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Qiu Y, Que Y, Ding Z, Zhang S, Wei R, Xia J, Lin Y. Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18448. [PMID: 38774993 PMCID: PMC11109635 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18448] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Qiu
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yueyue Que
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zheyu Ding
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Rong Wei
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jianing Xia
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
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López-Martínez A, Santos-Álvarez JC, Velázquez-Enríquez JM, Ramírez-Hernández AA, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Baltierrez-Hoyos R. lncRNA-mRNA Co-Expression and Regulation Analysis in Lung Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 38668384 PMCID: PMC11054336 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020026] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease marked by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to dysregulated expression of various RNAs in pulmonary fibroblasts. This study utilized RNA-seq data meta-analysis to explore the regulatory network of hub long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in IPF fibroblasts. The meta-analysis unveiled 584 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNA) and 75 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNA) in lung fibroblasts from IPF. Among these, BCL6, EFNB1, EPHB2, FOXO1, FOXO3, GNAI1, IRF4, PIK3R1, and RXRA were identified as hub mRNAs, while AC008708.1, AC091806.1, AL442071.1, FAM111A-DT, and LINC01989 were designated as hub lncRNAs. Functional characterization revealed involvement in TGF-β, PI3K, FOXO, and MAPK signaling pathways. Additionally, this study identified regulatory interactions between sequences of hub mRNAs and lncRNAs. In summary, the findings suggest that AC008708.1, AC091806.1, FAM111A-DT, LINC01989, and AL442071.1 lncRNAs can regulate BCL6, EFNB1, EPHB2, FOXO1, FOXO3, GNAI1, IRF4, PIK3R1, and RXRA mRNAs in fibroblasts bearing IPF and contribute to fibrosis by modulating crucial signaling pathways such as FoxO signaling, chemical carcinogenesis, longevity regulatory pathways, non-small cell lung cancer, and AMPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando López-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Jovito Cesar Santos-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Alma Aurora Ramírez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico
| | - Rafael Baltierrez-Hoyos
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico; (A.L.-M.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (V.R.V.-G.)
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca C.P. 68020, Mexico
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Renaud L, Waldrep KM, da Silveira WA, Pilewski JM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. First Characterization of the Transcriptome of Lung Fibroblasts of SSc Patients and Healthy Donors of African Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3645. [PMID: 36835058 PMCID: PMC9966000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death amongst SSc patients. Racial disparity is noted in SSc as African Americans (AA) have a higher frequency and severity of disease than European Americans (EA). Using RNAseq, we determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs; q < 0.1, log2FC > |0.6|) in primary pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc lungs (SScL) and normal lungs (NL) of AA and EA patients to characterize the unique transcriptomic signatures of AA-NL and AA-SScL fibroblasts using systems-level analysis. We identified 69 DEGs in "AA-NL vs. EA-NL" and 384 DEGs in "AA-SScL vs. EA-SScL" analyses, and a comparison of disease mechanisms revealed that only 7.5% of DEGs were commonly deregulated in AA and EA patients. Surprisingly, we also identified an SSc-like signature in AA-NL fibroblasts. Our data highlight differences in disease mechanisms between AA and EA SScL fibroblasts and suggest that AA-NL fibroblasts are in a "pre-fibrosis" state, poised to respond to potential fibrotic triggers. The DEGs and pathways identified in our study provide a wealth of novel targets to better understand disease mechanisms leading to racial disparity in SSc-PF and develop more effective and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kristy M. Waldrep
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pilewski
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Paredes F, Williams HC, Suster I, Tejos M, Fuentealba R, Bogan B, Holden CM, San Martin A. Metabolic regulation of the proteasome under hypoxia by Poldip2 controls fibrotic signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 195:283-297. [PMID: 36596387 PMCID: PMC10268434 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.12.