosis scar formation. Our study aims to explore the interaction between C3 and CCN2/CTGF via bioinformatics analyses and in vitro cell experiments. Methods. The GSE dataset was selected to analyse the chemokine expression in human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells under stimulus. Then, RPE cells were further transfected with or without C3 siRNA, followed by C3a (0.1 μM or 0.3 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure CCN2/CTGF mRNA and protein levels. Results. The GSE36331 revealed C3 expression was significantly elevated in RPE under stimulus. Compared with negative control, CCN2/CTGF mRNA was increased with all types of C3a treatments, whereas a significant increase of protein level was only observed with high concentration of 0.3 μM C3a for a prolonged 72-hour time. Compared with nontransfected cells, significant reductions of CCN2/CTGF mRNA were observed in the C3 siRNA transfected cells with 0.3 μM C3a for 24, 48, and 72 hours, and a significant reduction of CCN2/CTGF protein was observed with 0.3 μM C3a for 48 hours. Conclusions. C3 was elevated in RPE under environmental stimulus and long-term exposure to specified concentration of C3a increased CCN2/CTGF expression in RPE, which could be partially reversed by C3 siRNA.
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Kubota S, Kawata K, Hattori T, Nishida T. Molecular and Genetic Interactions between CCN2 and CCN3 behind Their Yin-Yang Collaboration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115887. [PMID: 35682564 PMCID: PMC9180607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 2 and 3 are the members of the CCN family that conduct the harmonized development of a variety of tissues and organs under interaction with multiple biomolecules in the microenvironment. Despite their striking structural similarities, these two members show contrastive molecular functions as well as temporospatial emergence in living tissues. Typically, CCN2 promotes cell growth, whereas CCN3 restrains it. Where CCN2 is produced, CCN3 disappears. Nevertheless, these two proteins collaborate together to execute their mission in a yin–yang fashion. The apparent functional counteractions of CCN2 and CCN3 can be ascribed to their direct molecular interaction and interference over the cofactors that are shared by the two. Recent studies have revealed the mutual negative regulation systems between CCN2 and CCN3. Moreover, the simultaneous and bidirectional regulatory system of CCN2 and CCN3 is also being clarified. It is of particular note that these regulations were found to be closely associated with glycolysis, a fundamental procedure of energy metabolism. Here, the molecular interplay and metabolic gene regulation that enable the yin–yang collaboration of CCN2 and CCN3 typically found in cartilage development/regeneration and fibrosis are described.
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7
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Rao KS, Kloppenburg JE, Marquis T, Solomon L, McElroy-Yaggy KL, Spees JL. CTGF-D4 Amplifies LRP6 Signaling to Promote Grafts of Adult Epicardial-derived Cells That Improve Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction. Stem Cells 2022; 40:204-214. [PMID: 35257185 PMCID: PMC9199845 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of stem/progenitor cells holds promise for cardiac regeneration in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Currently, however, low cell survival and engraftment after transplantation present a major barrier to many forms of cell therapy. One issue is that ligands, receptors, and signaling pathways that promote graft success remain poorly understood. Here, we prospectively isolate uncommitted epicardial cells from the adult heart surface by CD104 (β-4 integrin) and demonstrate that C-terminal peptide from connective tissue growth factor (CTGF-D4), when combined with insulin, effectively primes epicardial-derived cells (EPDC) for cardiac engraftment after MI. Similar to native epicardial derivatives that arise from epicardial EMT at the heart surface, the grafted cells migrated into injured myocardial tissue in a rat model of MI with reperfusion. By echocardiography, at 1 month after MI, we observed significant improvement in cardiac function for animals that received epicardial cells primed with CTGF-D4/insulin compared with those that received vehicle-primed (control) cells. In the presence of insulin, CTGF-D4 treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of Wnt co-receptor LRP6 on EPDC. Competitive engraftment assays and neutralizing/blocking studies showed that LRP6 was required for EPDC engraftment after transplantation. Our results identify LRP6 as a key target for increasing EPDC engraftment after MI and suggest amplification of LRP6 signaling with CTGF-D4/insulin, or by other means, may provide an effective approach for achieving successful cellular grafts in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika S Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jessica E Kloppenburg
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Taylor Marquis
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Laura Solomon
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Keara L McElroy-Yaggy
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
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8
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Rayego-Mateos S, Morgado-Pascual JL, Lavoz C, Rodrigues-Díez RR, Márquez-Expósito L, Tejera-Muñoz A, Tejedor-Santamaría L, Rubio-Soto I, Marchant V, Ruiz-Ortega M. CCN2 Binds to Tubular Epithelial Cells in the Kidney. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020252. [PMID: 35204752 PMCID: PMC8869303 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is considered a fibrotic biomarker and has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for kidney pathologies. CCN2 is a matricellular protein with four distinct structural modules that can exert a dual function as a matricellular protein and as a growth factor. Previous experiments using surface plasmon resonance and cultured renal cells have demonstrated that the C-terminal module of CCN2 (CCN2(IV)) interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Moreover, CCN2(IV) activates proinflammatory and profibrotic responses in the mouse kidney. The aim of this paper was to locate the in vivo cellular CCN2/EGFR binding sites in the kidney. To this aim, the C-terminal module CCN2(IV) was labeled with a fluorophore (Cy5), and two different administration routes were employed. Both intraperitoneal and direct intra-renal injection of Cy5-CCN2(IV) in mice demonstrated that CCN2(IV) preferentially binds to the tubular epithelial cells, while no signal was detected in glomeruli. Moreover, co-localization of Cy5-CCN2(IV) binding and activated EGFR was found in tubules. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, live-cell confocal microscopy experiments showed that EGFR gene silencing blocked Cy5-CCN2(IV) binding to tubuloepithelial cells. These data clearly show the existence of CCN2/EGFR binding sites in the kidney, mainly in tubular epithelial cells. In conclusion, these studies show that circulating CCN2(IV) can directly bind and activate tubular cells, supporting the role of CCN2 as a growth factor involved in kidney damage progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José Luis Morgado-Pascual
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Cordoba, Spain;
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Raúl R. Rodrigues-Díez
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laura Márquez-Expósito
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Tejera-Muñoz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Lucía Tejedor-Santamaría
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Irene Rubio-Soto
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Vanessa Marchant
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Targeting CCN2 protects against progressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a preclinical model induced by high-fat feeding and type 2 diabetes. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:447-460. [PMID: 35038159 PMCID: PMC9411483 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00667-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression and its mediators have not been resolved. In this study, a pathogenic role of cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) protein in NASH pathology, was investigated in an established preclinical NASH model. Male wild type C57BL/6 mice received either Chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 26 weeks, with some mice in each group randomly selected to receive low dose streptozotocin (STZ: 3 i.p. injections, 65 mg/kg) at 15 weeks to induce type 2 diabetes. In the final 10 of the 26 weeks mice from each group were administered i.p. either rabbit anti-CCN2 neutralizing antibody (CCN2Ab) or as control normal rabbit IgG, at a dose of 150 µg per mouse twice/week. NASH developed in the HFD plus diabetes (HFD+DM) group. Administration of CCN2Ab significantly downregulated collagen I and collagen III mRNA induction and prevented pro-inflammatory MCP-1 mRNA induction in HFD+DM mice. At the protein level, CCN2Ab significantly attenuated collagen accumulation by PSR stain and collagen I protein induction in HFD+DM. Phosphorylation of the pro-fibrotic ERK signalling pathway in liver in HFD+DM was attenuated by CCN2Ab treatment. Intrahepatic CCN1 mRNA was induced, whereas CCN3 was downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in HFD+DM. CCN3 down-regulation was prevented by CCN2Ab treatment. This in vivo study indicates that CCN2 is a molecular target in NASH with high fat diet and diabetes, and that regulation of ERK signalling is implicated in this process.
