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Zhu C, Zheng R, Han X, Tang Z, Li F, Hu X, Lin R, Shen J, Pei Q, Wang R, Wei G, Peng Z, Chen W, Liang Z, Zhou Y. Knockout of integrin αvβ6 protects against renal inflammation in chronic kidney disease by reduction of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:397. [PMID: 38844455 PMCID: PMC11156928 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06785-5] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Integrin αvβ6 holds promise as a therapeutic target for organ fibrosis, yet targeted therapies are hampered by concerns over inflammatory-related side effects. The role of αvβ6 in renal inflammation remains unknown, and clarifying this issue is crucial for αvβ6-targeted treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we revealed a remarkable positive correlation between overexpressed αvβ6 in proximal tubule cells (PTCs) and renal inflammation in CKD patients and mouse models. Notably, knockout of αvβ6 not only significantly alleviated renal fibrosis but also reduced inflammatory responses in mice, especially the infiltration of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Furthermore, conditional knockout of αvβ6 in PTCs in vivo and co-culture of PTCs with macrophages in vitro showed that depleting αvβ6 in PTCs suppressed the migration and pro-inflammatory differentiation of macrophages. Screening of macrophage activators showed that αvβ6 in PTCs activates macrophages via secreting IL-34. IL-34 produced by PTCs was significantly diminished by αvβ6 silencing, and reintroduction of IL-34 restored macrophage activities, while anti-IL-34 antibody restrained macrophage activities enhanced by αvβ6 overexpression. Moreover, RNA-sequencing of PTCs and verification experiments demonstrated that silencing αvβ6 in PTCs blocked hypoxia-stimulated IL-34 upregulation and secretion by inhibiting YAP expression, dephosphorylation, and nuclear translocation, which resulted in the activation of Hippo signaling. While application of a YAP agonist effectively recurred IL-34 production by PTCs, enhancing the subsequent macrophage migration and activation. Besides, reduced IL-34 expression and YAP activation were also observed in global or PTCs-specific αvβ6-deficient injured kidneys. Collectively, our research elucidates the pro-inflammatory function and YAP/IL-34/macrophage axis-mediated mechanism of αvβ6 in renal inflammation, providing a solid rationale for the use of αvβ6 inhibition to treat kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruilin Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ziwen Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinrong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruoni Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Pei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guangyan Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhou Liang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Nguyen HN, Jeong Y, Kim Y, Kim YH, Athar H, Castaldi PJ, Hersh CP, Padera RF, Sholl LM, Vivero M, Sharma NS, Yun J, Merriam LT, Yuan K, Kim EY, Brenner MB. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor amplifies pathogenic activation of fibroblasts in lung fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595153. [PMID: 38826450 PMCID: PMC11142130 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis drives end-organ damage in many diseases. However, clinical trials targeting individual upstream activators of fibroblasts, such as TGFβ, have largely failed. Here, we target the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) as a "master amplifier" of multiple upstream activators of lung fibroblasts. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common fibrotic lung disease, we found that lung myofibroblasts had high LIF expression. Further, TGFβ1, one of the key drivers of fibrosis, upregulated LIF expression in IPF fibroblasts. In vitro anti-LIFR antibody blocking on human IPF lung fibroblasts reduced induction of profibrotic genes downstream of TGFβ1, IL-4 and IL-13. Further, siRNA silencing of LIFR in IPF precision cut lung slices reduced expression of fibrotic proteins. Together, we find that LIFR drives an autocrine positive feedback loop that amplifies and sustains pathogenic activation of IPF fibroblasts downstream of multiple external stimuli, implicating LIFR as a therapeutic target in fibrosis. Significance Statement Fibroblasts have a central role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. However, due to in part to multiple profibrotic stimuli, targeting a single activator of fibroblasts, like TGFβ, has not yielded successful clinical treatments. We hypothesized that a more effective therapeutic strategy is identifying a downstream "master amplifier" of a range of upstream profibrotic stimuli. This study identifies the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) on fibrotic lung fibroblasts amplifies multiple profibrotic stimuli, such as IL-13 and TGFβ. Blocking LIFR reduced fibrosis in ex vivo lung tissue from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). LIFR, acting as a master amplifier downstream of fibroblast activation, offers an alternative therapeutic strategy for fibrotic diseases.
