1
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Focaccio A, Rossi L, De Luca A. A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2024; 354:122972. [PMID: 39142503 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122972] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Focaccio
- PhD School in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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2
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Fatehi Hassanabad A, Zarzycki AN, Fedak PWM. Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cardiac tissue fibrosis: On the precipice of personalized and precision medicine. Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 71:107635. [PMID: 38508436 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107635] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant contributor to heart failure, a condition that continues to affect a growing number of patients worldwide. Various cardiovascular comorbidities can exacerbate cardiac fibrosis. While fibroblasts are believed to be the primary cell type underlying fibrosis, recent and emerging data suggest that other cell types can also potentiate or expedite fibrotic processes. Over the past few decades, clinicians have developed therapeutics that can blunt the development and progression of cardiac fibrosis. While these strategies have yielded positive results, overall clinical outcomes for patients suffering from heart failure continue to be dire. Herein, we overview the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiac tissue fibrosis. To do so, we establish the known mechanisms that drive fibrosis in the heart, outline the diagnostic tools available, and summarize the treatment options used in contemporary clinical practice. Finally, we underscore the critical role the immune microenvironment plays in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anna N Zarzycki
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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3
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Razavi-Mohseni M, Huang W, Guo YA, Shigaki D, Ho SWT, Tan P, Skanderup AJ, Beer MA. Machine learning identifies activation of RUNX/AP-1 as drivers of mesenchymal and fibrotic regulatory programs in gastric cancer. Genome Res 2024; 34:680-695. [PMID: 38777607 PMCID: PMC11216402 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278565.123] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and is a heterogeneous disease. Among GC subtypes, the mesenchymal phenotype (Mes-like) is more invasive than the epithelial phenotype (Epi-like). Although gene expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been studied, the regulatory landscape shaping this process is not fully understood. Here we use ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data from a compendium of GC cell lines and primary tumors to detect drivers of regulatory state changes and their transcriptional responses. Using the ATAC-seq data, we developed a machine learning approach to determine the transcription factors (TFs) regulating the subtypes of GC. We identified TFs driving the mesenchymal (RUNX2, ZEB1, SNAI2, AP-1 dimer) and the epithelial (GATA4, GATA6, KLF5, HNF4A, FOXA2, GRHL2) states in GC. We identified DNA copy number alterations associated with dysregulation of these TFs, specifically deletion of GATA4 and amplification of MAPK9 Comparisons with bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data sets identified activation toward fibroblast-like epigenomic and expression signatures in Mes-like GC. The activation of this mesenchymal fibrotic program is associated with differentially accessible DNA cis-regulatory elements flanking upregulated mesenchymal genes. These findings establish a map of TF activity in GC and highlight the role of copy number driven alterations in shaping epigenomic regulatory programs as potential drivers of GC heterogeneity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Razavi-Mohseni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Weitai Huang
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Yu A Guo
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Dustin Shigaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Shamaine Wei Ting Ho
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Patrick Tan
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetic Regulation, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593
| | - Anders J Skanderup
- Laboratory of Computational Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA;
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4
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Alzhrani AA, Rasool M, Karim S, Alhejin A, Haque A, Morsi M, Alama MN, Pushparaj PN. KDM3A knockdown regulates COMP, LOX, COL8A1 and ACOT1 genes in myocardial fibrosis. Bioinformation 2024; 20:305-313. [PMID: 38854759 PMCID: PMC11161882 DOI: 10.6026/973206300200305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of death in Saudi Arabia. Cardiac remodeling plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Major focus of our study was to identify crucial genes involved in the pathological remodeling of the heart caused by pressure overload. We utilized various in-silico tools to analyze and interpret microarray data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE120739), including GEO2R analysis, Metascape analysis, WebGestalt analysis, and IPA (Ingenuity pathway analysis). Our findings indicate that certain genes, including Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), collagen type VIII alpha 1 chain (COL8A1) and Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) under the influence caused by knockdown of KDM3A, were down regulated by the extracellular matrix pathway. Moreover, genes, such as Acyl-CoA Thioesterase 1 (ACOT1) were up regulated by the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Overexpression of lysine-specific demethylase 3A (KDM3A) leads to the up regulation of fibrosis-related genes COMP, COL8A1, and LOX and the down regulation of ACOT1, result in enhanced fibrosis and heart failure. Our results suggest that COMP, COL8A1, LOX, and ACOT1 warrant further investigation in the development of cardiac fibrosis and as potential biomarkers for causing heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar A Alzhrani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmood Rasool
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajjad Karim
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alhejin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Absarul Haque
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Morsi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Nabil Alama
- Department of Cardiology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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5
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Perez-Moreno E, Oyanadel C, de la Peña A, Hernández R, Pérez-Molina F, Metz C, González A, Soza A. Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Biol Res 2024; 57:14. [PMID: 38570874 PMCID: PMC10993482 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Perez-Moreno
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Oyanadel
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adely de la Peña
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronny Hernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Pérez-Molina
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Metz
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfonso González
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrea Soza
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
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6
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Huang CW, Lee SY, Du CX, Wu ST, Kuo YH, Ku HC. Caffeic acid ethanolamide induces antifibrosis, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116298. [PMID: 38394850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116298] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease; its cause is unknown, and it leads to notable health problems. Currently, only two drugs are recommended for IPF treatment. Although these drugs can mitigate lung function decline, neither can improve nor stabilize IPF or the symptoms perceived by patients. Therefore, the development of novel treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis is required. The present study investigated the effects of a novel compound, caffeic acid ethanolamide (CAEA), on human pulmonary fibroblasts and evaluated its potential to mitigate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. CAEA inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA and collagen expression in human pulmonary fibroblasts, indicating that CAEA prevents fibroblasts from differentiating into myofibroblasts following TGF-β exposure. In animal studies, CAEA treatment efficiently suppressed immune cell infiltration and the elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, CAEA exerted antioxidant effects by recovering the enzymatic activities of oxidant scavengers. CAEA directly inhibited activation of TGF-β receptors and protected against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD/CTGF signaling pathway. The protective effect of CAEA was comparable to that of pirfenidone, a clinically available drug. Our findings support the potential of CAEA as a viable method for preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wei Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Xuan Du
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Tung Wu
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Ku
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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7