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Zaykov V, Chaqour B. The CCN2/CTGF interactome: an approach to understanding the versatility of CCN2/CTGF molecular activities. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:567-580. [PMID: 34613590 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network 2 (CCN2), also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) regulates diverse cellular processes, some at odds with others, including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between CCN2/CTGF expression and local fibrotic reactions has initially been established, CCN2/CTGF manifests cell-, tissue-, and context-specific functions and differentially affects developmental and pathological processes ranging from progenitor cell fate decisions and angiogenesis to inflammation and tumorigenesis. CCN2/CTGF multimodular structure, binding to and activation or inhibition of multiple cell surface receptors, growth factors and ECM proteins, and susceptibility for proteolytic cleavage highlight the complexity to CCN2/CTGF biochemical attributes. CCN2/CTGF expression and dosage in the local environment affects a defined community of its interacting partners, and this results in sequestration of growth factors, interference with or potentiation of ligand-receptor binding, cellular internalization of CCN2/CTGF, inhibition or activation of proteases, and generation of CCN2/CTGF degradome products that add molecular diversity and expand the repertoire of functional modules in the cells and their microenvironment. Through these interactions, different intracellular signals and cellular responses are elicited culminating into physiological or pathological reactions. Thus, the CCN2/CTGF interactome is a defining factor of its tissue- and context-specific effects. Mapping of new CCN2/CTGF binding partners might shed light on yet unknown roles of CCN2/CTGF and provide a solid basis for tissue-specific targeting this molecule or its interacting partners in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Zaykov
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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11
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Interplay between extracellular matrix components and cellular and molecular mechanisms in kidney fibrosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1999-2029. [PMID: 34427291 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in renal structures. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is observed in glomerular diseases as well as in the regeneration failure of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, finding antifibrotic therapies comprises an intensive research field in Nephrology. Nowadays, ECM is not only considered as a cellular scaffold, but also exerts important cellular functions. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis, paying particular attention to ECM components, profibrotic factors and cell-matrix interactions. In response to kidney damage, activation of glomerular and/or tubular cells may induce aberrant phenotypes characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, and thus contribute to CKD progression. Among ECM components, matricellular proteins can regulate cell-ECM interactions, as well as cellular phenotype changes. Regarding kidney fibrosis, one of the most studied matricellular proteins is cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), currently considered as a fibrotic marker and a potential therapeutic target. Integrins connect the ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and several downstream signaling pathways that enable cells to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal tissue stiffness. In kidney fibrosis, there is an increase in ECM deposition, lower ECM degradation and ECM proteins cross-linking, leading to an alteration in the tissue mechanical properties and their responses to injurious stimuli. A better understanding of these complex cellular and molecular events could help us to improve the antifibrotic therapies for CKD.
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12
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Rebolledo DL, Lipson KE, Brandan E. Driving fibrosis in neuromuscular diseases: Role and regulation of Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 11:100059. [PMID: 34435178 PMCID: PMC8377001 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor or cellular communication network 2 (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular protein member of the CCN family involved in several crucial biological processes. In skeletal muscle, CCN2/CTGF abundance is elevated in human muscle biopsies and/or animal models for diverse neuromuscular pathologies, including muscular dystrophies, neurodegenerative disorders, muscle denervation, and muscle overuse. In this context, CCN2/CTGF is deeply involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, acting as a strong pro-fibrotic factor that promotes excessive ECM accumulation. Reducing CCN2/CTGF levels or biological activity in pathological conditions can decrease fibrosis, improve muscle architecture and function. In this work, we summarize information about the role of CCN2/CTGF in fibrosis associated with neuromuscular pathologies and the mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate their expression in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela L Rebolledo
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Chile.,Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Punta Arenas, Chile
| | | | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Chile.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.,Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
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13
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Kocic G, Gajic M, Tomovic K, Hadzi-Djokic J, Anderluh M, Smelcerovic A. Purine adducts as a presumable missing link for aristolochic acid nephropathy-related cellular energy crisis, potential anti-fibrotic prevention and treatment. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4411-4427. [PMID: 34235731 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acid nephropathy is a progressive exposome-induced disease characterized by tubular atrophy and fibrosis culminating in end-stage renal disease and malignancies. The molecular mechanisms of the energy crisis as a putative cause of fibrosis have not yet been elucidated. In light of the fact that aristolochic acid forms DNA and RNA adducts by covalent binding of aristolochic acid metabolites to exocyclic amino groups of (deoxy)adenosine and (deoxy)guanosine, we hypothesize here that similar aristolochic acid adducts may exist with other purine-containing molecules. We also provide new insights into the aristolochic acid-induced energy crisis and presumably a link between already known mechanisms. In addition, an overview of potential targets in fibrosis treatment is provided, which is followed by recommendations on possible preventive measures that could be taken to at least postpone or partially alleviate aristolochic acid nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Kocic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Mihajlo Gajic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Katarina Tomovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | | | - Marko Anderluh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrija Smelcerovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
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14
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Pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease: impact of SGLT2 inhibitors. Nat Rev Nephrol 2021; 17:319-334. [PMID: 33547417 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide; in the USA, it accounts for over 50% of individuals entering dialysis or transplant programmes. Unlike other complications of diabetes, the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease has failed to decline over the past 30 years. Hyperglycaemia is the primary aetiological factor responsible for the development of diabetic kidney disease. Once hyperglycaemia becomes established, multiple pathophysiological disturbances, including hypertension, altered tubuloglomerular feedback, renal hypoxia, lipotoxicity, podocyte injury, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy and increased activity of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger, contribute to progressive glomerular sclerosis and the decline in glomerular filtration rate. The quantitative contribution of each of these abnormalities to the progression of diabetic kidney disease, as well as their role in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, remains to be determined. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a beneficial impact on many of these pathophysiological abnormalities; however, as several pathophysiological disturbances contribute to the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease, multiple agents used in combination will likely be required to slow the progression of disease effectively.
