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Wu Z, Xi Q, Zhao Q, Zhu S. GDF11 OVEREXPRESSION ALLEVIATES SEPSIS-INDUCED LUNG MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER DAMAGE BY ACTIVATING SIRT1/NOX4 SIGNALING TO INHIBIT FERROPTOSIS. Shock 2024; 62:245-254. [PMID: 38920138 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sepsis is a lethal clinical syndrome, and acute lung injury (ALI) is the earliest and most serious complication. We aimed to explore the role of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) in sepsis-induced dysfunction of lung microvascular endothelial barrier in vivo and in vitro to elucidate its potential mechanism related to sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs) were used in this study. Histopathological changes in lung tissues were tested by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and inflammatory factors contents in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed. Evens blue index, trans-epithelial electrical resistance, and expression of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin-1, and claudin-1 were used to evaluate alveolar barrier integrity. Reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis markers were analyzed. Iron deposition in the lung tissues was assessed using Prussian blue staining. Intracellular Fe 2+ level was detected using FerroOrange staining. Additionally, expression of GDF11, SIRT1, and NOX4 was estimated with western blot. Then, EX527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, was employed to treat GDF11-overexpressed PMECs with LPS stimulation to clarify the regulatory mechanism. Results showed that GDF11 overexpression attenuated sepsis-induced pathological changes and inflammation and maintained alveolar barrier integrity. Moreover, GDF11 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis, upregulated SIRT1 expression and downregulated NOX4 expression. Additionally, EX527 treatment relieved the impacts of GDF11 overexpression on ferroptosis and destruction of integrity of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells exposed to LPS. Taken together, GDF11 overexpression could alleviate sepsis-induced lung microvascular endothelial barrier damage by activating SIRT1/NOX4 signaling to inhibit ferroptosis. Our findings potentially provide new molecular target for clinical therapy of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Shao Y, Liu T, Wen X, Zhang R, Liu X, Xing D. The regulatory effect of growth differentiation factor 11 on different cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323670. [PMID: 38143761 PMCID: PMC10739301 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is one of the important factors in the pathophysiological process of animals. It is widely expressed in many tissues and organs of animals, showing its wide biological activity and potential application value. Previous research has demonstrated that GDF11 has a therapeutic effect on various diseases, such as anti-myocardial aging and anti-tumor. This has not only sparked intense interest and enthusiasm among academics but also spurred some for-profit businesses to attempt to develop GDF11 as a medication for regenerative medicine or anti-aging application. Currently, Sotatercept, a GDF11 antibody drug, is in the marketing application stage, and HS-235 and rGDF11 are in the preclinical research stage. Therefore, we believe that figuring out which cells GDF11 acts on and its current problems should be an important issue in the scientific and commercial communities. Only through extensive, comprehensive research and discussion can we better understand the role and potential of GDF11, while avoiding unnecessary risks and misinformation. In this review, we aimed to summarize the role of GDF11 in different cells and its current controversies and challenges, providing an important reference for us to deeply understand the function of GDF11 and formulate more effective treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Shao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Ting Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaobo Wen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Renshuai Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinlin Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Król W, Machelak W, Zielińska M. GDF11 as a friend or an enemy in the cancer biology? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188944. [PMID: 37356738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The Growth and Differential Factor 11 (GDF11) is a recently discovered representative of Transforming Growth Factor β superfamily. The highest expression of GDF11 is detected in the nervous system, bladder, seminal vesicles and muscles whereas the lowest in the testis, liver or breast. GDF11 role in physiology is still not clear. GDF11 is a crucial factor in embryogenesis, cell cycle control and apoptosis, inasmuch it mainly targets cell retain stemness features, managing to the cell differentiation and the maturation. GDF11 is entangled in lipid metabolism, inflammatory processes and aging. GDF11 is strongly related to carcinogenesis and its expression in tumors is intruded. GDF11 can promote cancer growth in the colon or inhibit the cell proliferation in breast cancer. The aberrated expression is probably allied with the impaired maturation. In this article we summarized an impact of GDF11 on the tumor cells and review the all attitudes connecting GDF11 with carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Król
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Weronika Machelak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Zielińska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Wu Z, Zhang L, Jia Y, Bi B, Fang L, Cheng JC. GDF-11 downregulates placental human chorionic gonadotropin expression by activating SMAD2/3 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:179. [PMID: 37480123 PMCID: PMC10362589 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by the placental trophoblast cells is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy. Aberrant hCG levels are associated with reproductive disorders. The protein of hCG is a dimer consisting of an α subunit and a β subunit. The β subunit is encoded by the CGB gene and is unique to hCG. Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and can stimulate trophoblast cell invasion. However, whether the expression of CGB and the production of hCG are regulated by GDF-11 remains undetermined. METHODS Two human choriocarcinoma cell lines, BeWo and JEG-3, and primary cultures of human cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells were used as experimental models. The effects of GDF-11 on CGB expression and hCG production, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. RESULTS Our results show that treatment of GDF-11 downregulates the expression of CGB and the production of hCG in both BeWo and JEG-3 cells as well as in primary CTB cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that both ALK4 and ALK5 are required for the GDF-11-induced downregulation of CGB expression. In addition, treatment of GDF-11 activates SMAD2/3 but not SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways. Moreover, both SMAD2 and SMAD3 are involved in the GDF-11-downregulated CGB expression. ELISA results show that the GDF-11-suppressed hCG production requires the ALK4/5-mediated activation of SMAD2/3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study not only discovers the biological function of GDF-11 in the human placenta but also provides important insights into the regulation of the expression of hCG. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Beibei Bi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Jiang M, Zhang YX, Bu WJ, Li P, Chen JH, Cao M, Dong YC, Sun ZJ, Dong DL. Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1862-1877. [PMID: 36740831 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Piezo1 channels are mechanosensitive cationic channels that are activated by mechanical stretch or shear stress. Endothelial Piezo1 activation by shear stress caused by blood flow induces ATP release from endothelial cells; however, the link between shear stress and endothelial ATP production is unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The mitochondrial respiratory function of cells was measured by using high-resolution respirometry system Oxygraph-2k. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was evaluated by using Fluo-4/AM and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration by Rhod-2/AM. KEY RESULTS The specific Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 or its analogue Dooku1 increased [Ca2+ ]i in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and both Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs and primary cultured rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). Knockdown of Piezo1 inhibited Yoda1- and Dooku1-induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs. The shear stress mimetics, Yoda1 and Dooku1, and the Piezo1 knock-down technique also demonstrated that Piezo1 activation increased glycolysis in HUVECs. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM did not affect Yoda1- and Dooku1-induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and ATP production, but chelating cytosolic Ca2+ inhibited Yoda1- and Dooku1-induced increase of glycolysis. Confocal microscopy showed that Piezo1 channels are present in mitochondria of endothelial cells, and Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial Ca2+ in endothelial cells. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells, suggesting a novel role of Piezo1 channel in endothelial ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yi-Xin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Wen-Jie Bu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Jia-Hui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Ming Cao
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yan-Chao Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, PR China
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
