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Wang YC, Zolnik OB, Liu CY. SMAD4-Dependent Signaling Pathway Involves in the Pathogenesis of TGFBR2-Related CE-like Phenotype. Cells 2024; 13:626. [PMID: 38607065 PMCID: PMC11011447 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Our previous data indicated that disturbance of the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFB) signaling pathway via its Type-2 Receptor (TGFBR2) can cause a Corneal Ectasia (CE)-like phenotype. The purpose of this study is to elucidate whether the SMAD4-dependent signaling pathway is involved in the TGFBR2-related CE-like pathogenesis. (2) Methods: Smad4 was designed to be conditionally knocked out from keratocytes. Novel triple transgenic mice, KerartTA; Tet-O-Cre; Smad4flox/flox (Smad4kera-cko), were administered with doxycycline (Dox). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was performed to examine Central Corneal Thickness (CCT), Corneal Radius, Anterior Chamber and CE-like phenotype and compared to the littermate Control group (Smad4Ctrl). (3) Results: The OCT revealed normal cornea in the Smad4Ctrl and a CE-like phenotype in the Smad4kera-cko cornea, in which the overall CCT in Smad4kera-cko was thinner than that of Smad4Ctrl at P42 (n = 6, p < 0.0001) and showed no significant difference when compared to that in Tgfbr2kera-cko. Furthermore, the measurements of the Anterior Chamber and Corneal Radius indicated a substantial ectatic cornea in the Smad4kera-cko compared to Smad4Ctrl. The H&E staining of Smad4kera-cko mimics the finding in the Tgfbr2kera-cko. The positive immunostaining of cornea-specific marker K12 indicating the cell fate of cornea epithelium remained unchanged in Smad4kera-cko and the Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immunostaining further indicated an enhanced proliferation in the Smad4kera-cko. Both immunostainings recapitulated the finding in Tgfbr2kera-cko. The Masson's Trichrome staining revealed decreased collagen formation in the corneal stroma from both Smad4kera-cko and Tgfbr2kera-cko. The collagen type 1 (Col1a1) immunostaining further confirmed the reduction in collagen type 1 formation in Smad4kera-cko. (4) Conclusions: The aforementioned phenotypes in the Smad4kera-cko strain indicated that the SMAD4-dependent signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of the CE-like phenotype observed in Tgfbr2kera-cko.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chiao Wang
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | | | - Chia-Yang Liu
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
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2
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Gu YY, Liu XS, Lan HY. Therapeutic potential for renal fibrosis by targeting Smad3-dependent noncoding RNAs. Mol Ther 2024; 32:313-324. [PMID: 38093516 PMCID: PMC10861968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that ultimately results in renal failure, leaving patients with few therapeutic options. TGF-β is a master regulator of renal fibrosis and mediates progressive renal fibrosis via both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. In the canonical Smad signaling, Smad3 is a key mediator in tissue fibrosis and mediates renal fibrosis via a number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). In this regard, targeting Smad3-dependent ncRNAs may offer a specific therapy for renal fibrosis. This review highlights the significance and innovation of TGF-β/Smad3-associated ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in renal fibrogenesis. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of these ncRNAs and their future perspectives in the treatment of renal fibrosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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3
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Pydyn N, Ferenc A, Trzos K, Pospiech E, Wilamowski M, Mucha O, Major P, Kadluczka J, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Herranz JM, Avila MA, Hutsch T, Malczak P, Radkowiak D, Budzynski A, Jura J, Kotlinowski J. MCPIP1 Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Autocrine and Paracrine Manners, Preventing Liver Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:887-906. [PMID: 38311169 PMCID: PMC11026697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which results from the wound healing response to chronic, repeated injury of any etiology. Upon injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activate and secrete ECM proteins, forming scar tissue, which leads to liver dysfunction. Monocyte-chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, and its overexpression reduces liver injury in septic mice. In addition, mice with liver-specific deletion of Zc3h12a develop features of primary biliary cholangitis. In this study, we investigated the role of MCPIP1 in liver fibrosis and HSC activation. METHODS We analyzed MCPIP1 levels in patients' fibrotic livers and hepatic cells isolated from fibrotic murine livers. In vitro experiments were conducted on primary HSCs, cholangiocytes, hepatocytes, and LX-2 cells with MCPIP1 overexpression or silencing. RESULTS MCPIP1 levels are induced in patients' fibrotic livers compared with their nonfibrotic counterparts. Murine models of fibrosis revealed that its level is increased in HSCs and hepatocytes. Moreover, hepatocytes with Mcpip1 deletion trigger HSC activation via the release of connective tissue growth factor. Overexpression of MCPIP1 in LX-2 cells inhibits their activation through the regulation of TGFB1 expression, and this phenotype is reversed upon MCPIP1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that MCPIP1 is induced in human fibrotic livers and regulates the activation of HSCs in both autocrine and paracrine manners. Our results indicate that MCPIP1 could have a potential role in the development of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Pydyn
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Ferenc
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Trzos
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pospiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wilamowski
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Major
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2nd Department of General Surgery, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Kadluczka
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose M Herranz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matias A Avila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Hutsch
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ALAB Bioscience, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Malczak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Radkowiak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Budzynski
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jolanta Jura
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Kotlinowski
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland.
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Salah N, Eissa S, Mansour A, El Magd NMA, Hasanin AH, El Mahdy MM, Hassan MK, Matboli M. Evaluation of the role of kefir in management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rat model via modulation of NASH linked mRNA-miRNA panel. Sci Rep 2023; 13:236. [PMID: 36604518 PMCID: PMC9816104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27353-x] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the clinically aggressive variant of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hippo pathway dysregulation can contribute to NASH development and progression. The use of probiotics is effective in NASH management. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of kefir Milk in NASH management via modulation of hepatic mRNA-miRNA based panel linked to NAFLD/NASH Hippo signaling and gut microbita regulated genes which was identified using bioinformatics tools. Firstly, we analyzed mRNAs (SOX11, SMAD4 and AMOTL2), and their epigenetic regulator (miR-6807) followed by validation of target effector proteins (TGFB1, IL6 and HepPar1). Molecular, biochemical, and histopathological, analyses were used to evaluate the effects of kefir on high sucrose high fat (HSHF) diet -induced NASH in rats. We found that administration of Kefir proved to prevent steatosis and development of the inflammatory component of NASH. Moreover, Kefir improved liver function and lipid panel. At the molecular level, kefir down-regulated the expression of miR 6807-5p with subsequent increase in the expression of SOX 11, AMOTL2 associated with downregulated SMAD4, resulting in reduction in the expression of the inflammatory and fibrotic markers, IL6 and TGF-β1 in the treated and prophylactic groups compared to the untreated rats. In conclusion, Kefir suppressed NASH progression and improved both fibrosis and hepatic inflammation. The produced effect was correlated with modulation of SOX11, SMAD4 and AMOTL2 mRNAs) - (miR-6807-5p) - (TGFB, IL6 and, HepPar1) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Salah
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box 11381, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Eissa
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box 11381, Cairo, Egypt. .,MASRI institute of research, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amal Mansour
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box 11381, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M. Abo El Magd
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Helmy Hasanin
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal M. El Mahdy
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Kamel Hassan
- grid.440879.60000 0004 0578 4430Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt ,grid.440881.10000 0004 0576 5483Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Science, Zewail City for Science & Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Matboli
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box 11381, Cairo, Egypt.