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15
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Leguit RJ, Raymakers RAP, Hebeda KM, Goldschmeding R. CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2) in the bone marrow microenvironment, normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:25-56. [PMID: 33428075 PMCID: PMC7798015 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN2, formerly termed Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is a protein belonging to the Cellular Communication Network (CCN)-family of secreted extracellular matrix-associated proteins. As a matricellular protein it is mainly considered to be active as a modifier of signaling activity of several different signaling pathways and as an orchestrator of their cross-talk. Furthermore, CCN2 and its fragments have been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, cell survival, apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix products, as well as in more complex processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, fibrosis, mechanotransduction and inflammation. Its function is complex and context dependent, depending on cell type, state of differentiation and microenvironmental context. CCN2 plays a role in many diseases, especially those associated with fibrosis, but has also been implicated in many different forms of cancer. In the bone marrow (BM), CCN2 is highly expressed in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). CCN2 is important for MSC function, supporting its proliferation, migration and differentiation. In addition, stromal CCN2 supports the maintenance and longtime survival of hematopoietic stem cells, and in the presence of interleukin 7, stimulates the differentiation of pro-B lymphocytes into pre-B lymphocytes. Overexpression of CCN2 is seen in the majority of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemias, especially in certain cytogenetic subgroups associated with poor outcome. In acute myeloid leukemia, CCN2 expression is increased in MSCs, which has been associated with leukemic engraftment in vivo. In this review, the complex function of CCN2 in the BM microenvironment and in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis is discussed. In addition, an overview is given of data on the remaining CCN family members regarding normal and malignant hematopoiesis, having many similarities and some differences in their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos J. Leguit
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, H04-312, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier A. P. Raymakers
- Department of Hematology, UMCU Cancer Center, Heidelberglaan 100 B02.226, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Konnie M. Hebeda
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Lee MA, Raad N, Song MH, Yoo J, Lee M, Jang SP, Kwak TH, Kook H, Choi EK, Cha TJ, Hajjar RJ, Jeong D, Park WJ. The matricellular protein CCN5 prevents adverse atrial structural and electrical remodelling. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11768-11778. [PMID: 32885578 PMCID: PMC7579720 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial structural remodelling including atrial hypertrophy and fibrosis is a key mediator of atrial fibrillation (AF). We previously demonstrated that the matricellular protein CCN5 elicits anti‐fibrotic and anti‐hypertrophic effects in left ventricles under pressure overload. We here determined the utility of CCN5 in ameliorating adverse atrial remodelling and arrhythmias in a murine model of angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. Advanced atrial structural remodelling was induced by AngII infusion in control mice and mice overexpressing CCN5 either through transgenesis (CCN5 Tg) or AAV9‐mediated gene transfer (AAV9‐CCN5). The mRNA levels of pro‐fibrotic and pro‐inflammatory genes were markedly up‐regulated by AngII infusion, which was significantly normalized by CCN5 overexpression. In vitro studies in isolated atrial fibroblasts demonstrated a marked reduction in AngII‐induced fibroblast trans‐differentiation in CCN5‐treated atria. Moreover, while AngII increased the expression of phosphorylated CaMKII and ryanodine receptor 2 levels in HL‐1 cells, these molecular features of AF were prevented by CCN5. Electrophysiological studies in ex vivo perfused hearts revealed a blunted susceptibility of the AAV9‐CCN5–treated hearts to rapid atrial pacing‐induced arrhythmias and concomitant reversal in AngII‐induced atrial action potential prolongation. These data demonstrate the utility of a gene transfer approach targeting CCN5 for reversal of adverse atrial structural and electrophysiological remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ah Lee
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Nour Raad
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min Ho Song
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miyoung Lee
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seung Pil Jang
- Bethphagen, S3-203, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Tae Hwan Kwak
- Bethphagen, S3-203, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Tae-Joon Cha
- Division of Cardiology, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Dongtak Jeong
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University ERICA Campus, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Woo Jin Park
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea.,Bethphagen, S3-203, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
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17
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Xing L, Chang X, Shen L, Zhang C, Fan Y, Cho C, Zhang Z, Jiang H. Progress in drug delivery system for fibrosis therapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 16:47-61. [PMID: 33613729 PMCID: PMC7878446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.06.005] [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: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a necessary process in the progression of chronic disease to cirrhosis or even cancer, which is a serious disease threatening human health. Recent studies have shown that the early treatment of fibrosis is turning point and particularly important. Therefore, how to reverse fibrosis has become the focus and research hotspot in recent years. So far, the considerable progress has been made in the development of effective anti-fibrosis drugs and targeted drug delivery. Moreover, the existing research results will lay the foundation for more breakthrough delivery systems to achieve better anti-fibrosis effects. Herein, this review summaries anti-fibrosis delivery systems focused on three major organ fibrotic diseases such as liver, pulmonary, and renal fibrosis accompanied by the elaboration of relevant pathological mechanisms, which will provide inspiration and guidance for the design of fibrosis drugs and therapeutic systems in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xin Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lijun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenglu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yatong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chongsu Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081 China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Hulin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Corresponding authors.
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18
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Leask A. Conjunction junction, what's the function? CCN proteins as targets in fibrosis and cancers. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1046-C1054. [PMID: 32130070 PMCID: PMC7311738 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00028.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication network (CCN) proteins are matricellular proteins that coordinate signaling among extracellular matrix, secreted proteins, and cell surface receptors. Their specific in vivo function is context-dependent, but they play profound roles in pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancers. Anti-CCN therapies are in clinical consideration. Only recently, however, has the function of these complex molecules begun to emerge. This review summarizes and interprets our current knowledge regarding these fascinating molecules and provides experimental evidence for their utility as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- School of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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19
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Ravi S, Sayed CJ. Fibrotic Signaling Pathways of Skin Fibroblasts in Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13670-019-00306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Shoji M, Ueda M, Nishioka M, Minato H, Seki M, Harada K, Kubo M, Fukuyama Y, Suzuki Y, Aoyama E, Takigawa M, Kuzuhara T. Jiadifenolide induces the expression of cellular communication network factor (CCN) genes, and CCN2 exhibits neurotrophic activity in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 519:309-315. [PMID: 31506177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Jiadifenolide has been reported to have neurotrophin-like activity in primary rat cortical neurons, and also possesses neurotrophic effects in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), as we have previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms by which jiadifenolide exerts its neurotrophic effects in rat and human neurons are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pathways by which jiadifenolide promotes neurotrophic effects. Here, we found that jiadifenolide activated cellular communication network factor (CCN) signaling pathways by up-regulating mRNA level expression of CCN genes in human neuronal cells. We also found that CCN2 (also known as connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) protein promotes neurotrophic effects through activation of the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. This is the first discovery which links neurotrophic activity with CCN signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Shoji
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Masako Ueda
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Megumi Nishioka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Minato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Miwa Kubo
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Fukuyama
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eriko Aoyama
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuzuhara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan.