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Zhang Y, Zhang YY, Pan ZW, Li QQ, Sun LH, Li X, Gong MY, Yang XW, Wang YY, Li HD, Xuan LN, Shao YC, Li MM, Zhang MY, Yu Q, Li Z, Zhang XF, Liu DH, Zhu YM, Tan ZY, Zhang YY, Liu YQ, Zhang Y, Jiao L, Yang BF. GDF11 promotes wound healing in diabetic mice via stimulating HIF-1ɑ-VEGF/SDF-1ɑ-mediated endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and neovascularization. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:999-1013. [PMID: 36347996 PMCID: PMC10104842 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-healing diabetic wounds (DW) are a serious clinical problem that remained poorly understood. We recently found that topical application of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) accelerated skin wound healing in both Type 1 DM (T1DM) and genetically engineered Type 2 diabetic db/db (T2DM) mice. In the present study, we elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the action of GDF11 on healing of small skin wound. Single round-shape full-thickness wound of 5-mm diameter with muscle and bone exposed was made on mouse dorsum using a sterile punch biopsy 7 days following the onset of DM. Recombinant human GDF11 (rGDF11, 50 ng/mL, 10 μL) was topically applied onto the wound area twice a day until epidermal closure (maximum 14 days). Digital images of wound were obtained once a day from D0 to D14 post-wounding. We showed that topical application of GDF11 accelerated the healing of full-thickness skin wounds in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice, even after GDF8 (a muscle growth factor) had been silenced. At the cellular level, GDF11 significantly facilitated neovascularization to enhance regeneration of skin tissues by stimulating mobilization, migration and homing of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to the wounded area. At the molecular level, GDF11 greatly increased HIF-1ɑ expression to enhance the activities of VEGF and SDF-1ɑ, thereby neovascularization. We found that endogenous GDF11 level was robustly decreased in skin tissue of diabetic wounds. The specific antibody against GDF11 or silence of GDF11 by siRNA in healthy mice mimicked the non-healing property of diabetic wound. Thus, we demonstrate that GDF11 promotes diabetic wound healing via stimulating endothelial progenitor cells mobilization and neovascularization mediated by HIF-1ɑ-VEGF/SDF-1ɑ pathway. Our results support the potential of GDF11 as a therapeutic agent for non-healing DW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhen-Wei Pan
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qing-Qi Li
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Li-Hua Sun
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Man-Yu Gong
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xue-Wen Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yan-Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hao-Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Li-Na Xuan
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ying-Chun Shao
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Meng-Meng Li
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhange Li
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Dong-Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yan-Meng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhong-Yue Tan
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yun-Qi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Lei Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Bao-Feng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Melbourne School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Deficiency of GDF-11 Accelerates TAC-Induced Heart Failure by Impairing Cardiac Angiogenesis. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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8
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Lin S, Zhong L, Chen J, Zhao Z, Wang R, Zhu Y, Liu J, Wu Y, Ye C, Jin F, Ren Z. GDF11 inhibits adipogenesis of human adipose-derived stromal cells through ALK5/KLF15/β-catenin/PPARγ cascade. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13088. [PMID: 36755591 PMCID: PMC9900277 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by excessive fat storage, and the adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) is closely linked to its occurrence. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a well-known molecule in the field of anti-aging, also has great potential in regulating stem cell differentiation. In this study, we found that GDF11 inhibited adipogenic differentiation of human ADSCs in vitro by activating the WNT/β-catenin and SMAD2/3 pathways while inhibiting the AKT pathway. Moreover, the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) was discovered to be an important downstream factor for GDF11 in inhibiting adipogenesis via the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, AlphaFold2 structure prediction and inhibitor-blocking experiments revealed that ALK5 is a functional receptor of GDF11. Collectively, we demonstrated that GDF11 is a potential target for inhibiting adipogenic differentiation and combating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Lin
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lishan Zhong
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zibo Zhao
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongze Wang
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yexuan Zhu
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuifang Ye
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding author. Fujun Jin, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Fujun Jin
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding author. Cuifang Ye, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Zhe Ren
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding author. Zhe Ren, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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9
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Américo MF, Freitas ADS, da Silva TF, de Jesus LCL, Barroso FAL, Campos GM, Santos RCV, Gomes GC, Assis R, Ferreira Ê, Mancha-Agresti P, Laguna JG, Chatel JM, Carvalho RDDO, Azevedo V. Growth differentiation factor 11 delivered by dairy Lactococcus lactis strains modulates inflammation and prevents mucosal damage in a mice model of intestinal mucositis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1157544. [PMID: 37138633 PMCID: PMC10149842 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1157544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucositis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa that debilitate the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. In this context, antineoplastic drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil, provokes ulcerations in the intestinal mucosa that lead to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the NF-κB pathway. Alternative approaches to treat the disease using probiotic strains show promising results, and thereafter, treatments that target the site of inflammation could be further explored. Recently, studies reported that the protein GDF11 has an anti-inflammatory role in several diseases, including in vitro and in vivo results in different experimental models. Hence, this study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of GDF11 delivered by Lactococcus lactis strains NCDO2118 and MG1363 in a murine model of intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU. Our results showed that mice treated with the recombinant lactococci strains presented improved histopathological scores of intestinal damage and a reduction of goblet cell degeneration in the mucosa. It was also observed a significant reduction of neutrophil infiltration in the tissue in comparison to positive control group. Moreover, we observed immunomodulation of inflammatory markers Nfkb1, Nlrp3, Tnf, and upregulation of Il10 in mRNA expression levels in groups treated with recombinant strains that help to partially explain the ameliorative effect in the mucosa. Therefore, the results found in this study suggest that the use of recombinant L. lactis (pExu:gdf11) could offer a potential gene therapy for intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Ferrary Américo
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Andria dos Santos Freitas
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tales Fernando da Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- INRAE, Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, STLO, Rennes, France
| | - Luís Cláudio Lima de Jesus
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Alvarenga Lima Barroso
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Munis Campos
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rhayane Cristina Viegas Santos
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Camargos Gomes
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Assis
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ênio Ferreira
- Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Guimarães Laguna
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jean-Marc Chatel
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, MICALIS, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Department of Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Vasco Azevedo,
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Wang Z, Jiang P, Liu F, Du X, Ma L, Ye S, Cao H, Sun P, Su N, Lin F, Zhang R, Li C. GDF11 Regulates PC12 Neural Stem Cells via ALK5-Dependent PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012279. [PMID: 36293138 PMCID: PMC9602726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), belonging to the transforming factor-β superfamily, regulates anterior-posterior patterning and inhibits neurogenesis during embryonic development. However, recent studies recognized GDF11 as a rejuvenating (or anti-ageing) factor to reverse age-related cardiac hypertrophy, repair injured skeletal muscle, promote cognitive function, etc. The effects of GDF11 are contradictory and the mechanism of action is still not well clarified. The objective of the present study was to investigate effects of GDF11 on PC12 neural stem cells in vitro and to reveal the underlying mechanism. We systematically assessed the effects of GDF11 on the life activities of PC12 cells. GDF11 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration, promoted differentiation and apoptosis, and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. Both TMT-based proteomic analysis and phospho-antibody microarray revealed PI3K-Akt pathway was enriched when treated with GDF11. Inhibition of ALK5 or PI3K obviously attenuated the effects of GDF11 on PC12 neural stem cells, which exerted that GDF11 regulated neural stem cells through ALK5-dependent PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In summary, these results demonstrated GDF11 could be a negative regulator for neurogenesis via ALK5 activating PI3K-Akt pathway when it directly acted on neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongkui Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Fengjuan Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Xi Du
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Li Ma
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Shengliang Ye
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Haijun Cao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Pan Sun
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Na Su
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Fangzhao Lin
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu 610052, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (C.L.); Tel.: +86-028-61648527 (R.Z. & C.L.)
| | - Changqing Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu 610052, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu 610052, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (C.L.); Tel.: +86-028-61648527 (R.Z. & C.L.)
