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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Andreucci E, Mencucci R, Marini M, Romano E, Manetti M. Pharmacological Stimulation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Counteracts the Profibrotic Activation of Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Cells 2024; 13:360. [PMID: 38391973 PMCID: PMC10887040 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival fibrosis is a serious clinical concern implicated in a wide spectrum of eye diseases, including outcomes of surgery for pterygium and glaucoma. It is mainly driven by chronic inflammation that stimulates conjunctival fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts over time, leading to abnormal wound healing and scar formation. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation was found to suppress transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblastic differentiation in various stromal cells such as skin and pulmonary fibroblasts, as well as corneal keratocytes. Here, we evaluated the in vitro effects of stimulation of the sGC enzyme with the cell-permeable pyrazolopyridinylpyrimidine compound BAY 41-2272 in modulating the TGFβ1-mediated profibrotic activation of human conjunctival fibroblasts. Cells were pretreated with the sGC stimulator before challenging with recombinant human TGFβ1, and subsequently assayed for viability, proliferation, migration, invasiveness, myofibroblast marker expression, and contractile properties. Stimulation of sGC significantly counteracted TGFβ1-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and acquisition of a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as shown by a significant downregulation of FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA levels, as well as by a significant reduction in α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein expression. In addition, pretreatment with the sGC stimulator was capable of significantly dampening TGFβ1-induced acquisition of a contractile phenotype by conjunctival fibroblasts, as well as phosphorylation of Smad3 and release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Taken together, our findings are the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of pharmacological sGC stimulation in counteracting conjunctival fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing a promising scientific background to further explore the feasibility of sGC stimulators as potential new adjuvant therapeutic compounds to treat conjunctival fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Rita Mencucci
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Gong Q, Zhou D, Chen C, Shen H, Xu X, Qian T. Knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 protects human trabecular meshwork cells against H 2O 2-induced injury via the regulation of the miR-29a-3p/VEGF/MMP-2 axis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23607. [PMID: 38173510 PMCID: PMC10761783 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human trabecular meshwork cell (HTMC) dysfunction results in imbalanced aqueous humor inflow and outflow, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Uncontrolled high IOP can promote the occurrence of glaucoma, an irreversible optic neuropathy. Here, we explored whether the long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lncRNA PVT1)/microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) axis could ameliorate HTMC dysfunction under oxidative stress by modulating the expression of the proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and the profibrotic factor metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Methods HTMCs were cultured under H2O2-induced oxidative stress for 48 h. The expression of lncRNA PVT1, miR-29a-3p, VEGFA, MMP-2, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Interference experiments were conducted via the transfection of HTMCs with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting lncRNA PVT1 or miR-29a-3p mimics. A luciferase reporter assay was undertaken to identify the presence of a miR-29a-3p binding site in lncRNA PVT1. Flow cytometry and Transwell and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were employed to evaluate HTMC functions under oxidative stress with different treatments. Results In HTMCs, the expression of lncRNA PVT1 was induced by H2O2 treatment, whereas that of miR-29a-3p was inhibited. The levels of angiogenic factors (VEGFA, ICAM-1) and fibrosis-associated mediators (MMP-2, α-SMA) were upregulated in HTMCs under oxidative stress. The siRNA-mediated suppression of lncRNA PVT1 or the upregulation of miR-29a-3p significantly suppressed the expression of VEGFA, MMP-2, ICAM-1, and α-SMA. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that lncRNA PVT1 directly targeted miR-29a-3p and acted as a miR-29a-3p sponge. The knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 restored the level of miR-29a-3p in H2O2-treated HTMCs, thereby inhibiting VEGFA and MMP-2, its target mRNAs. HTMC dysfunction, including increased apoptosis and decreased cell mobility and viability, could be effectively ameliorated by lncRNA PVT1 downregulation or miR-29a-3p overexpression under oxidative stress. Conclusion LncRNA PVT1 has potential as a therapeutic target for inhibiting VEGFA and MMP-2, thus protecting HTMCs, suppressing the progression of fibrosis, and, consequently, improving the outcome of glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyun Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Danjing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangqi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianwei Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease, Shanghai, China