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Xu Z, Zhang S, Han T, Cai L, Zhong S, Yang X, Zhang S, Li Y, Liu K, Zhou B, Tian X. Continuous genetic monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene activities in distal tubule and collecting duct epithelial cells during renal fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30541. [PMID: 38372186 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells (ECs) have been proposed to contribute to myofibroblasts or fibroblasts through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during renal fibrosis. However, since EMT may occur dynamically, transiently, and reversibly during kidney fibrosis, conventional lineage tracing based on Cre-loxP recombination in renal ECs could hardly capture the transient EMT activity, yielding inconsistent results. Moreover, previous EMT research has primarily focused on renal proximal tubule ECs, with few reports of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Here, we generated dual recombinases-mediated genetic lineage tracing systems for continuous monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene expression in E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs of distal tubules and collecting ducts during renal fibrosis. Activation of key EMT-inducing transcription factor (EMT-TF) Zeb1 and mesenchymal markers αSMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin, were investigated following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Our data revealed that E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs did not transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, nor transiently expressed these mesenchymal genes during renal fibrosis. In contrast, in vitro a large amount of cultured renal ECs upregulated mesenchymal genes in response to TGF-β, a major inducer of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaotong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueying Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
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8
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Hou T, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhang G, Li S, Fan W, Li R, Sun Q, Liu C. Early Pulmonary Fibrosis-like Changes in the Setting of Heat Exposure: DNA Damage and Cell Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2992. [PMID: 38474239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that extreme heat events happen frequently due to climate change. However, studies examining the direct health impacts of increased temperature and heat waves are lacking. Previous reports revealed that heatstroke induced acute lung injury and pulmonary dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether heat exposure induced lung fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to an ambient temperature of 39.5 ± 0.5 °C until their core temperature reached the maximum or heat exhaustion state. Lung fibrosis was observed in the lungs of heat-exposed mice, with extensive collagen deposition and the elevated expression of fibrosis molecules, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Fibronectin (Fn1) (p < 0.05). Moreover, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurred in response to heat exposure, evidenced by E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, which was downregulated, whereas markers of EMT, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the zinc finger transcriptional repressor protein Slug, were upregulated in the heat-exposed lung tissues of mice (p < 0.05). Subsequently, cell senescence examination revealed that the levels of both senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the cell cycle protein kinase inhibitor p21 were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway evoked by DNA damage was activated in response to heat exposure (p < 0.05). In summary, we reported a new finding that heat exposure contributed to the development of early pulmonary fibrosis-like changes through the DNA damage-activated cGAS-STING pathway followed by cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Hou
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yindan Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Sanduo Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qinghua Sun
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
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9
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Guzman-Espinoza M, Kim M, Ow C, Hutchins EJ. "Beyond transcription: How post-transcriptional mechanisms drive neural crest EMT". Genesis 2024; 62:e23553. [PMID: 37735882 PMCID: PMC10954587 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest is a stem cell population that originates from the ectoderm during the initial steps of nervous system development. Neural crest cells delaminate from the neuroepithelium by undergoing a spatiotemporally regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that proceeds in a coordinated wave head-to-tail to exit from the neural tube. While much is known about the transcriptional programs and membrane changes that promote EMT, there are additional levels of gene expression control that neural crest cells exert at the level of RNA to control EMT and migration. Yet, the role of post-transcriptional regulation, and how it drives and contributes to neural crest EMT, is not well understood. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances in our understanding of the role of post-transcriptional regulation during neural crest EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Guzman-Espinoza
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Minyoung Kim
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Ow
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica J. Hutchins
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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10
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Ghafouri‐Fard S, Askari A, Shoorei H, Seify M, Koohestanidehaghi Y, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Samsami M. Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18052. [PMID: 38041559 PMCID: PMC10826439 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18052] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Arian Askari
- Phytochemistry Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Shoorei
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr HospitalTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mohammad Seify
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Yeganeh Koohestanidehaghi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of PharmacyHawler Medical UniversityErbilIraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human GeneticsJena University HospitalJenaGermany
- Urology and Nephrology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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11
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Krzysiek-Maczka G, Brzozowski T, Ptak-Belowska A. Helicobacter pylori-activated fibroblasts as a silent partner in gastric cancer development. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1219-1256. [PMID: 37460910 PMCID: PMC10713772 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection of gastric mucosa leading to active chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and MALT lymphoma laid the groundwork for understanding of the general relationship between chronic infection, inflammation, and cancer. Nevertheless, this sequence of events is still far from full understanding with new players and mediators being constantly identified. Originally, the Hp virulence factors affecting mainly gastric epithelium were proposed to contribute considerably to gastric inflammation, ulceration, and cancer. Furthermore, it has been shown that Hp possesses the ability to penetrate the mucus layer and directly interact with stroma components including fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. These cells, which are the source of biophysical and biochemical signals providing the proper balance between cell proliferation and differentiation within gastric epithelial stem cell compartment, when exposed to Hp, can convert into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. The crosstalk between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with gastric epithelial cells including stem/progenitor cell niche involves several pathways mediated by non-coding RNAs, Wnt, BMP, TGF-β, and Notch signaling ligands. The current review concentrates on the consequences of Hp-induced increase in gastric fibroblast and myofibroblast number, and their activation towards CAFs with the emphasis to the altered communication between mesenchymal and epithelial cell compartment, which may lead to inflammation, epithelial stem cell overproliferation, disturbed differentiation, and gradual gastric cancer development. Thus, Hp-activated fibroblasts may constitute the target for anti-cancer treatment and, importantly, for the pharmacotherapies diminishing their activation particularly at the early stages of Hp infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracjana Krzysiek-Maczka
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Brzozowski
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Agata Ptak-Belowska
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland
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12
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Wang M, Cao L. Hydrolysable tannins as a potential therapeutic drug for the human fibrosis-associated disease. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1096-1113. [PMID: 37386756 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological change with abnormal tissue regeneration due to a response to persistent injury, which is extensively related to organ damage and failure, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the pathogenesis of fibrosis has been comprehensively elucidated, there are few effective therapies for treating fibrotic diseases. Natural products are increasingly regarded as an effective strategy for fibrosis with numerous favorable functions. Hydrolysable tannins (HT) are a type of natural products that have the potential to treat the fibrotic disease. In this review, we describe some biological activities and the therapeutic prospects of HT in organ fibrosis. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of inhibition of HT on fibrotic organs in relation to inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation are discussed. Understanding the mechanism of HT against fibrotic diseases will provide a new strategy for the prevention and attenuation of fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwei Wang