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11
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Liu Q, Song S, Song L, Bi Y, Zhu K, Qiao X, Wang H, Gao C, Cai H, Ji G. Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate aging in vitro and in vivo. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1092. [PMID: 36388801 PMCID: PMC9652517 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is a natural and multi-factorial phenomenon associated with multiple human pathologies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise in clinical fields of medicine including tissue repair, cardiovascular disease, and brain ischemic injury. The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of MSCs in improving the condition of aging cells, repairing aging tissues and organs, and extending the life span of elderly mice. METHODS This study was carried out both in vitro and in vivo. We used MSCs to intervene with IMR-90 senescent cells induced by D-galactose and aged C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS After 48 hours of co-culturing the aged cells with MSCs, the up-regulated expression of inflammatory factor, interleukin 6 (IL6), and the down-regulated expression of several growth factors, such as transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) and growth differentiation factor (GDF11), in D-galactose induced senescent cells were reversed. Moreover, compared with aged cells, the number of mitochondria and the telomere length were increased with MSC treatment. Similarly, in aged mice, the symptoms related to aging were improved after MSC treatment: the mouse hair became shiny and dense, and the symptoms of bladder overactivity were relieved. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining showed that the histopathological changes in skin, bladder, liver, and lung were apparently improved. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with MSCs effectively improves aging-related phenotypes and plays a beneficial role in improving aging and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Liu
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaole Song
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Youkun Bi
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Keqi Zhu
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlong Qiao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwen Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Guangju Ji
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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12
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Wu Z, Fang L, Yang S, Gao Y, Wang Z, Meng Q, Dang X, Sun YP, Cheng JC. GDF-11 promotes human trophoblast cell invasion by increasing ID2-mediated MMP2 expression. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:89. [PMID: 35705978 PMCID: PMC9202197 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00899-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein-11, belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. GDF-11 was first identified as an important regulator during embryonic development. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that GDF-11 regulates the development of various organs and its aberrant expressions are associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells invasion is a critical event for placenta development and needs to be finely regulated. However, to date, the biological function of GDF-11 in the human EVT cells remains unknown. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo, a human EVT cell line, and primary cultures of human EVT cells were used to examine the effect of GDF-11 on matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression. Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay was used to examine cell invasiveness. A series of in vitro experiments were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms that mediate the effect of GDF-11 on MMP2 expression and cell invasion. RESULTS Treatment with GDF-11 stimulates MMP2 expression, in the HTR-8/SVneo and primary human EVT cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches, our results demonstrated that the stimulatory effect of GDF-11 on MMP2 expression was mediated by the ALK4/5-SMAD2/3 signaling pathways. In addition, the expression of inhibitor of DNA-binding protein 2 (ID2) was upregulated by GDF-11 and that was required for the GDF-11-stimulated MMP2 expression and EVT cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS These findings discover a new biological function and underlying molecular mechanisms of GDF-11 in the regulation of human EVT cell invasion. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Sizhu Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xuan Dang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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13
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Jia Q, Liu B, Dang X, Guo Y, Han X, Song T, Cheng JC, Fang L. Growth differentiation factor-11 downregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression through ALK5-mediated SMAD3 signaling pathway in human granulosa-lutein cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:34. [PMID: 35183204 PMCID: PMC8857810 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00912-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. To date, the expression of GDF-11 in the ovary and its role in regulating ovarian function are completely unknown. Ovarian granulosa cell-mediated steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. GDF-11 and GDF-8 share high sequence similarity and exhibit many similar features and functions. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis and its expression can be downregulated by GDF-8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. The expression levels of GDF-8 are upregulated in the human follicular fluid and granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells of PCOS patients. However, whether similar results can be observed for the GDF-11 needs to be determined. METHODS The effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in a primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Human follicular fluid samples were obtained from 36 non-PCOS patients and 36 PCOS patients. GDF-11 levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA. RESULTS GDF-11 downregulates StAR expression, whereas the expression levels of the P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) are not affected by GDF-11 in hGL cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that ALK5 but not ALK4 mediates the suppressive effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression. Although GDF-11 activates both SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling pathways, only SMAD3 is involved in the GDF-11-induced downregulation of StAR expression. In addition, we show that SMAD1/5/8, ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are not activated by GDF-11 in hGL cells. RT-qPCR and ELISA detect GDF-11 mRNA expression in hGL cells and GDF-11 protein expression in human follicular fluid, respectively. Interestingly, unlike GDF-8, the expression levels of GDF-11 are not varied in hGL cells and follicular fluid between non-PCOS and PCOS patients. CONCLUSIONS This study increases the understanding of the biological function of GDF-11 and provides important insights into the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xuan Dang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Tinglin Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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14
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Zhang C, Lin Y, Zhang K, Meng L, Hu X, Chen J, Zhu W, Yu H. GDF11 enhances therapeutic functions of mesenchymal stem cells for angiogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:456. [PMID: 34384486 PMCID: PMC8359078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02519-y] [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: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of stem cell therapy for ischemia repair has been limited by low cell retention rate. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super family, which has multiple effects on development, physiology and diseases. The objective of the study is to investigate whether GDF11 could affect the efficacy of stem cell transplantation. METHODS We explored the effects of GDF11 on proangiogenic activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for angiogenic therapy in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs were transduced with lentiviral vector to overexpress GDF11 (MSCGDF11). After exposed to hypoxia and serum deprivation for 48 h, MSCGDF11 were significantly better in viability than control MSCs (MSCvector). MSCGDF11 also had higher mobility and better angiogenic paracrine effects. The cytokine antibody array showed more angiogenic cytokines in the conditioned medium of MSCGDF11 than that of MSCvector, such as epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, placenta growth factor. When MSCs (1 × 106 cells in 50 μl) were injected into ischemic hindlimb of mice after femoral artery ligation, MSCGDF11 had higher retention rate in the muscle than control MSCs. Injection of MSCGDF11 resulted in better blood reperfusion and limb salvage than that of control MSCs after 14 days. Significantly more CD31+ endothelial cells and α-SMA + smooth muscle cells were detected in the ischemic muscles that received MSCGDF11. The effects of GDF11 were through activating TGF-β receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated an essential role of GDF11 in promoting therapeutic functions of MSCs for ischemic diseases by enhancing MSC viability, mobility, and angiogenic paracrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinuo Lin
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Obstetrics, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Luyang Meng
- grid.440280.aDepartment of Vascular Surgery, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinghai Chen
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Yu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of CardiologySecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province People’s Republic of China
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15
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Pham HG, Mukherjee S, Choi MJ, Yun JW. BMP11 regulates thermogenesis in white and brown adipocytes. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:496-510. [PMID: 33527439 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-11 (BMP11), also known as growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF11), is implicated in skeletal development and joint morphogenesis in mammals. However, its functions in adipogenesis and energy homeostasis are mostly unknown. The present study investigates crucial roles of BMP11 in cultured 3T3-L1 white and HIB1B brown adipocytes, using Bmp11 gene depletion and pharmacological inhibition of BMP11. The silencing of Bmp11 markedly decreases the expression levels of brown-fat signature proteins and beige-specific genes in white adipocytes and significantly down-regulates the expression levels of brown fat-specific genes in brown adipocytes. The deficiency of Bmp11 reduces the expressions of lipolytic protein markers in white and brown adipocytes. Moreover, BMP11 induces browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via coordination of multiple signalling pathways, including mTORC1-COX2 and p38MAPK-PGC-1α as non-canonical pathways, as well as Smad1/5/8 as a canonical pathway. We believe this study is the first to provide evidence of the potential roles of BMP11 for improvement of lipid catabolism in both cultured white and brown adipocytes, as well as the effect on browning of white adipocytes. Taken together, these results demonstrate the therapeutic potential for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Giang Pham
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Sulagna Mukherjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Min Ji Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Jong Won Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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16
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Muramatsu H, Kuramochi T, Katada H, Ueyama A, Ruike Y, Ohmine K, Shida-Kawazoe M, Miyano-Nishizawa R, Shimizu Y, Okuda M, Hori Y, Hayashi M, Haraya K, Ban N, Nonaka T, Honda M, Kitamura H, Hattori K, Kitazawa T, Igawa T, Kawabe Y, Nezu J. Novel myostatin-specific antibody enhances muscle strength in muscle disease models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2160. [PMID: 33495503 PMCID: PMC7835227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is an attractive target for muscle disease therapy because of its role as a negative regulator of muscle growth and strength. Here, we describe a novel antibody therapeutic approach that maximizes the potential of myostatin-targeted therapy. We generated an antibody, GYM329, that specifically binds the latent form of myostatin and inhibits its activation. Additionally, via "sweeping antibody technology", GYM329 reduces or "sweeps" myostatin in the muscle and plasma. Compared with conventional anti-myostatin agents, GYM329 and its surrogate antibody exhibit superior muscle strength-improvement effects in three different mouse disease models. We also demonstrate that the superior efficacy of GYM329 is due to its myostatin specificity and sweeping capability. Furthermore, we show that a GYM329 surrogate increases muscle mass in normal cynomolgus monkeys without any obvious toxicity. Our findings indicate the potential of GYM329 to improve muscle strength in patients with muscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Muramatsu
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Taichi Kuramochi
- Chugai Pharmabody Research Pte. Ltd., 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-11 to 16, Synapse, Singapore, 138623, Singapore
| | - Hitoshi Katada
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Atsunori Ueyama
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Ruike
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Ken Ohmine
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | | | | | - Yuichiro Shimizu
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Momoko Okuda
- Chugai Pharmabody Research Pte. Ltd., 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-11 to 16, Synapse, Singapore, 138623, Singapore
| | - Yuji Hori
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Madoka Hayashi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Kenta Haraya
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Ban
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Nonaka
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Masaki Honda
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Kitamura
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Hattori
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Takehisa Kitazawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Igawa
- Chugai Pharmabody Research Pte. Ltd., 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-11 to 16, Synapse, Singapore, 138623, Singapore
| | - Yoshiki Kawabe
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan
| | - Junichi Nezu
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 103-8324, Japan.
