1
|
Duan Y, Chen Y, He Y, Gong R, Xia Z. Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 in the vaginal wall tissues of older women with pelvic organ prolapse. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18353. [PMID: 39112783 PMCID: PMC11306330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69098-9] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the expression and significance of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) and extracellular matrix (ECM) related proteins in anterior vaginal wall tissues among aged pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients. Tissues from the anterior vaginal wall were collected from 28 patients with POP and 20 patients without POP. The expression of protein and mRNA levels of IGFBP5 and ECM related proteins were evaluated in the vaginal wall tissues using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT-qPCR techniques. The expression levels were then compared with clinical parameters. The expression levels of protein and mRNA of IGFBP5, collagen I, and collagen III were significantly lower in the POP group. Protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP2 were significantly higher in the POP group. IGFBP5 protein and mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with age and significantly lower in older POP patients (≥ 65 years old) compared to younger POP patients (< 65 years old). IGFBP5 protein and mRNA expression levels were also significantly lower in POP-Q stage IV patients compared to POP-Q stage III patients. IGFBP5 expression level is negatively correlated with the age and severity of prolapse. The significant decrease in IGFBP5 expression may play a crucial part in the aging process and the occurrence of POP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Runqi Gong
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhijun Xia
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao Q, Shao T, Huang S, Zhang J, Zong G, Zhuo L, Xu Y, Hong W. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein-microfibrillar associated protein-sterol regulatory element binding protein axis regulates fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and cardiac fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2492-2508. [PMID: 38586912 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16314] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Excessive fibrogenesis is associated with adverse cardiac remodelling and heart failure. The myofibroblast, primarily derived from resident fibroblast, is the effector cell type in cardiac fibrosis. Megakaryocytic leukaemia 1 (MKL1) is considered the master regulator of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (FMyT). The underlying transcriptional mechanism is not completely understood. Our goal was to identify novel transcriptional targets of MKL1 that might regulate FMyT and contribute to cardiac fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) performed in primary cardiac fibroblasts identified insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) as one of the genes most significantly up-regulated by constitutively active (CA) MKL1 over-expression. IGFBP5 expression was detected in heart failure tissues using RT-qPCR and western blots. KEY RESULTS Once activated, IGFBP5 translocated to the nucleus to elicit a pro-FMyT transcriptional programme. Consistently, IGFBP5 knockdown blocked FMyT in vitro and dampened cardiac fibrosis in mice. Of interest, IGFBP5 interacted with nuclear factor of activated T-cell 4 (NFAT4) to stimulate the transcription of microfibril-associated protein 5 (MFAP5). MFAP5 contributed to FMyT and cardiac fibrosis by enabling sterol response element binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-dependent cholesterol synthesis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data unveil a previously unrecognized transcriptional cascade, initiated by IGFBP5, that promotes FMyT and cardiac fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule compounds that target this axis could yield potential therapeutics against adverse cardiac remodelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Genjie Zong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxuan Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaudhry FN, Michki NS, Shirmer DL, McGrath-Morrow S, Young LR, Frank DB, Zepp JA. Dynamic Hippo pathway activity underlies mesenchymal differentiation during lung alveolar morphogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202430. [PMID: 38602485 PMCID: PMC11112347 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202430] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alveologenesis, the final stage in lung development, substantially remodels the distal lung, expanding the alveolar surface area for efficient gas exchange. Secondary crest myofibroblasts (SCMF) exist transiently in the neonatal distal lung and are crucial for alveologenesis. However, the pathways that regulate SCMF function, proliferation and temporal identity remain poorly understood. To address this, we purified SCMFs from reporter mice, performed bulk RNA-seq and found dynamic changes in Hippo-signaling components during alveologenesis. We deleted the Hippo effectors Yap/Taz from Acta2-expressing cells at the onset of alveologenesis, causing a significant arrest in alveolar development. Using single cell RNA-seq, we identified a distinct cluster of cells in mutant lungs with altered expression of marker genes associated with proximal mesenchymal cell types, airway smooth muscle and alveolar duct myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed that Yap/Taz regulates myofibroblast-associated gene signature and contractility. Together, our findings show that Yap/Taz is essential for maintaining functional myofibroblast identity during postnatal alveologenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima N. Chaudhry
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nigel S. Michki
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dain L. Shirmer
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sharon McGrath-Morrow
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa R. Young
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B. Frank
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jarod A. Zepp
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Atzemian N, Dovrolis N, Ragia G, Portokallidou K, Kolios G, Manolopoulos VG. Beyond the Rhythm: In Silico Identification of Key Genes and Therapeutic Targets in Atrial Fibrillation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2632. [PMID: 37893006 PMCID: PMC10604372 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102632] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and is characterized by a high risk of thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, and fatality. The precise molecular mechanisms of AF pathogenesis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to use bioinformatics tools to identify novel key genes in AF, provide deeper insights into the molecular pathogenesis of AF, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Four publicly available raw RNA-Seq datasets obtained through the ENA Browser, as well as proteomic analysis results, both derived from atrial tissues, were used in this analysis. Differential gene expression analysis was performed and cross-validated with proteomics results to identify common genes/proteins between them. A functional enrichment pathway analysis was performed. Cross-validation analysis revealed five differentially expressed genes, namely FGL2, IGFBP5, NNMT, PLA2G2A, and TNC, in patients with AF compared with those with sinus rhythm (SR). These genes play crucial roles in various cardiovascular functions and may be part of the molecular signature of AF. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis revealed several pathways related to the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and structural remodeling. This study highlighted five key genes that constitute promising candidates for further experimental exploration as biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Atzemian
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikolas Dovrolis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgia Ragia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantina Portokallidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vangelis G. Manolopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (N.A.); (G.R.); (K.P.); (G.K.)
