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Kim SM, Jang YJ. Enzymatic activity of fibroblast activation protein-α is essential for TGF-β1-induced fibroblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114230. [PMID: 39222867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) contain multipotent postnatal stem cells that can differentiate into PDL fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts. Interaction between the extracellular environment and stem cells is an important factor for differentiation into other progenitor cells. To identify cell surface molecules that induce PDL fibroblastic differentiation, we developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against membrane/ECM molecules. One of these antibodies, an anti-PDL25 antibody, recognizes approximately a 100 kDa protein, and this antigenic molecule accumulates in the periodontal ligament region of tooth roots. By mass spectrometric analysis, we found that the antigenic molecule recognized by the anti-PDL25 antibody is fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα). The expression level of FAPα/PDL25 increased in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblasts, and this protein was localized in the cell boundaries and elongated processes of the fibroblastic cells. Ectopic expression of FAPα induced fibroblastic differentiation. In contrast, expression of representative markers for PDL differentiation was decreased by knock down and antibody blocking of FAPα/PDL25. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase activity by a potent FAPα inhibitor dramatically inhibited PDL fibroblastic marker expression but did not affect in cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Min Kim
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea
| | - Young-Joo Jang
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 FOUR NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea; Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, South Korea.
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Pashaei M, Farhadi E, Kavosi H, Madreseh E, Enayati S, Mahmoudi M, Amirzargar A. Talabostat, fibroblast activation protein inhibitor, attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Inflammopharmacology 2024:10.1007/s10787-024-01536-6. [PMID: 39167314 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive fibrosis, where activated fibroblasts play a pivotal role in disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Talabostat, a small molecule inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidases, in alleviating fibrosis and inflammation associated with SSc pathogenesis. METHODS Dermal fibroblasts were obtained from skin biopsies of ten diffuse cutaneous SSc patients and healthy controls. These fibroblasts were subjected to treatment with either TGF-β alone or in combination with Talabostat. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to evaluate FAPα and α-SMA protein levels. The expression of activated fibroblast markers (FAPα and ACAT2), pro-fibrotic (COL1A1 and COL1A2), anti-fibrotic (MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9), and inflammatory (IL-6 and TGFβ1) related genes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Talabostat-treated fibroblasts were assessed for their migratory capacity using a scratch assay and for their viability through MTT assay and Annexin V staining. RESULTS The basal expression of COL1A1 and TGFβ1 was notably higher in healthy subjects, while MMP1 expression showed a significant increase in SSc patients. Furthermore, TGF-β stimulation led to upregulation of activated fibroblast markers, pro-fibrotic, and inflammatory-related genes in SSc-derived fibroblasts, which were attenuated upon Talabostat treatment. Interestingly, Talabostat treatment resulted in an upregulation of MMP9 expression. Moreover, Talabostat exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of activated fibroblast viability in both healthy and SSc fibroblasts, and suppressed fibroblast migration specifically in SSc patients. CONCLUSION In summary, Talabostat modulates fibrotic genes in SSc, thereby inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation, activation, and migration. These findings suggest promising therapeutic avenues for targeting fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoosh Pashaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Kavosi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Madreseh
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Enayati
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Kargar Ave, P.O. BOX: 1411713137, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Aliakbar Amirzargar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Rizzoli E, de Meeûs d'Argenteuil C, Fastrès A, Roels E, Janssen P, Puré E, Garigliany MM, Marichal T, Clercx C. Fibroblast activation protein is a cellular marker of fibrotic activity in canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1416124. [PMID: 39188902 PMCID: PMC11346374 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1416124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, afflicting aging West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) and leading to progressive respiratory failure. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a protease overexpressed in many cancers, is upregulated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate FAP as a marker of active fibrosis in lung biopsies from WHWTs affected with CIPF, as well as the potential of plasmatic FAP as a biomarker. After establishing a scoring system to evaluate the severity and activity of fibrosis on histopathological lung sections, anti-FAP immunohistochemistry was performed on healthy and CIPF samples. FAP expression was characterized using both visual and digital quantitative pathology software analyses and then correlated to fibrosis severity and activity. Levels of plasmatic FAP in WHWTs affected with CIPF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with healthy dogs. Lung samples from 22 WHWTs affected with CIPF were collected. According to the fibrosis scoring system, they were classified as cases of mild (5), moderate (9) and severe (8) fibrosis and were attributed scores of fibrosis activity. Fifteen healthy lung samples were classified as non-fibrotic. Healthy lung samples were FAP-negative, whereas fibroblasts were FAP-positive in 20 CIPF samples. FAP immunohistochemical expression correlated mildly with fibrosis severity (p < 0.05; R 2 = 0.22) but highly with fibrosis activity scores (p < 0.001; R 2 = 0.68). Digital image analysis detected a higher percentage of FAP-positive cells in areas of active fibrosis (p < 0.001) and FAP-positive cells were distributed outside mature fibrosis lesions, clustered in active fibrosis areas or scattered within alveolar septa. On the other hand, plasmatic FAP was significantly lower in dogs affected with CIPF compared with healthy dogs (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study provides a valuable histological scoring system to assess the severity and activity of fibrosis in CIPF. It demonstrates that FAP is a good cellular marker of fibrotic activity in CIPF, and thus constitutes a promising target to be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Additionally, it suggests that plasmatic FAP, although non-specific, could be altered in CIPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Rizzoli
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Aline Fastrès
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Roels
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Janssen
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Functional Sciences, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Functional Sciences, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Cécile Clercx
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Giraudi PJ, Pascut D, Banfi C, Ghilardi S, Tiribelli C, Bondesan A, Caroli D, Minocci A, Sartorio A. Serum proteome signatures associated with liver steatosis in adolescents with obesity. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02419-x. [PMID: 39017916 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02419-x] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood obesity, a pressing global health issue, significantly increases the risk of metabolic complications, including metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Accurate non-invasive tests for early detection and screening of steatosis are crucial. In this study, we explored the serum proteome, identifying proteins as potential biomarkers for inclusion in non-invasive steatosis diagnosis tests. METHODS Fifty-nine obese adolescents underwent ultrasonography to assess steatosis. Serum samples were collected and analyzed by targeted proteomics with the Proximity Extension Assay technology. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated, and correlations among them, the individuated markers, and steatosis were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the steatosis diagnostic performance of the identified candidates, the fatty liver index (FLI), and their combination in a logistic regression model. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between subjects with and without steatosis in various clinical and biochemical parameters. Gender-related differences in the serum proteome were also noted. Five circulating proteins, including Cathepsin O (CTSO), Cadherin 2 (CDH2), and Prolyl endopeptidase (FAP), were identified as biomarkers for steatosis. CDH2, CTSO, Leukocyte Immunoglobulin Like Receptor A5 (LILRA5), BMI, waist circumference, HOMA-IR, and FLI, among others, significantly correlated with the steatosis degree. CDH2, FAP, and LDL combined in a logit model achieved a diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.91 (95% CI 0.75-0.97, 100% sensitivity, 84% specificity). CONCLUSIONS CDH2 and FAP combined with other clinical parameters, represent useful tools for accurate diagnosis of fatty liver, emphasizing the importance of integrating novel markers into diagnostic algorithms for MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Giraudi
- Metabolic Liver Disease Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-ONLUS, Trieste, Italy.