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Ramos-Tovar E, Muriel P. Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 and liver damage. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 121:271-292. [PMID: 36707137 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The liver performs various biochemical and molecular functions. Its location as a portal to blood arriving from the intestines makes it susceptible to several insults, leading to diverse pathologies, including alcoholic liver disease, viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are causes of death worldwide. Illuminating the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic injury will provide targets to develop new therapeutic strategies to fight liver maladies. In this regard, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-recognized mediators of liver damage. ROS induce nuclear factor-κB and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which are the main proinflammatory signaling pathways that upregulate several proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators. Additionally, oxygen-derived free radicals induce hepatic stellate cell activation to produce exacerbated quantities of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS, preventing liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Therefore, several researchers have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants, mainly derived from plants, affords beneficial effects on the liver. Notably, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major factor against oxidative stress in the liver. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Nrf2 plays an important role in liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis via the induction of antioxidant response element genes. The use of Nrf2 inducers seems to be an interesting approach to prevent/attenuate hepatic disorders, particularly under conditions where ROS play a causative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Postgraduate Studies and Research Section, School of Higher Education in Medicine-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Spiliopoulos M, Haddad A, Al-Kouatly HB, Haleema S, Paidas MJ, Iqbal SN, Glazer RI. MicroRNA analysis in maternal blood of pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes reveals a distinct expression profile. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277098. [PMID: 36327243 PMCID: PMC9632843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the expression profile of microRNAs in the peripheral blood of pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) compared to that of healthy pregnant women. Study design This was a pilot study with case-control design in pregnant patients enrolled between January 2017 and June 2019. Patients with healthy pregnancies and those affected by PPROM between 20- and 33+6 weeks of gestation were matched by gestational age and selected for inclusion to the study. Patients were excluded for multiple gestation and presence of a major obstetrical complication such as preeclampsia, diabetes, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. A total of ten (n = 10) controls and ten (n = 10) patients with PPROM were enrolled in the study. Specimens were obtained before administration of betamethasone or intravenous antibiotics. MicroRNA expression was analyzed for 800 microRNAs in each sample using the NanoString nCounter Expression Assay. Differential expression was calculated after normalization and log2- transformation using the false discovery rate (FDR) method at an alpha level of 5%. Results Demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups. Of the 800 miRNAs analyzed, 116 were differentially expressed after normalization. However, only four reached FDR-adjusted statistical significance. Pregnancies affected by PPROM were characterized by upregulation of miR-199a-5p, miR-130a-3p and miR-26a-5p and downregulation of miR-513b-5p (FDR adjusted p-values <0.05). The differentially expressed microRNAs participate in pathways associated with altered collagen and matrix metalloprotease expression in the extracellular matrix. Conclusion Patients with PPROM have a distinct peripheral blood microRNA profile compared to healthy pregnancies as measured by the NanoString Expression Assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Spiliopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine & Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Huda B. Al-Kouatly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Saeed Haleema
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sara N. Iqbal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Robert I. Glazer
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Alankarage D, Enriquez A, Steiner RD, Raggio C, Higgins M, Milnes D, Humphreys DT, Duncan EL, Sparrow DB, Giampietro PF, Chapman G, Dunwoodie SL. Myhre syndrome is caused by dominant-negative dysregulation of SMAD4 and other co-factors. Differentiation 2022; 128:1-12. [PMID: 36194927 PMCID: PMC10442510 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.09.002] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Myhre syndrome is a connective tissue disorder characterized by congenital cardiovascular, craniofacial, respiratory, skeletal, and cutaneous anomalies as well as intellectual disability and progressive fibrosis. It is caused by germline variants in the transcriptional co-regulator SMAD4 that localize at two positions within the SMAD4 protein, I500 and R496, with I500 V/T/M variants more commonly identified in individuals with Myhre syndrome. Here we assess the functional impact of SMAD4-I500V variant, identified in two previously unpublished individuals with Myhre syndrome, and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of SMAD4-I500V dysfunction. We show that SMAD4-I500V can dimerize, but its transcriptional activity is severely compromised. Our data show that SMAD4-I500V acts dominant-negatively on SMAD4 and on receptor-regulated SMADs, affecting transcription of target genes. Furthermore, SMAD4-I500V impacts the transcription and function of crucial developmental transcription regulator, NKX2-5. Overall, our data reveal a dominant-negative model of disease for SMAD4-I500V where the function of SMAD4 encoded on the remaining allele, and of co-factors, are perturbed by the continued heterodimerization of the variant, leading to dysregulation of TGF and BMP signaling. Our findings not only provide novel insights into the mechanism of Myhre syndrome pathogenesis but also extend the current knowledge of how pathogenic variants in SMAD proteins cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annabelle Enriquez
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Robert D Steiner
- Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Cathy Raggio
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Pediatrics Orthopedic Surgery, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Megan Higgins
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield St, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia; University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Di Milnes
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield St, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David T Humphreys
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Emma L Duncan
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK; Australian Translational Genomics Group, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, 4102, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, 4006, Australia
| | - Duncan B Sparrow
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Philip F Giampietro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Gavin Chapman
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sally L Dunwoodie
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia; Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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8
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Xie S, Xing Y, Shi W, Zhang M, Chen M, Fang W, Liu S, Zhang T, Zeng X, Chen S, Wang S, Deng W, Tang Q. Cardiac fibroblast heat shock protein 47 aggravates cardiac fibrosis post myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by encouraging ubiquitin specific peptidase 10 dependent Smad4 deubiquitination. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4138-4153. [PMID: 36386478 PMCID: PMC9643299 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite complications were significantly reduced due to the popularity of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in clinical trials, reperfusion injury and chronic cardiac remodeling significantly contribute to poor prognosis and rehabilitation in AMI patients. We revealed the effects of HSP47 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism. We generated adult mice with lentivirus-mediated or miRNA (mi1/133TS)-aided cardiac fibroblast-selective HSP47 overexpression. Myocardial IRI was induced by 45-min occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery followed by 24 h reperfusion in mice, while ischemia-mediated cardiac remodeling was induced by four weeks of reperfusion. Also, the role of HSP47 in fibrogenesis was evaluated in cardiac fibroblasts following hypoxia–reoxygenation (HR). Extensive HSP47 was observed in murine infarcted hearts, human ischemic hearts, and cardiac fibroblasts and accelerated oxidative stress and apoptosis after myocardial IRI. Cardiac fibroblast-selective HSP47 overexpression exacerbated cardiac dysfunction caused by chronic myocardial IRI and presented deteriorative fibrosis and cell proliferation. HSP47 upregulation in cardiac fibroblasts promoted TGFβ1–Smad4 pathway activation and Smad4 deubiquitination by recruiting ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) in fibroblasts. However, cardiac fibroblast specific USP10 deficiency abolished HSP47-mediated fibrogenesis in hearts. Moreover, blockage of HSP47 with Col003 disturbed fibrogenesis in fibroblasts following HR. Altogether, cardiac fibroblast HSP47 aggravates fibrosis post-myocardial IRI by enhancing USP10-dependent Smad4 deubiquitination, which provided a potential strategy for myocardial IRI and cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiyang Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yun Xing
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenke Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Mengya Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenxi Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shiqiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Si Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qizhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, China
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is a common microvascular complication with a high incidence in diabetic patients, greatly increases the mortality of patients. With further study on DN, it is found that epigenetics plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of DN. Epigenetics has an important impact on the development of DN through a variety of mechanisms, and promotes the generation and maintenance of metabolic memory, thus ultimately leading to a poor prognosis. In this review we discuss the methylation of DNA, modification of histone, and regulation of non-coding RNA involved in the progress of cell dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney, which ultimately lead to the deterioration of DN.
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10
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Wang H, Wang Z, Wang Y, Li X, Yang W, Wei S, Shi C, Qiu J, Ni M, Rao J, Cheng F. miRNA-130b-5p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and the development of liver fibrosis by suppressing SIRT4 expression. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7381-7394. [PMID: 34272822 PMCID: PMC8335697 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive disease accompanied by the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous reports have demonstrated that alterations in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to liver disease. However, the effect of individual miRNAs on liver fibrosis has not been studied. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), being responsible for producing ECM, exert an important influence on liver fibrosis. Then, microarray analysis of non‐activated and activated HSCs induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) showed that miR‐130b‐5p expression was strongly up‐regulated during HSC activation. Moreover, the progression of liver fibrosis had a close connection with the expression of miR‐130b‐5p in different liver fibrosis mouse models. Then, we identified that there were specific binding sites between miR‐130b‐5p and the 3′ UTR of Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) via a luciferase reporter assay. Knockdown of miR‐130b‐5p increased SIRT4 expression and ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice transfected with antagomiR‐130b‐5p oligos. In general, our results suggested that miR‐130b‐5p promoted HSC activation by targeting SIRT4, which participates in the AMPK/TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Hence, regulating miR‐130b‐5p maybe serve as a crucial therapeutic treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Yirui Wang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Song Wei
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China.,School of Medical, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengyu Shi
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Jiannan Qiu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhua Rao
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, National Health Commission (NHC), Nanjing, China
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11
