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Di W, Li Y, Zhang L, Zhou Q, Fu Z, Xi S. The hippo-YAP1/HIF-1α pathway mediates arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119325. [PMID: 38844032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence reveals that arsenic increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans, but its mechanism of action has so far been unclear. Fibrosis is the manifestation of end-stage renal disease. Hypoxia is recognized as a vital event accompanying the progression of renal fibrosis. KM mice were exposed to 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L NaAsO2 for 12 weeks. HK-2 cells were treated with 1 μM NaAsO2 for 4 weeks. The results showed that arsenic increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) (P < 0.05), which is involved in inorganic arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. The Hippo signaling pathway is the upstream signal of HIF-1α and the kinase cascade of Large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is the heart of the Hippo pathway. Our results showed that protein expressions of LATS1 and phosphorylated YAP1 were decreased, and dephosphorylated YAP1 expression increased in arsenic-treated mouse kidneys and human HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). Our research manifested that arsenic treatment suppressed the Hippo signaling and induced high expression of YAP1 into the nucleus. We also found that YAP1 was involved in arsenic-induced renal fibrosis by forming a complex with HIF-1α and maintaining HIF-1α stability. Our findings indicate that YAP1 is a potential target for molecular-based therapy for arsenic-mediated renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Di
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Foreign Languages, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhushan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China.
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2
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Xu C, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Qin J, Lan HY, Wang L, Huang Y, Mak KK, Zheng Z, Xia Y. Activation of the YAP/KLF5 transcriptional cascade in renal tubular cells aggravates kidney injury. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1526-1539. [PMID: 38414248 PMCID: PMC11081877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.031] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo/YAP pathway plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Our previous work demonstrated that renal tubular YAP activation induced by double knockout (dKO) of the upstream Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 promotes tubular injury and renal inflammation under basal conditions. However, the importance of tubular YAP activation remains to be established in injured kidneys in which many other injurious pathways are simultaneously activated. Here, we show that tubular YAP was already activated 6 h after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Tubular YAP deficiency greatly attenuated tubular cell overproliferation, tubular injury, and renal inflammation induced by UUO or cisplatin. YAP promoted the transcription of the transcription factor KLF5. Consistent with this, the elevated expression of KLF5 and its target genes in Mst1/2 dKO or UUO kidneys was blocked by ablation of Yap in tubular cells. Inhibition of KLF5 prevented tubular cell overproliferation, tubular injury, and renal inflammation in Mst1/2 dKO kidneys. Therefore, our results demonstrate that tubular YAP is a key player in kidney injury. YAP and KLF5 form a transcriptional cascade, where tubular YAP activation induced by kidney injury promotes KLF5 transcription. Activation of this cascade induces tubular cell overproliferation, tubular injury, and renal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinzhong Qin
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of the Ministry of Education, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kingston Kinglun Mak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yin Xia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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3
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Hu X, Gan L, Tang Z, Lin R, Liang Z, Li F, Zhu C, Han X, Zheng R, Shen J, Yu J, Luo N, Peng W, Tan J, Li X, Fan J, Wen Q, Wang X, Li J, Zheng X, Liu Q, Guo J, Shi G, Mao H, Chen W, Yin S, Zhou Y. A Natural Small Molecule Mitigates Kidney Fibrosis by Targeting Cdc42-mediated GSK-3β/β-catenin Signaling. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307850. [PMID: 38240457 PMCID: PMC10987128 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is a common fate of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), eventually leading to renal dysfunction. Yet, no effective treatment for this pathological process has been achieved. During the bioassay-guided chemical investigation of the medicinal plant Wikstroemia chamaedaphne, a daphne diterpenoid, daphnepedunin A (DA), is characterized as a promising anti-renal fibrotic lead. DA shows significant anti-kidney fibrosis effects in cultured renal fibroblasts and unilateral ureteral obstructed mice, being more potent than the clinical trial drug pirfenidone. Leveraging the thermal proteome profiling strategy, cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) is identified as the direct target of DA. Mechanistically, DA targets to reduce Cdc42 activity and down-regulates its downstream phospho-protein kinase Cζ(p-PKCζ)/phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β), thereby promoting β-catenin Ser33/37/Thr41 phosphorylation and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis to block classical pro-fibrotic β-catenin signaling. These findings suggest that Cdc42 is a promising therapeutic target for kidney fibrosis, and highlight DA as a potent Cdc42 inhibitor for combating CKDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Hu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Lu Gan
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Ziwen Tang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ruoni Lin
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Zhou Liang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Changjian Zhu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ruilin Zheng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wenxing Peng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jiaqing Tan
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jinjin Fan
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Qiong Wen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Xunhua Zheng
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Institute of Precision MedicineThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Guo‐Ping Shi
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Haiping Mao
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Sheng Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNHC Key Laboratory of Clinical NephrologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of NephrologySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
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Yang JT, Wu D, Li J, Zhao C, Zhu L, Xu C, Xu N. An Injectable Composite Hydrogel of Verteporfin-Bonded Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Oxidized Sodium Alginate Facilitates Scarless Full-Thickness Skin Regeneration. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300165. [PMID: 37681479 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Full-thickness skin defect has always been a major challenge in clinics due to fibrous hyperplasia in the repair process. Hydrogel composite dressings loaded with anti-fibrotic drugs have been considered as a promising strategy for scarless skin regeneration. In this work, a hydrogel composite (VP-CMCS-OSA) of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA), with loading anti-fibrotic drug verteporfin (VP), is developed based on two-step chemical reactions. Verteporfin is bonded with carboxymethyl chitosan through EDC/NHS treatment to form VP-CMCS, and then VP-CMCS is crosslinked with oxidized sodium alginate by Schiff base reaction to form VP-CMCS-OSA hydrogel. The characterization by SEM, FTIR, and UV-Vis shows the microstructure and chemical bonding of VP-CMCS-OSA. VP-CMCS-OSA hydrogel demonstrates the properties of high tissue adhesion, strong self-healing, and tensile ability. In the full-thickness skin defect model, the VP-CMCS-OSA composite hydrogels hasten wound healing due to the synergistic effects of hydrogels and verteporfin administration. The histological examination reveals the regular collagen arrangement and more skin appendages after VP-CMCS-OSA composite hydrogel treatment, indicating the full-thickness skin regeneration without potential scar formation. The outcomes suggest that the verteporfin-loaded composite hydrogel could be a potential method for scarless skin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Tao Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Dingwei Wu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Jianping Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Lian Zhu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Chengchen Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Na Xu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
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5
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Lin D, Luo C, Wei P, Zhang A, Zhang M, Wu X, Deng B, Li Z, Cui K, Chen Z. YAP1 Recognizes Inflammatory and Mechanical Cues to Exacerbate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Promoting Cell Survival and Fibrosis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304274. [PMID: 38050650 PMCID: PMC10837380 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic prostatic inflammation promotes cell survival and fibrosis, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with aggravated urinary symptoms. It is investigated whether yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), an organ size controller and mechanical transductor, is implicated in inflammation-induced BPH. The correlation between YAP1 expression and fibrosis in human and rat BPH specimens is analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of YAP1 activation on prostatic cell survival and fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism, are also studied. As a result, total and nuclear YAP1 expression, along with downstream genes are significantly upregulated in inflammation-associated human and rat specimens. There is a significant positive correlation between YAP1 expression and the severity of fibrosis or clinical performance. YAP1 silencing suppresses cell survival by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis, and alleviates fibrosis by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in prostatic BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells. Mechanistically, inflammatory stimulus and rigid matrix stiffness synergistically activate the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway to provoke cytoskeleton remodeling, thereby promoting YAP1 activation to exacerbate BPH development. Overall, inflammation-triggered mechanical stiffness reinforcement activates the RhoA/ROCK1/F-actin/YAP1 axis, thereby promoting prostatic cell survival and fibrosis to accelerate BPH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Lin
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Changcheng Luo
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Pengyu Wei
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - An Zhang
- Department of GeriatricsTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- Department of RehabilitationTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Bolang Deng
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department and Institute of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
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6
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He J, Cheng X, Fang B, Shan S, Li Q. Mechanical stiffness promotes skin fibrosis via Piezo1-Wnt2/Wnt11-CCL24 positive feedback loop. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:84. [PMID: 38267432 PMCID: PMC10808102 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06466-3] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) caused by fibrotic disorders of the skin. In recent years, ECM stiffness has emerged as a prominent mechanical cue that precedes skin fibrosis and drives its progression by promoting fibroblasts activation. However, how stiffness influences fibroblasts activation for skin fibrosis progression remains unknown. Here, we report a positive feedback loop mediated by the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 and aberrant tissue mechanics in driving skin fibrosis. Piezo1 is upregulated in fibrotic skin in both humans and mice. Piezo1 knockdown dermal fibroblasts lose their fibroproliferative phenotypes despite being grown on a stiffer substrate. We show that Piezo1 acts through the Wnt2/Wnt11 pathway to mechanically induce secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 24 (CCL24, also known as eotaxin-2), a potent cytokine associated with fibrotic disorders. Importantly, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Piezo1 knockdown ameliorated the progression of skin fibrosis and skin stiffness in mice. Overall, increased matrix stiffness promotes skin fibrosis through the inflammatory Piezo1-Wnt2/Wnt11-CCL24 pathway. In turn, a stiffer skin microenvironment increases Piezo1 expression to exacerbate skin fibrosis aggression. Therefore, targeting Piezo1 represents a strategy to break the positive feedback loop between fibroblasts mechanotransduction and aberrant tissue mechanics in skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao He
