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Ioannidis V, Pandey R, Bauer HF, Schön M, Bockmann J, Boeckers TM, Lutz AK. Disrupted extracellular matrix and cell cycle genes in autism-associated Shank3 deficiency are targeted by lithium. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:704-717. [PMID: 38123724 PMCID: PMC11153165 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02362-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The Shank3 gene encodes the major postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3. Its mutation causes a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMDS). It is characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disorders (ID), ASD behavior, affective symptoms, as well as extra-cerebral symptoms. Although Shank3 deficiency causes a variety of molecular alterations, they do not suffice to explain all clinical aspects of this heterogenic syndrome. Since global gene expression alterations in Shank3 deficiency remain inadequately studied, we explored the transcriptome in vitro in primary hippocampal cells from Shank3∆11(-/-) mice, under control and lithium (Li) treatment conditions, and confirmed the findings in vivo. The Shank3∆11(-/-) genotype affected the overall transcriptome. Remarkably, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell cycle transcriptional programs were disrupted. Accordingly, in the hippocampi of adolescent Shank3∆11(-/-) mice we found proteins of the collagen family and core cell cycle proteins downregulated. In vitro Li treatment of Shank3∆11(-/-) cells had a rescue-like effect on the ECM and cell cycle gene sets. Reversed ECM gene sets were part of a network, regulated by common transcription factors (TF) such as cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and β-Catenin (CTNNB1), which are known downstream effectors of synaptic activity and targets of Li. These TFs were less abundant and/or hypo-phosphorylated in hippocampi of Shank3∆11(-/-) mice and could be rescued with Li in vitro and in vivo. Our investigations suggest the ECM compartment and cell cycle genes as new players in the pathophysiology of Shank3 deficiency, and imply involvement of transcriptional regulators, which can be modulated by Li. This work supports Li as potential drug in the management of PMDS symptoms, where a Phase III study is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Ioannidis
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rakshita Pandey
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Helen Friedericke Bauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Chowdhury MAR, An J, Jeong S. The Pleiotropic Face of CREB Family Transcription Factors. Mol Cells 2023; 46:399-413. [PMID: 37013623 PMCID: PMC10336275 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the most intensively studied phosphorylation-dependent transcription factors that provide evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of differential gene expression in vertebrates and invertebrates. Many cellular protein kinases that function downstream of distinct cell surface receptors are responsible for the activation of CREB. Upon functional dimerization of the activated CREB to cis-acting cAMP responsive elements within the promoters of target genes, it facilitates signal-dependent gene expression. From the discovery of CREB, which is ubiquitously expressed, it has been proven to be involved in a variety of cellular processes that include cell proliferation, adaptation, survival, differentiation, and physiology, through the control of target gene expression. In this review, we highlight the essential roles of CREB proteins in the nervous system, the immune system, cancer development, hepatic physiology, and cardiovascular function and further discuss a wide range of CREB-associated diseases and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Arifur Rahman Chowdhury
- Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biology Major), Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Jungeun An
- Division of Life Sciences (Life Sciences Major), Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Sangyun Jeong
- Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biology Major), Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
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Wu LM, Wang YJ, Li SF, Wang JK, Liu J, Fan CC, Xiong Y. Up-regulation of CREB-1 regulates tendon adhesion in the injury tendon healing through the CREB-1/TGF-β3 signaling pathway. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:325. [PMID: 37098516 PMCID: PMC10127358 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06425-7] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the mechanism of the healing of tendon tissue and anti-adhesion, and to discuss the role of the transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3)/cAMP response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) signaling pathway in the healing process of tendons. METHOD All mice were divided into four groups of 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks respectively. Each time group was divided into four treatment groups: the amplification group, the inhibition group, the negative group, and the control group. When the tendon injury model was established, the CREB-1 virus was injected into the tendon injury parts. A series of methods such as gait behaviourism, anatomy, histological examination, immunohistochemical examination and collagen staining were employed to assess the tendon healing and the protein expression of TGF-β3, CREB-1, Smad3/7 and type I/III collagen (COL-I/III). CREB-1 virus was sent to tendon stem cells to assess the protein expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1, COL-I/III by methods such as immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS The amplification group showed better gait behaviourism than the inhibition group in the healing process. The amplification group also had less adhesion than the negative group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of tendon tissue sections showed that the number of fibroblasts in the amplification group was less than the inhibition group, and the immunohistochemical results indicated that the expression of TGF-β3, CREB-1, and Smad7 at each time point was higher than the inhibition group. The expression of COL-I/III and Smad3 in the amplification group was lower than the inhibition group at all time points. The collagen staining indicated that the ratio of type I/III collagen in the amplification group was higher than the negative group at 2,4,8 week. The CREB-1 amplification virus could promote the protein expression of TGF-β3, CREB-1 and inhibit the protein expression of TGF-β1 and COL-I/III in the tendon stem cells. CONCLUSION In the process of tendon injury healing, CREB-1 could promote the secretion of TGF-β3, so as to promote the tendon healing and have the effect of anti-adhesion in tendons. It might provide new intervention targets for anti-adhesion treatment of tendon injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Jiao Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai-Feng Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Tibet Military Area Command, Lhasa, 850007, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Chao Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, the People's Hospital of Nanchuan, Chongqing, 408400, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, 10 Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:766855. [PMID: 34805276 PMCID: PMC8602792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.766855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
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Gait analysis combined with the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and CREB during Achilles tendon healing in rat. Chin J Traumatol 2021; 24:360-367. [PMID: 34696976 PMCID: PMC8606907 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To observe the changes of gait behavior and the expression of wound healing factors of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β3 and cAMP response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) during the healing of Achilles tendon in a rat model, and to investigate whether gait analysis can be used to evaluate the tendon healing. METHODS Achilles tendon of 40 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were transected and sutured to establish the Achilles tendon injury (ATI) model. They were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the observational time point at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury (n = 10 for each group). Before modeling, 9 rats were randomly selected for CatWalk gait analysis, which contained step cycle, single stance time and average speed. Data were recorded as the normal controls. After then, ATI models were established in the left hind limbs of the all 40 rats (ATI group), while the right hind limbs were only cut and sutured without injury of the Achilles tendon (sham operation group). At 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury, the gait behavior of the corresponding group of rats (n = 9) as observed and recorded by CatWalk platform. After then, the rats were sacrificed and Achilles tendon of both limbs was harvested. The tendon healing was observed by gross anatomy and histological examination, and the protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The results of tendon gross grading were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, and other data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance among multiple groups. RESULTS Compared with normal controls, all gait indexes (step cycle, single stance time and average speed) were greatly affected following ATI, which however improved with time. The step cycle was significantly lower at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after ATI (compared with normal controls, all p < 0.05), but almost returned to the normal level at 6 weeks ((0.694 ± 0.102) vs. (0.503 ± 0.094) s, p > 0.05). The single stance time of the ATI group was significantly shorter at 1 and 2 weeks after operation ((0.078 ± 0.010) s at 1 week, (0.078 ± 0.020) s at 2 weeks, all p < 0.001) and revealed no significant difference at 4 weeks (p = 0.120). The average speed of ATI group at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (all p < 0.001). Gross observation showed that the grade of local scar adhesion in ATI group increased significantly at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, compared with the sham operation group (all p < 0.001). Extensive adhesion was formed at 6 weeks after ATI. The results of HE staining showed that the number of fibroblast increased gradually and arranged more orderly in ATI group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks (all p < 0.001), and decreased at 6 weeks, but it was still significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at 4 time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation and decreased at 4 weeks (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). The results of qPCR suggested that the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at all-time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation, decreased at 4 weeks, and significantly decreased at 6 weeks (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Gait behavior indexes are associated with Achilles tendon healing. The study gives an insight of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 changes in the coursing of Achilles tendon healing and these cytokines may be able to be used to regulate the Achilles tendon healing.