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Zullo A, Mancini FP, Schleip R, Wearing S, Klingler W. Fibrosis: Sirtuins at the checkpoints of myofibroblast differentiation and profibrotic activity. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:650-666. [PMID: 34077595 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are still a serious concern for public health, due to their high prevalence, complex etiology and lack of successful treatments. Fibrosis consists of excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. As a result, the structure and function of tissues are impaired, thus potentially leading to organ failure and death in several chronic diseases. Myofibroblasts represent the principal cellular mediators of fibrosis, due to their extracellular matrix producing activity, and originate from different types of precursor cells, such as mesenchymal cells, epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Profibrotic activation of myofibroblasts can be triggered by a variety of mechanisms, including the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway, which is a major factor driving fibrosis. Interestingly, preclinical and clinical studies showed that fibrotic degeneration can stop and even reverse by using specific antifibrotic treatments. Increasing scientific evidence is being accumulated about the role of sirtuins in modulating the molecular pathways responsible for the onset and development of fibrotic diseases. Sirtuins are NAD+ -dependent protein deacetylases that play a crucial role in several molecular pathways within the cells, many of which at the crossroad between health and disease. In this context, we will report the current knowledge supporting the role of sirtuins in the balance between healthy and diseased myofibroblast activity. In particular, we will address the signalling pathways and the molecular targets that trigger the differentiation and profibrotic activation of myofibroblasts and can be modulated by sirtuins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Zullo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, Benevento, Italy.,CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies s.c.a.r.l. Naples, Italy
| | | | - Robert Schleip
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Germany.,Fascia Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University, Germany.,Diploma University of Applied Sciences, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
| | - Scott Wearing
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Germany.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Werner Klingler
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Germany.,Fascia Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University, Germany.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Anaesthesiology, SRH Hospital Sigmaringen, Germany
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12
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George NS, Bell R, Paredes JJ, Taub PJ, Andarawis-Puri N. Superior mechanical recovery in male and female MRL/MpJ tendons is associated with a unique genetic profile. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:1344-1354. [PMID: 32352601 PMCID: PMC7606617 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tendon ruptures heal by forming a mechanically inferior scar. We have shown that male Murphy Roths large (MRL/MpJ) mice exhibit improved tendon healing, suggesting that they can inform biological mechanisms that lead to effective tendon healing. As sex impacts healing, we assessed the effect of sex on tendon healing in MRL/MpJ and normal healer C57BL/6 (B6) mice and compared the associated biological environment with identify genes that may be integral to the improved healing outcome. We hypothesized that (a) male MRL/MpJ mice will heal with improved mechanical properties compared to females; and (b) that regenerative tendon healing will be associated with decreased fibrotic pathways, decreased inflammation, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). A midsubstance punch was introduced, and tendons were harvested after (a) 1 or 7 days for profiling of 84 genes; (b) 7 or 14 days for the assessment of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity; and (c) 6 weeks for mechanical assessment. MRL/MpJ tendons healed with the better restoration of mechanical properties than B6 tendons. Sex did not affect the mechanical properties of healing B6 or MRL/MpJ tendons. Comparison of the gene expression profiles in the context of the mechanical outcome revealed several differences between MRL/MpJ and B6 tendon healing, including, lower inflammation, an earlier higher expression of TGF-β-related genes that diminish by 7 days, and genes associated with enhanced cell migration in MRL/MpJ in comparison to B6 tendons. We expect that the timecourse and expression levels of these genes in scarless MRL/MpJ tendon healing represent the balanced environment that leads to improved tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha S. George
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca Bell
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - J. J. Paredes
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Peter J. Taub
- Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Nelly Andarawis-Puri
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Division, New York, New York
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13
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Gu YY, Dou JY, Huang XR, Liu XS, Lan HY. Transforming Growth Factor-β and Long Non-coding RNA in Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:684236. [PMID: 34054586 PMCID: PMC8155637 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.684236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is one of the most characterized pathological features in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Progressive fibrosis eventually leads to renal failure, leaving dialysis or allograft transplantation the only clinical option for CKD patients. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the key mediator in renal fibrosis and is an essential regulator for renal inflammation. Therefore, the general blockade of the pro-fibrotic TGF-β may reduce fibrosis but may risk promoting renal inflammation and other side effects due to the diverse role of TGF-β in kidney diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts with more than 200 nucleotides and have been regarded as promising therapeutic targets for many diseases. This review focuses on the importance of TGF-β and lncRNAs in renal inflammation, fibrogenesis, and the potential applications of TGF-β and lncRNAs as the therapeutic targets and biomarkers in renal fibrosis and CKD are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jing-Yun Dou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Weihai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weihai, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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14
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Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveal Immune Mechanisms of the Onset and Progression of IgA Nephropathy. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108525. [PMID: 33357427 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the leading cause of kidney failure due to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on kidneys and CD14+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from IgAN and normal samples. In IgAN, upregulation of JCHAIN in mesangial cells provides insight into the trigger mechanism for the dimerization and deposition of IgA1 in situ. The pathological mesangium also demonstrates a prominent inflammatory signature and increased cell-cell communication with other renal parenchymal cells and immune cells, suggesting disease progress from the mesangium to the entire kidney. Specific gene expression of kidney-resident macrophages and CD8+ T cells further indicates abnormal regulation associated with proliferation and inflammation. A transitional cell type among intercalated cells with fibrosis signatures is identified, suggesting an adverse outcome of interstitial fibrosis. Altogether, we systematically analyze the molecular events in the onset and progression of IgAN, providing a promising landscape for disease treatment.
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15
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Liao X, Li Y, Liu J, Zhang Y, Tan J, Kass DJ, Rojas M, Mallampalli RK, Zhao J, Zhao Y. Deubiquitinase USP13 promotes extracellular matrix expression by stabilizing Smad4 in lung fibroblast cells. Transl Res 2020; 223:15-24. [PMID: 32434004 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Smad4 plays a central role in the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression and cell differentiation; however, the molecular regulation of Smad4 protein stability by a deubiquitinase has not been reported. In the current study, we reveal that a deubiquitinase USP13 stabilizes Smad4, ultimately modulating ECM protein expression in lung fibroblast cells. USP13 was increased in primary adult lung fibroblasts isolated from bleomycin-challenged mice and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-treated primary mouse lung fibroblasts. In a bleomycin-induced murine model of lung fibrosis, USP13-deficient mice showed reduced ECM levels such as fibronectin (FN) and collagen compared with wild-type mice. The reductions in both protein levels and mRNA expression of ECM were observed in the isolated lung fibroblasts from USP13-deficient mice, suggesting that downregulation of USP13 reduces ECM levels through inhibiting its transcription. To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which USP13 modulates ECM expression, we focused on the role of USP13 on Smad4 expression. Overexpression of USP13 increased FN and Smad4 protein levels in lung fibroblasts, while downregulation of USP13 reduced Smad4 protein levels, without altering Smad4 mRNA expression, suggesting that USP13 regulates Smad4 protein stability. Knockdown of USP13 decreased Smad4 half-life and promoted Smad4 ubiquitination. Both Smad4 and USP13 were co-localized in the cytoplasm in treated cell, and co-translocated into the nucleus in response to TGF-β1. The results indicate that USP13 promotes ECM expression by stabilizing Smad4 in lung fibroblasts and plays a role in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix in lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yanhui Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiangning Tan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rama K Mallampalli
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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16
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Shi Y, Chen X, Huang C, Pollock C. RIPK3: A New Player in Renal Fibrosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:502. [PMID: 32613000 PMCID: PMC7308494 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the end result of a plethora of renal insults, including repeated episodes of acute or toxic kidney injury, glomerular, or diabetic kidney disease. It affects a large number of the population worldwide, resulting in significant personal morbidity and mortality and economic cost to the community. Hence it is appropriate to focus on treatment strategies that interrupt the development of kidney fibrosis, the end result of all forms of CKD, in addition to upstream factors that may be specific to certain diseases. However, the current clinical approach to prevent or manage renal fibrosis remains unsatisfactory. The rising importance of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIPK) 3 in the inflammatory response and TGF-β1 signaling is increasingly recognized. We discuss here the biological functions of RIPK3 and its role in the development of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shi
- Nephrology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Xinming Chen
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chunling Huang
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carol Pollock
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Gu YY, Liu XS, Huang XR, Yu XQ, Lan HY. Diverse Role of TGF-β in Kidney Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:123. [PMID: 32258028 PMCID: PMC7093020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are two pathological features of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been long considered as a key mediator of renal fibrosis. In addition, TGF-β also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that negatively regulates renal inflammation. Thus, blockade of TGF-β inhibits renal fibrosis while promoting inflammation, revealing a diverse role for TGF-β in CKD. It is now well documented that TGF-β1 activates its downstream signaling molecules such as Smad3 and Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs to transcriptionally and differentially regulate renal inflammation and fibrosis, which is negatively regulated by Smad7. Therefore, treatments by rebalancing Smad3/Smad7 signaling or by specifically targeting Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs that regulate renal fibrosis or inflammation could be a better therapeutic approach. In this review, the paradoxical functions and underlying mechanisms by which TGF-β1 regulates in renal inflammation and fibrosis are discussed and novel therapeutic strategies for kidney disease by targeting downstream TGF-β/Smad signaling and transcriptomes are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Wu SY, Chen YT, Tsai GY, Hsu FY, Hwang PA. Protective Effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan on Radiation-Induced Fibrosis Through TGF-β1/Smad Pathway-Mediated Inhibition of Collagen I Accumulation. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E136. [PMID: 32120789 PMCID: PMC7142431 DOI: 10.3390/md18030136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) occurs after radiation therapy in normal tissues due to excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and collagen, possibly resulting in organ function impairment. This study investigates the effects of low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMF) on irradiated NIH3T3 cells. Specifically, we quantified cellular metabolic activity, fibrosis-related mRNA expression, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and collagen-1 protein expression, and fibroblast contractility in response to LMF. LMF pre + post-treatment could more effectively increase cellular metabolic activity compared with LMF post-treatment. LMF pre + post-treatment inhibited TGF-β1 expression, which mediates negative activation of phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) and Smad4 complex formation and suppresses downstream collagen I accumulation. In addition, LMF pre + post-treatment significantly reduced actin-stress fibers in irradiated NIH3T3 cells. LMF, a natural substance obtained from brown seaweed, may be a candidate agent for preventing or inhibiting RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Yuan Wu
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Lo-Hsu Medical Foundation, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Yilan 265, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- Big Data Center, Lo-Hsu Medical Foundation, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Yilan 265, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chen
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.); (G.-Y.T.); (F.-Y.H.)
| | - Guo-Yu Tsai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.); (G.-Y.T.); (F.-Y.H.)
| | - Fu-Yin Hsu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.); (G.-Y.T.); (F.-Y.H.)
| | - Pai-An Hwang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.); (G.-Y.T.); (F.-Y.H.)