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linghui Cao
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
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13
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Gluba-Sagr A, Franczyk B, Rysz-Górzyńska M, Ławiński J, Rysz J. The Role of miRNA in Renal Fibrosis Leading to Chronic Kidney Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2358. [PMID: 37760798 PMCID: PMC10525803 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health concern that is expected to be the fifth most widespread cause of death worldwide by 2040. The presence of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, ischemia, etc., stimulates the development and progression of CKD. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common pathomechanism of renal dysfunction, irrespective of the primary origin of renal injury. With time, fibrosis leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Many studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in the onset and development of fibrosis and CKD. miRNAs are vital regulators of some pathophysiological processes; therefore, their utility as therapeutic agents in various diseases has been suggested. Several miRNAs were demonstrated to participate in the development and progression of kidney disease. Since renal fibrosis is an important problem in chronic kidney disease, many scientists have focused on the determination of miRNAs associated with kidney fibrosis. In this review, we present the role of several miRNAs in renal fibrosis and the potential pathways involved. However, as well as those mentioned above, other miRs have also been suggested to play a role in this process in CKD. The reports concerning the impact of some miRNAs on fibrosis are conflicting, probably because the expression and regulation of miRNAs occur in a tissue- and even cell-dependent manner. Moreover, different assessment modes and populations have been used. There is a need for large studies and clinical trials to confirm the role of miRs in a clinical setting. miRNAs have great potential; thus, their analysis may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gluba-Sagr
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rysz-Górzyńska
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Ławiński
- Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-055 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
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14
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Wang CW, Chiou HYC, Chen SC, Wu DW, Lin HH, Chen HC, Liao WT, Lin MH, Hung CH, Kuo CH. Arsenic exposure and lung fibrotic changes-evidence from a longitudinal cohort study and experimental models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225348. [PMID: 37675120 PMCID: PMC10477983 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225348] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Arsenic (As) exposure is associated with lung toxicity and we aim to investigate the effects of arsenic exposure on lung fibrotic changes. Methods Participants (n= 976) enrolled via a general health survey underwent chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), spirometry forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and urinary arsenic examination during 2016 and 2018. Lung fibrotic changes from LDCT were defined. AsLtoL, low arsenic levels in both 2016 and 2018; AsLtoH, low arsenic in 2016 but high levels in 2018; AsHtoL, high arsenic in 2016 but low levels in 2018; AsHtoH, high arsenic levels in both 2016 and 2018. Mice exposed to 0. 0.2mg/L, 2 mg/L, 50 mg/L of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) through drinking water for 12 weeks and 24 weeks were applied for histological analysis. Cultured lung epithelial cells were exposed to NaAsO2 and the mesenchymal changes were examined. Results AsHtoH increased the risk (OR= 1.65, 95% CI 1.10, 2.49) of Lung fibrotic positive to positive (reference: Lung fibrotic negative to negative) compared with AsLtoL. Moreover, the predicted mean of FVC and FEV1 in AsHtoH (-0.09 units, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.09; -0.09 units, 95% CI: -0.17, -0.01) and AsLtoH (-0.13 units, 95% CI: -0.30, -0.10; -0.13 units, 95% CI: -0.22, -0.04) was significantly lower than ASLtoL. Significant lung fibrotic changes including the increase of the alveolar septum thickness and collagen fiber deposition were observed upon 2 mg/L NaAsO2 treatment for 12 weeks, and the damage was dose- and time-dependent. In vitro, sodium arsenite treatment promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like changes of the normal human bronchial epithelial cells, including upregulation of several fibrotic and mesenchymal markers (fibronectin, MMP-2, and Snail) and cell migration. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MMP-2 impaired the arsenic-induced EMT changes. Administration of a flavonoid, apigenin, inhibited EMT in vitro and pulmonary damages in vivo with the reduction of mesenchymal markers. Discussion we demonstrated that continued exposure to arsenic causes lung fibrosis in humans and mice. Targeting lung epithelial cells EMT is effective on the development of therapeutic strategy. Apigenin is effective in the inhibition of arsenic-induced pulmonary fibrosis and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wen Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Clair Chiou
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chia Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Da-Wei Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Hsun Lin
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Chi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Liao
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hong Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsing Hung
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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15
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Radhakrishnan K, Truong L, Carmichael CL. An "unexpected" role for EMT transcription factors in hematological development and malignancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207360. [PMID: 37600794 PMCID: PMC10435889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental developmental process essential for normal embryonic development. It is also important during various pathogenic processes including fibrosis, wound healing and epithelial cancer cell metastasis and invasion. EMT is regulated by a variety of cell signalling pathways, cell-cell interactions and microenvironmental cues, however the key drivers of EMT are transcription factors of the ZEB, TWIST and SNAIL families. Recently, novel and unexpected roles for these EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) during normal blood cell development have emerged, which appear to be largely independent of classical EMT processes. Furthermore, EMT-TFs have also begun to be implicated in the development and pathogenesis of malignant hematological diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, and now present themselves or the pathways they regulate as possible new therapeutic targets within these malignancies. In this review, we discuss the ZEB, TWIST and SNAIL families of EMT-TFs, focusing on what is known about their normal roles during hematopoiesis as well as the emerging and "unexpected" contribution they play during development and progression of blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lynda Truong
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine L. Carmichael
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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16
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Haj M, Levon A, Frey Y, Hourvitz N, Campisi J, Tzfati Y, Elkon R, Ziv Y, Shiloh Y. Accelerated replicative senescence of ataxia-telangiectasia skin fibroblasts is retained at physiologic oxygen levels, with unique and common transcriptional patterns. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13869. [PMID: 37254625 PMCID: PMC10410012 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic disorder, ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), is caused by loss of the homeostatic protein kinase, ATM, and combines genome instability, tissue degeneration, cancer predisposition, and premature aging. Primary fibroblasts from A-T patients exhibit premature senescence when grown at ambient oxygen concentration (21%). Here, we show that reducing oxygen concentration to a physiological level range (3%) dramatically extends the proliferative lifespan of human A-T skin fibroblasts. However, they still undergo senescence earlier than control cells grown under the same conditions and exhibit high genome instability. Comparative RNA-seq analysis of A-T and control fibroblasts cultured at 3% oxygen followed by cluster analysis of differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment analysis, revealed distinct transcriptional dynamics in A-T fibroblasts senescing in physiological oxygen concentration. While some transcriptional patterns were similar to those observed during replicative senescence of control cells, others were unique to the senescing A-T cells. We observed in them a robust activation of interferon-stimulated genes, with undetected expression the interferon genes themselves. This finding suggests an activation of a non-canonical cGAS-STING-mediated pathway, which presumably responds to cytosolic DNA emanating from extranuclear micronuclei detected in these cells. Senescing A-T fibroblasts also exhibited a marked, intriguely complex alteration in the expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Notably, many of the induced ECM genes encode senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors known for their paracrine pro-fibrotic effects. Our data provide a molecular dimension to the segmental premature aging observed in A-T patients and its associated symptoms, which develop as the patients advance in age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Haj