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Cheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengzhou Shan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Ma F, Tsou PS, Gharaee-Kermani M, Plazyo O, Xing X, Kirma J, Wasikowski R, Hile GA, Harms PW, Jiang Y, Xing E, Nakamura M, Ochocki D, Brodie WD, Pillai S, Maverakis E, Pellegrini M, Modlin RL, Varga J, Tsoi LC, Lafyatis R, Kahlenberg JM, Billi AC, Khanna D, Gudjonsson JE. Systems-based identification of the Hippo pathway for promoting fibrotic mesenchymal differentiation in systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:210. [PMID: 38172207 PMCID: PMC10764940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44645-6] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by excessive production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis of skin and other internal organs. However, the main cellular participants in SSc skin fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Here using differentiation trajectories at a single cell level, we demonstrate a dual source of extracellular matrix deposition in SSc skin from both myofibroblasts and endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transitioning cells (EndoMT). We further define a central role of Hippo pathway effectors in differentiation and homeostasis of myofibroblast and EndoMT, respectively, and show that myofibroblasts and EndoMTs function as central communication hubs that drive key pro-fibrotic signaling pathways in SSc. Together, our data help characterize myofibroblast differentiation and EndoMT phenotypes in SSc skin, and hint that modulation of the Hippo pathway may contribute in reversing the pro-fibrotic phenotypes in myofibroblasts and EndoMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Ma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mehrnaz Gharaee-Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olesya Plazyo
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianying Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joseph Kirma
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachael Wasikowski
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace A Hile
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanyun Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Enze Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mio Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle Ochocki
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Brodie
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert L Modlin
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Michelle Kahlenberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Yamashita N, Kramann R. Mechanisms of kidney fibrosis and routes towards therapy. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:31-48. [PMID: 37775469 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the final common pathway of virtually all chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and is therefore considered to be a promising therapeutic target for these conditions. However, despite great progress in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic therapies for the kidney have been approved, likely because the complex mechanisms that initiate and drive fibrosis are not yet completely understood. Recent single-cell genomic approaches have allowed novel insights into kidney fibrosis mechanisms in mouse and human, particularly the heterogeneity and differentiation processes of myofibroblasts, the role of injured epithelial cells and immune cells, and their crosstalk mechanisms. In this review we summarize the key mechanisms that drive kidney fibrosis, including recent advances in understanding the mechanisms, as well as potential routes for developing novel targeted antifibrotic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Yamashita
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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9
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Claude-Taupin A, Isnard P, Bagattin A, Kuperwasser N, Roccio F, Ruscica B, Goudin N, Garfa-Traoré M, Regnier A, Turinsky L, Burtin M, Foretz M, Pontoglio M, Morel E, Viollet B, Terzi F, Codogno P, Dupont N. The AMPK-Sirtuin 1-YAP axis is regulated by fluid flow intensity and controls autophagy flux in kidney epithelial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8056. [PMID: 38052799 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Shear stress generated by urinary fluid flow is an important regulator of renal function. Its dysregulation is observed in various chronic and acute kidney diseases. Previously, we demonstrated that primary cilium-dependent autophagy allows kidney epithelial cells to adapt their metabolism in response to fluid flow. Here, we show that nuclear YAP/TAZ negatively regulates autophagy flux in kidney epithelial cells subjected to fluid flow. This crosstalk is supported by a primary cilium-dependent activation of AMPK and SIRT1, independently of the Hippo pathway. We confirm the relevance of the YAP/TAZ-autophagy molecular dialog in vivo using a zebrafish model of kidney development and a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model. In addition, an in vitro assay simulating pathological accelerated flow observed at early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) activates YAP, leading to a primary cilium-dependent inhibition of autophagic flux. We confirm this YAP/autophagy relationship in renal biopsies from patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of CKD. Our findings demonstrate the importance of YAP/TAZ and autophagy in the translation of fluid flow into cellular and physiological responses. Dysregulation of this pathway is associated with the early onset of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Claude-Taupin
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France.
| | - Pierre Isnard
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Alessia Bagattin
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | | | - Federica Roccio
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Biagina Ruscica
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Goudin
- Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, US24-UMS3633, Paris, France
| | | | - Alice Regnier
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Turinsky
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Martine Burtin
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Marc Foretz
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016 - CNRS UMR8104 - Université Paris Cité, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Marco Pontoglio
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Morel
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Viollet
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016 - CNRS UMR8104 - Université Paris Cité, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Fabiola Terzi
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Codogno
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dupont
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France.
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10
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Pirri C, Caroccia B, Angelini A, Piazza M, Petrelli L, Caputo I, Montemurro C, Ruggieri P, De Caro R, Stecco C. A New Player in the Mechanobiology of Deep Fascia: Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15389. [PMID: 37895068 PMCID: PMC10607668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015389] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that fascial fibroblasts are susceptible to mechanical stimuli, leading to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, the extensive literature on Yes-associated protein (YAP) has shown its role in cell mechanics, linking cell properties, such as shape, adhesion, and size, to the expression of specific genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of YAP in deep fascia and its activation after a mechanical stimulus was induced via a focal extracorporeal shockwave (fESW) treatment. Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) samples were collected from eight patients (age: 30-70 years; four males and four females) who had undergone spine elective surgical procedures at the Orthopedic Clinic of University of Padova. YAP was measured in both tissue and TLF-derived fibroblasts through immunoblotting. COL1A1 and HABP2 gene expression were also evaluated in fibroblasts 2, 24, and 48 h after the fESW treatment. YAP was expressed in all the examined tissues. The ratio between the active/inactive forms (YAP/p-YAP) of the protein significantly increased in fascial fibroblasts after mechanical stimulation compared to untreated cells (p = 0.0022). Furthermore, COL1A1 and HABP2 gene expression levels were increased upon treatment. These findings demonstrate that YAP is expressed in the deep fascia of the thoracolumbar region, suggesting its involvement in fascial mechanotransduction processes, remodeling, regeneration, and fibrogenesis. This study indicates, for the first time, that YAP is a "new player" in the mechanobiology of deep fascia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Pirri
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Brasilina Caroccia
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (B.C.); (M.P.); (L.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Andrea Angelini
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.A.); (P.R.)
| | - Maria Piazza
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (B.C.); (M.P.); (L.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Lucia Petrelli
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (B.C.); (M.P.); (L.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Ilaria Caputo
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (B.C.); (M.P.); (L.P.); (I.C.)
| | | | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Oncology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.A.); (P.R.)
| | - Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.C.); (C.S.)
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11
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X, Guo Y. YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e340. [PMID: 37576865 PMCID: PMC10412783 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Victoria Lee Zhi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsLanzhou Stomatological HospitalLanzhouGansuChina
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13
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Ishikane S, Arioka M, Takahashi-Yanaga F. Promising small molecule anti-fibrotic agents: Newly developed or repositioned drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115663. [PMID: 37336252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in all organs and tissues except the brain, and its progression leads to dysfunction of affected organs. Fibrosis-induced organ dysfunction results from the loss of elasticity, strength, and functionality of tissues due to the extracellular matrix secreted by myofibroblasts that express smooth muscle-type actin as a marker. Myofibroblasts, which play a major role in fibrosis, were once thought to originate exclusively from activated fibroblasts; however, it is now clear that myofibroblasts are diverse in origin, from epithelial cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, macrophages, and other cells. Fibrosis of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, is a serious chronic disease that ultimately leads to death. Currently, anti-cancer drugs have made remarkable progress, as evidenced by the development of many molecular-targeted drugs, and are making a significant contribution to improving the prognosis of cancer treatment. However, the development of anti-fibrotic agents, which also play an important role in prognosis, has lagged. In this review, the current knowledge regarding myofibroblasts is summarized, with particular attention given to their origin and transdifferentiation signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ and AMPK signaling pathways). The development of new small molecule anti-fibrotic agents and the repositioning of existing drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Arioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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14
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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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15
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Schreibing F, Anslinger TM, Kramann R. Fibrosis in Pathology of Heart and Kidney: From Deep RNA-Sequencing to Novel Molecular Targets. Circ Res 2023; 132:1013-1033. [PMID: 37053278 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the heart and the kidney, including heart failure and chronic kidney disease, can dramatically impair life expectancy and the quality of life of patients. The heart and kidney form a functional axis; therefore, functional impairment of 1 organ will inevitably affect the function of the other. Fibrosis represents the common final pathway of diseases of both organs, regardless of the disease entity. Thus, inhibition of fibrosis represents a promising therapeutic approach to treat diseases of both organs and to resolve functional impairment. However, despite the growing knowledge in this field, the exact pathomechanisms that drive fibrosis remain elusive. RNA-sequencing approaches, particularly single-cell RNA-sequencing, have revolutionized the investigation of pathomechanisms at a molecular level and facilitated the discovery of disease-associated cell types and mechanisms. In this review, we give a brief overview over the evolution of RNA-sequencing techniques, summarize most recent insights into the pathogenesis of heart and kidney fibrosis, and discuss how transcriptomic data can be used, to identify new drug targets and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Schreibing
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
| | - Teresa M Anslinger
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology (F.S., T.M.A., R.K.), RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (R.K.)