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
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19
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A novel miRNA-4484 is up-regulated on microarray and associated with increased MMP-21 expression in serum of systemic sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14264. [PMID: 31582779 PMCID: PMC6776520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50695-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, heterogeneous connective tissue disease, characterized by fibrosis and ECM deposition in skin and internal organs, autoimmunity, and changes in the microvasculature. Profiling of circulating miRNAs in serum has been found to be changed in pathological states, creating new possibilities for molecular diagnostics as blood-based biomarkers. This study was designed to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed in SSc and might be potentially contributing to the disease etiopathogenesis or be used for diagnostic purposes. Thus, we compared the expression pattern of multiple miRNAs in serum of 10 SSc patients to 6 healthy controls using microarray analysis, and RT-qPCR to confirm the obtained results. In addition, bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore miRNAs target genes and the signaling pathways that may be potentially involved in SSc pathogenesis. Our study shows a different expression of 15 miRNAs in SSc patients. We identified that miR-4484, located on chromosome 10q26.2, was an 18-fold up-regulated in SSc patients compared to a control group. Bioinformatics analysis of the miR-4484 target genes and the signaling pathways showed that it might be potentially involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and metalloproteinases expression. Based on the chromosomal location, the most interesting target gene of miR-4484 may be MMP-21. We found that the expression of MMP-21 significantly increased in SSc patients compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that miR-4484, and MMP-21 might be novel serum biomarkers that may correspond to pathological fibrosis in SSc, but it needs to be validated in further studies.
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20
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Abstract
Renal fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that disrupts and replaces functional parenchyma, which leads to organ failure. It is known as the major pathological mechanism of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although CKD has an impact on no less than 10% of the world population, therapeutic options are still limited. Regardless of etiology, elevated TGF-β levels are highly correlated with the activated pro-fibrotic pathways and disease progression. TGF-β, the key driver of renal fibrosis, is involved in a dynamic pathophysiological process that leads to CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is becoming clear that epigenetics regulates renal programming, and therefore, the development and progression of renal disease. Indeed, recent evidence shows TGF-β1/Smad signaling regulates renal fibrosis via epigenetic-correlated mechanisms. This review focuses on the function of TGF-β/Smads in renal fibrogenesis, and the role of epigenetics as a regulator of pro-fibrotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Tao Ma
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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21
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Xiao Q, Guan Y, Li C, Liu L, Zhao D, Wang H. Decreased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin contributes to the protection of lotensin against chronic renal failure in rats. Ren Fail 2018; 40:583-589. [PMID: 30371125 PMCID: PMC6211277 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2018.1496934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lotensin has been shown to have a protective function in the early stage of chronic renal failure. However, its role in the intermediate and late stages of chronic renal failure remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of lotensin in advanced chronic kidney disease. Methods: Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): sham group, 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) group, and lotensin group (oral administration of lotensin for 9 weeks following 5/6 Nx). Rats were sacrificed and pathological parameters were measured. Western blot assay and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in kidney tissues. Results: Compared to the 5/6 Nx group, lotensin administration significantly decreased 5/6 Nx-induced elevation in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24-h urinary protein excretion (UPE) rates, but markedly increased red blood cell count, plasma albumin and hemoglobin levels, along with improved renal morphology. Mechanistically, lotensin dramatically downregulated the renal expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA induced by 5/6 Nx. Conclusions: Lotensin protects against advanced chronic kidney disease in rats with 5/6 Nx through the downregulation of TGF-β1 and α-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfei Xiao
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Yinghui Guan
- b Department of Respiration , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Chenhao Li
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Li Liu
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Dan Zhao
- c Central Laboratory , Third Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Hongyue Wang
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
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22
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Tang PMK, Zhang YY, Mak TSK, Tang PCT, Huang XR, Lan HY. Transforming growth factor-β signalling in renal fibrosis: from Smads to non-coding RNAs. J Physiol 2018; 596:3493-3503. [PMID: 29781524 DOI: 10.1113/jp274492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the key player in tissue fibrosis. However, antifibrotic therapy targeting this multifunctional protein may interfere with other physiological processes to cause side effects. Thus, precise therapeutic targets need to be identified by further understanding the underlying mechanisms of TGF-β1 signalling during fibrogenesis. Equilibrium of Smad signalling is crucial for TGF-β-mediated renal fibrosis, where Smad3 is pathogenic but Smad2 and Smad7 are protective. The activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling triggers extracellular matrix deposition, and local myofibroblast generation and activation. Mechanistic studies have shown that TGF-β/Smad3 transits the microRNA profile from antifibrotic to profibrotic and therefore promotes renal fibrosis via regulating non-coding RNAs at transcriptional levels. More importantly, disease-specific Smad3-dependent long non-coding RNAs have been recently uncovered from mouse kidney disease models and may represent novel precision therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease. In this review, mechanisms of TGF-β-driven renal fibrosis via non-coding RNAs and their translational capacities will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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23
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Ge J, Burnier L, Adamopoulou M, Kwa MQ, Schaks M, Rottner K, Brakebusch C. RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 differentially regulate αSMA and collagen I expression in mesenchymal stem cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9358-9369. [PMID: 29700112 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are suggested to be important progenitors of myofibroblasts in fibrosis. To understand the role of Rho GTPase signaling in TGFβ-induced myofibroblast differentiation of MSC, we generated a novel MSC line and its descendants lacking functional Rho GTPases and Rho GTPase signaling components. Unexpectedly, our data revealed that Rho GTPase signaling is required for TGFβ-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) but not of collagen I α1 (col1a1). Whereas loss of RhoA and Cdc42 reduced αSMA expression, ablation of the Rac1 gene had the opposite effect. Although actin polymerization and MRTFa were crucial for TGFβ-induced αSMA expression, neither Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization nor cofilin-dependent severing and depolymerization of F-actin were required. Instead, F-actin levels were dependent on cell contraction, and TGFβ-induced actin polymerization correlated with increased cell contraction mediated by RhoA and Cdc42. Finally, we observed impaired collagen I secretion in MSC lacking RhoA or Cdc42. These data give novel molecular insights into the role of Rho GTPases in TGFβ signaling and have implications for our understanding of MSC function in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ge
- From the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laurent Burnier
- From the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Adamopoulou
- From the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mei Qi Kwa
- From the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias Schaks
- the Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 8, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany, and.,the Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Klemens Rottner
- the Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 8, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany, and.,the Department of Cell Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cord Brakebusch
- From the Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark,
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24
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Côté JA, Lessard J, Pelletier M, Marceau S, Lescelleur O, Fradette J, Tchernof A. Role of the TGF-β pathway in dedifferentiation of human mature adipocytes. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:1092-1101. [PMID: 28781950 PMCID: PMC5537071 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiation of adipocytes contributes to the generation of a proliferative cell population that could be useful in cellular therapy or tissue engineering. Adipocytes can dedifferentiate into precursor cells to acquire a fibroblast‐like phenotype using ceiling culture, in which the buoyancy of fat cells is exploited to allow them to adhere to the inner surface of a container. Ceiling culture is usually performed in flasks, which limits the ability to test various culture conditions. Using a new six‐well plate ceiling culture approach, we examined the relevance of TGF‐β signaling during dedifferentiation. Adipose tissue samples from patients undergoing bariatric surgery were digested with collagenase, and cell suspensions were used for ceiling cultures. Using the six‐well plate approach, cells were treated with SB431542 (an inhibitor of TGF‐β receptor ALK5) or human TGF‐β1 during dedifferentiation. Gene expression was measured in these cultures and in whole adipose tissue, the stromal–vascular fraction (SVF), mature adipocytes, and dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. TGF‐β1 and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene expression was significantly higher in DFAT cells compared to whole adipose tissue samples and SVF cells. TGF‐β1, COL1A1, and COL6A3 gene expression was significantly higher at day 12 of dedifferentiation compared to day 0. In the six‐well plate model, treatment with TGF‐β1 or SB431542, respectively, stimulated and inhibited the TGF‐β pathway as shown by increased TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, COL1A1, and COL6A3 gene expression and decreased expression of TGF‐β1, COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL6A3, respectively. Treatment of DFAT cells with TGF‐β1 increased the phosphorylation level of SMAD 2 and SMAD 3. Thus, a new six‐well plate model for ceiling culture allowed us to demonstrate a role for TGF‐β in modulating collagen gene expression during dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Anne Côté
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada.,Endocrinologie et Néphrologie CHU de Québec Canada.,École de Nutrition Université Laval Québec Canada
| | - Julie Lessard
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada
| | - Mélissa Pelletier
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada.,Endocrinologie et Néphrologie CHU de Québec Canada
| | - Simon Marceau
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada
| | - Odette Lescelleur
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada
| | - Julie Fradette