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The polymerase delta interacting protein 2 (Poldip2) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein required for oxidative metabolism. Under hypoxia, Poldip2 expression is repressed by an unknown mechanism. Therefore, low levels of Poldip2 are required to maintain glycolytic metabolism. The Cellular Communication Network Factor 2 (CCN2, Connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) is a profibrogenic molecule highly expressed in cancer and vascular inflammation in advanced atherosclerosis. Because CCN2 is upregulated under hypoxia and is associated with glycolytic metabolism, we hypothesize that Poldip2 downregulation is responsible for the upregulation of profibrotic signaling under hypoxia. Here, we report that Poldip2 is repressed under hypoxia by a mechanism that requires the activation of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 repressive complex (EZH2) downstream from the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2). Importantly, we found that Poldip2 repression is required for CCN2 expression downstream of metabolic inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-dependent stabilization of the serum response factor. Pharmacological or gene expression inhibition of CDK2 under hypoxia reverses Poldip2 downregulation, the inhibition of the UPS, and the expression of CCN2, collagen, and fibronectin. Thus, our findings connect cell cycle regulation and proteasome activity to mitochondrial function and fibrotic responses under hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Paredes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Holly C Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Izabela Suster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Macarena Tejos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Roberto Fuentealba
- Institute of Chemistry and Natural Resources, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Bethany Bogan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Claire M Holden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alejandra San Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Yuan J, Wang T, Wang L, Li P, Shen H, Mo Y, Zhang Q, Ni C. Transcriptome-wide association study identifies PSMB9 as a susceptibility gene for coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2103-2114. [PMID: 35506645 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a type of typical occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of coal mine dust. The individuals' different genetic background may underlie their different susceptibility to develop pneumoconiosis, even under the same exposure level. This study aimed to identify susceptibility genes associated with CWP. Based on our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS, 202 CWP cases vs. 198 controls) and gene expression data obtained by analyzing human lungs and whole blood from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Portal, a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was applied to identify CWP risk-related genes. Luciferase report gene assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence assay, and TUNEL assay were conducted to explore the potential role of the candidate gene in CWP. Proteasome 20S subunit beta 9 (PSMB9) was identified as a strong risk-related gene of CWP in both lungs and whole blood (Lungs: PTWAS = 4.22 × 10-4 ; Whole blood: PTWAS = 2.11 × 10-4 ). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2071480 and rs1351383, which locate in the promoter region and the first intron of the PSMB9 gene, were in high linkage disequilibrium (LD, r2 = 0.98) with the best GWAS SNP rs4713600 (G>T, OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.74, P = 6.86 × 10-5 ). Both rs2071480 and rs1351383 significantly enhanced the transcriptional activity of PSMB9. Functional experiments revealed that silica exposure remarkably reduced the PSMB9 expression and caused cell apoptosis, while overexpression of PSMB9 markedly abolished silica-induced cell apoptosis. We here identified PSMB9 as a novel susceptibility gene for CWP and provided important insights into the further exploration of the CWP pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yuan
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqun Mo
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Qunwei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Center for Global Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Moll M, Hobbs BD, Menon A, Ghosh AJ, Putman RK, Hino T, Hata A, Silverman EK, Quackenbush J, Castaldi PJ, Hersh CP, McGeachie MJ, Sin DD, Tal-Singer R, Nishino M, Hatabu H, Hunninghake GM, Cho MH. Blood gene expression risk profiles and interstitial lung abnormalities: COPDGene and ECLIPSE cohort studies. Respir Res 2022; 23:157. [PMID: 35715807 PMCID: PMC9204872 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are radiologic findings that may progress to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Blood gene expression profiles can predict IPF mortality, but whether these same genes associate with ILA and ILA outcomes is unknown. This study evaluated if a previously described blood gene expression profile associated with IPF mortality is associated with ILA and all-cause mortality. METHODS In COPDGene and ECLIPSE study participants with visual scoring of ILA and gene expression data, we evaluated the association of a previously described IPF mortality score with ILA and mortality. We also trained a new ILA score, derived using genes from the IPF score, in a subset of COPDGene. We tested the association with ILA and mortality on the remainder of COPDGene and ECLIPSE. RESULTS In 1469 COPDGene (training n = 734; testing n = 735) and 571 ECLIPSE participants, the IPF score was not associated with ILA or mortality. However, an ILA score derived from IPF score genes was associated with ILA (meta-analysis of test datasets OR 1.4 [95% CI: 1.2-1.6]) and mortality (HR 1.25 [95% CI: 1.12-1.41]). Six of the 11 genes in the ILA score had discordant directions of effects compared to the IPF score. The ILA score partially mediated the effects of age on mortality (11.8% proportion mediated). CONCLUSIONS An ILA gene expression score, derived from IPF mortality-associated genes, identified genes with concordant and discordant effects on IPF mortality and ILA. These results suggest shared, and unique biologic processes, amongst those with ILA, IPF, aging, and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Moll
