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Sun YM, Wu Y, Li GX, Liang HF, Yong TY, Li Z, Zhang B, Chen XP, Jin GN, Ding ZY. TGF-β downstream of Smad3 and MAPK signaling antagonistically regulate the viability and partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition of liver progenitor cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6588-6612. [PMID: 38604156 PMCID: PMC11042936 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are a subpopulation of cells that contribute to liver regeneration, fibrosis and liver cancer initiation under different circumstances. RESULTS By performing adenoviral-mediated transfection, CCK-8 analyses, F-actin staining, transwell analyses, luciferase reporter analyses and Western blotting, we observed that TGF-β promoted cytostasis and partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in LPCs. In addition, we confirmed that TGF-β activated the Smad and MAPK pathways, including the Erk, JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, and revealed that TGFβ-Smad signaling induced growth inhibition and partial EMT, whereas TGFβ-MAPK signaling had the opposite effects on LPCs. We further found that the activity of Smad and MAPK signaling downstream of TGF-β was mutually restricted in LPCs. Mechanistically, we found that TGF-β activated Smad signaling through serine phosphorylation of both the C-terminal and linker regions of Smad2 and 3 in LPCs. Additionally, TGFβ-MAPK signaling inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3 but not Smad2 at the C-terminus, and it reinforced the linker phosphorylation of Smad3 at T179 and S213. We then found that overexpression of mutated Smad3 at linker phosphorylation sites intensifies TGF-β-induced cytostasis and EMT, mimicking the effects of MAPK inhibition in LPCs, whereas mutation of Smad3 at the C-terminus caused LPCs to blunt TGF-β-induced cytostasis and partial EMT. CONCLUSION These results suggested that TGF-β downstream of Smad3 and MAPK signaling were mutually antagonistic in regulating the viability and partial EMT of LPCs. This antagonism may help LPCs overcome the cytostatic effect of TGF-β under fibrotic conditions and maintain partial EMT and progenitor phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Sun
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Present address: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated First Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Gan-Xun Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tu-Ying Yong
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Zifu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Guan-Nan Jin
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Present address: Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ze-Yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Hubei Province for The Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Jia L, Yang Y, Sun F, Tao H, Lu C, Yang JJ. Mitochondrial quality control in liver fibrosis: Epigenetic hallmarks and therapeutic strategies. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111035. [PMID: 38182067 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111035] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) plays a significant role in the progression of liver fibrosis, with key processes such as mitochondrial fission, fusion, mitophagy and biogenesis maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial quality control in liver fibrosis, with the aim of uncovering novel therapeutic targets for treating, mitigating, and potentially reversing liver fibrosis, in light of the most recent advances in this field. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for published manuscripts using terms "mitochondrial quality control" "mitochondrial fission" "mitochondrial fusion" "mitochondrial biogenesis" "mitophagy" "liver fibrosis" "epigenetic regulation" "DNA methylation" "RNA methylation" "histone modification" and "non-coding RNA". Manuscripts were collated, studied and carried forward for discussion where appropriate. RESULTS Mitochondrial fission, fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy regulate the homeostasis of mitochondria, and the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis can induce liver fibrosis. Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, plays a significant role in regulating the processes of mitochondrial homeostasis. CONCLUSION Mitochondrial quality control and epigenetic mechanisms are intricately linked to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Understanding these molecular interactions provides insight into potential therapeutic strategies. Further research is necessary to translate these findings into clinical applications, with a focus on developing epigenetic drugs to ameliorate liver fibrosis by modulating MQC and epigenetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Chao Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China.
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
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Kwak M, Southard KM, Kim WR, Lin A, Kim NH, Gopalappa R, Lee HJ, An M, Choi SH, Jung Y, Noh K, Farlow J, Georgakopoulos A, Robakis NK, Kang MK, Kutys ML, Seo D, Kim HH, Kim YH, Cheon J, Gartner ZJ, Jun YW. Adherens junctions organize size-selective proteolytic hotspots critical for Notch signalling. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1739-1753. [PMID: 36456828 PMCID: PMC10665132 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs) create spatially, chemically and mechanically discrete microdomains at cellular interfaces. Here, using a mechanogenetic platform that generates artificial AJs with controlled protein localization, clustering and mechanical loading, we find that AJs also organize proteolytic hotspots for γ-secretase with a spatially regulated substrate selectivity that is critical in the processing of Notch and other transmembrane proteins. Membrane microdomains outside of AJs exclusively organize Notch ligand-receptor engagement (LRE microdomains) to initiate receptor activation. Conversely, membrane microdomains within AJs exclusively serve to coordinate regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP microdomains). They do so by concentrating γ-secretase and primed receptors while excluding full-length Notch. AJs induce these functionally distinct microdomains by means of lipid-dependent γ-secretase recruitment and size-dependent protein segregation. By excluding full-length Notch from RIP microdomains, AJs prevent inappropriate enzyme-substrate interactions and suppress spurious Notch activation. Ligand-induced ectodomain shedding eliminates size-dependent segregation, releasing Notch to translocate into AJs for processing by γ-secretase. This mechanism directs radial differentiation of ventricular zone-neural progenitor cells in vivo and more broadly regulates the proteolysis of other large cell-surface receptors such as amyloid precursor protein. These findings suggest an unprecedented role of AJs in creating size-selective spatial switches that choreograph γ-secretase processing of multiple transmembrane proteins regulating development, homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsuk Kwak
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kaden M Southard
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Woon Ryoung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Annie Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nam Hyeong Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Imnewrun Inc., Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ramu Gopalappa
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Minji An
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Hyun Choi
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmin Jung
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunwoo Noh
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Justin Farlow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anastasios Georgakopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nikolaos K Robakis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min K Kang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew L Kutys
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daeha Seo
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Imnewrun Inc., Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Cheon
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Zev J Gartner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Young-Wook Jun
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Cancer Comprehensive Center (HDFCCC), University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (Nano BME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Deng R, Zheng H, Cai H, Li M, Shi Y, Ding S. Effects of helicobacter pylori on tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:923477. [PMID: 35967444 PMCID: PMC9371381 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with gastric cancer. During persistent infection, Helicobacter pylori can form a microenvironment in gastric mucosa which facilitates the survival and colony formation of Helicobacter pylori. Tumor stromal cells are involved in this process, including tumor-associated macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and so on. The immune checkpoints are also regulated by Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori virulence factors can also act as immunogens or adjuvants to elicit or enhance immune responses, indicating their potential applications in vaccine development and tumor immunotherapy. This review highlights the effects of Helicobacter pylori on the immune microenvironment and its potential roles in tumor immunotherapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyi Deng
- Peking University Third Hospital, Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University First Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Zheng
- Peking University Third Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongzhen Cai
- Peking University Third Hospital, Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University First Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Man Li
- Peking University Third Hospital, Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University Third Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Shi
- Peking University Third Hospital, Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanyan Shi, ; Shigang Ding,
| | - Shigang Ding
- Peking University Third Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanyan Shi, ; Shigang Ding,
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Almolakab ZM, El-Nesr KA, Mohamad Hassanin EH, Elkaffas R, Nabil A. Gene polymorphisms of Interleukin 6 (−174 G/C) and transforming growth factor β-1(+915 G/C) in ovarian cancer patients. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In the study on hand, we investigated the effect of IL-6 (−174 G/C; rs 1800795) and TGF-β1 (+915G/C; rs 1800471) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to Ovarian Cancer and their effect on plasma levels. IL-6 (−174 G/C) SNP was analyzed using mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) while TGF-β1 +915G/C (codon 25) SNP was investigated by the sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-6 and TGF-β1 plasma levels in 48 ovarian cancer patients and 48 normal controls.
