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Dong X, Tang Y. Ntrk1 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and inflammation in rat glomerulonephritis model by activating the STAT3 and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways. BMC Nephrol 2022; 23:413. [PMID: 36575400 PMCID: PMC9795628 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-03001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) accounts for a main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic renal failure and uremia. This paper aimed to examine the effect of Ntrk1 on MsPGN development, so as to identify a novel therapeutic target for MsPGN. METHODS The MsPGN rat model was constructed by single injection of Thy1.1 monoclonal antibody via the tail vein. Additionally, the Ntrk1 knockdown rat model was established by injection of Ntrk1-RNAi lentivirus via the tail vein. Periodic acid-schiff staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed on kidney tissues. Moreover, the rat urinary protein was detected. Mesangial cells were transfected and treated with p38 inhibitor (SB202190) and ERK inhibitor (PD98059). Meanwhile, the viability and proliferation of mesangial cells were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Gene expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western-blot (WB) assays. RESULTS The proliferation of mesangial cells was enhanced in glomerulus and Ki67 expression was up-regulated in renal tubule of MsPGN rats. The urine protein level increased in MsPGN rats. Pro-inflammatory factors and Ntrk1 expression were up-regulated in glomerulus of MsPGN rats. Ntrk1 up-regulation promoted the viability, proliferation, expression of pro-inflammatory factors and activation of the STAT3, p38 and ERK signaling pathways in mesangial cells. Ntrk1 knockdown reduced mesangial cell proliferation, urine protein, pro-inflammatory factors, activation of STAT3, p38 and ERK signaling pathways in glomerulus, and decreased Ki67 expression in renal tubule of MsPGN rats. Treatment with SB202190 and PD98059 reversed the effect of Ntrk1 on promoting the viability, proliferation and inflammatory response of mesangial cells. CONCLUSION Ntrk1 promoted mesangial cell proliferation and inflammation in MsPGN rats by activating the STAT3 and p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongjun Dong
- Blood Purification Center, The Second People’s Hospital of Wuhu, Anhui Province, 241000 China
| | - Yingchun Tang
- Blood Purification Center, The Second People’s Hospital of Wuhu, Anhui Province, 241000 China
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2
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Leask A. Conjunction junction, what's the function? CCN proteins as targets in fibrosis and cancers. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1046-C1054. [PMID: 32130070 PMCID: PMC7311738 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00028.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication network (CCN) proteins are matricellular proteins that coordinate signaling among extracellular matrix, secreted proteins, and cell surface receptors. Their specific in vivo function is context-dependent, but they play profound roles in pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancers. Anti-CCN therapies are in clinical consideration. Only recently, however, has the function of these complex molecules begun to emerge. This review summarizes and interprets our current knowledge regarding these fascinating molecules and provides experimental evidence for their utility as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- School of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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3
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Shoji M, Ueda M, Nishioka M, Minato H, Seki M, Harada K, Kubo M, Fukuyama Y, Suzuki Y, Aoyama E, Takigawa M, Kuzuhara T. Jiadifenolide induces the expression of cellular communication network factor (CCN) genes, and CCN2 exhibits neurotrophic activity in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 519:309-315. [PMID: 31506177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Jiadifenolide has been reported to have neurotrophin-like activity in primary rat cortical neurons, and also possesses neurotrophic effects in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), as we have previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms by which jiadifenolide exerts its neurotrophic effects in rat and human neurons are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pathways by which jiadifenolide promotes neurotrophic effects. Here, we found that jiadifenolide activated cellular communication network factor (CCN) signaling pathways by up-regulating mRNA level expression of CCN genes in human neuronal cells. We also found that CCN2 (also known as connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) protein promotes neurotrophic effects through activation of the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. This is the first discovery which links neurotrophic activity with CCN signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Shoji
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Masako Ueda
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Megumi Nishioka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Minato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Miwa Kubo
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Fukuyama
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eriko Aoyama
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuzuhara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Tokushima, Japan.
