1
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Cavagnero KJ, Li F, Dokoshi T, Nakatsuji T, O’Neill AM, Aguilera C, Liu E, Shia M, Osuoji O, Hata T, Gallo RL. CXCL12+ dermal fibroblasts promote neutrophil recruitment and host defense by recognition of IL-17. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231425. [PMID: 38393304 PMCID: PMC10890925 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin provides an essential barrier for host defense through rapid action of multiple resident and recruited cell types, but the complex communication network governing these processes is incompletely understood. To define these cell-cell interactions more clearly, we performed an unbiased network analysis of mouse skin during invasive S. aureus infection and revealed a dominant role for CXCL12+ fibroblast subsets in neutrophil communication. These subsets predominantly reside in the reticular dermis, express adipocyte lineage markers, detect IL-17 and TNFα, and promote robust neutrophil recruitment through NFKBIZ-dependent release of CXCR2 ligands and CXCL12. Targeted deletion of Il17ra in mouse fibroblasts resulted in greatly reduced neutrophil recruitment and increased infection by S. aureus. Analogous human CXCL12+ fibroblast subsets abundantly express neutrophil chemotactic factors in psoriatic skin that are subsequently decreased upon therapeutic targeting of IL-17. These findings show that CXCL12+ dermal immune acting fibroblast subsets play a critical role in cutaneous neutrophil recruitment and host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen J. Cavagnero
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fengwu Li
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tatsuya Dokoshi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teruaki Nakatsuji
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alan M. O’Neill
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Aguilera
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Edward Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Shia
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olive Osuoji
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tissa Hata
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard L. Gallo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego. La Jolla, CA, USA
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2
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Choi SW, Oh H, Park SY, Cho W, Abd El-Aty AM, Hacimuftuoglu A, Jeong JH, Jung TW. Adipokine gremlin-1 promotes hepatic steatosis via upregulation of ER stress by suppressing autophagy-mediated signaling. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:966-975. [PMID: 36890751 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 (GR1) is a novel adipokine that is highly expressed in human adipocytes and has been shown to inhibit the BMP2/4-TGFb signaling pathway. It has an effect on insulin sensitivity. Elevated levels of Gremlin have been shown to lead to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipocytes, and hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated the effect of GR1 on hepatic lipid metabolism under hyperlipidemic conditions and explored the molecular mechanisms associated with GR1 by in vitro and in vivo studies. We found that palmitate increased GR1 expression in visceral adipocytes. Recombinant GR1 increased lipid accumulation, lipogenesis, and ER stress markers in cultured primary hepatocytes. Treatment with GR1 increased EGFR expression and mTOR phosphorylation and reduced autophagy markers. EGFR or rapamycin siRNA reduced the effects of GR1 on lipogenic lipid deposition and ER stress in cultured hepatocytes. Administration of GR1 via the tail vein induced lipogenic proteins and ER stress while suppressing autophagy in the livers of experimental mice. Suppression of GR1 by in vivo transfection reduced the effects of a high-fat diet on hepatic lipid metabolism, ER stress, and autophagy in mice. These results suggest that the adipokine GR1 promotes hepatic ER stress due to the impairment of autophagy, ultimately causing hepatic steatosis in the obese state. The current study demonstrated that targeting GR1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating metabolic diseases, including metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeseung Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeon Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjun Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - A M Abd El-Aty
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hacimuftuoglu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.,Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Woo Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Colleluori G, D'Agostino F, Domenichini M, Giordano A, Mitola S. Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:51-60. [PMID: 36155165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Domenichini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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5
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Suzuka T, Kotani T, Saito T, Matsuda S, Sato T, Takeuchi T. Therapeutic effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with enhanced migration ability and hepatocyte growth factor secretion by low-molecular-weight heparin treatment in bleomycin-induced mouse models of systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:228. [PMID: 36207753 PMCID: PMC9540693 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have gained attention as a new treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enhances cell function and stimulates the production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a variety of cells. This study investigated the effects of LMWH on the functions of mouse ASCs (mASCs), and the therapeutic effects of mASCs activated with LMWH (hep-mASCs) in mouse models of SSc. Methods The cellular functions of mASCs cultured with different concentrations of LMWH were determined. Mice were divided into four groups: bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc (BLM-alone), BLM-induced SSc administered with mASCs (BLM-mASC), and BLM-induced SSc administered with mASCs activated with 10 or 100 μg/mL LMWH (BLM-hep-mASC); there were 9 mice per group (n = 9). Skin inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated using histological and biochemical examinations and gene expression levels. Results In vitro assays showed that migration ability and HGF production were significantly higher in hep-mASCs than in mASCs alone. The mRNA expression levels of cell migration factors were significantly upregulated in hep-mASCs compared to those in mASCs alone. The hep-mASCs accumulated in the skin tissues more than mASCs alone. The thickness of skin and hydroxyproline content in BLM-hep-mASC groups were significantly decreased, and the skin mRNA expression levels of interleukin-2, α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor β1, collagen type 1 alpha 1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 were significantly downregulated compared to those in the BLM-alone group. Conclusions hep-mASCs showed higher anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects than mASCs alone and may be a promising candidate for SSc treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02915-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayasu Suzuka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Kotani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shogo Matsuda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takako Sato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tohru Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Daigaku-Machi 2-7, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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6
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Ren G, Peng Q, Emmersen J, Zachar V, Fink T, Porsborg SR. A Comparative Analysis of the Wound Healing-Related Heterogeneity of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Donors. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102126. [PMID: 36297561 PMCID: PMC9608503 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived Stem cells (ASCs) are on the verge of being available for large clinical trials in wound healing. However, for developing advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), potency assays mimicking the mode of action are required to control the product consistency of the cells. Thus, greater effort should go into the design of product assays. Therefore, we analyzed three ASC-based ATMPs from three different donors with respect to their surface markers, tri-lineage differentiation, proliferation, colony-forming unit capacity, and effect on fibroblast proliferation and migration, endothelial proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the transcriptome of all three cell products was analyzed through RNA-sequencing. Even though all products met the criteria by the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy and the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science, we found one product to be consistently superior to others when exploring their potency in the wound healing specific assays. Our results indicate that certain regulatory genes associated with extracellular matrix and angiogenesis could be used as markers of a superior ASC donor from which to use ASCs to treat chronic wounds. Having a panel of assays capable of predicting the potency of the product would ensure the patient receives the most potent product for a specific indication, which is paramount for successful patient treatment and acceptance from the healthcare system.