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Li N, Wang Z, Yang F, Hu W, Zha X, Duan X. MiR-29b Downregulation by p53/Sp1 Complex Plays a Critical Role in Bleb Scar Formation After Glaucoma Filtration Surgery. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 38051266 PMCID: PMC10702789 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.12.5] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the function and mechanism of tumor protein p53 in pathological scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) using human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) and a rabbit GFS model. Methods The expression of p53 in bleb scarring after GFS and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced HTFs (myofibroblasts [MFs]) was examined by western blot and immunochemical analysis. The interaction between p53 and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was investigated by immunoprecipitation. The role of p53 and Sp1 in the accumulation of collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and the migration of MFs was evaluated by western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), wound healing, and Transwell assay. The regulatory mechanisms among p53/Sp1 and miR-29b were detected via qRT-PCR, western blot, luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The therapeutic effect of mithramycin A, a specific inhibitor of Sp1, on scarring formation was evaluated in a rabbit GFS model. Results p53 was upregulated in bleb scar tissue and MFs. p53 and Sp1 form a transcription factor complex that induces the accumulation of COL1A1 and promotes the migration of MFs through downregulation of miR-29b, a known suppressor of COL1A1. The p53/Sp1 axis inhibits miR-29b expression by the direct binding promoter of the miR-29b gene. Mithramycin A treatment attenuated bleb scar formation in vivo. Conclusions The p53/Sp1/miR-29b signaling pathway plays a critical role in bleb scar formation after GFS. This pathway could be targeted for therapeutic intervention of pathological scarring after GFS. Translational Relevance Our research indicates that inhibition of p53/Sp1/miR-29b is a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing post-GFS pathological scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjun Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuanchu Duan
- Medical School of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
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Liu Y, Huang Y, Guo Z, Yang C, Li Y, Li B, Liu Y, Zheng H. Sulforaphane inhibits TGF-β-induced fibrogenesis and inflammation in human Tenon's fibroblasts. Mol Vis 2023; 29:306-316. [PMID: 38264611 PMCID: PMC10805336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Subconjunctival fibrosis is the main cause of failure after glaucoma filtration surgery. We explored the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on the conversion of human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) into myofibroblasts, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced contraction of collagen gel, and inflammation. Methods After treatment with the combination of TGF-β and SFN or TGF-β alone, primary HTFs were subjected to a three-dimensional collagen contraction experiment to examine their contractility. Levels of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM), and phosphorylation of various signaling molecules were determined by western blot or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Fluorescence microscopy was employed to examine stress fiber formation in HTFs. The expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were determined using RT-qPCR. Results The contraction of myofibroblasts caused by TGF-β was significantly suppressed by SFN. This suppressive effect was exerted via the differentiation of HTFs into myofibroblasts by inhibiting the production of fibronectin and the expression of α-SMA. Moreover, SFN treatment reduced the expression of TGF-β-promoted integrins β1 and α5, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and stress fiber formation, as well as the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and CTGF. Finally, TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylations were attenuated by SFN. Conclusions SFN inhibits HTF contractility, differentiation into myofibroblasts, and inflammation caused by TGF-β. These effects are mediated by both classic and non-classic signaling pathways. Our results indicate that SFN has potent anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in HTFs and is a potential candidate for subconjunctival fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Yangbin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Zihan Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Yunzepeng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Binhui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, PR China
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Watanabe M, Tsugeno Y, Sato T, Umetsu A, Nishikiori N, Furuhashi M, Ohguro H. TGF-β Isoforms Affect the Planar and Subepithelial Fibrogenesis of Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts in Different Manners. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2005. [PMID: 37509644 PMCID: PMC10377695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Three highly homologous isoforms of TGF-β, TGF-β-1~3, are involved in the regulation of various pathophysiological conditions such as wound healing processes in different manners, despite the fact that they bind to the same receptors during their activation. The purpose of the current investigation was to elucidate the contributions of TGF-β-1 ~3 to the pathology associated with conjunctiva. For this purpose, the biological effects of these TGF-β isoforms on the structural and functional properties of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultured human conjunctival fibroblasts (HconF) were subjected to the following analyses: 1) transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), a Seahorse cellular metabolic measurement (2D), size and stiffness measurements of the 3D HTM spheroids, and the qPCR gene expression analyses of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (2D and 3D). The TGF-β isoforms caused different effects on the proliferation of the HconF cell monolayer evaluated by TEER measurements. The differences included a significant increase in the presence of 