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17
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Similar sequences but dissimilar biological functions of GDF11 and myostatin. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1673-1693. [PMID: 33077875 PMCID: PMC8080601 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN) are closely related TGFβ family members that are often believed to serve similar functions due to their high homology. However, genetic studies in animals provide clear evidence that they perform distinct roles. While the loss of Mstn leads to hypermuscularity, the deletion of Gdf11 results in abnormal skeletal patterning and organ development. The perinatal lethality of Gdf11-null mice, which contrasts with the long-term viability of Mstn-null mice, has led most research to focus on utilizing recombinant GDF11 proteins to investigate the postnatal functions of GDF11. However, the reported outcomes of the exogenous application of recombinant GDF11 proteins are controversial partly because of the different sources and qualities of recombinant GDF11 used and because recombinant GDF11 and MSTN proteins are nearly indistinguishable due to their similar structural and biochemical properties. Here, we analyze the similarities and differences between GDF11 and MSTN from an evolutionary point of view and summarize the current understanding of the biological processing, signaling, and physiological functions of GDF11 and MSTN. Finally, we discuss the potential use of recombinant GDF11 as a therapeutic option for a wide range of medical conditions and the possible adverse effects of GDF11 inhibition mediated by MSTN inhibitors.
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18
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GDF11 promotes osteogenesis as opposed to MSTN, and follistatin, a MSTN/GDF11 inhibitor, increases muscle mass but weakens bone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:4910-4920. [PMID: 32071240 PMCID: PMC7060712 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916034117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MSTN, a member of the TGF-β family, has been widely shown to suppress muscle growth, leading to an intense effort being directed at targeting MSTN to treat patients with muscle loss. GDF11 is another TGF-β family member closely related to MSTN, but its postnatal function is less clear. Using conditional knockout techniques, we show that GDF11 enhances bone mass in contrast to MSTN, emphasizing that MSTN/GDF11 inhibitors, such as FST, can induce adverse effects on bone through GDF11 inhibition. Because most MSTN inhibitors also inhibit GDF11 due to the high sequence similarity between MSTN and GDF11, our findings suggest that their opposing roles must be carefully considered when developing MSTN inhibitors for clinical applications. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN) are closely related transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family members, but their biological functions are quite distinct. While MSTN has been widely shown to inhibit muscle growth, GDF11 regulates skeletal patterning and organ development during embryogenesis. Postnatal functions of GDF11, however, remain less clear and controversial. Due to the perinatal lethality of Gdf11 null mice, previous studies used recombinant GDF11 protein to prove its postnatal function. However, recombinant GDF11 and MSTN proteins share nearly identical biochemical properties, and most GDF11-binding molecules have also been shown to bind MSTN, generating the possibility that the effects mediated by recombinant GDF11 protein actually reproduce the endogenous functions of MSTN. To clarify the endogenous functions of GDF11, here, we focus on genetic studies and show that Gdf11 null mice, despite significantly down-regulating Mstn expression, exhibit reduced bone mass through impaired osteoblast (OB) and chondrocyte (CH) maturations and increased osteoclastogenesis, while the opposite is observed in Mstn null mice that display enhanced bone mass. Mechanistically, Mstn deletion up-regulates Gdf11 expression, which activates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway to enhance osteogenesis. Also, mice overexpressing follistatin (FST), a MSTN/GDF11 inhibitor, exhibit increased muscle mass accompanied by bone fractures, unlike Mstn null mice that display increased muscle mass without fractures, indicating that inhibition of GDF11 impairs bone strength. Together, our findings suggest that GDF11 promotes osteogenesis in contrast to MSTN, and these opposing roles of GDF11 and MSTN must be considered to avoid the detrimental effect of GDF11 inhibition when developing MSTN/GDF11 inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.