| | - D Pascut
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-ONLUS, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Banfi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - S Ghilardi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - C Tiribelli
- Metabolic Liver Disease Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-ONLUS, Trieste, Italy
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-ONLUS, Trieste, Italy
| | - A Bondesan
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
| | - D Caroli
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
| | - A Minocci
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
| | - A Sartorio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-endocrinological Research, Milan, Italy
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Chopra S, Mathur Y, Roesch F, Moon ES, Rana N, Irrinki S, Walia R, Duseja A, Singh H, Kumar R, Shukla J, Mittal BR. 68Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi as a Versatile Diagnostic Probe for Various Epithelial Malignancies: A Head-to-Head Comparison with 18F-FDG. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2521-2535. [PMID: 38233261 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.12.002] [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] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts has been a major breakthrough causing a paradigm shift in targeted theranostics focusing on the tumor microenvironment. In this study, a squaric acid derivative DOTA.SA.FAPi (SA.FAPi) has been evaluated as a potential diagnostic probe in diverse epithelial cancers and compared to the standard-of-care 18F-FDG. METHODS 25 patients enrolled in this prospective study underwent 18F-FDG and 68Ga-SA.FAPi PET scans on two different days. For biodistribution, standardized uptake values (SUV) were computed by delineating region-of-interest on various body organs. For comparative analysis in disease identification, lesion tracer uptake was quantified using SUVs corrected for lean body mass (SUL), SUVmax, tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) with liver and blood pool as the reference, total lesion glycolysis (TLG for 18F-FDG) and total lesion FAP expression (TLF for 68Ga-SA.FAPi). RESULTS 25 patients (mean age: 58 ± 8 years) with four types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 56% of cohort), gall bladder carcinoma (GB Ca, 12%), adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC, 16%), and breast carcinoma (breast Ca, 16%) were prospectively evaluated. Physiological tracer uptake of 68Ga-SA.FAPi was noted in the salivary glands, thyroid, liver, pancreas, muscles and kidneys with variable uptake in the lacrimal glands, extra-ocular muscles, oral mucosa and uterus. Lesion-based comparative analysis between both the radiotracers demonstrated complete concordant findings in detection of all primary lesions and distant metastases in liver, bones, adrenals and peritoneum whereas discordant findings were noted in lung nodules (20%) and lymph nodes (13%). In overall analysis, 68Ga-SA.FAPi exhibited significantly higher SUVmax (10.3 vs 8.8, p-0.019), SULpeak (6.8 vs 4.9, p-0.000) and SULavg (5.4 vs 4.1, p-0.019) in comparison to 18F-FDG whereas TBR was comparable for both the tracers [TBRLiver: median 1.9 (IQR: 2.6-1.4) vs 1.8 (2.6-1.1), p-0.275; TBRBloodpool: 2.1 (3.7-1.4) vs 2.0 (2.7-1.4), p-0.207]. In subcategorical analysis, 68Ga-SA.FAPi demonstrated higher SUVmax, SULpeak and SULavg values for primary disease (SUVmax: 14.8 (18.7-9.7) vs (12.9-6.6), p-0.087; SULpeak: 8.2 (11.2-6.8) vs 6.3 (8.5-4.4), p-0.037; SULavg: 6.9 ± 2.5 vs 5.1 ± 2.2, p-0.023] and distant metastases (8.8 vs 7.2, p-0.038); 6.3 (8.8-4.4) vs 3.6 (4.4-2.0), p-0.000; 5.4 vs 3.5, p-0.000] whereas comparable values were noted for both the tracers in nodal metastases [9 (13.5-4.1) vs 8 (12.7-4.7), p-0.726; 4.5 (6.2-1.8) vs 4.3 (5.7-2.2), p-0.727; 4.1 ± 2.3 vs 3.7 ± 1.8, p-0.129]. In primary disease, highest 68Ga-SA.FAPi avidity was noted in ACC followed by GB Ca and HCC. In distant metastases, gall bladder, lung and skeletal lesions demonstrated higher 68Ga-SA.FAPi avidity. Moreover, 68Ga-SA.FAPi identified five additional lung lesions which were missed by 18F-FDG in one case of ACC. CONCLUSION 68Ga-SA.FAPi emerged as an effective, versatile diagnostic probe for imaging various epithelial malignancies similar to 18F-FDG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sejal Chopra
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
| | - Yamini Mathur
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
| | - Frank Roesch
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany (F.R., E.S.M.)
| | - Euy Sung Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany (F.R., E.S.M.)
| | - Nivedita Rana
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
| | - Santhosh Irrinki
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.I.)
| | - Rama Walia
- Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (R.W.)
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (A.D.)
| | - Harmandeep Singh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
| | - Jaya Shukla
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.).
| | - Bhagwant Rai Mittal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India (S.C., Y.M., N.R., H.S., R.K., J.S., B.R.M.)
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Li H, Dai R, Huang Y, Zhong J, Yan Q, Yang J, Hu K, Zhong Y. [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI PET imaging of fibroblast activation protein as a biomarker to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0407. [PMID: 38466884 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive disease, which is reversible in the early stages. The current monitoring methods have notable limitations that pose a challenge to early detection. In this study, we evaluated the utility of [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI positron emission tomography imaging of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. METHODS Two mouse models of liver fibrosis were established by bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride administration, respectively. Positron emission tomography imaging was performed with the FAP-specific radiotracer [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI for the evaluation of rat HSCs and mouse models of fibrosis and combined with histopathology, immunohistochemical staining, and immunoblotting to elucidate the relationships among radioactivity uptake, FAP levels, and liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI autoradiography was performed to assess tracer binding in liver sections from patients with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. RESULTS Cell experiments demonstrated that [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI uptake was specific in activated HSCs. Compared with control mice, [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI uptake in livers increased in the early stages of fibrosis and increased significantly further with disease progression. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses demonstrated that FAP expression increased with fibrosis severity. In accordance with the findings in animal models, ex vivo autoradiography on human fibrotic liver sections showed that radioactivity increased as fibrosis progressed from mild to severe. CONCLUSIONS [18F]AlF-ND-bisFAPI positron emission tomography imaging is a promising noninvasive method for monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruoxue Dai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueqi Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Yan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kongzhen Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang XL, Xiao W, Qian JP, Yang WJ, Xu H, Xu XD, Zhang GW. The Role and Application of Fibroblast Activating Protein. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:1097-1110. [PMID: 37259211 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230530095305] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP), a type-II transmembrane serine protease, is rarely expressed in normal tissues but highly abundant in pathological diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. Ever since its discovery, we have deciphered its structure and biological properties and continue to investigate its roles in various diseases while attempting to utilize it for targeted therapy. To date, no significant breakthroughs have been made in terms of efficacy. However, in recent years, several practical applications in the realm of imaging diagnosis have been discovered. Given its unique expression in a diverse array of pathological tissues, the fundamental biological characteristics of FAP render it a crucial target for disease diagnosis and immunotherapy. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the research progress of FAP, its biological characteristics, involvement in diseases, and recent targeted application research have been reviewed. Moreover, we explored its development trend in the direction of clinical diagnoses and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lou Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang Xiao
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ping Qian
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jun Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing-da Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Arçay Öztürk A, Flamen P. FAP-targeted PET imaging in gastrointestinal malignancies: a comprehensive review. Cancer Imaging 2023; 23:79. [PMID: 37608378 PMCID: PMC10463504 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00598-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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) plays a crucial role in tumour diagnosis, staging, and therapy response evaluation of various cancer types and has been a standard imaging modality used in clinical oncology practice for many years. However, it has certain limitations in evaluating some particular gastrointestinal cancer types due to low FDG-avidity or interphering physiological background activity. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a protein of the tumour microenvironment, is overexpressed in a wide range of cancers which makes it an attractive target for both tumour imaging and therapy. Recently, FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals are widely used in clinical research and achieved great results in tumour imaging. Considering the limitations of FDG PET/CT and the lack of physiological FAP-targeted tracer uptake in liver and intestinal loops, gastrointestinal cancers are among the most promising indications of FAP-targeted imaging. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of FAP-targeted imaging in gastrointestinal cancers in order to clarify the current and potential future role of this class of molecules in gastrointestinal oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayça Arçay Öztürk
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Patrick Flamen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Peng D, Cao J, Guo C, He J, Yang L, Zhang J, Yang J, Feng Y, Xu T, Chen Y. Influence of Cirrhosis on 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in Intrahepatic Tumors. Radiology 2023; 307:e222448. [PMID: 37219440 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.222448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) is of great diagnostic value for intrahepatic tumors. However, cirrhosis may lead to increased 68Ga-FAPI uptake in background liver, affecting the diagnostic ability of 68Ga-FAPI. Purpose To assess the effect of cirrhosis on liver parenchyma and intrahepatic tumor uptake of 68Ga-FAPI and to compare the ability of 68Ga-FAPI and fluorine 18 (18F)-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT to depict intrahepatic tumors in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and Methods In this secondary analysis of a prospective trial, patients who underwent both 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT and those who underwent only 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT between August 2020 and May 2022 were considered for inclusion in the cirrhotic or noncirrhotic group, respectively. Patients with cirrhosis were chosen via a comprehensive assessment of imaging and clinical data, and patients without cirrhosis were randomly selected. 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT data were measured by two radiologists. Between-groups and within-group data were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Results A total of 39 patients with cirrhosis (median age, 58 years [IQR, 50-68]; 29 male; 24 intrahepatic tumors) and 48 patients without cirrhosis (median age, 59 years [IQR, 51-67]; 30 male; 23 intrahepatic tumors) were evaluated. In patients without intrahepatic tumors, the liver 68Ga-FAPI average standardized uptake value (SUVavg) was higher in the cirrhotic group than in the noncirrhotic group (median SUVavg, 1.42 [IQR, 0.55-2.85] vs 0.45 [IQR, 0.41-0.72]; P = .002). However, no difference was observed in the diagnosis of intrahepatic tumor sensitivity (98% vs 93%, respectively). When compared with 18F-FDG, the sensitivity of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT in the detection of intrahepatic tumors in patients with cirrhosis (41% vs 98%, respectively) and maximum standardized uptake value of tumors (median SUVmax, 2.60 [IQR, 2.14-4.49] vs 6.68 [IQR, 4.65-10.08]; P < .001) were higher. Conclusion The sensitivity of 68Ga-FAPI in the diagnosis of intrahepatic tumors was not affected by cirrhosis, and diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-FAPI was higher than that of 18F-FDG in patients with cirrhosis. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengsai Peng
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Jianpeng Cao
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Chunmei Guo
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Jing He
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Liping Yang
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Jinping Zhang
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Jian Yang
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Yue Feng
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Tingting Xu
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
| | - Yue Chen
- From the Departments of Nuclear Medicine (D.P., C.G., L.Y., J.Y., Y.F., T.X., Y.C.) and Pathology (J.Z.), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping St, Jiangyang District, Luzhou 646000, PR China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, PR China (J.C.); Department of Ultrasound, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China (J.H.)