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21
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Li H, Shao F, Qian B, Sun Y, Huang Z, Ding Z, Dong L, Chen J, Zhang J, Zang Y. Upregulation of HER2 in tubular epithelial cell drives fibroblast activation and renal fibrosis. Kidney Int 2019; 96:674-688. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Kouroupis D, Bowles AC, Willman MA, Perucca Orfei C, Colombini A, Best TM, Kaplan LD, Correa D. Infrapatellar fat pad-derived MSC response to inflammation and fibrosis induces an immunomodulatory phenotype involving CD10-mediated Substance P degradation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10864. [PMID: 31350444 PMCID: PMC6659713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) serves as a reservoir of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), and with adjacent synovium plays key roles in joint disease including the production of Substance P (SP) affecting local inflammatory responses and transmitting nociceptive signals. Here, we interrogate human IFP-derived MSC (IFP-MSC) reaction to inflammatory and pro-fibrotic environments (cell priming by TNFα/IFNγ and TNFα/IFNγ/CTGF exposure respectively), compared with bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC). Naïve IFP-MSC exhibit increased clonogenicity and chondrogenic potential compared with BM-MSC. Primed cells experienced dramatic phenotypic changes, including a sharp increase in CD10, upregulation of key immunomodulatory transcripts, and secreted growth factors/cytokines affecting key pathways (IL-10, TNF-α, MAPK, Ras and PI3K-Akt). Naïve, and more so primed MSC (both) induced SP degradation in vitro, reproduced with their supernatants and abrogated with thiorphan, a CD10 inhibitor. These findings were reproduced in vivo in a rat model of acute synovitis, where transiently engrafted human IFP-MSC induced local SP reduction. Functionally, primed IFP-MSC demonstrated sustained antagonism of activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation, significantly outperforming a declining dose-dependent effect with naïve cohorts. Collectively, our in vitro and in vivo data supports cell priming as a way to enhance the immunoregulatory properties of IFP-MSC, which selectively engraft in areas of active synovitis/IFP fibrosis inducing SP degradation, resulting in a cell-based product alternative to BM-MSC to potentially treat degenerative/inflammatory joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kouroupis
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Annie C Bowles
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Melissa A Willman
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carlotta Perucca Orfei
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Laboratorio di Biotecnologie Applicate all'Ortopedia, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Colombini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Laboratorio di Biotecnologie Applicate all'Ortopedia, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas M Best
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lee D Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Diego Correa
- Department of Orthopaedics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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23
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The pathogenic role of connective tissue growth factor in osteoarthritis. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20191374. [PMID: 31262970 PMCID: PMC6639465 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is found to be up-regulated in adjacent areas of cartilage surface damage. CTGF is present in osteophytes of late stage OA. In the present study, we have reviewed association of CTGF in the development and progression of OA and the potential effects of CTGF as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA. We have reviewed the recent articles on CTGF and OA in databases like PubMed, google scholar, and SCOPUS and collected the information for the articles. CTGF is usually up-regulated in synovial fluid of OA that stimulates the production of inflammatory cytokines. CTGF also activates nuclear factor-κB, increases the production of chemokines and cytokines, and up-regulates matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3) that in turn leads to the reduction in proteoglycan contents in joint cartilage. Consequently, cartilage homeostasis is imbalanced that might contribute to the pathogenesis of OA by developing synovial inflammation and cartilage degradation. CTGF might serve as a useful biomarker for the prognosis and treatment of OA, and recent studies have taken attempt to use CTGF as therapeutic target of OA. However, more investigations with clinical trials are necessary to validate the possibility of use of CTGF as a biomarker in OA diagnosis and therapeutic target for OA treatment.
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24
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Zhao Y, Li S, Quan E, Zhang H, Wu Y, Luo Y, Peng L, Wang J, Zhu J, Liu J. Trimetazidine inhibits cardiac fibrosis by reducing reactive oxygen species and downregulating connective tissue growth factor in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:1477-1485. [PMID: 31363380 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes may affect myocardial fibrosis through oxidative stress. Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-anginal agent. The present study aimed to determine the modulatory effect of TMZ on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and to evaluate the potential of TMZ to improve diastolic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After treating STZ-induced diabetic rats with TMZ for 16 weeks, a decrease in malondialdehyde levels, cardiac collagen volume fraction, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure and protein expression of collagen-I (Col I), Col III and CTGF compared with those in diabetic control rats was observed. In vitro, TMZ inhibited Col I, Col III and CTGF protein expression in cardiac fibroblasts treated with high glucose and decreased intracellular ROS generation and hydroxyproline content in the cell culture medium of cardiac fibroblasts. TMZ markedly improved cardiac fibrosis and diastolic function in diabetic rats. This effect was associated with a reduction in ROS production and CTGF expression in cardiac fibroblasts. The present study suggests that TMZ may be beneficial for protecting the hearts of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyue Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Suhua Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Enxi Quan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Yongxiang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Yanting Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Long Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jieming Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jinlai Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
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25
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Yin Q, Liu H. Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Renal Fibrosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:365-380. [PMID: 31399974 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is one of important members of the CCN family. Generally, CTGF expresses at low levels in normal adult kidney, while increases significantly in various kidney diseases, playing an important role in the development of glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in progressive kidney diseases. CTGF is involved in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and can promote the progression of fibrosis directly or act as a downstream factor of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). CTGF also regulates the expression and activity of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), thereby playing an important role in the process of kidney repair. In patients with chronic kidney disease, elevated plasma CTGF is an independent risk factor for progression to end-stage renal disease and is closely related to glomerular filtration rate. Therefore, CTGF may be a potential biological marker of kidney fibrosis, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm this view. This section briefly describes the role and molecular mechanisms of CTGF in renal fibrosis and also discusses the potential value of targeting CCN2 for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yin
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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26
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Schira J, Heinen A, Poschmann G, Ziegler B, Hartung HP, Stühler K, Küry P. Secretome analysis of nerve repair mediating Schwann cells reveals Smad-dependent trophism. FASEB J 2018; 33:4703-4715. [PMID: 30592632 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801799r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Schwann cells promote nerve regeneration by adaptation of a regenerative phenotype referred to as repair mediating Schwann cell. Down-regulation of myelin proteins, myelin clearance, formation of Bungner's bands, and secretion of trophic factors characterize this cell type. We have previously shown that the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist Fingolimod/FTY720P promotes the generation of this particular Schwann cell phenotype by activation of dedifferentiation markers and concomitant release of trophic factors resulting in enhanced neurite growth of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Despite its biomedical relevance, a detailed characterization of the corresponding Schwann cell secretome is lacking, and the impact of FTY720P on enhancing neurite growth is not defined. Here, we applied a label-free quantitative mass spectrometry approach to characterize the secretomes derived from primary neonatal and adult rat Schwann cells in response to FTY720P. We identified a large proportion of secreted proteins with a high overlap between the neonatal and adult Schwann cells, which can be associated with biologic processes such as development, axon growth, and regeneration. Moreover, FTY720P-treated Schwann cells release proteins downstream of Smad signaling known to support neurite growth. Our results therefore uncover a network of trophic factors involved in glial-mediated repair of the peripheral nervous system.-Schira, J., Heinen, A., Poschmann, G., Ziegler, B., Hartung, H.-P., Stühler, K., Küry, P. Secretome analysis of nerve repair mediating Schwann cells reveals Smad-dependent trophism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Schira
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; and
| | - André Heinen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; and
