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Chiusa M, Lee YA, Zhang MZ, Harris RC, Sherrill T, Lindner V, Brooks CR, Yu G, Fogo AB, Flynn CR, Zienkiewicz J, Hawiger J, Zent R, Pozzi A. Cytoplasmic retention of the DNA/RNA-binding protein FUS ameliorates organ fibrosis in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175158. [PMID: 38488009 PMCID: PMC10940094 DOI: 10.1172/jci175158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix leads to tissue fibrosis and loss of organ function. We previously demonstrated in vitro that the DNA/RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) promotes fibrotic responses by translocating to the nucleus, where it initiates collagen gene transcription. However, it is still not known whether FUS is profibrotic in vivo and whether preventing its nuclear translocation might inhibit development of fibrosis following injury. We now demonstrate that levels of nuclear FUS are significantly increased in mouse models of kidney and liver fibrosis. To evaluate the direct role of FUS nuclear translocation in fibrosis, we used mice that carry a mutation in the FUS nuclear localization sequence (FUSR521G) and the cell-penetrating peptide CP-FUS-NLS that we previously showed inhibits FUS nuclear translocation in vitro. We provide evidence that FUSR521G mice or CP-FUS-NLS-treated mice showed reduced nuclear FUS and fibrosis following injury. Finally, differential gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry of tissues from individuals with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis revealed significant upregulation of FUS and/or collagen genes and FUS protein nuclear localization in diseased organs. These results demonstrate that injury-induced nuclear translocation of FUS contributes to fibrosis and highlight CP-FUS-NLS as a promising therapeutic option for organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Chiusa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
| | - Youngmin A. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
| | - Raymond C. Harris
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Taylor Sherrill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Volkhard Lindner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Health Institute for Research, Scarborough, Maine, USA
| | - Craig R. Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
| | - Gang Yu
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Agnes B. Fogo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Charles R. Flynn
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jozef Zienkiewicz
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacek Hawiger
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Roy Zent
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ambra Pozzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, and
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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2
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Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that can initiate the apoptosis pathway by binding to its associated death receptors DR4 and DR5. The activation of the TRAIL pathway in inducing tumor-selective apoptosis leads to the development of TRAIL-based cancer therapies, which include recombinant forms of TRAIL, TRAIL receptor agonists, and other therapeutic agents. Importantly, TRAIL, DR4, and DR5 can all be induced by synthetic and natural agents that activate the TRAIL apoptosis pathway in cancer cells. Thus, understanding the regulation of the TRAIL apoptosis pathway can aid in the development of TRAIL-based therapies for the treatment of human cancer.
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Jiang W, Wu DB, Fu SY, Chen EQ, Tang H, Zhou TY. Insight into the role of TRAIL in liver diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 110:641-645. [PMID: 30544063 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential antitumor protein known for its ability to selectively eliminate various types of tumor cells without exerting toxic effects in normal cells and tissues. TRAIL has recently been suggested as a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because it promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, studies on the role of TRAIL in liver injury have reported that TRAIL plays an essential role in viral hepatitis, fatty liver diseases, etc. However, several contradictory and confounding effects of TRAIL in these liver diseases have not been fully elucidated or placed into perspective. Hence, this review summarizes recent progress in studies on TRAIL, including its role in apoptotic signaling, potential therapeutic applications of TRAIL in HCC, hepatitis virus infection, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dong-Bo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Si-Yu Fu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao-You Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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Dubuisson A, Micheau O. Antibodies and Derivatives Targeting DR4 and DR5 for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2017; 6:E16. [PMID: 31548531 PMCID: PMC6698863 DOI: 10.3390/antib6040016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing therapeutics that induce apoptosis in cancer cells has become an increasingly attractive approach for the past 30 years. The discovery of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members and more specifically TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), the only cytokine of the family capable of eradicating selectively cancer cells, led to the development of numerous TRAIL derivatives targeting death receptor 4 (DR4) and death receptor 5 (DR5) for cancer therapy. With a few exceptions, preliminary attempts to use recombinant TRAIL, agonistic antibodies, or derivatives to target TRAIL agonist receptors in the clinic have been fairly disappointing. Nonetheless, a tremendous effort, worldwide, is being put into the development of novel strategic options to target TRAIL receptors. Antibodies and derivatives allow for the design of novel and efficient agonists. We summarize and discuss here the advantages and drawbacks of the soar of TRAIL therapeutics, from the first developments to the next generation of agonistic products, with a particular insight on new concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Dubuisson
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, LNC UMR1231, F-21079 Dijon, France.