Results
Regarding IL 6 (−174 G/C), a significant increase in CC and GC+CC genotypes parallel with the C allele was considered as risk factors for ovarian cancer; on the other hand, the G allele was considered as a protective factor for ovarian cancer. TGF-β1 (+915G/C) investigations showed a significant elevation in GC and GC+CC genotypes which can be considered as a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Plasma IL-6 and TGF-β1 were higher in ovarian cancer patients compared with controls. No specific genotype or allele could be responsible for the elevation of TGF-β1 in ovarian cancer patients’ plasma, while the highest significant value for IL6 in subjects carrying GG and CC genotypes in comparison with GC genotype.
Conclusions
This study supports an association of IL6 (−174G/C) and TGF-β1 (+915G/C) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to ovarian cancer.
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Phosphate Toxicity and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1362:73-84. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91623-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hu X, Han D, Wang Y, Gu J, Wang X, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Liu J. Phospho-Smad3L promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through decreasing miR-140-5p level and stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1343-1351. [PMID: 33775574 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) activates JNK, phosphorylates Smad3 to linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L), resulting in liver tumorigenesis. However, the effect of pSmad3L on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is obscure. AIM To detect the effect of pSmad3L on HCC prognosis and investigate the mechanism. METHODS The expressions of pSmad3L, E-cadherin, vimentin and MicroRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) were detected by using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. Next, the relationships of pSmad3L and HCC patients' prognoses, pSmad3L and EMT markers, pSmad3L and miR-140-5p were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. JNK/pSmad3L specific inhibitor SP600125 or Smad3 mutant plasmid was used to suppress JNK/pSmad3L pathway, and QPCR assay was performed to investigate the effect of pSmad3L on miR-140-5p level. The proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells were observed using colony formation assay and transwell assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that patient with high level of pSmad3L predicted poor prognosis. Next, we verified that pSmad3L promoted EMT of hepatoma cells in vivo and in vitro. In order to investigate the mechanism, we verified a negative correlation between pSmad3L and miR-140-5p, which was an EMT inhibitor, in the liver tissues of HCC patient and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat HCC model. We further used SP600125 or pSmad3L mutant plasmid to decrease pSmad3L level of hepatoma cells, and inhibition of pSmad3L increased miR-140-5p level and suppressed EMT of hepatoma cells. CONCLUSIONS JNK/pSmad3L pathway induces EMT by inhibiting miR-140-5p in HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangpeng Hu
- Digestive Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Han
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Biopharmaceutical Research Institute, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Biopharmaceutical Research Institute, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiong Gu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Biopharmaceutical Research Institute, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Functional experiment center, School of Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Chen X, Yan N. Stachydrine inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:786-792. [PMID: 33675608 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Stachydrine is a bioactive alkaloid that has been found to exert tumor-suppressive potential. However, the effect of stachydrine on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been previously investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that stachydrine significantly suppressed TGF-β1-induced HepG2 cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells, as proved by the increased expression level of E-cadherin and decreased expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, stachydrine attenuated TGF-β1-induced upregulation of TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) in both protein and mRNA levels. Further mechanism investigations proved that stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced activation of Smad2/3 and phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced EMT in HCC cells through Smad2/3 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Thus, stachydrine might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ning Yan
- Department of Preventive Treatment, Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, China
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Hernández-Aquino E, Quezada-Ramírez MA, Silva-Olivares A, Ramos-Tovar E, Flores-Beltrán RE, Segovia J, Shibayama M, Muriel P. Curcumin downregulates Smad pathways and reduces hepatic stellate cells activation in experimental fibrosis. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:497-506. [PMID: 32673649 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Curcumin, a polyphenol, is a natural compound that has been widely studied as a hepatoprotector; however, only a few studies have examined its ability to reduce fibrosis in previously established cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether curcumin could reduce carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis and if so, to determine the action mechanisms involved in the reduction process. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCl4 was administered to male Wistar rats (400 mg/kg, three times a week, i. p.) for 12 weeks; curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight twice per day, p. o.) was administered from week 9-12 of CCl4 treatment. Biochemical markers of hepatic injury and oxidative stress were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome stains, transmission electron microscopy; immunohistochemistry, and zymography assays were carried out. Moreover, Smad3 and α-SMA mRNA and protein levels were studied. Western blotting by TGF-β, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13, NF-κB, IL-1, IL-10, Smad7, pSmad3, and pJNK proteins was developed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Curcumin reduced liver damage, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and restored normal activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2. Besides, curcumin restored NF-κB, IL-1, IL-10, TGF-β, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13, and Smad7 protein levels. On the other hand, curcumin decreased JNK and Smad3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, curcumin treatment decreased α-SMA and Smad3 protein and mRNA levels. Curcumin normalized GSH, and NF-κB, JNK-Smad3, and TGF-β-Smad3 pathways, leading to a decrement in activated hepatic stellate cells, thereby producing its antifibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hernández-Aquino
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Rosa E Flores-Beltrán
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Segovia
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Yang J, Gong Y, Xu W, Li L, Shi Z, Wang Q, He Y, Zhang C, Luo C, Fang Z, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation exacerbates CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by promoting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:1779-1786. [PMID: 34191114 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02114-1] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Current researches have confirmed that Smads, mediators of TGF-β signaling, are strictly controlled by domain-specific site phosphorylation in the process of hepatic disease. Usually, Smad3 phospho-isoform pSmad3L and pSmad3C are reversible and antagonistic; pSmad2L/C could act together with pSmad3L by stimulating PAI-1 expression and ECM synthesis to transmit fibrogenic signals. Our recent study found that pSmad3C mutation is supposed to perform a vigorous role on the early phase of liver injury and abates salvianolic acid B's anti-hepatic fibrotic-carcinogenesis. However, whether pSmad3C mutation expedites pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction during hepatic fibrogenesis remains vague. Presently, Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation heterozygote (pSmad3C+/-) mice were constructed to probe if and how pSmad3C retards CCl4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Twelve 6-week-old pSmad3C+/- C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injection with CCl4 for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrogenesis. Results showed that pSmad3C mutation aggravates the relative liver weight, biochemical parameters, collagenous fibers and fibrotic septa formation, contributes to fibrogenesis in HT-CCl4 mice. Furthermore, fibrotic-related proteins TGF-β1, pSmad2C, pSmad2L, and PAI-1 were also increased in CCl4-induced pSmad3C+/- mice. These results suggest that pSmad3C mutation exacerbates hepatic fibrogenesis which relates to intensifying pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhenghao Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chenchen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhirui Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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11