| | - Brigida Ziegler
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; and.,Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Tang X, Muhammad H, McLean C, Miotla-Zarebska J, Fleming J, Didangelos A, Önnerfjord P, Leask A, Saklatvala J, Vincent TL. Connective tissue growth factor contributes to joint homeostasis and osteoarthritis severity by controlling the matrix sequestration and activation of latent TGFβ. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:1372-1380. [PMID: 29925506 PMCID: PMC6104679 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-212964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES One mechanism by which cartilage responds to mechanical load is by releasing heparin-bound growth factors from the pericellular matrix (PCM). By proteomic analysis of the PCM, we identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and here investigate its function and mechanism of action. METHODS Recombinant CTGF (rCTGF) was used to stimulate human chondrocytes for microarray analysis. Endogenous CTGF was investigated by in vitro binding assays and confocal microscopy. Its release from cut cartilage (injury CM) was analysed by Western blot under reducing and non-reducing conditions. A postnatal, conditional CtgfcKO mouse was generated for cartilage injury experiments and to explore the course of osteoarthritis (OA) by destabilisation of the medial meniscus. siRNA knockdown was performed on isolated human chondrocytes. RESULTS The biological responses of rCTGF were TGFβ dependent. CTGF displaced latent TGFβ from cartilage and both were released on cartilage injury. CTGF and latent TGFβ migrated as a single high molecular weight band under non-reducing conditions, suggesting that they were in a covalent (disulfide) complex. This was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Using CtgfcKO mice, CTGF was required for sequestration of latent TGFβ in the matrix and activation of the latent complex at the cell surface through TGFβR3. In vivo deletion of CTGF increased the thickness of the articular cartilage and protected mice from OA. CONCLUSIONS CTGF is a latent TGFβ binding protein that controls the matrix sequestration and activation of TGFβ in cartilage. Deletion of CTGF in vivo caused a paradoxical increase in Smad2 phosphorylation resulting in thicker cartilage that was protected from OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Tang
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hayat Muhammad
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Celia McLean
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jacob Fleming
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Andrew Leask
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tonia L Vincent
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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DiMario JX. KLF10 Gene Expression Modulates Fibrosis in Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1263-1275. [PMID: 29458012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophic skeletal muscle is characterized by fibrotic accumulation of extracellular matrix components that compromise muscle structure, function, and capacity for regeneration. Tissue fibrosis is often initiated and sustained through transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, and Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) is an immediate early gene that is transcriptionally activated in response to TGF-β signaling. It encodes a transcriptional regulator that mediates the effects of TGF-β signaling in a variety of cell types. This report presents results of investigation of the effects of loss of KLF10 gene expression in wild-type and dystrophic (mdx) skeletal muscle. On the basis of RT-PCR, Western blot, and histological analyses of mouse tibialis anterior and diaphragm muscles, collagen type I (Col1a1) and fibronectin gene expression and protein deposition were increased in KLF10-/- mice, contributing to increased fibrosis. KLF10-/- mice displayed increased expression of genes encoding SMAD2, SMAD3, and SMAD7, particularly in diaphragm muscle. SMAD4 gene expression was unchanged. Expression of the extracellular matrix remodeling genes, MMP2 and TIMP1, was also increased in KLF10-deficient mouse muscle. Histological analyses and assays of hydroxyproline content indicated that the loss of KLF10 increased fibrosis. Dystrophic KLF10-null mice also had reduced grip strength. The effects of loss of KLF10 gene expression were most pronounced in dystrophic diaphragm muscle, suggesting that KLF10 moderates the fibrotic effects of TGF-β signaling in chronically damaged regenerating muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph X DiMario
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, Illinois.
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29
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Rayego-Mateos S, Morgado-Pascual JL, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Rodrigues-Diez R, Falke LL, Mezzano S, Ortiz A, Egido J, Goldschmeding R, Ruiz-Ortega M. Connective tissue growth factor induces renal fibrosis via epidermal growth factor receptor activation. J Pathol 2018; 244:227-241. [PMID: 29160908 DOI: 10.1002/path.5007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular protein that is overexpressed in progressive human renal diseases, mainly in fibrotic areas. In vitro studies have demonstrated that CCN2 regulates the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and could therefore contribute to renal fibrosis. CCN2 blockade ameliorates experimental renal damage, including diminution of ECM accumulation. We have reported that CCN2 and its C-terminal degradation product CCN2(IV) bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to modulate renal inflammation. However, the receptor involved in CCN2 profibrotic actions has not been described so far. Using a murine model of systemic administration of CCN2(IV), we have unveiled a fibrotic response in the kidney that was diminished by EGFR blockade. Additionally, in conditional CCN2 knockout mice, renal fibrosis elicited by folic acid-induced renal damage was prevented, and this was linked to inhibition of EGFR pathway activation. Our in vitro studies demonstrated a direct effect of CCN2 via the EGFR pathway on ECM production by fibroblasts and the induction of EMT in tubular epithelial cells. Our studies clearly show that the EGFR regulates CCN2 fibrotic signalling in the kidney, and suggest that EGFR pathway blockade could be a potential therapeutic option to block CCN2-mediated profibrotic effects in renal diseases. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Morgado-Pascual
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Egido
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Johnson BG, Dang LT, Marsh G, Roach AM, Levine ZG, Monti A, Reyon D, Feigenbaum L, Duffield JS. Uromodulin p.Cys147Trp mutation drives kidney disease by activating ER stress and apoptosis. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3954-3969. [PMID: 28990932 DOI: 10.1172/jci93817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uromodulin-associated kidney disease (UAKD) is caused by mutations in the uromodulin (UMOD) gene that result in a misfolded form of UMOD protein, which is normally secreted by nephrons. In UAKD patients, mutant UMOD is poorly secreted and accumulates in the ER of distal kidney epithelium, but its role in disease progression is largely unknown. Here, we modeled UMOD accumulation in mice by expressing the murine equivalent of the human UMOD p.Cys148Trp point mutation (UmodC147W/+ mice). Like affected humans, these UmodC147W/+ mice developed spontaneous and progressive kidney disease with organ failure over 24 weeks. Analysis of diseased kidneys and purified UMOD-producing cells revealed early activation of the PKR-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4 (PERK/ATF4) ER stress pathway, innate immune mediators, and increased apoptotic signaling, including caspase-3 activation. Unexpectedly, we also detected autophagy deficiency. Human cells expressing UMOD p.Cys147Trp recapitulated the findings in UmodC147W/+ mice, and autophagy activation with mTOR inhibitors stimulated the intracellular removal of aggregated mutant UMOD. Human cells producing mutant UMOD were susceptible to TNF-α- and TRAIL-mediated apoptosis due to increased expression of the ER stress mediator tribbles-3. Blocking TNF-α in vivo with the soluble recombinant fusion protein TNFR:Fc slowed disease progression in UmodC147W/+ mice by reducing active caspase-3, thereby preventing tubule cell death and loss of epithelial function. These findings reveal a targetable mechanism for disease processes involved in UAKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce G Johnson
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lan T Dang
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Graham Marsh
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allie M Roach
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Anthony Monti
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepak Reyon
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jeremy S Duffield
- Research and Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Nuglozeh E. Connective Tissue Growth Factor Transgenic Mouse Develops Cardiac Hypertrophy, Lean Body Mass and Alopecia. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:GC01-GC05. [PMID: 28892929 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/28158.10284] [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: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) is one of the six members of cysteine-rich, heparin-binding proteins, secreted as modular protein and recognised to play a major function in cell processes such as adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation as well as chondrogenesis, skeletogenesis, angiogenesis and wound healing. The capacity of CTGF to interact with different growth factors lends an important role during early and late development, especially in the anterior region of the embryo. CTGF Knockout (KO) mice have several craniofacial defects and bone miss shaped due to an impairment of the vascular system development during chondrogenesis. AIM The aim of the study was to establish an association between multiple modular functions of CTGF and the phenotype and cardiovascular functions in transgenic mouse. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bicistronic cassette was constructed using pIRES expressing vector (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA). The construct harbours mouse cDNA in tandem with LacZ cDNA as a reporter gene under the control of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. The plasmid was linearised with NotI restriction enzyme, and 50 ng of linearised plasmid was injected into mouse pronucleus for the chimaera production. Immunohistochemical methods were used to assess the colocalisation renin and CTGF as well as morphology and rheology of the cardiovascular system. RESULTS The chimeric mice were backcrossed against the wild-type C57BL/6 to generate hemizygous (F1) mouse. Most of the offsprings died as a result of respiratory distress and those that survived have low CTGF gene copy number, approximately 40 molecules per mouse genome. The copy number assessment on the dead pups showed 5×103 molecules per mouse genome explaining the threshold of the gene in terms of toxicity. Interestingly, the result of this cross showed 85% of the progenies to be positive deviating from Mendelian first law. All F2 progenies died excluding the possibility of establishing the CTGF transgenic mouse line, situation that compelled us to work at the level of hemizygosity. The histological characterisation of left ventricle shows cardiac hypertrophy together with decrease in body mass and alopecia, this compared to the wild type. The immunohistochemical staining of aorta root showed hyperplasia with increased expression and colocalisation of renin and CTGF demonstrating that CTGF may be involved in vascular tone control. CONCLUSION Genetic engineering is a noble avenue to investigate the function of new or existing genes. Our data have shown that CTGF transgenic mouse has cardiac and aorta root hypertrophy and abnormal renin accumulation in aorta root as compared to the wild-type animals. The transgenic animals developed alopecia and lean body mass adding two new functions on pre-existing CTGF multiple functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem Nuglozeh
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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32
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Cell surface receptors for CCN proteins. J Cell Commun Signal 2016; 10:121-7. [PMID: 27098435 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-016-0324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The CCN family (CYR61; CTGF; NOV; CCN1-6; WISP1-3) of matricellular proteins in mammals is comprised of six homologous members that play important roles in development, inflammation, tissue repair, and a broad range of pathological processes including fibrosis and cancer. Despite considerable effort to search for a high affinity CCN-specific receptor akin to growth factor receptors, no such receptor has been found. Rather, CCNs bind several groups of multi-ligand receptors as characteristic of other matricellular proteins. The most extensively documented among CCN-binding receptors are integrins, including αvβ3, αvβ5, α5β1, α6β1, αIIbβ3, αMβ2, and αDβ2, which mediate diverse CCN functions in various cell types. CCNs also bind cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), low density liproprotein receptor-related proteins (LRPs), and the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptor, which are endocytic receptors that may also serve as co-receptors in cooperation with other cell surface receptors. CCNs have also been reported to bind FGFR-2, Notch, RANK, and TrkA, potentially altering the affinities of these receptors for their ligands. The ability of CCNs to bind a multitude of receptors in various cell types may account for the remarkable versatility of their functions, and underscore the diverse signaling pathways that mediate their activities.
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33
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Balanced regulation of the CCN family of matricellular proteins: a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of fibrosis and cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2015; 9:327-39. [PMID: 26698861 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-015-0309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CCN family of matricellular signaling proteins is emerging as a unique common link across multiple diseases and organs related to injury and repair. They are now being shown to play a central role in regulating the pathways to the initiation and resolution of normal wound healing and fibrosis in response to multiple forms of injury. Similarly, it is also emerging that they play a key role in regulating the establishment, growth, metastases and tissue regeneration in many forms of cancer via the interaction of cancer cells with the tumor stroma. Evidence has been recently provided that these proteins do not act independently but are co-regulated working in a yin/yang manner to alter the outcome of both normal physiological processes as well as pathology. The purpose of this review is to twofold. First, it will summarize work to date supporting CCN2 as a therapeutic target in the formation and progression of renal, skin, and other organ fibrosis, as well as cancer stroma formation. Second, it will highlight recent evidence for CCN3 as a counter-regulator and a potential therapeutic agent in these diseases with an exciting, novel potential to both treat and then restore tissue homeostasis in those afflicted by these devastating disorders.
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34
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Remst DFG, Blaney Davidson EN, van der Kraan PM. Unravelling osteoarthritis-related synovial fibrosis: a step closer to solving joint stiffness. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2015; 54:1954-63. [PMID: 26175472 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial fibrosis is often found in OA, contributing heavily to joint pain and joint stiffness, the main symptoms of OA. At this moment the underlying mechanism of OA-related synovial fibrosis is not known and there is no cure available. In this review we discuss factors that have been reported to be involved in synovial fibrosis. The aim of the study was to gain insight into how these factors contribute to the fibrotic process and to determine the best targets for therapy in synovial fibrosis. In this regard, the following factors are discussed: TGF-β, connective tissue growth factor, procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 12, urotensin-II, prostaglandin F2α and hyaluronan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis F G Remst
- Radboud University Medical Center, Experimental Rheumatology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Radboud University Medical Center, Experimental Rheumatology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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35
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Lee MS, Ghim J, Kim SJ, Yun YS, Yoo SA, Suh PG, Kim WU, Ryu SH. Functional interaction between CTGF and FPRL1 regulates VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis. Cell Signal 2015; 27:1439-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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36
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Malik AR, Liszewska E, Jaworski J. Matricellular proteins of the Cyr61/CTGF/NOV (CCN) family and the nervous system. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:237. [PMID: 26157362 PMCID: PMC4478388 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Matricellular proteins are secreted proteins that exist at the border of cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, instead of playing a role in structural integrity of the ECM, these proteins, that act as modulators of various surface receptors, have a regulatory function and instruct a multitude of cellular responses. Among matricellular proteins are members of the Cyr61/CTGF/NOV (CCN) protein family. These proteins exert their activity by binding directly to integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans and activating multiple intracellular signaling pathways. CCN proteins also influence the activity of growth factors and cytokines and integrate their activity with integrin signaling. At the cellular level, CCN proteins regulate gene expression and cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, senescence, adhesion, and migration. To date, CCN proteins have been extensively studied in the context of osteo- and chondrogenesis, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis, but the expression of these proteins is also observed in a variety of tissues. The role of CCN proteins in the nervous system has not been systematically studied or described. Thus, the major aim of this review is to introduce the CCN protein family to the neuroscience community. We first discuss the structure, interactions, and cellular functions of CCN proteins and then provide a detailed review of the available data on the neuronal expression and contribution of CCN proteins to nervous system development, function, and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Malik
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Liszewska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jaworski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology Warsaw, Poland
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37
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Lee SY, Kim SI, Choi ME. Therapeutic targets for treating fibrotic kidney diseases. Transl Res 2015; 165:512-30. [PMID: 25176603 PMCID: PMC4326607 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of virtually all progressive kidney diseases and strongly correlates with the deterioration of kidney function. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade is central to the current treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the renoprotective effects aimed to prevent or slow progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the incidence of CKD is still increasing, and there is a critical need for new therapeutics. Here, we review novel strategies targeting various components implicated in the fibrogenic pathway to inhibit or retard the loss of kidney function. We focus, in particular, on antifibrotic approaches that target transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a key mediator of kidney fibrosis, and exciting new data on the role of autophagy. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are highlighted as modulators of profibrotic TGF-β activity. BMP-7 has a protective role against TGF-β1 in kidney fibrosis, whereas CTGF enhances TGF-β-mediated fibrosis. We also discuss recent advances in the development of additional strategies for antifibrotic therapy. These include strategies targeting chemokine pathways via CC chemokine receptors 1 and 2 to modulate the inflammatory response, inhibition of phosphodiesterase to restore nitric oxide-cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate function, inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 4 to suppress reactive oxygen species production, and inhibition of endothelin 1 or tumor necrosis factor α to ameliorate progressive renal fibrosis. Furthermore, a brief overview of some of the biomarkers of kidney fibrosis is currently being explored that may improve the ability to monitor antifibrotic therapies. It is hoped that evidence based on the preclinical and clinical data discussed in this review leads to novel antifibrotic therapies effective in patients with CKD to prevent or delay progression to ESRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Department of Internal Medicine, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sung I Kim