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brian D Hobbs
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aravind Menon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Auyon J Ghosh
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachel K Putman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Takuya Hino
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Radiology, Center for Pulmonary Functional Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Akinori Hata
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Radiology, Center for Pulmonary Functional Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Edwin K Silverman
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John Quackenbush
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Peter J Castaldi
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, Canada
| | - Craig P Hersh
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michael J McGeachie
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Don D Sin
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, and Department of Medicine (Respiratory Division), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Mizuki Nishino
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Radiology, Center for Pulmonary Functional Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hiroto Hatabu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Radiology, Center for Pulmonary Functional Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gary M Hunninghake
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michael H Cho
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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7
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Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Breaking the Bridge. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116064. [PMID: 35682743 PMCID: PMC9181498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CTGF is upregulated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by the deposition of a pathological extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, many omics studies confirmed that aberrant cellular senescence-associated mitochondria dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming had been identified in different IPF lung cells (alveolar epithelial cells, alveolar endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages). Here, we reviewed the role of the CTGF in IPF lung cells to mediate anomalous senescence-related metabolic mechanisms that support the fibrotic environment in IPF.
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8
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Velázquez-Enríquez JM, Ramírez-Hernández AA, Navarro LMS, Reyes-Avendaño I, González-García K, Jiménez-Martínez C, Castro-Sánchez L, Sánchez-Chino XM, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Baltiérrez-Hoyos R. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Differential Expression Profiles in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095032. [PMID: 35563422 PMCID: PMC9105114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, irreversible lung disorder of unknown cause. This disease is characterized by profibrotic activation of resident pulmonary fibroblasts resulting in aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. However, although much is known about the pathophysiology of IPF, the cellular and molecular processes that occur and allow aberrant fibroblast activation remain an unmet need. To explore the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with aberrant activation of these fibroblasts, we used the IPF lung fibroblast cell lines LL97A (IPF-1) and LL29 (IPF-2), compared to the normal lung fibroblast cell line CCD19Lu (NL-1). Protein samples were quantified and identified using a label-free quantitative proteomic analysis approach by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). DEPs were identified after pairwise comparison, including all experimental groups. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network construction were used to interpret the proteomic data. Eighty proteins expressed exclusively in the IPF-1 and IPF-2 clusters were identified. In addition, 19 proteins were identified up-regulated in IPF-1 and 10 in IPF-2; 10 proteins were down-regulated in IPF-1 and 2 in IPF-2 when compared to the NL-1 proteome. Using the search tool for retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) software, a PPI network was constructed between the DEPs and the 80 proteins expressed exclusively in the IPF-2 and IPF-1 clusters, containing 115 nodes and 136 edges. The 10 hub proteins present in the IPP network were identified using the CytoHubba plugin of the Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that the hub proteins were mainly related to cell adhesion, integrin binding, and hematopoietic cell lineage. Our results provide relevant information on DEPs present in IPF lung fibroblast cell lines when compared to the normal lung fibroblast cell line that could play a key role during IPF pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (I.R.-A.); (K.G.-G.)
| | - Alma Aurora Ramírez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (I.R.-A.); (K.G.-G.)
| | | | - Itayetzi Reyes-Avendaño
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (I.R.-A.); (K.G.-G.)
| | - Karina González-García
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (I.R.-A.); (K.G.-G.)