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4
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Patera F, Cudzich-Madry A, Huang Z, Fragiadaki M. Renal expression of JAK2 is high in polycystic kidney disease and its inhibition reduces cystogenesis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4491. [PMID: 30872773 PMCID: PMC6418191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common renal genetic disorder, however it still lacks a cure. The discovery of new therapies heavily depends on understanding key signalling pathways that lead to ADPKD. The JAnus Kinase and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is aberrantly activated and contributes to ADPKD pathogenesis via enhancing epithelial proliferation. Yet the mechanisms underlying the upregulation of JAK/STAT activity in this disease context is completely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of JAK2 in ADPKD using a murine model of ADPKD (Pkd1nl/nl). In normal kidneys, JAK2 expression is limited to tubular epithelial and vascular cells with lesser staining in bowman’s capsule and remains below detection level in the interstitium. By contrast, in kidneys of mice with ADPKD, JAK2 is higher in cyst-lining cells when compared to normal tubules and critically, it is ectopically expressed in the interstitium, suggesting that ectopic JAK2 may contribute to ADPKD. JAK2 activity was inhibited using either curcumin, a natural compound with strong JAK2 inhibitor activity, or Tofacitinib, a clinically used selective JAK small molecule inhibitor. JAK2 inhibition led to significantly reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 and markedly reduced cystic growth of human and mouse ADPKD-derived cells in cystogenesis assays. Taken together, our results indicate that blockade of JAK2 shows promise as a novel therapeutic target in ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Patera
- Academic Nephrology Unit, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Cudzich-Madry
- Academic Nephrology Unit, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Zhi Huang
- Academic Nephrology Unit, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Fragiadaki
- Academic Nephrology Unit, Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, United Kingdom.
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5
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Yin Q, Liu H. Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Renal Fibrosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:365-380. [PMID: 31399974 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is one of important members of the CCN family. Generally, CTGF expresses at low levels in normal adult kidney, while increases significantly in various kidney diseases, playing an important role in the development of glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in progressive kidney diseases. CTGF is involved in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and can promote the progression of fibrosis directly or act as a downstream factor of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). CTGF also regulates the expression and activity of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), thereby playing an important role in the process of kidney repair. In patients with chronic kidney disease, elevated plasma CTGF is an independent risk factor for progression to end-stage renal disease and is closely related to glomerular filtration rate. Therefore, CTGF may be a potential biological marker of kidney fibrosis, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm this view. This section briefly describes the role and molecular mechanisms of CTGF in renal fibrosis and also discusses the potential value of targeting CCN2 for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yin
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Gezginci-Oktayoglu S, Coskun E, Ercin M, Bolkent S. 4-Methylcatechol prevents streptozotocin-induced acute kidney injury through modulating NGF/TrkA and ROS-related Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 64:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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7
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Rayego-Mateos S, Morgado-Pascual JL, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Rodrigues-Diez R, Falke LL, Mezzano S, Ortiz A, Egido J, Goldschmeding R, Ruiz-Ortega M. Connective tissue growth factor induces renal fibrosis via epidermal growth factor receptor activation. J Pathol 2018; 244:227-241. [PMID: 29160908 DOI: 10.1002/path.5007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular protein that is overexpressed in progressive human renal diseases, mainly in fibrotic areas. In vitro studies have demonstrated that CCN2 regulates the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and could therefore contribute to renal fibrosis. CCN2 blockade ameliorates experimental renal damage, including diminution of ECM accumulation. We have reported that CCN2 and its C-terminal degradation product CCN2(IV) bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to modulate renal inflammation. However, the receptor involved in CCN2 profibrotic actions has not been described so far. Using a murine model of systemic administration of CCN2(IV), we have unveiled a fibrotic response in the kidney that was diminished by EGFR blockade. Additionally, in conditional CCN2 knockout mice, renal fibrosis elicited by folic acid-induced renal damage was prevented, and this was linked to inhibition of EGFR pathway activation. Our in vitro studies demonstrated a direct effect of CCN2 via the EGFR pathway on ECM production by fibroblasts and the induction of EMT in tubular epithelial cells. Our studies clearly show that the EGFR regulates CCN2 fibrotic signalling in the kidney, and suggest that EGFR pathway blockade could be a potential therapeutic option to block CCN2-mediated profibrotic effects in renal diseases. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Morgado-Pascual
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Egido
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Trivedi P, Kumar RK, Iyer A, Boswell S, Gerarduzzi C, Dadhania VP, Herbert Z, Joshi N, Luyendyk JP, Humphreys BD, Vaidya VS. Targeting Phospholipase D4 Attenuates Kidney Fibrosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:3579-3589. [PMID: 28814511 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016111222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase D4 (PLD4), a single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein, is among the most highly upregulated genes in murine kidneys subjected to chronic progressive fibrosis, but the function of PLD4 in this process is unknown. Here, we found PLD4 to be overexpressed in the proximal and distal tubular epithelial cells of murine and human kidneys after fibrosis. Genetic silencing of PLD4, either globally or conditionally in proximal tubular epithelial cells, protected mice from the development of fibrosis. Mechanistically, global knockout of PLD4 modulated innate and adaptive immune responses and attenuated the upregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and α1-antitrypsin protein (a serine protease inhibitor) expression and downregulation of neutrophil elastase (NE) expression induced by obstructive injury. In vitro, treatment with NE attenuated TGF-β-induced accumulation of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of PLD4 using specific siRNA protected mice from folic acid-induced kidney fibrosis and inhibited the increase in TGF-β signaling, decrease in NE expression, and upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that PLD4 binds three proteins that interact with neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1, a receptor also known as TrkA that upregulates mitogen-activated protein kinase. PLD4 inhibition also prevented the folic acid-induced upregulation of this receptor in mouse kidneys. These results suggest inhibition of PLD4 as a novel therapeutic strategy to activate protease-mediated degradation of extracellular matrix and reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Trivedi
