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Zhao Q, Shao T, Huang S, Zhang J, Zong G, Zhuo L, Xu Y, Hong W. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein-microfibrillar associated protein-sterol regulatory element binding protein axis regulates fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and cardiac fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2492-2508. [PMID: 38586912 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16314] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Excessive fibrogenesis is associated with adverse cardiac remodelling and heart failure. The myofibroblast, primarily derived from resident fibroblast, is the effector cell type in cardiac fibrosis. Megakaryocytic leukaemia 1 (MKL1) is considered the master regulator of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMyT). The underlying transcriptional mechanism is not completely understood. Our goal was to identify novel transcriptional targets of MKL1 that might regulate FMyT and contribute to cardiac fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) performed in primary cardiac fibroblasts identified insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) as one of the genes most significantly up-regulated by constitutively active (CA) MKL1 over-expression. IGFBP5 expression was detected in heart failure tissues using RT-qPCR and western blots. KEY RESULTS Once activated, IGFBP5 translocated to the nucleus to elicit a pro-FMyT transcriptional programme. Consistently, IGFBP5 knockdown blocked FMyT in vitro and dampened cardiac fibrosis in mice. Of interest, IGFBP5 interacted with nuclear factor of activated T-cell 4 (NFAT4) to stimulate the transcription of microfibril-associated protein 5 (MFAP5). MFAP5 contributed to FMyT and cardiac fibrosis by enabling sterol response element binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-dependent cholesterol synthesis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data unveil a previously unrecognized transcriptional cascade, initiated by IGFBP5, that promotes FMyT and cardiac fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule compounds that target this axis could yield potential therapeutics against adverse cardiac remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Genjie Zong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxuan Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lichner Z, Ding M, Khare T, Dan Q, Benitez R, Praszner M, Song X, Saleeb R, Hinz B, Pei Y, Szászi K, Kapus A. Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Mediates Epithelial Fibrogenesis in Polycystic Kidney Disease. Cells 2024; 13:984. [PMID: 38891116 PMCID: PMC11172104 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110984] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by extensive cyst formation and progressive fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the loss/loss-of-function of Polycystin 1 or 2 (PC1/2) provokes fibrosis are largely unknown. The small GTPase RhoA has been recently implicated in cystogenesis, and we identified the RhoA/cytoskeleton/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) pathway as an emerging mediator of epithelium-induced fibrogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that MRTF is activated by PC1/2 loss and plays a critical role in the fibrogenic reprogramming of the epithelium. The loss of PC1 or PC2, induced by siRNA in vitro, activated RhoA and caused cytoskeletal remodeling and robust nuclear MRTF translocation and overexpression. These phenomena were also manifested in PKD1 (RC/RC) and PKD2 (WS25/-) mice, with MRTF translocation and overexpression occurring predominantly in dilated tubules and the cyst-lining epithelium, respectively. In epithelial cells, a large cohort of PC1/PC2 downregulation-induced genes was MRTF-dependent, including cytoskeletal, integrin-related, and matricellular/fibrogenic proteins. Epithelial MRTF was necessary for the paracrine priming of the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Thus, MRTF acts as a prime inducer of epithelial fibrogenesis in PKD. We propose that RhoA is a common upstream inducer of both histological hallmarks of PKD: cystogenesis and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Mei Ding
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Tarang Khare
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Enrich Bioscience, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Qinghong Dan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Raquel Benitez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Mercédesz Praszner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Xuewen Song
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Rola Saleeb
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - York Pei
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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3
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Choi YJ, Kim WR, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yoo JH. Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:69. [PMID: 38454492 PMCID: PMC10921617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03678-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). METHODS UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model. RESULTS In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. CONCLUSIONS Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jun Hwan Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
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Shao X, Shi Y, Wang Y, Zhang L, Bai P, Wang J, Aniwan A, Lin Y, Zhou S, Yu P. Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals the Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Macrophages of Diabetic Kidney Disease. Inflammation 2024; 47:227-243. [PMID: 37777674 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01906-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is characterized by macrophage infiltration, which requires further investigation. This study aims to identify immune-related genes (IRGs) in macrophage and explore their potential as therapeutic targets. This study analyzed isolated glomerular cells from three diabetic mice and three control mice. A total of 59 glomeruli from normal kidney samples and 66 from DKD samples were acquired from four kidney transcriptomic profiling datasets. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using both single-cell RNA (scRNA) and bulk RNA sequencing data to investigate inflammatory responses in DKD. Additionally, the "AUCell" function was used to investigate statistically different gene sets. The significance of each interaction pair was determined by assigning a probability using "CellChat." The study also analyzed the biological diagnostic importance of immune hub genes for DKD and validated the expression of these immune genes in mice models. The top 2000 highly variable genes (HVGs) were identified after data normalization. Subsequently, a total of eight clusters were identified. It is worth mentioning that macrophages showed the highest percentage increase among all cell types in the DKD group. Furthermore, the present study observed significant differences in gene sets related to inflammatory responses and complement pathways. The study also identified several receptor-ligand pairs and co-stimulatory interactions between endothelial cells and macrophages. Notably, SYK, ITGB2, FCER1G, and VAV1 were identified as immunological markers of DKD with promising predictive ability. This study identified distinct cell clusters and four marker genes. SYK, ITGB2, FCER1G, and VAV1 may be important roles. Consequently, the present study extends our understanding regarding IRGs in DKD and provides a foundation for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Shao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Yueyue Shi
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610081, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Pufei Bai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - JunMei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Ashanjiang Aniwan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Yao Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Saijun Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Pei Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China.
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5
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Zhang W, Zhao J, Deng L, Ishimwe N, Pauli J, Wu W, Shan S, Kempf W, Ballantyne MD, Kim D, Lyu Q, Bennett M, Rodor J, Turner AW, Lu YW, Gao P, Choi M, Warthi G, Kim HW, Barroso MM, Bryant WB, Miller CL, Weintraub NL, Maegdefessel L, Miano JM, Baker AH, Long X. INKILN is a Novel Long Noncoding RNA Promoting Vascular Smooth Muscle Inflammation via Scaffolding MKL1 and USP10. Circulation 2023; 148:47-67. [PMID: 37199168 PMCID: PMC10330325 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.063760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) inflammation is vital to initiate vascular disease. The role of human-specific long noncoding RNAs in VSMC inflammation is poorly understood. METHODS Bulk RNA sequencing in differentiated human VSMCs revealed a novel human-specific long noncoding RNA called inflammatory MKL1 (megakaryoblastic leukemia 1) interacting long noncoding RNA (INKILN). INKILN expression was assessed in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of VSMC phenotypic modulation as well as human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The transcriptional regulation of INKILN was verified through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies and multiple RNA-protein and protein-protein interaction assays were used to uncover a mechanistic role of INKILN in the VSMC proinflammatory gene program. Bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice were used to study INKILN expression and function in ligation injury-induced neointimal formation. RESULTS INKILN expression is downregulated in contractile VSMCs and induced in human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. INKILN is transcriptionally activated by the p65 pathway, partially through a predicted NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) site within its proximal promoter. INKILN activates proinflammatory gene expression in cultured human VSMCs and ex vivo cultured vessels. INKILN physically interacts with and stabilizes MKL1, a key activator of VSMC inflammation through the p65/NF-κB pathway. INKILN depletion blocks interleukin-1β-induced nuclear localization of both p65 and MKL1. Knockdown of INKILN abolishes the physical interaction between p65 and MKL1 and the luciferase activity of an NF-κB reporter. Furthermore, INKILN knockdown enhances MKL1 ubiquitination through reduced physical interaction with the deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 (ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10). INKILN is induced in injured carotid arteries and exacerbates ligation injury-induced neointimal formation in bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings elucidate an important pathway of VSMC inflammation involving an INKILN/MKL1/USP10 regulatory axis. Human bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice offer a novel and physiologically relevant approach for investigating human-specific long noncoding RNAs under vascular disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jinjing Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lin Deng
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Nestor Ishimwe
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Pauli
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Shengshuai Shan
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wolfgang Kempf
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | | | - David Kim
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Qing Lyu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew Bennett
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Julie Rodor
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Adam W. Turner
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mihyun Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ganesh Warthi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ha Won Kim