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Hu Y, Hao F, An Q, Jiang W. Immune cell signatures and inflammatory mediators: unraveling their genetic impact on chronic kidney disease through Mendelian randomization. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:94. [PMID: 38703294 PMCID: PMC11069478 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01341-z] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Prior research has established associations between immune cells, inflammatory proteins, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our Mendelian randomization study aims to elucidate the genetic causal relationships among these factors and CKD. We applied Mendelian randomization using genetic variants associated with CKD from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) and inflammatory markers from a comprehensive GWAS summary. The causal links between exposures (immune cell subtypes and inflammatory proteins) and CKD were primarily analyzed using the inverse variance-weighted, supplemented by sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO. Our analysis identified both absolute and relative counts of CD28 + CD45RA + CD8 + T cell (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001, FDR = 0.018) (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00-1.01; p < 0.001, FDR = 0.002), CD28 on CD39 + CD8 + T cell(OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99; p < 0.001, FDR = 0.006), CD16 on CD14-CD16 + monocyte (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01-1.03; p < 0.001, FDR = 0.004) and cytokines, such as IL-17A(OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06-1.16, p < 0.001, FDR = 0.001), and LIF-R(OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10, p = 0.005, FDR = 0.043) that are genetically predisposed to influence the risk of CKD. Moreover, the study discovered that CKD itself may causatively lead to alterations in certain proteins, including CST5(OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09-1.24, p < 0.001, FDR = 0.001). No evidence of reverse causality was found for any single biomarker and CKD. This comprehensive MR investigation supports a genetic causal nexus between certain immune cell subtypes, inflammatory proteins, and CKD. These findings enhance the understanding of CKD's immunological underpinnings and open avenues for targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzheng Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fengyun Hao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian An
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Stefania K, Ashok KK, Geena PV, Katarina P, Isak D. TMAO enhances TNF-α mediated fibrosis and release of inflammatory mediators from renal fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9070. [PMID: 38643262 PMCID: PMC11032383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite and TNF-α is proinflammatory cytokine, both known to be associated with renal inflammation, fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. However, today there are no data showing the combined effect of TMAO and TNF-α on renal fibrosis-and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TMAO can enhance the inflammatory and fibrotic effects of TNF-α on renal fibroblasts. We found that the combination of TNF-α and TMAO synergistically increased fibronectin release and total collagen production from renal fibroblasts. The combination of TMAO and TNF-α also promoted increased cell proliferation. Both renal proliferation and collagen production were mediated through Akt/mTOR/ERK signaling. We also found that TMAO enhanced TNF-α mediated renal inflammation by inducing the release of several cytokines (IL-6, LAP TGF-beta-1), chemokines (CXCL-6, MCP-3), inflammatory-and growth mediators (VEGFA, CD40, HGF) from renal fibroblasts. In conclusion, we showed that TMAO can enhance TNF-α mediated renal fibrosis and release of inflammatory mediators from renal fibroblasts in vitro. Our results can promote further research evaluating the combined effect of TMAO and inflammatory mediators on the development of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapetanaki Stefania
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Campus USÖ, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
- Nephrology Department, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Solna, Sweden.
- Nephrology Department, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kumawat Kumar Ashok
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Campus USÖ, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Persson Katarina
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Campus USÖ, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Demirel Isak
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Campus USÖ, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
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Lu T, Chen S, Xu J. RGS1 mediates renal interstitial fibrosis through activation of the inflammatory response. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 750:109744. [PMID: 37696381 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109744] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is considered as a common pathway for all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). The basic pathological manifestation is the increase of matrix component in the tubular interstitium, while the injury of tubular epithelial cells in the renal interstitium and the excessive accumulation of matrix will eventually lead to tubular atrophy and obstruction, loss of effective renal units, and finally impaired renal filtration function. The relevant mechanism of RIF remains unclear. The present study will investigate the function and relevant mechanism of RGS1 in RIF. The RIF-related microarrays GSE22459 and GSE76882 were downloaded and analyzed. Renal parenchymal atrophic calyx tissues were collected from clinical RIF patients. Cellular inflammation, fibrosis and animal RIF models were constructed using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TGF-β1 and unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO). HE and Masson staining were performed to detect morphological alterations of renal tissue samples. qRT-PCR, Western blot and ELISA were carried out to detect the expression of relevant genes/proteins. RGS1 is a gene co-differentially expressed by GSE22459 and GSE76882. RGS1 expression was elevated in renal tissues of RIF patients, cells and animal RIF models. Knockdown of RGS1 inhibited renal cell inflammatory response, fibrosis and renal fibrosis in RIF mice. Overexpression of RGS1 plays the opposite role. Knockdown of RGS1 inhibited the inflammatory response in the RIF cell and mouse model. Targeting RGS1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for RIF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tefei Lu
- Department of Urology, Ningbo Medical Central Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Urology, Ningbo Medical Central Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianting Xu
- Department of Urology, Ningbo Medical Central Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang, China.