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Academic General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Molecular Mechanisms of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Lung Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032963. [PMID: 36769282 PMCID: PMC9917655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissues and has the highest mortality rate among the rheumatic diseases. One of the hallmarks of SSc is fibrosis, which may develop systemically, affecting the skin and virtually any visceral organ in the body. Fibrosis of the lungs leads to interstitial lung disease (ILD), which is currently the leading cause of death in SSc. The identification of effective treatments to stop or reverse lung fibrosis has been the main challenge in reducing SSc mortality and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms, altered pathways, and their potential interactions in SSc lung fibrosis is key to developing potential therapies. In this review, we discuss the diverse molecular mechanisms involved in SSc-related lung fibrosis to provide insights into the altered homeostasis state inherent to this fatal disease complication.
Collapse
|
6
|
Waters JA, Urbano I, Robinson M, House CD. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5: Diverse roles in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1052457. [PMID: 36465383 PMCID: PMC9714447 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1052457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and the associated signaling components in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion. Of the IGFBPs, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is the most evolutionarily conserved with a dynamic range of IGF-dependent and -independent functions, and studies on the actions of IGFBP5 in cancer have been somewhat paradoxical. In cancer, the IGFBPs respond to external stimuli to modulate disease progression and therapeutic responsiveness in a context specific manner. This review discusses the different roles of IGF signaling and IGFBP5 in disease with an emphasis on discoveries within the last twenty years, which underscore a need to clarify the IGF-independent actions of IGFBP5, the impact of its subcellular localization, the differential activities of each of the subdomains, and the response to elements of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, recent advances addressing the role of IGFBP5 in resistance to cancer therapeutics will be discussed. A better understanding of the contexts in which IGFBP5 functions will facilitate the discovery of new mechanisms of cancer progression that may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Waters
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ixchel Urbano
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Mikella Robinson
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Carrie D. House
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States,Moore’s Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Carrie D. House,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li R, Jia Y, Kong X, Nie Y, Deng Y, Liu Y. Novel drug delivery systems and disease models for pulmonary fibrosis. J Control Release 2022; 348:95-114. [PMID: 35636615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious and progressive lung disease which is possibly life-threatening. It causes lung scarring and affects lung functions including epithelial cell injury, massive recruitment of immune cells and abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). There is currently no cure for PF. Treatment for PF is aimed at slowing the course of the disease and relieving symptoms. Pirfenidone (PFD) and nintedanib (NDNB) are currently the only two FDA-approved oral medicines to slow down the progress of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a specific type of PF. Novel drug delivery systems and therapies have been developed to improve the prognosis of the disease, as well as reduce or minimize the toxicities during drug treatment. The drug delivery routes for these therapies are various including oral, intravenous, nasal, inhalant, intratracheal and transdermal; although this is dependent on specific treatment mechanisms. In addition, researchers have also expanded current animal models that could not fully restore the clinicopathology, and developed a series of in vitro models such as organoids to study the pathogenesis and treatment of PF. This review describes recent advances on pathogenesis exploration, classifies and specifies the progress of drug delivery systems by their delivery routes, as well as an overview on the in vitro and in vivo models for PF research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yizhen Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaohan Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Identification of Impacted Pathways and Transcriptomic Markers as Potential Mediators of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice Expressing Human IGFBP5. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212609. [PMID: 34830489 PMCID: PMC8619832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) component overproduction and remodeling. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in fibrotic tissues and promotes fibrosis. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary lung fibroblasts (pFBs) of homozygous (HOMO) transgenic mice expressing human IGFBP5 (hIGFBP5) and wild type mice (WT). The results of the differential expression analysis showed 2819 DEGs in hIGFBP5 pFBs. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the pro-fibrotic character of IGFBP5 and revealed its impact on fundamental signaling pathways, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, AGE-RAGE signaling, calcium signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, to name a few. Noticeably, 7% of the DEGs in hIGFBP5-expressing pFBs are receptors and integrins. Furthermore, hub gene analysis revealed 12 hub genes including Fpr1, Bdkrb2, Mchr1, Nmur1, Cnr2, P2ry14, and Ptger3. Validation assays were performed to complement the RNAseq data. They confirmed significant differences in the levels of the corresponding proteins in cultured pFBs. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism(s) of IGFBP5-associated pulmonary fibrosis through possible receptor interactions that drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
Collapse
|