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Collettini F, Reimann C, Brangsch J, Chapiro J, Savic LJ, Onthank DC, Robinson SP, Karst U, Buchholz R, Keller S, Hamm B, Goldberg SN, Makowski MR. Elastin-specific MRI of extracellular matrix-remodelling following hepatic radiofrequency-ablation in a VX2 liver tumor model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6814. [PMID: 33767303 PMCID: PMC7994448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) induces a drastic alteration of the biomechanical environment in the peritumoral liver tissue. The resulting increase in matrix stiffness has been shown to significantly influence carcinogenesis and cancer progression after focal RF ablation. To investigate the potential of an elastin-specific MR agent (ESMA) for the assessment of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the periablational rim following RFA in a VX2 rabbit liver tumor-model, twelve New-Zealand-White-rabbits were implanted in the left liver lobe with VX2 tumor chunks from donor animals. RFA of tumors was performed using a perfused RF needle-applicator with a mean tip temperature of 70 °C. Animals were randomized into four groups for MR imaging and scanned at four different time points following RFA (week 0 [baseline], week 1, week 2 and week 3 after RFA), followed by sacrifice and histopathological analysis. ESMA-enhanced MR imaging was used to assess ECM remodeling. Gadobutrol was used as a third-space control agent. Molecular MR imaging using an elastin-specific probe demonstrated a progressive increase in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (week 3: ESMA: 28.1 ± 6.0; gadobutrol: 3.5 ± 2.0), enabling non-invasive imaging of the peritumoral zone with high spatial-resolution, and accurate assessment of elastin deposition in the periablational rim. In vivo CNR correlated with ex vivo histomorphometry (ElasticaVanGiesson-stain, y = 1.2x - 1.8, R2 = 0.89, p < 0.05) and gadolinium concentrations at inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS, y = 0.04x + 1.2, R2 = 0.95, p < 0.05). Laser-ICP-MS confirmed colocalization of elastin-specific probe with elastic fibers. Following thermal ablation, molecular imaging using an elastin-specific MR probe is feasible and provides a quantifiable biomarker for the assessment of the ablation-induced remodeling of the ECM in the periablational rim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Collettini
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carolin Reimann
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Brangsch
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Julius Chapiro
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lynn Jeanette Savic
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rebecca Buchholz
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sarah Keller
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Nahum Goldberg
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, 9112001, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marcus R Makowski
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- BHF Centre of Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, TU München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, München, Germany
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12
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Tao XM, Li D, Zhang C, Wen GH, Wu C, Xu YY, Kan Y, Lu WP, Ding HY, Yang Y. Salvianolic acid B protects against acute and chronic liver injury by inhibiting Smad2C/L phosphorylation. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:341. [PMID: 33732314 PMCID: PMC7903446 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has strong antioxidant and anti-fibrosis effects, which are related to the transforming growth factor β/Smad signaling pathway. However, how Sal B affects this antioxidant pathway and the phosphorylation (p-) of Smad2 at both the COOH-terminal (pSmad2C) and linker region (pSmad2L) are unknown. The aims of the present study were to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Sal B on acute and chronic liver injury induced by CCl4 and H2O2, and its effects on p-Smad2C/L. In in vivo experiments, acute and chronic liver injury models were induced by CCl4, and the oxidative damage cell model was established in vitro with H2O2. Liver histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson's staining. Moreover, serum biochemical indicators were analyzed using specific assay kits. Furthermore, the present study evaluated the oxidant/antioxidant status in acute and chronic liver injury models by oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to analyze the protein expression levels of pSmad2C, pSmad2L, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). It was found that Sal B improved liver histology, decreased the levels of aminotransferase and attenuated oxidative stress in acute and chronic liver injury models. Additionally, the protein expression levels of pSmad2C and pSmad2L were decreased, but Nrf2 and HO-1 expression levels were increased both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, the present results suggested that Sal B may protect against acute and chronic liver injury via inhibition of Smad2C/L phosphorylation, and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway may play an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Ming Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Hua Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yue Kan
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Peng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Han-Yan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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13
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Aishwarya V, Solaipriya S, Sivaramakrishnan V. Role of ellagic acid for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Phytother Res 2020; 35:2925-2944. [PMID: 33368795 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Globally, one of the alarming problems is the prevalence and burden of liver diseases, which accounts for 2 million cases per year. Chronic liver aetiologies such as hepatitis infections, alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver disease, environmental agents, and drug-induced toxicity are invariably responsible for liver fibrosis progression to finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment options are unable to overwhelm and cure liver diseases. Emerging findings suggest researchers' interest in using evidence-based complementary medicine such as ellagic acid with extensive pharmacological properties. They include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-viral, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer activity. The molecular functions elicited by ellagic acid include scavenging of free radicals, regulation of lipid metabolism, the prohibition of fibrogenesis response-mediating proteins, inhibits hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts, restrains hepatic viral replication, facilitates suppression of growth factors, regulates transcription factors, proinflammatory cytokines, augments the liver immune response, fosters apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation in tumorigenic cells. This review will most notably focus on preclinical and clinical information based on currently available evidence to warrant ellagic acid's prospective role in preventing liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatasubramanian Aishwarya
- Department of Genetic Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Solairaja Solaipriya
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
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14
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Huang CY, Chung CL, Hu TH, Chen JJ, Liu PF, Chen CL. Recent progress in TGF-β inhibitors for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 134:111046. [PMID: 33341049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that is involved in proliferation, metastasis, and many other important processes in malignancy. Inhibitors targeting TGF-β have been considered by pharmaceutical companies for cancer therapy, and some of them are in clinical trial now. Unfortunately, several of these programs have recently been relinquished, and most companies that remain in the contest are progressing slowly and cautiously. This review summarizes the TGF-β signal transduction pathway, its roles in oncogenesis and fibrotic diseases, and advancements in antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Ling Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jih-Jung Chen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC.
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15
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Long-Term Helicobacter pylori Infection Switches Gastric Epithelium Reprogramming Towards Cancer Stem Cell-Related Differentiation Program in Hp-Activated Gastric Fibroblast-TGFβ Dependent Manner. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101519. [PMID: 33023180 PMCID: PMC7599721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-induced inflammatory reaction leads to a persistent disturbance of gastric mucosa and chronic gastritis evidenced by deregulation of tissue self-renewal and local fibrosis with the crucial role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this process. As we reported before, Hp activated gastric fibroblasts into cells possessing cancer-associated fibroblast properties (CAFs), which secreted factors responsible for EMT process initiation in normal gastric epithelial RGM1 cells. Here, we showed that the long-term incubation of RGM1 cells in the presence of Hp-activated gastric fibroblast (Hp-AGF) secretome induced their shift towards plastic LGR5+/Oct4high/Sox-2high/c-Mychigh/Klf4low phenotype (l.t.EMT+RGM1 cells), while Hp-non-infected gastric fibroblast (GF) secretome prompted a permanent epithelial–myofibroblast transition (EMyoT) of RGM1 cells favoring LGR−/Oct4high/Sox2low/c-Myclow/Klf4high phenotype (l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells). TGFβ1 rich secretome from Hp-reprogrammed fibroblasts prompted phenotypic plasticity and EMT of gastric epithelium, inducing pro-neoplastic expansion of post-EMT cells in the presence of low TGFβR1 and TGFβR2 activity. In turn, TGFβR1 activity along with GF-induced TGFβR2 activation in l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells prompted their stromal phenotype. Collectively, our data show that infected and non-infected gastric fibroblast secretome induces alternative differentiation programs in gastric epithelium at least partially dependent on TGFβ signaling. Hp infection-activated fibroblasts can switch gastric epithelium microevolution towards cancer stem cell-related differentiation program that can potentially initiate gastric neoplasm.