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10
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Zhou Y, Ma X, Hu S, Yang S, Guo J, Li J, Zhang YF, Liu J, Qing Z, Yang R. Rigidity-Dependent Emission: Inspired Selection of an ATP-Specific Polyvalent Hydrogen Binding-Lighted Fluorophore for Intracellular Amplified Imaging. Anal Chem 2023; 95:8318-8324. [PMID: 37192373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ATP, a small molecule with high intracellular concentration (mM level), provides a fuel to power signal amplification, which is meaningful for biosensing. However, traditional ATP-powered amplification is based on ATP/aptamer recognition, which is susceptible to the complex biological microenvironment (e.g., nuclease). In this work, we communicate a signaling manner termed as ATP-specific polyvalent hydrogen binding (APHB), which is mimetic to ATP/aptamer binding but can avoid interference from biomolecules. The key in APHB is a functional fluorophore that can selectively bind with ATP via polyvalent hydrogen, and the fluorescence was lighted with the changes of the molecular structure from flexibility to rigidity. By designing, synthesizing, and screening a series of compounds, we successfully obtained an ATP-specific binding-lighted fluorophore (ABF). Experimental verification and a complex analogue demonstrated that two melamine brackets in the ABF dominate the polyvalent hydrogen binding between the ABF and ATP. Then, to achieve amplification biosensing, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in activated hepatic stellate cells was taken as a model target, and a nanobeacon consisting of an ABF, a quencher, and an FAP-activated polymer shell was constructed. Benefiting from the ATP-powered amplification, the FAP was sensitively detected and imaged, and the potential relationship between differentiation of hepatocytes and FAP concentration was first revealed, highlighting the great potential of APHB-mediated signaling for intracellular sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Shan Hu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P.R. China
| | - Jingru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Junbin Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Fei Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Juewen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Zhihe Qing
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P.R. China
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P.R. China
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11
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DiMagno SG, Babich JW. Advanced Fibroblast Activation Protein-Ligand Developments: FAP Imaging Agents: A Review of the Structural Requirements. PET Clin 2023:S1556-8598(23)00028-7. [PMID: 37117123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) has attracted increasing attention as a selective marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and more broadly, of activated fibroblasts in tissues undergoing remodeling of their ECM due to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or wound healing. Since FAP is critical to the initiation of metastatic growth, its expression will serve as a molecular marker to detect tumors at an earlier stage of development compared to currently available methods. The design of high affinity small molecule FAP inhibitor will allow for noninvasive imaging of activated fibroblast in cancer patients. Small molecule inhibitors of FAP are being developed for targeted radiotherapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G DiMagno
- Ratio Therapeutics, Inc., One Design Center Place, Suite# 19-601, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - John W Babich
- Ratio Therapeutics, Inc., One Design Center Place, Suite# 19-601, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
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12
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Dabir M, Novruzov E, Mattes-György K, Beu M, Dendl K, Antke C, Koerber SA, Röhrich M, Kratochwil C, Debus J, Haberkorn U, Giesel FL. Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Findings on [ 68 Ga]-FAPI PET/CT Based on Quantitative SUV Measurements. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:324-333. [PMID: 35997853 PMCID: PMC10006041 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM/PURPOSE Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, activated fibroblasts have been shown to play a significant role also in certain benign conditions such as wound healing or chronic inflammation. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify whether FAPI uptake might differ between malignant lesions and benign conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 155 patients with various cancer types who received [68 Ga]-FAPI-04/02-PET/CT between July 2017 and March 2020. SUVmax, SUVmean, and lesion-to-background ratios (LBR) of FAPI uptake were measured in benign processes compared to malignant lesions (primary and/or 2 exemplary metastases). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the predictive capabilities of semiquantitative PET/CT parameters. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, optimal cutoff value, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for each parameter. RESULTS Benign lesions exhibited significantly lower FAPI uptake compared to malignant lesions (mean SUVmax benign vs. malignant: 4.2 vs. 10.6; p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, cutoff values of these lesions (benign vs. malignant) were established based on SUVmax, SUVmean, and LBR. The SUVmax cutoff value for all lesions was 5.5 and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 78.8%, 85.1%, 82.0%, and 0.89%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our aim was to systematically analyze the pattern of FAPI uptake in benign and malignant processes. This investigation demonstrates that FAPI uptake might be useful to differentiate malignant and benign findings due to different patho-physiological origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dabir
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - E Novruzov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K Mattes-György
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Beu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K Dendl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Antke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S A Koerber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Röhrich
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - U Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F L Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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13
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Montesi SB, Horowitz JC. Fibroblast Activating Protein: Skimming the Surface of Molecular Imaging to Assess Fibrotic Disease Activity. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:122-124. [PMID: 36075072 PMCID: PMC9893323 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202208-1638ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney B Montesi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine The Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio
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14
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Yang AT, Kim YO, Yan XZ, Abe H, Aslam M, Park KS, Zhao XY, Jia JD, Klein T, You H, Schuppan D. Fibroblast Activation Protein Activates Macrophages and Promotes Parenchymal Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:841-867. [PMID: 36521660 PMCID: PMC9972574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed on activated fibroblast. Its role in fibrosis and desmoplasia is controversial, and data on pharmacological FAP inhibition are lacking. We aimed to better define the role of FAP in liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS FAP expression was analyzed in mice and patients with fibrotic liver diseases of various etiologies. Fibrotic mice received a specific FAP inhibitor (FAPi) at 2 doses orally for 2 weeks during parenchymal fibrosis progression (6 weeks of carbon tetrachloride) and regression (2 weeks off carbon tetrachloride), and with biliary fibrosis (Mdr2-/-). Recombinant FAP was added to (co-)cultures of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), fibroblasts, and macrophages. Fibrosis- and inflammation-related parameters were determined biochemically, by quantitative immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and transcriptomics. RESULTS FAP+ fibroblasts/HSCs were α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-negative and located at interfaces of fibrotic septa next to macrophages in murine and human livers. In parenchymal fibrosis, FAPi reduced collagen area, liver collagen content, α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, M2-type macrophages, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, key fibrogenesis-related transcripts, and increased hepatocyte proliferation 10-fold. During regression, FAP was suppressed, and FAPi was ineffective. FAPi less potently inhibited biliary fibrosis. In vitro, FAP small interfering RNA reduced HSC α-SMA expression and collagen production, and FAPi suppressed their activation and proliferation. Compared with untreated macrophages, FAPi regulated macrophage profibrogenic activation and transcriptome, and their conditioned medium attenuated HSC activation, which was increased with addition of recombinant FAP. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological FAP inhibition attenuates inflammation-predominant liver fibrosis. FAP is expressed on subsets of activated fibroblasts/HSC and promotes both macrophage and HSC profibrogenic activity in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xu-Zhen Yan
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Misbah Aslam
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Sook Park
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xin-Yan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Thomas Klein
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cardiometabolic Research, Biberach, Germany
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, Massachusetts.