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Margarida M Barroso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - William B. Bryant
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Clint L. Miller
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Neal L. Weintraub
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK, partner site Munich), Germany
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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Yamamura Y, Sakai N, Iwata Y, Lagares D, Hara A, Kitajima S, Toyama T, Miyagawa T, Ogura H, Sato K, Oshima M, Nakagawa S, Tamai A, Horikoshi K, Matsuno T, Yamamoto N, Hayashi D, Toyota Y, Kaikoi D, Shimizu M, Tager AM, Wada T. Myocardin-related transcription factor contributes to renal fibrosis through the regulation of extracellular microenvironment surrounding fibroblasts. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23005. [PMID: 37289107 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201870r] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are common critical steps for the progression of organ fibrosis, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain to be fully investigated. We have previously demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid contributes to organ fibrosis through the production of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) via actin cytoskeleton-dependent signaling, myocardin-related transcription factor family (MRTF) consisting of MRTF-A and MRTF-B-serum response factor (SRF) pathway. In this study, we investigated the role of the MRTF-SRF pathway in the development of renal fibrosis, focusing on the regulation of ECM-focal adhesions (FA) in renal fibroblasts. Here we showed that both MRTF-A and -B were required for the expressions of ECM-related molecules such as lysyl oxidase family members, type I procollagen and fibronectin in response to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 . TGF-β1 -MRTF-SRF pathway induced the expressions of various components of FA such as integrin α subunits (αv , α2 , α11 ) and β subunits (β1 , β3 , β5 ) as well as integrin-linked kinase (ILK). On the other hand, the blockade of ILK suppressed TGF-β1 -induced MRTF-SRF transcriptional activity, indicating a mutual relationship between MRTF-SRF and FA. Myofibroblast differentiation along with CTGF expression was also dependent on MRTF-SRF and FA components. Finally, global MRTF-A deficient and inducible fibroblast-specific MRTF-B deficient mice (MRTF-AKO BiFBKO mice) are protected from renal fibrosis with adenine administration. Renal expressions of ECM-FA components and CTGF as well as myofibroblast accumulation were suppressed in MRTF-AKO BiFBKO mice. These results suggest that the MRTF-SRF pathway might be a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis through the regulation of components forming ECM-FA in fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Yamamura
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Norihiko Sakai
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Blood Purification, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasunori Iwata
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Infection Control, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Akinori Hara
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Kitajima
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Division of Infection Control, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tadashi Toyama
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Taro Miyagawa
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Ogura
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Megumi Oshima
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shiori Nakagawa
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akira Tamai
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Keisuke Horikoshi
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Matsuno
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daiki Hayashi
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yoshitada Toyota
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daichi Kaikoi
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Miho Shimizu
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Takashi Wada
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Zhao Q, Shao T, Zhu Y, Zong G, Zhang J, Tang S, Lin Y, Ma H, Jiang Z, Xu Y, Wu X, Zhang T. An MRTF-A-ZEB1-IRF9 axis contributes to fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-00990-6. [PMID: 37121967 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts, characterized by the expression of the matricellular protein periostin (Postn), mediate the profibrogenic response during tissue repair and remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic deficiency in myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) attenuates renal fibrosis in mice. In the present study, we investigated the myofibroblast-specific role of MRTF-A in renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. We report that myofibroblast-specific deletion of MRTF-A, achieved through crossbreeding Mrtfa-flox mice with Postn-CreERT2 mice, led to amelioration of renal fibrosis. RNA-seq identified zinc finger E-Box binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) as a downstream target of MRTF-A in renal fibroblasts. MRTF-A interacts with TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) to bind to the Zeb1 promoter and activate Zeb1 transcription. Zeb1 knockdown retarded the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMyT) in vitro and dampened renal fibrosis in mice. Transcriptomic assays showed that Zeb1 might contribute to FMyT by repressing the transcription of interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9). IRF9 knockdown overcame the effect of Zeb1 depletion and promoted FMyT, whereas IRF9 overexpression antagonized TGF-β-induced FMyT. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel MRTF-A-Zeb1-IRF9 axis that can potentially contribute to fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule compounds that target this axis may yield therapeutic options for the mollification of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gengjie Zong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shifan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanshan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzhen Ma
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhifan Jiang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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8
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Chen S, Li B, Chen L, Jiang H. Identification and validation of immune-related biomarkers and potential regulators and therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:90. [PMID: 37127580 PMCID: PMC10150481 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01519-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Renal inflammation and infiltration of immune cells contribute to the development and progression of DKD. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify and validate immune-related biomarkers and analyze potential regulators including transcription factors (TFs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and drugs for DKD. METHODS Immune-related genes from the ImmPort database and glomeruli samples from GSE1009 and GSE30528 were used to identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) of DKD. The expression level and clinical correlation analyses of DEIRGs were verified in the Nephroseq database. Murine podocytes were cultured to construct the high glucose-induced podocyte injury model. The reliability of the bioinformatics analysis was experimentally validated by RT-qPCR in podocytes. Networks among DEIRGs, regulators, and drugs were constructed to predict potential regulatory mechanisms for DKD. RESULTS DKD-associated DEIRGs were identified. CCL19 and IL7R were significantly upregulated in the DKD group and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GHR, FGF1, FYN, VEGFA, F2R, TGFBR3, PTGDS, FGF9, and SEMA5A were significantly decreased in the DKD group and positively correlated with GFR. RT-qPCR showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of GHR, FGF1, FYN, TGFBR3, PTGDS, FGF9, and SEMA5A were significantly down-regulated in the high glucose-induced podocyte injury group. The enriched regulators for DEIRGs included 110 miRNAs and 8 TFs. The abnormal expression of DEIRGs could be regulated by 16 established drugs. CONCLUSIONS This study identified immune-related biomarkers, regulators, and drugs of DKD. The findings of the present study provide novel insights into immune-related diagnosis and treatment of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Chen
- Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, West Yanta Road No. 277, Xi'an, 710061, Shannxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Nephrology, Ningxia Medical University Affiliated People's Hospital of Autonomous Region of Ningxia, Yinchuan, 750002, Ningxia, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, West Yanta Road No. 277, Xi'an, 710061, Shannxi, China
| | - Hongli Jiang
- Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, West Yanta Road No. 277, Xi'an, 710061, Shannxi, China.
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9
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Josyula A, Mozzer A, Szeto J, Ha Y, Richmond N, Chung SW, Rompicharla SVK, Narayan J, Ramesh S, Hanes J, Ensign L, Parikh K, Pitha I. Nanofiber-based glaucoma drainage implant improves surgical outcomes by modulating fibroblast behavior. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10487. [PMID: 37206200 PMCID: PMC10189467 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials are implanted in millions of individuals worldwide each year. Both naturally derived and synthetic biomaterials induce a foreign body reaction that often culminates in fibrotic encapsulation and reduced functional lifespan. In ophthalmology, glaucoma drainage implants (GDIs) are implanted in the eye to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in order to prevent glaucoma progression and vision loss. Despite recent efforts towards miniaturization and surface chemistry modification, clinically available GDIs are susceptible to high rates of fibrosis and surgical failure. Here, we describe the development of synthetic, nanofiber-based GDIs with partially degradable inner cores. We evaluated GDIs with nanofiber or smooth surfaces to investigate the effect of surface topography on implant performance. We observed in vitro that nanofiber surfaces supported fibroblast integration and quiescence, even in the presence of pro-fibrotic signals, compared to smooth surfaces. In rabbit eyes, GDIs with a nanofiber architecture were biocompatible, prevented hypotony, and provided a volumetric aqueous outflow comparable to commercially available GDIs, though with significantly reduced fibrotic encapsulation and expression of key fibrotic markers in the surrounding tissue. We propose that the physical cues provided by the surface of the nanofiber-based GDIs mimic healthy extracellular matrix structure, mitigating fibroblast activation and potentially extending functional GDI lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Josyula
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ann Mozzer
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Julia Szeto
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Youlim Ha
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Nicole Richmond
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of BiologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Seung Woo Chung
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Sri Vishnu Kiran Rompicharla
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Janani Narayan
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Samiksha Ramesh
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Departments of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Environmental Health Sciences, Oncology, and NeurosurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Laura Ensign