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16
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Feng L, Chen Y, Li N, Yang X, Zhou L, Li H, Wang T, Xie M, Liu H. Dapagliflozin delays renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation. Life Sci 2023; 322:121671. [PMID: 37023953 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the long-term hyperactivation of yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTCs) plays an important role in progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is highly expressed in RPTCs, but its relationship with YAP/TAZ in tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin could alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DKD by regulating YAP/TAZ. We examined 58 patients with DKD confirmed by renal biopsy and found that the expression and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ increased with the exacerbation of chronic kidney disease classification. In models of DKD, dapagliflozin showed similar effects to verteporfin, an inhibitor of YAP/TAZ, in reducing the activation of YAP/TAZ and downregulating the expression of their target genes, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and amphiregulin in vivo and in vitro. Silencing SGLT2 also confirmed this effect. Importantly, dapagliflozin showed a better effect than verteporfin in inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney in DKD rats. Taken together, this study proved for the first time that dapagliflozin delayed tubulointerstitial fibrosis at least partly by inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation, which further enriched the antifibrotic effect of SGLT2i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China; Department of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital, Yan'an, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Huirong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Manjiang Xie
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China.
| | - Hongbao Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China.
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17
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Huang R, Fu P, Ma L. Kidney fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic medicines. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:129. [PMID: 36932062 PMCID: PMC10023808 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect 10-14% of global population. Kidney fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition leading to scarring, is a hallmark manifestation in different progressive CKD; However, at present no antifibrotic therapies against CKD exist. Kidney fibrosis is identified by tubule atrophy, interstitial chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis, glomerulosclerosis, and vascular rarefaction. Fibrotic niche, where organ fibrosis initiates, is a complex interplay between injured parenchyma (like tubular cells) and multiple non-parenchymal cell lineages (immune and mesenchymal cells) located spatially within scarring areas. Although the mechanisms of kidney fibrosis are complicated due to the kinds of cells involved, with the help of single-cell technology, many key questions have been explored, such as what kind of renal tubules are profibrotic, where myofibroblasts originate, which immune cells are involved, and how cells communicate with each other. In addition, genetics and epigenetics are deeper mechanisms that regulate kidney fibrosis. And the reversible nature of epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, RNA interference, and chromatin remodeling, gives an opportunity to stop or reverse kidney fibrosis by therapeutic strategies. More marketed (e.g., RAS blockage, SGLT2 inhibitors) have been developed to delay CKD progression in recent years. Furthermore, a better understanding of renal fibrosis is also favored to discover biomarkers of fibrotic injury. In the review, we update recent advances in the mechanism of renal fibrosis and summarize novel biomarkers and antifibrotic treatment for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongshuang Huang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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18
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Gallardo FS, Córdova-Casanova A, Bock-Pereda A, Rebolledo DL, Ravasio A, Casar JC, Brandan E. Denervation Drives YAP/TAZ Activation in Muscular Fibro/Adipogenic Progenitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065585. [PMID: 36982659 PMCID: PMC10059792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of motoneuron innervation (denervation) is a hallmark of neurodegeneration and aging of the skeletal muscle. Denervation induces fibrosis, a response attributed to the activation and expansion of resident fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), i.e., multipotent stromal cells with myofibroblast potential. Using in vivo and in silico approaches, we revealed FAPs as a novel cell population that activates the transcriptional coregulators YAP/TAZ in response to skeletal muscle denervation. Here, we found that denervation induces the expression and transcriptional activity of YAP/TAZ in whole muscle lysates. Using the PdgfraH2B:EGFP/+ transgenic reporter mice to trace FAPs, we demonstrated that denervation leads to increased YAP expression that accumulates within FAPs nuclei. Consistently, re-analysis of published single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data indicates that FAPs from denervated muscles have a higher YAP/TAZ signature level than control FAPs. Thus, our work provides the foundations to address the functional role of YAP/TAZ in FAPs in a neurogenic pathological context, which could be applied to develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of muscle disorders triggered by motoneuron degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S. Gallardo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Adriana Córdova-Casanova
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Alexia Bock-Pereda
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Daniela L. Rebolledo
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6213515, Chile
| | - Andrea Ravasio
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, School of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Casar
- Departamento de Neurología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510602, Chile
- Correspondence:
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Liu R, Li J, Guo Z, Chu D, Li C, Shi L, Zhang J, Zhu L, Li Z. Celastrol Alleviates Corneal Stromal Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3-YAP/TAZ Signaling After Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:9. [PMID: 36867128 PMCID: PMC9988716 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of celastrol (CEL) on corneal stromal fibrosis after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and its associated mechanism. Methods Rabbit corneal fibroblasts (RCFs) were isolated, cultured, and identified. A CEL-loaded positive nanomedicine (CPNM) was developed to enhance corneal penetration. CCK-8 and scratch assays were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity and the effects of CEL on the migration of RCFs. The RCFs were activated by TGF-β1 with or without CEL treatment, and then the protein expression levels of TGFβRII, Smad2/3, YAP, TAZ, TEAD1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, FN, and COLI were assessed by immunofluorescence or Western blotting (WB). An in vivo DSEK model was established in New Zealand White rabbits. The corneas were stained using H&E, YAP, TAZ, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, TGFβRII, Masson, and COLI. H&E staining of the eyeball was performed to assess the tissue toxicity of CEL at 8 weeks after DSEK. Results In vitro CEL treatment inhibited the proliferation and migration of RCFs induced by TGF-β1. Immunofluorescence and WB showed that CEL significantly inhibited the protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, YAP, TAZ, TEAD1, α-SMA, TGF-βRII, FN, and COL1 induced by TGF-β1 in RCFs. In the rabbit DSEK model, CEL significantly reduced the levels of YAP, TAZ, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, TGFβRII, and collagen. No obvious tissue toxicity was observed in the CPNM group. Conclusions CEL effectively inhibited corneal stromal fibrosis after DSEK. The TGF-β1/Smad2/3-YAP/TAZ pathway may be involved in the mechanism by which CEL alleviates corneal fibrosis. The CPNM is a safe and effective treatment strategy for corneal stromal fibrosis after DSEK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixing Liu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingguo Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dandan Chu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liuqi Shi
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanrong Li
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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20
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Zhang Y, Huang H, Kong Y, Xu C, Dai L, Geng X, Deng Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Meng C, Zhang X, Li J, Qin J, Feng B, Mak KK, Wang L, Huang Y, Wang W, Lan HY, Yang B, Lu HAJ, Xia Y. Kidney tubular transcription co-activator, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), controls the expression of collecting duct aquaporins and water homeostasis. Kidney Int 2023; 103:501-513. [PMID: 36328098 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Final urine volume and concentration are defined by water reabsorption through the water channel proteins aquaporin (AQP)-2, -3 and -4 in the collecting duct. However, the transcriptional regulation of these AQPs is not well understood. The Hippo/Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) pathway plays an important role in organ size control and tissue homeostasis. When the Hippo pathway including the Mst1/Mst2 kinases is inhibited, YAP is activated and functions as a transcription co-activator. Our previous work revealed a pathological role of tubular YAP activation in chronic kidney disease, but the physiological role of YAP in the kidney remains to be established. Here, we found that tubule-specific Yap knockout mice showed increased urine output and decreased urinary osmolality. Decreases in Aqp2, -3 and -4 mRNA and protein abundance in the kidney were evident in Yap knockout mice. Analysis of Mst1/Mst2 double knockout and Mst1/Mst2/Yap triple knockout mice showed that expression of Aqp2 and Aqp4 but not Aqp3 was dependent on YAP. Furthermore, YAP was recruited to the promoters of the Aqp2 and Aqp4 genes and stimulated their transcription. Interestingly, YAP was found to interact with transcription factors GATA2, GATA3 and NFATc1. These three factors promoted Aqp2 transcription in a YAP dependent manner in collecting duct cells. These three factors also promoted Aqp4 transcription whereas only GATA2 and GATA3 enhanced Aqp3 transcription. Thus, our results suggest that YAP promotes Aqp2 and Aqp4 transcription, interacts with GATA2, GATA3 and NFATc1 to control Aqp2 expression, while Aqp-2, -3 and -4 exploit overlapping mechanisms for their baseline transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huihui Huang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yonglun Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liujiang Dai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenling Meng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinzhong Qin