- CovalAb, Research Department, 11 Avenue Albert Einstein, 69100 Villeurbanne, Lyon, France.
- INSERM, UMR1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, F-21079 Dijon, France.
| | - Olivier Micheau
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, LNC UMR1231, F-21079 Dijon, France.
- CovalAb, Research Department, 11 Avenue Albert Einstein, 69100 Villeurbanne, Lyon, France.
- INSERM, UMR1231, Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC, F-21079 Dijon, France.
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Arabpour M, Cool RH, Faber KN, Quax WJ, Haisma HJ. Receptor-specific TRAIL as a means to achieve targeted elimination of activated hepatic stellate cells. J Drug Target 2016; 25:360-369. [PMID: 27885847 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2016.1262867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to play a central role in liver fibrosis and their elimination is a crucial step toward the resolution and reversion of liver fibrosis. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a molecule that may contribute to the apoptotic removal of activated HSC through binding to its dedicated receptors. In the present study, we investigated the potential application of recombinant receptor-specific TRAIL proteins in the efficient elimination of activated HSCs. Our finding revealed differential contribution of TRAIL receptors among HSCs populations with activated hepatic stellate cells expresses more TRAIL receptors DR5. In vitro treatment of activated HSCs with DR5-specific or wild-type TRAIL variants induced a significant reduction in viability and extracellular matrix production, whereas no significant decrease in viability was associated with the treatment of cells by DR4-specific TRAIL. Our analysis indicate the successful application of the DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL variant in the targeted elimination of activated HSCs via interference with collagen production and simultaneous induction of apoptosis via activation of the caspase pathway. DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL may thus represent a new therapeutic compound for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arabpour
- a Mivac Development , Arvid Wallgrens backe 20 , Gothenburg , Sweden.,b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Robbert H Cool
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- c Department of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases , University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Hidde J Haisma
- b Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
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Komposch K, Sibilia M. EGFR Signaling in Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 17:E30. [PMID: 26729094 PMCID: PMC4730276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by several ligands leading to the activation of diverse signaling pathways controlling mainly proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The EGFR signaling axis has been shown to play a key role during liver regeneration following acute and chronic liver damage, as well as in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) highlighting the importance of the EGFR in the development of liver diseases. Despite the frequent overexpression of EGFR in human HCC, clinical studies with EGFR inhibitors have so far shown only modest results. Interestingly, a recent study has shown that in human HCC and in mouse HCC models the EGFR is upregulated in liver macrophages where it plays a tumor-promoting function. Thus, the role of EGFR in liver diseases appears to be more complex than what anticipated. Further studies are needed to improve the molecular understanding of the cell-specific signaling pathways that control disease development and progression to be able to develop better therapies targeting major components of the EGFR signaling network in selected cell types. In this review, we compiled the current knowledge of EGFR signaling in different models of liver damage and diseases, mainly derived from the analysis of HCC cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Komposch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Salazar-Montes AM, Hernández-Ortega LD, Lucano-Landeros MS, Armendariz-Borunda J. New gene therapy strategies for hepatic fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:3813-3825. [PMID: 25852266 PMCID: PMC4385528 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i13.3813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the largest internal organ of the body, which may suffer acute or chronic injury induced by many factors, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. Cirrhosis is the irreversible end result of fibrous scarring and hepatocellular regeneration, characterized by diffuse disorganization of the normal hepatic structure, regenerative nodules and fibrotic tissue. Cirrhosis is associated with a high co-morbidity and mortality without effective treatment, and much research has been aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies to guarantee recovery. Liver-based gene therapy has been used to downregulate specific genes, to block the expression of deleterious genes, to delivery therapeutic genes, to prevent allograft rejection and to augment liver regeneration. Viral and non-viral vectors have been used, with viral vectors proving to be more efficient. This review provides an overview of the main strategies used in liver-gene therapy represented by non-viral vectors, viral vectors, novel administration methods like hydrodynamic injection, hybrids of two viral vectors and blocking molecules, with the hope of translating findings from the laboratory to the patient´s bed-side.
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