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7
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Gao Y, Liu Y, Zheng D, Ho C, Wen D, Sun J, Huang L, Liu Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. HDAC5-mediated Smad7 silencing through MEF2A is critical for fibroblast activation and hypertrophic scar formation. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5724-5739. [PMID: 36263180 PMCID: PMC9576526 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in excessive fibrosis. As a class IIa family histone deacetylase (HDAC), HDAC5 shows a close relationship with TGF-β signaling and fibrosis. However, the effect and regulatory mechanism of HDAC5 in hypertrophic scar (HS) formation remain elusive. We show that HDAC5 was overexpressed in HS tissues and depletion of HDAC5 attenuated HS formation in vivo and inhibited fibroblast activation in vitro. HDAC5 knockdown (KD) significantly downregulated TGF-β1 induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and increased Smad7 expression. Meanwhile, Smad7 KD rescued the Smad2/3 phosphorylation downregulation and scar hyperplasia inhibition mediated by HDAC5 deficiency. Luciferase reporter assays and ChIP-qPCR assays revealed that HDAC5 interacts with myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) suppressing MEF2A binding to the Smad7 promoter region, which results in Smad7 promoter activity repression. HDAC4/5 inhibitor, LMK235, significantly alleviated hypertrophic scar formation. Our study provides clues for the development of HDAC5 targeting strategies for the therapy or prophylaxis of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingfeng Li
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Yifan Zhang and Qingfeng Li. Address: 639 Zhizaoju Road, Depart of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China. Tel: +86-21-23271699-5124; Fax: +86-21-63089567; E-mail addresses: (Yifan Zhang), (Qingfeng Li)
| | - Yifan Zhang
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Yifan Zhang and Qingfeng Li. Address: 639 Zhizaoju Road, Depart of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China. Tel: +86-21-23271699-5124; Fax: +86-21-63089567; E-mail addresses: (Yifan Zhang), (Qingfeng Li)
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8
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Therapeutic targeting of mechanical stretch-induced FAK/ERK signaling by fisetin in hypertrophic scars. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 932:175228. [PMID: 36007606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scarring is a complex fibrotic disease with few treatment options. Mechanical stress has been proven to be crucial for hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Here, we showed that the flavonoid small molecule fisetin, could dramatically ameliorate HS formation in a mechanical stretch-induced mouse model. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that fisetin inhibited the stretch-induced profibrotic effects by suppressing the proliferation, activation, and collagen production of fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we revealed that fisetin obviously downregulated mechanical stretch-induced the phosphorylation of FAK and ERK, and reduced nuclear localization of ERK. This bioactivity of fisetin may result from its selective binding to the catalytic region of FAK, which was suggested by the molecular docking study and kinase binding assay. Taken together, these findings suggest that fisetin is a promising agent for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and other excessive fibrotic diseases.