- Faculté de Médecine, Département de Chirurgie, Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX Université Laval Québec Canada.,Division de Médecine Régénérative CHU de Québec Canada
| | - André Tchernof
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec Canada.,Endocrinologie et Néphrologie CHU de Québec Canada.,École de Nutrition Université Laval Québec Canada
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25
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Wang HY, Zhang C, Xiao QF, Dou HC, Chen Y, Gu CM, Cui MJ. Hepatocyte growth factor inhibits tubular epithelial‑myofibroblast transdifferentiation by suppression of angiotensin II via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:2737-2743. [PMID: 28447719 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelial‑myofibroblast transdifferentiation (TEMT) is important in the development of chronic renal failure. The present study investigated whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) inhibits TEMT, and whether this function may be associated with the inhibition of angiotensin II (AngII) and the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. Human HK‑2 kidney proximal tubular cells were divided into 4 groups and treated with AngII (1x10‑6 M), HGF (8x10‑3 M), AngII plus HGF or control conditions, followed by an assessment of apoptosis induction and the expression levels of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), which is a marker of TEMT. as well as the activation level of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)‑JAK2, STAT3 and p‑STAT3 signaling pathways. In HK‑2 cells, α‑SMA mRNA and protein expression levels increased following treatment with AngII, however, decreased expression was observed following exposure to HGF. HGF counteracted the AngII‑induced increase in the expression of α‑SMA in HK‑2 cells. Similar expression profiles were observed for the phosphorylated forms of JAK2 and STAT3, indicating the possible involvement of this signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that treatment of cells with AngII was associated with the induction of apoptosis when compared with the control. By contrast, treatment with HGF attenuated AngII‑induced apoptosis. The results suggested that HGF may inhibit TEMT by inhibiting AngII through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in HK‑2 cells and HGF may prevent apoptosis induced by AngII. The present study provides a basis for understanding the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of TEMT by HGF, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian 361024, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Fei Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Chuan Dou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Mei Gu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Ji Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
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26
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Wu L, Wang Q, Guo F, Ma X, Ji H, Liu F, Zhao Y, Qin G. MicroRNA-27a Induces Mesangial Cell Injury by Targeting of PPARγ, and its In Vivo Knockdown Prevents Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26072. [PMID: 27184517 PMCID: PMC4869109 DOI: 10.1038/srep26072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we found that high glucose upregulated miR-27a expression in cultured glomerular mesangial cells and in the kidney glomeruli of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. miR-27a knockdown prevented high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation and also blocked the upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated profibrotic genes. Reduction of cell proliferation and profibrotic gene expression by a miR-27a inhibitor depended upon the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Further studies showed that miR-27a negatively regulated PPARγ expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of rat PPARγ. An antisense oligonucleotide specific to miR-27a (antagomir-27a) significantly reduced renal miR-27a expression in STZ-induced diabetic rats and significantly increased PPARγ levels. Antagomir-27a also reduced kidney ECM accumulation and proteinuria in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest that specific reduction of renal miR-27a decreases renal fibrosis, which may be explained in part by its regulation of PPARγ, and that targeting miR-27a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Qingzhu Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hongfei Ji
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Guijun Qin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
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27
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the primary factor that drives fibrosis in most, if not all, forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inhibition of the TGF-β isoform, TGF-β1, or its downstream signalling pathways substantially limits renal fibrosis in a wide range of disease models whereas overexpression of TGF-β1 induces renal fibrosis. TGF-β1 can induce renal fibrosis via activation of both canonical (Smad-based) and non-canonical (non-Smad-based) signalling pathways, which result in activation of myofibroblasts, excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibition of ECM degradation. The role of Smad proteins in the regulation of fibrosis is complex, with competing profibrotic and antifibrotic actions (including in the regulation of mesenchymal transitioning), and with complex interplay between TGF-β/Smads and other signalling pathways. Studies over the past 5 years have identified additional mechanisms that regulate the action of TGF-β1/Smad signalling in fibrosis, including short and long noncoding RNA molecules and epigenetic modifications of DNA and histone proteins. Although direct targeting of TGF-β1 is unlikely to yield a viable antifibrotic therapy due to the involvement of TGF-β1 in other processes, greater understanding of the various pathways by which TGF-β1 controls fibrosis has identified alternative targets for the development of novel therapeutics to halt this most damaging process in CKD.
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28
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Zhang L, Du X, Wei S, Li D, Li Q. A comprehensive transcriptomic view on the role of SMAD4 gene by RNAi-mediated knockdown in porcine follicular granulosa cells. Reproduction 2016; 152:81-9. [PMID: 27107035 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As a key mediator of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in regulating mammalian reproductive performance, Sma- and Mad-related protein 4 (SMAD4) is closely associated with the development of ovarian follicular. However, current knowledge of the genome-wide view on the role of SMAD4 gene in mammalian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) is still largely unknown. In the present study, RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the effects of SMAD4 knockdown by RNA interference (SMAD4-siRNA) in porcine follicular GCs. A total of 1025 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 530 upregulated genes and 495 downregulated genes, were identified in SMAD4-siRNA treated GCs compared with that treated with NC-siRNA. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis indicated that upregulated DEGs in SMAD4-siRNA treated cells were mainly enriched in cell-cycle related processes, interferon signaling pathway, and immune system process, while downregulated DEGs in SMAD4-siRNA treated cells were mainly involved in extracellular matrix organization/disassembly, pathogenesis, and cell adhesion. In particular, cell cycle and TGF-β signaling pathway were discovered as the canonical pathways changed under SMAD4-silencing. Taken together, our data reveals SMAD4 knockdown alters the expression of numerous genes involved in key biological processes of the development of follicular GCs and provides a novel global clue of the role of SMAD4 gene in porcine follicular GCs, thus improving our understanding of regulatory mechanisms of SMAD4 gene in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengjuan Wei
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongfeng Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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29
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Xu F, Liu C, Zhou D, Zhang L. TGF-β/SMAD Pathway and Its Regulation in Hepatic Fibrosis. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:157-67. [PMID: 26747705 DOI: 10.1369/0022155415627681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), a key member in the TGF-β superfamily, plays a critical role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Its expression is consistently elevated in affected organs, which correlates with increased extracellular matrix deposition. SMAD proteins have been studied extensively as pivotal intracellular effectors of TGF-β1, acting as transcription factors. In the context of hepatic fibrosis, SMAD3 and SMAD4 are pro-fibrotic, whereas SMAD2 and SMAD7 are protective. Deletion of SMAD3 inhibits type I collagen expression and blocks epithelial-myofibroblast transition. In contrast, disruption of SMAD2 upregulates type I collagen expression. SMAD4 plays an essential role in fibrosis disease by enhancing SMAD3 responsive promoter activity, whereas SMAD7 negatively mediates SMAD3-induced fibrogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that divergent miRNAs participate in the liver fibrotic process, which partially regulates members of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β/SMAD and other relative signaling pathways, and discussed the role and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β/SMAD in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, we address the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches to hepatic fibrosis by targeting to TGF-β/SMAD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Xu
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
| | - Changwei Liu
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaDepartment of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (CL)
| | - Dandan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy (FX, DZ, LZ),Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, ChinaInstitute for Liver Diseases (FX, DZ, LZ)
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30
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Bhatt K, Kato M, Natarajan R. Mini-review: emerging roles of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of renal diseases. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 310:F109-18. [PMID: 26538441 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00387.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenously produced short noncoding regulatory RNAs that can repress gene expression by posttranscriptional mechanisms. They can therefore influence both normal and pathological conditions in diverse biological systems. Several miRNAs have been detected in kidneys, where they have been found to be crucial for renal development and normal physiological functions as well as significant contributors to the pathogenesis of renal disorders such as diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and others, due to their effects on key genes involved in these disease processes. miRNAs have also emerged as novel biomarkers in these renal disorders. Due to increasing evidence of their actions in various kidney segments, in this mini-review we discuss the functional significance of altered miRNA expression during the development of renal pathologies and highlight emerging miRNA-based therapeutics and diagnostic strategies for early detection and treatment of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Bhatt
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolic Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Mitsuo Kato
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolic Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolic Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
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31