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Departments of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Oncology, and Gynecology and ObstetricsJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kunal Parikh
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Center for Bioengineering Innovation & DesignJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ian Pitha
- Center for NanomedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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10
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Liu J, Duan G, Yang W, Zhang S, Liu F, Peng Y, Sun L, Liu Y, Xiao L. Identification of transcription factors related to diabetic tubulointerstitial injury. J Transl Med 2023; 21:228. [PMID: 36978091 PMCID: PMC10053902 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a main cause of chronic renal failure. Despite decades of extensive study, the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic tubulointerstitial injury remain unclear. We aim to identify key transcription factor genes involved in diabetic tubulointerstitial injury. METHODS A microarray dataset (GSE30122) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was downloaded. A total of 38 transcription factor genes based on 166 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by UCSC_TFBS. RESULTS The regulatory network showed connections between the top 10 transcription factors and their target DEGs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of targeted DEGs indicated that extracellular space, extracellular exosome, cell surface and complement and coagulation cascades were most significantly enriched. Utilizing Nephroseq v5 online platform, the mRNA expression pattern analysis of transcription factor genes demonstrated that mRNA expression of CDC5, CEBPA, FAC1, HFH1, IRF1, NFE2 and TGIF1 increased in renal tubulointerstitium of DN patients compared with normal controls while that of CEBPB and FOXO4 decreased in renal tubulointerstitium of DN patients compared with normal controls. Correlation analysis between mRNA expression of transcription factor genes in renal tubulointerstitium and clinical features showed that AP1, BACH1, CDC5, FAC1, FOXD1, FOXJ2, FOXO1, FOXO4, HFH1, IRF1, POU3F2, SOX5, SOX9, RSRFC4, S8 and TGIF1 may be related to diabetic tubulointerstitial injury. CONCLUSIONS (1) CDC5, FAC1, FOXO4, HFH1, IRF1 and TGIF1 may be key transcription factor genes. (2)Transcription factors involved in diabetic tubulointerstitial injury may become prospective targets for diagnosis and treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Guangzhong Duan
- Hunan Communication Polytechnic, Changsha, 410132, Hunan, China
| | - Wenxia Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Shumin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyou Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Youming Peng
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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11
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Kourtidou C, Tziomalos K. The Role of Histone Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24066007. [PMID: 36983082 PMCID: PMC10051814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24066007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of DKD is multifactorial, with several molecular pathways implicated. Recent data suggest that histone modification plays an important role in the development and progression of DKD. Histone modification appears to induce oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in the diabetic kidney. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the association between histone modification and DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christodoula Kourtidou
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Liu L, Sun K, Luo Y, Wang B, Yang Y, Chen L, Zheng S, Wu T, Xiao P. Myocardin-related transcription factor A, regulated by serum response factor, contributes to diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Life Sci 2023; 317:121470. [PMID: 36758668 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a significant contributor to the global pandemic of heart failure. In the present study we investigated the involvement of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a transcriptional regulator, in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in mice by feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD) or streptozotocin (STZ) injection. KEY FINDINGS We report that MRTF-A was up-regulated in the hearts of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy. MRTF-A expression was also up-regulated by treatment with palmitate in cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) bound to the MRTF-A gene promoter and activated MRTF-A transcription in response to pro-diabetic stimuli. Knockdown of SRF abrogated MRTF-A induction in cardiomyocytes treated with palmitate. When cardiomyocytes conditional MRTF-A knockout mice (MRTF-A CKO) and wild type (WT) mice were placed on an HFD to induce diabetic cardiomyopathy, it was found that the CKO mice and the WT mice displayed comparable metabolic parameters including body weight, blood insulin concentration, blood cholesterol concentration, and glucose tolerance. However, both systolic and diastolic cardiac function were exacerbated by MRTF-A deletion in the heart. SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that MRTF-A up-regulation might serve as an important compensatory mechanism to safeguard the deterioration of cardiac function during diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yajun Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570216, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Pingxi Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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13
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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14
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Liu S, Zhao Y, Lu S, Zhang T, Lindenmeyer MT, Nair V, Gies SE, Wu G, Nelson RG, Czogalla J, Aypek H, Zielinski S, Liao Z, Schaper M, Fermin D, Cohen CD, Delic D, Krebs CF, Grahammer F, Wiech T, Kretzler M, Meyer-Schwesinger C, Bonn S, Huber TB. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals a mechanosensitive injury signaling pathway in early diabetic nephropathy. Genome Med 2023; 15:2. [PMID: 36627643 PMCID: PMC9830686 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, and histopathologic glomerular lesions are among the earliest structural alterations of DN. However, the signaling pathways that initiate these glomerular alterations are incompletely understood. METHODS To delineate the cellular and molecular basis for DN initiation, we performed single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing of renal cells from type 2 diabetes mice (BTBR ob/ob) at the early stage of DN. RESULTS Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed glucose-independent responses in glomerular cell types. The gene regulatory network upstream of glomerular cell programs suggested the activation of mechanosensitive transcriptional pathway MRTF-SRF predominantly taking place in mesangial cells. Importantly, activation of MRTF-SRF transcriptional pathway was also identified in DN glomeruli in independent patient cohort datasets. Furthermore, ex vivo kidney perfusion suggested that the regulation of MRTF-SRF is a common mechanism in response to glomerular hyperfiltration. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study presents a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic landscape of early DN, highlighting mechanosensitive signaling pathways as novel targets of diabetic glomerulopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Liu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Yu Zhao
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shun Lu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tianran Zhang
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maja T Lindenmeyer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viji Nair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sydney E Gies
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guochao Wu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert G Nelson
- Chronic Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jan Czogalla
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hande Aypek
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zielinski
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zhouning Liao
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schaper
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Damian Fermin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Clemens D Cohen
- Nephrological Center, Medical Clinic and Policlinic IV, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Denis Delic
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach, Germany
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian F Krebs
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Division of Translational Immunology, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Grahammer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Nephropathology Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kretzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Meyer-Schwesinger
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Zhang W, Zhao J, Deng L, Ishimwe N, Pauli J, Wu W, Shan S, Kempf W, Ballantyne MD, Kim D, Lyu Q, Bennett M, Rodor J, Turner AW, Lu YW, Gao P, Choi M, Warthi G, Kim HW, Barroso MM, Bryant WB, Miller CL, Weintraub NL, Maegdefessel L, Miano JM, Baker AH, Long X. INKILN is a novel long noncoding RNA promoting vascular smooth muscle inflammation via scaffolding MKL1 and USP10. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.07.522948. [PMID: 36711681 PMCID: PMC9881896 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.07.522948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) inflammation is vital to initiate vascular disease. However, the role of human-specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in VSMC inflammation is poorly understood. Methods Bulk RNA-seq in differentiated human VSMCs revealed a novel human-specific lncRNA called IN flammatory M K L1 I nteracting L ong N oncoding RNA ( INKILN ). INKILN expression was assessed in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of VSMC phenotypic modulation and human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) samples. The transcriptional regulation of INKILN was determined through luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Both loss- and gain-of-function approaches and multiple RNA-protein and protein-protein interaction assays were utilized to uncover the role of INKILN in VSMC proinflammatory gene program and underlying mechanisms. Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) transgenic (Tg) mice were utilized to study INKLIN expression and function in ligation injury-induced neointimal formation. Results INKILN expression is downregulated in contractile VSMCs and induced by human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. INKILN is transcriptionally activated by the p65 pathway, partially through a predicted NF-κB site within its proximal promoter. INKILN activates the proinflammatory gene expression in cultured human VSMCs and ex vivo cultured vessels. Mechanistically, INKILN physically interacts with and stabilizes MKL1, a key activator of VSMC inflammation through the p65/NF-κB pathway. INKILN depletion blocks ILIβ-induced nuclear localization of both p65 and MKL1. Knockdown of INKILN abolishes the physical interaction between p65 and MKL1, and the luciferase activity of an NF-κB reporter. Further, INKILN knockdown enhances MKL1 ubiquitination, likely through the reduced physical interaction with the deubiquitinating enzyme, USP10. INKILN is induced in injured carotid arteries and exacerbates ligation injury-induced neointimal formation in BAC Tg mice. Conclusions These findings elucidate an important pathway of VSMC inflammation involving an INKILN /MKL1/USP10 regulatory axis. Human BAC Tg mice offer a novel and physiologically relevant approach for investigating human-specific lncRNAs under vascular disease conditions.