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9
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RuizdelRio J, Muñoz P, Carreira P, Maestro D, Pablos JL, Palanca A, Merino J, Serrano-Mollar A, Merino R, Tamayo E, Lopez-Hoyos M, Diaz-Gonzalez F, Martinez-Taboada V, Villar AV. Profibrotic Role of Inducible Heat Shock Protein 90α Isoform in Systemic Sclerosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:38-48. [PMID: 35715007 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that affects skin and multiple internal organs. TGF-β, a central trigger of cutaneous fibrosis, activates fibroblasts with the involvement of the stress-inducible chaperone heat shock protein 90 isoform α (Hsp90α). Available evidence supports overexpression and secretion of Hsp90α as a feature in profibrotic pathological conditions. The aim of this work is to investigate the expression and function of Hsp90α in experimental models of skin fibrosis such as human fibroblasts, C57BL/6 mice, and in human SSc. For this purpose, we generated a new experimental model based on doxorubicin administration with improved characteristics with respect to the bleomycin model. We visualized disease progression in vivo by fluorescence imaging. In this work, we obtained Hsp90α mRNA overexpression in human skin fibroblasts, in bleomycin- and doxorubicin-induced mouse fibrotic skin, and in lungs of bleomycin- and doxorubicin-treated mice. Hsp90α-deficient mice showed significantly decreased skin thickness compared with wild-type mice in both animal models. In SSc patients, serum Hsp90α levels were increased in patients with lung involvement and in patients with the diffuse form of SSc (dSSc) compared with patients with the limited form of SSc. The serum Hsp90α levels of patients dSSc were correlated with the Rodnan score and the forced vital capacity variable. These results provide new supportive evidence of the contribution of the Hsp90α isoform in the development of skin fibrosis. In SSc, these results indicated that higher serum levels were associated with dSSc and lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge RuizdelRio
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Pedro Muñoz
- Gerencia Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Santander, Spain
| | - Patricia Carreira
- Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Maestro
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Jose L Pablos
- Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Palanca
- Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Jesus Merino
- Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Anna Serrano-Mollar
- Departamento de Patología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Merino
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.,SODERCAN, Santander, Spain
| | - Esther Tamayo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Marcos Lopez-Hoyos
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Federico Diaz-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Victor Martinez-Taboada
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; and
| | - Ana V Villar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; .,Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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10
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Grem1 accelerates nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting TGF-β-mediated Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:518-530. [PMID: 35440754 PMCID: PMC9076866 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a main cause of low back pain, and inflammatory factors play key roles in its pathogenesis. Gremlin-1 (Grem1) was reported to induce an inflammatory response in other fields. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of Grem1 in the degenerative process of intervertebral discs. Dysregulated genes were determined by analyzing microarray profiles. The expression of Grem1 in 17 human disc samples (male:female = 9:8) and rat models (n = 5 each group) was measured by western blotting (WB), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The regulatory effects of Grem1 on apoptosis were examined using siRNAs, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF), and WB. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by locally injecting specific Grem1 siRNA into IVDD rats. The expression of Grem1 was significantly increased in human degenerative intervertebral discs; furthermore, the expression of Grem1 positively correlated with the level of intervertebral disc degeneration. Grem1 was significantly overexpressed in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced degenerative NP cells. Apoptosis in degenerative NP cells transfected with siRNA targeting Grem1 was significantly lower than that in the control group. Specific Grem1 siRNA markedly repressed the development of IVDD in surgery-induced IVDD rats. These results indicated that the expression of Grem1 was positively correlated with the severity of intervertebral disc degeneration, and Grem1 siRNA could inhibit Grem1-induced apoptosis and extracellular matrix alterations by mediating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study may provide a therapeutic strategy for alleviating inflammation-induced apoptosis associated with intervertebral disc degeneration.
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11
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O'Reilly S. Gremlin: a complex molecule regulating wound healing and fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7917-7923. [PMID: 34731251 PMCID: PMC11071963 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is part of the TGF-β superfamily and is a BMP antagonist that blocks BMP signalling to precisely control BMP gradients. Gremlin-1 is primarily involved in organogenesis and limb patterning however, has recently been described as being involved in fibrotic diseases. Initially described as a key factor involved in diabetic kidney fibrosis due to being induced by high glucose, it has now been described as being associated with lung, liver, eye, and skin fibrosis. This suggests that it is a key conserved molecule mediating fibrotic events irrespective of organ. It appears that Gremlin-1 may have effects mediated by BMP-dependent and independent pathways. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of Gremlin-1 in fibrosis, its mechanisms and if this can be targeted therapeutically in fibrotic diseases, which currently have very limited treatment options and are highly prevalent.
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12
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O’Reilly S. Circulating Gremlin-1 is elevated in systemic sclerosis patients. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2021; 6:286-289. [PMID: 35382498 PMCID: PMC8922663 DOI: 10.1177/23971983211036571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which there
is activation of the immune system, vascular disease and fibrosis.
Activation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is key to disease
pathogenesis. Gremlin-1 is a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist which is
important in development and we recently reported in skin fibrosis. The aim
of this study was to determine the serum circulating levels of Gremlin-1 in
early diffuse systemic sclerosis. Methods: Twenty-one early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients (less than 2 years from
first non-Raynaud’s symptom) were included and age and sex-matched healthy
controls. Serum was isolated from blood and measured with a specific
enzyme-linked immunoassay for Gremlin-1. Clinical variables were also
measured. Results: Significantly elevated Gremlin-1 was found in sera of early diffuse systemic
sclerosis patients (p < 0.001). In patients with
interstitial lung disease, this compared to systemic sclerosis without
evidence of interstitial lung disease, Gremlin-1 was significantly elevated
(p < 0.0007). A correlation was found between
circulating Gremlin-1 and modified Rodnan Skin Score, albeit weak. Discussion: In early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients, elevated Gremlin-1 is found in
serum. This is particularly prominent in systemic sclerosis–associated
interstitial lung disease. This suggests that Gremlin-1 may be a biomarker
for systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease.
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