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramya K Kumar
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashwin Iyer
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Boswell
- Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Casimiro Gerarduzzi
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vivekkumar P Dadhania
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zach Herbert
- Molecular Biology Core Facilities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikita Joshi
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - James P Luyendyk
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Vishal S Vaidya
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; .,Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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9
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Sharma D, Bhattacharya P, Kalia K, Tiwari V. Diabetic nephropathy: New insights into established therapeutic paradigms and novel molecular targets. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2017; 128:91-108. [PMID: 28453961 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most prevalent microvascular complication in patients suffering from diabetes and is reported to be the major cause of renal failure when compared to any other kidney disease. Currently, available therapies provide only symptomatic relief and unable to treat the underlying pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. This review will explore new insights into the established therapeutic paradigms targeting oxidative stress, inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress with the focus on recent clinical developments. Apart from this, the involvement of novel cellular and molecular mechanisms including the role of endothelin-receptor antagonists, Wnt signaling pathway, epigenetics and micro RNA is also discussed so that key molecular switches involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy can be identified. Elucidating new molecular pathways will help in the development of novel therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Kiran Kalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
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10
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Wang L, Tao T, Su W, Yu H, Yu Y, Qin J. A disease model of diabetic nephropathy in a glomerulus-on-a-chip microdevice. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:1749-1760. [PMID: 28418422 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00134g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a major chronic renal complication of diabetes mellitus, and is the leading cause of end-stage kidney diseases. Establishing a disease model of diabetic nephropathy in vitro can accelerate the understanding of its mechanisms and pharmaceutical development. We provide the proof-of-principle for using a glomerulus-on-a-chip microdevice that reconstitutes organ-level kidney functions to create a human disease model of early stage diabetic nephropathy on chip. The microfluidic device, which recapitulates the glomerular microenvironment, consists of parallel channels lined by isolated primary glomerular microtissues that experience fluid flow to mimic the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB), including glomerular endothelial cells, 3D basement membrane and podocytes. This device was used to reproduce high glucose-induced critical pathological responses in diabetic nephropathy as observed in humans. The results reveal that hyperglycemia plays a crucial role in the development of increased barrier permeability to albumin and glomerular dysfunction that lead to proteinuria. This organ-on-a-chip microdevice mimics the critical pathological responses of glomerulus that are characteristic of diabetic nephropathy that has not been possible by cell-based and animal models, providing a useful platform for studying the mechanism of diabetic nephropathy and developing an effective therapy in glomerular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Tingting Tao
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Wentao Su
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Hao Yu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yue Yu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Taneja G, Gupta CP, Mishra S, Srivastava R, Rahuja N, Rawat AK, Pandey J, Gupta AP, Jaiswal N, Gayen JR, Tamrakar AK, Srivastava AK, Goel A. Synthesis of substituted 2 H-benzo[ e]indazole-9-carboxylate as a potent antihyperglycemic agent that may act through IRS-1, Akt and GSK-3β pathways. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:329-337. [PMID: 30108748 PMCID: PMC6072481 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00467a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Based on high throughput screening of our chemical library, we identified two 4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazole derivatives (5d and 5g), which displayed a significant effect on glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Based on these lead molecules, a series of benzo[e]indazole derivatives were prepared. Among all the synthesized dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazoles, 8-(methylthio)-2-phenyl-6-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazole-9-carboxylate (5e) showed significant glucose uptake stimulation in L6 skeletal muscle cells, even better than lead compounds. Additionally, 5e decreased glucagon-induced glucose release in HepG2 hepatoma cells. The 2H-benzo[e]indazole 5e exerted an antihyperglycemic effect in normal, sucrose challenged streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Treatment with 5e at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 in db/db mice caused a significant decrease in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and increased the HDL-C level in a significant manner. The mechanistic studies revealed that the 2H-benzo[e]indazole 5e significantly stimulated insulin-induced signaling at the level of IRS-1, Akt and GSK-3β in L6 skeletal muscle cells, possibly by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B. This new 2H-benzo[e]indazole derivative has potential for the treatment of diabetes with improved lipid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Taneja
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India .