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Seet LF, Toh LZ, Finger SN, Chu SWL, Stefanovic B, Wong TT. Valproic acid suppresses collagen by selective regulation of Smads in conjunctival fibrosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 94:321-34. [PMID: 26507880 PMCID: PMC4803820 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1358-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Overproduction of type I collagen is associated with a wide range of fibrotic diseases as well as surgical failure such as in glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). Its modulation is therefore of clinical importance. Valproic acid (VPA) is known to reduce collagen in a variety of tissues with unclear mechanism of action. In this report, we demonstrate that VPA inhibited collagen production in both conjunctival fibroblasts and the mouse model of GFS. In fibroblasts, VPA decreased type I collagen expression which intensified with longer drug exposure and suppressed steady-state type I collagen promoter activity. Moreover, VPA decreased Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 but increased Smad6 expression with a similar intensity-exposure profile. Reduction of Smad3 using small hairpin RNA and/or overexpression of Smad6 resulted in decreased collagen expression which was exacerbated when VPA was simultaneously present. Furthermore, fibrogenic TGF-β2 failed to induce collagen when VPA was present, as opposed to the myofibroblast markers, beta-actin, alpha-smooth muscle actin and tenascin-C, which were elevated by TGF-β2. VPA suppressed p3TP-Lux luciferase activity and selectively rescued Smad6 expression from suppression by TGF-β2. Notably, SMAD6 overexpression reduced the effectiveness of TGF-β2 in inducing collagen expression. In corroboration, VPA inhibited type I collagen but increased Smad6 expression in the late phase of wound healing in the mouse model of GFS. Taken together, our data indicate that VPA has the capacity to effectively suppress both steady-state and fibrogenic activation of type I collagen expression by modulating Smad expression. Hence, VPA is potentially applicable as an anti-fibrotic therapeutic by targeting collagen. Key message: • VPA modulates type I collagen expression via members of the Smad family. • VPA suppresses Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 but upregulates Smad6. • Smad3 and Smad6 are involved in VPA regulation of steady-state collagen expression. • Smad6 is involved in VPA modulation of TGF-β-stimulated collagen expression. • VPA reduces collagen and upregulates Smad6 in the mouse model of glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fong Seet
- Ocular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Li Zhen Toh
- Ocular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharon N Finger
- Ocular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephanie W L Chu
- Ocular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Branko Stefanovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Tina T Wong
- Ocular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Glaucoma Service, Singapore National Eye Center, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751, Singapore. .,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Liu S, Li C, Wang J. Role of Smad signaling in kidney disease. Int Urol Nephrol 2015; 47:1965-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-015-1115-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Kato M, Natarajan R. MicroRNAs in diabetic nephropathy: functions, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2015; 1353:72-88. [PMID: 25877817 PMCID: PMC4607544 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by posttranscriptional and epigenetic mechanisms and thereby affect many cellular processes and disease states. Over 2,000 human mature miRNAs have been identified, and at least 60% of all human protein-coding genes are known to be regulated by miRNAs. MicroRNA biogenesis involves classical transcription regulation and processing by key ribonucleases, as well as other protein factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a severe microvascular complication frequently associated with diabetes mellitus, is a major cause of renal failure. Although several mechanisms of regulation of key renal genes implicated in DN pathogenesis have been identified, a greater understanding is needed to develop better treatment modalities. Recent studies show that miRNAs induced in renal cells in vivo and in vitro under diabetic conditions can promote the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins related to fibrosis and glomerular dysfunction. In this review, we highlight the significance of the expression of miRNAs in various stages of DN and emerging approaches to exploit them as biomarkers for early detection or novel therapeutic targets to prevent progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Kato
- Department of Diabetes Complications, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
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Pezzolesi MG, Satake E, McDonnell KP, Major M, Smiles AM, Krolewski AS. Circulating TGF-β1-Regulated miRNAs and the Risk of Rapid Progression to ESRD in Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes 2015; 64:3285-93. [PMID: 25931475 PMCID: PMC4542435 DOI: 10.2337/db15-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether circulating TGF-β1-regulated miRNAs detectable in plasma are associated with the risk of rapid progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a cohort of proteinuric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and normal eGFR. Plasma specimens obtained at entry to the study were examined in two prospective subgroups that were followed for 7-20 years (rapid progressors and nonprogressors), as well as a reference panel of normoalbuminuric T1D patients. Of the five miRNAs examined in this study, let-7c-5p and miR-29a-3p were significantly associated with protection against rapid progression and let-7b-5p and miR-21-5p were significantly associated with the increased risk of ESRD. In logistic analysis, controlling for HbA1c and other covariates, let-7c-5p and miR-29a-3p were associated with more than a 50% reduction in the risk of rapid progression (P ≤ 0.001), while let-7b-5p and miR-21-5p were associated with a >2.5-fold increase in the risk of ESRD (P ≤ 0.005). This study is the first prospective study to demonstrate that circulating TGF-β1-regulated miRNAs are deregulated early in T1D patients who are at risk for rapid progression to ESRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus G Pezzolesi
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Eiichiro Satake
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin P McDonnell
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA
| | - Melissa Major
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA
| | - Adam M Smiles
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA
| | - Andrzej S Krolewski
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Meng XM, Tang PMK, Li J, Lan HY. TGF-β/Smad signaling in renal fibrosis. Front Physiol 2015; 6:82. [PMID: 25852569 PMCID: PMC4365692 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) is well identified as a central mediator in renal fibrosis. TGF-β initiates canonical and non-canonical pathways to exert multiple biological effects. Among them, Smad signaling is recognized as a major pathway of TGF-β signaling in progressive renal fibrosis. During fibrogenesis, Smad3 is highly activated, which is associated with the down-regulation of an inhibitory Smad7 via an ubiquitin E3-ligases-dependent degradation mechanism. The equilibrium shift between Smad3 and Smad7 leads to accumulation and activation of myofibroblasts, overproduction of ECM (extracellular matrix), and reduction in ECM degradation in the diseased kidney. Therefore, overexpression of Smad7 has been shown to be a therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis in various models of kidney diseases. In contrast, another downstream effecter of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, Smad2, exerts its renal protective role by counter-regulating the Smad3. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrated that Smad3 mediates renal fibrosis by down-regulating miR-29 and miR-200 but up-regulating miR-21 and miR-192. Thus, overexpression of miR-29 and miR-200 or down-regulation of miR-21 and miR-192 is capable of attenuating Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis in various mouse models of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Taken together, TGF-β/Smad signaling plays an important role in renal fibrosis. Targeting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling may represent a specific and effective therapy for CKD associated with renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China ; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
| | - Hui Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China ; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China ; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen, China
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Zhao J, Miyamoto S, You YH, Sharma K. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation inhibits nuclear translocation of Smad4 in mesangial cells and diabetic kidneys. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2014; 308:F1167-77. [PMID: 25428125 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00234.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by diffuse mesangial matrix expansion and is largely dependent on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Smad4 is required for TGF-β signaling; however, its regulation has not been well characterized in diabetic kidney disease. Here, we report that high glucose is sufficient to stimulate nuclear translocation of Smad4 in mesangial cells and that stimulation of the major energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a potent effect to block Smad4 nuclear translocation. Activation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) inhibited high glucose-induced and TGF-β stimulation of nuclear Smad4. To identify which of the catalytic α-subunits may be involved, small interfering (si) RNA-based inhibition of AMPK α1- or α2-subunit was employed. Inhibition of either subunit reduced overall AMPK activity and contributed to Smad4 nuclear accumulation. In an animal model of early diabetic kidney disease, induction of diabetes was found to markedly stimulate Smad4 protein levels and enhance nuclear accumulation. AMPK activation with AICAR completely prevented the upregulation of Smad4 and reduced mesangial matrix accumulation. We conclude that stimulation of Smad4 in cell culture and in in vivo models of early diabetic kidney disease is dependent on AMPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghong Zhao
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California, La Jolla, California; Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Satoshi Miyamoto
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California, La Jolla, California; Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, La Jolla, California
| | - Young-Hyun You
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California, La Jolla, California; Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, La Jolla, California
| | - Kumar Sharma
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California, La Jolla, California; Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, La Jolla, California
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Park JT, Kato M, Lanting L, Castro N, Nam BY, Wang M, Kang SW, Natarajan R. Repression of let-7 by transforming growth factor-β1-induced Lin28 upregulates collagen expression in glomerular mesangial cells under diabetic conditions. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2014; 307:F1390-403. [PMID: 25354942 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00458.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of mesangial extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen type 1-α2 (Col1a2) and collagen type 4-α1 (Col4a1) is a key feature of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays important roles in ECM accumulation in DN, and evidence shows a mediatory role for microRNAs. In the present study, we found that microRNA let-7 family members (let-7b/c/d/g/i) were downregulated in TGF-β-treated mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) along with upregulation of Col1a2 and Col4a1. Ectopic expression of let-7b in TGF-β-treated MMCs attenuated Col1a2 and Col4a1 upregulation. Conversely, let-7b inhibitors increased Col1a2 and Col4a1 levels. Cotransfection of MMCs with mouse Col1a2 or Col4a1 3'-untranslated region luciferase constructs and let-7b inhibitors increased luciferase activity. However, constructs with let-7 target site mutations were unresponsive to TGF-β. TGF-β-induced 3'-untranslated region activity was attenuated by let-7b mimics, suggesting that Col1a2 and Col4a1 are direct targets of let-7b. In addition, Lin28b, a negative regulator of let-7 biogenesis, was upregulated in TGF-β-treated MMCs. Luciferase assays showed that the Lin28b promoter containing the Smad-binding element (SBE) responded to TGF-β, which was abolished in constructs without SBE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed TGF-β-induced enrichment of Smad2/3 at the Lin28b promoter, together suggesting that Lin28b is transcriptionally induced by TGF-β through SBE. Furthermore, let-7b levels were decreased, whereas Lin28b, Col1a2, and Col4a1 levels were increased, in glomeruli of diabetic mice compared with nondiabetic control mice, demonstrating the in vivo relevance of this Lin28/let-7/collagen axis. These results identify Lin28 as a new TGF-β target gene and suggest a novel role for the Lin28/let-7 pathway in controlling TGF-β-induced collagen accumulation in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Tak Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Mitsuo Kato
- Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Linda Lanting
- Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Nancy Castro
- Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Bo Young Nam
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and
| | - Mei Wang
- Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Shin-Wook Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Division of Molecular Diabetes Research, Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California
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Castro NE, Kato M, Park JT, Natarajan R. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) enhances expression of profibrotic genes through a novel signaling cascade and microRNAs in renal mesangial cells. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:29001-13. [PMID: 25204661 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.600783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in glomerular mesangial cells (MC) augments extracellular matrix accumulation and hypertrophy during the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), a debilitating renal complication of diabetes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of DN by modulating the actions of TGF-β1 to enhance the expression of profibrotic genes like collagen. In this study, we found a significant decrease in the expression of miR-130b in mouse MC treated with TGF-β1. In parallel, there was a down-regulation in miR-130b host gene 2610318N02RIK (RIK), suggesting host gene-dependent expression of this miRNA. TGF-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) was identified as a target of miR-130b. Interestingly, the RIK promoter contains three NF-Y binding sites and was regulated by NF-YC. Furthermore, NF-YC expression was inhibited by TGF-β1, suggesting that a signaling cascade, involving TGF-β1-induced decreases in NF-YC, RIK, and miR-130b, may up-regulate TGF-βR1 to augment expression of TGF-β1 target fibrotic genes. miR-130b was down-regulated, whereas TGF-βR1, as well as the profibrotic genes collagen type IV α 1 (Col4a1), Col12a1, CTGF, and PAI-1 were up-regulated not only in mouse MC treated with TGF-β1 but also in the glomeruli of streptozotocin-injected diabetic mice, supporting in vivo relevance. Together, these results demonstrate a novel miRNA- and host gene-mediated amplifying cascade initiated by TGF-β1 that results in the up-regulation of profibrotic factors, such as TGF-βR1 and collagens associated with the progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Castro
- From the Department of Diabetes and Division of Molecular Diabetes Research and
| | - Mitsuo Kato
- From the Department of Diabetes and Division of Molecular Diabetes Research and
| | - Jung Tak Park
- From the Department of Diabetes and Division of Molecular Diabetes Research and the Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010 and
| | - Rama Natarajan
- From the Department of Diabetes and Division of Molecular Diabetes Research and the Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 120-752 Seoul, Korea
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Wensing LA, Campos AH. TBX3, a downstream target of TGF-β1, inhibits mesangial cell apoptosis. Exp Cell Res 2014; 328:340-50. [PMID: 25158279 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common condition characterized by progressive loss of functional nephrons leading to renal failure. TGF-β1-induced mesangial cell (MC) phenotype alterations have been linked to the genesis of CKD. Here we show that TGF-β1 regulates TBX3 gene expression in MC. This gene encodes for two main isoforms, TBX3.1 and TBX3+2α. TBX3.1 has been implicated in cell immortalization, proliferation and apoptosis by inhibiting p14(ARF)-Mdm2-p53 pathway, while TBX3+2α role has not been defined. We demonstrated that TBX3 overexpression abrogated MC apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. Moreover, we observed an enhancement in TBX3 protein expression both in glomerular and tubular regions in the model of 5/6 nephrectomy, temporally related to increased expression of TGF-β1, type IV collagen and fibronectin. Our results indicate that TBX3 acts as an anti-apoptotic factor in MC in vitro and may be involved in the mechanism by which TGF-β1 induces glomerulosclerosis and tubular fibrosis during the progression of nephropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lislaine A Wensing
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, 627, Morumbi, 2SS/Bloco A., São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05651-901, Brazil; Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H Campos
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, 627, Morumbi, 2SS/Bloco A., São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05651-901, Brazil.
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Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a severe microvascular complication frequently associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of renal failure. The condition can also lead to accelerated cardiovascular disease and macrovascular complications. Currently available therapies have not been fully efficacious in the treatment of DN, suggesting that further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of DN is necessary for the improved management of this disease. Although key signal transduction and gene regulation mechanisms have been identified, especially those related to the effects of hyperglycaemia, transforming growth factor β1 and angiotensin II, progress in functional genomics, high-throughput sequencing technology, epigenetics and systems biology approaches have greatly expanded our knowledge and uncovered new molecular mechanisms and factors involved in DN. These mechanisms include DNA methylation, chromatin histone modifications, novel transcripts and functional noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs. In this Review, we discuss the significance of these emerging mechanisms, how they mediate the actions of growth factors to augment the expression of extracellular matrix and inflammatory genes associated with DN and their potential usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Kato
- Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a worldwide epidemic, driven largely by the dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes and obesity. Novel targets and treatments for CKD are, therefore, desperately needed-to both mitigate the burden of this disease in the general population and reduce the necessity for renal replacement therapy in individual patients. This Review highlights new insights into the mechanisms that contribute to CKD, and approaches that might facilitate the development of disease-arresting therapies for CKD. Particular focus is given to therapeutic approaches using antifibrotic agents that target the transforming growth factor β superfamily. In addition, we discuss new insights regarding the roles of vascular calcification, the NADPH oxidase family, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of CKD. We also highlight a new understanding regarding kidney energy sensing pathways (AMPK, sirtuins, and mTOR) in a variety of kidney diseases and how they are linked to inflammation and fibrosis. Finally, exciting new insights have been made into the role of mitochondrial function and mitochondrial biogenesis in relation to progressive kidney disease. Prospective therapeutics based on these findings will hopefully renew hope for clinicians and patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), CP603, 808 Route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kumar Sharma
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, University of California, San Diego and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, Stein Clinical Research Building, 4th Floor, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0711, USA
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Reyes-Gordillo K, Shah R, Arellanes-Robledo J, Hernández-Nazara Z, Rincón-Sánchez AR, Inagaki Y, Rojkind M, Lakshman MR. Mechanisms of action of acetaldehyde in the up-regulation of the human α2(I) collagen gene in hepatic stellate cells: key roles of Ski, SMAD3, SMAD4, and SMAD7. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:1458-67. [PMID: 24641900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-induced liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis is a leading cause of death. Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, up-regulates expression of the human α2(I) collagen gene (COL1A2). Early acetaldehyde-mediated effects involve phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD3/4-containing complexes that bind to COL1A2 promoter to induce fibrogenesis. We used human and mouse hepatic stellate cells to elucidate the mechanisms whereby acetaldehyde up-regulates COL1A2 by modulating the role of Ski and the expression of SMADs 3, 4, and 7. Acetaldehyde induced up-regulation of COL1A2 by 3.5-fold, with concomitant increases in the mRNA (threefold) and protein (4.2- and 3.5-fold) levels of SMAD3 and SMAD4, respectively. It also caused a 60% decrease in SMAD7 expression. Ski, a member of the Ski/Sno oncogene family, is colocalized in the nucleus with SMAD4. Acetaldehyde induces translocation of Ski and SMAD4 to the cytoplasm, where Ski undergoes proteasomal degradation, as confirmed by the ability of the proteasomal inhibitor lactacystin to blunt up-regulation of acetaldehyde-dependent COL1A2, but not of the nonspecific fibronectin gene (FN1). We conclude that acetaldehyde up-regulates COL1A2 by enhancing expression of the transactivators SMAD3 and SMAD4 while inhibiting the repressor SMAD7, along with promoting Ski translocation from the nucleus to cytoplasm. We speculate that drugs that prevent proteasomal degradation of repressors targeting COL1A2 may have antifibrogenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Reyes-Gordillo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Lipid Research Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Zamira Hernández-Nazara
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ana Rosa Rincón-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yutaka Inagaki
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Marcos Rojkind
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Clinical Investigation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - M Raj Lakshman
- Lipid Research Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
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Zhang L, Li Y, Chen M, Su X, Yi D, Lu P, Zhu D. 15-LO/15-HETE mediated vascular adventitia fibrosis via p38 MAPK-dependent TGF-β. J Cell Physiol 2013; 229:245-57. [PMID: 23982954 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