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Bektik E, Sun Y, Dennis AT, Sakon P, Yang D, Deschênes I, Fu JD. Inhibition of CREB-CBP Signaling Improves Fibroblast Plasticity for Direct Cardiac Reprogramming. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071572. [PMID: 34206684 PMCID: PMC8307124 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) is a promising approach but remains a challenge in heart regeneration. Efforts have focused on improving the efficiency by understanding fundamental mechanisms. One major challenge is that the plasticity of cultured fibroblast varies batch to batch with unknown mechanisms. Here, we noticed a portion of in vitro cultured fibroblasts have been activated to differentiate into myofibroblasts, marked by the expression of αSMA, even in primary cell cultures. Both forskolin, which increases cAMP levels, and TGFβ inhibitor SB431542 can efficiently suppress myofibroblast differentiation of cultured fibroblasts. However, SB431542 improved but forskolin blocked iCM reprogramming of fibroblasts that were infected with retroviruses of Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT). Moreover, inhibitors of cAMP downstream signaling pathways, PKA or CREB-CBP, significantly improved the efficiency of reprogramming. Consistently, inhibition of p38/MAPK, another upstream regulator of CREB-CBP, also improved reprogramming efficiency. We then investigated if inhibition of these signaling pathways in primary cultured fibroblasts could improve their plasticity for reprogramming and found that preconditioning of cultured fibroblasts with CREB-CBP inhibitor significantly improved the cellular plasticity of fibroblasts to be reprogrammed, yielding ~2-fold more iCMs than untreated control cells. In conclusion, suppression of CREB-CBP signaling improves fibroblast plasticity for direct cardiac reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Bektik
- Department of Physiology, Cell Biology College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 333 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (E.B.); (D.Y.); (I.D.)
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yu Sun
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA; (Y.S.); (A.T.D.)
| | - Adrienne T. Dennis
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA; (Y.S.); (A.T.D.)
| | - Phraew Sakon
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Cell Biology College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 333 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (E.B.); (D.Y.); (I.D.)
| | - Isabelle Deschênes
- Department of Physiology, Cell Biology College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 333 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (E.B.); (D.Y.); (I.D.)
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA; (Y.S.); (A.T.D.)
| | - Ji-Dong Fu
- Department of Physiology, Cell Biology College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 333 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (E.B.); (D.Y.); (I.D.)
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA; (Y.S.); (A.T.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(614)-685-0657
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Yang S, Zhang H, Yang H, Zhang J, Wang J, Luo T, Jiang Y, Hua H. SEPHS1 promotes SMAD2/3/4 expression and hepatocellular carcinoma cells invasion. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:17. [PMID: 33622411 PMCID: PMC7903722 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common cancers that are very aggressive. The secreted cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes cancer metastasis by multiple mechanisms such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion. The canonical TGF-β signaling is largely mediated by smooth muscle actin/mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) proteins. The current study aims to explore the regulation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling by selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SEPHS1). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of SEPHS1 in HCC and adjacent liver tissues. Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels in HCC cell lines. Cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to determine SEPHS1 expression in HCC and its correlation with the survival of HCC patients. RESULTS Here we report that SEPHS1 is a positive regulator of SMAD proteins. SEPHS1 expression is up-regulated in HCC compared with adjacent liver tissues. SEPHS1 knockdown leads to decreased expression of SMAD2/3/4 and mesenchymal markers including snail, slug and N-cadherin in HCC cells. Furthermore, SEPHS1 knockdown results in a decrease in HCC cells migration and invasion, and suppresses the stimulation of HCC cells migration and invasion by TGF-β. Overexpression of SEPHS1 in HCC cells promotes cell invasion, which can be abrogated by SMAD3 knockdown. Lastly, higher expression of SEPHS1 is correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients, as manifested by decreased overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS SEPHS1 is a positive regulator of TGF-β/SMAD signaling that is up-regulated in HCC. Increased SEPHS1 expression may indicate poor prognosis for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,Department of Abdominal Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Kao YH, Lin YC, Lee PH, Lin CW, Chen PH, Tai TS, Chang YC, Chou MH, Chang CY, Sun CK. Infusion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Regenerative Niche in Thioacetamide-Injured Mouse Liver. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:671-682. [PMID: 32880852 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00274-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated whether xenotransplantation of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) reduces thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mouse liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Recipient NOD/SCID mice were injected intraperitoneally with TAA twice weekly for 6 weeks before initial administration of WJ-MSCs. Expression of regenerative and pro-fibrogenic markers in mouse fibrotic livers were monitored post cytotherapy. A hepatic stallate cell line HSC-T6 and isolated WJ-MSCs were used for in vitro adhesion, migration and mechanistic studies. RESULTS WJ-MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cords by an explant method and characterized by flow cytometry. A single infusion of WJ-MSCs to TAA-treated mice significantly reduced collagen deposition and ameliorated liver fibrosis after 2-week therapy. In addition to enhanced expression of hepatic regenerative factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and PCNA proliferative marker, WJ-MSC therapy significantly blunted pro-fibrogenic signals, including Smad2, RhoA, ERK. Intriguingly, reduction of plasma fibronectin (pFN) in fibrotic livers was noted in MSC-treated mice. In vitro studies further demonstrated that suspending MSCs triggered pFN degradation, soluble pFN conversely retarded adhesion of suspending MSCs onto type I collagen-coated surface, whereas pFN coating enhanced WJ-MSC migration across mimicked wound bed. Moreover, pretreatment with soluble pFN and conditioned medium from MSCs with pFN strikingly attenuated the response of HSC-T6 cells to TGF-β1-stimulation in Smad2 phosphorylation and RhoA upregulation. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that cytotherapy using WJ-MSCs may modulate hepatic pFN deposition for a better regenerative niche in the fibrotic livers and may constitute a useful anti-fibrogenic intervention in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd., Yanchau District, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Department of Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Lee
- Department of Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Committee for Integration and Promotion of Advanced Medicine and Biotechnology, E-Da Healthcare Group, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Han Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd., Yanchau District, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shyuan Tai
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd., Yanchau District, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yo-Chen Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for General Education, Cheng-Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Chang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, No. 1, Yida Rd., Yanchau District, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan.