| | - Chandra Prakash Gupta
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India .
| | - Shachi Mishra
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India .
| | - Rohit Srivastava
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Neha Rahuja
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Arun Kumar Rawat
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Jyotsana Pandey
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Anand P Gupta
- Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Natasha Jaiswal
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Jiaur R Gayen
- Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | - Akhilesh K Tamrakar
- Biochemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India
| | | | - Atul Goel
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division , CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute , Lucknow 226031 , India .
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12
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Leask A. Yin and Yang revisited: CCN3 as an anti-fibrotic therapeutic? J Cell Commun Signal 2015; 9:97-8. [PMID: 25700690 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-015-0281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are a significant cause of mortality. It is being increasingly appreciated that the cellular microenvironment plays a key role in promoting pathological fibrosis. A previous Bits and Bytes described an elegant series of experiments published by Bruce Riser and colleagues (Am J Pathol. 2009: 174:1725-34) that showed that CCN3 (nov) antagonizes the fibrogenic effects of CCN2.and hence could represent a novel anti-fibrotic therapy. They have continued their excellent work and have recently used the ob/ob mouse as a model of obesity and diabetic nephropathy to show that CCN3 could block the induction of profibrotic gene expression, fibrosis and loss of kidney function (Am J Pathol. 2014;184:2908-21). Also, reversal of fibrosis was observed. Thus this paper provides strong evidence that CCN3 may be used as a novel therapy to treat diabetes caused by obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- Department of Dentistry and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada,
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13
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Kubota S, Maeda-Uematsu A, Nishida T, Takigawa M. New functional aspects of CCN2 revealed by trans-omic approaches. J Oral Biosci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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The interplay between glucose and fatty acids on tube formation and fatty acid uptake in the first trimester trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 401:11-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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15
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Zhang W, Yang Z, Li X, Wen J, Zhang H, Wang S, Wang X, Zhou H, Fang W, Qin L, Su Q. The functional Q84R polymorphism of TRIB3 gene is associated with diabetic nephropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Gene 2014; 555:357-61. [PMID: 25447894 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress and circulating free fatty acids (FFA) has been suggested to involve in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. TRIB3 can inhibit FFA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulated podocyte production of MCP-1. Smoking increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which accelerates oxidative stress under hyperglycemia. To determine whether the Q84R polymorphism (rs2295490), alone or in combination with smoking, contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy, a case-control study was performed in 812 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Among patients, 214 had diabetic nephropathy with microalbuminuria (n=156) or overt albuminuria (n=58), and 598 did not show either of these symptoms but had diabetes for ≥10 years and were not undergoing antihypertension treatment. After adjustment for confounders, TRIB3 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2295490 was associated with DN (OR 1.318, 95% CI 1.075, 1.653, p=0.017); smoking was also an independent risk factor for diabetic nephropathy (1.42 [1.25-2.04], p<0.001). In addition, we identified possible synergistic effects; i.e., the high-risk group (smokers with the AG+GG genotype) showed 2.13 times higher risk (1.51-3.96, p<0.001) of diabetic nephropathy than the low-risk group (nonsmokers with the AA genotype) in a multiple logistic regression analysis controlled for the confounders, but no departure from additivity was found. Our results indicate that smoking and the TRIB3 G-allele is associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy, which supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyong Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suijun Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuanchun Wang
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Houguang Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Cellular and molecular actions of CCN2/CTGF and its role under physiological and pathological conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2014; 128:181-96. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20140264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CCN family protein 2 (CCN2), also widely known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is one of the founding members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins. Extensive investigation on CCN2 over decades has revealed the novel molecular action and functional properties of this unique signalling modulator. By its interaction with multiple molecular counterparts, CCN2 yields highly diverse and context-dependent biological outcomes in a variety of microenvironments. Nowadays, CCN2 is recognized to conduct the harmonized development of relevant tissues, such as cartilage and bone, in the skeletal system, by manipulating extracellular signalling molecules involved therein by acting as a hub through a web. However, on the other hand, CCN2 occasionally plays profound roles in major human biological disorders, including fibrosis and malignancies in major organs and tissues, by modulating the actions of key molecules involved in these clinical entities. In this review, the physiological and pathological roles of this unique protein are comprehensively summarized from a molecular network-based viewpoint of CCN2 functionalities.