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kingston Kinglun Mak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua A Jenny Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yin Xia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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21
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Wang B, Jie H, Wang S, Dong B, Zou Y. The role of (pro)renin receptor and its soluble form in cardiovascular diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1086603. [PMID: 36824459 PMCID: PMC9941963 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1086603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a major classic therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the circulating RAS, local tissue RAS has been identified in various tissues and plays roles in tissue inflammation and tissue fibrosis. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) was identified as a new member of RAS in 2002. Studies have demonstrated the effects of PRR and its soluble form in local tissue RAS. Moreover, as an important part of vacuolar H+-ATPase, it also contributes to normal lysosome function and cell survival. Evidently, PRR participates in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and may be a potential therapeutic target of cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on the effects of PRR and its soluble form on the physiological state, hypertension, myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury, heart failure, metabolic cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the possibilities and challenges of PRR and its soluble form as a new therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,Department of Cardiology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Haipeng Jie
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuangxi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Shuangxi Wang,
| | - Bo Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,Department of Cardiology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Bo Dong,
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Yunzeng Zou,
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22
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Wang TT, Wu LL, Wu J, Zhang LS, Shen WJ, Zhao YH, Liu JN, Fu B, Wang X, Li QG, Bai XY, Wang LQ, Chen XM. 14-3-3ζ inhibits maladaptive repair in renal tubules by regulating YAP and reduces renal interstitial fibrosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:381-392. [PMID: 35840657 PMCID: PMC9889378 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00946-y] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to a group of common clinical syndromes characterized by acute renal dysfunction, which may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and this process is called the AKI-CKD transition. The transcriptional coactivator YAP can promote the AKI-CKD transition by regulating the expression of profibrotic factors, and 14-3-3 protein zeta (14-3-3ζ), an important regulatory protein of YAP, may prevent the AKI-CKD transition. We established an AKI-CKD model in mice by unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and overexpressed 14-3-3ζ in mice using a fluid dynamics-based gene transfection technique. We also overexpressed and knocked down 14-3-3ζ in vitro. In AKI-CKD model mice, 14-3-3ζ expression was significantly increased at the AKI stage. During the development of chronic disease, the expression of 14-3-3ζ tended to decrease, whereas active YAP was consistently overexpressed. In vitro, we found that 14-3-3ζ can combine with YAP, promote the phosphorylation of YAP, inhibit YAP nuclear translocation, and reduce the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. In an in vivo intervention experiment, we found that the overexpression of 14-3-3ζ slowed the process of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of AKI-CKD. These findings suggest that 14-3-3ζ can affect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins by regulating YAP, inhibit the maladaptive repair of renal tubular epithelial cells, and prevent the AKI-CKD transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ling-Ling Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine/College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wan-Jun Shen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ying-Hua Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiao-Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Bo Fu
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qing-Gang Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Bai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Li-Qiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Xiang-Mei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing, 100853, China.
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23
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Lou J, Lu Y, Cheng J, Zhou F, Yan Z, Zhang D, Meng X, Zhao Y. A chemical perspective on the modulation of TEAD transcriptional activities: Recent progress, challenges, and opportunities. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114684. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kim KP, Williams CE, Lemmon CA. Cell-Matrix Interactions in Renal Fibrosis. KIDNEY AND DIALYSIS 2022; 2:607-624. [PMID: 37033194 PMCID: PMC10081509 DOI: 10.3390/kidneydial2040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of end-stage chronic kidney disease. It is characterized by increased accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which disrupts cellular organization and function within the kidney. Here, we review the bi-directional interactions between cells and the ECM that drive renal fibrosis. We will discuss the cells involved in renal fibrosis, changes that occur in the ECM, the interactions between renal cells and the surrounding fibrotic microenvironment, and signal transduction pathways that are misregulated as fibrosis proceeds. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of cell-ECM crosstalk will identify novel targets to better identify and treat renal fibrosis and associated renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin P. Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Christopher A. Lemmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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25
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Oh HT, Heo W, Yoo GD, Kim KM, Hwang JH, Hwang ES, Ko J, Ko YG, Hong JH. CD133-Src-TAZ signaling stimulates ductal fibrosis following DDC diet-induced liver injury. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:4504-4516. [PMID: 36250997 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury follows inflammation and liver fibrosis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the role of ductal WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was investigated after liver injury. Ductal TAZ-knockout (DKO) mice showed decreased liver fibrosis following a Diethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (DDC) diet compared to wild-type (WT) mice, as evidenced by decreased expression levels of fibrosis inducers, including connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf)/cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2), cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1), in DKO mice. Similarly, TAZ-knockout (KO) cholangiocyte organoids showed decreased expression of fibrosis inducers. Additionally, the culture supernatant of TAZ-KO cholangiocyte organoids decreased the fibrogenic gene expression in liver stellate cells. Further studies revealed that prominin 1 (PROM1/CD133) stimulated TAZ for fibrosis. After the administration of DDC diet, fibrosis was decreased in CD133-KO (CD133-KO) mice compared to that in WT mice. Similarly, CD133-KO cholangiocyte organoids showed decreased Ctgf, Cyr61, and Tgfb1 expression levels compared to WT cholangiocyte organoids. Mechanistically, CD133 stabilized TAZ via Src activation. Inhibition of Src decreased TAZ levels. Similarly, CD133-knockdown HCT116 cells showed decreased TAZ levels, but reintroduction of active Src recovered the TAZ levels. Taken together, our results suggest that TAZ facilitates liver fibrosis after a DDC diet via the CD133-Src-TAZ axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Taek Oh
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Heo
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Don Yoo
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Ha Hwang
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jesang Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gyu Ko
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Hong
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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26
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The Hippo pathway links adipocyte plasticity to adipose tissue fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6030. [PMID: 36229481 PMCID: PMC9562301 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis disrupts adipose tissue (AT) homeostasis and exacerbates metabolic dysfunction upon chronic caloric excess. The molecular mechanisms linking adipocyte plasticity to AT fibrosis are largely unknown. Here we show that the Hippo pathway is coupled with TGFβ signaling to orchestrate a cellular and/or functional shift of adipocytes from energy storage to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in AT fibrosis. We found that Lats1/2-knockout adipocytes could dedifferentiate into DPP4+ progenitor cells and convert to DPP4− myofibroblasts upon TGFβ stimulation. On the other hand, Hippo pathway inhibition during obesity impaired adipocyte identity while promoted ECM remodeling activity of adipocytes. Macrophages recruited by CCL2 produced TGFβ to accelerate AT fibrosis. YAP and TAZ, the Hippo downstream effectors, enhanced SMAD2 stability to promote fibrotic responses. Importantly, inhibition of YAP/TAZ activity in obese mice markedly relieved AT fibrosis and improved metabolic homeostasis. Together, our findings identify the Hippo pathway as a molecular switch in the initiation and development of AT fibrosis, implying it as a therapeutic target. Adipose tissue fibrosis is connected to obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. Qiu and colleagues discover that the Hippo pathway acts as a molecular switch in the initiation and development of adipose tissue fibrosis upon TGFβ stimulation.
