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Lee C, Kwak SH, Han J, Shin JH, Yoo B, Lee YS, Park JS, Lim BJ, Lee JG, Kim YS, Kim SY, Bae SH. Repositioning of ezetimibe for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2300580. [PMID: 38359963 PMCID: PMC11096666 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00580-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously identified ezetimibe, an inhibitor of Niemann-Pick C1-like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 and European Medicines Agency-approved lipid-lowering agent, as a potent autophagy activator. However, its efficacy against pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to determine whether ezetimibe has therapeutic potential against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS Primary lung fibroblasts isolated from both humans and mice were employed for mechanistic in vitro experiments. mRNA sequencing of human lung fibroblasts and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ezetimibe. A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was used to examine in vivo efficacy of the drug. Tandem fluorescent-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 transgenic mice were used to measure autophagic flux. Finally, the medical records of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from three different hospitals were reviewed retrospectively, and analyses on survival and lung function were conducted to determine the benefits of ezetimibe. RESULTS Ezetimibe inhibited myofibroblast differentiation by restoring the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-autophagy axis with fine control of intracellular cholesterol distribution. Serum response factor, a potential autophagic substrate, was identified as a primary downstream effector in this process. Similarly, ezetimibe ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity and increasing autophagic flux, as observed in mouse lung samples. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who regularly used ezetimibe showed decreased rates of all-cause mortality and lung function decline. CONCLUSION Our study presents ezetimibe as a potential novel therapeutic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanho Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Se Hyun Kwak
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jisu Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hye Shin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byunghun Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Seol Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Gu Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sam Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Yee Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Soo Han Bae
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
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2
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Choi YJ, Kim WR, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yoo JH. Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:69. [PMID: 38454492 PMCID: PMC10921617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03678-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). METHODS UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model. RESULTS In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. CONCLUSIONS Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jun Hwan Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
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Zhang K, Yao E, Aung T, Chuang PT. The alveolus: Our current knowledge of how the gas exchange unit of the lung is constructed and repaired. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 159:59-129. [PMID: 38729684 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.01.002] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian lung completes its last step of development, alveologenesis, to generate sufficient surface area for gas exchange. In this process, multiple cell types that include alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts undergo coordinated cell proliferation, cell migration and/or contraction, cell shape changes, and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions to produce the gas exchange unit: the alveolus. Full functioning of alveoli also involves immune cells and the lymphatic and autonomic nervous system. With the advent of lineage tracing, conditional gene inactivation, transcriptome analysis, live imaging, and lung organoids, our molecular understanding of alveologenesis has advanced significantly. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the constituents of the alveolus and the molecular pathways that control alveolar formation. We also discuss how insight into alveolar formation may inform us of alveolar repair/regeneration mechanisms following lung injury and the pathogenic processes that lead to loss of alveoli or tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Erica Yao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Thin Aung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pao-Tien Chuang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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Patyal P, Zhang X, Verma A, Azhar G, Wei JY. Inhibitors of Rho/MRTF/SRF Transcription Pathway Regulate Mitochondrial Function. Cells 2024; 13:392. [PMID: 38474356 PMCID: PMC10931493 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050392] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RhoA-regulated gene transcription by serum response factor (SRF) and its transcriptional cofactor myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in multiple diseases. Altered mitochondrial metabolism is one of the major hallmarks of cancer, therefore, this upregulation is a vulnerability that can be targeted with Rho/MRTF/SRF inhibitors. Recent advances identified a novel series of oxadiazole-thioether compounds that disrupt the SRF transcription, however, the direct molecular target of these compounds is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the Rho/MRTF/SRF inhibition mechanism of CCG-203971 and CCG-232601 in normal cell lines of human lung fibroblasts and mouse myoblasts. Further studies investigated the role of these molecules in targeting mitochondrial function. We have shown that these molecules hyperacetylate histone H4K12 and H4K16 and regulate the genes involved in mitochondrial function and dynamics. These small molecule inhibitors regulate mitochondrial function as a compensatory mechanism by repressing oxidative phosphorylation and increasing glycolysis. Our data suggest that these CCG molecules are effective in inhibiting all the complexes of mitochondrial electron transport chains and further inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, our present findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CCG-203971 and CCG-232601, which may prove to be a promising approach to target aberrant bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeanne Y. Wei
- Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics and Institute on Aging, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (P.P.); (X.Z.); (A.V.); (G.A.)
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Gurczynski SJ, Lipinski JH, Strauss J, Alam S, Huffnagle GB, Ranjan P, Kennedy LH, Moore BB, O’Dwyer DN. Horizontal transmission of gut microbiota attenuates mortality in lung fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 9:e164572. [PMID: 38015634 PMCID: PMC10911107 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164572] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and often fatal disease. The pathogenesis is characterized by aberrant repair of lung parenchyma, resulting in loss of physiological homeostasis, respiratory failure, and death. The immune response in pulmonary fibrosis is dysregulated. The gut microbiome is a key regulator of immunity. The role of the gut microbiome in regulating the pulmonary immunity in lung fibrosis is poorly understood. Here, we determine the impact of gut microbiota on pulmonary fibrosis in substrains of C57BL/6 mice derived from different vendors (C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NCrl). We used germ-free models, fecal microbiota transplantation, and cohousing to transmit gut microbiota. Metagenomic studies of feces established keystone species between substrains. Pulmonary fibrosis was microbiota dependent in C57BL/6 mice. Gut microbiota were distinct by β diversity and α diversity. Mortality and lung fibrosis were attenuated in C57BL/6NCrl mice. Elevated CD4+IL-10+ T cells and lower IL-6 occurred in C57BL/6NCrl mice. Horizontal transmission of microbiota by cohousing attenuated mortality in C57BL/6J mice and promoted a transcriptionally altered pulmonary immunity. Temporal changes in lung and gut microbiota demonstrated that gut microbiota contributed largely to immunological phenotype. Key regulatory gut microbiota contributed to lung fibrosis, generating rationale for human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay H. Lipinski
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Joshua Strauss
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shafiul Alam
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gary B. Huffnagle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lucy H. Kennedy
- Unit for Laboratory and Animal Medicine, Office of Research, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bethany B. Moore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David N. O’Dwyer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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7
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Ling S, Kwak D, Kim KK. Inhibition of discoidin domain receptor 2 reveals kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions in regulating fibroblast activity. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L342-L351. [PMID: 37489274 PMCID: PMC10625828 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00066.2023] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating condition and current treatment is suboptimal. There has been considerable interest in the role of tyrosine kinase signaling as mediators of pro- and antifibrotic processes. Nintedanib is a nonspecific tyrosine kinase that has been shown to have therapeutic benefit in lung fibrosis. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear because nintedanib inhibits several tyrosine kinases, which are often expressed on multiple cell types with different activities during fibrosis. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) has been suggested as a potential target of nintedanib. DDR2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by fibrillar collagens such as type I collagen. DDR2 is primarily expressed by fibroblasts. The effectiveness of specifically targeting DDR2 signaling during fibrosis remains undefined. In the present study, we show that nintedanib acts as a direct and indirect inhibitor of DDR2. We then utilize a novel allosteric inhibitor of DDR2, WRG-28, which blocks ligand binding and activation of DDR2. We find that WRG-28 augments fibroblast apoptosis and attenuates fibrosis. Finally, we show that fibroblast type I collagen autocrine signaling is regulated by DDR2 through both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of DDR2. These findings highlight the importance of type I collagen autocrine signaling by fibroblasts during fibrosis and demonstrate that DDR2 has a central role in this pathway making it a potential therapeutic target.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Type I collagen is a major component of fibrosis and can signal through cell surface receptors such as discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2). DDR2 activation can lead to further collagen deposition by fibroblasts setting up a profibrotic positive feedback loop. In this report, we find that inhibition of DDR2 with nintedanib or a specific DDR2 inhibitor, WRG-28, can disrupt this cycle and prevent fibrosis through augmented fibroblast apoptosis and inhibited activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Doyun Kwak