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
| | - Amit Levon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
| | - Yann Frey
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
| | - Noa Hourvitz
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | | | - Yehuda Tzfati
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life SciencesThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
| | - Yael Ziv
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
| | - Yosef Shiloh
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and BiochemistryTel Aviv University School of MedicineTel AvivIsrael
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17
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Stojanovic D, Stojanovic M, Milenkovic J, Velickov A, Ignjatovic A, Milojkovic M. The Multi-Faceted Nature of Renalase for Mitochondrial Dysfunction Improvement in Cardiac Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1607. [PMID: 37371077 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms and signaling network that guide the cardiac disease pathophysiology are inextricably intertwined, which explains the current scarcity of effective therapy and to date remains the greatest challenge in state-of-the-art cardiovascular medicine. Accordingly, a novel concept has emerged in which cardiomyocytes are the centerpiece of therapeutic targeting, with dysregulated mitochondria as a critical point of intervention. Mitochondrial dysfunction pluralism seeks a multi-faceted molecule, such as renalase, to simultaneously combat the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of mitochondria-induced cardiomyocyte injury. This review provides some original perspectives and, for the first time, discusses the functionality spectrum of renalase for mitochondrial dysfunction improvement within cardiac disease, including its ability to preserve mitochondrial integrity and dynamics by suppressing mitochondrial ΔΨm collapse; overall ATP content amelioration; a rise of mtDNA copy numbers; upregulation of mitochondrial genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and cellular vitality promotion; mitochondrial fission inhibition; NAD+ supplementation; sirtuin upregulation; and anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory traits. If verified that renalase, due to its multi-faceted nature, behaves like the "guardian of mitochondria" by thwarting pernicious mitochondrial dysfunction effects and exerting therapeutic potential to target mitochondrial abnormalities in failing hearts, it may provide large-scale benefits for cardiac disease patients, regardless of the underlying causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Stojanovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Stojanovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
- Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milenkovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Velickov
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
- Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Maja Milojkovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
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18
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Immune and Non-Immune Inflammatory Cells Involved in Autoimmune Fibrosis: New Discoveries. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113801. [PMID: 37297996 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113801] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important health problem and its pathogenetic activation is still largely unknown. It can develop either spontaneously or, more frequently, as a consequence of various underlying diseases, such as chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Fibrotic tissue is always characterized by mononuclear immune cells infiltration. The cytokine profile of these cells shows clear proinflammatory and profibrotic characteristics. Furthermore, the production of inflammatory mediators by non-immune cells, in response to several stimuli, can be involved in the fibrotic process. It is now established that defects in the abilities of non-immune cells to mediate immune regulation may be involved in the pathogenicity of a series of inflammatory diseases. The convergence of several, not yet well identified, factors results in the aberrant activation of non-immune cells, such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, that, by producing pro-inflammatory molecules, exacerbate the inflammatory condition leading to the excessive and chaotic secretion of extracellular matrix proteins. However, the precise cellular mechanisms involved in this process have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we explore the latest discoveries on the mechanisms that initiate and perpetuate the vicious circle of abnormal communications between immune and non-immune cells, responsible for fibrotic evolution of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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19
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Motamedi M, Ferrara G, Yacyshyn E, Osman M, Abril A, Rahman S, Netchiporouk E, Gniadecki R. Skin disorders and interstitial lung disease: Part I-Screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic principles. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:751-764. [PMID: 36228941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.10.001] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Numerous inflammatory, neoplastic, and genetic skin disorders are associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), the fibrosing inflammation of lung parenchyma that has significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the dermatologist plays a major role in the early detection and appropriate referral of patients at risk for ILD. Part 1 of this 2-part CME outlines the pathophysiology of ILD and focuses on clinical screening and therapeutic principles applicable to dermatological patients who are at risk for ILD. Patients with clinical symptoms of ILD should be screened with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution chest computed tomography. Screening for pulmonary hypertension should be considered in high-risk patients. Early identification and elimination of pulmonary risk factors, including smoking and gastroesophageal reflux disease, are essential in improving respiratory outcomes. First-line treatment interventions for ILD in a dermatological setting include mycophenolate mofetil, but the choice of therapeutic agents depends on the nature of the primary disease, the severity of ILD, and comorbidities and should be the result of a multidisciplinary assessment. Better awareness of ILD among medical dermatologists and close interdisciplinary collaborations are likely to prevent treatment delays improving long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Motamedi
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Giovanni Ferrara
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Yacyshyn
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andy Abril
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Samia Rahman
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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20
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Effendi WI, Nagano T. Epigenetics Approaches toward Precision Medicine for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Focus on DNA Methylation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041047. [PMID: 37189665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic information is not transmitted solely by DNA but by the epigenetics process. Epigenetics describes molecular missing link pathways that could bridge the gap between the genetic background and environmental risk factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Specific epigenetic patterns, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, long non-coding, and microRNA (miRNAs), affect the endophenotypes underlying the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among all the epigenetic marks, DNA methylation modifications have been the most widely studied in IPF. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning DNA methylation changes in pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrates a promising novel epigenetics-based precision medicine.
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21
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Copper Exposure Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Fibrotic Change via Autophagy and Increase Risk of Lung Fibrosis in Human. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020532. [PMID: 36830091 PMCID: PMC9952124 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element involved in several vital biological processes of the human body. However, excess exposure to copper caused by occupational hazards and environmental contamination, such as food, water, and air, damages human health. In this study, in vitro cell culture model and epidemiologic studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of copper on lung fibrosis. In vitro, treatment of CuSO4 in lung epithelial cells at 100 μM consistently decreases cell viability in alveolar type (A549) and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. CuSO4 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as shown by increased cell migration and increased EMT marker and fibrotic gene expressions. Besides, CuSO4 induced cell autophagy, with an increased LC3, PINK, and decreased p62 expression. Inhibition of ROS by N-acetylcysteine reversed the CuSO4-induced PINK1, LC3, and Snail expressions. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine reverses the CuSO4-induced EMT changes. Nature flavonoids, especially kaempferol, and fustin, were shown to inhibit Copper-induced EMT. In humans, a unit increase in urinary copper concentration was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung fibrotic changes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.36, p = 0.038). These results indicated that Copper is a risk factor for lung fibrosis through activation of the ROS-autophagy-EMT pathway, which can be reversed by flavonoids.