| | - Cristian Jiménez-Martínez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Av. Wilfrido Massieu Esq. Cda. Miguel Stampa S/N, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07738, Mexico;
| | - Luis Castro-Sánchez
- Conacyt-Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas “CUIB”, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico;
| | - Xariss Miryam Sánchez-Chino
- Catedra-Conacyt, Departamento de Salud El Colegio de La Frontera Sur, Unidad Villahermosa, Tabasco 86280, Mexico;
| | | | - Rafael Baltiérrez-Hoyos
- Conacyt-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Fu M, Peng D, Lan T, Wei Y, Wei X. Multifunctional regulatory protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF): A potential therapeutic target for diverse diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1740-1760. [PMID: 35847511 PMCID: PMC9279711 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a multifunctional protein of the CCN family, regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and a variety of other biological processes. It is involved in the disease-related pathways such as the Hippo pathway, p53 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways and thus contributes to the developments of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer and other diseases as a downstream effector. Therefore, CTGF might be a potential therapeutic target for treating various diseases. In recent years, the research on the potential of CTGF in the treatment of diseases has also been paid more attention. Several drugs targeting CTGF (monoclonal antibodies FG3149 and FG3019) are being assessed by clinical or preclinical trials and have shown promising outcomes. In this review, the cellular events regulated by CTGF, and the relationships between CTGF and pathogenesis of diseases are systematically summarized. In addition, we highlight the current researches, focusing on the preclinical and clinical trials concerned with CTGF as the therapeutic target.
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10
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Vanstapel A, Goldschmeding R, Broekhuizen R, Nguyen T, Sacreas A, Kaes J, Heigl T, Verleden SE, De Zutter A, Verleden G, Weynand B, Verbeken E, Ceulemans LJ, Van Raemdonck DE, Neyrinck AP, Schoemans HM, Vanaudenaerde BM, Vos R. Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Overexpressed in Explant Lung Tissue and Broncho-Alveolar Lavage in Transplant-Related Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661761. [PMID: 34122421 PMCID: PMC8187127 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an important mediator in several fibrotic diseases, including lung fibrosis. We investigated CTGF-expression in chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and pulmonary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Materials and Methods CTGF expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry in end-stage CLAD explant lung tissue (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), n=20; restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS), n=20), pulmonary GHVD (n=9). Unused donor lungs served as control group (n=20). Next, 60 matched lung transplant recipients (BOS, n=20; RAS, n=20; stable lung transplant recipients, n=20) were included for analysis of CTGF protein levels in plasma and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid at 3 months post-transplant, 1 year post-transplant, at CLAD diagnosis or 2 years post-transplant in stable patients. Results qPCR revealed an overall significant difference in the relative content of CTGF mRNA in BOS, RAS and pulmonary GVHD vs. controls (p=0.014). Immunohistochemistry showed a significant higher percentage and intensity of CTGF-positive respiratory epithelial cells in BOS, RAS and pulmonary GVHD patients vs. controls (p<0.0001). BAL CTGF protein levels were significantly higher at 3 months post-transplant in future RAS vs. stable or BOS (p=0.028). At CLAD diagnosis, BAL protein content was significantly increased in RAS patients vs. stable (p=0.0007) and BOS patients (p=0.042). CTGF plasma values were similar in BOS, RAS, and stable patients (p=0.74). Conclusions Lung CTGF-expression is increased in end-stage CLAD and pulmonary GVHD; and higher CTGF-levels are present in BAL of RAS patients at CLAD diagnosis. Our results suggest a potential role for CTGF in CLAD, especially RAS, and pulmonary GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Vanstapel
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tri Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annelore Sacreas
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janne Kaes
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tobias Heigl
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn E Verleden
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandra De Zutter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Verleden
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Respiratory Diseases, Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Birgit Weynand
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J Ceulemans
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Thoracic Surgery University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk E Van Raemdonck
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Thoracic Surgery University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne P Neyrinck
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bart M Vanaudenaerde
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Respiratory Diseases, Lung Transplant Unit, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Roberts MJ, May LT, Keen AC, Liu B, Lam T, Charlton SJ, Rosethorne EM, Halls ML. Inhibition of the Proliferation of Human Lung Fibroblasts by Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists is Linked to a Sustained cAMP Signal in the Nucleus. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:669227. [PMID: 33995100 PMCID: PMC8116805 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.669227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive fibrotic lung disease, and current treatments are limited by their side effects. Proliferation of human lung fibroblasts in the pulmonary interstitial tissue is a hallmark of this disease and is driven by prolonged ERK signalling in the nucleus in response to growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Agents that increase cAMP have been suggested as alternative therapies, as this second messenger can inhibit the ERK cascade. We previously examined a panel of eight Gαs-cAMP-coupled G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) endogenously expressed in human lung fibroblasts. Although the cAMP response was important for the anti-fibrotic effects of GPCR agonists, the magnitude of the acute cAMP response was not predictive of anti-fibrotic efficacy. Here we examined the reason for this apparent disconnect by stimulating the Gαs-coupled prostacyclin receptor and measuring downstream signalling at a sub-cellular level. MRE-269 and treprostinil caused sustained cAMP signalling in the nucleus and complete inhibition of PDGF-induced nuclear ERK and fibroblast proliferation. In contrast, iloprost caused a transient increase in nuclear cAMP, there was no effect of iloprost on PDGF-induced ERK in the nucleus, and this agonist was much less effective at reversing PDGF-induced proliferation. This suggests that sustained elevation of cAMP in the nucleus is necessary for efficient inhibition of PDGF-induced nuclear ERK and fibroblast proliferation. This is an important first step towards understanding of the signalling events that drive GPCR inhibition of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine J Roberts
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Lauren T May
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Alastair C Keen
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Bonan Liu
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Terrance Lam
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Steven J Charlton
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Excellerate Bioscience Ltd., BioCity, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M Rosethorne
- Cell Signalling Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic, Australia
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12
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Luppi F, Kalluri M, Faverio P, Kreuter M, Ferrara G. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis beyond the lung: understanding disease mechanisms to improve diagnosis and management. Respir Res 2021; 22:109. [PMID: 33865386 PMCID: PMC8052779 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disorder with an estimated median survival time of 3–5 years after diagnosis. This condition occurs primarily in elderly subjects, and epidemiological studies suggest that the main risk factors, ageing and exposure to cigarette smoke, are associated with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities (defined as the occurrence of two or more disorders in a single individual). Ageing and senescence, through interactions with environmental factors, may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF by various mechanisms, causing lung epithelium damage and increasing the resistance of myofibroblasts to apoptosis, eventually resulting in extracellular matrix accumulation and pulmonary fibrosis. As a paradigm, syndromes featuring short telomeres represent archetypal premature ageing syndromes and are often associated with pulmonary fibrosis. The pathophysiological features induced by ageing and senescence in patients with IPF may translate to pulmonary and extrapulmonary features, including emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, coronary artery disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, diabetes mellitus and many other chronic diseases, which may lead to substantial negative consequences in terms of various outcome parameters in IPF. Therefore, the careful diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities may represent an outstanding chance to improve quality of life and survival, and it is necessary to contemplate all possible management options for IPF, including early identification and treatment of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Luppi
- Respiratory Unit, University of Milano Bicocca, S. Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Meena Kalluri
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-134 Clinical Sciences Building, 11304 83 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Paola Faverio
- Respiratory Unit, University of Milano Bicocca, S. Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Centre for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research, ThoraxklinikHeidelberg, Germany
| | - Giovanni Ferrara
- Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-134 Clinical Sciences Building, 11304 83 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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13
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Whole-exome sequencing identifies susceptibility genes and pathways for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the Chinese population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1443. [PMID: 33446833 PMCID: PMC7809470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80944-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors play a role in the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Specifically, MUC5B rs35705950 non-risk alleles and immunologic aberrations were associated with the IPF’s progression. However, rare genetic variants have not been systematically investigated in Chinese IPF patients. In this study, we aimed to improve understanding of the genetic architecture of IPF in the Chinese population and to assess whether rare protein-coding variants in the immunity pathway genes are enriched in the IPF patients with non-risk alleles at rs35705950. A case–control exome-wide study including 110 IPF patients and 60 matched healthy controls was conducted. rs35705950 was genotyped by Sanger sequencing. To identify genes enriched in IPF, gene-based association analyses were performed. Identified genes were included for further pathway analyses using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Associations between rs35705950 and genes enriched in the immunity pathway were also tested. 226 genes that were enriched with deleterious variants were identified in IPF patients. Out of them, 36 genes were significantly enriched in GO and KEGG pathways in the IPF. Pathway analyses implicated that these genes were involved in the immune response and cell adhesion. Rare protein-altering variants in genes related to the immunity pathway did not significantly differ between patients with a MUC5B risk allele and individuals without risk allele. We drafted a comprehensive mutational landscape of rare protein-coding variants in the Chinese IPF and identified genes related to immune response and cell adhesion. These results partially explain changes in gene expression involved in the immunity/inflammatory pathways in IPF patients.