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Yang ZX, Zhan JQ, Xiong JW, Wei B, Fu YH, Liu ZP, Tu YT, Yang YJ, Wan AL. Decreased Plasma Levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 11 in Patients With Schizophrenia: Correlation With Psychopathology and Cognition. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:555133. [PMID: 33364986 PMCID: PMC7750308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is linked with abnormal neurodevelopment, on which growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) has a great impact. However, a direct evidence linking GDF-11 to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is still lacking. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma GDF-11 levels and both psychopathological symptoms and cognitive function in schizophrenia. Eighty-seven schizophrenia patients and 76 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. The symptomatology of schizophrenia was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Cognitive function was assessed by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) including twelve neurocognitive tests in five aspects of cognitive function. Plasma GDF-11 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that plasma levels of GDF-11 were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients relative to healthy controls. Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between the GDF-11 levels and the PANSS total score, the positive symptoms score, the negative symptoms score or the general score. Additionally, positive associations were observed between plasma GDF-11 levels and the visuospatial/constructional, attention, immediate memory, or delayed memory in patients. Partial correlation analysis showed that these correlations were still significant after adjusting for age, gender, education years, body mass index, duration of illness, and age of onset except for the visuospatial/constructional and attention index. Multiple regression analysis revealed that GDF-11 was an independent contributor to the immediate memory, delayed memory and RBANS total score in patients. Collectively, the correlations between plasma GDF-11 and psychopathological and cognitive symptoms suggest that abnormal GDF-11 signaling might contribute to schizophrenic psychopathology and cognitive impairments and GDF-11 could be a potential and promising biomarker for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Xi Yang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jin-Qiong Zhan
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jian-Wen Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Nanchang, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong-Hui Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ya-Ting Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuan-Jian Yang
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Jiangxi Mental Hospital/Affiliated Mental Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Nanchang, China
| | - Ai-Lan Wan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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20
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Simoni-Nieves A, Gerardo-Ramírez M, Pedraza-Vázquez G, Chávez-Rodríguez L, Bucio L, Souza V, Miranda-Labra RU, Gomez-Quiroz LE, Gutiérrez-Ruiz MC. GDF11 Implications in Cancer Biology and Metabolism. Facts and Controversies. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1039. [PMID: 31681577 PMCID: PMC6803553 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the super family of the Transforming Growth Factor β, has gained more attention in the last few years due to numerous reports regarding its functions in other systems, which are different to those related to differentiation and embryonic development, such as age-related muscle dysfunction, skin biology, metabolism, and cancer. GDF11 is expressed in many tissues, including skeletal muscle, pancreas, kidney, nervous system, and retina, among others. GDF11 circulating levels and protein content in tissues are quite variable and are affected by pathological conditions or age. Although, GDF11 biology had a lot of controversies, must of them are only misunderstandings regarding the variability of its responses, which are independent of the tissue, grade of cellular differentiation or pathologies. A blunt fact regarding GDF11 biology is that its target cells have stemness feature, a property that could be found in certain adult cells in health and in disease, such as cancer cells. This review is focused to present and analyze the recent findings in the emerging research field of GDF11 function in cancer and metabolism, and discusses the controversies surrounding the biology of this atypical growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Simoni-Nieves
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, DCBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Monserrat Gerardo-Ramírez
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, DCBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gibrán Pedraza-Vázquez
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, DCBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lisette Chávez-Rodríguez
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, DCBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Bucio
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Unidad de Medicina Translacional, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Verónica Souza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Unidad de Medicina Translacional, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roxana U Miranda-Labra
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Unidad de Medicina Translacional, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis E Gomez-Quiroz
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Unidad de Medicina Translacional, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Concepción Gutiérrez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Unidad de Medicina Translacional, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico
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21
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Yang L, Cui J, Wang Y, Tan J. FAM83H-AS1 is upregulated and predicts poor prognosis in colon cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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22
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Circulating factors in young blood as potential therapeutic agents for age-related neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. Brain Res Bull 2019; 153:15-23. [PMID: 31400495 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent animal studies on heterochronic parabiosis (a technique combining the blood circulation of two animals) have revealed that young blood has a powerful rejuvenating effect on brain aging. Circulating factors, especially growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and C-C motif chemokine 11 (CCL11), may play a key role in this effect, which inspires hope for novel approaches to treating age-related cerebral diseases in humans, such as neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. Recently, attempts have begun to translate these astonishing and exciting findings from mice to humans and from bench to bedside. However, increasing reports have shown contradictory data, questioning the capacity of these circulating factors to reverse age-related brain dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the current research on the role of young blood, as well as the circulating factors GDF11 and CCL11, in the aging brain and age-related cerebral diseases. We highlight recent controversies, discuss related challenges and provide a future outlook.
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23
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Suh J, Eom JH, Kim NK, Woo KM, Baek JH, Ryoo HM, Lee SJ, Lee YS. Growth differentiation factor 11 locally controls anterior-posterior patterning of the axial skeleton. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:23360-23368. [PMID: 31183862 PMCID: PMC6772169 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a transforming growth factor β family member that has been identified as the central player of anterior-posterior (A-P) axial skeletal patterning. Mice homozygous for Gdf11 deletion exhibit severe anterior homeotic transformations of the vertebrae and craniofacial defects. During early embryogenesis, Gdf11 is expressed predominantly in the primitive streak and tail bud regions, where new mesodermal cells arise. On the basis of this expression pattern of Gdf11 and the phenotype of Gdf11 mutant mice, it has been suggested that GDF11 acts to specify positional identity along the A-P axis either by local changes in levels of signaling as development proceeds or by acting as a morphogen. To further investigate the mechanism of action of GDF11 in the vertebral specification, we used a Cdx2-Cre transgene to generate mosaic mice in which Gdf11 expression is removed in posterior regions including the tail bud, but not in anterior regions. The skeletal analysis revealed that these mosaic mice display patterning defects limited to posterior regions where Gdf11 expression is deficient, whereas displaying normal skeletal phenotype in anterior regions where Gdf11 is normally expressed. Specifically, the mosaic mice exhibited seven true ribs, a pattern observed in wild-type (wt) mice (vs. 10 true ribs in Gdf11-/- mice), in the anterior axis and nine lumbar vertebrae, a pattern observed in Gdf11 null mice (vs. six lumbar vertebrae in wt mice), in the posterior axis. Our findings suggest that GDF11, rather than globally acting as a morphogen secreted from the tail bud, locally regulates axial vertebral patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonho Suh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Hyun Eom
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Kyung Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mi Woo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwa Baek
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mo Ryoo
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory, Farmington, Connecticut.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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24
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Yang L, Liu Z, Wen T. Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry quantitatively analyses microvascular density (MVD) and the roles of TGF-β signalling in orchestrating angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:429-438. [PMID: 35116775 PMCID: PMC8797362 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.02.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Advances in multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (mfIHC) techniques and digital pathology platforms allow the quantification of multiple proteins in the same tissue section and produce continuous data. Previously, we used mfIHC to establish the expressed profiles of proteins involved in TGF-β signalling in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We used mfIHC to show microvascular density (MVD) by staining CD31 in the tissues from CRC patients. We further investigated the relationship between MVD and TGF-β signalling. Results We found that the levels of MVD were significantly higher in cancer tissues than in paired normal tissues. Prognostic analysis revealed that the survival time for CRC patients with high levels of MVD was significantly shorter than that for those with low levels of MVD. Systematic analysis of the levels of MVD and TGF-β signalling proteins revealed that TGF-β signalling showed contradictory roles in sustained tumour angiogenesis. In CRC cells, the expression of VEGFA was increased by low concentrations of TGFB1 but decreased by high concentrations of TGFB1. Vessel-forming assays demonstrated that low-dose TGFB1 stimulated but high-dose TGFB1 inhibited HUVECs to form vessel tubes. Conclusions Our analysis based on mfIHC staining in CRC tissues supports the concept that TGF-β signalling either promotes or inhibits tumour angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Tao Wen
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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25
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Administration of rGDF11 retards the aging process in male mice via action of anti-oxidant system. Biogerontology 2019; 20:433-443. [PMID: 30726519 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-019-09799-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
One of the most studied and widely accepted conjectures of aging process is the oxidative stress theory. Current studies have generated disputes on the effects of GDF11 and GDF8, a closely related member of GDF11, on rejuvenation and anti-aging properties. In this study, we first demonstrated that when recombinant GDF8 (rGDF8) and GDF11 (rGDF11) of the fish Nothobranchius guentheri were injected into 20-month-old male mice, their serum GDF8 and GDF11 levels were clearly increased. We also showed that injection of rGDF8 and rGDF11 had little influences on the body weight and serological parameters of the mice, indicating their general condition and physiology were not affected. Based on these findings, we started to test the effects of administration of piscine rGDF11 and rGDF8 on the aging process of male mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. It was found that rGDF11 was able to reduce the levels of AGEs, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, and to slow down the accumulation of age-related histological markers, while rGDF8 was not. Moreover, rGDF11 significantly prevented the decrease in CAT, GPX and SOD activities, but rGDF8 did not. Collectively, these results suggest that it is GDF11 but not GDF8 that can exert rejuvenation and anti-aging activities via the action of antioxidant system. It is also the first report that shows the activity of GDF11 is not species-specific, implicating potential usefulness of piscine GDF11 in prolonging the lifespan of the elderly.