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15
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Kim J, Seki E. FAP: Not Just a Biomarker but Druggable Target in Liver Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1018-1019. [PMID: 36681094 PMCID: PMC10040959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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16
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Qi M, Fan S, Huang M, Pan J, Li Y, Miao Q, Lyu W, Li X, Deng L, Qiu S, Liu T, Deng W, Chu X, Jiang C, He W, Xia L, Yang Y, Hong J, Qi Q, Yin W, Liu X, Shi C, Chen M, Ye W, Zhang D. Targeting FAPα-expressing hepatic stellate cells overcomes resistance to antiangiogenics in colorectal cancer liver metastasis models. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e157399. [PMID: 35951441 PMCID: PMC9525122 DOI: 10.1172/jci157399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option has been demonstrated to mediate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. The current mechanisms underlying vessel co-option have mainly focused on "hijacker" tumor cells, whereas the function of the "hijackee" sinusoidal blood vessels has not been explored. Here, we found that the occurrence of vessel co-option in bevacizumab-resistant CRCLM xenografts was associated with increased expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) in the co-opted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which was dramatically attenuated in HSC-specific conditional Fap-knockout mice bearing CRCLM allografts. Mechanistically, bevacizumab treatment induced hypoxia to upregulate the expression of fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) in tumor cells. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments revealed that the bevacizumab-resistant tumor cell-derived FGFBP1 induced FAPα expression by enhancing the paracrine FGF2/FGFR1/ERK1/-2/EGR1 signaling pathway in HSCs. FAPα promoted CXCL5 secretion in HSCs, which activated CXCR2 to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells and the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings were further validated in tumor tissues derived from patients with CRCLM. Targeting FAPα+ HSCs effectively disrupted the co-opted sinusoidal blood vessels and overcame bevacizumab resistance. Our study highlights the role of FAPα+ HSCs in vessel co-option and provides an effective strategy to overcome the vessel co-option-mediated bevacizumab resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qi
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuran Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maohua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and
| | - Qun Miao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyu Lyu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenghui Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqing Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang Jiang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhuo He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangping Xia
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Hong
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Qi
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Yin
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changzheng Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wencai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, and
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17
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Alsayejh B, Kietsiriroje N, Almutairi M, Simmons K, Pechlivani N, Ponnambalam S, Ajjan RA. Plasmin Inhibitor in Health and Diabetes: Role of the Protein as a Therapeutic Target. TH OPEN 2022; 6:e396-e407. [PMID: 36452200 PMCID: PMC9674435 DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-6817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular obstructive thrombus is composed of a mesh of fibrin fibers with blood cells trapped in these networks. Enhanced fibrin clot formation and/or suppression of fibrinolysis are associated with an increased risk of vascular occlusive events. Inhibitors of coagulation factors and activators of plasminogen have been clinically used to limit fibrin network formation and enhance lysis. While these agents are effective at reducing vascular occlusion, they carry a significant risk of bleeding complications. Fibrin clot lysis, essential for normal hemostasis, is controlled by several factors including the incorporation of antifibrinolytic proteins into the clot. Plasmin inhibitor (PI), a key antifibrinolytic protein, is cross-linked into fibrin networks with higher concentrations of PI documented in fibrin clots and plasma from high vascular risk individuals. This review is focused on exploring PI as a target for the prevention and treatment of vascular occlusive disease. We first discuss the relationship between the PI structure and antifibrinolytic activity, followed by describing the function of the protein in normal physiology and its role in pathological vascular thrombosis. Subsequently, we describe in detail the potential use of PI as a therapeutic target, including the array of methods employed for the modulation of protein activity. Effective and safe inhibition of PI may prove to be an alternative and specific way to reduce vascular thrombotic events while keeping bleeding risk to a minimum. Key Points Plasmin inhibitor (PI) is a key protein that inhibits fibrinolysis and stabilizes the fibrin network.This review is focused on discussing mechanistic pathways for PI action, role of the molecule in disease states, and potential use as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basmah Alsayejh
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Ministry of Education, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Noppadol Kietsiriroje
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Mansour Almutairi
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
- General Directorate of Medical Services, Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Katie Simmons
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nikoletta Pechlivani
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Ramzi A. Ajjan
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Lee J, Byun J, Shim G, Oh YK. Fibroblast activation protein activated antifibrotic peptide delivery attenuates fibrosis in mouse models of liver fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1516. [PMID: 35314685 PMCID: PMC8938482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In liver fibrosis, activated hepatic stellate cells are known to overexpress fibroblast activation protein. Here we report a targeted antifibrotic peptide-delivery system in which fibroblast activation protein, which is overexpressed in fibrotic regions of the liver, liberates the antifibrotic peptide melittin by cleaving a fibroblast activation protein-specific site in the peptide. The promelittin peptide is linked to pegylated and maleimide-functionalized liposomes, resulting in promelittin-modified liposomes. The promelittin-modified liposomes were effective in reducing the viability of activated hepatic stellate cells but not that of control cells. In three types of liver fibrosis mouse models, intravenously administered promelittin-modified liposomes significantly reduces fibrotic regions. In addition, in the bile duct ligation mouse model promelittin-modified liposome-treatment increases overall survival. Although this peptide-delivery concept was tested for liver fibrosis, it can potentially be adapted to other fibrotic diseases. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute towards the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and overexpress fibroblast activation protein. Here the authors report a targeted peptide-delivery system in which fibroblast activation protein liberates the antifibrotic peptide melittin, and demonstrate the approach attenuates fibrosis in mouse models of liver fibrosis.
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Nash MJ, Dobrinskikh E, Newsom SA, Messaoudi I, Janssen RC, Aagaard KM, McCurdy CE, Gannon M, Kievit P, Friedman JE, Wesolowski SR. Maternal Western diet exposure increases periportal fibrosis beginning in utero in nonhuman primate offspring. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e154093. [PMID: 34935645 PMCID: PMC8783685 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity affects nearly one-third of pregnancies and is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescent offspring, yet the mechanisms behind NAFLD remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that nonhuman primate fetuses exposed to maternal Western-style diet (WSD) displayed increased fibrillar collagen deposition in the liver periportal region, with increased ACTA2 and TIMP1 staining, indicating localized hepatic stellate cell (HSC) and myofibroblast activation. This collagen deposition pattern persisted in 1-year-old offspring, despite weaning to a control diet (CD). Maternal WSD exposure increased the frequency of DCs and reduced memory CD4+ T cells in fetal liver without affecting systemic or hepatic inflammatory cytokines. Switching obese dams from WSD to CD before conception or supplementation of the WSD with resveratrol decreased fetal hepatic collagen deposition and reduced markers of portal triad fibrosis, oxidative stress, and fetal hypoxemia. These results demonstrate that HSCs and myofibroblasts are sensitive to maternal WSD-associated oxidative stress in the fetal liver, which is accompanied by increased periportal collagen deposition, indicative of early fibrogenesis beginning in utero. Alleviating maternal WSD-driven oxidative stress in the fetal liver holds promise for halting steatosis and fibrosis and preventing developmental programming of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Nash
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sean A. Newsom
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Rachel C. Janssen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carrie E. McCurdy
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul Kievit
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Stephanie R. Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Zheng S, Lin R, Chen S, Zheng J, Lin Z, Zhang Y, Xue Q, Chen Y, Zhang J, Lin K, You X, Yao S, Miao W. Characterization of the benign lesions with increased 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake in PET/CT. Ann Nucl Med 2021; 35:1312-1320. [PMID: 34424505 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-021-01673-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to characterize benign lesions showing increased 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake on FAPI PET/CT. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 182 patients with suspected various cancers who were performed 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging from August 2020 to December 2020. The diagnoses of the benign lesions were made by the CT findings (CT), other imaging information (OII) (contrast enhance CT, FDG PET, ultrasound, MRI or others), clinical information (CI) (medical history, laboratory examination, symptom, physical sign and follow-up information) or histological biopsy (HB). RESULTS A total of 185 primary malignant tumors were detected by FAPI PET/CT with the median SUVmax of 9.0 (range from 0.97 to 25.71). There were 360 benign lesions with increased FAPI uptake were detected in 146 (146/182, 80.2%) patients with the median SUVmax of 3.64 (range from 1.39 to 21.56), including inflammatory processes (n = 231, 64.2%), exostosis (n = 54, 15%), hemorrhoid (n = 47, 13.1%), fracture (n = 17, 4.7%), hepatic fibrosis (n = 4, 1.1%), and others (n = 7, 1.9%). CONCLUSION Benign lesions with increased 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake are common. The overall SUVmax of benign lesions is lower than that of malignant tumors, however there is a large overlap of SUVmax range. Similar to FDG PET, some benign lesions can be easily diagnosed by combining CT findings, special location and clinical data, but there are still some lesions that may be confused with malignant lesions, which need to be paid more attention. TRAIL REGISTRATION NIH ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04499365).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Shaoming Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Jieling Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Zefang Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Qianqian Xue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Kaixian Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Xin You
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
| | - Shaobo Yao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
| | - Weibing Miao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 20 Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
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Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibition Enhances CD8 T Cell Recruitment and Activates Intrahepatic Inflammasome in a Murine Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215495. [PMID: 34771657 PMCID: PMC8583374 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study reported, for the first time, on the expression and activity of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) family during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We also demonstrated that the pan-DPP inhibitory compound ARI-4175 significantly reduced the number of macroscopic liver nodules in a mouse HCC model. ARI-4175 increased intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, CD8+ T cell numbers and caspase-1-mediated inflammasome activation in the HCC-bearing liver. Thus, this study provides promising data on the efficacy of ARI-4175 in the treatment of early-stage HCC. Targeting the DPP4 family may be a novel and effective approach to promote anti-tumour immunity in HCC via caspase-1 activation. Abstract The mRNA expression of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) gene family is highly upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Compounds that inhibit the DPP4 enzyme family, such as talabostat and ARI-4175, can mediate tumour regression by immune-mediated mechanisms that are believed to include NLRP1 activation. This study investigated the expression and activity of the DPP4 family during the development of HCC and evaluated the efficacy of ARI-4175 in the treatment of early HCC in mice. This first report on this enzyme family in HCC-bearing mice showed DPP9 upregulation in HCC, whereas intrahepatic DPP8/9 and DPP4 enzyme activity levels decreased with age. We demonstrated that ARI-4175 significantly lowered the total number of macroscopic liver nodules in these mice. In addition, ARI-4175 increased intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, including CD8+ T cell numbers, into the HCC-bearing livers. Furthermore, ARI-4175 activated a critical component of the inflammasome pathway, caspase-1, in these HCC-bearing livers. This is the first evidence of caspase-1 activation by a pan-DPP inhibitor in the liver. Our data suggest that targeting the DPP4 enzyme family may be a novel and effective approach to promote anti-tumour immunity in HCC via caspase-1 activation.