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14
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Pathogenesis and the Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020524. [PMID: 31947693 PMCID: PMC7013390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive chronic disease characterized by excessing scarring of the lungs leading to irreversible decline in lung function. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease are still unclear, although lung fibroblast and epithelial cell activation, as well as the secretion of fibrotic and inflammatory mediators, have been strongly associated with the development and progression of IPF. Significantly, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as modulators of multiple biological processes, although their function and mechanism of action in IPF is poorly understood. LncRNAs have been shown to be important regulators of several diseases and their aberrant expression has been linked to the pathophysiology of fibrosis including IPF. This review will provide an overview of this emerging role of lncRNAs in the development of IPF.
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15
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Penke LR, Peters-Golden M. Molecular determinants of mesenchymal cell activation in fibroproliferative diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4179-4201. [PMID: 31563998 PMCID: PMC6858579 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled scarring, or fibrosis, can interfere with the normal function of virtually all tissues of the body, ultimately leading to organ failure and death. Fibrotic diseases represent a major cause of death in industrialized countries. Unfortunately, no curative treatments for these conditions are yet available, highlighting the critical need for a better fundamental understanding of molecular mechanisms that may be therapeutically tractable. The ultimate indispensable effector cells responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix proteins that comprise scars are mesenchymal cells, namely fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In this review, we focus on the biology of these cells and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their pertinent functions. We discuss key pro-fibrotic mediators, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that dictate their activation and persistence. Because of their possible clinical and therapeutic relevance, we also consider potential brakes on mesenchymal cell activation and cellular processes that may facilitate myofibroblast clearance from fibrotic tissue-topics that have in general been understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loka R Penke
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA
| | - Marc Peters-Golden
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA.
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16
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Hadjicharalambous MR, Roux BT, Csomor E, Feghali-Bostwick CA, Murray LA, Clarke DL, Lindsay MA. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs regulate human lung fibroblast function: Implications for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6020. [PMID: 30988425 PMCID: PMC6465406 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic changes in lung fibroblasts are believed to contribute to the development of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and fatal lung disease. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have been identified as novel regulators of gene expression and protein activity. In non-stimulated cells, we observed reduced proliferation and inflammation but no difference in the fibrotic response of IPF fibroblasts. These functional changes in non-stimulated cells were associated with changes in the expression of the histone marks, H3K4me1, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac indicating a possible involvement of epigenetics. Following activation with TGF-β1 and IL-1β, we demonstrated an increased fibrotic but reduced inflammatory response in IPF fibroblasts. There was no significant difference in proliferation following PDGF exposure. The lincRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC01140 were upregulated in IPF fibroblasts. Knockdown studies showed that LINC00960 and LINC01140 were positive regulators of proliferation in both control and IPF fibroblasts but had no effect upon the fibrotic response. Knockdown of LINC01140 but not LINC00960 increased the inflammatory response, which was greater in IPF compared to control fibroblasts. Overall, these studies demonstrate for the first time that lincRNAs are important regulators of proliferation and inflammation in human lung fibroblasts and that these might mediate the reduced inflammatory response observed in IPF-derived fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Hadjicharalambous
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit T Roux
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Eszter Csomor
- MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | | | - Deborah L Clarke
- MedImmune, Milstein Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom.,Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd, Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Lindsay
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
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17