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Bayaraa O, Inman CK, Thomas SA, Al Jallaf F, Alshaikh M, Idaghdour Y, Ashall L. Hyperglycemic conditions induce rapid cell dysfunction-promoting transcriptional alterations in human aortic endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20912. [PMID: 36463298 PMCID: PMC9719474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor in the development of diabetic complications and promotes vascular complications through dysregulation of endothelial cell function. Various mechanisms have been proposed for endothelial cell dysregulation but the early transcriptomic alterations of endothelial cells under hyperglycemic conditions are not well documented. Here we use deep time-series RNA-seq profiling of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) following exposure to normal (NG) and high glucose (HG) conditions over a time course from baseline to 24 h to identify the early and transient transcriptomic changes, alteration of molecular networks, and their temporal dynamics. The analysis revealed that the most significant pathway activation/inhibition events take place in the 1- to 4-h transition and identified distinct clusters of genes that underlie a cascade of coordinated transcriptional events unique to HG conditions. Temporal co-expression and causal network analysis implicate the activation of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and growth factor signalling pathways including STAT3 and NF-κB. These results document HAEC transcriptional changes induced by hyperglycemic conditions and provide basic insight into the rapid molecular alterations that promote endothelial cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odmaa Bayaraa
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Claire K. Inman
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sneha A. Thomas
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al Jallaf
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manar Alshaikh
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ,grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Louise Ashall
- grid.440573.10000 0004 1755 5934Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Chen YC, Wong HSC, Wu MY, Chou WH, Kao CC, Chao CH, Chang WC, Wu MS. Genome-Wide Association Study for eGFR in a Taiwanese Population. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:1598-1608. [PMID: 36223920 PMCID: PMC9718044 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.02180222] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue associated with large economic burdens. CKD contributes to higher risks of cardiovascular complications, kidney failure, and mortality. The incidence and prevalence rates of kidney failure in Taiwan have remained the highest in the world. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Assessing genetic factors that influence kidney function in specific populations has substantial clinical relevance. We investigated associations of genetic variants with eGFR. The quality control filtering and genotype imputation resulted in 10,008 Taiwan Biobank participants and 6,553,511 variants for final analyses. We examined these loci with in silico replication in individuals of European and African ancestry. RESULTS Our results revealed one significant locus (4q21.1) and three suggestive significant loci (17q23.2, 22q13.2, and 3q29) for eGFR in the Taiwanese population. In total, four conditional-independent single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified as the most important variants within these regions, including rs55948430 (Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 158), rs1010269 (BCAS3), rs56108505 (MKL1), and rs34796810 (upstream of DLG1). By performing a meta-analysis, we found that the 4q21.1 and 17q23.2 loci were successfully replicated in the European population, whereas only the 17q23.2 locus was replicated in African ancestry. Therefore, these two loci are suggested to be transethnic loci, and the other two eGFR-associated loci (22q13.2 and 3q29) are likely population specific. CONCLUSIONS We identified four susceptibility loci on 4q21.1, 17q23.2, 22q13.2, and 3q29 that associated with kidney-related traits in a Taiwanese population. The 22q13.2 (MKL1) and 3q29 (DLG1) were prioritized as critical candidates. Functional analyses delineated novel pathways related to kidney physiology in Taiwanese and East Asian ancestries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chun Chen
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Henry Sung-Ching Wong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yi Wu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsuan Chou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chin Kao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Chao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chiao Chang
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University–Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Integrative Research Center for Critical Care, Department of Pharmacy, Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mai-Szu Wu
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Chen C, Liu L, Luo J. Identification of the molecular mechanism and candidate markers for diabetic nephropathy. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1248. [PMID: 36544633 PMCID: PMC9761143 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications in diabetic patients. New strategies are needed to delay the occurrence and development of this pathology. Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in glomeruli and renal tubules were identified using the GSE30122 dataset, and a co-expression network was constructed to identify the hub genes of modules. The biological function and signaling pathway of the module genes were also analyzed. In addition, the expression of 24 immune cells and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values of the hub genes were also calculated. Results A total of 1,778 DEGs were isolated from glomeruli and 1,996 DEGs were isolated from renal tubules. Nine modules and their hub genes were identified using the co-expression network. Enrichment analysis showed that the module genes were mainly enriched in immune inflammation and oxidative stress. The expressions of B cells, activated dendritic cell, and T cells in the glomeruli and renal tubules of DN patients were higher than those in the controls, and the correlation between these immune cells was the strongest. Collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), the hub gene of the brown module, had the highest AUC values and may have a better clinical diagnostic ability. Conclusions In conclusion, the module genes and related biological functions and signaling pathways found in this study can deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism of DN progression. COL1A2 may be a potential biomarker for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Chen
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Workers' Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Workers' Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Workers' Hospital, Nanning, China
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Cao X, Song Y, Huang LL, Tian YJ, Wang XL, Hua LY. m 6A transferase METTL3 regulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic retinopathy via lncRNA SNHG7/KHSRP/MKL1 axis. Genomics 2022; 114:110498. [PMID: 36174881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the microvascular complications in diabetic patients and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. The levels of METTL3, lncRNA SNHG7, KHSRP, MKL1, endothelial and mesenchymal markers were determined by RT-qPCR or western blot assays in vitro and in vivo. H&E staining was used to observe the retinal structure in a mouse model of DR. The expression levels of METTL3 and SNHG7 were significantly downregulated in DR patients, DR mice and high glucose-induced HRMECs cells. Notably, METTL3 installed the m6A modification and enhanced the stability of SNHG7. Besides, METTL3 inhibited HRMECs EndoMT by promoting the expression of SNHG7. Additionally, SNHG7 was found to weaken MKL1 mRNA stability by binding to the RNA-binding protein KHSRP. Furthermore, we verified that METTL3 regulated EndoMT in DR through the SNHG7/MKL1 axis. We conclude that METTL3 regulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition in DR via the SNHG7/KHSRP/MKL1 axis, providing a new target for DR treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Li-Li Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ya-Jing Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ling-Yan Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, the first people's hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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Yuan J, Peng H, Mo B, Yin C, Fang G, Li Y, Wang Y, Chen R, Wang Q. Inhibition of Wdr5 Attenuates Ang-II-Induced Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition in Cardiac Fibrosis by Regulating Mdm2/P53/P21 Pathway. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1574. [PMID: 36358925 PMCID: PMC9687631 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an important pathological process in many diseases. Wdr5 catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine K4 on histone H3. The effects of Wdr5 on the cardiac fibrosis phenotype and the activation or transformation of cardiac fibroblasts were investigated by Ang-II-infused mice by osmotic mini-pump and isolated primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. We found that the Wdr5 expression and histone H3K4me3 modification were significantly increased in Ang-II-infused mice. By stimulating primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with Ang II, we detected that the expression of Wdr5 and H3K4me3 modification were also significantly increased. Two Wdr5-specific inhibitors, and the lentivirus that transfected Sh-Wdr5, were used to treat primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts, which not only inhibited the histone methylation by Wdr5 but also significantly reduced the activation and migration ability of Ang-II-treated fibroblasts. To explore its mechanism, we found that the inhibition of Wdr5 increased the expression of P53, P21. Cut&Tag-qPCR showed that the inhibition of Wdr5 significantly reduced the enrichment of H3K4me3 in the Mdm2 promoter region. For in vivo experiments, we finally proved that the Wdr5 inhibitor OICR9429 significantly reduced Ang-II-induced cardiac fibrosis and increased the expression of P21 in cardiac fibroblasts. Inhibition of Wdr5 may mediate cardiac fibroblast cycle arrest through the Mdm2/P53/P21 pathway and alleviate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Binfeng Mo
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Chengye Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Guojian Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yingze Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Renhua Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #388 SunJiang Road, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Qunshan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
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21
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Soundararajan A, Wang T, Sundararajan R, Wijeratne A, Mosley A, Harvey FC, Bhattacharya S, Pattabiraman PP. Multiomics analysis reveals the mechanical stress-dependent changes in trabecular meshwork cytoskeletal-extracellular matrix interactions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:874828. [PMID: 36176278 PMCID: PMC9513235 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.874828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue is subjected to constant mechanical stress due to the ocular pulse created by the cardiac cycle. This brings about alterations in the membrane lipids and associated cell–cell adhesion and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, triggering intracellular signaling responses to counter mechanical insults. A loss of such response can lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. This study is aimed to understand the changes in signaling responses by TM subjected to mechanical stretch. We utilized multiomics to perform an unbiased mRNA sequencing to identify changes in transcripts, mass spectrometry- (MS-) based quantitative proteomics for protein changes, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) profiling-based MS and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-) based MS to characterize the lipid changes. We performed pathway analysis to obtain an integrated map of TM response to mechanical stretch. The human TM cells subjected to mechanical stretch demonstrated an upregulation of protein quality control, oxidative damage response, pro-autophagic signal, induction of anti-apoptotic, and survival signaling. We propose that mechanical stretch-induced lipid signaling via increased ceramide and sphingomyelin potentially contributes to increased TM stiffness through actin-cytoskeleton reorganization and profibrotic response. Interestingly, increased phospholipids and diacylglycerol due to mechanical stretch potentially enable cell membrane remodeling and changes in signaling pathways to alter cellular contractility. Overall, we propose the mechanistic interplay of macromolecules to bring about a concerted cellular response in TM cells to achieve mechanotransduction and IOP regulation when TM cells undergo mechanical stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Soundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Rekha Sundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Aruna Wijeratne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Proteome Analysis, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Amber Mosley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Proteome Analysis, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Faith Christine Harvey
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Sanjoy Bhattacharya
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman,
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22
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Xi Y, LaCanna R, Ma HY, N'Diaye EN, Gierke S, Caplazi P, Sagolla M, Huang Z, Lucio L, Arlantico A, Jeet S, Brightbill H, Emson C, Wong A, Morshead KB, DePianto DJ, Roose-Girma M, Yu C, Tam L, Jia G, Ramalingam TR, Marsters S, Ashkenazi A, Kim SH, Kelly R, Wu S, Wolters PJ, Feldstein AE, Vander Heiden JA, Ding N. A WISP1 antibody inhibits MRTF signaling to prevent the progression of established liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1377-1393.e8. [PMID: 35987202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the major risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven chronic liver disease. Although numerous efforts have been made to identify the mediators of the initiation of liver fibrosis, the molecular underpinnings of fibrosis progression remain poorly understood, and therapies to arrest liver fibrosis progression are elusive. Here, we identify a pathway involving WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) and myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) as a central mechanism driving liver fibrosis progression through the integrin-dependent transcriptional reprogramming of myofibroblast cytoskeleton and motility. In mice, WISP1 deficiency protects against fibrosis progression, but not fibrosis onset. Moreover, the therapeutic administration of a novel antibody blocking WISP1 halted the progression of existing liver fibrosis in NASH models. These findings implicate the WISP1-MRTF axis as a crucial determinant of liver fibrosis progression and support targeting this pathway by antibody-based therapy for the treatment of NASH fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xi
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan LaCanna
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elsa-Noah N'Diaye
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Gierke
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meredith Sagolla
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Lucio
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Arlantico
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Jeet
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hans Brightbill
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Claire Emson
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Wong
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katrina B Morshead
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daryle J DePianto
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Merone Roose-Girma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lucinda Tam
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guiquan Jia
- Department of Biomarker Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Scot Marsters
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Avi Ashkenazi
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Si Hyun Kim
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Kelly
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ariel E Feldstein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Ning Ding
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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23