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22
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Qian XK, Zhang J, Li XD, Song PF, Zou LW. Research Progress on Dipeptidyl Peptidase Family: Structure, Function and Xenobiotic Metabolism. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2167-2188. [PMID: 34525910 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210915103431] [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] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolyl-specific peptidases or proteases, including Dipeptidyl Peptidase 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, Fibroblast Activation Protein, prolyl endopeptidase and prolyl carboxypeptidase, belong to the dipeptidyl peptidase family. In human physiology and anatomy, they have homology amino acid sequences, similarities in structure, but play distinct functions and roles. Some of them also play important roles in the metabolism of drugs containing endogenous peptides, xenobiotics containing peptides, and exogenous peptides. The major functions of these peptidases in both the metabolism of human health and bioactive peptides are of significant importance in the development of effective inhibitors to control the metabolism of endogenous bioactive peptides. The structural characteristics, distribution of tissue, endogenous substrates, and biological functions were summarized in this review. Furthermore, the xenobiotics metabolism of the dipeptidyl peptidase family is illustrated. All the evidence and information summarized in this review would be very useful for researchers to extend the understanding of the proteins of these families and offer advice and assistance in physiology and pathology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Kai Qian
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai. China
| | - Xiao-Dong Li
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai. China
| | - Pei-Fang Song
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai. China
| | - Li-Wei Zou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai. China
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Huang X, Khoong Y, Han C, Su D, Ma H, Gu S, Li Q, Zan T. Targeting Dermal Fibroblast Subtypes in Antifibrotic Therapy: Surface Marker as a Cellular Identity or a Functional Entity? Front Physiol 2021; 12:694605. [PMID: 34335301 PMCID: PMC8319956 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.694605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the chief effector cells in fibrotic diseases and have been discovered to be highly heterogeneous. Recently, fibroblast heterogeneity in human skin has been studied extensively and several surface markers for dermal fibroblast subtypes have been identified, holding promise for future antifibrotic therapies. However, it has yet to be confirmed whether surface markers should be looked upon as merely lineage landmarks or as functional entities of fibroblast subtypes, which may further complicate the interpretation of cellular function of these fibroblast subtypes. This review aims to provide an update on current evidence on fibroblast surface markers in fibrotic disorders of skin as well as of other organ systems. Specifically, studies where surface markers were treated as lineage markers and manipulated as functional membrane proteins are both evaluated in parallel, hoping to reveal the underlying mechanism behind the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis contributed by various fibroblast subtypes from multiple angles, shedding lights on future translational researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Khoong
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengyao Han
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dai Su
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ma
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuchen Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Vasse GF, Nizamoglu M, Heijink IH, Schlepütz M, van Rijn P, Thomas MJ, Burgess JK, Melgert BN. Macrophage-stroma interactions in fibrosis: biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. J Pathol 2021; 254:344-357. [PMID: 33506963 PMCID: PMC8252758 DOI: 10.1002/path.5632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis results from aberrant wound healing and is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing the function of an affected organ. Increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, disruption of matrix degradation, but also abnormal post-translational modifications alter the biochemical composition and biophysical properties of the tissue microenvironment - the stroma. Macrophages are known to play an important role in wound healing and tissue repair, but the direct influence of fibrotic stroma on macrophage behaviour is still an under-investigated element in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this review, the current knowledge on interactions between macrophages and (fibrotic) stroma will be discussed from biochemical, biophysical, and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives with regard to how macrophage-stroma interactions can be examined further to ultimately facilitate more specific targeting of these interactions in the treatment of fibrosis. © 2021 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)
- Gwenda F Vasse
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenBiomedical Engineering Department‐FB40GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute for PharmacyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Nizamoglu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Irene H Heijink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of PulmonologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Patrick van Rijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenBiomedical Engineering Department‐FB40GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Thomas
- Immunology & Respiratory Diseases ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KGBiberach an der RissGermany
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials ScienceGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenDepartment of Pathology and Medical BiologyGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- University of Groningen, Department of Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute for PharmacyGroningenThe Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC)GroningenThe Netherlands
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Sollini M, Kirienko M, Gelardi F, Fiz F, Gozzi N, Chiti A. State-of-the-art of FAPI-PET imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 48:4396-4414. [PMID: 34173007 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) is overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts in approximately 90% of epithelial neoplasms, representing an appealing target for therapeutic and molecular imaging applications. [68 Ga]Ga-labelled radiopharmaceuticals-FAP-inhibitors (FAPI)-have been developed for PET. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed published literature to provide an overview of its clinical role. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search, limited to January 1st, 2018-March 31st, 2021, was performed on MedLine and Embase databases using all the possible combinations of terms "FAP", "FAPI", "PET/CT", "positron emission tomography", "fibroblast", "cancer-associated fibroblasts", "CAF", "molecular imaging", and "fibroblast imaging". Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 criteria. Patient-based and lesion-based pooled sensitivities/specificities of FAPI PET were computed using a random-effects model directly from the STATA "metaprop" command. Between-study statistical heterogeneity was tested (I2-statistics). RESULTS Twenty-three studies were selected for systematic review. Investigations on staging or restaging head and neck cancer (n = 2, 29 patients), abdominal malignancies (n = 6, 171 patients), various cancers (n = 2, 143 patients), and radiation treatment planning (n = 4, 56 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. On patient-based analysis, pooled sensitivity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.00) with negligible heterogeneity; pooled specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.62-1.00), with negligible heterogeneity. On lesion-based analysis, sensitivity and specificity had high heterogeneity (I2 = 88.56% and I2 = 97.20%, respectively). Pooled sensitivity for the primary tumour was 1.00 (95% CI 0.98-1.00) with negligible heterogeneity. Pooled sensitivity/specificity of nodal metastases had high heterogeneity (I2 = 89.18% and I2 = 95.74%, respectively). Pooled sensitivity in distant metastases was good (0.93 with 95% CI 0.88-0.97) with negligible heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS FAPI-PET appears promising, especially in imaging cancers unsuitable for [18F]FDG imaging, particularly primary lesions and distant metastases. However, high-level evidence is needed to define its role, specifically to identify cancer types, non-oncological diseases, and clinical settings for its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sollini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Margarita Kirienko
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Gelardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy. .,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fiz
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Gozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Sufleţel RT, Melincovici CS, Gheban BA, Toader Z, Mihu CM. Hepatic stellate cells - from past till present: morphology, human markers, human cell lines, behavior in normal and liver pathology. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:615-642. [PMID: 33817704 PMCID: PMC8112759 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC), initially analyzed by von Kupffer, in 1876, revealed to be an extraordinary mesenchymal cell, essential for both hepatocellular function and lesions, being the hallmark of hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Apart from their implications in hepatic injury, HSCs play a vital role in liver development and regeneration, xenobiotic response, intermediate metabolism, and regulation of immune response. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding HSCs morphology, human HSCs markers and human HSC cell lines. We also summarize the latest findings concerning their roles in normal and liver pathology, focusing on their impact in fibrogenesis, chronic viral hepatitis and liver tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rada Teodora Sufleţel
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Kelly JM, Jeitner TM, Ponnala S, Williams C, Nikolopoulou A, DiMagno SG, Babich JW. A Trifunctional Theranostic Ligand Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein-α (FAPα). Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 23:686-696. [PMID: 33721173 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) is uniquely expressed in activated fibroblasts, including cancer-associated fibroblasts that populate tumor stroma and contribute to proliferation and immunosuppression. Radiolabeled FAPα inhibitors enable imaging of multiple human cancers, but time-dependent clearance from tumors currently limits their utility as FAPα-targeted radiotherapeutics. We sought to increase the area under the curve (AUC) by constructing a trifunctional ligand that binds FAPα with high affinity and also binds albumin and theranostic radiometals. PROCEDURES RPS-309 comprised a FAPα-targeting moiety, an albumin-binding group, and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). Inhibition of recombinant human FAPα (rhFAPα) was determined by colorimetric assay. Affinity for human serum albumin (HSA) was determined by high-performance affinity chromatography. The tissue distribution of [68Ga]Ga-RPS-309 in SW872 tumor xenograft-bearing mice was imaged by microPET/CT and quantified by biodistribution studies performed from 30 min to 3 h post injection (p.i.). The biodistribution of [177Lu]Lu-RPS-309 was determined at 4, 24, and 96 h p.i. RESULTS RPS-309 inhibits rhFAPα with IC50 = 7.3 ± 1.4 nM. [68Ga]Ga-RPS-309 is taken up specifically by FAPα-expressing cells and binds HSA with Kd = 4.6 ± 0.1 μM. Uptake of the radiolabeled ligand in tumors was evident from 30 min p.i. (> 5 %ID/g) and was significantly reduced by co-injection of RPS-309. Specific skeletal uptake was also observed. Activity in tumors was constant through 4 h p.i., but cleared significantly by 24 h. The AUC in this period was 127 (%ID/g) × h. CONCLUSIONS RPS-309 is a high-affinity FAPα inhibitor with prolonged plasma residence. Introduction of the albumin-binding group did not compromise FAPα binding. Although initial tumor uptake was high and FAPα-specific, RPS-309 also progressively cleared from tumors. Nevertheless, RPS-309 incorporates multiple sites in which structural diversity can be introduced, and therefore serves as a platform for future structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Kelly