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Polonsky M, Gerhardt LMS, Yun J, Koppitch K, Colón KL, Amrhein H, Zheng S, Yuan GC, Thomson M, Cai L, McMahon AP. Spatial transcriptomics defines injury-specific microenvironments in the adult mouse kidney and novel cellular interactions in regeneration and disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568217. [PMID: 38045285 PMCID: PMC10690238 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Kidney injury disrupts the intricate renal architecture and triggers limited regeneration, and injury-invoked inflammation and fibrosis. Deciphering molecular pathways and cellular interactions driving these processes is challenging due to the complex renal architecture. Here, we applied single cell spatial transcriptomics to examine ischemia-reperfusion injury in the mouse kidney. Spatial transcriptomics revealed injury-specific and spatially-dependent gene expression patterns in distinct cellular microenvironments within the kidney and predicted Clcf1-Crfl1 in a molecular interplay between persistently injured proximal tubule cells and neighboring fibroblasts. Immune cell types play a critical role in organ repair. Spatial analysis revealed cellular microenvironments resembling early tertiary lymphoid structures and identified associated molecular pathways. Collectively, this study supports a focus on molecular interactions in cellular microenvironments to enhance understanding of injury, repair and disease. One-Sentence Summary: Spatial transcriptomics predicted a molecular interplay amongst neighboring cell-types in the injured mammalian kidney Main Text.
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Yang Q, Huo E, Cai Y, Zhang Z, Dong C, Asara JM, Shi H, Wei Q. Myeloid PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis promotes kidney fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1259434. [PMID: 38035106 PMCID: PMC10687406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive renal fibrosis is a common pathology in progressive chronic kidney diseases. Inflammatory injury and aberrant repair processes contribute to the development of kidney fibrosis. Myeloid cells, particularly monocytes/macrophages, play a crucial role in kidney fibrosis by releasing their proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix components such as collagen and fibronectin into the microenvironment of the injured kidney. Numerous signaling pathways have been identified in relation to these activities. However, the involvement of metabolic pathways in myeloid cell functions during the development of renal fibrosis remains understudied. In our study, we initially reanalyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data of renal myeloid cells from Dr. Denby's group and observed an increased gene expression in glycolytic pathway in myeloid cells that are critical for renal inflammation and fibrosis. To investigate the role of myeloid glycolysis in renal fibrosis, we utilized a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice deficient of Pfkfb3, an activator of glycolysis, in myeloid cells (Pfkfb3 ΔMϕ ) and their wild type littermates (Pfkfb3 WT). We observed a significant reduction in fibrosis in the obstructive kidneys of Pfkfb3 ΔMϕ mice compared to Pfkfb3 WT mice. This was accompanied by a substantial decrease in macrophage infiltration, as well as a decrease of M1 and M2 macrophages and a suppression of macrophage to obtain myofibroblast phenotype in the obstructive kidneys of Pfkfb3 ΔMϕ mice. Mechanistic studies indicate that glycolytic metabolites stabilize HIF1α, leading to alterations in macrophage phenotype that contribute to renal fibrosis. In conclusion, our study implicates that targeting myeloid glycolysis represents a novel approach to inhibit renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhua Yang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Emily Huo
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Augusta Preparatory Day School, Martinez, GA, United States
| | - Yongfeng Cai
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Charles Dong
- Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - John M. Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Huidong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Roger E, Chadjichristos CE, Kavvadas P, Price GW, Cliff CL, Hadjadj S, Renciot J, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin-43 hemichannels orchestrate NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and sterile inflammation in tubular injury. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:263. [PMID: 37770948 PMCID: PMC10536814 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01245-7] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Without a viable cure, chronic kidney disease is a global health concern. Inflammatory damage in and around the renal tubules dictates disease severity and is contributed to by multiple cell types. Activated in response to danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including ATP, the NOD-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is integral to this inflammation. In vivo, we have previously observed that increased expression of Connexin 43 (Cx43) is linked to inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) whilst in vitro studies in human proximal tubule cells highlight a role for aberrant Cx43 hemichannel mediated ATP release in tubule injury. A role for Cx43 hemichannels in priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in tubule epithelial cells remains to be determined. METHODS Using the Nephroseq database, analysis of unpublished transcriptomic data, examined gene expression and correlation in human CKD. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was combined with genetic (tubule-specific Cx43 knockout) and specific pharmacological blockade of Cx43 (Peptide5), to explore a role for Cx43-hemichannels in tubule damage. Human primary tubule epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model of CKD. RESULTS Increased Cx43 and NLRP3 expression correlates with declining glomerular filtration rate and increased proteinuria in biopsies isolated from patients with CKD. Connexin 43-tubule deletion prior to UUO protected against tubular injury, increased expression of proinflammatory molecules, and significantly reduced NLRP3 expression and downstream signalling mediators. Accompanied by a reduction in F4/80 macrophages and fibroblast specific protein (FSP1+) fibroblasts, Cx43 specific hemichannel blocker Peptide5 conferred similar protection in UUO mice. In vitro, Peptide5 determined that increased Cx43-hemichannel activity primes and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via ATP-P2X7 receptor signalling culminating in increased secretion of chemokines and cytokines, each of which are elevated in individuals with CKD. Inhibition of NLRP3 and caspase 1 similarly decreased markers of tubular injury, whilst preventing the perpetual increase in Cx43-hemichannel activity. CONCLUSION Aberrant Cx43-hemichannel activity in kidney tubule cells contributes to tubule inflammation via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream paracrine mediated cell signalling. Use of hemichannel blockers in targeting Cx43-hemichannels is an attractive future therapeutic target to slow or prevent disease progression in CKD. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roger