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He M, Feng L, Chen Y, Gao B, Du Y, Zhou L, Li F, Liu H. Polydatin attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear translocation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:927794. [PMID: 36277194 PMCID: PMC9585250 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.927794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway is mutually causal with the increase of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Polydatin (PD) has been proved to have anti-fibrosis effect in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but it is still a mystery whether PD participates in YAP-related mechano-transduction. Therefore, this study intends to solve the following two problems: 1) To construct an in vitro system of polyacrylamide hydrogels (PA gels) based on the true stiffness of kidneys in healthy and DKD rats, and observe the effect of PD on pathological matrix stiffness-induced YAP expression in renal fibroblasts; 2) Compared with verteporfin (VP), a pharmacological inhibitor of YAP, to explore whether the therapeutic effect of PD on DKD in vivo model is related to the regulation of YAP. In this study, the in vitro system of PA gels with 3 kPa, 12 kPa and 30 kPa stiffness was constructed and determined for the first time to simulate the kidney stiffness of healthy rats, rats with DKD for 8 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively. Compared with the PA gels with 3 kPa stiffness, the PA gels with 12 kPa and 30 kPa stiffness significantly increased the expression of YAP, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in renal fibroblasts, and the PA gels with 30 kPa stiffness were the highest. PD significantly inhibited the above-mentioned changes of fibroblasts induced by pathological matrix stiffness, suggesting that the inhibition of PD on fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation and ECM production was at least partially associated with regulating YAP-related mechano-transduction pathway. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of PD on YAP expression and nuclear translocation in kidneys of DKD rats is similar to that of VP, but PD is superior to VP in reducing urinary protein, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, as well as decreasing the expression of α-SMA and collagen I, ROS overproduction and renal fibrosis. Our results prove for the first time from the biomechanical point of view that PD is a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying the progression of renal fibrosis by inhibiting YAP expression and nuclear translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin He
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Lan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Yiwei Du
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
| | - Fei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbao Liu, ; Fei Li,
| | - Hongbao Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbao Liu, ; Fei Li,
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Shan S, Liu Z, Liu Z, Zhang C, Song F. MitoQ alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice through regulating JNK/YAP pathway. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:852-862. [PMID: 36337246 PMCID: PMC9618106 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a pathological wound-healing response caused by chronic liver damage. Mitochondria regulate hepatic energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Accumulating evidence has revealed that increased mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to the activation of fibrogenesis. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidative stress in liver fibrosis remain unknown. Methods and results In this study, C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of liver fibrosis via oral gavage with CCl4 treatment for 8 weeks. Furthermore, intervention experiments were achieved by CCl4 combined with the intraperitoneal injection of mitoquinone mesylate (mitoQ). We demonstrated that the chronic CCl4 exposure resulted in severe hepatic fibrogenesis and significantly promoted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial abnormalities. Besides, JNK/YAP pathway was also activated. By contrast, the administration of mitoQ markedly inhibited the expression of pro-fibrogenic transforming growth factor-β as well as type I collagen. The antifibrotic effects of mitoQ were also confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Sirius red staining. Moreover, mitoQ substantially reduced CCl4-induced mitochondrial damage and the release of ROS. Further studies suggested that this protection against liver fibrosis was mechanistically related to the inhibition of phosphorylation of JNK and the nuclear translocation of YAP. Conclusion In conclusion, these findings revealed that mitoQ attenuated liver fibrosis by inhibiting ROS production and the JNK/YAP signaling pathway. Selective targeting JNK/YAP may serve as a therapeutic strategy for retarding progression of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Shan
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxiong Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhidan Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Cuiqin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Fuyong Song
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
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Puerta Cavanzo N, Riesmeijer SA, Holt-Kedde IL, Werker PMN, Piersma B, Olinga P, Bank RA. Verteporfin ameliorates fibrotic aspects of Dupuytren's disease nodular fibroblasts irrespective the activation state of the cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13940. [PMID: 35977978 PMCID: PMC9386017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dupuytren’s disease is a chronic, progressive fibroproliferative condition of the hand fascia which results in digital contraction. So far, treatments do not directly interfere with the (myo)fibroblasts that are responsible for the formation of the collagen-rich cords and its contraction. Here we investigated whether verteporfin (VP) is able to inhibit the activation and subsequent differentiation of DD nodular fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts were isolated from nodules of 7 Dupuytren patients. Cells are treated (1) for 48 h with 5 ng/ml transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) followed by 48 h with/without 250 nM VP in the absence of TGF-β1, or treated (2) for 48 h with TGF-β1 followed by 48 h with/without VP in the presence of TGF-β1. mRNA levels were measured by means of Real-Time PCR, and proteins were visualized by means of Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed with GraphPad Prism using the paired t-test. We found that fibroblasts activated for 48 h with TGF-β1 show a decrease in mRNA levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, COL4A1, PLOD2, FN1EDA, CCN2 and SERPINE1 when exposed for another 48 h with VP, whereas no decrease is seen for ACTA2, YAP1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 mRNA levels. Cells exposed for an additional 48 h with TGF-β1, but now in the presence of VP, are not further activated anymore, whereas in the absence of VP the cells continue to differentiate into myofibroblasts. Collagen type I, fibronectin-extra domain A, α-smooth muscle actin, YAP1, Smad2 and Smad3 protein levels were attenuated by both VP treatments. We conclude that VP has strong anti-fibrotic properties: it is able to halt the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and is also able to reverse the activation status of fibroblasts. The decreased protein levels of YAP1, Smad2 and Smad3 in the presence of VP explain in part the strong anti-fibrotic properties of VP. Verteporfin is clinically used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy to eliminate abnormal blood vessels in the eye to attenuate macular degeneration. The antifibrotic properties of VP do not rely on photo-activation, as we used the molecule in its non-photoinduced state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Puerta Cavanzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.,MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie A Riesmeijer
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris L Holt-Kedde
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul M N Werker
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Piersma
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud A Bank
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Zeng H, Gao Y, Yu W, Liu J, Zhong C, Su X, Wen S, Liang H. Pharmacological Inhibition of STING/TBK1 Signaling Attenuates Myeloid Fibroblast Activation and Macrophage to Myofibroblast Transition in Renal Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:940716. [PMID: 35924048 PMCID: PMC9340478 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.940716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is an important pathological biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Stimulator of interferon genes/TANK binding kinase 1 (STING/TBK1) axis has been identified as the main regulator of innate immune response and closely related to fibrotic disorder. However, the role of STING/TBK1 signaling pathway in kidney fibrosis is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of pharmacological inhibition of STING/TBK1 signaling on renal fibrosis induced by folic acid (FA). In mice, TBK1 was significantly activated in interstitial cells of FA-injured kidneys, which was markedly inhibited by H-151 (a STING inhibitor) treatment. Specifically, pharmacological inhibition of STING impaired bone marrow-derived fibroblasts activation and macrophage to myofibroblast transition in folic acid nephropathy, leading to reduction of extracellular matrix proteins expression, myofibroblasts formation and development of renal fibrosis. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of TBK1 by GSK8612 reduced myeloid myofibroblasts accumulation and impeded macrophage to myofibroblast differentiation, resulting in less deposition of extracellular matrix protein and less severe fibrotic lesion in FA-injured kidneys. In cultured mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes, TGF-β1 activated STING/TBK1 signaling. This was abolished by STING or TBK1 inhibitor administration. In addition, GSK8612 treatment decreased levels of α-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix proteins and prevents bone marrow-derived macrophages to myofibroblasts transition in vitro. Collectively, our results revealed that STING/TBK1 signaling has a critical role in bone marrow-derived fibroblast activation, macrophages to myofibroblasts transition, and kidney fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimei Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huidong People’s Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Wenqiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jiping Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Chaoqun Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xi Su
- Department of Paediatrics, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Su, ; Hua Liang,
| | - Shihong Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of SUN YAT-SEN University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Su, ; Hua Liang,
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31
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New Insights into Hippo/YAP Signaling in Fibrotic Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132065. [PMID: 35805148 PMCID: PMC9265296 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis results from defective wound healing processes often seen after chronic injury and/or inflammation in a range of organs. Progressive fibrotic events may lead to permanent organ damage/failure. The hallmark of fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), mostly produced by pathological myofibroblasts and myofibroblast-like cells. The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, which has been described well for its crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell fate decisions, and stem cell self-renewal during development, homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. Recent investigations in clinical and pre-clinical models has shown that the Hippo signaling pathway is linked to the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases in many organs including the lung, heart, liver, kidney, and skin. In this review, we have summarized recent evidences related to the contribution of the Hippo signaling pathway in the development of organ fibrosis. A better understanding of this pathway will guide us to dissect the pathophysiology of fibrotic disorders and develop effective tissue repair therapies.
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32
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Del Re DP. Hippo-Yap signaling in cardiac and fibrotic remodeling. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 26:100492. [PMID: 36644337 PMCID: PMC9836231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100492] [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: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac injury initiates a tissue remodeling process in which aberrant fibrosis plays a significant part, contributing to impaired contractility of the myocardium and the progression to heart failure. Fibrotic remodeling is characterized by the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, and the resulting effects on the extracellular matrix and inflammatory milieu. Molecular mechanisms underlying fibroblast fate decisions and subsequent cardiac fibrosis are complex and remain incompletely understood. Emerging evidence has implicated the Hippo-Yap signaling pathway, originally discovered as a fundamental regulator of organ size, as an important mechanism that modulates fibroblast activity and adverse remodeling in the heart, while also exerting distinct cell type-specific functions that dictate opposing outcomes on heart failure. This brief review will focus on Hippo-Yap signaling in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and other non-myocytes, and present mechanisms by which it may influence the course of cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction.