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Kevin K Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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8
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Mebratu YA, Soni S, Rosas L, Rojas M, Horowitz JC, Nho R. The aged extracellular matrix and the profibrotic role of senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C565-C579. [PMID: 37486065 PMCID: PMC10511170 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00124.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible and fatal lung disease that is primarily found in the elderly population, and several studies have demonstrated that aging is the major risk factor for IPF. IPF is characterized by the presence of apoptosis-resistant, senescent fibroblasts that generate an excessively stiff extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM profoundly affects cellular functions and tissue homeostasis, and an aberrant ECM is closely associated with the development of lung fibrosis. Aging progressively alters ECM components and is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells that promote age-related tissue dysfunction through the expression of factors linked to a senescence-associated secretary phenotype (SASP). There is growing evidence that SASP factors affect various cell behaviors and influence ECM turnover in lung tissue through autocrine and/or paracrine signaling mechanisms. Since life expectancy is increasing worldwide, it is important to elucidate how aging affects ECM dynamics and turnover via SASP and thereby promotes lung fibrosis. In this review, we will focus on the molecular properties of SASP and its regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the pathophysiological process of ECM remodeling by SASP factors and the influence of an altered ECM from aged lungs on the development of lung fibrosis will be highlighted. Finally, recent attempts to target ECM alteration and senescent cells to modulate fibrosis will be introduced.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging is the most prominent nonmodifiable risk factor for various human diseases including Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Aging progressively alters extracellular matrix components and is associated with the accumulation of senescent cells that promote age-related tissue dysfunction. In this review, we will discuss the pathological impact of aging and senescence on lung fibrosis via senescence-associated secretary phenotype factors and potential therapeutic approaches to limit the progression of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes A Mebratu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Sourabh Soni
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Lorena Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Richard Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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Sun X, Zhu M, Xia W, Xu X, Zhang J, Jiang X. Total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing myofibroblast transition. Fitoterapia 2023; 169:105567. [PMID: 37315715 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105567] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. has been used as a functional food in China for a long time. However, the antifibrotic activity of total sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TS-EL) is still unknown. In this study, we discovered that TS-EL reduced the increase in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen and fibronectin content, the formation of cell filaments and collagen gel contraction in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated human lung fibroblasts. Intriguingly, TS-EL did not change the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2. TS-EL decreased the levels of serum response factor (SRF), a critical transcription factor of α-SMA, and SRF knockdown alleviated the transition of lung myofibroblasts. Furthermore, TS-EL significantly attenuated bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung pathology and collagen deposition and reduced the levels of two profibrotic markers, total lung hydroxyproline and α-SMA. TS-EL also decreased the levels of SRF protein expression in BLM-induced mice. These results suggested that TS-EL attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast transition via the downregulation of SRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xionghua Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Xihan Xu
- Suzhou Foreign Language School, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
| | - Xiaogang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, China.
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10
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Towards a Unified Approach in Autoimmune Fibrotic Signalling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109060. [PMID: 37240405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity is a chronic process resulting in inflammation, tissue damage, and subsequent tissue remodelling and organ fibrosis. In contrast to acute inflammatory reactions, pathogenic fibrosis typically results from the chronic inflammatory reactions characterizing autoimmune diseases. Despite having obvious aetiological and clinical outcome distinctions, most chronic autoimmune fibrotic disorders have in common a persistent and sustained production of growth factors, proteolytic enzymes, angiogenic factors, and fibrogenic cytokines, which together stimulate the deposition of connective tissue elements or epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT) that progressively remodels and destroys normal tissue architecture leading to organ failure. Despite its enormous impact on human health, there are currently no approved treatments that directly target the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis. The primary goal of this review is to discuss the most recent identified mechanisms of chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by a fibrotic evolution with the aim to identify possible common and unique mechanisms of fibrogenesis that might be exploited in the development of effective antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
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Dhaouafi J, Abidi A, Nedjar N, Romdhani M, Tounsi H, Sebai H, Balti R. Protective Effect of Tunisian Red Seaweed ( Corallina officinalis) Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats. Dose Response 2023; 21:15593258231179906. [PMID: 37275392 PMCID: PMC10236256 DOI: 10.1177/15593258231179906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive respiratory disease whose diagnosis and physiopathogenesis are still poorly understood and for which, until recently, there were no effective treatments. Over the past few decades, many studies have demonstrated that marine macroalgae such as red seaweeds are potential alternative sources of useful bioactive compounds possessing various physiological and biological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Corallina officinalis aqueous extract (COAE) against bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rat. Thus, Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 each: control, BLM (2 mg/kg), BLM/COAE-150 mg/kg and BLM/COAE-300 mg/kg once a day for 21 days. Obtained results showed that COAE is rich in phenolic compounds and exhibited relatively high antioxidant activity. COAE might significantly reduce the damage caused by BLM by rewarding the decline in weight and pulmonary index in rats given only BLM. Moreover, lungs, liver and kidneys lipid peroxidation, and sulfhydryl group levels were reversed significantly in a dose-dependent manner in the COAE-treated groups. BLM decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while COAE administration increased the antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathologically, COAE attenuates the severity of the inflammatory lungs state caused by instillation of BLM in rats. These findings suggest that COAE can be a potential therapeutic candidate against BLM-induced lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihen Dhaouafi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Bio-Resources Valorization, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro
N1158, Université Lille, INRAE, Université Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Université
Artois, Université Littoral Côte
D’Opale, ICV-Institut Charles Viollette, Lille, France
| | - Anouar Abidi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Bio-Resources Valorization, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
| | - Naima Nedjar
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro
N1158, Université Lille, INRAE, Université Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Université
Artois, Université Littoral Côte
D’Opale, ICV-Institut Charles Viollette, Lille, France
| | - Montassar Romdhani
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Bio-Resources Valorization, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro
N1158, Université Lille, INRAE, Université Liège, UPJV, YNCREA, Université
Artois, Université Littoral Côte
D’Opale, ICV-Institut Charles Viollette, Lille, France
| | - Haifa Tounsi
- Laboratory of Human and
Experimental Pathological Anatomy, Pasteur Institute of
Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hichem Sebai
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Bio-Resources Valorization, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
| | - Rafik Balti
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology
and Bio-Resources Valorization, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia
- Université Paris-Saclay,
CentraleSupélec, Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Centre Européen de Biotechnologie et
de Bioéconomie (CEBB), Pomacle, France
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12
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Lehmann M, Kolb M. Another piece in the pirfenidone puzzle. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:61/4/2300240. [PMID: 37105587 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00240-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Lehmann
- Institute for Lung Research, Philipps-University Marburg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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13
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Xie Y, Yue L, Shi Y, Su X, Gan C, Liu H, Xue T, Ye T. Application and Study of ROCK Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4342-4360. [PMID: 36940432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinases (ROCKs), serine/threonine protein kinases, were initially identified as downstream targets of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and a particularly poor prognosis. Interestingly, ROCK activation has been demonstrated in PF patients and in animal PF models, making it a promising target for PF treatment. Many ROCK inhibitors have been discovered, and four of these have been approved for clinical use; however, no ROCK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of PF patients. In this article, we describe ROCK signaling pathways and the structure-activity relationship, potency, selectivity, binding modes, pharmacokinetics (PKs), biological functions, and recently reported inhibitors of ROCKs in the context of PF. We will also focus our attention on the challenges to be addressed when targeting ROCKs and discuss the strategy of ROCK inhibitor use in the treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yaojie Shi
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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14