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22
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Qin L, Liu N, Bao CLM, Yang DZ, Ma GX, Yi WH, Xiao GZ, Cao HL. Mesenchymal stem cells in fibrotic diseases-the two sides of the same coin. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:268-287. [PMID: 35896695 PMCID: PMC9326421 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is caused by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which play a crucial role in injury repair. Fibrosis attributes to ~45% of all deaths worldwide. The molecular pathology of different fibrotic diseases varies, and a number of bioactive factors are involved in the pathogenic process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent stem cells that have promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of different diseases. Current updates of fibrotic pathogenesis reveal that residential MSCs may differentiate into myofibroblasts which lead to the fibrosis development. However, preclinical and clinical trials with autologous or allogeneic MSCs infusion demonstrate that MSCs can relieve the fibrotic diseases by modulating inflammation, regenerating damaged tissues, remodeling the ECMs, and modulating the death of stressed cells after implantation. A variety of animal models were developed to study the mechanisms behind different fibrotic tissues and test the preclinical efficacy of MSC therapy in these diseases. Furthermore, MSCs have been used for treating liver cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis patients in several clinical trials, leading to satisfactory clinical efficacy without severe adverse events. This review discusses the two opposite roles of residential MSCs and external MSCs in fibrotic diseases, and summarizes the current perspective of therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in fibrosis, through both laboratory study and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Nian Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Chao-le-meng Bao
- CASTD Regengeek (Shenzhen) Medical Technology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Da-zhi Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Gui-xing Ma
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Wei-hong Yi
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Guo-zhi Xiao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Hui-ling Cao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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23
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Wang F, Stappenbeck F, Parhami F. Oxy210, a Semi-Synthetic Oxysterol, Inhibits Profibrotic Signaling in Cellular Models of Lung and Kidney Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 36678611 PMCID: PMC9862207 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxy210, a semi-synthetic oxysterol derivative, displays cell-selective inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages as well as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of liver fibrosis. In the present report, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in cellular models of lung and kidney fibrosis, such as human lung fibroblast cell lines IMR-90, derived from healthy lung tissue, and LL97A, derived from an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient. In addition, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in primary human renal fibroblasts, pericytes, mesangial cells, and renal tubular epithelial cells, known for their involvement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney fibrosis. We demonstrate in fibroblasts that the expression of several profibrotic TGF-β target genes, including fibronectin (FN), collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are inhibited by Oxy210, both at the basal level and following TGF-β stimulation in a statistically significant manner. The inhibition of COL1A1 gene expression translated directly to significantly reduced COL1A1 protein expression. In human primary small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) and renal tubular epithelial cells, Oxy210 significantly inhibited TGF-β target gene expression associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Oxy210 also inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts, pericytes, and mesangial cells in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farhad Parhami
- MAX BioPharma, Inc., 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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24
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Chowdhury O, Ghosh S, Das A, Liu H, Shang P, Stepicheva NA, Hose S, Sinha D, Chattopadhyay S. Sustained systemic inflammation increases autophagy and induces EMT/fibrotic changes in mouse liver cells: Protection by melatonin. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110521. [PMID: 36375715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The unending lifestyle stressors along with genetic predisposition, environmental factors and infections have pushed the immune system into a state of constant activity, leading to unresolved inflammation and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases. Liver fibrosis, an early-stage liver condition that increases the risk of developing liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is among the various diseases linked to inflammation that dominate worldwide morbidity and mortality. We developed a mouse model with low-grade lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure that shows hepatic damage and a pro-inflammatory condition in the liver. We show that inflammation and oxidative changes increase autophagy in liver cells, a degradation process critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Our findings from in vivo and in vitro studies also show that induction of both inflammation and autophagy trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and pro-fibrotic changes in hepatocytes. Inhibiting the inflammatory pathways with a naturally occurring NF-κB inhibitor and antioxidant, melatonin, could assuage the changes in autophagy and activation of EMT/fibrotic pathways in hepatocytes. Taken together, this study shows a pathway linking inflammation and autophagy which could be targeted for future drug development to delay the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Chowdhury
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ankur Das
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadezda A Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sreya Chattopadhyay
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CRNN), University of Calcutta, JD-2, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata 700098, India.
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25
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Nang’ole WF, Omu A, Ogeng’o JA, Agak GW. Do Mesenchymal Stem Cells Influence Keloid Recurrence? Stem Cells Cloning 2022; 15:77-84. [PMID: 36567761 PMCID: PMC9784453 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s373551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been postulated by a number of authors to be the precursor cells of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in keloids. They have been seen as a regenerative pool that ensures a steady supply of cells. The objective of our study was to determine MSCs in keloids and normal skin as a determinant of keloid recurrence. Methods This was a longitudinal prospective study in which patients with keloid excisions of their specimens analyzed for MSC. A control group of patients matched for age, sex, and body-mass index (BMI) with no history of keloids admitted for elective surgical procedures had their skin samples taken and also analyzed for MSCs. Data collected were analyzed and compared using Student's t, x 2, and Fisher's exact t tests. Results A total of 61 patients with keloids and a control group of 32 patients were recruited. The male:female ratio was 1:2 and mean age 29.5 and 29.7 years for keloids and controls, respectively. Patients with recurrent keloids had a mean density of 841.4 MSCs/g compared to 578 MSCs/g of tissue for those with no recurrence and 580 MSCs/g for patients with normal skin. Recurrent keloids had a significantly higher percentage of MSCs than those without. Conclusion Keloids compared to normal skin had a higher percentage of MSCs, with recurrent keloids demonstrating an even higher count, a possible indicator that MSCs might correlate with severity of keloid disease and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjala Ferdinand Nang’ole
- Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Correspondence: Wanjala Ferdinand Nang’ole, Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel +254-71-4342-214, Email
| | - Anzala Omu
- Kenya Aids Vaccine Institute, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Julius A Ogeng’o
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George W Agak
- Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Rizzo G, Rubbino F, Elangovan S, Sammarco G, Lovisa S, Restelli S, Pineda Chavez SE, Massimino L, Lamparelli L, Paulis M, Maroli A, Roda G, Shalaby M, Carvello M, Foppa C, Drummond SP, Spaggiari P, Ungaro F, Spinelli A, Malesci A, Repici A, Day AJ, Armuzzi A, Danese S, Vetrano S. Dysfunctional Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Supports Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease by a Mechanoregulated Activation of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:741-764. [PMID: 36521659 PMCID: PMC9898761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Perianal fistula represents one of the most disabling manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) due to complete destruction of the affected mucosa, which is replaced by granulation tissue and associated with changes in tissue organization. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying perianal fistula formation are not well defined. Here, we dissected the tissue changes in the fistula area and addressed whether a dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis can support fistula formation. METHODS Surgical specimens from perianal fistula tissue and the surrounding region of fistulizing CD were analyzed histologically and by RNA sequencing. Genes significantly modulated were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. The effect of the protein product of TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) on cell morphology, phenotype, and ECM organization was investigated with endogenous lentivirus-induced overexpression of TSG-6 in Caco-2 cells and with exogenous addition of recombinant human TSG-6 protein to primary fibroblasts from region surrounding fistula. Proliferative and migratory assays were performed. RESULTS A markedly different organization of ECM was found across fistula and surrounding fistula regions with an increased expression of integrins and matrix metalloproteinases and hyaluronan (HA) staining in the fistula, associated with increased newly synthesized collagen fibers and mechanosensitive proteins. Among dysregulated genes associated with ECM, TNFAI6 (gene encoding for TSG-6) was as significantly upregulated in the fistula compared with area surrounding fistula, where it promoted the pathological formation of complexes between heavy chains from inter-alpha-inhibitor and HA responsible for the formation of a crosslinked ECM. There was a positive correlation between TNFAI6 expression and expression of mechanosensitive genes in fistula tissue. The overexpression of TSG-6 in Caco-2 cells promoted migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, transcription factor SNAI1, and HA synthase (HAs) levels, while in fibroblasts, isolated from the area surrounding the fistula, it promoted an activated phenotype. Moreover, the enrichment of an HA scaffold with recombinant human TSG-6 protein promoted collagen release and increase of SNAI1, ITGA4, ITGA42B, and PTK2B genes, the latter being involved in the transduction of responses to mechanical stimuli. CONCLUSIONS By mediating changes in the ECM organization, TSG-6 triggers the epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor SNAI1 through the activation of mechanosensitive proteins. These data point to regulators of ECM as new potential targets for the treatment of CD perianal fistula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Federica Rubbino
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Sammarco
- IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sara Lovisa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Silvia Restelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | - Luca Massimino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Lamparelli
- IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Marianna Paulis
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS Milan, National Research Council of Italy, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Maroli
- Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giulia Roda
- IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Mohammad Shalaby
- IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Michele Carvello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Caterina Foppa
- Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sheona P Drummond
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Spaggiari
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Federica Ungaro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Spinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alberto Malesci
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Repici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Anthony J Day
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy; IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.
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27
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Corano Scheri K, Liang X, Dalal V, Le Poole IC, Varga J, Hayashida T. SARA suppresses myofibroblast precursor transdifferentiation in fibrogenesis in a mouse model of scleroderma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160977. [PMID: 36136606 PMCID: PMC9675568 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) plays a critical role in maintaining epithelial cell phenotype. Here, we show that SARA suppressed myofibroblast precursor transdifferentiation in a mouse model of scleroderma. Mice overexpressing SARA specifically in PDGFR-β+ pericytes and pan-leukocytes (SARATg) developed significantly less skin fibrosis in response to bleomycin injection compared with wild-type littermates (SARAWT). Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis of skin PDGFR-β+ cells implicated pericyte subsets assuming myofibroblast characteristics under fibrotic stimuli, and SARA overexpression blocked the transition. In addition, a cluster that expresses molecules associated with Th2 cells and macrophage activation was enriched in SARAWT mice, but not in SARATg mice, after bleomycin treatment. Th2-specific Il-31 expression was increased in skin of the bleomycin-treated SARAWT mice and patients with scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis, SSc). Receptor-ligand analyses indicated that lymphocytes mediated pericyte transdifferentiation in SARAWT mice, while with SARA overexpression the myofibroblast activity of pericytes was suppressed. Together, these data suggest a potentially novel crosstalk between myofibroblast precursors and immune cells in the pathogenesis of SSc, in which SARA plays a critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Corano Scheri
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vidhi Dalal
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - I. Caroline Le Poole
- Departments of Dermatology and Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tomoko Hayashida
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Pediatric Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Renalase Challenges the Oxidative Stress and Fibroproliferative Response in COVID-19. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4032704. [PMID: 36132227 PMCID: PMC9484957 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4032704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The hallmark of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathophysiology was reported to be an inappropriate and uncontrolled immune response, evidenced by activated macrophages, and a robust surge of proinflammatory cytokines, followed by the release of reactive oxygen species, that synergistically result in acute respiratory distress syndrome, fibroproliferative lung response, and possibly even death. For these reasons, all identified risk factors and pathophysiological processes of COVID-19, which are feasible for the prevention and treatment, should be addressed in a timely manner. Accordingly, the evolving anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic therapy for severe COVID-19 and hindering post-COVID-19 fibrosis development should be comprehensively investigated. Experimental evidence indicates that renalase, a novel amino-oxidase, derived from the kidneys, exhibits remarkable organ protection, robustly addressing the most powerful pathways of cell trauma: inflammation and oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis. As demonstrated, systemic renalase administration also significantly alleviates experimentally induced organ fibrosis and prevents adverse remodeling. The recognition that renalase exerts cytoprotection via sirtuins activation, by raising their NAD+ levels, provides a “proof of principle” for renalase being a biologically impressive molecule that favors cell protection and survival and maybe involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. This premise supports the rationale that renalase's timely supplementation may prove valuable for pathologic conditions, such as cytokine storm and related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, the aim for this review is to acknowledge the scientific rationale for renalase employment in the experimental model of COVID-19, targeting the acute phase mechanisms and halting fibrosis progression, based on its proposed molecular pathways. Novel therapies for COVID-19 seek to exploit renalase's multiple and distinctive cytoprotective mechanisms; therefore, this review should be acknowledged as the thorough groundwork for subsequent research of renalase's employment in the experimental models of COVID-19.
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Role of Circular RNAs in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810493. [PMID: 36142402 PMCID: PMC9504269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810493] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive form of interstitial lung disease, characterized by the histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. Apart from aberrant alterations of protein-coding genes, dysregulation of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), is crucial to the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. CircRNAs are single-stranded RNAs that form covalently closed loops without 5′ caps and 3′ tails. Different from canonical splicing of mRNA, they are produced from the back-splicing of precursor mRNAs and have unique biological functions, as well as potential biomedical implications. They function as important gene regulators through multiple actions, including sponging microRNAs and proteins, regulating transcription, and splicing, as well as protein-coding and translation in a cap-independent manner. This review comprehensively summarizes the alteration and functional role of circRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis, with a focus on the involvement of the circRNA in the context of cell-specific pathophysiology. In addition, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting circRNA and their regulatory pathway mediators, which may facilitate the translation of recent advances from bench to bedside in the future.