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Tsai CR, Martin JF. Hippo signaling in cardiac fibroblasts during development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 149:91-121. [PMID: 35606063 PMCID: PMC10898347 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway plays key roles in regulating the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell differentiation, organ size control, tissue repair, and regeneration. Recently, the Hippo pathway has been shown to regulate heart fibrosis, defined as excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and increased tissue stiffness. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the primary cell type that produces, degrades, and remodels the ECM during homeostasis, aging, inflammation, and tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we review the available evidence from the current literature regarding how the Hippo pathway regulates the formation and function of CFs during heart development and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ru Tsai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, United States.
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Zhang T, He X, Caldwell L, Goru SK, Ulloa Severino L, Tolosa MF, Misra PS, McEvoy CM, Christova T, Liu Y, Atin C, Zhang J, Hu C, Vukosa N, Chen X, Krizova A, Kirpalani A, Gregorieff A, Ni R, Chan K, Gill MK, Attisano L, Wrana JL, Yuen DA. NUAK1 promotes organ fibrosis via YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eaaz4028. [PMID: 35320001 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a central pathway that drives progression of multiple chronic diseases, yet few safe and effective clinical antifibrotic therapies exist. In most fibrotic disorders, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-driven scarring is an important pathologic feature and a key contributor to disease progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are two closely related transcription cofactors that are important for coordinating fibrogenesis after organ injury, but how they are activated in response to tissue injury has, so far, remained unclear. Here, we describe NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) as a TGF-β-inducible profibrotic kinase that is up-regulated in multiple fibrotic organs in mice and humans. Mechanistically, we show that TGF-β induces a rapid increase in NUAK1 in fibroblasts. NUAK1, in turn, can promote profibrotic YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling, ultimately leading to organ scarring. Moreover, activated YAP and TAZ can induce further NUAK1 expression, creating a profibrotic positive feedback loop that enables persistent fibrosis. Using mouse models of kidney, lung, and liver fibrosis, we demonstrate that this fibrogenic signaling loop can be interrupted via fibroblast-specific loss of NUAK1 expression, leading to marked attenuation of fibrosis. Pharmacologic NUAK1 inhibition also reduced scarring, either when initiated immediately after injury or when initiated after fibrosis was already established. Together, our data suggest that NUAK1 plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in fibrogenesis and represents an attractive target for strategies that aim to slow fibrotic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhou Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolin He
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Lauren Caldwell
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Santosh Kumar Goru
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Luisa Ulloa Severino
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Monica F Tolosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Paraish S Misra
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Caitríona M McEvoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Tania Christova
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yong Liu
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G OA3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Atin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Johnny Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Catherine Hu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Noah Vukosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Adriana Krizova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anish Kirpalani
- Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Ruoyu Ni
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kin Chan
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Mandeep K Gill
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Liliana Attisano
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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An Y, Ren Y, Wang J, Zang J, Gao M, Wang H, Wang S, Dong Y. MST1/2 in PDGFR-α + cells negatively regulates TGF-β-induced myofibroblasts accumulation in renal fibrosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 322:F512-F526. [PMID: 35253468 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00367.2021] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is a key event of renal fibrosis. YAP, a transcriptional coactivator, plays an important role in fibroblast activation and Smad transcriptional activity to promote TGF-β-induced differentiation from fibroblasts to myofibrolasts. MST1/2, a negative regulator of YAP, also increases in fibroblasts by TGF-β stimulation. Here we examined whether MST1/2, as a negative regulator, attenuated YAP and TGF-β/Smad signaling in fibroblasts to reduce fibrosis. The MST1/2 and YAP expression levels increased in PDGFRα+ cells of obstructed kidneys following the increase of TGF-β and renal fibrosis after UUO. The PDGFRα+ cells-specific knockout of Mst1/2 in mice increased UUO-induced myofibroblast accumulation and fibrosis. In cultured fibroblasts, TGF-β increased YAP and promoted its nucleus entry, but a high dose and prolonged treatment of TGF-β increased the MST1/2 activation to prevent YAP from entering the nucleus. Our results indicated that MST1/2 is a negative-feedback signal of TGF-β-induced fibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina An
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqi Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghua Zang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haidong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Shuaiyu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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36
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He X, Tolosa MF, Zhang T, Goru SK, Ulloa Severino L, Misra PS, McEvoy CM, Caldwell L, Szeto SG, Gao F, Chen X, Atin C, Ki V, Vukosa N, Hu C, Zhang J, Yip C, Krizova A, Wrana JL, Yuen DA. Myofibroblast YAP/TAZ activation is a key step in organ fibrogenesis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:146243. [PMID: 35191398 PMCID: PMC8876427 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases account for nearly half of all deaths in the developed world. Despite its importance, the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains poorly understood. Recently, the two mechanosensitive transcription cofactors YAP and TAZ have emerged as important profibrotic regulators in multiple murine tissues. Despite this growing recognition, a number of important questions remain unanswered, including which cell types require YAP/TAZ activation for fibrosis to occur and the time course of this activation. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the role that myofibroblast YAP and TAZ play in organ fibrosis and the kinetics of their activation. Using analyses of cells, as well as multiple murine and human tissues, we demonstrated that myofibroblast YAP and TAZ were activated early after organ injury and that this activation was sustained. We further demonstrated the critical importance of myofibroblast YAP/TAZ in driving progressive scarring in the kidney, lung, and liver, using multiple transgenic models in which YAP and TAZ were either deleted or hyperactivated. Taken together, these data establish the importance of early injury-induced myofibroblast YAP and TAZ activation as a key event driving fibrosis in multiple organs. This information should help guide the development of new antifibrotic YAP/TAZ inhibition strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin He
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Monica F Tolosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Tianzhou Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Santosh Kumar Goru
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Luisa Ulloa Severino
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Paraish S Misra
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Caitríona M McEvoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Lauren Caldwell
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Szeto
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Feng Gao
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Pathology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Cassandra Atin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Victoria Ki
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Noah Vukosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Catherine Hu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Johnny Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Christopher Yip
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriana Krizova
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
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37
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Xing J, He YC, Wang KY, Wan PZ, Zhai XY. Involvement of YTHDF1 in renal fibrosis progression via up-regulating YAP. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22144. [PMID: 34990050 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100172rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a progressive, fatal renal disease characterized by the aberrant accumulation of myofibroblasts that produce excess extracellular matrix (ECM) in the renal interstitium and glomeruli. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been regarded as a crucial modulator in myofibroblast transformation, but its upstream regulator remains a mystery. In the present study investigating the participation of m6A methylation during renal fibrosis through bioinformatics analysis, we identified YTHDF1, a modulator of m6A methylation, as a key contributor for renal fibrosis because it was highly expressed in human fibrotic kidneys and had a significant correction with YAP. Their co-localization in human fibrotic kidneys was additionally shown by immunofluorescence. We then found that YTHDF1 was also up-regulated in fibrotic mouse kidneys induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), high-dose folic acid administration, or the unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury, further supporting a causal role of YTHDF1 during renal fibrosis. Consistent with this notion, YTHDF1 knockdown alleviated the progression of renal fibrosis both in cultured cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta administration and in the UUO mouse model. Meanwhile, YAP was accordingly down-regulated when YTHDF1 was inhibited. Furthermore, the specific binding of YTHDF1 to YAP mRNA was detected using RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation, and the up-regulation of fibrotic related molecules in cultured cells induced by YTHDF1 over-expression plasmid was attenuated by YAP siRNA. Taken together, our data highlight the potential utility of YTHDF1 as an indicator for renal fibrosis and suggest that YTHDF1 inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate renal fibrosis via downregulating YAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Chen He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kai-Yue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng-Zhi Wan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Zhai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Institute of Nephropathology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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38
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Link PA, Choi KM, Diaz Espinosa AM, Jones DL, Gao AY, Haak AJ, Tschumperlin DJ. Combined control of the fibroblast contractile program by YAP and TAZ. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L23-L32. [PMID: 34755530 PMCID: PMC8721907 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00210.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcription cofactors implicated in the contractile and profibrotic activation of fibroblasts. Fibroblast contractile function is important in alveologenesis and in lung wound healing and fibrosis. As paralogs, YAP and TAZ may have independent or redundant roles in regulating transcriptional programs and contractile function. Using IMR-90 lung fibroblasts, microarray analysis, and traction microscopy, we tested whether independent YAP or TAZ knockdown alone was sufficient to limit transcriptional activation and contraction in vitro. Our results demonstrate limited effects of knockdown of either YAP or TAZ alone, with more robust transcriptional and functional effects observed with combined knockdown, consistent with cooperation or redundancy of YAP and TAZ in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced fibroblast activation and contractile force generation. The transcriptional responses to combined YAP/TAZ knockdown were focused on a relatively small subset of genes with prominent overrepresentation of genes implicated in contraction and migration. To explore potential disease relevance of our findings, we tested primary human lung fibroblasts isolated from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and confirmed that YAP and TAZ combined knockdown reduced the expression of three cytoskeletal genes, ACTA2, CNN1, and TAGLN. We then compared the contribution of these genes, along with YAP and TAZ, to contractile function. Combined knockdown targeting YAP/TAZ was more effective than targeting any of the individual cytoskeletal genes in reducing contractile function. Together, our results demonstrate that YAP and TAZ combine to regulate a multigene program that is essential to fibroblast contractile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Link