5 ng/mL TGF-β-1 and -2 and a substantial decrease in the presence of 5 ng/mL TGF-β-3, although there were no significant differences in the response to the TGF-β isoforms for cellular metabolism among the three groups. Similar to planar proliferation, the TGF-β isoforms also induced diverse effects toward the mechanical aspects of 3D HconF spheroids, where TGF-β-1 increased stiffness, TGF-β-2 caused no significant effects, and TGF-β-3 caused the downsizing of the spheroids and stiffness enhancement. The mRNA expression of the ECMs were also modulated in diverse manners by the TGF-β isoforms as well as the culture conditions for the 2D vs. 3D isoforms. Many of these TGF-β-3 inducible effects were markedly different from those caused by TGF-β1 and TGF-β-2. The findings presented herein suggest that the three TGF-β isoforms induce diverse and distinctly different effects on cellular properties and the expressions of ECM molecules in HconF and that these changes are independent of cellular metabolism, thereby inducing different effects on the epithelial and subepithelial proliferation of human conjunctiva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Watanabe
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Yuri Tsugeno
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Departments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
- Departments of Cellular Physiology and Signal Transduction, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Araya Umetsu
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Nami Nishikiori
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Masato Furuhashi
- Departments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohguro
- Departments of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
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Wu X, Yang X, Liang Q, Xue X, Huang J, Wang J, Xu Y, Tong R, Liu M, Zhou Q, Shi J. Drugs for the treatment of glaucoma: Targets, structure-activity relationships and clinical research. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113842. [PMID: 34536672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness and impairment of vision worldwide, after refractive errors and cataracts. According to the survey, the number of people with glaucoma is more than 76 million, with projections increasing to 112 million by 2040. With the coming of an aging society, the number of people suffering from glaucoma will increase day by day. Glaucoma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by damage to the head of the optic nerve and visual field. High intraocular pressure is a major risk and cause of glaucoma optic neuropathy. Therefore, drug lowering intraocular pressure therapy is still the first-line therapy in clinical practice. Here, the targets, structure-activity relationship, and clinical progress of drugs for the treatment of glaucoma are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Wu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xinwei Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qi Liang
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Xiali Xue
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jianli Huang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang Guizhou, 550002, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang Guizhou, 550002, China
| | - Yihua Xu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Maoyu Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Sichuan, 611137, China.
| | - Qiaodan Zhou
- Ultrasonography Lab, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China.
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Ma X, Liu L. Knockdown of FAM225B inhibits the progression of the hypertrophic scar following glaucoma surgery by inhibiting autophagy. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:204. [PMID: 33495826 PMCID: PMC7821338 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of a hypertrophic scar (HS) may lead to failure of glaucoma surgery. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the formation of HSs. Moreover, family with sequence similarity 225 member B (FAM225B) is upregulated in HS. However, the role of the lncRNA FAM225B in HS remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of FAM225B in HS. Scar fibroblasts were isolated from patients who had undergone glaucoma surgery. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase 3, p62, ATG7 and Beclin 1, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted to determine the level of FAM225B in scar fibroblasts. Microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 α staining was performed to examine autophagosomes in scar fibroblasts. Furthermore, cell proliferation was evaluated via 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine staining. Flow cytometry was conducted to determine cell apoptosis and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in scar fibroblasts. The cell migratory ability was assessed using a Transwell assay. The results demonstrated that FAM225B knockdown significantly attenuated scar fibroblast proliferation and induced apoptosis. Additionally, transfection of scar fibroblasts with FAM225B small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly increased the ROS levels and significantly decreased the migration of scar fibroblasts. The FAM225B overexpression-induced increase of scar fibroblast proliferation and migration was significantly reversed by 3-methyladenine administration. The results suggested that knockdown of FAM225B significantly inhibited the proliferation of scar fibroblasts by inhibiting autophagy. Therefore, knockdown of FAM225B could inhibit scar fibroblast proliferation after glaucoma surgery by inhibiting autophagy. These findings may provide a novel perspective of developing treatment strategy for the patients with HSs after glaucoma surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianpeng Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132001, P.R. China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132001, P.R. China
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