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30
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Liu N, Bowen CM, Shoja MM, Castro de Pereira KL, Dongur LP, Saad A, Russell WK, Broderick TC, Fair JH, Fagg WS. Comparative Analysis of Co-Cultured Amniotic Cell-Conditioned Media with Cell-Free Amniotic Fluid Reveals Differential Effects on Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Myofibroblast Activation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092189. [PMID: 36140291 PMCID: PMC9495976 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblast activation is a cellular response elicited by a variety of physiological or pathological insults whereby cells initiate a coordinated response intended to eradicate the insult and then revert back to a basal state. However, an underlying theme in various disease states is persistent myofibroblast activation that fails to resolve. Based on multiple observations, we hypothesized that the secreted factors harvested from co-culturing amniotic stem cells might mimic the anti-inflammatory state that cell-free amniotic fluid (AF) elicits. We optimized an amnion epithelial and amniotic fluid cell co-culture system, and tested this hypothesis in the context of myofibroblast activation. However, we discovered that co-cultured amniotic cell conditioned media (coACCM) and AF have opposing effects on myofibroblast activation: coACCM activates the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stimulates gene expression patterns associated with myofibroblast activation, while AF does the opposite. Intriguingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) purified from AF are necessary and sufficient to activate EMT and inflammatory gene expression patterns, while the EV-depleted AF potently represses these responses. In summary, these data indicate that coACCM stimulates myofibroblast activation, while AF represses it. We interpret these findings to suggest that coACCM, AF, and fractionated AF represent unique biologics that elicit different cellular responses that are correlated with a wide variety of pathological states, and therefore could have broad utility in the clinic and the lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyou Liu
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Charles M. Bowen
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mohammadali M. Shoja
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Laxmi Priya Dongur
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Antonio Saad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - William K. Russell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas Christopher Broderick
- Merakris Therapeutics, RTP Frontier, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Fair
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - William Samuel Fagg
- Division of Transplant, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Merakris Therapeutics, RTP Frontier, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(409)-772-2412; Fax: +1-(409)-747-7364
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31
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Wang H, Chu F, Zhijie L, Bi Q, Lixin L, Zhuang Y, Xiaofeng Z, Niu X, Zhang D, Xi H, Li BA. MTBP enhances the activation of transcription factor ETS-1 and promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:985082. [PMID: 36106099 PMCID: PMC9464980 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.985082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the oncoprotein murine double minute (MDM2) binding protein (MTBP) can be considered a pro-oncogene of human malignancies; however, its function and mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still not clear. In the present work, our results demonstrate that MTBP could function as a co-activator of transcription factor E26 transformation-specific sequence (ETS-1), which plays an important role in HCC cell proliferation and/or metastasis and promotes proliferation of HCC cells. Using luciferase and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, MTBP was found to enhance the transcription factor activation of ETS-1. The results from chromatin co-immunoprecipitation showed that MTBP enhanced the recruitment of ETS-1 to its downstream gene’s (mmp1’s) promoter region with ETS-1 binding sites. In cellular and nude mice models, overexpression of MTBP was shown to promote the proliferation of MHCC97-L cells with low endogenous MTBP levels, whereas the knockdown of MTBP led to inhibition of the proliferation of MHCC97-H cells that possessed high endogenous levels of MTBP. The effect of MTBP on ETS-1 was confirmed in the clinical specimens; the expression of MTBP was positively correlated with the downstream genes of ETS-1, mmp3, mmp9, and uPA. Therefore, by establishing the role of MTBP as a novel co-activator of ETS-1, this work expands our knowledge of MTBP or ETS-1 and helps to provide new ideas concerning HCC-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Wang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Chu
- Department of Emergency, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhijie
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Bi
- Endoscopy Center, Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lixin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunlong Zhuang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Xiaofeng
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Niu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dali Zhang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - He Xi
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-an Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Bo-an Li,
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Fytianos K, Schliep R, Mykoniati S, Khan P, Hostettler KE, Tamm M, Gazdhar A, Knudsen L, Geiser T. Anti-Fibrotic Effect of SDF-1β Overexpression in Bleomycin-Injured Rat Lung. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091803. [PMID: 36145551 PMCID: PMC9502331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rational: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease and is associated with high mortality due to a lack of effective treatment. Excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix by activated myofibroblasts in the alveolar space leads to scar formation that hinders gas exchange. Therefore, selectively removing activated myofibroblasts with the aim to repair and remodel fibrotic lungs is a promising approach. Stromal-derived growth factor (SDF-1) is known to stimulate cellular signals which attract stem cells to the site of injury for tissue repair and remodeling. Here, we investigate the effect of overexpression of SDF-1β on lung structure using the bleomycin-injured rat lung model. Methods: Intratracheal administration of bleomycin was performed in adult male rats (F344). Seven days later, in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer of either SDF-1β or the empty vector was performed. Animals were sacrificed seven days after gene transfer and histology, design-based stereology, flow cytometry, and collagen measurement were performed on the tissue collected. For in vitro experiments, lung fibroblasts obtained from IPF patients were used. Results: Seven days after SDF-1β gene transfer to bleomycin-injured rat lungs, reduced total collagen, reduced collagen fibrils, improved histology and induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts were observed. Furthermore, it was revealed that TNF-α mediates SDF-1β-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts; moreover, SDF-1β overexpression increased alveolar epithelial cell numbers and proliferation in vivo and also induced their migration in vitro. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a new antifibrotic mechanism of SDF-1β overexpression and suggests SDF-1β as a potential new approach for the treatment of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleanthis Fytianos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ronja Schliep
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | - Sofia Mykoniati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of Jura, 2800 Delemont, Switzerland
| | - Petra Khan
- Department of Biomedical Research and Clinics of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin E. Hostettler
- Department of Biomedical Research and Clinics of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Tamm
- Department of Biomedical Research and Clinics of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amiq Gazdhar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Lars Knudsen
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (T.G.)