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kyoung Moo Choi
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ana M. Diaz Espinosa
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Dakota L. Jones
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ashley Y. Gao
- 2Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew J. Haak
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J. Tschumperlin
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
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39
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Fu Y, Wan P, Zhang J, Li X, Xing J, Zou Y, Wang K, Peng H, Zhu Q, Cao L, Zhai X. Targeting Mechanosensitive Piezo1 Alleviated Renal Fibrosis Through p38MAPK-YAP Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741060. [PMID: 34805150 PMCID: PMC8602364 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the most common pathological manifestation of a wide variety of chronic kidney disease. Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and enhanced microenvironment stiffening aggravate the progression of renal fibrosis. However, the related mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the mechanism by which ECM stiffness aggravates renal fibrosis. In the present study, renal mesangial cells (MCs) were cultured on polyacrylamide hydrogels with different stiffness accurately detected by atomic force microscope (AFM), simulating the in vivo growth microenvironment of MCs in normal kidney and renal fibrosis. A series of in vitro knockdown and activation experiments were performed to establish the signaling pathway responsible for mechanics-induced MCs activation. In addition, an animal model of renal fibrosis was established in mice induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Lentiviral particles containing short hairpin RNA (sh RNA) targeting Piezo1 were used to explore the effect of Piezo1 knockdown on matrix stiffness-induced MCs activation and UUO-induced renal fibrosis. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that elevated ECM stiffness triggered the activation of Piezo1, which increased YAP nuclear translocation through the p38MAPK, and consequently led to increased ECM secretion. Furthermore, these consequences have been verified in the animal model of renal fibrosis induced by UUO and Piezo1 knockdown could alleviate UUO-induced fibrosis and improve renal function in vivo. Collectively, our results for the first time demonstrate enhanced matrix stiffness aggravates the progression of renal fibrosis through the Piezo1-p38MAPK-YAP pathway. Targeting mechanosensitive Piezo1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying the progression of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengzhi Wan
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qizhuo Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Institute of Nephropathology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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40
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Li X, Zhang F, Qu L, Xie Y, Ruan Y, Guo Z, Mao Y, Zou Q, Shi M, Xiao Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Guo B. Identification of YAP1 as a novel downstream effector of the FGF2/STAT3 pathway in the pathogenesis of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7655-7671. [PMID: 33993470 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem and eventually develops into an end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is now widely believed that renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) plays an important role in the progression of ESRD. Renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important cause of TIF. Studies have shown that FGF2 is highly expressed in fibrotic renal tissue, although the mechanism remains unclear. We found that FGF2 can activate STAT3 and induce EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells. STAT3, an important transcription factor, was predicted by the JASPAR biological database to bind to the promoter region of YAP1. In this study, STAT3 was shown to promote the expression of the downstream target gene YAP1 through transcription, promote EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells, and mediate the occurrence of renal TIF. This study provides a theoretical basis for the involvement of the FGF2/STAT3/YAP1 signaling pathway in the process of renal interstitial fibrosis and provides a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Nephrology, Guiyang First People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lingling Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ruan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ziwei Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yanwen Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qin Zou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mingjun Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuxia Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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41
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Hu D, Jiang J, Ding B, Xue K, Sun X, Qian S. Mechanical Strain Regulates Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Scleral Fibroblasts by YAP. Front Physiol 2021; 12:712509. [PMID: 34658907 PMCID: PMC8514697 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.712509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleral extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Mechanical strain induced by elevated intraocular pressure can promote myofibroblast differentiation of fibroblasts and result in scleral ECM remodeling; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a mechanosensory protein and the key downstream transcriptional effector of the Hippo signaling pathway. Here, we investigated the role of YAP in mechanical strain-induced myofibroblast transformation during glaucoma scleral ECM remodeling. Integrative bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify the key pathways for the ECM remodeling of the sclera in glaucoma. Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish a chronic ocular hypertension model, and the expression of collagen type I (COL1) and YAP in the sclera was analyzed by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting. Furthermore, human scleral fibroblasts (HSFs) were cultured and subjected to mechanical strain. In groups with or without the YAP siRNA or YAP inhibitor, cell proliferation, migration capacity, and the expression levels of YAP, COL1, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, scratch assay, and Western blotting. The interactions between YAP and Smad3 were demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation, and the expression levels of COL1 and α-SMA were evaluated in groups treated with or without the Smad3 inhibitor. We first revealed that the Hippo signaling pathway may be involved in mechanical strain-induced scleral ECM remodeling through bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, the in vivo study showed upregulated YAP, COL1, and α-SMA expression in the hypertensive sclera of rats. In vitro, mechanical strain increased YAP and COL1 expression in HSFs and promoted myofibroblast differentiation. After YAP knockdown or inhibition with verteporfin, mechanical strain-induced fibrotic changes in HSFs were markedly suppressed. Additionally, YAP showed a protein interaction with Smad3, and the upregulation of a-SMA and COL1 in response to mechanical strain was also significantly downregulated following the inhibition of Smad3. In conclusion, mechanical strain activated scleral myofibroblast differentiation via YAP. The YAP pathway may play an important role in regulating scleral myofibroblast differentiation and ECM remodeling of the sclera in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhong Jiang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baiyang Ding
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Kang Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaohong Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
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42
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Brewer CM, Nelson BR, Wakenight P, Collins SJ, Okamura DM, Dong XR, Mahoney WM, McKenna A, Shendure J, Timms A, Millen KJ, Majesky MW. Adaptations in Hippo-Yap signaling and myofibroblast fate underlie scar-free ear appendage wound healing in spiny mice. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2722-2740.e6. [PMID: 34610329 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) are terrestrial mammals that evolved unique scar-free regenerative wound-healing properties. Myofibroblasts (MFs) are the major scar-forming cell type in skin. We found that following traumatic injury to ear pinnae, MFs appeared rapidly in both Acomys and mouse yet persisted only in mouse. The timing of MF loss in Acomys correlated with wound closure, blastema differentiation, and nuclear localization of the Hippo pathway target protein Yap. Experiments in vitro revealed an accelerated PP2A-dependent dephosphorylation activity that maintained nuclear Yap in Acomys dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and was not detected in mouse or human DFs. Treatment of Acomys in vivo with the nuclear Yap-TEAD inhibitor verteporfin prolonged MF persistence and converted tissue regeneration to fibrosis. Forced Yap activity prevented and rescued TGF-β1-induced human MF formation in vitro. These results suggest that Acomys evolved modifications of Yap activity and MF fate important for scar-free regenerative wound healing in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Brewer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Branden R Nelson
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
| | - Paul Wakenight
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Sarah J Collins
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Daryl M Okamura
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Xiu Rong Dong
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - William M Mahoney
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aaron McKenna
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Andrew Timms
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kathleen J Millen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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43
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Zhang W, Li J. Yes-associated protein is essential for proliferative vitreoretinopathy development via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelial fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10213-10223. [PMID: 34598306 PMCID: PMC8572794 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aim to investigate whether the progression of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) depended on the activation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and the subsequent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell. The effect of YAP activation on retinal fibrosis in a PVR mouse model and in human ARPE‐19 cells in vitro was studied. After treated with transforming growth factor‐β2(TGF‐β2), the expressions of fibrogenic molecules, YAP activation and the TGF‐β2‐Smad signalling pathway in ARPE‐19 cells were detected by Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. The effect of YAP on change in fibrosis and EMT was tested by knockdown experiment using verteporfin (YAP inhibitor). YAP was upregulated in the PVR mouse model and during TGF‐β2–induced RPE cell EMT. In an in vivo study, verteporfin attenuated PVR progression in a mouse model. Additionally, YAP knockdown retained phenotype of RPE cells and ameliorated TGF‐β2–induced migration, gel contraction and EMT in vitro. YAP knockdown inhibited the TGF‐β2–induced upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), smooth muscle actin (SMA‐α) and fibronectin. YAP was essential for the TGF‐β2–induced nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Our work provides direct evidence that YAP is an essential regulator of EMT and profibrotic responses in PVR and indicates that YAP inhibition could be a potential target in PVR therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Li
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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44
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Interplay between extracellular matrix components and cellular and molecular mechanisms in kidney fibrosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1999-2029. [PMID: 34427291 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in renal structures. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is observed in glomerular diseases as well as in the regeneration failure of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, finding antifibrotic therapies comprises an intensive research field in Nephrology. Nowadays, ECM is not only considered as a cellular scaffold, but also exerts important cellular functions. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis, paying particular attention to ECM components, profibrotic factors and cell-matrix interactions. In response to kidney damage, activation of glomerular and/or tubular cells may induce aberrant phenotypes characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, and thus contribute to CKD progression. Among ECM components, matricellular proteins can regulate cell-ECM interactions, as well as cellular phenotype changes. Regarding kidney fibrosis, one of the most studied matricellular proteins is cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), currently considered as a fibrotic marker and a potential therapeutic target. Integrins connect the ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and several downstream signaling pathways that enable cells to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal tissue stiffness. In kidney fibrosis, there is an increase in ECM deposition, lower ECM degradation and ECM proteins cross-linking, leading to an alteration in the tissue mechanical properties and their responses to injurious stimuli. A better understanding of these complex cellular and molecular events could help us to improve the antifibrotic therapies for CKD.
