1
|
Li Z, Sun X. Epigenetic regulation in liver regeneration. Life Sci 2024; 353:122924. [PMID: 39038511 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122924] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The liver is considered unique in its enormous capacity for regeneration and self-repair. In contrast to other regenerative organs (i.e., skin, skeletal muscle, and intestine), whether the adult liver contains a defined department of stem cells is still controversial. In order to compensate for the massive loss of hepatocytes following liver injury, the liver processes a precisely controlled transcriptional reprogram that can trigger cell proliferation and cell-fate switch. Epigenetic events are thought to regulate the organization of chromatin architecture and gene transcription during the liver regenerative process. In this review, we will summarize how changes to the chromatin by epigenetic modifiers are translated into cell fate transitions to restore liver homeostasis during liver regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Research, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117 Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021 Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xinyue Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao Q, Shao T, Zhu Y, Zong G, Zhang J, Tang S, Lin Y, Ma H, Jiang Z, Xu Y, Wu X, Zhang T. An MRTF-A-ZEB1-IRF9 axis contributes to fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-00990-6. [PMID: 37121967 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts, characterized by the expression of the matricellular protein periostin (Postn), mediate the profibrogenic response during tissue repair and remodeling. Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic deficiency in myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) attenuates renal fibrosis in mice. In the present study, we investigated the myofibroblast-specific role of MRTF-A in renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. We report that myofibroblast-specific deletion of MRTF-A, achieved through crossbreeding Mrtfa-flox mice with Postn-CreERT2 mice, led to amelioration of renal fibrosis. RNA-seq identified zinc finger E-Box binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) as a downstream target of MRTF-A in renal fibroblasts. MRTF-A interacts with TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) to bind to the Zeb1 promoter and activate Zeb1 transcription. Zeb1 knockdown retarded the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMyT) in vitro and dampened renal fibrosis in mice. Transcriptomic assays showed that Zeb1 might contribute to FMyT by repressing the transcription of interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9). IRF9 knockdown overcame the effect of Zeb1 depletion and promoted FMyT, whereas IRF9 overexpression antagonized TGF-β-induced FMyT. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel MRTF-A-Zeb1-IRF9 axis that can potentially contribute to fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and renal fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule compounds that target this axis may yield therapeutic options for the mollification of renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gengjie Zong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shifan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanshan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzhen Ma
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhifan Jiang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu L, Sun K, Luo Y, Wang B, Yang Y, Chen L, Zheng S, Wu T, Xiao P. Myocardin-related transcription factor A, regulated by serum response factor, contributes to diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Life Sci 2023; 317:121470. [PMID: 36758668 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a significant contributor to the global pandemic of heart failure. In the present study we investigated the involvement of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a transcriptional regulator, in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in mice by feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD) or streptozotocin (STZ) injection. KEY FINDINGS We report that MRTF-A was up-regulated in the hearts of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy. MRTF-A expression was also up-regulated by treatment with palmitate in cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) bound to the MRTF-A gene promoter and activated MRTF-A transcription in response to pro-diabetic stimuli. Knockdown of SRF abrogated MRTF-A induction in cardiomyocytes treated with palmitate. When cardiomyocytes conditional MRTF-A knockout mice (MRTF-A CKO) and wild type (WT) mice were placed on an HFD to induce diabetic cardiomyopathy, it was found that the CKO mice and the WT mice displayed comparable metabolic parameters including body weight, blood insulin concentration, blood cholesterol concentration, and glucose tolerance. However, both systolic and diastolic cardiac function were exacerbated by MRTF-A deletion in the heart. SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that MRTF-A up-regulation might serve as an important compensatory mechanism to safeguard the deterioration of cardiac function during diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yajun Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570216, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Pingxi Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu X, Miao X, Guo Y, Shao T, Tang S, Lin Y, Xu Y, Li N, Zhang T. Slug enables redox-sensitive