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16
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Gong Y, Yang Y. Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review. Life Sci 2020; 256:117909. [PMID: 32512009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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17
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Ríos-López DG, Aranda-López Y, Sosa-Garrocho M, Macías-Silva M. La plasticidad del hepatocito y su relevancia en la fisiología y la patología hepática. TIP REVISTA ESPECIALIZADA EN CIENCIAS QUÍMICO-BIOLÓGICAS 2020. [DOI: 10.22201/fesz.23958723e.2020.0.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
El hígado es uno de los principales órganos encargados de mantener la homeostasis en vertebrados, además de poseer una gran capacidad regenerativa. El hígado está constituido por diversos tipos celulares que de forma coordinada contribuyen para que el órgano funcione eficientemente. Los hepatocitos representan el tipo celular principal de este órgano y llevan a cabo la mayoría de sus actividades; además, constituyen una población heterogénea de células epiteliales con funciones especializadas en el metabolismo. El fenotipo de los hepatocitos está controlado por diferentes vías de señalización, como la vía del TGFβ/Smads, la ruta Hippo/YAP-TAZ y la vía Wnt/β-catenina, entre otras. Los hepatocitos son células que se encuentran normalmente en un estado quiescente, aunque cuentan con una plasticidad intrínseca que se manifiesta en respuesta a diversos daños en el hígado; así, estas células reactivan su capacidad proliferativa o cambian su fenotipo a través de procesos celulares como la transdiferenciación o la transformación, para contribuir a mantener la homeostasis del órgano en condiciones saludables o desarrollar diversas patologías.
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Ding H, Fang M, Gong Y, Li D, Zhang C, Wen G, Wu C, Yang J, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation aggravates CCl 4 -induced inflammation in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7044-7054. [PMID: 32406200 PMCID: PMC7299733 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of C‐terminal phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) is down‐regulated with the progression of liver disease. Thus, we hypothesized that pSmad3C expression may be negatively related to liver disease. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, a suitable animal model is required that will allow researchers to study the effect of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression. The current study aimed to construct a new mouse model with the Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation and to explore the effects of this mutation on CCl4‐induced inflammation. Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutant mice were generated using TetraOne™ gene fixed‐point knock‐in technology and embryonic stem cell microinjection. Resulting mice were identified by genotyping, and the effects on inflammation were explored in the presence or absence of CCl4. No homozygous mice were born, indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. There was no significant difference in liver phenotype and growth between the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HT) mice in the absence of reagent stimulation. After CCl4‐induced acute and chronic liver damage, liver pathology, serum transaminase (ALT/AST) expression and levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐6/TNF‐α) were more severely altered in HT mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, pSmad3C protein levels were lower in liver tissue from HT mice. These results suggest that Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation may have a protective effect during the early stages of liver injury. In summary, we have generated a new animal model that will be a novel tool for future research on the effects of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanghua Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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19
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Roehlen N, Crouchet E, Baumert TF. Liver Fibrosis: Mechanistic Concepts and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040875. [PMID: 32260126 PMCID: PMC7226751 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 494] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis due to viral or metabolic chronic liver diseases is a major challenge of global health. Correlating with liver disease progression, fibrosis is a key factor for liver disease outcome and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite different mechanism of primary liver injury and disease-specific cell responses, the progression of fibrotic liver disease follows shared patterns across the main liver disease etiologies. Scientific discoveries within the last decade have transformed the understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. Removal or elimination of the causative agent such as control or cure of viral infection has shown that liver fibrosis is reversible. However, reversal often occurs too slowly or too infrequent to avoid life-threatening complications particularly in advanced fibrosis. Thus, there is a huge unmet medical need for anti-fibrotic therapies to prevent liver disease progression and HCC development. However, while many anti-fibrotic candidate agents have shown robust effects in experimental animal models, their anti-fibrotic effects in clinical trials have been limited or absent. Thus, no approved therapy exists for liver fibrosis. In this review we summarize cellular drivers and molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis in chronic liver diseases and discuss their impact for the development of urgently needed anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Roehlen
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Crouchet
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle Hepato-digestif, Institut Hopitalo-Universitaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-366853703
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MicroRNA-29a Suppresses CD36 to Ameliorate High Fat Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis and Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101298. [PMID: 31652636 PMCID: PMC6830328 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-29 (miR-29) has been shown to play a critical role in reducing inflammation and fibrosis following liver injury. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat is deposited (steatosis) in the liver due to causes other than excessive alcohol use and is associated with liver fibrosis. In this study, we asked whether miR-29a could reduce experimental high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and liver fibrosis in mice. We performed systematical expression analyses of miR-29a transgenic mice (miR-29aTg mice) and wild-type littermates subjected to HFD-induced NAFLD. The results demonstrated that increased miR-29a not only alleviated HFD-induced body weight gain but also subcutaneous, visceral, and intestinal fat accumulation and hepatocellular steatosis in mice. Furthermore, hepatic tissue in the miR-29aTg mice displayed a weak fibrotic matrix concomitant with low fibrotic collagen1α1 expression within the affected tissues compared to the wild-type (WT) mice fed the HFD diet. Increased miR-29a signaling also resulted in the downregulation of expression of the epithelial mesenchymal transition-executing transcription factor snail, mesenchymal markers vimentin, and such pro-inflammation markers as il6 and mcp1 within the liver tissue. Meanwhile, miR-29aTg-HFD mice exhibited significantly lower levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), mitochondrial transcription factor A TFAM, and mitochondria DNA content in the liver than the WT-HFD mice. An in vitro luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that miR-29a mimic transfection reduced fatty acid translocase CD36 expression in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Our data provide new insights that miR-29a can improve HDF-induced obesity, hepatocellular steatosis, and fibrosis, as well as highlight the role of miR-29a in regulation of NAFLD.
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Hernández-Aquino E, Quezada-Ramírez MA, Silva-Olivares A, Casas-Grajales S, Ramos-Tovar E, Flores-Beltrán RE, Segovia J, Shibayama M, Muriel P. Naringenin attenuates the progression of liver fibrosis via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells and profibrogenic pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 865:172730. [PMID: 31618621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is no effective treatment for hepatic fibrosis. Previously, we demonstrated that naringenin possesses the ability to prevent experimental chronic liver damage. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate whether naringenin could reverse carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis in rats and, if so, to search for the mechanisms involved. CCl4 was given to male Wistar rats (400 mg/kg, three times per week, i. p.) for 12 weeks; naringenin (100 mg/kg twice per day, p. o.) was administered from weeks 9-12 of the CCl4 treatment. Liver damage and oxidative stress markers were measured. Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed. Zymography assays for MMP-9 and MMP-2 were carried out. TGF-β, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-10, Smad7, pSmad3 and pJNK protein levels were determined by western blotting. In addition, α-SMA and Smad3 protein and mRNA levels were studied. Naringenin reversed liver damage, biochemical and oxidative stress marker elevation, and fibrosis and restored normal MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity. The flavonoid also preserved NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-10, TGF-β, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13 and Smad7 protein levels. Moreover, naringenin decreased JNK activation and Smad3 phosphorylation in the linker region. Finally, α-SMA and Smad3 protein and mRNA levels were reduced by naringenin administration. The results of this study demonstrate that naringenin blocks oxidative stress, inflammation and the TGF-β-Smad3 and JNK-Smad3 pathways, thereby carrying out its antifibrotic effects and making it a good candidate to treat human fibrosis, as previously demonstrated in toxicological and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco A Quezada-Ramírez
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sael Casas-Grajales
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa E Flores-Beltrán
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Segovia
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, Mexico City, Mexico.