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Goel A, Nag P, Rahuja N, Srivastava R, Chaurasia S, Gautam S, Chandra S, Siddiqi MI, Srivastava AK. Discovery of biaryl-4-carbonitriles as antihyperglycemic agents that may act through AMPK-p38 MAPK pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 394:1-12. [PMID: 24993155 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of functionalized biaryl-4-carbonitriles was synthesized in three steps and evaluated for PTP-1B inhibitory activity. Among the synthesized compounds, four biaryls 6a-d showed inhibition (IC50 58-75 μM) against in vitro PTP-1B assay possibly due to interaction with amino acid residues Lys120, Tyr46 through hydrogen bonding and aromatic-aromatic interactions, respectively. Two biaryl-4-carbonitriles 6b and 6c showed improved glucose tolerance, fasting as well as postprandial blood glucose, serum total triglycerides, and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in SLM, STZ, STZ-S and C57BL/KsJ-db/db animal models. The bioanalysis of 4'-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-5-(piperidin-1-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonitrile (6b) revealed that like insulin, it increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells (L6 and C2C12 myotubes). The compound 6b significantly up-regulated the genes related to the insulin signaling pathways like AMPK, MAPK including glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) gene in muscle tissue of C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Furthermore, it was observed that the compound 6b up-regulated PPARα, UCP2 and HNF4α, which are key regulator of glucose, lipid, and fatty acid metabolism. Western blot analysis of the compound 6b showed that it significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and p38 MAPK and ameliorated glucose uptake in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice through the AMPK-p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Goel
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India.
| | - Pankaj Nag
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Neha Rahuja
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Rohit Srivastava
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sumit Chaurasia
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sudeep Gautam
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sharat Chandra
- Division of Molecular and Structural Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mohammad Imran Siddiqi
- Division of Molecular and Structural Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Arvind K Srivastava
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
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18
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Renoprotective effect of atorvastatin on STZ-diabetic rats through attenuating kidney-associated dysmetabolism. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:9-14. [PMID: 25008071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Atorvastatin (AT) has been alternatively used for managing diabetic complications in clinic. However, AT-related therapeutic potentiality remains relatively unexplored, especially in diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to investigate the underlying potentiality that AT exerted on anti-diabetic nephropathy role against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced kidney injury in rats. STZ-diabetic rats were intragastrically administered with AT (10, 20 mg/kg/d) for consecutive 8 weeks. The effects of AT on body weight, levels of blood glucose, lipometabolism, redox state, cellular metabolism, regulator factor and kidney morphological changes were monitored by routine measurement, biochemistry assay, PT-PCR analysis, ultrastructural and pathological observations, respectively. Compared with the diabetic nephropathy rats, AT elevated the body weight of diabetic nephropathy rats (P<0.01), effectively reduced the blood glucose level (P<0.01), increased the levels of insulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in plasma (P<0.01), and decreased the 24 h urine protein content and serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01). Meanwhile, increase in kidney tissue, the intrarenal activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were enhanced, while the malonaldehyde (MDA) content was reduced (P<0.01). In addition, the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in kidney tissue was notably down-regulated (P<0.01). Furthermore, AT contributed to alleviating STZ-induced nephritic damages in rats. These results demonstrate that atorvastatin exerts the effective protective role against kidney injuries of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy rat, which the underlying mechanisms are associated with ameliorating glyco, lipometabolism, enhancing antioxidant ability, and mitigating renal damage.