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26
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Yuan X, Bhat OM, Lohner H, Li N, Zhang Y, Li PL. Inhibitory effects of growth differentiation factor 11 on autophagy deficiency-induced dedifferentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H345-H356. [PMID: 30462553 PMCID: PMC6397385 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00342.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor (GDF)11 has been reported to reverse age-related cardiac hypertrophy in mice and cause youthful regeneration of cardiomyocytes. The present study attempted to test a hypothesis that GDF11 counteracts the pathologic dedifferentiation of mouse carotid arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) due to deficient autophagy. By real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, exogenously administrated GDF11 was found to promote CASMC differentiation with increased expression of various differentiation markers (α-smooth muscle actin, myogenin, myogenic differentiation, and myosin heavy chain) as well as decreased expression of dedifferentiation markers (vimentin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Upregulation of the GDF11 gene by trichostatin A (TSA) or CRISPR-cas9 activating plasmids also stimulated the differentiation of CASMCs. Either GDF11 or TSA treatment blocked 7-ketocholesterol-induced CASMC dedifferentiation and autophagosome accumulation as well as lysosome inhibitor bafilomycin-induced dedifferentiation and autophagosome accumulation. Moreover, in CASMCs from mice lacking the CD38 gene, an autophagy deficiency model in CASMCs, GDF11 also inhibited its phenotypic transition to dedifferentiation status. Correspondingly, TSA treatment was shown to decrease GDF11 expression and reverse CASMC dedifferentiation in the partial ligated carotid artery of mice. The inhibitory effects of TSA on dedifferentiation of CASMCs were accompanied by reduced autophagosome accumulation in the arterial wall, which was accompanied by attenuated neointima formation in partial ligated carotid arteries. We concluded that GDF11 promotes CASMC differentiation and prevents the phenotypic transition of these cells induced by autophagosome accumulation during different pathological stimulations, such as Western diet, lysosome function deficiency, and inflammation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study demonstrates that growth differentiation factor (GDF)11 promotes autophagy and subsequent differentiation in carotid arterial smooth muscle cells. Upregulation of GDF11 counteracts dedifferentiation under different pathological conditions. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory role of GDF11 in the counteracting of sclerotic arterial diseases and also suggest that activation or induction of GDF11 may be a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment or prevention of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Owais M Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hannah Lohner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ningjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston , Houston, Texas
| | - Pin-Lan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
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27
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Zhou Y, Ni S, Song L, Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Late-onset administration of GDF11 extends life span and delays development of age-related markers in the annual fish Nothobranchius guentheri. Biogerontology 2018; 20:225-239. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-018-09789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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Wang Z, Dou M, Liu F, Jiang P, Ye S, Ma L, Cao H, Du X, Sun P, Su N, Lin F, Zhang R, Li C. GDF11 induces differentiation and apoptosis and inhibits migration of C17.2 neural stem cells via modulating MAPK signaling pathway. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5524. [PMID: 30202652 PMCID: PMC6128255 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
GDF11, a member of TGF-β superfamily, has recently received widespread attention as a novel anti-ageing/rejuvenation factor to reverse age-related dysfunctions in heart and skeletal muscle, and to induce angiogenesis and neurogenesis. However, these positive effects of GDF11 were challenged by several other studies. Furthermore, the mechanism is still not well understood. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of GDF11 on C17.2 neural stem cells. GDF11 induced differentiation and apoptosis, and suppressed migration of C17.2 neural stem cells. In addition, GDF11 slightly increased cell viability after 24 h treatment, showed no effects on proliferation for about 10 days of cultivation, and slightly decreased cumulative population doubling for long-term treatment (p < 0.05). Phospho-proteome profiling array displayed that GDF11 significantly increased the phosphorylation of 13 serine/threonine kinases (p < 0.01), including p-p38, p-ERK and p-Akt, in C17.2 cells, which implied the activation of MAPK pathway. Western blot validated that the results of phospho-proteome profiling array were reliable. Based on functional analysis, we demonstrated that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in signal transduction which was implicated in cellular behavior. Collectively, our findings suggest that, for neurogenesis, GDF11 might not be the desired rejuvenation factor, but a potential target for pharmacological blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongkui Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Miaomiao Dou
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengjuan Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengliang Ye
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Ma
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haijun Cao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Du
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Sun
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Su
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fangzhao Lin
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Changqing Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Lu L, Bai X, Cao Y, Luo H, Yang X, Kang L, Shi MJ, Fan W, Zhao BQ. Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Promotes Neurovascular Recovery After Stroke in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:205. [PMID: 30061815 PMCID: PMC6054976 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, was shown to rejuvenate cardiac and skeletal muscle function and to improve cerebral vasculature and neurogenesis in old mice. However, recent experimental data reported that raising GDF11 levels inhibited skeletal muscle regeneration and had no effect on cardiac hypertrophy. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GDF11 on brain repair during the recovery phase after stroke. Methods: Mice were subjected to distal middle cerebral artery occlusion, and recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) was injected intraperitoneally once a day during days 7–13 after stroke. Neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) proliferation and angiogenesis were assayed at 14 days. Neuronal regeneration was assayed at 42 days. The beam-walking test and CatWalk were used to evaluate behavioral functions. Downstream pathways of GDF11 were also investigated. Results: GDF11 was upregulated in the ipsilateral peri-infarct cortex and subventricular zone (SVZ) at 14 days after stroke. Treatment with rGDF11 enhanced the number of newborn NPCs and endothelial cells, microvascular length and area, and brain capillary perfusion. Western blots showed that rGDF11 upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increased the levels of proangiogenic factor angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). We also found that rGDF11 upregulated the transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation, but these activations were blocked by a TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542. Moreover, rGDF11-induced angiogenic remodeling and NPCs proliferation were reversed by injection of SB431542, suggesting that GDF11 may exert its effect via the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Finally, treating mice with rGDF11 resulted in a significant increase in neuronal regeneration and functional recovery. Conclusion: GDF11 promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis and contributed to functional recovery after stroke in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Bai
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongliang Cao
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyu Luo
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijing Kang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Juan Shi
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenying Fan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing-Qiao Zhao
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Tang F, Ling C, Liu J. Reduced expression of growth differentiation factor 11 promoted the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by activating the AKT signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:691-698. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Pons M, Koniaris LG, Moe SM, Gutierrez JC, Esquela-Kerscher A, Zimmers TA. GDF11 induces kidney fibrosis, renal cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and kidney dysfunction and failure. Surgery 2018; 164:262-273. [PMID: 29731246 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GDF11 modulates embryonic patterning and kidney organogenesis. Herein, we sought to define GDF11 function in the adult kidney and in renal diseases. METHODS In vitro renal cell lines, genetic, and murine in vivo renal injury models were examined. RESULTS Among tissues tested, Gdf11 was highest in normal adult mouse kidney. Expression was increased acutely after 5/6 nephrectomy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, kanamycin toxicity, or unilateral ureteric obstruction. Systemic, high-dose GDF11 administration in adult mice led to renal failure, with accompanying kidney atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells, and eventually death. These effects were associated with phosphorylation of SMAD2 and could be blocked by follistatin. In contrast, Gdf11 heterozygous mice showed reduced renal Gdf11 expression, renal fibrosis, and expression of fibrosis-associated genes both at baseline and after unilateral ureteric obstruction compared with wild-type littermates. The kidney-specific consequences of GDF11 dose modulation are direct effects on kidney cells. GDF11 induced proliferation and activation of NRK49f renal fibroblasts and also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of IMCD-3 tubular epithelial cells in a SMAD3-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest that GDF11 and its downstream signals are critical in vivo mediators of renal injury. These effects are through direct actions of GDF11 on renal tubular cells and fibroblasts. Thus, regulation of GDF11 presents a therapeutic target for diseases involving renal fibrosis and impaired tubular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Pons
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | | | - Sharon M Moe
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Aurora Esquela-Kerscher
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk
| | - Teresa A Zimmers
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; IU Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
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Abstract
At present, the only definitive cure for β-thalassemia is a bone marrow transplant (BMT); however, HLA-blood-matched donors are scarcely available. Current therapies undergoing clinical investigation with most potential for therapeutic benefit are the β-globin gene transfer of patient-specific hematopoietic stem cells followed by autologous BMT. Other emerging therapies deliver exogenous regulators of several key modulators of erythropoiesis or iron homeostasis. This review focuses on current approaches for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies caused by disruptions of β-globin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaliris Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Khaled M Musallam
- International Network of Hematology, 31-33 High Holborn, London WC1V 6AX, UK
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box: 11-0236, Cairo Street, Hamra, Raid E Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard/6064 160 Biomedical Research Building (BRB) 2/3, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6064, USA.