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Khalil N, Manganas H, Ryerson CJ, Shapera S, Cantin AM, Hernandez P, Turcotte EE, Parker JM, Moran JE, Albert GR, Sawtell R, Hagerimana A, Laurin P, Gagnon L, Cesari F, Kolb M. Phase 2 clinical trial of PBI-4050 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2019; 53:13993003.00663-2018. [PMID: 30578394 PMCID: PMC6422836 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00663-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PBI-4050 is a novel orally active small-molecule compound with demonstrated anti-fibrotic activity in several models of fibrosis, including lung fibrosis. We present results from our first clinical study of PBI-4050 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This 12-week open-label study explored the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of daily oral doses of 800 mg PBI-4050 alone and in combination with nintedanib or pirfenidone in patients with predominantly mild or moderate IPF. Nine patients received PBI-4050 alone, 16 patients received PBI-4050 with nintedanib and 16 patients received PBI-4050 with pirfenidone. PBI-4050 alone or in combination with nintedanib or pirfenidone was well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic profiles for PBI-4050 were similar in the PBI-4050 alone and PBI-4050+nintedanib groups but reduced in the PBI-4050+pirfenidone group, suggesting a drug–drug interaction. There were no significant changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), either in % predicted or mL, from baseline to week 12 for PBI-4050 alone or PBI-4050+nintedanib. In contrast, a statistically significant reduction (p<0.024) in FVC % pred was seen for PBI-4050+pirfenidone after 12 weeks. There were no safety concerns with PBI-4050 alone or in combination with nintedanib or pirfenidone in IPF patients. The stability of FVC between baseline and week 12 looked encouraging for PBI-4050 alone and in combination with nintedanib. PBI-4050 alone and in combination with nintedanib demonstrated no safety concerns and showed encouraging results for lung function in IPF patientshttp://ow.ly/olQD30myD0E
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreen Khalil
- Vancouver General Hospital - The Lung Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helene Manganas
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ryerson
- Dept of Medicine, University of British Columbia and Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shane Shapera
- University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andre M Cantin
- Centre de Recherche Clinique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS-CRC), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Paul Hernandez
- Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Eric E Turcotte
- Centre d'Imagerie Moléculaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lyne Gagnon
- Prometic Life Sciences Inc., Laval, QC, Canada
| | | | - Martin Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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18
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Gene Expression Changes Associated with Nintedanib Treatment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Fibroblasts: A Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Study. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8030308. [PMID: 30841487 PMCID: PMC6462954 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal interstitial lung disease. Therapeutic options for IPF remain limited. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for IPF treatment, is known to inhibit fibroblasts proliferation, migration and transformation to myofibroblasts. However, how nintedanib changes gene regulations in IPF has never been systematically investigated. We conducted a next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics study to evaluate the changes of mRNA and miRNA profiles in IPF fibroblasts treated with 2 µM and 4 µM nintedanib, compared to those without treatment. We identified 157 upregulated and 151 downregulated genes and used STRING and DAVID databases for analysis of protein⁻protein interactions, biological pathways, and molecular functions. We found strong protein⁻protein interactions within these dysregulated genes, mostly involved in the pathways of cell cycle and mitotic cell cycle. We also discovered 13 potential miRNA⁻mRNA interactions associated with nintedanib treatment. After validation using miRDB, TargetScan, and RT-qPCR, we identified 4 downregulated genes (DDX11, E2F1, NPTX1, and PLXNA4) which might be repressed by the upregulated hsa-miR-486-3p. According to the proposed functions of DDX11, E2F1, and PLXNA4 reported in previous studies, these gene expression changes together might contribute to decreased proliferation of fibroblasts and decreased angiogenesis in the microenvironment of IPF. Our findings need further studies to confirm.
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19
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Integrated Analysis of lncRNA and mRNA Transcriptomes Reveals New Regulators of Ubiquitination and the Immune Response in Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6305065. [PMID: 30756084 PMCID: PMC6348882 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6305065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives As an epigenetic player, long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been reported to participate in multiple biological processes; however, their biological functions in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis (SIPF) occurrence and development remain incompletely understood. Methods Five case/control pairs were used to perform integrated transcriptomes analysis of lncRNA and mRNA. Prediction of lncRNA and mRNA functions was aided by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Additionally, we constructed a coexpression network of lncRNAs and mRNAs to identify targets of regulation. Results In total, 1069 differentially expressed mRNAs and 366 lncRNAs were identified with the changes more than 2 times (p<0.05), of which 351 downregulated mRNA and 31 downregulated lncRNA were <0.5 (p<0.05) and those of 718 upregulated mRNAs and 335 upregulated lncRNA were >2 (p<0.05). The levels of 10 lncRNAs were measured via qRT-PCR; the results were consistent with the microarray data. Four genes named of FEM1B, TRIM39, TRIM32, and KLHL15 were enriched significantly with ubiquitination and immune response. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction was the most significantly enriched KEGG pathway in both mRNAs and lncRNAs. The coexpression network revealed that a single lncRNA can interact with multiple mRNAs, and vice versa. Conclusions lncRNA and mRNA expression were aberrant in patients with SIPF compared to controls, indicating that differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs may play critical roles in SIPF development. Our study affords new insights into the molecular mechanisms of SIPF and identifies potential biomarkers and targets for SIPF diagnosis and treatment.