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Sarkar A, Das S, Bone H, DeVengencie I, Prasad J, Farkas D, Londino JD, Nho RS, Rojas M, Horowitz JC. Regulation of Mesenchymal Cell Fate by Transfer of Active Gasdermin-D via Monocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:832-841. [PMID: 36688687 PMCID: PMC9998362 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by inappropriately persistent myofibroblast accumulation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition with the disruption of tissue architecture and organ dysfunction. Regulated death of reparative mesenchymal cells is critical for normal wound repair, but profibrotic signaling promotes myofibroblast resistance to apoptotic stimuli. A complex interplay between immune cells and structural cells underlies lung fibrogenesis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on how these cell populations interact to orchestrate physiologic and pathologic repair of the injured lung. In this context, gasdermin-D (GsdmD) is a cytoplasmic protein that is activated following cleavage by inflammatory caspases and induces regulated cell death by forming pores in cell membranes. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of human (Thp-1) monocyte-derived extracellular vesicles and GsdmD on human lung fibroblast death. Our data show that active GsdmD delivered by monocyte-derived extracellular vesicles induces caspase-independent fibroblast and myofibroblast death. This cell death was partly mediated by GsdmD-independent induction of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP-2) in the recipient fibroblast population. Our findings, to our knowledge, define a novel paradigm by which inflammatory monocytes may orchestrate the death of mesenchymal cells in physiologic wound healing, illustrating the potential to leverage this mechanism to eliminate mesenchymal cells and facilitate the resolution of fibrotic repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasuya Sarkar
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Srabani Das
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Hannah Bone
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ivana DeVengencie
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jayendra Prasad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Daniela Farkas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - James D Londino
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Richard S Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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15
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Yang Q, Miao Q, Chen H, Li D, Luo Y, Chiu J, Wang HJ, Chuvanjyan M, Parmacek MS, Shi W. Myocd regulates airway smooth muscle cell remodeling in response to chronic asthmatic injury. J Pathol 2023; 259:331-341. [PMID: 36484734 PMCID: PMC10107741 DOI: 10.1002/path.6044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal growth of airway smooth muscle cells is one of the key features in asthmatic airway remodeling, which is associated with asthma severity. The mechanisms underlying inappropriate airway smooth muscle cell growth in asthma remain largely unknown. Myocd has been reported to act as a key transcriptional coactivator in promoting airway-specific smooth muscle development in fetal lungs. Whether Myocd controls airway smooth muscle remodeling in asthma has not been investigated. Mice with lung mesenchyme-specific deletion of Myocd after lung development were generated, and a chronic asthma model was established by sensitizing and challenging the mice with ovalbumin for a prolonged period. Comparison of the asthmatic pathology between the Myocd knockout mice and the wild-type controls revealed that abrogation of Myocd mitigated airway smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, accompanied by reduced peri-airway inflammation, decreased fibrillar collagen deposition on airway walls, and attenuation of abnormal mucin production in airway epithelial cells. Our study indicates that Myocd is a key transcriptional coactivator involved in asthma airway remodeling. Inhibition of Myocd in asthmatic airways may be an effective approach to breaking the vicious cycle of asthmatic progression, providing a novel strategy in treating severe and persistent asthma. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Qing Miao
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Duo Li
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yongfeng Luo
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael Chuvanjyan
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Parmacek
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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16
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Knipe RS, Nurunnabi M, Probst CK, Spinney JJ, Abe E, Bose RJC, Ha K, Logue A, Nguyen T, Servis R, Drummond M, Haring A, Brazee PL, Medoff BD, McCarthy JR. Myofibroblast-specific inhibition of the Rho kinase-MRTF-SRF pathway using nanotechnology for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 324:L190-L198. [PMID: 36625494 PMCID: PMC9925159 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00086.2022] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of myofibroblasts in the lung and progressive tissue scarring. Fibroblasts exist across a spectrum of states, from quiescence in health to activated myofibroblasts in the setting of injury. Highly activated myofibroblasts have a critical role in the establishment of fibrosis as the predominant source of type 1 collagen and profibrotic mediators. Myofibroblasts are also highly contractile cells and can alter lung biomechanical properties through tissue contraction. Inhibiting signaling pathways involved in myofibroblast activation could therefore have significant therapeutic value. One of the ways myofibroblast activation occurs is through activation of the Rho/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)/serum response factor (SRF) pathway, which signals through intracellular actin polymerization. However, concerns surrounding the pleiotropic and ubiquitous nature of these signaling pathways have limited the translation of inhibitory drugs. Herein, we demonstrate a novel therapeutic antifibrotic strategy using myofibroblast-targeted nanoparticles containing a MTRF/SRF pathway inhibitor (CCG-1423), which has been shown to block myofibroblast activation in vitro. Myofibroblasts were preferentially targeted via the angiotensin 2 receptor, which has been shown to be selectively upregulated in animal and human studies. These nanoparticles were nontoxic and accumulated in lung myofibroblasts in the bleomycin-induced mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, reducing the number of these activated cells and their production of profibrotic mediators. Ultimately, in a murine model of lung fibrosis, a single injection of these drugs containing targeted nanoagents reduced fibrosis as compared with control mice. This approach has the potential to deliver personalized therapy by precisely targeting signaling pathways in a cell-specific manner, allowing increased efficacy with reduced deleterious off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Knipe
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Clemens K Probst
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jillian J Spinney
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Abe
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rajendran J C Bose
- Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, New York
| | - Khanh Ha
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, New York
| | - Amanda Logue
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trong Nguyen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Servis
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Drummond
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexis Haring
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia L Brazee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin D Medoff
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Andrew M. Tager Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jason R McCarthy
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, Utica, New York
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17
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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18
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Pawelec KM, Varnum M, Harkema JR, Auerbach B, Larsen SD, Neubig RR. Prevention of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis via inhibition of the MRTF/SRF transcription pathway. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e01028. [PMID: 36426895 PMCID: PMC9695093 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis is a debilitating disease, linked to high morbidity and mortality in chemotherapy patients. The MRTF/SRF transcription pathway has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target, as it is critical for myofibroblast differentiation, a hallmark of fibrosis. In human lung fibroblasts, the MRTF/SRF pathway inhibitor, CCG-257081, effectively decreased mRNA levels of downstream genes: smooth muscle actin and connective tissue growth factor, with IC50 s of 4 and 15 μM, respectively. The ability of CCG-257081 to prevent inflammation and fibrosis, measured via pulmonary collagen content and histopathology, was tested in a murine model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Animals were given intraperitoneal bleomycin for 4 weeks and concurrently dosed with CCG-257081 (0, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg PO), a clinical anti-fibrotic (nintedanib) or the clinical standard of care (prednisolone). Mice treated with 100 mg/kg CCG-257081 gained weight vs. vehicle-treated control mice, while those receiving nintedanib and prednisolone lost significant weight. Hydroxyproline content and histological findings in tissue of animals on 100 mg/kg CCG-257081 were not significantly different from naive tissue, indicating successful prevention. Measures of tissue fibrosis were comparable between CCG-257081 and nintedanib, but only the MRTF/SRF inhibitor decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a marker linked to fibrosis, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In contrast, prednisolone led to marked increases in lung fibrosis by all metrics. This study demonstrates the potential use of MRTF/SRF inhibitors to prevent bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a clinically relevant model of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Varnum
- FibrosIXEast LansingMichiganUSA,BBC Entrepreneurial Training and ConsultingChelseaMichiganUSA
| | - Jack R. Harkema
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic InvestigationMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA,Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Bruce Auerbach
- Office of Technology TransferUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Scott D. Larsen
- FibrosIXEast LansingMichiganUSA,Department of Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- FibrosIXEast LansingMichiganUSA,Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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19
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Ravarotto V, Bertoldi G, Stefanelli LF, Nalesso F, Calò LA. Pathomechanism of oxidative stress in cardiovascularrenal remodeling and therapeutic strategies. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2022; 41:533-544. [PMID: 36239057 PMCID: PMC9576462 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.22.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease indicates significant interactions between pathogenic pathways operating in the kidney and heart. These interactions involve all cell types (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and others), components of the vasculature, glomeruli, and heart that are susceptible to oxidative damage and structural alterations. A vicious cycle occurs whereby harmful factors such as reactive oxygen species and inflammation damage of vascular structures that themselves become sources of additional dangerous/toxic components released into the local environment. The evidence of this vicious cycle in chronic kidney disease should therefore lead to add other factors to both traditional and nontraditional risk factors. This review will examine the processes occurring during progressive kidney dysfunction with regard to vascular injury, renal remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, and the transversal role of oxidative stress in the development of these complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verdiana Ravarotto