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The Role of Fibrosis and Liver-Associated Fibroblasts in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019. [PMID: 30959975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071723.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Most HCC develops in the setting of chronic liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, respectively. CAFs, which probably derive from HSCs, activate into extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts and crosstalk with cancer cells to affect tumor growth and invasion. In this review, we describe the different components which form the HCC premalignant microenvironment (PME) and the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the liver fibrosis process and the biology of CAFs. We will describe the CAF-dependent mechanisms which have been suggested to promote hepatocarcinogenesis, such as the alteration of ECM, CAF-dependent production of cytokines and angiogenic factors, CAF-dependent reduction of immuno-surveillance, and CAF-dependent promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). New knowledge of the fibrosis process and the role of CAFs in HCC may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies for liver cancer.
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23
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Baglieri J, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. The Role of Fibrosis and Liver-Associated Fibroblasts in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071723. [PMID: 30959975 PMCID: PMC6479943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer and lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Most HCC develops in the setting of chronic liver injury, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, respectively. CAFs, which probably derive from HSCs, activate into extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts and crosstalk with cancer cells to affect tumor growth and invasion. In this review, we describe the different components which form the HCC premalignant microenvironment (PME) and the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the liver fibrosis process and the biology of CAFs. We will describe the CAF-dependent mechanisms which have been suggested to promote hepatocarcinogenesis, such as the alteration of ECM, CAF-dependent production of cytokines and angiogenic factors, CAF-dependent reduction of immuno-surveillance, and CAF-dependent promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). New knowledge of the fibrosis process and the role of CAFs in HCC may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Zhang J, Han C, Ungerleider N, Chen W, Song K, Wang Y, Kwon H, Ma W, Wu T. A Transforming Growth Factor-β and H19 Signaling Axis in Tumor-Initiating Hepatocytes That Regulates Hepatic Carcinogenesis. Hepatology 2019; 69:1549-1563. [PMID: 30014520 PMCID: PMC6335184 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Functions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the liver vary depending on specific cell types and their temporal response to TGF-β during different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis (HCG). Through analysis of tumor tissues from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, we were able to cluster hepatic epithelial cell-derived TGF-β gene signatures in association with distinct clinical prognoses. To delineate the role of hepatic epithelial TGF-β signaling in HCC development, we used an experimental system in which tumor-initiating hepatocytes (TICs) were isolated from TGF-β receptor II floxed mice (Tgfbr2fl/fl ) and transplanted into syngeneic C57BL/6J mice by splenic injection. Recipient mice were then administered Cre-expressing adenovirus (Ad-Cre) to inactivate Tgfbr2 in transplanted TICs. After latency, Tgfbr2-inactivated TICs formed larger and more tumor nodules in recipient livers compared to TICs without Tgfbr2 inactivation. In vitro analyses revealed that treatment of cultured TICs with TGF-β inhibited expression of progenitor cell factors (including SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 [Sox2]). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis identified H19 as one of the most up-regulated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in association with Tgfbr2 inactivation in TICs. Tgfbr2 inactivation by Ad-Cre led to a 5-fold increase of H19 expression in TICs. Accordingly, TGF-β treatment reduced H19 expression. We observed that forced overexpression of Sox2 in TICs increased transcription of H19, whereas knockdown of Sox2 decreased it. Furthermore, depletion of H19 reduced the progenitor property of TICs in vitro and decreased their tumorigenic potential in vivo. Finally, we observed a low level of H19 mRNA expression in human HCC tissues from patients with the epithelial TGF-β gene signature in association with favorable prognosis. Conclusion: Our findings describe a TGF-β and H19 signaling axis by Sox2 in TICs that importantly regulates HCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiang Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Chang Han
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Nathan Ungerleider
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Weina Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Kyoungsub Song
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Hyunjoo Kwon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Wenbo Ma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
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25
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Ramos-Tovar E, Buendia-Montaño LD, Galindo-Gómez S, Hernández-Aquino E, Tsutsumi V, Muriel P. Stevia prevents experimental cirrhosis by reducing hepatic myofibroblasts and modulating molecular profibrotic pathways. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:212-223. [PMID: 30338893 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aims of the present study were to investigate the capacity of stevia leaves to prevent experimental cirrhosis induced by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) in rats and to explore the action mechanism involved. METHODS Liver cirrhosis was established by CCl4 treatment (400 mg/kg i.p. three times a week for 12 weeks); stevia powder was administered (100 mg/kg by gavage daily) during the CCl4 treatment. Serum markers of liver damage and hydroxyproline were evaluated and histopathological analyses were carried out. The profibrotic pathways were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We found for the first time that stevia cotreatment prevented the elevation of serum markers of necrosis and cholestasis and the occurrence of liver fibrosis. It is worth noting that stevia downregulated several profibrogenic pathways, including the reduction of hepatic myofibroblasts and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP13 expression, thereby blocking the liberation of transforming growth factor-β from the extracellular matrix. Notably, stevia reduced the phosphorylation of pSmad3L, the most profibrogenic and mitogenic Smad, by inhibiting the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Interestingly, Smad7, an important antifibrotic molecule, was upregulated by stevia treatment in cirrhotic rats. These multitarget mechanisms led to the prevention of experimental cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Because stevia possesses a reasonable safety profile, our results indicate that it could be useful in the clinical setting to treat chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura D Buendia-Montaño
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvia Galindo-Gómez
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erika Hernández-Aquino
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
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Rahmani B, Hamedi Asl D, Naserpour Farivar T, Azad M, Sahmani M, Gheibi N. Omega-3 PUFA Alters the Expression Level but Not the Methylation Pattern of the WIF1 Gene Promoter in a Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line (MIA PaCa-2). Biochem Genet 2019; 57:477-486. [PMID: 30649640 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-018-9895-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in both males and females, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 8%. The Wnt signaling pathway has a significant role in the pathogenesis of many tumors, including those of pancreatic cancer. Hypermethylation of the Wnt inhibitory Factor-1 (WIF1) gene promoter have been detected in different types of cancer. In contrast, the anticancer effects of long-chain omega-3 PUFA (ALA) have been reported. Regarding its anticancer effects, in this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of omega-3 PUFA on expression level and promoter methylation of the WIF1 gene in MIA PaCa-2 cells in 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of omega-3 PUFA (25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 μM). Cell viability assay was carried out followed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and methylation-specific PCR (MSP). This investigation suggested that dietary consumption of omega-3 PUFAs (250-1000 μM) has a significant effect on the proliferation and WIF1 gene expression of the MIA PaCa-2 cancer cell line but no effect on the promoter methylation of this gene. Changes in promoter methylation were not observed in any of the treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Rahmani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Dariush Hamedi Asl
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sahmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetic, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Nematollah Gheibi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