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Dupont S, Wickström SA. Mechanical regulation of chromatin and transcription. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:624-643. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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24
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Huang S, Shao T, Liu H, Li T, Gui X, Zhao Q. Resident Fibroblast MKL1 Is Sufficient to Drive Pro-fibrogenic Response in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:812748. [PMID: 35178401 PMCID: PMC8844195 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.812748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an evolutionarily conserved pathophysiological process serving bifurcated purposes. On the one hand, fibrosis is essential for wound healing and contributes to the preservation of organ function. On the other hand, aberrant fibrogenic response may lead to tissue remodeling and precipitate organ failure. Recently lineage tracing studies have shown that resident fibroblasts are the primary mediator of fibrosis taking place in key organs such as the heart, the lungs, and the kidneys. Megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is transcriptional regulator involved in tissue fibrosis. Here we generated resident fibroblast conditional MKL1 knockout (CKO) mice by crossing the Mkl1f/f mice to the Col1a2-CreERT2 mice. Models of cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and renal fibrosis were reproduced in the CKO mice and wild type (WT) littermates. Compared to the WT mice, the CKO mice displayed across-the-board attenuation of fibrosis in different models. Our data cement the pivotal role MKL1 plays in tissue fibrosis but point to the cellular origin from which MKL1 exerts its pro-fibrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianfa Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xianhua Gui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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25
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Wan J, Hu M, Jiang Z, Liu D, Pan S, Zhou S, Liu Z. Lysine Acetylation in the Proteome of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells in Diabetic Nephropathy. Front Genet 2021; 12:767135. [PMID: 34899851 PMCID: PMC8657754 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.767135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is considered one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and the pathophysiology involves multiple factors. Progressive diabetic nephropathy is believed to be related to the structure and function of the tubular epithelial cells in the kidney. However, the role of lysine acetylation in lesions of the renal tubular epithelial cells arising from hyperglycemia is poorly understood. Consequently, in this study, we cultured mouse renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro under high glucose conditions and analyzed the acetylation levels of proteins by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. We identified 48 upregulated proteins and downregulated 86 proteins. In addition, we identified 113 sites with higher acetylation levels and 374 sites with lower acetylation levels. Subcellular localization analysis showed that the majority of the acetylated proteins were located in the mitochondria (43.17%), nucleus (28.57%) and cytoplasm (16.19%). Enrichment analysis indicated that these acetylated proteins are primarily associated with oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), metabolic pathways and carbon metabolism. In addition, we used the MCODE plug-in and the cytoHubba plug-in in Cytoscape software to analyze the PPI network and displayed the first four most compact MOCDEs and the top 10 hub genes from the differentially expressed proteins between global and acetylated proteomes. Finally, we extracted 37 conserved motifs from 4915 acetylated peptides. Collectively, this comprehensive analysis of the proteome reveals novel insights into the role of lysine acetylation in tubular epithelial cells and may make a valuable contribution towards the identification of the pathological mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingyang Hu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziming Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongwei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shaokang Pan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sijie Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhangsuo Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
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26
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Fan Z, Kong M, Miao X, Guo Y, Ren H, Wang J, Wang S, Tang N, Shang L, Zhu Z, Liu H, Zhu W, Shi X. An E2F5-TFDP1-BRG1 Complex Mediates Transcriptional Activation of MYCN in Hepatocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:742319. [PMID: 34746136 PMCID: PMC8569672 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.742319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration is characterized by cell cycle reentrance of hepatocytes. N-Myc, encoded by MYCN, is a member of the Myc family of transcription factors. Elevation of MYCN expression has been noted in the course of liver regeneration whereas the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we describe that up-regulation of MYCN expression, as measured by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining, paralleled liver regeneration in animal and cell models. MYCN expression was up-regulated as a result of transcriptional activation. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed several up-stream transcriptional regulators for MYCN and RNA interference validated E2F5 and TFDP1 as essential for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced MYCN trans-activation. Further examination showed that deficiency of BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, attenuated MYCN induction during liver regeneration. BRG1 interacted with and was recruited by E2F5/TFDP1 to the MYCN promoter. Mechanistically, BRG1 might play a role regulating histone H3 acetylation and H3K4 trimethylation and facilitating/stabilizing the binding of RNA polymerase II surrounding the MYCN promoter. Over-expression of ectopic MYCN in BRG1-null hepatocytes overcame deficiency of proliferation. Importantly, a positive correlation between MYCN expression and BRG1/E2F5/TFDP1 expression was observed in human liver specimens. In conclusion, our data identify a novel epigenetic pathway where an E2F5-TFDP1-BRG1 complex regulates MYCN transcription to promote liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longcheng Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyi Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Xie J, Ning Q, Zhang H, Ni S, Ye J. RhoA/ROCK Signaling Regulates TGF-β1-Induced Fibrotic Effects in Human Pterygium Fibroblasts through MRTF-A. Curr Eye Res 2021; 47:196-205. [PMID: 34323621 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.1962363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) after surgical excision often leads to excessive fibrosis, indicating the recurrence of pterygium. The aims of the present in vitro study were to investigate the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in regulating fibrotic effects of primary human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs), as well as to explore the possible mechanisms of these effects. METHODS Pterygium samples were obtained from surgery, and profibrotic activation was induced by TGF-β1. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay; cell migration was detected by wound healing assay; quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of TGF-β1 and the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in the synthesis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), type I and III collagen (COL1 and COL3), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in HPFs. The changes of signaling pathways were detected by Western blot; and pharmaceutical inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling and its downstream MRFT-A/SRF transcription pathway were used to assess their possible mechanism in HPFs fibrosis. RESULTS ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 decreased TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and migration, reduced the TGF-β1-induced expression of profibrotic markers in HPFs, and suppressed TGF-β1-induced nuclear accumulation of Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) as well as accompanied elevation of F/G-actin ratio in HPFs. MRTF-A/Serum response factor (SRF) inhibitor CCG-100602 attenuated the TGF-β1-induced α-SMA expression and reduced myofibroblast activation in HPFs. CONCLUSIONS RhoA/ROCK signaling played a pivotal role in TGF-β1-induced fibrosis and myofibroblast activation in HPFs at least in part by inactivating the downstream MRTF-A/SRF transcriptional pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Xie
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyao Ning
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huina Zhang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Ni
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Mechanosensitive Transcription Factors MRTF and YAP /TAZ. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:197-216. [PMID: 34028745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and the paralogous Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional co-activators that play pivotal roles in myofibroblast generation and activation, and thus the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. They are regulated by a variety of chemical and mechanical fibrogenic stimuli, primarily at the level of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this chapter we describe the tools and protocols that allow for exact, quantitative, and automated determination and analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of endogenous or heterologously expressed MRTF and YAP/TAZ, measured in large cell populations. Dynamic monitoring of nucleocytoplasmic ratios of transcription factors is a novel and important approach, suitable to address both the structural requirements and the regulatory mechanisms underlying transcription factor traffic and the consequent reprogramming of gene expression during fibrogenesis.
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29
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Davison GW, Irwin RE, Walsh CP. The metabolic-epigenetic nexus in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 170:194-206. [PMID: 33429021 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise globally. Yet the aetiology and pathophysiology of this noncommunicable, polygenic disease, is poorly understood. Lifestyle factors, such as poor dietary intake, lack of exercise, and abnormal glycaemia, are purported to play a role in disease onset and progression, and these environmental factors may disrupt specific epigenetic mechanisms, leading to a reprogramming of gene transcription. The hyperglycaemic cell per se, alters epigenetics through chemical modifications to DNA and histones via metabolic intermediates such as succinate, α-ketoglutarate and O-GlcNAc. To illustrate, α-ketoglutarate is considered a salient co-factor in the activation of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases, which drives DNA demethylation. On the contrary, succinate and other mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, inhibit TET activity predisposing to a state of hypermethylation. Hyperglycaemia depletes intracellular ascorbic acid, and damages DNA by enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); this compromised cell milieu exacerbates the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine alongside a destabilisation of TET. These metabolic connections may regulate DNA methylation, affecting gene transcription and pancreatic islet β-cell function in T2DM. This complex interrelationship between metabolism and epigenetic alterations may provide a conceptual foundation for understanding how pathologic stimuli modify and control the intricacies of T2DM. As such, this narrative review will comprehensively evaluate and detail the interplay between metabolism and epigenetic modifications in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Davison
- Ulster University, Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Rachelle E Irwin
- Ulster University, Genomic Medicine Research Group, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Ulster University, Genomic Medicine Research Group, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
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30
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Zhang Z, Chen B, Zhu Y, Zhang T, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Xu Y. The Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylase Homolog 1D/lysine Demethylase 7A (JHDM1D/KDM7A) Is an Epigenetic Activator of RHOJ Transcription in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:664375. [PMID: 34249916 PMCID: PMC8262595 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.664375] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase RHOJ is a key regulator of breast cancer metastasis by promoting cell migration and invasion. The prometastatic stimulus TGF-β activates RHOJ transcription via megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not clear. Here, we report that MKL1 deficiency led to disrupted assembly of the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex on the RHOJ promoter in breast cancer cells. This could be partially explained by histone H3K9/H3K27 methylation status. Further analysis confirmed that the H3K9/H3K27 dual demethylase JHDM1D/KDM7A was essential for TGF-β-induced RHOJ transcription in breast cancer cells. MKL1 interacted with and recruited KDM7A to the RHOJ promoter to cooperatively activate RHOJ transcription. KDM7A knockdown attenuated migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and mitigated the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells in nude mice. KDM7A expression level, either singularly or in combination with that of RHOJ, could be used to predict prognosis in breast cancer patients. Of interest, KDM7A appeared to be a direct transcriptional target of TGF-β signaling. A SMAD2/SMAD4 complex bound to the KDM7A promoter and mediated TGF-β-induced KDM7A transcription. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel epigenetic mechanism whereby TGF-β regulates the transcription of the prometastatic small GTPase RHOJ. Screening for small-molecule inhibitors of KDM7A may yield effective therapeutic solutions to treat malignant breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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31
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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32
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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33
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Li Q, Ge C, Tan J, Sun Y, Kuang Q, Dai X, Zhong S, Yi C, Hu LF, Lou DS, Xu M. Juglanin protects against high fat diet-induced renal injury by suppressing inflammation and dyslipidemia via regulating NF-κB/HDAC3 signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107340. [PMID: 33667999 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an important factor implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Juglanin (Jug) is a natural compound extracted from the crude Polygonumaviculare, showing anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. However, whether Jug has protective effects against obesity-induced renal injury, little has been investigated. Herein, we attempted to explore the potential of Jug in mediating obesity-induced kidney disease in high fat diet (HFD)-challenged mice. Our results suggested that chronic HFD feeding markedly increased the body weights of mice compared to the ones fed with normal chow diet (NCD), along with significant glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. However, these metabolic disorders induced by HFD were effectively alleviated by Jug treatments in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HFD-challenged mice showed apparent histopathological changes in renal tissues with significant collagen accumulation, which were attenuated by Jug supplementation. In addition, Jug treatment decreased the expression levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), while increased nephrin and podocin expression levels in kidney of HFD-challenged mice, improving the renal dysfunction. Furthermore, HFD led to lipid deposition in kidney samples of mice by enhancing abnormal lipid metabolism. In addition, HFD promoted the releases of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced the renal inflammation by activating nuclear factor-kappa B/histone deacetylase 3 (NF-κB/HDAC3) signaling. HFD-induced dyslipidemia and inflammation were considerably abrogated by Jug administration in mice. The protective effects of Jug against renal injury were confirmed in palmitate (PA)-stimulated HK2 cells in vitro mainly through suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and HDAC3, repressing inflammation and lipid accumulation eventually. Hence, Jug could ameliorate HFD-induced kidney injury mainly through blocking the NF-κB/HDAC3 nuclear translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Chenxu Ge
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China.