trans-activation of LRP1 by COUP-TFII: Implication in antifibrotic intervention in the kidneys. Life Sci 2023; 316:121412. [PMID: 36682522 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Excessive fibrogenesis in the kidney causes structural and functional damages and is considered a hallmark event in end-stage renal diseases (ESRD). During renal fibrosis, resident fibroblasts undergo profound changes to become myofibroblasts. In the present study we investigated the involvement of Slug (encoded by Snai2) in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Renal fibrosis was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. Cellular transcriptome was evaluated by RNA-seq. KEY FINDINGS We report that Slug expression was up-regulated during fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMyT) in vivo and in vitro. Slug knockdown attenuated TGF-β induced FMyT in primary renal fibroblasts and ameliorated renal fibrosis in mice. RNA-seq analysis revealed that Slug promoted FMyT by enabling key pro-fibrogenic transcription factors including the orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII. Mechanistically, Slug enhanced intracellular ROS levels by modulating the expression of redox-related genes. Elevated ROS levels in turn stimulated transcription of LDL receptor related protein 1 (Lrp1) by COUP-TFII. Importantly, both a COUP-TFII antagonist and an Lrp1 neutralization antibody mitigated renal fibrosis in mice. SIGNIFICANCE Our data support a role for Slug in regulating FMyT and renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shifan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanshan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu Z, Yu Z, Li S, Tian Z, Yuan J, You F. Exploration of the core gene signatures and mechanisms between NAFLD and sarcopenia through transcriptomic level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1140804. [PMID: 36967768 PMCID: PMC10033966 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1140804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia among the elderly are facing a significant challenge to the world's health systems. Our study aims to identify the coexpressed genes in NAFLD and sarcopenia patients. METHODS We downloaded the transcriptome data of NAFLD tissue from patients, as well as muscle tissues from sarcopenia patients, from the GEO database in order to investigate the shared transcriptional regulation mechanisms between these two diseases. Then, focusing on the genes that were frequently expressed in these diseases, together with GSVA and WGCNA, we utilized a range of analysis methods to identify the main co-expressed genes in both diseases by taking intersections. We investigated these changes after learning that they mostly affected lipid metabolism and oxidative stress injury pathways. RESULTS By analyzing these genes and their interactions with transcription factors and proteins, we were able to identify 8 genes that share common patterns. From these 8 genes, we were possible to forecast potential future medicines. Our research raises the possibility of NAFLD and sarcopenia transcriptome regulatory pathways in aging populations. DISCUSSION In conclusion, a complete transcription pattern mapping was carried out in order to identify the core genes, underlying biological mechanisms, and possible therapeutic targets that regulate aging in NAFLD and sarcopenia patients. It provides novel insights and proof in favor of decreasing the increased prevalence of sarcopenia in the elderly caused by NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zihui Yu
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Shang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyan Tian
- Department of Bacteriology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Yuan, ; Fuping You,
| | - Fuping You
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Yuan, ; Fuping You,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
SIRT6 mediates MRTF-A deacetylation in vascular endothelial cells to antagonize oxLDL-induced ICAM-1 transcription. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:96. [PMID: 35246513 PMCID: PMC8897425 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00903-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a known risk factor for atherosclerosis, activates the transcription of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) in endothelial cells. We previously showed that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) mediates oxLDL-induced ICAM-1 transcription. Here we confirm that ICAM-1 transactivation paralleled dynamic alterations in MRTF-A acetylation. Since treatment with the antioxidant NAC dampened MRTF-A acetylation, MRTF-A acetylation appeared to be sensitive to cellular redox status. Of interest, silencing of SIRT6, a lysine deacetylase, restored MRTF-A acetylation despite the addition of NAC. SIRT6 directly interacted with MRTF-A to modulate MRTF-A acetylation. Deacetylation of MRTF-A by SIRT6 led to its nuclear expulsion thus dampening MRTF-A occupancy on the ICAM-1 promoter. Moreover, SIRT6 expression was downregulated with oxLDL stimulation likely owing to promoter hypermethylation in endothelial cells. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was recruited to the SIRT6 promoter and mediated SIRT6 repression. The ability of DNMT1 to repress SIRT6 promoter partly was dependent on ROS-sensitive serine 154 phosphorylation. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel DNMT1-SIRT6 axis that contributes to the regulation of MRTF-A acetylation and ICAM-1 transactivation in endothelial cells.
Collapse
|