1
|
Kaneko S, Yanai K, Ishii H, Aomatsu A, Hirai K, Ookawara S, Ishibashi K, Morishita Y. miR-122-5p Regulates Renal Fibrosis In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315423. [PMID: 36499744 PMCID: PMC9736395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) in renal fibrosis is poorly understood. Here, the effect of exogenous miRNAs on renal fibrosis was investigated using a renal fibrosis mouse model generated by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). miRNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that miR-122-5p was the most downregulated (0.28-fold) miRNA in the kidneys of UUO mice. The injection of an miR-122-5p mimic promoted renal fibrosis and upregulated COL1A2 and FN1, whereas an miR-122-5p inhibitor suppressed renal fibrosis and downregulated COL1A2 and FN1. The expression levels of fibrosis-related mRNAs, which were predicted targets of miR-122-5p, were evaluated. The expression level of TGFBR2, a pro-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p mimic, and the expression level of FOXO3, an anti-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. The protein expressions of TGFBR2 and FOXO3 were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the expression levels of LC3, downstream anti-fibrotic mRNAs of FOXO3, were upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. These results suggest that miR-122-5p has critical roles in renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Kaneko
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanai
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ishii
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Akinori Aomatsu
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
- Division of Intensive Care Unit, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Keiji Hirai
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Susumu Ookawara
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Kenichi Ishibashi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Morishita
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sheng L, Zhuang S. New Insights Into the Role and Mechanism of Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Kidney Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:569322. [PMID: 33041867 PMCID: PMC7522479 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.569322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is described as the process in which injured renal tubular epithelial cells undergo a phenotype change, acquiring mesenchymal characteristics and morphing into fibroblasts. Initially, it was widely thought of as a critical mechanism of fibrogenesis underlying chronic kidney disease. However, evidence that renal tubular epithelial cells can cross the basement membrane and become fibroblasts in the renal interstitium is rare, leading to debate about the existence of EMT. Recent research has demonstrated that after injury, renal tubular epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics and the ability to produce a variety of profibrotic factors and cytokines, but remain attached to the basement membrane. On this basis, a new concept of “partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT)” was proposed to explain the contribution of renal epithelial cells to renal fibrogenesis. In this review, we discuss the concept of pEMT and the most recent findings related to this process, including cell cycle arrest, metabolic alternation of epithelial cells, infiltration of immune cells, epigenetic regulation as well as the novel signaling pathways that mediate this disturbed epithelial-mesenchymal communication. A deeper understanding of the role and the mechanism of pEMT may help in developing novel therapies to prevent and halt fibrosis in kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Non-Coding RNAs as New Therapeutic Targets in the Context of Renal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081977. [PMID: 31018516 PMCID: PMC6515288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, or tissue scarring, is defined as the excessive, persistent and destructive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in response to chronic tissue injury. Renal fibrosis represents the final stage of most chronic kidney diseases and contributes to the progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function. Limited therapeutic options are available and the molecular mechanisms governing the renal fibrosis process are complex and remain poorly understood. Recently, the role of non-coding RNAs, and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), has been described in kidney fibrosis. Seminal studies have highlighted their potential importance as new therapeutic targets and innovative diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. This review will summarize recent scientific advances and will discuss potential clinical applications as well as future research directions.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng J, Guo R, Tang Y, Fu Q, Chen J, Wu L, Leng L, Bucala R, Song Y, Lu L. miR-152 Attenuates the Severity of Lupus Nephritis Through the Downregulation of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF)-Induced Expression of COL1A1. Front Immunol 2019; 10:158. [PMID: 30787934 PMCID: PMC6372555 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of miR-152 in lupus nephritis has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-152 in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: miR-152 expression was detected using RT-PCR in LN tissue and normal controls. The miR-152 expression was compared with clinical parameters such as 24 h urine protein excretion level, serum creatinine, and serum complement level and SLEDAI score. The function of miR-152 was examined using human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTE). miR-152 mimics and inhibitors were transfected to HRPTEs to ascertain the effects of miR-152. Results: miR-152 expression was downregulated in LN tissue. There was an inverse correlation between miR-152 expression in LN tissue and clinical parameters like 24 h urine protein excretion levels and serum creatinine, but not serum complement levels or SLEDAI. Further analysis showed that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was a direct target of miR-152. Downregulation of MIF through complementary binding of miR-152 inhibited the renal expression of COL1A1. Conclusion: miR-152 expression was tapered in LN tissue and miR-152 expression was inversely correlated with chronicity index (CI), serum creatinine and severity of proteinuria. miR-152 may attenuate the severity of LN through the downregulation of MIF-induced expression of COL1A1. These findings suggest that miR-152 may be a potential target for the treatment of LN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruru Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanjia Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Leng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|