| | - Yan Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Qin Kuang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Xianling Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Shaoyu Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Chao Yi
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Lin-Feng Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - De-Shuai Lou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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Zheng W, Guo J, Liu ZS. Effects of metabolic memory on inflammation and fibrosis associated with diabetic kidney disease: an epigenetic perspective. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:87. [PMID: 33883002 PMCID: PMC8061201 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common microvascular complication of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Persistent inflammation and subsequent chronic fibrosis are major causes of loss of renal function, which is associated with the progression of DKD to ESRD. In fact, DKD progression is affected by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Approximately, one-third of diabetic patients progress to develop DKD despite intensive glycemic control, which propose an essential concept "metabolic memory." Epigenetic modifications, an extensively studied mechanism of metabolic memory, have been shown to contribute to the susceptibility to develop DKD. Epigenetic modifications also play a regulatory role in the interactions between the genes and the environmental factors. The epigenetic contributions to the processes of inflammation and fibrogenesis involved in DKD occur at different regulatory levels, including DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA modulation. Compared with genetic factors, epigenetics represents a new therapeutic frontier in understanding the development DKD and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs due to the possibility to reverse these modifications therapeutically. Early recognition of epigenetic events and biomarkers is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention of DKD, and for the prevention of the progression of DKD to ESRD. Herein, we will review the latest epigenetic mechanisms involved in the renal pathology of both type 1 (T1DN) and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) and highlight the emerging role and possible therapeutic strategies based on the understanding of the role of epigenetics in DKD-associated inflammation and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Medical Research Center of Kidney Disease, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Medical Research Center of Kidney Disease, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Core Unit of National Clinical Medical Research Center of Kidney Disease, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, People's Republic of China.
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MKL1-induced lncRNA SNHG18 drives the growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via the miR-211-5p/BRD4 axis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:128. [PMID: 33500406 PMCID: PMC7838315 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is a key transcription factor involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth and metastasis. Yet, its downstream target genes, especially long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targets, are poorly investigated. In this study, we employed lncRNA array technology to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC cells with or without overexpression of MKL1. Candidate lncRNAs were further explored for their clinical significance and function in NSCLC. The results showed that MKL1 promoted the expression of lncRNA SNHG18 in NSCLC cells. SNHG18 upregulation in NSCLC specimens correlated with lymph node metastasis and reduced overall survival of NSCLC patients. SNHG18 expression served as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC. Knockdown of SNHG18 blocked MKL1-induced growth and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro. Animal studies validated the requirement for SNHG18 in NSCLC growth and metastasis. Moreover, overexpression of SNHG18 promoted NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion. Mechanically, SNHG18 exerted its prometastatic effects on NSCLC cells through repression of miR-211-5p and induction of BRD4. Clinical evidence indicated that SNHG18 expression was negatively correlated with miR-211-5p expression in NSCLC tissues. Altogether, SNHG18 acts as a lncRNA mediator of MKL1 in NSCLC. SNHG18 facilitates NSCLC growth and metastasis by modulating the miR-211-5p/BRD4 axis. Therefore, SNHG18 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
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36
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Lu HC, Dai WN, He LY. Epigenetic Histone Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Kidney Disease. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2021; 14:329-344. [PMID: 33519221 PMCID: PMC7837569 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s288500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as the main complication of diabetes mellitus, is the primary cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the most common chronic kidney disease. Overall, 30-40% of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes eventually develop DKD. Although some diabetes patients have intensified glycemic control, they still develop diabetic kidney disease. Current treatment methods can alleviate but do not markedly halt disease development, resulting in renal failure and severe complications, even contributing to elevated morbidity and mortality rates. DKD is a disease with interactions of genes and the environment. Emerging evidence indicates that DKD-associated key genes are also regulated by the epigenetic mechanism. Recently, increasing researches involving cells and experimental animals demonstrated that histone post-translational modifications can mediate gene expression, which correlated with diabetic kidney disease. Novel therapeutic strategies for epigenetic events could be beneficial for the early detection and treatment of DKD to prevent it from developing into end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this review, we discuss prior findings in the field of histone modifications in DKD, especially histone acetylation and histone methylation. We then focus on recent developments in histone acetylation and methylation involved in the pathogenesis of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Cheng Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ni Dai
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Yu He
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Li-Yu He Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, 139 Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8673185292064Fax +8673185295843 Email
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37
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Fedintsev A, Moskalev A. Stochastic non-enzymatic modification of long-lived macromolecules - A missing hallmark of aging. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 62:101097. [PMID: 32540391 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Damage accumulation in long-living macromolecules (especially extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins, and histones) is a missing hallmark of aging. Stochastic non-enzymatic modifications of ECM trigger cellular senescence as well as many other hallmarks of aging affect organ barriers integrity and drive tissue fibrosis. The importance of it for aging makes it a key target for interventions. The most promising of them can be AGE inhibitors (chelators, O-acetyl group or transglycating activity compounds, amadorins and amadoriases), glucosepane breakers, stimulators of elastogenesis, and RAGE antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fedintsev
- Institute of Biology of FRC of Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Institute of Biology of FRC of Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia.