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Yu X, Chen X, Zheng XD, Zhang J, Zhao X, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Yu H, Zhang M, Ma C, Hao X, Zhu D. Growth Differentiation Factor 11 Promotes Abnormal Proliferation and Angiogenesis of Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells. Hypertension 2018; 71:729-741. [PMID: 29463625 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Disordered proliferation and angiogenesis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells is an important stage in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Recent studies revealed that GDF11 (growth differentiation factor 11) induces endothelial cells proliferation and migration; however, whether GDF11 is directly involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension remains unknown. Here, we found that GDF11 was significantly upregulated and activated in 2 experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension models and cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Genetic ablation of gdf11 in endothelial cells rescued pulmonary arterial hypertension features, as demonstrated by right ventricle hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic pressure, hemodynamics, cardiac function, and vascular remodeling. Moreover, we found that hypoxia significantly increased cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and tube formation, which were significantly inhibited by GDF11 small interfering RNA. These events could be reproduced using cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells and were dependent on Smad signaling. Moreover, hypoxia-induced GDF11 expression was regulated by the transcription factor zinc finger protein 740, which assisted RNA polymerase in recognizing and binding to the GDF11 promoter sequence located at a site (-753/-744; CCCCCCCCAC) upstream of the gene. This study identified a novel growth and differentiation factor signaling pathway involved in the zinc finger protein 740/GDF11/transforming growth factor-β receptor I/Smad signaling axis and involved in pulmonary artery endothelial cells proliferation and angiogenesis. These results provide critical insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension involving components of the GDF11 signaling system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Yu
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Xinxin Chen
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Xiao Dong Zheng
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Junting Zhang
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Xijuan Zhao
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Ying Liu
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Lixin Zhang
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Hao Yu
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Min Zhang
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Cui Ma
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Xuewei Hao
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.)
| | - Daling Zhu
- From the College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology (X.Y., X.Z., L.Z., C.M., X.H.) and Department of Pharmacology (X.D.Z., H.Y.), Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.); and Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, P.R. China (X.Y., X.C., X.D.Z., J.Z., X.Z., Y.L., H.Z., L.Z., H.Y., M.Z., C.M., X.H., D.Z.).
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Zhang YH, Pan LH, Pang Y, Yang JX, Lv MJ, Liu F, Qu XF, Chen XX, Gong HJ, Liu D, Wei Y. GDF11/BMP11 as a novel tumor marker for liver cancer. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3495-3500. [PMID: 29545874 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein 11, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, has been reported to be involved in colorectal cancer. However, the roles of GDF11 in Chinese patients with liver cancer and the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. The present study assessed the expression of GDF11 in 10 paired samples of cancerous and normal tissues from Chinese liver cancer patients. The results indicated that the expression of GDF11 was significantly lower in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. In vitro, the expression of GDF11 was reduced in a panel of liver cancer cell lines compared with that in a normal liver cell line at the mRNA and protein level. Treatment with GDF11 reduced the viability of HepG2 for up to 72 h and GDF11 treatment reduced the viability of SMMC-7721 after 48 and 72 h. Furthermore, GDF11 activated Smad2/3 signaling in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, GDF11 has a tumor suppressor role in liver cancer, exerts its effects through Smad2/3 signaling and may serve as a novel tumor marker in liver cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Hong Pan
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Yi Pang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Xin Yang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Jia Lv
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Feng Qu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Xin Chen
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Jun Gong
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China.,Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing 404120, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing and Control, College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404110, P.R. China
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Growth differentiation factor 11 improves neurobehavioral recovery and stimulates angiogenesis in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Brain Res Bull 2018; 139:38-47. [PMID: 29432795 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent suggestion that growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) acts as a rejuvenation factor has remained controversial. However, in addition to its role in aging, the relationship between GDF11 and cerebral ischemia is still an important area that needs more investigation. Here we examined effects of GDF11 on angiogenesis and recovery of neurological function in a rat model of stroke. Exogenous recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) at different doses were directly injected into the tail vein in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Neurobehavioral tests were performed, the proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) and GDF11 downstream signal activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5) were assessed, and functional microvessels were measured. Results showed that rGDF11 at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day could effectively activate cerebral angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, rGDF11 improved the modified neurological severity scores and the adhesive removal somatosensory test, promoted proliferation of ECs, induced ALK5 and increased vascular surface area and the number of vascular branch points in the peri-infarct cerebral cortex after cerebral I/R. These effects were suppressed by blocking ALK5. Our novel findings shed new light on the role of GDF11. Our results strongly suggest that GDF11 improves neurofunctional recovery from cerebral I/R injury and that this effect is mediated partly through its proangiogenic effect in the peri-infarct cerebral cortex, which is associated with ALK5. Thus, GDF11/ALK5 may represent new therapeutic targets for aiding recovery from stroke.