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Negative regulators of TGF-β1 signaling in renal fibrosis; pathological mechanisms and novel therapeutic opportunities. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:275-303. [PMID: 33480423 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Elevated expression of the multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is causatively linked to kidney fibrosis progression initiated by diabetic, hypertensive, obstructive, ischemic and toxin-induced injury. Therapeutically relevant approaches to directly target the TGF-β1 pathway (e.g., neutralizing antibodies against TGF-β1), however, remain elusive in humans. TGF-β1 signaling is subjected to extensive negative control at the level of TGF-β1 receptor, SMAD2/3 activation, complex assembly and promoter engagement due to its critical role in tissue homeostasis and numerous pathologies. Progressive kidney injury is accompanied by the deregulation (loss or gain of expression) of several negative regulators of the TGF-β1 signaling cascade by mechanisms involving protein and mRNA stability or epigenetic silencing, further amplifying TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling and fibrosis. Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 6 and 7 (BMP6/7), SMAD7, Sloan-Kettering Institute proto-oncogene (Ski) and Ski-related novel gene (SnoN), phosphate tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN), protein phosphatase magnesium/manganese dependent 1A (PPM1A) and Klotho are dramatically decreased in various nephropathies in animals and humans albeit with different kinetics while the expression of Smurf1/2 E3 ligases are increased. Such deregulations frequently initiate maladaptive renal repair including renal epithelial cell dedifferentiation and growth arrest, fibrotic factor (connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), TGF-β1) synthesis/secretion, fibroproliferative responses and inflammation. This review addresses how loss of these negative regulators of TGF-β1 pathway exacerbates renal lesion formation and discusses the therapeutic value in restoring the expression of these molecules in ameliorating fibrosis, thus, presenting novel approaches to suppress TGF-β1 hyperactivation during chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.
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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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Xu L, Wettschureck N, Bai Y, Yuan Z, Wang S. Myofibroblast YAP/TAZ is dispensable for liver fibrosis in mice. J Hepatol 2021; 75:238-241. [PMID: 33675873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liran Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, China
| | - Nina Wettschureck
- Department of Pharmacology, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yongping Bai
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an, China; Department of Pharmacology, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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Ou W, Xu W, Liu F, Guo Y, Huang Z, Feng T, Liu CY, Du P. Increased expression of yes-associated protein/YAP and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif/TAZ activates intestinal fibroblasts to promote intestinal obstruction in Crohn's disease. EBioMedicine 2021; 69:103452. [PMID: 34186485 PMCID: PMC8243379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal obstruction caused by intestinal fibrosis is a common and serious complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Intestinal fibroblasts, the main effector cells mediating gastrointestinal fibrosis, are activated during chronic inflammation. However, the mechanism of fibroblast activation in CD has not been well elucidated. Methods Fibroblasts isolated from stenotic and nonstenotic intestines of CD patients were used for RNA sequencing. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining was performed to evaluate the correlation between intestinal fibrosis and YAP/TAZ expression in our CD cohort and a DSS-induced chronic colitis murine model. A Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitor was used to explore the ROCK1-YAP/TAZ axis in intestinal fibroblasts in vitro and DSS-induced chronic colitis murine model in vivo. Findings The expression of YAP/TAZ was significantly upregulated in stenotic fibroblasts, which was associated with the YAP/TAZ target gene signature. YAP/TAZ knockdown suppressed the activation of intestinal fibroblasts. In intestinal fibroblasts, YAP/TAZ were activated by the Rho-ROCK1 signalling pathway. High YAP/TAZ expression was positively correlated with ROCK1 expression, which is a prognostic marker for intestinal obstruction in CD patients. Interpretation YAP/TAZ activation can lead to fibroblast activation and intestinal obstruction in CD. The effect of ROCK1 inhibitor on alleviating intestinal fibrosis is associated with YAP/TAZ inhibition. Targeted inhibition of YAP/TAZ in fibroblasts may be a potential therapeutic strategy to suppress intestinal fibrosis in CD. Funding This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2019YFC1316002), the NSFC (81873547, 82073201, 81874177, 82000481) and the Shanghai Sailing Program (20YF1429400).
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Ou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Weimin Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fangyuan Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuegui Guo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tienan Feng
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chen-Ying Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Alsamman S, Christenson SA, Yu A, Ayad NME, Mooring MS, Segal JM, Hu JKH, Schaub JR, Ho SS, Rao V, Marlow MM, Turner SM, Sedki M, Pantano L, Ghoshal S, Ferreira DDS, Ma HY, Duwaerts CC, Espanol-Suner R, Wei L, Newcomb B, Mileva I, Canals D, Hannun YA, Chung RT, Mattis AN, Fuchs BC, Tager AM, Yimlamai D, Weaver VM, Mullen AC, Sheppard D, Chen JY. Targeting acid ceramidase inhibits YAP/TAZ signaling to reduce fibrosis in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/557/eaay8798. [PMID: 32817366 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay8798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drive hepatic fibrosis. Therapies that inactivate HSCs have clinical potential as antifibrotic agents. We previously identified acid ceramidase (aCDase) as an antifibrotic target. We showed that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reduce hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting aCDase and increasing the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide. We now demonstrate that targeting aCDase inhibits YAP/TAZ activity by potentiating its phosphorylation-mediated proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein β-TrCP. In mouse models of fibrosis, pharmacologic inhibition of aCDase or genetic knockout of aCDase in HSCs reduces fibrosis, stromal stiffness, and YAP/TAZ activity. In patients with advanced fibrosis, aCDase expression in HSCs is increased. Consistently, a signature of the genes most down-regulated by ceramide identifies patients with advanced fibrosis who could benefit from aCDase targeting. The findings implicate ceramide as a critical regulator of YAP/TAZ signaling and HSC activation and highlight aCDase as a therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsamman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Stephanie A Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Amy Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Nadia M E Ayad
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Meghan S Mooring
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Joe M Segal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jimmy Kuang-Hsien Hu
- Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Steve S Ho
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Vikram Rao
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | | | - Mai Sedki
- Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Lorena Pantano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarani Ghoshal
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Diego Dos Santos Ferreira
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Caroline C Duwaerts
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Regina Espanol-Suner
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lan Wei
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin Newcomb
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Izolda Mileva
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Daniel Canals
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aras N Mattis
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bryan C Fuchs
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Yimlamai
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. .,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Targeting matrix stiffness-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelial cells through the RhoA/YAP pathway ameliorates proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2021; 209:108677. [PMID: 34147507 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition-induced mechanical matrix stiffness plays a key role in promoting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell activation and the subsequent development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured on either 50 kappa (stiff) or 0.5 kappa (soft) gel-coated coverslips. Reverse and knockdown experiments were carried out to establish a model of matrix stiffness-induced activation in ARPE-19 cells in vitro. A PVR mouse model was established by the intravitreal injection of dispase. The effects of RhoA/YAP signalling blockade on matrix stiffness-induced ARPE-19 cell activation and PVR-induced retinal fibrosis were determined by using a combination of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) inhibitor verteporfin and the RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme. Matrix stiffness stimulated YAP nuclear translocation and expression in ARPE-19 cells. The effect of YAP activation was dependent on F-actin cytoskeleton polymerization and RhoA activity, forming the RhoA/YAP signalling pathway. Upstream pharmacological blockade of RhoA by C3 exoenzyme or downstream blockade of YAP by verteporfin reduced the invasion, migration, and MMP expression of ARPE-19 cells and collagen gel contraction. Furthermore, blockade of RhoA/YAP signalling reduced PVR-induced retinal fibrogenesis and inhibited the TGF-β/Smad pathway in vivo. RhoA/YAP signalling modulates matrix stiffness-induced activation of ARPE-19 cells. Targeting this signalling pathway could alleviate PVR-induced retinal fibrosis and suggests attractive novel therapeutic strategies for intervening in the progression of PVR.
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