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38
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Li N, Liu S, Zhang Y, Yu L, Hu Y, Wu T, Fang M, Xu Y. Transcriptional Activation of Matricellular Protein Spondin2 (SPON2) by BRG1 in Vascular Endothelial Cells Promotes Macrophage Chemotaxis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:794. [PMID: 32974343 PMCID: PMC7461951 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The matricellular protein SPON2 plays diverse roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases. SPON2 is expressed in endothelial cells, but its transcription regulation in the context of atherogenesis remains incompletely appreciated. Here we report that SPON2 expression was up-regulated by pro-atherogenic stimuli (oxLDL and TNF-α) in vascular endothelia cells. In addition, endothelial SPON2 was elevated in Apoe–/– mice fed on a Western diet compared to the control mice. Induction of SPON2 in endothelial cells by pro-atherogenic stimuli was mediated by BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, both in vitro and in vivo. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 interacted with the sequence-specific transcription factor Egr-1 to activate SPON2 transcription. BRG1 contributed to SPON2 trans-activation by modulating chromatin structure surrounding the SPON2 promoter. Functionally, activation of SPON2 transcription by the Egr-1/BRG1 complex provided chemoattractive cues for macrophage trafficking. SPON2 depletion abrogated the ability of BRG1 or Egr-1 to stimulate endothelial derived chemoattractive cue for macrophage migration. On the contrary, recombinant SPON2 rescued endothelial chemo-attractability in the absence of BRG1 or Egr-1. In conclusion, our data have identified a novel transcriptional cascade in endothelial cells that may potentially promote macrophage recruitment and vascular inflammation leading to atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Department of Cardiology, Kaifeng People's Hospital, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjiang Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
| | - Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational Institute, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Yang Y, Yang G, Yu L, Lin L, Liu L, Fang M, Xu Y. An Interplay Between MRTF-A and the Histone Acetyltransferase TIP60 Mediates Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Induced iNOS Transcription in Macrophages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:484. [PMID: 32626711 PMCID: PMC7315810 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major pathophysiological event associated with permanent loss of heart function. Several inter-dependent processes contribute to cardiac IRI that include accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), aberrant inflammatory response, and depletion of energy supply. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a pro-inflammatory mediator and a major catalyst of ROS generation. In the present study we investigated the epigenetic mechanism whereby iNOS transcription is up-regulated in macrophages in the context of cardiac IRI. We report that germline deletion or systemic inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in mice attenuated up-regulation of iNOS following cardiac IRI in the heart. In cultured macrophages, depletion or inhibition of MRTF-A suppressed iNOS induction by hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). In contrast, MRTF-A over-expression potentiated activation of the iNOS promoter by HR. MRTF-A directly binds to the iNOS promoter in response to HR stimulation. MRTF-A binding to the iNOS promoter was synonymous with active histone modifications including trimethylated H3K4, acetylated H3K9, H3K27, and H4K16. Further analysis revealed that MRTF-A interacted with H4K16 acetyltransferase TIP60 to synergistically activate iNOS transcription. TIP60 depletion or inhibition achieved equivalent effects as MRTF-A depletion/inhibition in terms of iNOS repression. Of interest, TIP60 appeared to form a crosstalk with the H3K4 trimethyltransferase complex to promote iNOS trans-activation. In conclusion, we data suggest that the MRTF-A-TIP60 axis may play a critical role in iNOS transcription in macrophages and as such be considered as a potential target for the intervention of cardiac IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Soochow Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Soochow, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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40
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Tschumperlin DJ, Lagares D. Mechano-therapeutics: Targeting Mechanical Signaling in Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107575. [PMID: 32437826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activated myofibroblasts is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. Activation of myofibroblasts occurs in response to fibrogenic tissue injury as well as in tumor-associated fibrotic reactions. The molecular determinants of myofibroblast activation in fibrosis and tumor stroma have traditionally been viewed to include biochemical agents, such as dysregulated growth factor and cytokine signaling, which profoundly alter the biology of fibroblasts, ultimately leading to overexuberant matrix deposition and fibrosis. More recently, compelling evidence has shown that altered mechanical properties of the ECM such as matrix stiffness are major drivers of tissue fibrogenesis by promoting mechano-activation of fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the role of the biophysical microenvironment in the amplified activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts during the development and progression of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. We also summarize novel therapeutic targets for anti-fibrotic therapy based on the mechanobiology of tissue fibrosis and tumor stroma, a class of drugs known as "mechano-therapeutics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Tissue Repair and Mechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 1(st) St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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41
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Mao L, Liu L, Zhang T, Qin H, Wu X, Xu Y. Histone Deacetylase 11 Contributes to Renal Fibrosis by Repressing KLF15 Transcription. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:235. [PMID: 32363192 PMCID: PMC7180197 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis represents a key pathophysiological process in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and is typically associated with a poor prognosis. Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), in response to a host of pro-fibrogenic stimuli, can trans-differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells and produce extracellular matrix proteins to promote renal fibrosis. In the present study we investigated the role of histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) in this process and the underlying mechanism. We report that expression levels of HDAC11 were up-regulated in the kidneys in several different animal models of renal fibrosis. HDAC11 was also up-regulated by treatment of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in cultured RTECs. Consistently, pharmaceutical inhibition with a small-molecule inhibitor of HDAC11 (quisinostat) attenuated unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced renal fibrosis in mice. Similarly, HDAC11 inhibition by quisinostat or HDAC11 depletion by siRNA blocked Ang II induced pro-fibrogenic response in cultured RTECs. Mechanistically, HDAC11 interacted with activator protein 2 (AP-2α) to repress the transcription of Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15). In accordance, KLF15 knockdown antagonized the effect of HDAC11 inhibition or depletion and enabled Ang II to promote fibrogenesis in RTECs. Therefore, we data unveil a novel AP-2α-HDAC11-KLF15 axis that contributes to renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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42
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Deng M, Yang S, Ji Y, Lu Y, Qiu M, Sheng Y, Sun W, Kong X. Overexpression of peptidase inhibitor 16 attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis via regulating HDAC1 of cardiac fibroblasts. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:5249-5259. [PMID: 32227584 PMCID: PMC7205788 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis are the major causes of heart failure due to non‐ischaemia heart disease. To date, no specific therapy exists for cardiac fibrosis due to the largely unknown mechanisms of disease and lack of applicable therapeutic targets. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and associated mechanism of peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16) in cardiac fibrosis induced by angiotensin II. In cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), overexpressed PI16 significantly inhibited CF proliferation and the levels of fibrosis‐associated proteins. Further analysis of epigenetic changes in CF revealed that overexpressed PI16 decreases the nuclear level of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) after angiotensin II treatment, resulting in increased histone 3 acetylation in K18 and K27 lysine. However, overexpression of HDAC1 by an adenovirus vector in CFs reversed these changes. Echocardiography showed that PI16 transgenic (Tg) mice have smaller left ventricle mass than wild‐type mice. Histological analysis data showed that PI16 Tg mice demonstrated smaller cardiomyocyte size and less collagen deposition than wild‐type mice. The effects of PI16 on HDAC1 and histone 3 were also confirmed in PI16 Tg mice using immunostaining. Generally, PI16 is a HDAC1 regulator specifically in CFs, and PI16 overexpression prevents cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis by inhibiting stress‐induced CF activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Ji
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhui Sheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangqing Kong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Cardiovascular Device and Technique Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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MKL1 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis by activating TWIST1 transcription. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:899. [PMID: 31776330 PMCID: PMC6881349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2101-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Excessive fibrogenic response in the liver disrupts normal hepatic anatomy and function heralding such end-stage liver diseases as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Sinusoidal endothelial cells contribute to myofibroblast activation and liver fibrosis by undergoing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we report that inhibition or endothelial-specific deletion of MKL1, a transcriptional modulator, attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. MKL1 inhibition or deletion suppressed EndMT induced by TGF-β. Mechanistically, MKL1 was recruited to the promoter region of TWIST1, a master regulator of EndMT, and activated TWIST1 transcription in a STAT3-dependent manner. A small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor (C188-9) alleviated EndMT in cultured cells and bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Finally, direct inhibition of TWIST1 by a small-molecule compound harmine was paralleled by blockade of EndMT in cultured cells and liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel mechanism underlying EndMT and liver fibrosis and highlight the possibility of targeting the STAT3-MKL1-TWIST1 axis in the intervention of aberrant liver fibrogenesis.
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Epigenetic activation of CTGF transcription by high glucose in renal tubular epithelial cells is mediated by myocardin-related transcription factor A. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:549-559. [PMID: 31773302 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most devastating complications of diabetes. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels are up-regulated in patients with DN and in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) exposed to high glucose (HG). The underlying epigenetic mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigate the role of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in HG-induced CTGF transcription in RTECs. We report that in two different animal models of DN, one induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and the other induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, MRTF-A deficiency attenuated CTGF induction in the kidneys. In cultured RTECs, MRTF-A knockdown similarly ameliorated CTGF induction by HG treatment. Upon CTGF induction, there was an increase in acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) and trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4Me3) on the CTGF promoter region accompanying a decrease in dimethylated H3K9 (H3K9Me2). MRTF-A ablation in vivo or depletion in vitro comparably dampened the accumulation of AcH3 and H3K4Me3 but restored H3K9Me2 on the CTGF promoter. Further analyses revealed that MRTF-A interacted with and recruited histone demethylase KDM3A to the CTGF promoter to activate transcription. KDM3A silencing equivalently weakened HG-induced CTGF induction in RTECs. In conclusion, MRTF-A contributes to HG-induced CTGF transcription via an epigenetic mechanism.