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Medicine (DIMED), School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bertoldi
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Medicine (DIMED), School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Federica Stefanelli
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Medicine (DIMED), School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Nalesso
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Medicine (DIMED), School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Calò
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Medicine (DIMED), School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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20
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Burgos Villar KN, Liu X, Small EM. Transcriptional regulation of cardiac fibroblast phenotypic plasticity. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 28:100556. [PMID: 36777260 PMCID: PMC9915012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts play critical roles in the maintenance of cardiac structure and the response to cardiac insult. Extracellular matrix deposition by activated resident cardiac fibroblasts, called myofibroblasts, is an essential wound healing response. However, persistent fibroblast activation contributes to pathological fibrosis and cardiac chamber stiffening, which can cause diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and initiate lethal arrhythmias. The dynamic and phenotypically plastic nature of cardiac fibroblasts is governed in part by the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix molecules. Understanding how fibroblasts integrate various biomechanical cues into a precise transcriptional response may uncover therapeutic strategies to prevent fibrosis. Here, we provide an overview of the recent literature on transcriptional control of cardiac fibroblast plasticity and fibrosis, with a focus on canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling, biomechanical regulation of Hippo/YAP and Rho/MRTF signaling, and metabolic and epigenetic control of fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N. Burgos Villar
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Eric M. Small
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Correspondence:
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21
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Tang G, Yu C, Xiang K, Gao M, Liu Z, Yang B, Yang M, Zhao S. Inhibition of ANXA2 regulated by SRF attenuates the development of severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1067-1078. [PMID: 35900381 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas resulting from biliary obstruction or alcohol consumption. Approximately, 10-20% of AP can evolve into severe AP (SAP). In this study, we sought to explore the physiological roles of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), annexin A2 (ANXA2), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in SAP. METHODS C57BL/6 mice and rat pancreatic acinar cells (AR42J) were used to establish an AP model in vivo and in vitro by cerulein with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were examined by ELISA and immunoblotting analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate pathological changes in the course of AP. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometric and immunoblotting analysis. Molecular interactions were tested by dual luciferase reporter, ChIP, and Co-IP assays. RESULTS ANXA2 was overexpressed in AP and correlated to the severity of AP. ANXA2 knockdown rescued pancreatic acinar cells against inflammation and apoptosis induced by cerulein with or without LPS. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SRF bound with the ANXA2 promoter region and repressed its expression. ANXA2 could activate the NF-κB signaling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation of p50. SRF-mediated transcriptional repression of ANXA2-protected pancreatic acinar cells against AP-like injury through repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study highlighted a regulatory network consisting of SRF, ANXA2, and NF-κB that was involved in AP progression, possibly providing some novel targets for treating SAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiu Tang
- The Department of Gerontology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Yu
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaimin Xiang
- The Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Gao
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuoliang Liu
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingchang Yang
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingshi Yang
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangping Zhao
- The Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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23
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Dupont S, Wickström SA. Mechanical regulation of chromatin and transcription. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:624-643. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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24
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Wen D, Gao Y, Ho C, Yu L, Zhang Y, Lyu G, Hu D, Li Q, Zhang Y. Focusing on Mechanoregulation Axis in Fibrosis: Sensing, Transduction and Effecting. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:804680. [PMID: 35359592 PMCID: PMC8963247 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.804680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a pathologic process featured by the excessive deposition of connective tissue components, can affect virtually every organ and has no satisfactory therapy yet. Fibrotic diseases are often associated with organ dysfunction which leads to high morbidity and mortality. Biomechanical stmuli and the corresponding cellular response havebeen identified in fibrogenesis, as the fibrotic remodeling could be seen as the incapacity to reestablish mechanical homeostasis: along with extracellular matrix accumulating, the physical property became more “stiff” and could in turn induce fibrosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mechanoregulation in fibrosis, from initialing cellular mechanosensing to intracellular mechanotransduction and processing, and ends up in mechanoeffecting. Our contents are not limited to the cellular mechanism, but further expand to the disorders involved and current clinical trials, providing an insight into the disease and hopefully inspiring new approaches for the treatment of tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuguang Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guozhong Lyu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Dahai Hu
- Burns Centre of PLA, Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Qingfeng Li, ; Yifan Zhang,
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Qingfeng Li, ; Yifan Zhang,
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25
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Nho RS, Ballinger MN, Rojas MM, Ghadiali SN, Horowitz JC. Biomechanical Force and Cellular Stiffness in Lung Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:750-761. [PMID: 35183510 PMCID: PMC9088200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is characterized by the continuous accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins produced by apoptosis-resistant (myo)fibroblasts. Lung epithelial injury promotes the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, which are necessary for tissue repair and restoration of homeostasis. However, under pathologic conditions, a vicious cycle generated by profibrotic growth factors/cytokines, multicellular interactions, and matrix-associated signaling propagates the wound repair response and promotes lung fibrosis characterized not only by increased quantities of ECM proteins but also by changes in the biomechanical properties of the matrix. Importantly, changes in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the matrix itself can serve to perpetuate fibroblast activity and propagate fibrosis, even in the absence of the initial stimulus of injury. The development of novel experimental models and methods increasingly facilitates our ability to interrogate fibrotic processes at the cellular and molecular levels. The goal of this review is to discuss the impact of ECM conditions in the development of lung fibrosis and to introduce new approaches to more accurately model the in vivo fibrotic microenvironment. This article highlights the pathologic roles of ECM in terms of mechanical force and the cellular interactions while reviewing in vitro and ex vivo models of lung fibrosis. The improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to lung fibrosis holds promise for identification of new therapeutic targets and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Megan N Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mauricio M Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samir N Ghadiali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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26
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Huang S, Shao T, Liu H, Li T, Gui X, Zhao Q. Resident Fibroblast MKL1 Is Sufficient to Drive Pro-fibrogenic Response in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:812748. [PMID: 35178401 PMCID: PMC8844195 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.812748] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an evolutionarily conserved pathophysiological process serving bifurcated purposes. On the one hand, fibrosis is essential for wound healing and contributes to the preservation of organ function. On the other hand, aberrant fibrogenic response may lead to tissue remodeling and precipitate organ failure. Recently lineage tracing studies have shown that resident fibroblasts are the primary mediator of fibrosis taking place in key organs such as the heart, the lungs, and the kidneys. Megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is transcriptional regulator involved in tissue fibrosis. Here we generated resident fibroblast conditional MKL1 knockout (CKO) mice by crossing the Mkl1f/f mice to the Col1a2-CreERT2 mice. Models of cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and renal fibrosis were reproduced in the CKO mice and wild type (WT) littermates. Compared to the WT mice, the CKO mice displayed across-the-board attenuation of fibrosis in different models. Our data cement the pivotal role MKL1 plays in tissue fibrosis but point to the cellular origin from which MKL1 exerts its pro-fibrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianfa Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xianhua Gui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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27
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Tucker TA, Idell S. Update on Novel Targeted Therapy for Pleural Organization and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031587. [PMID: 35163509 PMCID: PMC8835949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural injury and subsequent loculation is characterized by acute injury, sustained inflammation and, when severe, pathologic tissue reorganization. While fibrin deposition is a normal part of the injury response, disordered fibrin turnover can promote pleural loculation and, when unresolved, fibrosis of the affected area. Within this review, we present a brief discussion of the current IPFT therapies, including scuPA, for the treatment of pathologic fibrin deposition and empyema. We also discuss endogenously expressed PAI-1 and how it may affect the efficacy of IPFT therapies. We further delineate the role of pleural mesothelial cells in the progression of pleural injury and subsequent pleural remodeling resulting from matrix deposition. We also describe how pleural mesothelial cells promote pleural fibrosis as myofibroblasts via mesomesenchymal transition. Finally, we discuss novel therapeutic targets which focus on blocking and/or reversing the myofibroblast differentiation of pleural mesothelial cells for the treatment of pleural fibrosis.