| | - Cheuk-Kwan Sun
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, No. 1, Yida Rd., Yanchau District, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan. .,The School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is known as a result of the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and always ascribed to chronic liver diseases. Advanced liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and even multi-organ dysfunction and will bring up a health care burden worldwide. Cyclic AMP response-element binding protein (CREB), as a critical transcriptional factor, binds with conserved cAMP response-element (CRE), which is located in the promoter of targeted genes, to regulate the transcription. In the past decades, numerous studies have contributed to improved understanding of the links between CREB and liver fibrosis. In this review, we will summarize molecular mechanisms of CREB pathways and discuss contributions of CREB to liver fibrosis, focusing on activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), proliferation of cholangiocytes, deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation, for the development of antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qianqian Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Keshu Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Jahr H, Gunes S, Kuhn AR, Nebelung S, Pufe T. Bioreactor-Controlled Physoxia Regulates TGF-β Signaling to Alter Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by Human Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071715. [PMID: 30959909 PMCID: PMC6480267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Culturing articular chondrocytes under physiological oxygen tension exerts positive effects on their extracellular matrix synthesis. The underlying molecular mechanisms which enhance the chondrocytic phenotype are, however, still insufficiently elucidated. The TGF-β superfamily of growth factors, and the prototypic TGF-β isoforms in particular, are crucial in maintaining matrix homeostasis of these cells. We employed a feedback-controlled table-top bioreactor to investigate the role of TGF-β in microtissues of human chondrocytes over a wider range of physiological oxygen tensions (i.e., physoxia). We compared 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of partial oxygen pressure (pO2) to the ‘normoxic’ 20%. We confirmed physoxic conditions through the induction of marker genes (PHD3, VEGF) and oxygen tension-dependent chondrocytic markers (SOX9, COL2A1). We identified 2.5% pO2 as an oxygen tension optimally improving chondrocytic marker expression (ACAN, COL2A1), while suppressing de-differentiation markers (COL1A1,COL3A1). Expression of TGF-β isoform 2 (TGFB2) was, relatively, most responsive to 2.5% pO2, while all three isoforms were induced by physoxia. We found TGF-β receptors ALK1 and ALK5 to be regulated by oxygen tension on the mRNA and protein level. In addition, expression of type III co-receptors betaglycan and endoglin appeared to be regulated by oxygen tension as well. R-Smad signaling confirmed that physoxia divergently regulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and Smad2/3. Pharmacological inhibition of canonical ALK5-mediated signaling abrogated physoxia-induced COL2A1 and PAI-1 expression. Physoxia altered expression of hypertrophy markers and that of matrix metalloproteases and their activity, as well as expression ratios of specific proteins (Sp)/Krüppel-like transcription factor family members SP1 and SP3, proving a molecular concept of ECM marker regulation. Keeping oxygen levels tightly balanced within a physiological range is important for optimal chondrocytic marker expression. Our study provides novel insights into transcriptional regulations in chondrocytes under physoxic in vitro conditions and may contribute to improving future cell-based articular cartilage repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Jahr
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HXMaastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Seval Gunes
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Annika-Ricarda Kuhn
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Sven Nebelung
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Aachen University Hospital, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pufe
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Hospital Aachen, 52072 Aachen, Germany.
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