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Oh SH, Swiderska-Syn M, Jewell ML, Premont RT, Diehl AM. Liver regeneration requires Yap1-TGFβ-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes. J Hepatol 2018; 69:359-367. [PMID: 29758331 PMCID: PMC6349217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic failure of mechanisms that promote effective regeneration of dead hepatocytes causes replacement of functional hepatic parenchyma with fibrous scar tissue, ultimately resulting in cirrhosis. Therefore, defining and optimizing mechanisms that orchestrate effective regeneration might prevent cirrhosis. We hypothesized that effective regeneration of injured livers requires hepatocytes to evade the growth-inhibitory actions of TGFβ, since TGFβ signaling inhibits mature hepatocyte growth but drives cirrhosis pathogenesis. METHODS Wild-type mice underwent 70% partial hepatectomy (PH); TGFβ expression and signaling were evaluated in intact tissue and primary hepatocytes before, during, and after the period of maximal hepatocyte proliferation that occurs from 24-72 h after PH. To determine the role of Yap1 in regulating TGFβ signaling in hepatocytes, studies were repeated after selectively deleting Yap1 from hepatocytes of Yap1flox/flox mice. RESULTS TGFβ expression and hepatocyte nuclear accumulation of pSmad2 and Yap1 increased in parallel with hepatocyte proliferative activity after PH. Proliferative hepatocytes also upregulated Snai1, a pSmad2 target gene that promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), suppressed epithelial genes, induced myofibroblast markers, and produced collagen 1α1. Deleting Yap1 from hepatocytes blocked their nuclear accumulation of pSmad2 and EMT-like response, as well as their proliferation. CONCLUSION Interactions between the TGFβ and Hippo-Yap signaling pathways stimulate hepatocytes to undergo an EMT-like response that is necessary for them to grow in a TGFβ-enriched microenvironment and regenerate injured livers. LAY SUMMARY The adult liver has an extraordinary ability to regenerate after injury despite the accumulation of scar-forming factors that normally block the proliferation and reduce the survival of residual liver cells. We discovered that liver cells manage to escape these growth-inhibitory influences by transiently becoming more like fibroblasts themselves. They do this by reactivating programs that are known to drive tissue growth during fetal development and in many cancers. Understanding how the liver can control programs that are involved in scarring and cancer may help in the development of new treatments for cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Hammad S, Cavalcanti E, Werle J, Caruso ML, Dropmann A, Ignazzi A, Ebert MP, Dooley S, Giannelli G. Galunisertib modifies the liver fibrotic composition in the Abcb4Ko mouse model. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2297-2309. [PMID: 29808285 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2231-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, the most important risk factor for the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma. In liver cancer, TGF-β is responsible for a more aggressive and invasive phenotype, orchestrating remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and triggering epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. This is the scientific rationale for targeting the TGF-β pathway via a small molecule, galunisertib (intracellular inhibitor of ALK5) in clinical trials to treat liver cancer patients at an advanced disease stage. In this study, the hypothesis that galunisertib modifies the tissue microenvironment via inhibition of the TGF-β pathway is tested in an experimental preclinical model. At the age of 6 months, Abcb4ko mice-a well-established model for chronic liver disease development and progression-are treated twice daily with galunisertib (150 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. Two days after the last treatment, blood plasma and livers are harvested for further assessment, including fibrosis scoring and ECM components. The reduction of Smad2 phosphorylation in both parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells following galunisertib administration confirms the treatment effectiveness. Damage-related galunisertib does not change cell proliferation, macrophage numbers and leucocyte recruitment. Furthermore, no clear impact on the amount of fibrosis is evident, as documented by PicroSirius red and Gomori-trichome scoring. On the other hand, several fibrogenic genes, e.g., collagens (Col1α1 and Col1α2), Tgf-β1 and Timp1, mRNA levels are significantly downregulated by galunisertib administration when compared to controls. Most interestingly, ECM/stromal components, fibronectin and laminin-332, as well as the carcinogenic β-catenin pathway, are remarkably reduced by galunisertib-treated Abcb5ko mice. In conclusion, TGF-β inhibition by galunisertib interferes, to some extent, with chronic liver progression, not by reducing the stage of liver fibrosis as measured by different scoring systems, but rather by modulating the biochemical composition of the deposited ECM, likely affecting the fate of non-parenchymal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seddik Hammad
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Forensic and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
| | - Elisabetta Cavalcanti
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Julia Werle
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Lucia Caruso
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Anne Dropmann
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Antonia Ignazzi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Matthias Philip Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
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Mancini A, Colapietro A, Pompili S, Del Fattore A, Delle Monache S, Biordi LA, Angelucci A, Mattei V, Liang C, Gravina GL, Festuccia C. Dual PI3 K/mTOR inhibition reduces prostate cancer bone engraftment altering tumor-induced bone remodeling. Tumour Biol 2018; 40:1010428318771773. [PMID: 29687745 DOI: 10.1177/1010428318771773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Morbidity in advanced prostate cancer patients is largely associated with bone metastatic events. The development of novel therapeutic strategies is imperative in order to effectively treat this incurable stage of the malignancy. In this context, Akt signaling pathway represents a promising therapeutic target able to counteract biochemical recurrence and metastatic progression in prostate cancer. We explored the therapeutic potential of a novel dual PI3 K/mTOR inhibitor, X480, to inhibit tumor growth and bone colonization using different in vivo prostate cancer models including the subcutaneous injection of aggressive and bone metastatic (PC3) and non-bone metastatic (22rv1) cell lines and preclinical models known to generate bone lesions. We observed that X480 both inhibited the primary growth of subcutaneous tumors generated by PC3 and 22rv1 cells and reduced bone spreading of PCb2, a high osteotropic PC3 cell derivative. In metastatic bone, X480 inhibited significantly the growth and osteolytic activity of PC3 cells as observed by intratibial injection model. X480 also increased the bone disease-free survival compared to untreated animals. In vitro experiments demonstrated that X480 was effective in counteracting osteoclastogenesis whereas it stimulated osteoblast activity. Our report provides novel information on the potential activity of PI3 K/Akt inhibitors on the formation and progression of prostate cancer bone metastases and supports a biological rationale for the use of these inhibitors in castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients at high risk of developing clinically evident bone lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancini
- 1 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Colapietro
- 1 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simona Pompili
- 2 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Human Anatomy, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Simona Delle Monache
- 4 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Applied Biology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Leda Assunta Biordi
- 5 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Adriano Angelucci
- 6 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of General Pathology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- 7 Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Environmental Pathology, Rieti University Hub "Sabina Universitas," Rieti, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- 9 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Division of Radiology Oncology; University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- 1 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Hernández-Aquino E, Muriel P. Beneficial effects of naringenin in liver diseases: Molecular mechanisms. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:1679-1707. [PMID: 29713125 PMCID: PMC5922990 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i16.1679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are caused by different etiological agents, mainly alcohol consumption, viruses, drug intoxication or malnutrition. Frequently, liver diseases are initiated by oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to the excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM), followed by a progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that some natural products display hepatoprotective properties. Naringenin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that is capable of preventing liver damage caused by different agents. The main protective effects of naringenin in liver diseases are the inhibition of oxidative stress, transforming growth factor (TGF-β) pathway and the prevention of the transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), leading to decreased collagen synthesis. Other effects include the inhibition of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), toll-like receptor (TLR) and TGF-β non-canonical pathways, the inhibition of which further results in a strong reduction in ECM synthesis and deposition. In addition, naringenin has shown beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through the regulation of lipid metabolism, modulating the synthesis and oxidation of lipids and cholesterol. Moreover, naringenin protects from HCC, since it inhibits growth factors such as TGF-β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducing apoptosis and regulating MAPK pathways. Naringenin is safe and acts by targeting multiple proteins. However, it possesses low bioavailability and high intestinal metabolism. In this regard, formulations, such as nanoparticles or liposomes, have been developed to improve naringenin bioavailability. We conclude that naringenin should be considered in the future as an important candidate in the treatment of different liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Hernández-Aquino