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28
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Song M, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Kong M, Han S, Wang C, Wang Y, Xu D, Tu Q, Zhu K, Sun C, Li G, Zhao H, Ma X. Inhibition of RhoA/MRTF-A signaling alleviates nucleus pulposus fibrosis induced by mechanical stress overload. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:53-68. [PMID: 34420462 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2021.1952193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/AIM : Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the leading cause of lower back pain, and clinically useful drugs for IDD are unavailable. Mechanical stress overload-induced fibrosis plays a critical role in IDD. RhoA/MRTF-A signaling is known to regulate tissue fibrosis; however, the effect of RhoA/MRTF-A on the development of IDD is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS : The expression of aggrecan, collagen I, collagen II, MMP-12, CTGF, and MRTF-A in nucleus pulposus (NP) samples from IDD patients and controls was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Primary nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were isolated and cultured to establish an overload strain model treated with or without CCG-1423. The protein levels of RhoA, ROCK2, MRTF-A, CTGF, and MMP-12 as well as fibrosis-associated proteins were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS : Collagen I, MMP-12, and CTGF were significantly upregulated, and aggrecan and collagen II were significantly downregulated in the IDD samples. The cellular localization of MRTF-A was associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Overloaded strain enhanced the nuclear translocation of MRTF-A and changed the NPC morphology from spindle-shaped to long strips. Additional experiments showed that RhoA, ROCK2, MRTF-A, SRF, MMP-12, and CTGF were upregulated; however, aggrecan and collagen II were downregulated in NPCs under overload strain. CCG-1423, a RhoA/MRTF-A pathway inhibitor, reversed strain-induced fibrosis. CONCLUSION : Mechanical stress activates RhoA/MRTF-A signaling to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration in the NP, which is associated with the development of IDD. Our findings suggest that the RhoA/MRTF-A inhibitor CCG-1423 can alleviate NPC degeneration caused by overload stress and has potential as a therapeutic agent for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxiong Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Meng Kong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Derong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qihao Tu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guanghui Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuexiao Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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29
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Li R, Ong Q, Wong CC, Chu ESH, Sung JJY, Yang X, Yu J. O-GlcNAcylation inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:3477-3486. [PMID: 34547820 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Protein O-GlcNAcylation is a critical post-translational modification regulating gene expression and fundamental cell functions. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) emerged as a key regulator of liver pathophysiology and disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of OGT in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and its consequent role in liver fibrosis. METHODS Primary HSCs were isolated from C57/B6 mice. Cell morphology and α-SMA immunofluorescence staining were observed under scanning confocal microscope. Transcriptomic profile was evaluated by RNAseq (Illumina). Promoter activity was examined by luciferase and β--Galactosidase reporter assays. Liver fibrosis mouse models were induced either by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at 3 times/week for 4 weeks or by feeding with methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. RESULTS OGT protein expression and protein O-GlcNAcylation were significantly decreased in CCl4 - or MCD diet-induced liver fibrosis as compared with normal liver in mice. OGT expression and protein O-GlcNAcylation were also decreased in primary HSCs isolated from liver with CCl4 -induced fibrosis compared with those from normal liver. RNA-seq showed that OGT knockdown in HSCs modulated key signaling pathways involved in HSC activation. Promoter sequence analysis of the differentially expressed genes predicted serum response factor (SRF) as a key transcription factor regulated by OGT. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that OGT repressed activity of SRF to induce α-SMA transcription. Mutations of specific O-GlcNAcylation sites on SRF increased its transcriptional activity, validating negative regulation of SRF by OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OGT functions as a negative regulator of HSC activation by promoting SRF O-GlcNAcylation to protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qunxiang Ong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eagle S H Chu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph J Y Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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30
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Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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31
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Huang W, Yu J, Liu T, Defnet AE, Zalesak S, Farese AM, MacVittie TJ, Kane MA. Acute Proteomic Changes in Lung after Radiation: Toward Identifying Initiating Events of Delayed Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure in Non-human Primate after Partial Body Irradiation with Minimal Bone Marrow Sparing. HEALTH PHYSICS 2021; 121:384-394. [PMID: 34546219 PMCID: PMC8546870 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Radiation-induced lung injury is a delayed effect of acute radiation exposure resulting in pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis. Molecular mechanisms that lead to radiation-induced lung injury remain incompletely understood. Using a non-human primate model of partial body irradiation with minimal bone marrow sparing, lung was analyzed from animals irradiated with 12 Gy at timepoints every 4 d up to 21 d after irradiation and compared to non-irradiated (sham) controls. Tryptic digests of lung tissues were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry followed by pathway analysis. Out of the 3,101 unique proteins that were identified, we found that 252 proteins showed significant and consistent responses across at least three time points post-irradiation, of which 215 proteins showed strong up-regulation while 37 proteins showed down-regulation. Canonical pathways affected by irradiation, changes in proteins that serve as upstream regulators, and proteins involved in key processes including inflammation, fibrosis, and retinoic acid signaling were identified. The proteomic profiling of lung conducted here represents an untargeted systems biology approach to identify acute molecular events in the non-human primate lung that could potentially be initiating events for radiation-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiliang Huang
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jianshi Yu
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tian Liu
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy E Defnet
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie Zalesak
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ann M. Farese
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Thomas J. MacVittie
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Maureen A Kane
- University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
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32
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Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Mechanosensitive Transcription Factors MRTF and YAP /TAZ. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:197-216. [PMID: 34028745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and the paralogous Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional co-activators that play pivotal roles in myofibroblast generation and activation, and thus the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. They are regulated by a variety of chemical and mechanical fibrogenic stimuli, primarily at the level of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this chapter we describe the tools and protocols that allow for exact, quantitative, and automated determination and analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of endogenous or heterologously expressed MRTF and YAP/TAZ, measured in large cell populations. Dynamic monitoring of nucleocytoplasmic ratios of transcription factors is a novel and important approach, suitable to address both the structural requirements and the regulatory mechanisms underlying transcription factor traffic and the consequent reprogramming of gene expression during fibrogenesis.