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Bajikar SS, Wang CC, Borten MA, Pereira EJ, Atkins KA, Janes KA. Tumor-Suppressor Inactivation of GDF11 Occurs by Precursor Sequestration in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Dev Cell 2017; 43:418-435.e13. [PMID: 29161592 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous carcinoma in which various tumor-suppressor genes are lost by mutation, deletion, or silencing. Here we report a tumor-suppressive mode of action for growth-differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and an unusual mechanism of its inactivation in TNBC. GDF11 promotes an epithelial, anti-invasive phenotype in 3D triple-negative cultures and intraductal xenografts by sustaining expression of E-cadherin and inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2). Surprisingly, clinical TNBCs retain the GDF11 locus and expression of the protein itself. GDF11 bioactivity is instead lost because of deficiencies in its convertase, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5), causing inactive GDF11 precursor to accumulate intracellularly. PCSK5 reconstitution mobilizes the latent TNBC reservoir of GDF11 in vitro and suppresses triple-negative mammary cancer metastasis to the lung of syngeneic hosts. Intracellular GDF11 retention adds to the concept of tumor-suppressor inactivation and reveals a cell-biological vulnerability for TNBCs lacking therapeutically actionable mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer S Bajikar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Chun-Chao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Institute of Molecular Medicine & Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Michael A Borten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kristen A Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kevin A Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Yang L, Liu Z, Tan J, Dong H, Zhang X. Multispectral imaging reveals hyper active TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 19:105-112. [PMID: 29219668 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1395116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques and digital pathology platforms allow quantification of multiple proteins at same tissue section and produce continuous data. TGF-β signaling plays crucial and complex roles in colorectal cancer (CRC). We here aimed to investigate clinical pathological relevant of proteins involved in TGF-β signaling at CRC tissues. Multiplex fluorescent IHC was used to quantitative analysis. The levels of eight proteins (TGF-β1, TGFBRI, TGFBRII, SMAD4, SMAD2/3, p-SMAD2/3, SMAD1/5/9, and p-SMAD1/5/9) were determined in TMA sections. Quantitative analysis was carried out by a scoring system by InForm software. It revealed that TGF-β signaling was hyper active. The levels of TGF-β1, TGFBRI, TGFBRII, SMAD4, SMAD1/5/9 and p-SMAD2/3 were significantly increased in cancer tissues when compared their levels in normal tissues. Furthermore, the levels of eight proteins in stroma were significantly lower than the levels that in cancer tissues. Clinical pathological relevant analysis exhibited that TGF-β signaling inclined to suppress the progression of tumor. SMAD1/5/9, TGFBRII, SMAD2/3 were confirmed as significant predictors for overall survival. In conclusion, we established a method based on multispectral imaging to extensively explore the clinical relevant of TGF-β signaling proteins. These results provided an opportunity to consider the novel application for proteins involving TGF-β signaling that used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers to conduct tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Zheng Liu
- a Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Tan
- b Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Beijing Chest Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Dong
- c Oncology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- c Oncology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , P.R. China
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Xu J, Wu L, Zhang Y, Gu H, Huang Z, Zhou K, Yin X. Activation of AMPK by OSU53 protects spinal cord neurons from oxidative stress. Oncotarget 2017; 8:112477-112486. [PMID: 29348841 PMCID: PMC5762526 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study tested the potential effect of OSU53, a novel AMPK activator, against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced spinal cord neuron damages. Treatment with OSU53 attenuated H2O2-induced death and apoptosis of primary murine spinal cord neurons. OSU53 activated AMPK signaling, which is required for its actions in spinal cord neurons. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C or AMPKα1 siRNA almost abolished OSU53-mediated neuroprotection against H2O2. On the other hand, sustained-activation of AMPK by introducing the constitutive-active AMPKα1 mimicked OSU53's actions, and protected spinal cord neurons from oxidative stress. OSU53 significantly attenuated H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation and DNA damages in spinal cord neurons. Additionally, OSU53 increased NADPH content and heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression in H2O2-treated spinal cord neurons. Together, we indicate that targeted-activation of AMPK by OSU53 protects spinal cord neurons from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijie Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongyue Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaifeng Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofan Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yu F, Qian X, Zeng Z, Zhao X, Hou R, Zhang Z, Bian H, Han N, Wang J, Zhu M. Effect of antioxidant of bamboo leaves on gene expression associated with mouse embryonic fibroblast reproduction and embryonic development. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7490-7496. [PMID: 28944838 PMCID: PMC5865880 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7505] [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: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) was certified to be a natural antioxidant by the Chinese Ministry of Health in 2003. However, the effects of AOB on animal reproductive and developmental functions remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of AOB on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, and to examine the underlying molecular mechanism through which AOB affects the proliferation and apoptosis of MEFs. MEFs prepared from individual embryos were treated with various dosages of AOB. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used for the detection of mRNA and protein expression. Functional annotation of differentially-expressed genes was performed according to the Gene Ontology database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Compared with the control group, ~50% of MEF cells were inhibited following treatment with a 400 µg/ml concentration of AOB. Treatment with 400 µg/ml AOB for 72 h significantly increased the apoptotic rate of MEF cells compared with the control group. Following treatment with AOB, dehydrogenase/reductase 9, phospholipase A2 group IVE and platelet derived growth factor B were downregulated, while 17 other genes were upregulated in MEF cells. Treatment with AOB markedly increased the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), β-catenin, transcription factor SOX-17, calcium-binding tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated protein, and cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme mitochondrial (P<0.01). Additionally, the ERK pathway inhibitor U0126 and Wnt pathway inhibitor dickkopf-related protein 1 markedly suppressed the expression of the above genes (P<0.01). AOB may impact the expression of proteins associated with embryonic fibroblast reproduction and embryonic development through activation of the ERK and Wnt signaling pathways, thus influencing cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Qian
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Zhanghui Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Rong Hou
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, P.R. China
| | - Zhihe Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, P.R. China
| | - Hongwu Bian
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Ning Han
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Junhui Wang
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
| | - Muyuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, P.R. China
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Role of growth differentiation factor 11 in development, physiology and disease. Oncotarget 2017; 8:81604-81616. [PMID: 29113418 PMCID: PMC5655313 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor (GDF11) is a member of TGF-β/BMP superfamily that activates Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways and regulates expression of its target nuclear genes. Since its discovery in 1999, studies have shown the involvement of GDF11 in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development and erythropoiesis, as well as in the pathophysiology of aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In addition, there are contradictory reports regarding the role of GDF11 in aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, osteogenesis, skeletal muscle development, and neurogenesis. In this review, we describe the GDF11 signaling pathway and its potential role in development, physiology and disease.
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Zhou Y, Sharma N, Dukes D, Myzithras MB, Gupta P, Khalil A, Kahn J, Ahlberg JS, Hayes DB, Franti M, Criswell T. GDF11 Treatment Attenuates the Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Function After Injury in Older Rats. AAPS JOURNAL 2016; 19:431-437. [PMID: 27924614 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-016-0024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Loss of skeletal muscle mass and function results in loss of mobility for elderly patients. Novel therapies that can protect and/or restore muscle function during aging would have profound effects on the quality of life for this population. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been proposed as a "youthful" circulating factor that can restore cardiac, neural, and skeletal muscle functions in aging animals. However, conflicting data has been recently published that casts doubt on these assertions. We used a complex rat model of skeletal muscle injury that physiologically mimics injuries seen in patients; to investigate the ability of GDF11 and to enhance skeletal muscle regeneration after injury in older rats. Our data showed that GDF11 treatment resulted in a significant increase in tissue fibrosis, accompanied by attenuated functional recovery, as compared to animals treated with vehicle alone. GDF11 impaired the recovery of skeletal muscle function in older rats after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA
| | - Neel Sharma
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA
| | - David Dukes
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA
| | | | - Priyanka Gupta
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ashraf Khalil
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julius Kahn
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - David B Hayes
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael Franti
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tracy Criswell
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA.
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Mei W, Xiang G, Li Y, Li H, Xiang L, Lu J, Xiang L, Dong J, Liu M. GDF11 Protects against Endothelial Injury and Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1926-1938. [PMID: 27502608 PMCID: PMC5154476 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) reduces cardiac hypertrophy, improves cerebral vasculature and enhances neurogenesis in ageing mice. Higher growth differentiation factor 11/8 (GDF11/8) is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events in humans. Here, we showed that adeno-associated viruses-GDF11 and recombinant GDF11 protein improve endothelial dysfunction, decrease endothelial apoptosis, and reduce inflammation, consequently decrease atherosclerotic plaques area in apolipoprotein E-/- mice. Moreover, adeno-associated viruses-GDF11 and recombinant GDF11 stabilize atherosclerotic plaques by selectively decreasing in macrophages and T lymphocytes, while increasing in collagen and vascular smooth muscle cells within plaques. In addition, GDF11 inhibit palmitic acid-induced endothelial apoptosis and ameliorate palmitic acid-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Mechanistically, GDF11 activates the TGF-β/Smad2/3, AMPK/endothelial nitricoxide synthase (eNOS) while suppresses JNK and NF-κB pathways. In humans, circulating GDF11/8 is positively associated with flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation in overweight subjects. We concluded that adeno-associated viruses-GDF11 and recombinant GDF11 protect against endothelial injury and reduce atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-/- mice, thus may be providing a novel approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Mei
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Guangda Xiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yixiang Li
- Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Mathematics and Statistics Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Junyan Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Xiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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