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City 07000, Mexico
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City 07000, Mexico
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Zhang H, Ju B, Nie Y, Song B, Xu Y, Gao P. Adenovirus‑mediated knockdown of activin A receptor type 2A attenuates immune‑induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and inhibits interleukin‑17‑induced activation of primary hepatic stellate cells. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:279-289. [PMID: 29620144 PMCID: PMC5979935 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis induces a progressive loss of liver function, thus leading to organ failure. Activins are secreted proteins that belong to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, which initiate signaling by binding to their two type II receptors: Activin A receptor type 2A (ACVR2A) and activin A receptor type 2B. Previous studies that have explored the mechanisms underlying immune-induced hepatic fibrosis have mainly focused on TGF-β signaling, not activin signaling. To investigate the role of the activin pathway in this disease, adenovirus particles containing short hairpin (sh)RNA targeting ACVR2A mRNA (Ad-ACVR2A shRNA) were administered to mice, which were chronically treated with concanavalin A (Con A). The pathological changes in the liver were evaluated with hematoxylin/eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemical assay. The results detected an increase in serum activin A and liver ACVR2A in Con A-treated animals. Conversely, liver function was partially restored and fibrotic injury was attenuated when activin signaling was blocked. In addition, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in response to Con A was suppressed by Ad-ACVR2A shRNA, as evidenced by decreased α-smooth muscle actin, and type I and IV collagen expression. Furthermore, primary mouse HSCs (mHSCs) were activated when exposed to interleukin (IL)-17A or IL-17F, which are two major cytokines produced by cluster of differentiation 4+ T helper 17 cells. The levels of activin A, type I and IV collagen were determined with ELISA kits and the expression of fibrotic molecules was determined with western blot analysis. Conversely, blocking activin/ACVR2A impaired the potency of HSCs to produce collagens in response to IL-17s. In addition, C terminus phosphorylation of Smad2 on Ser465 and Ser467, induced by either Con A in the liver or by IL-17s in mHSCs, was partly inhibited when activin A/ACVR2A signaling was suppressed. Collectively, the present study demonstrated an involvement of activated activin A/ACVR2A/Smad2 signaling in immune-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Baoling Ju
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Ying Nie
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Baohui Song
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mudanjiang Forestry Central Hospital, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157000, P.R. China
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Tao R, Fan XX, Yu HJ, Ai G, Zhang HY, Kong HY, Song QQ, Huang Y, Huang JQ, Ning Q. MicroRNA-29b-3p prevents Schistosoma japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by targeting COL1A1 and COL3A1. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:3199-3209. [PMID: 29091295 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the world's major public health problems in terms of morbidity and mortality, causing granulomatous inflammation and cumulative fibrosis. This study explored in vivo and vitro effects of miR-29b-3p in granulomatous liver fibrosis by targeting COL1A1 and COL3A1 in Schistosoma japonicum infection. Thirty male Balb/c mice were assigned to normal control and model (percutaneous infection of cercariae of S. japonicum) groups. NIH-3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts were designated into blank, NC, miR-29b-3p mimic, TGF-β1, TGF-β1 + NC, and TGF-β1 + miR-29b-3p mimic groups. HE and Masson staining were employed to observe the pathological changes and collagenous fibrosis. The expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL3A1, TIMP-1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to determine expression of miR-29b-3p, COL1A1, and COL3A1. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate viability and apoptosis. The relative expression of miR-29b-3p decreased in the model group. The model group showed marked fibrosis in liver tissues. The expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL3A1, TIMP-1 was higher in the model group than that in the normal control group. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that miR-29b-3p directly targeted COL1A1 and COL3A1. Compared with the blank, NC, TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 + NC groups, the miR-29b-3p mimic group exhibited up-regulated expression of miR-29b-3p and MMP-9 but down-regulated expression of TIMP-1, HSP47, α-SMA, COL1A1, and COL3A1; while lower cell viability but higher apoptosis rate showed. It indicated that miR-29b-3p prevents S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting COL1A1 and COL3A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Tao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Xue Fan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Jing Yu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Guo Ai
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yue Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Kong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Qin Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Quan Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Hama T, Nakanishi K, Sato M, Mukaiyama H, Togawa H, Shima Y, Miyajima M, Nozu K, Nagao S, Takahashi H, Sako M, Iijima K, Yoshikawa N, Suzuki H. Aberrant Smad3 phosphoisoforms in cyst-lining epithelial cells in the cpk mouse, a model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017; 313:F1223-F1231. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00697.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic epithelia acquire mesenchymal-like features in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In this phenotypic alteration, it is well known that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad3 signaling is involved; however, there is emerging new data on Smad3 phosphoisoforms: Smad3 phosphorylated at linker regions (pSmad3L), COOH-terminal regions (pSmad3C), and both (pSmad3L/C). pSmad3L/C has a pathological role in colorectal cancer. Mesenchymal phenotype-specific cell responses in the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway are implicated in carcinomas. In this study, we confirmed mesenchymal features and examined Smad3 phosphoisoforms in the cpk mouse, a model of autosomal recessive PKD. Kidney sections were stained with antibodies against mesenchymal markers and domain-specific phospho-Smad3. TGF-β, pSmad3L, pSmad3C, JNK, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, and c-Myc were evaluated by Western blotting. Cophosphorylation of pSmad3L/C was assessed by immunoprecipitation. α-Smooth muscle actin, which indicates mesenchymal features, was expressed higher in cpk mice. pSmad3L expression was increased in cpk mice and was predominantly localized in the nuclei of tubular epithelial cells in cysts; however, pSmad3C was equally expressed in both cpk and control mice. Levels of pSmad3L, JNK, CDK4, and c-Myc protein in nuclei were significantly higher in cpk mice than in controls. Immunoprecipitation showed that Smad3 was cophosphorylated (pSmad3L/C) in cpk mice. Smad3 knockout/ cpk double-mutant mice revealed amelioration of cpk abnormalities. These findings suggest that upregulating c-Myc through the JNK/CDK4-dependent pSmad3L pathway may be key to the pathophysiology in cpk mice. In conclusion, a qualitative rather than a quantitative abnormality of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway is involved in PKD and may be a target for disease-specific intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketsugu Hama
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakanishi
- Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Togawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuko Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shizuko Nagao
- Education and Research Center of Animal Model for Human Disease, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisahide Takahashi
- Education and Research Center of Animal Model for Human Disease, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sako
- Division for Clinical Trials, Center for Clinical Research and Development, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Hernández-Aquino E, Zarco N, Casas-Grajales S, Ramos-Tovar E, Flores-Beltrán RE, Arauz J, Shibayama M, Favari L, Tsutsumi V, Segovia J, Muriel P. Naringenin prevents experimental liver fibrosis by blocking TGFβ-Smad3 and JNK-Smad3 pathways. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:4354-4368. [PMID: 28706418 PMCID: PMC5487499 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i24.4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the molecular mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotective effects of naringenin (NAR) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis.