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Bernau K, Leet JP, Bruhn EM, Tubbs AJ, Zhu T, Sandbo N. Expression of serum response factor in the lung mesenchyme is essential for development of pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L174-L188. [PMID: 33978489 PMCID: PMC8321854 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00323.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix deposition characterizes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is orchestrated by myofibroblasts. The lung mesenchyme is an essential source of myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) has shown to be critical in the process of myofibroblast differentiation, its role in development of pulmonary fibrosis has not been determined in vivo. In this study, we observed that SRF expression localized to mesenchymal compartments, areas of dense fibrosis, and fibroblastic foci in human (IPF and normal) and bleomycin-treated mouse lungs. To determine the role of mesenchymal SRF in pulmonary fibrosis, we utilized a doxycycline-inducible, Tbx4 lung enhancer (Tbx4LE)-driven Cre-recombinase to disrupt SRF expression in the lung mesenchyme in vivo. Doxycycline-treated Tbx4LE-rtTA/TetO-Cre/tdTom/SRFf,f (and controls) were treated with a single intratracheal dose of bleomycin to induce pulmonary fibrosis and examined for lung mesenchymal expansion, pulmonary fibrosis, and inflammatory response. Bleomycin-treated Tbx4LE-rtTA/TetO-Cre/tdTom/SRFf,f mice showed decreased numbers of Tbx4LE-positive lung mesenchymal cells (LMCs) and collagen accumulation (via hydroxyproline assay) compared with controls. This effect was associated with SRF-null LMCs losing their proliferative and myofibroblast differentiation potential compared with SRF-positive controls. Together, these data demonstrate that SRF plays a critical role in LMC myofibroblast expansion during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This sets the stage for pharmacological strategies that specifically target SRF in the lung mesenchyme as a potential means of treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan Paul Leet
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ellen Marie Bruhn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Austin James Tubbs
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Terry Zhu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nathan Sandbo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Marchioni A, Tonelli R, Cerri S, Castaniere I, Andrisani D, Gozzi F, Bruzzi G, Manicardi L, Moretti A, Demurtas J, Baroncini S, Andreani A, Cappiello GF, Busani S, Fantini R, Tabbì L, Samarelli AV, Clini E. Pulmonary Stretch and Lung Mechanotransduction: Implications for Progression in the Fibrotic Lung. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126443. [PMID: 34208586 PMCID: PMC8234308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung fibrosis results from the synergic interplay between regenerative deficits of the alveolar epithelium and dysregulated mechanisms of repair in response to alveolar and vascular damage, which is followed by progressive fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation and excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix. The increased parenchymal stiffness of fibrotic lungs significantly affects respiratory mechanics, making the lung more fragile and prone to non-physiological stress during spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation. Given their parenchymal inhomogeneity, fibrotic lungs may display an anisotropic response to mechanical stresses with different regional deformations (micro-strain). This behavior is not described by the standard stress–strain curve but follows the mechano-elastic models of “squishy balls”, where the elastic limit can be reached due to the excessive deformation of parenchymal areas with normal elasticity that are surrounded by inelastic fibrous tissue or collapsed induration areas, which tend to protrude outside the fibrous ring. Increasing evidence has shown that non-physiological mechanical forces applied to fibrotic lungs with associated abnormal mechanotransduction could favor the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. With this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art on the relation between mechanical forces acting on the lung and biological response in pulmonary fibrosis, with a focus on the progression of damage in the fibrotic lung during spontaneous breathing and assisted ventilatory support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Marchioni
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefania Cerri
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Ivana Castaniere
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Dario Andrisani
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gozzi
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Bruzzi
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Linda Manicardi
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Antonio Moretti
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Jacopo Demurtas
- Primary Care Department USL Toscana Sud Est-Grosseto, 58100 Grosseto, Italy;
| | - Serena Baroncini
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Alessandro Andreani
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Gaia Francesca Cappiello
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Stefano Busani
- University Hospital of Modena, Anesthesiology Unit, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Fantini
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Luca Tabbì
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Anna Valeria Samarelli
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Enrico Clini
- Laboratory of Cell Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.M.); (S.C.); (I.C.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.M.); (A.M.); (A.V.S.); (E.C.)
- University Hospital of Modena, Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (A.A.); (G.F.C.); (R.F.); (L.T.)
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Yang Q, Shi W. Rho/ROCK-MYOCD in regulating airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L1-L5. [PMID: 33909498 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00034.2021] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal airway remodeling is a common pathological change seen in chronic respiratory diseases. Altered proliferation and differentiation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are the major components of airway remodeling, and the resultant structural abnormalities are difficult to restore. Understanding of airway smooth muscle regulation is urgently needed to identify potential intervention targets. MYOCD (or myocardin) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) are key cotranscription factors in muscle growth, which have not been extensively investigated in airway smooth muscle cells. In addition, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is known to play an important role in airway remodeling partly through regulating the proliferation and differentiation of ASMCs, which may be connected with MYOCD/MRTF cotranscription factors [Kumawat et al. (Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 311: L529-L537, 2016); Lagna et al. (J Biol Chem 282: 37244-37255, 2007)]. This review focuses on this newly recognized and potentially important RhoA/ROCK-MYOCD/MRTFs pathway in controlling airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Sanghani A, Kafetzis KN, Sato Y, Elboraie S, Fajardo-Sanchez J, Harashima H, Tagalakis AD, Yu-Wai-Man C. Novel PEGylated Lipid Nanoparticles Have a High Encapsulation Efficiency and Effectively Deliver MRTF-B siRNA in Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:382. [PMID: 33805660 PMCID: PMC7998417 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The master regulator of the fibrosis cascade is the myocardin-related transcription factor/serum response factor (MRTF/SRF) pathway, making it a key target for anti-fibrotic therapeutics. In the past, inhibitors and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the MRTF-B gene have been deployed to counter fibrosis in the eye, with the latter showing promising results. However, the biggest challenge in implementing siRNA therapeutics is the method of delivery. In this study, we utilised the novel, pH-sensitive, cationic lipid CL4H6, which has previously demonstrated potent targeting of hepatocytes and endosomal escape, to safely and efficiently deliver an MRTF-B siRNA into human conjunctival fibroblasts. We prepared two lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, incorporating targeting cleavable peptide cY in one of them, and measured their physicochemical properties and silencing effect in human conjunctival fibroblasts. Both proved to be non-cytotoxic at a concentration of 50 nM and effectively silenced the MRTF-B gene in vitro, with the targeting cleavable peptide not affecting the silencing efficiency [LNP with cY: 62.1% and 81.5% versus LNP without cY: 77.7% and 80.2%, at siRNA concentrations of 50 nM (p = 0.06) and 100 nM (p = 0.09), respectively]. On the other hand, the addition of the targeting cleavable peptide significantly increased the encapsulation efficiency of the LNPs from 92.5% to 99.3% (p = 0.0005). In a 3D fibroblast-populated collagen matrix model, both LNP formulations significantly decreased fibroblast contraction after a single transfection. We conclude that the novel PEGylated CL4H6-MRTF-B siRNA-loaded LNPs represent a promising therapeutic approach to prevent conjunctival fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Sanghani
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (A.S.); (J.F.-S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; (Y.S.); (H.H.)
| | - Salsabil Elboraie
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (K.N.K.); (S.E.)
| | - Julia Fajardo-Sanchez
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (A.S.); (J.F.-S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; (Y.S.); (H.H.)
| | | | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; (A.S.); (J.F.-S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK
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Sprenkeler EGG, Guenther C, Faisal I, Kuijpers TW, Fagerholm SC. Molecular Mechanisms of Leukocyte Migration and Its Potential Targeting-Lessons Learned From MKL1/SRF-Related Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:615477. [PMID: 33692789 PMCID: PMC7938309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.615477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) deficiency is one of the most recently discovered primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) caused by cytoskeletal abnormalities. These immunological “actinopathies” primarily affect hematopoietic cells, resulting in defects in both the innate immune system (phagocyte defects) and adaptive immune system (T-cell and B-cell defects). MKL1 is a transcriptional coactivator that operates together with serum response factor (SRF) to regulate gene transcription. The MKL/SRF pathway has been originally described to have important functions in actin regulation in cells. Recent results indicate that MKL1 also has very important roles in immune cells, and that MKL1 deficiency results in an immunodeficiency affecting the migration and function of primarily myeloid cells such as neutrophils. Interestingly, several actinopathies are caused by mutations in genes which are recognized MKL(1/2)-dependent SRF-target genes, namely ACTB, WIPF1, WDR1, and MSN. Here we summarize these and related (ARPC1B) actinopathies and their effects on immune cell function, especially focusing on their effects on leukocyte adhesion and migration. Furthermore, we summarize recent therapeutic efforts targeting the MKL/SRF pathway in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien G G Sprenkeler
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carla Guenther
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Imrul Faisal
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susanna C Fagerholm
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Jarzebska N, Karetnikova ES, Markov AG, Kasper M, Rodionov RN, Spieth PM. Scarred Lung. An Update on Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:585756. [PMID: 33521012 PMCID: PMC7843914 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.585756] [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: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is a common severe long-time complication of radiation therapy for tumors of the thorax. Current therapeutic options used in the clinic include only supportive managements strategies, such as anti-inflammatory treatment using steroids, their efficacy, however, is far from being satisfactory. Recent studies have demonstrated that the development of lung fibrosis is a dynamic and complex process, involving the release of reactive oxygen species, activation of Toll-like receptors, recruitment of inflammatory cells, excessive production of nitric oxide and production of collagen by activated myofibroblasts. In this review we summarized the current state of knowledge on the pathophysiological processes leading to the development of lung fibrosis and we also discussed the possible treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Jarzebska
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Center for Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Alexander G. Markov
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael Kasper
- Institute of Anatomy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Roman N. Rodionov
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Center for Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter M. Spieth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Agarwal M, Goheen M, Jia S, Ling S, White ES, Kim KK. Type I Collagen Signaling Regulates Opposing Fibrotic Pathways through α 2β 1 Integrin. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 63:613-622. [PMID: 32692932 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0150oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by fibroblast activation, leading to matrix remodeling culminating in a stiff, type I collagen-rich fibrotic matrix. Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is also a major feature of fibrogenesis, and AEC apoptosis is sufficient to initiate a robust lung fibrotic response. TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) is a major driver of fibrosis and can induce both AEC apoptosis and fibroblast activation. We and others have previously shown that changes in extracellular matrix stiffness and composition can regulate the cellular response to TGF-β. In the present study, we find that type I collagen signaling promotes TGF-β-mediated fibroblast activation and inhibits TGF-β-induced AEC death. Fibroblasts cultured on type I collagen or fibrotic decellularized lung matrix had augmented activation in response to TGF-β, whereas AECs on cultured on type I collagen or fibrotic lung matrix were more resistant to TGF-β-induced apoptosis. Both of these responses were mediated by integrin α2β1, a major collagen receptor. AECs treated with an α2 integrin inhibitor or with deletion of α2 integrin had loss of collagen-mediated protection from apoptosis. We found that mice with fibroblast-specific deletion of α2 integrin were protected from fibrosis whereas mice with AEC-specific deletion of α2 integrin had more lung injury and a greater fibrotic response to bleomycin. Intrapulmonary delivery of an α2 integrin-activating collagen peptide inhibited AEC apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and attenuated the fibrotic response. These studies underscore the need for a thorough understanding of the divergent response to matrix signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mitchell Goheen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shijing Jia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Song Ling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eric S White
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kevin K Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Molecular Mechanisms to Target Cellular Senescence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122540. [PMID: 33255630 PMCID: PMC7761055 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a major cause of cancer-related death and is the most common type of liver cancer. Due to the current paucity of drugs for HCC therapy there is a pressing need to develop new therapeutic concepts. In recent years, the role of Serum Response Factor (SRF) and its coactivators, Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors A and B (MRTF-A and -B), in HCC formation and progression has received considerable attention. Targeting MRTFs results in HCC growth arrest provoked by oncogene-induced senescence. The induction of senescence acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism and therefore gains consideration for pharmacological interventions in cancer therapy. In this article, we describe the key features and the functional role of senescence in light of the development of novel drug targets for HCC therapy with a focus on MRTFs.
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Freeberg MAT, Perelas A, Rebman JK, Phipps RP, Thatcher TH, Sime PJ. Mechanical Feed-Forward Loops Contribute to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:18-25. [PMID: 33031756 PMCID: PMC7768346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive scarring disease characterized by extracellular matrix accumulation and altered mechanical properties of lung tissue. Recent studies support the hypothesis that these compositional and mechanical changes create a progressive feed-forward loop in which enhanced matrix deposition and tissue stiffening contribute to fibroblast and myofibroblast differentiation and activation, which further perpetuates matrix production and stiffening. The biomechanical properties of tissues are sensed and responded to by mechanotransduction pathways that facilitate sensing of changes in mechanical cues by tissue resident cells and convert the mechanical signals into downstream biochemical signals. Although our understanding of mechanotransduction pathways associated with pulmonary fibrosis remains incomplete, recent progress has allowed us to begin to elucidate the specific mechanisms supporting fibrotic feed-forward loops. The mechanosensors discussed here include integrins, Piezo channels, transient receptor potential channels, and nonselective ion channels. Also discussed are downstream transcription factors, including myocardin-related transcription factor and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif. This review describes mechanosensors and mechanotransduction pathways associated with fibrosis progression and highlights promising therapeutic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A T Freeberg
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Apostolos Perelas
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jane K Rebman
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Thomas H Thatcher
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Patricia J Sime
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
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Onuh JO, Qiu H. Serum response factor-cofactor interactions and their implications in disease. FEBS J 2020; 288:3120-3134. [PMID: 32885587 PMCID: PMC7925694 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a member of the Mcm1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF (MADS) box transcription factor, is widely expressed in all cell types and plays a crucial role in the physiological function and development of diseases. SRF regulates its downstream genes by binding to their CArG DNA box by interacting with various cofactors. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, therefore attracting increasing research attention due to the importance of this topic. This review's objective is to discuss the new progress in the studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of SRF and its impacts in physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, we summarized the recent studies on the interaction of SRF with its two main types of cofactors belonging to the myocardin families of transcription factors and the members of the ternary complex factors. The knowledge of these mechanisms will create new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of many traits and disease pathogenesis especially, cardiovascular diseases and cancer that could serve as targets for pharmacological control and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oloche Onuh
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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44
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Fedintsev A, Moskalev A. Stochastic non-enzymatic modification of long-lived macromolecules - A missing hallmark of aging. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 62:101097. [PMID: 32540391 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Damage accumulation in long-living macromolecules (especially extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins, and histones) is a missing hallmark of aging. Stochastic non-enzymatic modifications of ECM trigger cellular senescence as well as many other hallmarks of aging affect organ barriers integrity and drive tissue fibrosis. The importance of it for aging makes it a key target for interventions. The most promising of them can be AGE inhibitors (chelators, O-acetyl group or transglycating activity compounds, amadorins and amadoriases), glucosepane breakers, stimulators of elastogenesis, and RAGE antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fedintsev
- Institute of Biology of FRC of Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- Institute of Biology of FRC of Komi Scientific Center, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia.