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Mary E Choi
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
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38
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Aoyama E, Kubota S, Khattab HM, Nishida T, Takigawa M. CCN2 enhances RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation via direct binding to RANK and OPG. Bone 2015; 73:242-8. [PMID: 25554597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
CCN family protein 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a multi-potent factor for mesenchymal cells such as chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells. CCN2 is also known as a modulator of other cytokines and receptors via direct molecular interactions with them. We screened additional factors binding to CCN2 and found receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK) as one of them. RANK is also known as TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) receptor, and its signaling plays a critical role in osteoclastogenesis. Notable affinity between CCN2 and RANK was confirmed by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. In fact, CCN2 enhanced the RANK-mediated signaling, such as occurs in NF-kappa B, p38 and JNK pathways, in pre-osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells; whereas CCN2 had no influence on RANK-RANK ligand (RANKL) binding. Moreover, CCN2 also significantly bound to osteoprotegerin (OPG), which is a decoy receptor of RANKL. Of note, OPG markedly inhibited the binding between CCN2 and RANK; and CCN2 canceled the inhibitory effect of OPG on osteoclast differentiation. These findings suggest CCN2 as a candidate of the fourth factor in the RANK/RANKL/OPG system for osteoclastogenesis, which regulates OPG and RANK via direct interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Aoyama
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kubota
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hany Mohamed Khattab
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School, Okayama, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama, Japan.
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Dostal D, Glaser S, Baudino TA. Cardiac Fibroblast Physiology and Pathology. Compr Physiol 2015; 5:887-909. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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40
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Modulation properties of factors released by bone marrow stromal cells on activated microglia: an in vitro study. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7514. [PMID: 25524416 PMCID: PMC5378994 DOI: 10.1038/srep07514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present paper we develop a new non-cell based (cell-free) therapeutic approach applied to BV2 microglial cells and spinal cord derived primary microglia (PM) using conditioned media from rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs-CM). First we collected conditioned media (CM) from either naive or injured rat spinal cord tissue (SCI-CM, inflammatory stimulation agent) and from rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs-CM, therapeutic immunomodulation agent). They were both subsequently checked for the presence of chemokines and growth, neurotrophic and neural migration factors using proteomics analysis. The data clearly showed that rat BMSCs-CM contain in vitro growth factors, neural migration factors, osteogenic factors, differentiating factors and immunomodulators, whereas SCI-CM contain chemokines, chemoattractant factors and neurotrophic factors. Afterwards we determined whether the BMSCs-CM affect chemotactic activity, NO production, morphological and pro-apoptotic changes of either BV2 or PM cells once activated with SCI-CM. Our results confirm the anti-migratory and NO-inhibitory effects of BMSCs-CM on SCI-CM-activated microglia with higher impact on primary microglia. The cytotoxic effect of BMSCs-CM occurred only on SCI-CM-stimulated BV2 cells and PM, not on naive BV2 cells, nor on PM. Taken together, the molecular cocktail found in BMSCs-CM is favorable for immunomodulatory properties.
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Falke LL, Goldschmeding R, Nguyen TQ. A perspective on anti-CCN2 therapy for chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29 Suppl 1:i30-i37. [PMID: 24493868 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the common end point of chronic kidney disease independent of aetiology. Currently, no effective therapy exists to reduce kidney fibrosis. CCN2 appears to be an interesting candidate for anti-fibrotic drug targeting, because it holds a central position in the development of kidney fibrosis and interacts with a variety of factors that are involved in the fibrotic response, including transforming growth factor (TGF) β and Bone morphogenetic proteins. Although CCN2 modifies many pathways, it does not appear to have a membrane receptor of its own. Numerous experimental and clinical studies lowering CCN2 bioavailability have shown promising results with minimal adverse side effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of CCN2 research with a focus on anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Kok HM, Falke LL, Goldschmeding R, Nguyen TQ. Targeting CTGF, EGF and PDGF pathways to prevent progression of kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2014; 10:700-11. [PMID: 25311535 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2014.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health and economic burden with a rising incidence. During progression of CKD, the sustained release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and growth factors leads to an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and angiotensin II are considered to be the two main driving forces in fibrotic development. Blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has become the mainstay therapy for preservation of kidney function, but this treatment is not sufficient to prevent progression of fibrosis and CKD. Several factors that induce fibrosis have been identified, not only by TGF-β-dependent mechanisms, but also by TGF-β-independent mechanisms. Among these factors are the (partially) TGF-β-independent profibrotic pathways involving connective tissue growth factor, epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor and their receptors. In this Review, we discuss the specific roles of these pathways, their interactions and preclinical evidence supporting their qualification as additional targets for novel antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Kok
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tri Q Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
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Iso Y, Rao KS, Poole CN, Zaman AKMT, Curril I, Sobel BE, Kajstura J, Anversa P, Spees JL. Priming with ligands secreted by human stromal progenitor cells promotes grafts of cardiac stem/progenitor cells after myocardial infarction. Stem Cells 2014; 32:674-83. [PMID: 24022988 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of culture-expanded adult stem/progenitor cells often results in poor cellular engraftment, survival, and migration into sites of tissue injury. Mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts and stromal cells secrete factors that protect injured tissues, promote tissue repair, and support many types of stem/progenitor cells in culture. We hypothesized that secreted factors in conditioned medium (CdM) from adult bone marrow-derived multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) could be used to prime adult cardiac stem/progenitor cells (CSCs/CPCs) and improve graft success after myocardial infarction (MI). Incubation of adult rat CPCs in CdM from human MSCs isolated by plastic adherence or by magnetic sorting against CD271 (a.k.a., p75 low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor; p75MSCs) induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt in CPCs, supporting their proliferation under normoxic conditions and survival under hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen). Priming CSCs with 30× p75MSC CdM for 30 minutes prior to transplantation into subepicardial tissue 1 day after MI markedly increased engraftment compared with vehicle priming. Screening CdM with neutralizing/blocking antibodies identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and Insulin as key factors in p75MSC CdM that protected CPCs. Human CTGF peptide (CTGF-D4) and Insulin synergistically promoted CPC survival during hypoxia in culture. Similar to CdM priming, priming of CSCs with CTGF-D4 and Insulin for 30 minutes prior to transplantation promoted robust engraftment, survival, and migration of CSC derivatives at 1 week and 1 month after MI. Our results indicate that short-term priming of human CSCs with CTGF-D4 and Insulin may improve graft success and cardiac regeneration in patients with MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Iso
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core and, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, Vermont, USA; Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, Vermont, USA
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Murphy-Ullrich JE, Sage EH. Revisiting the matricellular concept. Matrix Biol 2014; 37:1-14. [PMID: 25064829 PMCID: PMC4379989 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept of a matricellular protein was first proposed by Paul Bornstein in the mid-1990s to account for the non-lethal phenotypes of mice with inactivated genes encoding thrombospondin-1, tenascin-C, or SPARC. It was also recognized that these extracellular matrix proteins were primarily counter or de-adhesive. This review reappraises the matricellular concept after nearly two decades of continuous investigation. The expanded matricellular family as well as the diverse and often unexpected functions, cellular location, and interacting partners/receptors of matricellular proteins are considered. Development of therapeutic strategies that target matricellular proteins are discussed in the context of pathology and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Murphy-Ullrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, United States.