METHODS Thirty-two male Wistar rats (120-150 g) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) a control group (n = 8) that received 0.7% carboxy methyl-cellulose (NAR vehicle) 1 mL/daily p.o.; (2) a CCl4 group (n = 8) that received 400 mg of CCl4/kg body weight i.p. 3 times a week for 8 wk; (3) a CCl4 + NAR (n = 8) group that received 400 mg of CCl4/kg body weight i.p. 3 times a week for 8 wk and 100 mg of NAR/kg body weight daily for 8 wk p.o.; and (4) an NAR group (n = 8) that received 100 mg of NAR/kg body weight daily for 8 wk p.o. After the experimental period, animals were sacrificed under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia. Liver damage markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glycogen content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and collagen content were measured. The enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was assessed. Liver histopathology was performed utilizing Masson’s trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin stains. Zymography assays for MMP-9 and MMP-2 were carried out. Hepatic TGF-β, α-SMA, CTGF, Col-I, MMP-13, NF-κB, IL-1, IL-10, Smad7, Smad3, pSmad3 and pJNK proteins were detected via western blot.
RESULTS NAR administration prevented increases in ALT, AP, γ-GTP, and GPx enzymatic activity; depletion of GSH and glycogen; and increases in LPO and collagen produced by chronic CCl4 intoxication (P < 0.05). Liver histopathology showed a decrease in collagen deposition when rats received NAR in addition to CCl4. Although zymography assays showed that CCl4 produced an increase in MMP-9 and MMP-2 gelatinase activity; interestingly, NAR administration was associated with normal MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity (P < 0.05). The anti-inflammatory, antinecrotic and antifibrotic effects of NAR may be attributed to its ability to prevent NF-κB activation and the subsequent production of IL-1 and IL-10 (P < 0.05). NAR completely prevented the increase in TGF-β, α-SMA, CTGF, Col-1, and MMP-13 proteins compared with the CCl4-treated group (P < 0.05). NAR prevented Smad3 phosphorylation in the linker region by JNK since this flavonoid blocked this kinase (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION NAR prevents CCl4 induced liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis, due to its antioxidant capacity as a free radical inhibitor and by inhibiting the NF-κB, TGF-β-Smad3 and JNK-Smad3 pathways.
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Dying for love: Perimenopausal degeneration of vaginal microbiome drives the chronic inflammation-malignant transformation of benign prostatic hyperplasia to prostatic adenocarcinoma. Med Hypotheses 2017; 101:44-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Zhang H, Ju B, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Nie Y, Xu Y, Lei Q. Magnolol Attenuates Concanavalin A-induced Hepatic Fibrosis, Inhibits CD4 + T Helper 17 (Th17) Cell Differentiation and Suppresses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation: Blockade of Smad3/Smad4 Signalling. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 120:560-570. [PMID: 28032440 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Magnolol is a pharmacological biphenolic compound extracted from Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis, which displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study was aimed at exploring the potential effect of magnolol on immune-related liver fibrosis. Herein, BALB/c mice were injected with concanavalin A (ConA, 8 mg/kg/week) up to 6 weeks to establish hepatic fibrosis, and magnolol (10, 20, 30 mg/kg/day) was given to these mice orally throughout the whole experiment. We found that magnolol preserved liver function and attenuated liver fibrotic injury in vivo. In response to ConA stimulation, the CD4+ T cells preferred to polarizing towards CD4+ T helper 17 (Th17) cells in liver. Magnolol was observed to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation in ConA-treated liver in addition to suppressing interleukin (IL)-17A generation. Hepatic stellate cells were activated in fibrotic liver as demonstrated by increased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin. More transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and activin A were secreted into the serum. Magnolol suppressed this abnormal HSC activation. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Smad3 in its linker area (Thr179, Ser 204/208/213) was inhibited by magnolol. In vitro, the recombinant IL-17A plus TGF-β1 or activin A induced activation of human LX2 HSCs and promoted their collagen production. Smad3/Smad4 signalling pathway was activated in LX2 cells exposed to the fibrotic stimuli, as illustrated by the up-regulated phospho-Smad3 and the enhanced interaction between Smad3 and Smad4. These alterations were suppressed by magnolol. Collectively, our study reveals a novel antifibrotic effect of magnolol on Th17 cell-mediated fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Baoling Ju
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanfei Zhu
- Department of Academic Affairs, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ying Nie
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiuxia Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mudanjiang First People's Hospital, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
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Methyl-CpG-binding domain 3 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells via TGF-β/Smad signalling. Br J Cancer 2016; 116:91-99. [PMID: 27898661 PMCID: PMC5220156 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methyl-CpG-binding domain 3 (MBD3) is an aberrant expression in human malignancies. However, the role of MBD3 in pancreatic cancer progression remains to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of MBD3 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the underlying mechanism in pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS The abilities of migration and invasion were examined by transwell and BD Matrigel invasion assays. EMT and TGF-β/Smad signalling were evaluated. RESULTS First, we find that MBD3 expression is lower in pancreatic cancer tissues than that in non-tumour tissues, and patients with lower MBD3 levels survive significantly less than those with higher levels. Subsequently, we find that MBD3 knockdown promotes the abilities of migration and invasion, while MBD3 overexpression inhibits the above abilities. Also, MBD3 knockdown remarkably increases mesenchymal markers expression of Vimentin, α-SMA, Snail, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and downregulates epithelial markers expression of E-cadherin. On the contrary, MBD3 overexpression results in the opposite effects. Further evidence reveals that MBD3 knockdown up-regulates expression of TGF-β, and then activates p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, while MBD3 overexpression results in downregulation of TGF-β, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3. CONCLUSIONS MBD3 inhibits EMT in pancreatic cancer cells probably via TGF-β/Smad signalling, and may be a new candidate target for diagnostics and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
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Moustakas A, Heldin CH. Mechanisms of TGFβ-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5070063. [PMID: 27367735 PMCID: PMC4961994 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5070063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transitory phenotypic changes such as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) help embryonic cells to generate migratory descendants that populate new sites and establish the distinct tissues in the developing embryo. The mesenchymal descendants of diverse epithelia also participate in the wound healing response of adult tissues, and facilitate the progression of cancer. EMT can be induced by several extracellular cues in the microenvironment of a given epithelial tissue. One such cue, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), prominently induces EMT via a group of specific transcription factors. The potency of TGFβ is partly based on its ability to perform two parallel molecular functions, i.e. to induce the expression of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines, which sequentially and in a complementary manner help to establish and maintain the EMT, and to mediate signaling crosstalk with other developmental signaling pathways, thus promoting changes in cell differentiation. The molecules that are activated by TGFβ signaling or act as cooperating partners of this pathway are impossible to exhaust within a single coherent and contemporary report. Here, we present selected examples to illustrate the key principles of the circuits that control EMT under the influence of TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Moustakas
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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