- Batiment Recherche, INSERM, UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, 75020, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Christos E Chadjichristos
- Batiment Recherche, INSERM, UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, 75020, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Panagiotis Kavvadas
- Batiment Recherche, INSERM, UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, 75020, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Gareth W Price
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Chelsy L Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Safia Hadjadj
- Batiment Recherche, INSERM, UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, 75020, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Jessy Renciot
- Batiment Recherche, INSERM, UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, Paris, 75020, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Paul E Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Claire E Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK.
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Chen Y, Zhou J, Xu S, Nie J. Role of Interleukin-6 Family Cytokines in Organ Fibrosis. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 9:239-253. [PMID: 37900004 PMCID: PMC10601952 DOI: 10.1159/000530288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Organ fibrosis remains an important cause of high incidence rate and mortality worldwide. The prominent role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) family members represented by IL-6 in inflammation has been extensively studied, and drugs targeting IL-6 have been used clinically. Because of the close relationship between inflammation and fibrosis, researches on the role of IL-6 family members in organ fibrosis are also gradually emerging. Summary In this review, we systematically reviewed the role of IL-6 family members in fibrosis and their possible mechanisms. We listed the role of IL-6 family members in organ fibrosis and drew two diagrams to illustrate the downstream signal transductions of IL-6 family members. We also summarized the effect of some IL-6 family members' antagonists in a table. Key Messages Fibrosis contributes to organ structure damage, organ dysfunction, and eventually organ failure. Although IL-6 family cytokines have similar downstream signal pathways, different members play various roles in an organ-specific manner which might be partly due to their different target cell populations. The pathogenic role of individual member in various diseases needs to be deciphered carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihui Xu
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Ru X, Cai P, Tan M, Zheng L, Lu Z, Zhao J. Temporal transcriptome highlights the involvement of cytokine/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in the osteoinduction of BMSCs. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:289. [PMID: 37038162 PMCID: PMC10088166 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-03767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy offers an effective strategy for bone regeneration to solve the clinical orthopedic problems. However, the transcriptional regulation of multiple transitional stages of continuous osteogenesis from MSCs has not been fully characterized. METHODS Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) stimulated with osteogenic induction media were utilized to construct the in vitro osteogenic differentiation model. BMSCs were harvested after induction for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively, to perform the mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq). The transcription factor networks and common molecules during the osteogenesis were revealed by using the temporal transcriptome. Further verification was performed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence and Western blotting. RESULTS It showed that BMSCs could differentiate into osteogenic, and crucial regulator in the MAPK signaling pathway, the PPAR signaling pathway, the Toll-like receptor signaling and the Cytokine/JAK/STAT signaling pathway. PPI protein interaction analysis also suggested that three cytokines are involved in osteogenic differentiation as core genes, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interleukin-6 (IL6) and colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3). The osteogenic process was negatively affected by the inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This work might provide new insights in the crucial features of the transcriptional regulation during the osteogenesis, as well as offer important clues about the activity and regulation of the relatively long-activated Cytokine/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in osteoinduction of BMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ru
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Peian Cai
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Manli Tan
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Li Zheng
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Zhenhui Lu
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Guangxi Engineering Center in Biomedical Material for Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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Shen AR, Lv LL. Tubule epithelial cells and fibroblasts communication: Vicious cycle of renal fibrosis. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104360. [PMID: 36371984 PMCID: PMC9664472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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