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Mao L, Liu L, Zhang T, Wu X, Zhang T, Xu Y. MKL1 mediates TGF-β-induced CTGF transcription to promote renal fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:4790-4803. [PMID: 31637729 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant fibrogenesis impairs the architectural and functional homeostasis of the kidneys. It also predicts poor diagnosis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) can trans-differentiate into myofibroblasts to produce extracellular matrix proteins and contribute to renal fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cytokine upregulated in RTECs during renal fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of CTGF transcription by megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). Genetic deletion or pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 in mice mitigated renal fibrosis following the unilateral ureteral obstruction procedure. Notably, MKL1 deficiency in mice downregulated CTGF expression in the kidneys. Likewise, MKL1 knockdown or inhibition in RTEs blunted TGF-β induced CTGF expression. Further, it was discovered that MKL1 bound directly to the CTGF promoter by interacting with SMAD3 to activate CTGF transcription. In addition, MKL1 mediated the interplay between p300 and WDR5 to regulate CTGF transcription. CTGF knockdown dampened TGF-β induced pro-fibrogenic response in RTEs. MKL1 activity was reciprocally regulated by CTGF. In conclusion, we propose that targeting the MKL1-CTGF axis may generate novel therapeutic solutions against aberrant renal fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Yu L, Yang G, Zhang X, Wang P, Weng X, Yang Y, Li Z, Fang M, Xu Y, Sun A, Ge J. Megakaryocytic Leukemia 1 Bridges Epigenetic Activation of NADPH Oxidase in Macrophages to Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Circulation 2019; 138:2820-2836. [PMID: 30018168 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.035377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalyzed by the NADPH oxidases (NOX), is involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The underlying epigenetic mechanism remains elusive. METHODS We evaluated the potential role of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1), as a bridge linking epigenetic activation of NOX to ROS production and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. RESULTS Following IR injury, MKL1-deficient (knockout) mice exhibited smaller myocardial infarction along with improved heart function compared with wild-type littermates. Similarly, pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 with CCG-1423 also attenuated myocardial infarction and improved heart function in mice. Amelioration of IR injury as a result of MKL1 deletion or inhibition was accompanied by reduced ROS in vivo and in vitro. In response to IR, MKL1 levels were specifically elevated in macrophages, but not in cardiomyocytes, in the heart. Of note, macrophage-specific deletion (MϕcKO), instead of cardiomyocyte-restricted ablation (CMcKO), of MKL1 in mice led to similar improvements of infarct size, heart function, and myocardial ROS generation. Reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that MKL1 directly bound to the promoters of NOX genes to activate NOX transcription. Mechanistically, MKL1 recruited the histone acetyltransferase MOF (male absent on the first) to modify the chromatin structure surrounding the NOX promoters. Knockdown of MOF in macrophages blocked hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced NOX transactivation and ROS accumulation. Of importance, pharmaceutical inhibition of MOF with MG149 significantly downregulated NOX1/NOX4 expression, dampened ROS production, and normalized myocardial function in mice exposed to IR injury. Finally, administration of a specific NOX1/4 inhibitor GKT137831 dampened ROS generation and rescued heart function after IR in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data delineate an MKL1-MOF-NOX axis in macrophages that contributes to IR injury, and as such we have provided novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Xinjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Peng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Weng
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (Y.Y.)
| | - Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.).,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China (Z.L., Y.X.)
| | - Mingming Fang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.).,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China (Z.L., Y.X.)
| | - Aijun Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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47
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Choi YJ, Koo JB, Kim HY, Seo JW, Lee EJ, Kim WR, Cho JY, Hahm KB, Hong SP, Kim DH, Yoo JH. Umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit fibrogenic activation in human intestinal myofibroblasts via inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor A. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:291. [PMID: 31547873 PMCID: PMC6757442 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis is a large unmet need in inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Previous studies have found that perinatal tissue (umbilical cord, UC; placenta, PL)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduce fibrosis in several organs. However, their effects on human intestinal fibrosis are poorly understood. This study investigated the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of MSCs derived from UC and PL (UC/PL-MSCs) on human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). Methods The HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-cultured with UC/PL-MSCs. We used a small molecular inhibitor CCG-100602 to examine whether serum response factor (SRF) and its transcriptional cofactor myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) are involved in TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs. The anti-fibrogenic mechanism of UC/PL-MSCs on HIMFs was analyzed by detecting the expression of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF in HIMFs. Results UC/PL-MSCs reduced TGF-β1-induced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs. This anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSCs. TGF-β1 stimulation increased the expressions of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF in the HIMFs. TGF-β1 induced the synthesis of procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin through a MRTF-A/SRF-dependent mechanism. Co-culture with the UC/PL-MSCs downregulated fibrogenesis by inhibition of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. Conclusions UC/PL-MSCs suppress TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and could be considered as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1385-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jun Bon Koo
- Clinical Research Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | - Jin Won Seo
- CHA Biotech, Co. Ltd., Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Joo Young Cho
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Ki Baik Hahm
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Sung Pyo Hong
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea.
| | - Jun-Hwan Yoo
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea. .,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea.
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Kong M, Hong W, Shao Y, Lv F, Fan Z, Li P, Xu Y, Guo J. Ablation of serum response factor in hepatic stellate cells attenuates liver fibrosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1521-1533. [PMID: 31435710 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Trans-differentiation, or activation, of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a hallmark event in liver fibrosis although the underlying mechanism is not fully appreciated. Serum response factor (SRF) is a pleiotropic sequence-specific transcription factor with a ubiquitous expression pattern. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HSC-specific ablation of SRF on liver fibrosis in vivo and the underlying mechanism. We report that SRF bound to the promoter regions of pro-fibrogenic genes, including collagen type I (Col1a1/Col1a2) and alpha smooth muscle actin (Acta2), with greater affinity in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs. Ablation of SRF in HSCs in vitro downregulated the expression of fibrogenic genes by dampening the accumulation of active histone marks. SRF also interacted with MRTF-A, a well-documented co-factor involved in liver fibrosis, on the pro-fibrogenic gene promoters during HSC activation. In addition, SRF directly regulated MRTF-A transcription in activated HSCs. More importantly, HSC conditional SRF knockout (CKO) mice developed a less robust pro-fibrogenic response in the liver in response to CCl4 injection and BDL compared to wild-type littermates. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that SRF may play an essential role in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. KEY MESSAGES: • SRF deficiency decelerates activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. • SRF epigenetically activates pro-fibrogenic transcription to promote HSC maturation. • SRF interacts with MRTF-A and contributes to MRTF-A transcription. • Conditional SRF deletion in HSCs attenuates BDL-induced liver fibrosis in mice. • Conditional SRF ablation in HSCs attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wenxuan Hong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Cardiovascular Disease and Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| | - Junli Guo
- Cardiovascular Disease and Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Fan Z, Li N, Xu Z, Wu J, Fan X, Xu Y. An interaction between MKL1, BRG1, and C/EBPβ mediates palmitate induced CRP transcription in hepatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194412. [PMID: 31356989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.194412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most predominant disorders in metabolic syndrome. Induction of pro-inflammatory mediators in hepatocytes exposed to free fatty acids represents a hallmark event during NASH pathogenesis. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototypical pro-inflammatory mediator. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) mediates palmitate (PA) induced CRP transcription in hepatocytes. We report that over-expression of MKL1, but not MKL2, activated the CRP promoter whereas depletion or inhibition of MKL1 repressed the CRP promoter. MKL1 potentiated the induction of the CRP promoter activity by PA treatment. Importantly, MKL1 knockdown by siRNA or pharmaceutical inhibition by CCG-1423 attenuated the induction of endogenous CRP expression in hepatocytes. Similarly, primary hepatocytes isolated from wild type (WT) mice produced more CRP than those isolated from MKL1 deficient (KO) mice when stimulated with PA. Mechanistically, the sequence-specific transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ) interacted with MKL1 and recruited MKL1 to activate CRP transcription. Reciprocally, MKL1 modulated C/EBPβ activity by recruiting the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 to the CRP promoter to alter histone modifications. In conclusion, our data delineate a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying augmented hepatic inflammation during NASH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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50
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Jia Y, Reddy MA, Das S, Oh HJ, Abdollahi M, Yuan H, Zhang E, Lanting L, Wang M, Natarajan R. Dysregulation of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation in transforming growth factor-β1-induced gene expression in mesangial cells and diabetic kidney. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12695-12707. [PMID: 31266808 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β)-induced fibrotic and inflammatory genes in renal mesangial cells (MCs) play important roles in glomerular dysfunction associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). TGF-β regulates gene expression in MCs by altering key chromatin histone modifications at target gene promoters. However, the role of the repressive histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) modification is unclear. Here we show that TGF-β reduces H3K27me3 at the Ctgf, Serpine1, and Ccl2 gene promoters in rat MCs (RMCs) and reciprocally up-regulates the expression of these pro-fibrotic and inflammatory genes. In parallel, TGF-β down-regulates Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), an H3K27me3 methyltransferase, and decreases its recruitment at Ctgf and Ccl2 but not Serpine1 promoters. Ezh2 knockdown with siRNAs enhances TGF-β-induced expression of these genes, supporting its repressive function. Mechanistically, Ezh2 down-regulation is mediated by TGF-β-induced microRNA, miR-101b, which targets Ezh2 3'-UTR. TGF-β also up-regulates Jmjd3 and Utx in RMCs, suggesting a key role for these H3K27me3 demethylases in H3K27me3 inhibition. In RMCs, Utx knockdown inhibits hypertrophy, a key event in glomerular dysfunction. The H3K27me3 regulators are similarly altered in human and mouse MCs. High glucose inhibits Ezh2 and increases miR-101b in a TGF-β-dependent manner. Furthermore, in kidneys from rodent models of DN, fibrotic genes, miR-101b, and H3K27me3 demethylases are up-regulated, whereas Ezh2 protein levels as well as enrichment of Ezh2 and H3K27me3 at target genes are decreased, demonstrating in vivo relevance. These results suggest that H3K27me3 inhibition by TGF-β via dysregulation of related histone-modifying enzymes and miRNAs augments pathological genes mediating glomerular mesangial dysfunction and DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Jia
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010.,Division of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Marpadga A Reddy
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Sadhan Das
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Hyung Jung Oh
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010.,Ewha Institute of Convergence Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul 07985, South Korea
| | - Maryam Abdollahi
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Hang Yuan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010.,Division of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Erli Zhang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010.,Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Linda Lanting
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010
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