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20
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Hadjicharalambous MR, Roux BT, Feghali-Bostwick CA, Murray LA, Clarke DL, Lindsay MA. Long Non-coding RNAs Are Central Regulators of the IL-1β-Induced Inflammatory Response in Normal and Idiopathic Pulmonary Lung Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2906. [PMID: 30619270 PMCID: PMC6299252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence to indicate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of the inflammatory response. In this report, we have employed next generation sequencing to identify 14 lncRNAs that are differentially expressed in human lung fibroblasts following the induction of inflammation using interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Knockdown of the two most highly expressed lncRNAs, IL7AS, and MIR3142HG, showed that IL7AS negatively regulated IL-6 release whilst MIR3142HG was a positive regulator of IL-8 and CCL2 release. Parallel studies in fibroblasts derived from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis showed similar increases in IL7AS levels, that also negatively regulate IL-6 release. In contrast, IL-1β-induced MIR3142HG expression, and its metabolism to miR-146a, was reduced by 4- and 9-fold in IPF fibroblasts, respectively. This correlated with a reduced expression of inflammatory mediators whilst MIR3142HG knockdown showed no effect upon IL-8 and CCL2 release. Pharmacological studies showed that IL-1β-induced IL7AS and MIR3142HG production and release of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2 in both control and IPF fibroblasts were mediated via an NF-κB-mediated pathway. In summary, we have cataloged those lncRNAs that are differentially expressed following IL-1β-activation of human lung fibroblasts, shown that IL7AS and MIR3142HG regulate the inflammatory response and demonstrated that the reduced inflammatory response in IPF fibroblast is correlated with attenuated expression of MIR3142HG/miR-146a.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benoit T Roux
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | | | - Mark A Lindsay
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Ramazani Y, Knops N, Elmonem MA, Nguyen TQ, Arcolino FO, van den Heuvel L, Levtchenko E, Kuypers D, Goldschmeding R. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from basics to clinics. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:44-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Chen J, Yao Y, Su X, Shi Y, Song X, Xie L, You J, Tian L, Yang L, Fang A, Xiong J. Comparative RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis on silica induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice silicosis model. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:773-782. [PMID: 29341224 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a long-established public health issue in developing countries due to increasingly serious air pollution and poorly implemented occupational safety regulation. Inhalation of silica triggers cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation and eventually silicosis. Current understanding in the pathogenesis and mechanism of silicosis is limited, and no effective cure is clinically available once silicosis is developed. A number of studies were conducted to investigate silica-induced alternate gene expressions in pulmonary cells. However, transcriptome analysis in a silicosis animal model is needed. This study was performed to evaluate the transcriptional alternations in silicotic mice using comparative RNA-Seq. A silicosis mice model was established by intratracheal instillation of silica suspensions, and validated by histological examinations. High-throughput sequencing and differential gene expression analysis revealed 749 upregulated genes and 70 downregulated genes in the silicosis model. Genes related to immune cell interactions, immune cell responses and inflammation were significantly enriched. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and downstream JAK-STAT signaling pathways were the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to validate further the differential expression patterns of representative genes. The reported results in this study provide the basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms for silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, and support the prevention and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Chen
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuejiao Song
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Linshen Xie
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jia You
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liantian Tian
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Luo Yang
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aiping Fang
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jingyuan Xiong
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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23
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Abstract
Inflammasomes are large innate cytoplasmic complexes that play a major role in promoting inflammation in the lung in response to a range of environmental and infectious stimuli. Inflammasomes are critical for driving acute innate immune responses that resolve infection and maintain tissue homeostasis. However, dysregulated or excessive inflammasome activation can be detrimental. Here, we discuss the plethora of recent data from clinical studies and small animal disease models that implicate excessive inflammasome responses in the pathogenesis of a number of acute and chronic respiratory inflammatory diseases. Understanding of the role of inflammasomes in lung disease is of great therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleela M Ruwanpura
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Rosli
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle D Tate
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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