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Thomas M Jeitner
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Shashikanth Ponnala
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Angion Biomedica Corp., Uniondale, NY, 11553, USA
| | - Clarence Williams
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Anastasia Nikolopoulou
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, 19477, USA
| | - Stephen G DiMagno
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry, UIC College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John W Babich
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Belfer Research Building, Room 1600, 413 E 69th St, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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Zhou Y, Yin K, Dong H, Yang S, Li J, Luo J, Li Y, Yang R. Long-Lasting Bioluminescence Imaging of the Fibroblast Activation Protein by an Amphiphilic Block Copolymer-Based Probe. Anal Chem 2021; 93:3726-3732. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c03638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - Keyi Yin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - Hao Dong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - JunBin Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - Jinqiu Luo
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Organic Chemistry and Function Molecule, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, P. R. China
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Food Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, P. R. China
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Xi CR, Di Fazio A, Nadvi NA, Xiang MSW, Zhang HE, Deshpande C, Chen Y, Tabar MS, Wang XM, Bailey CG, McCaughan GW, Church WB, Gorrell MD. An improved production and purification protocol for recombinant soluble human fibroblast activation protein alpha. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 181:105833. [PMID: 33524496 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a cell-surface expressed type II glycoprotein that has a unique proteolytic activity. FAP has active soluble forms that retain the extracellular portion but lack the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. FAP expression is normally very low in adult tissue but is highly expressed by activated fibroblasts in sites of tissue remodelling. Thus, FAP is a potential biomarker and pharmacological target in liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, arthritis and cancer. Understanding the biological significance of FAP by investigating protein structure, interactions and activities requires reliable methods for the production and purification of abundant pure and stable protein. We describe an improved production and purification protocol for His6-tagged recombinant soluble human FAP. A modified baculovirus expression construct was generated using the pFastBac1 vector and the gp67 secretion signal to produce abundant active soluble recombinant human FAP (residues 27-760) in insect cells. The FAP purification protocol employed ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, immobilised metal affinity chromatography and ultrafiltration. High purity was achieved, as judged by gel electrophoresis and specific activity. The purified 82 kDa FAP protein was specifically inhibited by a FAP selective inhibitor, ARI-3099, and was inhibited by zinc with an IC50 of 25 μM. Our approach could be adopted for producing the soluble portions of other type II transmembrane glycoproteins to study their structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecy R Xi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Arianna Di Fazio
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Nadvi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Research Portfolio Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Sui Wen Xiang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chandrika Deshpande
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, UK; Drug Discovery, Sydney Analytical, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yiqian Chen
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Xin Maggie Wang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Charles G Bailey
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; AW Morrow GE & Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is a type-II transmembrane serine protease expressed almost exclusively to pathological conditions including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. Across most cancer types, elevated FAP is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Despite the clear association between FAP and disease severity, the biological reasons underlying these clinical observations remain unclear. Here we review basic FAP biology and FAP's role in non-oncologic and oncologic disease. We further explore how FAP may worsen clinical outcomes via its effects on extracellular matrix remodeling, intracellular signaling regulation, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. Lastly, we discuss the potential to exploit FAP biology to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Fitzgerald
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3870 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3870 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Cho JM, Yang EH, Quan W, Nam EH, Cheon HG. Discovery of a novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor, BR103354, with anti-diabetic and anti-steatotic effects. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21280. [PMID: 33277568 PMCID: PMC7718273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77978-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is a class of hepatokines that plays a protective role against obesity, insulin resistance, and liver damage. Despite this, protective effects of FGF21 in human appear to be minimal, possibly due to its proteolytic cleavage by the fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Here, we presented a novel FAP inhibitor, BR103354, and described its pharmacological activities as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic disorders. BR103354 inhibited FAP with an IC50 value of 14 nM, showing high selectivity against dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-related enzymes and prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP). In differentiated 3T3/L1 adipocytes, the addition of FAP diminished hFGF21-induced Glut1 and phosphorylated levels of ERK, which were restored by BR103354. BR103354 exhibited good pharmacokinetic properties as evidenced by oral bioavailability of 48.4% and minimal hERG inhibition. Single co-administration of BR103354 with hFGF21 reduced nonfasting blood glucose concentrations, in association with increased intact form of hFGF21 in ob/ob mice. Additionally, chronic treatment of BR103354 for 4 weeks reduced nonfasting blood glucose concentrations with improved glucose tolerance and with reduced triglyceride (TG) content in liver of ob/ob mice. Consistently, BR103354 improved hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model. FAP inhibitory effects of BR103354 were confirmed in normal cynomolgus monkeys. Together, BR103354 acts as an effective FAP inhibitor in vitro and in vivo, thereby demonstrating its potential application as an anti-diabetic and anti-NASH agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Min Cho
- Innovative Drug Research Institute, Boryung Pharm. Co., Ltd, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15425, South Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Eun Hee Yang
- Innovative Drug Research Institute, Boryung Pharm. Co., Ltd, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15425, South Korea
| | - Wenying Quan
- Innovative Drug Research Institute, Boryung Pharm. Co., Ltd, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15425, South Korea
| | - Eun Hye Nam
- Innovative Drug Research Institute, Boryung Pharm. Co., Ltd, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15425, South Korea
| | - Hyae Gyeong Cheon
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea.
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Imaging fibroblast activation protein in liver cancer: a single-center post hoc retrospective analysis to compare [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT versus MRI and [18F]-FDG PET/CT. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 48:1604-1617. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-05095-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Segerer SE, Bartmann C, Schwab M, Kämmerer U. Expression of the Peptidase "Fibroblast Activation Protein" on Decidual Stromal Cells Facilitating Tissue Remodeling. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2020; 85:428-436. [PMID: 33171480 DOI: 10.1159/000511439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been detected in activated fibroblasts participating in injury response, fibrotic and inflammatory conditions, and tumorigenesis. Human endometrium is equally characterized by rapid tissue remodeling events due to the reproductive tasks comprising the activity of proteolytic enzymes. OBJECTIVE We therefore hypothesized that FAP-positive fibroblasts could also be involved in physiological processes requiring tissue remodeling, such as decidualization during early pregnancy. METHODS/RESULTS The expression of FAP was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in frozen sections of decidual tissue from early pregnancy (gestational weeks: 6-12). All tissue samples clearly displayed a strong expression of FAP on the surface of stromal fibroblasts. Additionally, the percentage of FAP-positive fibroblasts freshly isolated from the decidua of the corresponding gestational weeks was calculated by applying FACS analysis. Decidual fibroblasts of different gestational weeks showed a significant decrease in FAP expression between the 6th and 7th weeks of gestation, which was followed by a steady slow reconstitution. By analyzing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors of isolated FAP-positive decidual fibroblasts, we detected high levels of monocyte-attracting chemokines (growth-related oncogene alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and -2), granulocyte-attracting chemokines (e.g., IL-8), proinflammatory factors (IL-1α and tumor necrosis factor alpha), and angiogenic substances (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-8), which all promote an optimal microenvironment for implantation and growth of the conceptus. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that the healthy early pregnancy decidua is characterized by a general occurrence of FAP-positive fibroblasts possibly participating in active tissue remodeling during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E Segerer
- Department of Gynecology, Amedes Experts, Hamburg, Germany, .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,
| | - Catharina Bartmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwab
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kämmerer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Voutilainen SH, Kosola SK, Lohi J, Mutka A, Jahnukainen T, Pakarinen M, Jalanko H. Expression of 6 Biomarkers in Liver Grafts After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Correlations with Histology, Biochemistry, and Outcome. Ann Transplant 2020; 25:e925980. [PMID: 33060556 PMCID: PMC7574360 DOI: 10.12659/aot.925980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical graft inflammation and fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are common. Biomarkers are needed that precede and are associated with these changes and graft outcome. Material/Methods We evaluated immunohistochemical expression of 6 biomarkers [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, decorin, vimentin, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), and CD34] in biopsies taken intraoperatively at LT (baseline) (n=29) and at 11.3 years after LT (first follow-up) (n=51). Liver biochemistry and graft histology were assessed at the first follow-up and at final assessment (19.6 years after LT) (n=48). Second follow-up biopsies for histology were available from 24 patients. The immunostainings were correlated with liver histology, biochemistry, and outcome at these time-points. Results Baseline levels of the biomarkers were unrelated to presence of fibrosis at follow-up. Increased α-SMA, collagen I levels, decorin, and vimentin were associated with simultaneous fibrosis at the first follow-up (p=0.001–0.027). Increased SMA, collagen I, decorin, vimentin, PSGL-1, and CD34 expression at first follow-up were associated with simultaneous portal inflammation (p=0.001–0.025). α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin expression were increased in patients without fibrosis at the first follow-up but who developed fibrosis in second follow-up (p=0.014 p=0.024 and p=0.024). Significant fibrosis (F2) and markedly increased α-SMA, collagen I, decorin, and vimentin levels at first follow-up were associated with suboptimal liver status at the final assessment (p=0.002–0.042). Conclusions The expression of the biomarkers at LT was unrelated to later development of graft fibrosis. α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin were associated with later graft fibrosis and suboptimal liver status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja H Voutilainen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Silja K Kosola