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Rayego-Mateos S, Rodrigues-Díez R, Morgado-Pascual JL, Rodrigues Díez RR, Mas S, Lavoz C, Alique M, Pato J, Keri G, Ortiz A, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. Connective tissue growth factor is a new ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor. J Mol Cell Biol 2013; 5:323-35. [PMID: 23929714 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjt030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide and there is no effective treatment. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) has been suggested as a risk biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for renal diseases, but its specific receptor has not been identified. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) participates in kidney damage, but whether CCN2 activates the EGFR pathway is unknown. Here, we show that CCN2 is a novel EGFR ligand. CCN2 binding to EGFR extracellular domain was demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance. CCN2 contains four distinct structural modules. The carboxyl-terminal module (CCN2(IV)) showed a clear interaction with soluble EGFR, suggesting that EGFR-binding site is located in this module. Injection of CCN2(IV) in mice increased EGFR phosphorylation in the kidney, mainly in tubular epithelial cells. EGFR kinase inhibition decreased CCN2(IV)-induced renal changes (ERK activation and inflammation). Studies in cultured tubular epithelial cells showed that CCN2(IV) binds to EGFR leading to ERK activation and proinflammatory factors overexpression. CCN2 interacts with the neurotrophin receptor TrkA, and EGFR/TrkA receptor crosstalk was found in response to CCN2(IV) stimulation. Moreover, endogenous CCN2 blockade inhibited TGF-β-induced EGFR activation. These findings indicate that CCN2 is a novel EGFR ligand that contributes to renal damage through EGFR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Abu El-Asrar AM, Mohammad G, De Hertogh G, Nawaz MI, Van Den Eynde K, Siddiquei MM, Struyf S, Opdenakker G, Geboes K. Neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65472. [PMID: 23762379 PMCID: PMC3676317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are emerging as important mediators of angiogenesis and fibrosis. We investigated the expression of the NTs nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and their receptors TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). As a comparison, we examined the expression of NTs and their receptors in the retinas of diabetic rats. Vitreous samples from 16 PDR and 15 nondiabetic patients were studied by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Epiretinal membranes from 17 patients with PDR were studied by immunohistochemistry. Rats were made diabetic with a single high dose of streptozotocin and retinas of rats were examined by Western blot analysis. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of NT-3 and NT-4 and the shedding of receptors TrkA and TrkB in vitreous samples from PDR patients compared to nondiabetic controls, whereas NGF and BDNF and the receptor TrkC were not detected with the use of Western blot analysis and ELISA. In epiretinal membranes, vascular endothelial cells and myofibroblasts expressed NT-3 and the receptors TrkA, TrkB and TrkC in situ, whereas NT-4 was not detected. The expression levels of NT-3 and NT-4 and the receptors TrkA and TrkB, both in intact and solubilized forms, were upregulated in the retinas of diabetic rats, whereas the receptor TrkC was not detected. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed binding between NT-3 and the receptors TrkA and TrkB in the retinas of diabetic rats. Our findings in diabetic eyes from humans and rats suggest that the increased expression levels within the NT-3 and NT-4/Trk axis are associated with the progression of PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Mason RM. Fell-Muir lecture: Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) -- a pernicious and pleiotropic player in the development of kidney fibrosis. Int J Exp Pathol 2012; 94:1-16. [PMID: 23110747 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2012.00845.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins. It interacts with many other proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, modulating cell function. It is expressed at low levels in normal adult kidney cells but is increased in kidney diseases, playing important roles in inflammation and in the development of glomerular and interstitial fibrosis in chronic disease. This review reports the evidence for its expression in human and animal models of chronic kidney disease and summarizes data showing that anti-CTGF therapy can successfully attenuate fibrotic changes in several such models, suggesting that therapies targeting CTGF and events downstream of it in renal cells may be useful for the treatment of human kidney fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor stimulates the development of fibrosis in the kidney in many ways including activating cells to increase extracellular matrix synthesis, inducing cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, and prolonging survival of activated cells. The relationship between CTGF and the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ is examined and mechanisms by which CTGF promotes signalling by the latter are discussed. No specific cellular receptors for CTGF have been discovered but it interacts with and activates several plasma membrane proteins including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-1, LRP-6, tropomyosin-related kinase A, integrins and heparan sulphate proteoglycans. Intracellular signalling and downstream events triggered by such interactions are reviewed. Finally, the relationships between CTGF and several anti-fibrotic factors, such as bone morphogenetic factor-4 (BMP4), BMP7, hepatocyte growth factor, CCN3 and Oncostatin M, are discussed. These may determine whether injured tissue heals or progresses to fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger M Mason
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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