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Talbott HE, Mascharak S, Griffin M, Wan DC, Longaker MT. Wound healing, fibroblast heterogeneity, and fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1161-1180. [PMID: 35931028 PMCID: PMC9357250 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are highly dynamic cells that play a central role in tissue repair and fibrosis. However, the mechanisms by which they contribute to both physiologic and pathologic states of extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling are just starting to be understood. In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in fibroblast biology and heterogeneity, with a primary focus on the role of fibroblasts in skin wound repair. We also consider emerging techniques in the field, which enable an increasingly nuanced and contextualized understanding of these complex systems, and evaluate limitations of existing methodologies and knowledge. Collectively, this review spotlights a diverse body of research examining an often-overlooked cell type-the fibroblast-and its critical functions in wound repair and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Talbott
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shamik Mascharak
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle Griffin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Derrick C Wan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Michael T Longaker
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Stojanovic D, Mitic V, Stojanovic M, Milenkovic J, Ignjatovic A, Milojkovic M. The Scientific Rationale for the Introduction of Renalase in the Concept of Cardiac Fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:845878. [PMID: 35711341 PMCID: PMC9193824 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.845878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis represents a redundant accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting from a cascade of pathophysiological events involved in an ineffective healing response, that eventually leads to heart failure. The pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis involves various cellular effectors (neutrophils, macrophages, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts), up-regulation of profibrotic mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors), and processes where epithelial and endothelial cells undergo mesenchymal transition. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. The most effective anti-fibrotic strategy will have to incorporate the specific targeting of the diverse cells, pathways, and their cross-talk in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibroproliferation. Additionally, renalase, a novel protein secreted by the kidneys, is identified. Evidence demonstrates its cytoprotective properties, establishing it as a survival element in various organ injuries (heart, kidney, liver, intestines), and as a significant anti-fibrotic factor, owing to its, in vitro and in vivo demonstrated pleiotropy to alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis, and fibrotic responses. Effective anti-fibrotic therapy may seek to exploit renalase’s compound effects such as: lessening of the inflammatory cell infiltrate (neutrophils and macrophages), and macrophage polarization (M1 to M2), a decrease in the proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines/reactive species/growth factor release (TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-2, ROS, TGF-β1), an increase in anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl2), and prevention of caspase activation, inflammasome silencing, sirtuins (1 and 3) activation, and mitochondrial protection, suppression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a decrease in the pro-fibrotic markers expression (’α-SMA, collagen I, and III, TIMP-1, and fibronectin), and interference with MAPKs signaling network, most likely as a coordinator of pro-fibrotic signals. This review provides the scientific rationale for renalase’s scrutiny regarding cardiac fibrosis, and there is great anticipation that these newly identified pathways are set to progress one step further. Although substantial progress has been made, indicating renalase’s therapeutic promise, more profound experimental work is required to resolve the accurate underlying mechanisms of renalase, concerning cardiac fibrosis, before any potential translation to clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Stojanovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Valentina Mitic
- Department of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niska Banja", Niska Banja, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Stojanovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia.,Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, Niš, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milenkovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia.,Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, Niš, Serbia
| | - Maja Milojkovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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Rhein Improves Renal Fibrosis by Restoring Cpt1a-Mediated Fatty Acid Oxidation through SirT1/STAT3/twist1 Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072344. [PMID: 35408745 PMCID: PMC9000220 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest progress in the field of renal fibrosis mainly focuses on the new concept of “partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT)” to explain the contribution of renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells to renal fibrosis and the crucial role of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) dysfunction in RTE cells for the development of renal fibrosis. FAO depression is considered to be secondary or occur simultaneously with pEMT. We explored the relationship between pEMT and FAO and the effect of rhein on them. Intragastric administration of rhein significantly improved the levels of BUN, Scr, α-SMA, collagen 1A and histopathological changes in UUO-rats. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that abnormal signaling pathways were involved in EMT and FAO disorders. RTE cell experiments showed that TGF-β could inhibit the activity of Cpt1a, resulting in ATP depletion and lipid deposition. Cpt1a inhibitor induced EMT, while Cpt1 substrate or rhein inhibited EMT, indicating that Cpt1a-mediated FAO dysfunction is essential for RTE cells EMT. Further studies showed that Cpt1a activity were regulated by SirT1/STAT3/Twist1 pathway. Rhein inhibits RTE cell EMT by promoting Cpt1a-mediated FAO through the SirT1/STAT3/Twist1 pathway. Surprisingly and importantly, our experiments showed that FAO depression occurs before EMT, and EMT is one of the results of FAO depression.
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Song Z, Wang L, Cao Y, Liu Z, Zhang M, Zhang Z, Jiang S, Fan R, Hao T, Yang R, Wang B, Guan Z, Zhu L, Liu Z, Zhang S, Zhao L, Xu Z, Xu H, Dai G. Isoandrographolide inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and attenuates silicosis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 105:108539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Jiao W, Hao J, Xie Y, Meng M, Gao W. EZH2 mitigates the cardioprotective effects of mesenchymal stem cell-secreted exosomes against infarction via HMGA2-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:95. [PMID: 35264108 PMCID: PMC8908676 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) have emerged as novel therapeutic strategies for myocardial infarction (MI). However, many questions remain untouched and unanswered regarding their roles in myocardial fibrosis. This study aimed to probe the therapeutic effects of MSC-EXO on myocardial fibrosis after MI and possible mechanisms. METHODS Myocardial tissues were obtained from MI rats, and myocardial cell viability, fibrosis, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by immunohistochemistry, Masson's staining, TUNEL, and western blot. Bone marrow-derived MSCs and corresponding EXO were identified, and cardiac function were detected after treatment of MSC-EXO. Bioinformatics analysis and ChIP assay were conducted to detect the downstream genes of EZH2. EZH2 was upregulated alone or with HMGA2 overexpression in myocardial tissues of MI rats upon MSC-EXO treatment, and PI3K/AKT pathway activity in myocardial tissues was detected using western blot. RESULTS The proliferative activity in myocardial tissues of MI rats was significantly decreased, along with accentuated fibrosis, increased collagen volume and EMT. MSC-EXO treatment resulted in partial restoration of cardiac function and reduced EZH2 expression in the myocardium of rats. EZH2 inhibited HMGA2 expression by increasing the H3K27me3 modification. PI3K/AKT pathway was altered under the influence of the EZH2/HMGA2 axis. EZH2 inhibited the effect of MSC-EXO on the recovery of cardiac function and accelerated fibrosis, while HMGA2 reversed the effect of EZH2 to reduce fibrosis and enhance cardiac function. CONCLUSION MSC-EXO alleviated fibrosis in MI rats via inhibition of EZH2, whereas EZH2 inhibited HMGA2 expression and impaired the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Hao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Meng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Weinian Gao
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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