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouko Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Mutka
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Jahnukainen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Pakarinen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Jalanko
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Shi X, Xing H, Yang X, Li F, Yao S, Zhang H, Zhao H, Hacker M, Huo L, Li X. Fibroblast imaging of hepatic carcinoma with 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT: a pilot study in patients with suspected hepatic nodules. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 48:196-203. [PMID: 32468254 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-04882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE 68Ga-FAPI-04 is a rapidly evolving PET tracer for whole-body imaging in a variety of cancers. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 68Ga-FAPI-04 for detecting and characterizing hepatic nodules in patients with suspected carcinoma. METHODS Twenty-five patients showing suspicious hepatic lesions for malignancy underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET. The maximum and mean standardised uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean) were measured for all detected lesions and normal hepatic tissues, respectively. The target-to-background ratio (TBR) was calculated by dividing the lesion SUVmax with the SUVmean of non-tumour liver tissue. Lesion uptake value was correlated with the in vitro hepatic FAP expression determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS In total, 17 patients who underwent surgery or biopsy were recruited for the final analysis. A total of 28 intrahepatic malignant lesions were detected in 16 patients; the mean SUVmax was 8.36 ± 4.21 (range 2.21 to 15.86), and mean TBR was 13.15 ± 9.48 (range 2.79 to 38.12) in all detected lesions (n = 28). One benign patient showed negligible hepatic uptake (SUVmax = 0.47), whereas 75% of the primary intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions (n = 6) showed prominent FAP expression, 12.5% of the lesions (n = 1) showed moderate expression in stromal cells, and one showed negligible expression. CONCLUSIONS 68Ga-FAPI-04 showed high sensitivity in detecting hepatic malignancies, particularly in poorly differentiated forms with concordantly elevated FAP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqun Xing
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shaobo Yao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Li Huo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiang Li
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Muthiah MD, Huang DQ, Zhou L, Jumat NH, Choolani M, Chan JKY, Wee A, Lim SG, Dan YY. A murine model demonstrating reversal of structural and functional correlates of cirrhosis with progenitor cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15446. [PMID: 31659188 PMCID: PMC6817879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51189-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of cell transplantation for treating liver cirrhosis hinges critically on the availability of animal models for studying human stem cell transplantation. We report an immune-permissive murine model of liver cirrhosis with full clinical correlates of decompensated liver disease, and allows testing efficacy of stem cell transplantation. Liver cirrhosis was induced in Nod-scid gamma(NSG) mice with oral thioacetamide(TA) and compared to controls over 12 months. 4 month TA treated cirrhotic mice were then transplanted intrasplenically with 2million human fetal liver progenitor cells(HFH) and compared with cirrhotic controls 2 months after transplantation. NSG-TA mice developed shrunken and nodular livers with histological evidence of fibrosis as compared to controls. This was associated with evidence of worsening decompensated liver disease, with jaundice, hypoalbuminemia, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy in NSG-TA mice. Transplantation of HFH resulted in improvement in both fibrosis and markers of decompensated liver disease. We have demonstrated that NSG-TA mice can recapitulate the full clinical picture of structural and functional cirrhosis, both of which can be improved by transplantation of human fetal liver cells. This model serves as a valuable tool for validation of in vivo liver stem cell transplantation and opens up opportunities for studying the mechanism how stem cells reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Muthiah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nur Halisah Jumat
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aileen Wee
- Department of Pathology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yock-Young Dan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Lindner T, Loktev A, Giesel F, Kratochwil C, Altmann A, Haberkorn U. Targeting of activated fibroblasts for imaging and therapy. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2019; 4:16. [PMID: 31659499 PMCID: PMC6658625 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-019-0069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors form a complex environment consisting of a variety of non-malignant cells. Especially cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to have an important role for different aspects of malignant tumors such as migration, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and immunosuppression. Therefore, a targeting of these cells may be useful for both imaging and therapy. In this respect, an interesting target is the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) which is expressed in activated fibroblasts, but not in quiescent fibroblasts, giving the opportunity to use this membrane-anchored enzyme as a target for radionuclide-based approaches for diagnosis and treatment of tumors and for the diagnosis of non-malignant disease associated with a remodelling of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anastasia Loktev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Altmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
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38
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Schuppan D, Ashfaq-Khan M, Yang AT, Kim YO. Liver fibrosis: Direct antifibrotic agents and targeted therapies. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:435-451. [PMID: 29656147 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and in particular cirrhosis are the major causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic liver disease. Their prevention or reversal have become major endpoints in clinical trials with novel liver specific drugs. Remarkable progress has been made with therapies that efficiently address the cause of the underlying liver disease, as in chronic hepatitis B and C. Highly effective antiviral therapy can prevent progression or even induce reversal in the majority of patients, but such treatment remains elusive for the majority of liver patients with advanced alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, genetic or autoimmune liver diseases. Moreover, drugs that would speed up fibrosis reversal are needed for patients with cirrhosis, since even with effective causal therapy reversal is slow or the disease may further progress. Therefore, highly efficient and specific antifibrotic agents are needed that can address advanced fibrosis, i.e., the detrimental downstream result of all chronic liver diseases. This review discusses targeted antifibrotic therapies that address molecules and mechanisms that are central to fibrogenesis or fibrolysis, including strategies that allow targeting of activated hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts and other fibrogenic effector cells. Focus is on collagen synthesis, integrins and cells and mechanisms specific including specific downregulation of TGFbeta signaling, major extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM-crosslinking, and ECM-receptors such as integrins and discoidin domain receptors, ECM-crosslinking and methods for targeted delivery of small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules to increase potency and reduce side effects. With an increased understanding of the biology of the ECM and liver fibrosis and an improved preclinical validation, the translation of these approaches to the clinic is currently ongoing. Application to patients with liver fibrosis and a personalized treatment is tightly linked to the development of noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis, fibrogenesis and fibrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
| | - Muhammad Ashfaq-Khan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ai Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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Lord MS, Tang F, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Smith JGW, Melrose J, Whitelock JM. The multifaceted roles of perlecan in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:150-166. [PMID: 29475023 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Perlecan, or heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), is a ubiquitous heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has major roles in tissue and organ development and wound healing by orchestrating the binding and signaling of mitogens and morphogens to cells in a temporal and dynamic fashion. In this review, its roles in fibrosis are reviewed by drawing upon evidence from tissue and organ systems that undergo fibrosis as a result of an uncontrolled response to either inflammation or traumatic cellular injury leading to an over production of a collagen-rich extracellular matrix. This review focuses on examples of fibrosis that occurs in lung, liver, kidney, skin, kidney, neural tissues and blood vessels and its link to the expression of perlecan in that particular organ system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Lord
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Fengying Tang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | - James G W Smith
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - James Melrose
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - John M Whitelock
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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40
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Shang L, Hosseini M, Liu X, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Human hepatic stellate cell isolation and characterization. J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:6-17. [PMID: 29094206 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-017-1404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) localize at the space of Disse in the liver and have multiple functions. They are identified as the major contributor to hepatic fibrosis. Significant understanding of HSCs has been achieved using rodent models and isolated murine HSCs; as well as investigating human liver tissues and human HSCs. There is growing interest and need of translating rodent study findings to human HSCs and human liver diseases. However, species-related differences impose challenges on the translational research. In this review, we focus on the current information on human HSCs isolation methods, human HSCs markers, and established human HSC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshan Shang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - David Allen Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
- School of Medicine, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0602, USA.