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Karvar S, Ansa-Addo EA, Suda J, Singh S, Zhu L, Li Z, Rockey DC. Moesin, an Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Family Member, Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis. Hepatology 2020; 72:1073-1084. [PMID: 31860744 PMCID: PMC7437180 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Moesin, an ezrin/radixin/moesin family member, is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, polarity, and migration by cross-linking between the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. The primary effector cell in hepatic fibrosis is the hepatic stellate cell (HSC), which undergoes activation during liver injury leading to increased extracellular matrix production. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we have hypothesized that moesin plays a critical role in linking the HSC cytoskeleton to the fibrogenic cascade during HSC activation. Moesin phosphorylation was up-regulated during HSC activation and fibrogenesis. Using moesin wild-type (WT) and mutant constructs (phosphomimicking T558D and nonphosphorylatable T558A), we found that cellular motility and contraction were increased in moesin WT-infected and T558D-infected cells, paralleled by an increase in smooth muscle α-actin and collagen 1 expression. In contrast, overexpression of nonphosphorylatable moesin and moesin knockout (KO) decreased cellular motility and contraction. Most importantly, moesin KO led to abrogation of liver fibrosis. The mechanism of moesin's effect was a reduction in myocardin-related transcription factor-A and serum-response factor (SRF)-mediated changes in the actin cytoskeleton, which in turn modulated the expression of matrix genes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings suggest that the linkage between cytoskeletal dynamics and the correlated MRTF/SRF signaling pathway has a pivotal role in HSC activation and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhan Karvar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Jo Suda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Lixin Zhu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Department of
Colorectal Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University,
Guangzhou, China. Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pediatrics,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer
Center
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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46
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Yang J, Agarwal M, Ling S, Teitz-Tennenbaum S, Zemans RL, Osterholzer JJ, Sisson TH, Kim KK. Diverse Injury Pathways Induce Alveolar Epithelial Cell CCL2/12, Which Promotes Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:622-632. [PMID: 31922885 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0297oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that fibrosis is a multicellular process with contributions from alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), recruited monocytes/macrophages, and fibroblasts. We have previously shown that AEC injury is sufficient to induce fibrosis, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Several cell types, including AECs, can produce CCL2 and CCL12, which can promote fibrosis through CCR2 activation. CCR2 signaling is critical for the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, in part through recruitment of profibrotic bone marrow-derived monocytes. Attempts at inhibiting CCL2 in patients with fibrosis demonstrated a marked upregulation of CCL2 production and no therapeutic response. To better understand the mechanisms involved in CCL2/CCR2 signaling, we generated mice with conditional deletion of CCL12, a murine homolog of human CCL2. Surprisingly, we found that mice with complete deletion of CCL12 had markedly increased concentrations of other CCR2 ligands and were not protected from fibrosis after bleomycin injury. In contrast, mice with lung epithelial cell-specific deletion of CCL12 were protected from bleomycin-induced fibrosis and had expression of CCL2 and CCL7 similar to that of control mice treated with bleomycin. Deletion of CCL12 within AECs led to decreased recruitment of exudate macrophages. Finally, injury to murine and human primary AECs resulted in increased production of CCL2 and CCL12, in part through activation of the mTOR pathway. In conclusion, these data suggest that targeting CCL2 may be a viable antifibrotic strategy once the pathways involved in the production and function of CCL2 and other CCR2 ligands are better defined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manisha Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Song Ling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Seagal Teitz-Tennenbaum
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and.,Pulmonary Section, Department of Medicine, VA Ann Arbor Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rachel L Zemans
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - John J Osterholzer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and.,Pulmonary Section, Department of Medicine, VA Ann Arbor Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Thomas H Sisson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Kevin K Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
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47
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Deng Z, Fear MW, Suk Choi Y, Wood FM, Allahham A, Mutsaers SE, Prêle CM. The extracellular matrix and mechanotransduction in pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 126:105802. [PMID: 32668329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is characterised by excessive scarring in the lung which leads to compromised lung function, serious breathing problems and in some diseases, death. It includes several lung disorders with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) the most common and most severe. Pulmonary fibrosis is considered to be perpetuated by aberrant wound healing which leads to fibroblast accumulation, differentiation and activation, and deposition of excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, in particular, collagen. Recent studies have identified the importance of changes in the composition and structure of lung ECM during the development of pulmonary fibrosis and the interaction between ECM and lung cells. There is strong evidence that increased matrix stiffness induces changes in cell function including proliferation, migration, differentiation and activation. Understanding how changes in the ECM microenvironment influence cell behaviour during fibrogenesis, and the mechanisms regulating these changes, will provide insight for developing new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Deng
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Mark W Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia; Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona M Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia; Burns Service of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amira Allahham
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Steven E Mutsaers
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Cecilia M Prêle
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
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48
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Diazzi S, Tartare-Deckert S, Deckert M. Bad Neighborhood: Fibrotic Stroma as a New Player in Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061364. [PMID: 32466585 PMCID: PMC7352197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for metastatic cutaneous melanoma include immunotherapies and drugs targeting key molecules of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is often activated by BRAF driver mutations. Overall responses from patients with metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma are better with therapies combining BRAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. However, most patients that initially respond to therapies develop drug resistance within months. Acquired resistance to targeted therapies can be due to additional genetic alterations in melanoma cells and to non-genetic events frequently associated with transcriptional reprogramming and a dedifferentiated cell state. In this second scenario, it is possible to identify pro-fibrotic responses induced by targeted therapies that contribute to the alteration of the melanoma tumor microenvironment. A close interrelationship between chronic fibrosis and cancer has been established for several malignancies including breast and pancreatic cancers. In this context, the contribution of fibrosis to drug adaptation and therapy resistance in melanoma is rapidly emerging. In this review, we summarize recent evidence underlining the hallmarks of fibrotic diseases in drug-exposed and resistant melanoma, including increased remodeling of the extracellular matrix, enhanced actin cytoskeleton plasticity, high sensitivity to mechanical cues, and the establishment of an inflammatory microenvironment. We also discuss several potential therapeutic options for manipulating this fibrotic-like response to combat drug-resistant and invasive melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Diazzi
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
| | - Marcel Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
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Tschumperlin DJ, Lagares D. Mechano-therapeutics: Targeting Mechanical Signaling in Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107575. [PMID: 32437826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activated myofibroblasts is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. Activation of myofibroblasts occurs in response to fibrogenic tissue injury as well as in tumor-associated fibrotic reactions. The molecular determinants of myofibroblast activation in fibrosis and tumor stroma have traditionally been viewed to include biochemical agents, such as dysregulated growth factor and cytokine signaling, which profoundly alter the biology of fibroblasts, ultimately leading to overexuberant matrix deposition and fibrosis. More recently, compelling evidence has shown that altered mechanical properties of the ECM such as matrix stiffness are major drivers of tissue fibrogenesis by promoting mechano-activation of fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the role of the biophysical microenvironment in the amplified activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts during the development and progression of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. We also summarize novel therapeutic targets for anti-fibrotic therapy based on the mechanobiology of tissue fibrosis and tumor stroma, a class of drugs known as "mechano-therapeutics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Tissue Repair and Mechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 1(st) St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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50
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Shi Z, Ren M, Rockey DC. Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A synergistically mediate actin cytoskeletal-dependent inhibition of liver fibrogenesis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G504-G517. [PMID: 31928221 PMCID: PMC7099496 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00302.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), characterized by development of a robust actin cytoskeleton and expression of abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as type 1 collagen (COL.1), is a central cellular and molecular event in liver fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that HSCs express both myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A). However, the biological effects of myocardin and MRTF-A on HSC activation and liver fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanism under the process, remain unclear. Here, we report that myocardin and MRTF-A's expression and nuclear accumulation are prominently increased during the HSC activation process, accompanied by robust activation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A binding and function with a novel small molecule, CCG-203971, led to dose-dependent inhibition of HSC actin cytoskeleton dynamics and abrogated multiple functional features of HSC activation (i.e., HSC contraction, migration and proliferation) and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, blocking the myocardin and MRTF-A nuclear translocation pathway with CCG-203971 directly inhibited myocardin/MRTF-A-mediated serum response factor (SRF), and Smad2/3 activation in the COL.1α2 promoter and indirectly abrogated actin cytoskeleton-dependent regulation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and their nuclear accumulation. Finally, there was no effect of CCG-203971 on markers of inflammation, suggesting a direct effect of the compound on HSCs and liver fibrosis. These data reveal that myocardin and MRTF-A are two important cotranscriptional factors in HSCs and represent entirely novel therapeutic pathways that might be targeted to treat liver fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) are upregulated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo, closely associated with robustly increased actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A by CCG-203971 leads to actin cytoskeleton-dependent inhibition of HSC activation, reduced cell contractility, impeded cell migration and proliferation, and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Dual expression of myocardin and MRTF-A in HSCs may represent novel therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengdun Shi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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