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Parasite-derived neurotrophic factor/trans-sialidase of Trypanosoma cruzi links neurotrophic signaling to cardiac innate immune response. Infect Immun 2014; 82:3687-96. [PMID: 24935974 DOI: 10.1128/iai.02098-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chagas' disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi elicits a potent inflammatory response in acutely infected hearts that keeps parasitism in check and triggers cardiac abnormalities. A most-studied mechanism underlying innate immunity in T. cruzi infection is Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation by lipids and other parasite molecules. However, yet-to-be-identified pathways should exist. Here, we show that T. cruzi strongly upregulates monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 and fractalkine (FKN)/CX3CL1 in cellular and mouse models of heart infection. Mechanistically, upregulation of MCP-1 and FKN stems from the interaction of parasite-derived neurotrophic factor (PDNF)/trans-sialidase with neurotrophic receptors TrkA and TrkC, as assessed by pharmacological inhibition, neutralizing antibodies, and gene silencing studies. Administration of a single dose of intravenous PDNF to naive mice results in a dose-dependent increase in MCP-1 and FKN in the heart and liver with pulse-like kinetics that peak at 3 h postinjection. Intravenous PDNF also augments MCP-1 and FKN in TLR signaling-deficient MyD88-knockout mice, underscoring the MyD88-independent action of PDNF. Although single PDNF injections do not increase MCP-1 and FKN receptors, multiple PDNF injections at short intervals up the levels of receptor transcripts in the heart and liver, suggesting that sustained PDNF triggers cell recruitment at infection sites. Thus, given that MCP-1 and FKN are chemokines essential to the recruitment of immune cells to combat inflammation triggers and to enhance tissue repair, our findings uncover a new mechanism in innate immunity against T. cruzi infection mediated by Trk signaling akin to an endogenous inflammatory and fibrotic pathway resulting from cardiomyocyte-TrkA recognition by matricellular connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2).
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Takano-Yamamoto T. Osteocyte function under compressive mechanical force. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Tsou PS, Haak AJ, Khanna D, Neubig RR. Cellular mechanisms of tissue fibrosis. 8. Current and future drug targets in fibrosis: focus on Rho GTPase-regulated gene transcription. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 307:C2-13. [PMID: 24740541 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00060.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis occurs with excessive extracellular matrix deposition from myofibroblasts, resulting in tissue scarring and inflammation. It is driven by multiple mediators, such as the G protein-coupled receptor ligands lysophosphatidic acid and endothelin, as well as signaling by transforming growth factor-β, connective tissue growth factor, and integrins. Fibrosis contributes to 45% of deaths in the developed world. As current therapeutic options for tissue fibrosis are limited and organ transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage disease, there is an imminent need for efficacious antifibrotic therapies. This review discusses the various molecular pathways involved in fibrosis. It highlights the Rho GTPase signaling pathway and its downstream gene transcription output through myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor as a convergence point for targeting this complex set of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Astrocyte-secreted matricellular proteins in CNS remodelling during development and disease. Neural Plast 2014; 2014:321209. [PMID: 24551460 PMCID: PMC3914553 DOI: 10.1155/2014/321209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Matricellular proteins are secreted, nonstructural proteins that regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) and interactions between cells through modulation of growth factor signaling, cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Despite being well described in the context of nonneuronal tissues, recent studies have revealed that these molecules may also play instrumental roles in central nervous system (CNS) development and diseases. In this minireview, we discuss the matricellular protein families SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine), Hevin/SC1 (SPARC-like 1), TN-C (Tenascin C), TSP (Thrombospondin), and CCN (CYR61/CTGF/NOV), which are secreted by astrocytes during development. These proteins exhibit a reduced expression in adult CNS but are upregulated in reactive astrocytes following injury or disease, where they are well placed to modulate the repair processes such as tissue remodeling, axon regeneration, glial scar formation, angiogenesis, and rewiring of neural circuitry. Conversely, their reexpression in reactive astrocytes may also lead to detrimental effects and promote the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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The CCN family proteins: modulators of bone development and novel targets in bone-associated tumors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:437096. [PMID: 24551846 PMCID: PMC3914550 DOI: 10.1155/2014/437096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The CCN family of proteins is composed of six extracellular matrix-associated proteins that play crucial roles in skeletal development, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. Members of the CCN family share four conserved cysteine-rich modular domains that trigger signal transduction in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival through direct binding to specific integrin receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In the present review, we discuss the roles of the CCN family proteins in regulating resident cells of the bone microenvironment. In vertebrate development, the CCN family plays a critical role in osteo/chondrogenesis and vasculo/angiogenesis. These effects are regulated through signaling via integrins, bone morphogenetic protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt, and Notch via direct binding to CCN family proteins. Due to the important roles of CCN family proteins in skeletal development, abnormal expression of CCN proteins is related to the tumorigenesis of primary bone tumors such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Additionally, emerging studies have suggested that CCN proteins may affect progression of secondary metastatic bone tumors by moderating the bone microenvironment. CCN proteins could therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets for drug development against primary and metastatic bone tumors.
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50
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Branford OA, Klass BR, Grobbelaar AO, Rolfe KJ. The growth factors involved in flexor tendon repair and adhesion formation. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2014; 39:60-70. [PMID: 24162452 DOI: 10.1177/1753193413509231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Flexor tendon injuries remain a significant clinical problem, owing to the formation of adhesions or tendon rupture. A number of strategies have been tried to improve outcomes, but as yet none are routinely used in clinical practice. Understanding the role that growth factors play in tendon repair should enable a more targeted approach to be developed to improve the results of flexor tendon repair. This review describes the main growth factors in tendon wound healing, and the role they play in both repair and adhesion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A Branford
- Institute for Plastic Surgery Research and Education, The Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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