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41
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Yazdani S, Bansal R, Prakash J. Drug targeting to myofibroblasts: Implications for fibrosis and cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:101-116. [PMID: 28720422 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the key players in extracellular matrix remodeling, a core phenomenon in numerous devastating fibrotic diseases. Not only in organ fibrosis, but also the pivotal role of myofibroblasts in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis has recently been highlighted. Myofibroblast targeting has gained tremendous attention in order to inhibit the progression of incurable fibrotic diseases, or to limit the myofibroblast-induced tumor progression and metastasis. In this review, we outline the origin of myofibroblasts, their general characteristics and functions during fibrosis progression in three major organs: liver, kidneys and lungs as well as in cancer. We will then discuss the state-of-the art drug targeting technologies to myofibroblasts in context of the above-mentioned organs and tumor microenvironment. The overall objective of this review is therefore to advance our understanding in drug targeting to myofibroblasts, and concurrently identify opportunities and challenges for designing new strategies to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics against fibrosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Yazdani
- Targeted Therapeutics Division, Department of Biomaterials, Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Targeted Therapeutics Division, Department of Biomaterials, Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Targeted Therapeutics Division, Department of Biomaterials, Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; ScarTec Therapeutics BV, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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42
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Egger C, Cannet C, Gérard C, Suply T, Ksiazek I, Jarman E, Beckmann N. Effects of the fibroblast activation protein inhibitor, PT100, in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 809:64-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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43
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Uitte de Willige S, Keane FM, Bowen DG, Malfliet JJMC, Zhang HE, Maneck B, McCaughan GW, Leebeek FWG, Rijken DC, Gorrell MD. Circulating fibroblast activation protein activity and antigen levels correlate strongly when measured in liver disease and coronary heart disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178987. [PMID: 28582421 PMCID: PMC5459491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Circulating fibroblast activation protein (cFAP) is a constitutively active enzyme expressed by activated fibroblasts that has both dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities. We aimed to assess the correlation between cFAP activity and antigen levels and to compare variations in levels. METHODS In plasma of 465 control individuals, 368 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 102 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients with severe liver disease before and after liver transplant, cFAP activity levels were measured with a newly developed cFAP activity assay. In the same samples, cFAP antigen levels were measured using a commercially available cFAP ELISA. Correlation analyses between activity and antigen levels were performed by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient (ρ). Additionally, normal ranges, determinants and differences between cohorts and between anticoagulants were investigated. RESULTS cFAP activity and antigen levels significantly correlated in controls (ρ: 0.660, p<0.001) and in CHD patients (ρ: 0.709, p<0.001). cFAP activity and antigen levels in the HCV cohort were significantly lower in the samples taken after liver transplantation (p<0.001) and normalized toward levels of healthy individuals. Furthermore, cFAP activity and antigen levels were higher in men and significantly associated with body mass index. Also, cFAP activity and antigen levels were higher in EDTA plasma as compared to the levels in citrated plasma from the same healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS For analyzing cFAP levels, either activity levels or antigen levels can be measured to investigate differences between individuals. However, it is of importance that blood samples are collected in the same anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Uitte de Willige
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Fiona M. Keane
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David G. Bowen
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - H. Emma Zhang
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bharvi Maneck
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frank W. G. Leebeek
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dingeman C. Rijken
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark D. Gorrell
- Department of Molecular Hepatology, Centenary Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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44
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Sokar SS, El-Sayad MES, Ghoneim MES, Shebl AM. Combination of Sitagliptin and Silymarin ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 89:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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45
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Tan SY, Chowdhury S, Polak N, Gorrell MD, Weninger W. Fibroblast activation protein is dispensable in the anti-influenza immune response in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171194. [PMID: 28158223 PMCID: PMC5291439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a unique dual peptidase of the S9B serine protease family, being capable of both dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities. FAP is expressed at low level in healthy adult organs including the pancreas, cervix, uterus, submaxillary gland and the skin, and highly upregulated in embryogenesis, chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling. It is also expressed by cancer-associated stromal fibroblasts in more than 90% of epithelial tumours. FAP has enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions in the growth, immunosuppression, invasion and cell signalling of tumour cells. FAP deficient mice are fertile and viable with no gross abnormality, but little data exist on the role of FAP in the immune system. FAP is upregulated in association with microbial stimulation and chronic inflammation, but its function in infection remains unknown. We showed that major populations of immune cells including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and neutrophils are generated and maintained normally in FAP knockout mice. Upon intranasal challenge with influenza virus, FAP mRNA was increased in the lungs and lung-draining lymph nodes. Nonetheless, FAP deficient mice showed similar pathologic kinetics to wildtype controls, and were capable of supporting normal anti-influenza T and B cell responses. There was no evidence of compensatory upregulation of other DPP4 family members in influenza-infected FAP-deficient mice. FAP appears to be dispensable in anti-influenza adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sioh-Yang Tan
- Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sumaiya Chowdhury
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasa Polak
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark D. Gorrell
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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46
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Giuliano A, dos Santos Horta R, Constantino-Casas F, Hoather T, Dobson J. Expression of Fibroblast Activating Protein and Correlation with Histological Grade, Mitotic Index and Ki67 Expression in Canine Mast Cell Tumours. J Comp Pathol 2017; 156:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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47
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Sinnathurai P, Lau W, Vieira de Ribeiro AJ, Bachovchin WW, Englert H, Howe G, Spencer D, Manolios N, Gorrell MD. Circulating fibroblast activation protein and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2016; 21:1915-1923. [PMID: 27990763 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To quantify circulating fibroblast activation protein (cFAP) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (cDPP4) protease activities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and a control group with mechanical back pain and to correlate plasma levels with disease characteristics. METHODS Plasma was collected from patients with RA (n = 73), SSc (n = 37) and control subjects (n = 26). DPP4 and FAP were quantified using specific enzyme activity assays. RESULTS Median cDPP4 was significantly lower in the RA group (P = 0.02), and SSc group (P = 0.002) compared with controls. There were no significant differences in median cFAP between the three groups. DPP4 and FAP demonstrated a negative correlation with inflammatory markers and duration of disease. There were no associations with disease subtypes in RA, including seropositive and erosive disease. Decreased cDPP4 was found in SSc patients with myositis. Plasma FAP was lower in RA patients receiving prednisone (P = 0.001) or leflunomide (P = 0.04), but higher with biologic agents (P = 0.01). RA patients receiving leflunomide also had decreased cDPP4 (P = 0.014). SSc patients receiving prednisone (P = 0.02) had lower cDPP4 but there was no association with cFAP. CONCLUSIONS No association was found between cFAP and RA or SSc. Plasma DPP4 was decreased in RA and SSc when compared with controls. cDPP4 and cFAP correlated negatively with inflammatory markers and there were no significant correlations with disease characteristics in this RA cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Lau
- Rheumatology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana Julia Vieira de Ribeiro
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William W Bachovchin
- Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen Englert
- Rheumatology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Graydon Howe
- Rheumatology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Spencer
- Rheumatology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Manolios
- Rheumatology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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48
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Integral membrane protease fibroblast activation protein sensitizes fibrosarcoma to chemotherapy and alters cell death mechanisms. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1483-98. [PMID: 26342814 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an integral membrane serine protease, is found on fibro- and osteo-sarcoma and on myofibroblasts in epithelial carcinoma, but rarely on other adult tissue. FAP has been demonstrated to be an excellent target for tumor imaging in clinical trials, and antibodies and other FAP-targeting drugs are in development. Here we have shown that FAP overexpression increased the growth of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo, and found that the expression of FAP affects response to chemotherapy. When treated with doxorubicin, expression of FAP increased susceptibility to the drug. In spite of this, FAP-HT1080 cells had fewer markers of classical apoptosis than HT1080 cells and neither necrosis nor necroptosis were enhanced. However, levels of early mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane permeability markers were increased, and autophagy switched from a protective function in HT1080 cells to part of the cell death mechanism with FAP expression. Therefore, FAP may affect how the tumor responds to chemotherapeutic drugs overall, which should be considered in targeted drug development. The overexpression of FAP also alters cell signaling and responses to the environment in this cell line. This includes cell death mechanisms, changing the response of HT1080 cells to doxorubicin from classical apoptosis to an organelle membrane permeability-dependent form of cell death.
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49
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Henderson JM, Zhang HE, Polak N, Gorrell MD. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Mouse models and the potential roles of proteases. Cancer Lett 2016; 387:106-113. [PMID: 27045475 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the second most common cause of mortality from cancer. The most common models of hepatocellular carcinoma, which use a chemical and/or metabolic insult, xenograft, or genetic manipulation, are discussed in this review. In the tumour microenvironment lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and antigen presenting cells are important determinants of cell fate. These cells make a range of proteases that modify the biological activity of other proteins, particularly extracellular matrix proteins that alter cell migration of tumour cells, fibroblasts and leucocytes, and chemokines that alter leucocyte migration. The DPP4 family of post-proline peptidase enzymes modifies cell movement and the activities of many bioactive molecules including growth factors and chemokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Henderson
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Natasa Polak
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia.
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50
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Dunshee DR, Bainbridge TW, Kljavin NM, Zavala-Solorio J, Schroeder AC, Chan R, Corpuz R, Wong M, Zhou W, Deshmukh G, Ly J, Sutherlin DP, Ernst JA, Sonoda J. Fibroblast Activation Protein Cleaves and Inactivates Fibroblast Growth Factor 21. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:5986-5996. [PMID: 26797127 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.710582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FGF21 is a stress-induced hormone with potent anti-obesity, insulin-sensitizing, and hepatoprotective properties. Although proteolytic cleavage of recombinant human FGF21 in preclinical species has been observed previously, the regulation of endogenously produced FGF21 is not well understood. Here we identify fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as the enzyme that cleaves and inactivates human FGF21. A selective chemical inhibitor, immunodepletion, or genetic deletion of Fap stabilized recombinant human FGF21 in serum. In addition, administration of a selective FAP inhibitor acutely increased circulating intact FGF21 levels in cynomolgus monkeys. On the basis of our findings, we propose selective FAP inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to increase endogenous FGF21 activity for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Justin Ly
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, and
| | - Daniel P Sutherlin
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
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