15-Lipoxygenase/15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-LO/15-HETE) is known to modulate pulmonary vascular medial hypertrophy and intimal endothelial cells migration and angiogenesis after hypoxia. However, it is unclear whether 15-HETE affects the adventitia of the pulmonary arterial wall. We performed immunohistochemistry, adventitia fibrosis, pulmonary artery fibroblasts phenotype and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition to determine the role of 15-HETE in hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular adventitia remodeling. Our studies showed that O2 deprivation induced adventitia hypertrophy of pulmonary arteries with ECM accumulation in both humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypoxic rats. Hypoxia induced 15-LO expression in adventitia. With the inhibitor, NDGA depressed the hypoxia induced ECM deposition and 15-LO production in hypoxic rats. Hypoxia up-regulated the expression of α-SMA, type-Ia collagen and fibronectin in cultured fibroblasts, which seemed to be due to the increased 15-LO/15-HETE. Exogenous 15-HETE mediated the ECM and phenotypic alterations of the fibroblasts as well. The 15-LO/15-HETE induced adventitia fibrosis and fibroblasts phenotypic alterations depended on signaling of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 pathway. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPKs) was likely to mediate 15-LO induced TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 activation after hypoxia. The results suggest that adventitia fibrosis is an important event in the hypoxia induced pulmonary arterial remodeling, which relies on 15-LO/15-HETE induced p38 MAPK-dependent TGF-β1/Smad2/3 intracellular signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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Wang HY, Yang LZ, Gu CM, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Zhao D, Li TS, Cui MJ. Pathological changes, TGF-β1 expression, and the effects of hepatocyte growth factor in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Ren Fail 2013; 36:393-9. [PMID: 24345300 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2013.867797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ameliorates chronic renal failure, but its mechanism of action is unclear. This study was designed to test the delivery of HGF in the PCI-neo vector, using the 5/6 nephrectomized rat as a model for chronic renal failure, and to confirm that this protective function is associated with decreased protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Control (untreated), PCI-neo (vector control), 5/6 nephrectomy, and PCI-neo-HGF. Rats were sacrificed at both the fifth and ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. Kidney specimens were used for pathological examination (hematoxylin-eosin staining), and detection of TGF-β1 protein (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) expression. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and 24-h urinary protein excretion (UPE) were increased, renal interstitium was seriously injured, and TGF-β1 protein expression was elevated in 5/6 nephrectomized rats compared to control rats at either time point. Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels decreased in the ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. PCI-neo-HGF expression ameliorated the aforementioned changes and decreased TGF-β1 expression, not only in the fifth week, but also in the ninth week after surgery. The process of renal injury in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat was consistent with that of chronic renal failure. The increase in TGF-β1 expression was maintained after 5/6 nephrectomy. HGF relieved chronic renal failure, this protection was associated with down-regulation of TGF-β1 protein expression, and the protective effects were long-term and stable after 5/6 nephrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
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Yang H, Li G, Wu JJ, Wang L, Uhler M, Simeone DM. Protein kinase A modulates transforming growth factor-β signaling through a direct interaction with Smad4 protein. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:8737-8749. [PMID: 23362281 PMCID: PMC3605691 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.455675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling normally functions to regulate embryonic development and cellular homeostasis. It is increasingly recognized that TGFβ signaling is regulated by cross-talk with other signaling pathways. We previously reported that TGFβ activates protein kinase A (PKA) independent of cAMP through an interaction of an activated Smad3-Smad4 complex and the regulatory subunit of the PKA holoenzyme (PKA-R). Here we define the interaction domains of Smad4 and PKA-R and the functional consequences of this interaction. Using a series of Smad4 and PKA-R truncation mutants, we identified amino acids 290-300 of the Smad4 linker region as critical for the specific interaction of Smad4 and PKA-R. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the B cAMP binding domain of PKA-R was sufficient for interaction with Smad4. Targeting of B domain regions conserved among all PKA-R isoforms and exposed on the molecular surface demonstrated that amino acids 281-285 and 320-329 were required for complex formation with Smad4. Interactions of these specific regions of Smad4 and PKA-R were necessary for TGFβ-mediated increases in PKA activity, CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein) phosphorylation, induction of p21, and growth inhibition. Moreover, this Smad4-PKA interaction was required for TGFβ-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasion of pancreatic tumor cells, and regulation of tumor growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Gangyong Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Jing-Jiang Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Lidong Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Michael Uhler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Diane M Simeone
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
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Yuan H, Reddy MA, Sun G, Lanting L, Wang M, Kato M, Natarajan R. Involvement of p300/CBP and epigenetic histone acetylation in TGF-β1-mediated gene transcription in mesangial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 304:F601-13. [PMID: 23235480 PMCID: PMC3602713 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00523.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and p21 in renal mesangial cells (MCs) plays a major role in glomerulosclerosis and hypertrophy, key events in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the involvement of histone acetyl transferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) that regulate epigenetic histone lysine acetylation, and their interaction with TGF-β1-responsive transcription factors, are not clear. We evaluated the roles of histone acetylation, specific HATs, and HDACs in TGF-β1-induced gene expression in rat mesangial cells (RMCs) and in glomeruli from diabetic mice. Overexpression of HATs CREB binding protein (CBP) or p300, but not p300/CBP-activating factor, significantly enhanced TGF-β1-induced PAI-1 and p21 mRNA levels as well as transactivation of their promoters in RMCs. Conversely, they were significantly attenuated by HAT domain mutants of CBP and p300 or overexpression of HDAC-1 and HDAC-5. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that TGF-β1 treatment led to a time-dependent enrichment of histone H3-lysine9/14-acetylation (H3K9/14Ac) and p300/CBP occupancies around Smad and Sp1 binding sites at the PAI-1 and p21 promoters. TGF-β1 also enhanced the interaction of p300 with Smad2/3 and Sp1 and increased Smad2/3 acetylation. High glucose-treated RMCs exhibited increased PAI-1 and p21 levels, and promoter H3K9/14Ac, which were blocked by TGF-β1 antibodies. Furthermore, increased PAI-1 and p21 expression was associated with elevated promoter H3K9/14Ac levels in glomeruli from diabetic mice. Thus TGF-β1-induced PAI-1 and p21 expression involves interaction of p300/CBP with Smads and Sp1, and increased promoter access via p300/CBP-induced H3K9/14Ac. This in turn can augment glomerular dysfunction linked to diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yuan
- Dept. of Diabetes, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Abstract
TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) and BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7), two key members in the TGF-β superfamily, play important but diverse roles in CKDs (chronic kidney diseases). Both TGF-β and BMP-7 share similar downstream Smad signalling pathways, but counter-regulate each other to maintain the balance of their biological activities. During renal injury in CKDs, this balance is significantly altered because TGF-β signalling is up-regulated by inducing TGF-β1 and activating Smad3, whereas BMP-7 and its downstream Smad1/5/8 are down-regulated. In the context of renal fibrosis, Smad3 is pathogenic, whereas Smad2 and Smad7 are renoprotective. However, this counter-balancing mechanism is also altered because TGF-β1 induces Smurf2, a ubiquitin E3-ligase, to target Smad7 as well as Smad2 for degradation. Thus overexpression of renal Smad7 restores the balance of TGF-β/Smad signalling and has therapeutic effect on CKDs. Recent studies also found that Smad3 mediated renal fibrosis by up-regulating miR-21 (where miR represents microRNA) and miR-192, but down-regulating miR-29 and miR-200 families. Therefore restoring miR-29/miR-200 or suppressing miR-21/miR-192 is able to treat progressive renal fibrosis. Furthermore, activation of TGF-β/Smad signalling inhibits renal BMP-7 expression and BMP/Smad signalling. On the other hand, overexpression of renal BMP-7 is capable of inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 signalling and protects the kidney from TGF-β-mediated renal injury. This counter-regulation not only expands our understanding of the causes of renal injury, but also suggests the therapeutic potential by targeting TGF-β/Smad signalling or restoring BMP-7 in CKDs. Taken together, the current understanding of the distinct roles and mechanisms of TGF-β and BMP-7 in CKDs implies that targeting the TGF-β/Smad pathway or restoring BMP-7 signalling may represent novel and effective therapies for CKDs.
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Meng XM, Huang XR, Xiao J, Chung ACK, Qin W, Chen HY, Lan HY. Disruption of Smad4 impairs TGF-β/Smad3 and Smad7 transcriptional regulation during renal inflammation and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Kidney Int 2011; 81:266-79. [PMID: 22048127 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2011.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism by which TGF-β regulates renal inflammation and fibrosis is largely unclear; however, it is well accepted that its biological effects are mediated through Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. Following activation, these Smads form heteromeric complex with Smad4 and translocate into the nucleus to bind and regulate the expression of target genes. Here we studied the roles of Smad4 to regulate TGF-β signaling in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction using conditional Smad4 knockout mice and in isolated Smad4 mutant macrophages and fibroblasts. Disruption of Smad4 significantly enhanced renal inflammation as evidenced by a greater CD45(+) leukocyte and F4/80(+) macrophage infiltration and upregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 in the obstructed kidney and in IL-1β-stimulated macrophages. In contrast, deletion of Smad4 inhibited renal fibrosis and TGF-β1-induced collagen I expression by fibroblasts. Further studies showed that the loss of Smad4 repressed Smad7 transcription, leading to a loss of functional protein. This, in turn, inhibited IκBα expression but enhanced NF-κB activation, thereby promoting renal inflammation. Interestingly, deletion of Smad4 influenced Smad3-mediated promoter activities and the binding of Smad3 to the COL1A2 promoter, but not Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby inhibiting the fibrotic response. Thus, Smad4 may be a key regulator for the diverse roles of TGF-β1 in inflammation and fibrogenesis by interacting with Smad7 and Smad3 to influence their transcriptional activities in renal inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Meng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR China
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Koppel H, Riedl E, Braunagel M, Sauerhoefer S, Ehnert S, Godoy P, Sternik P, Dooley S, Yard BA. L-carnosine inhibits high-glucose-mediated matrix accumulation in human mesangial cells by interfering with TGF- production and signalling. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 26:3852-8. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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Tian D, Ling S, Chen G, Li Y, Liu J, Ferid M, Bian K. Hypertensive nephropathy treatment by heart-protecting musk pill: a study of anti-inflammatory therapy for target organ damage of hypertension. Int J Gen Med 2011; 4:131-9. [PMID: 21475627 PMCID: PMC3068876 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of the heart-protecting musk pill (HMP) on inflammatory injury of kidney from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Male SHRs aged 4 weeks were divided into SHR model group, HMP low-dosage group (13.5 mg/kg), and HMP high-dosage group (40 mg/kg). Age-matched Wistar–Kyoto rats were used as normal control. All rats were killed at 12 weeks of age. Tail-cuff method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine rat systolic blood pressure and angiotensin II (Ang II) contents, respectively. Renal inflammatory damage was evaluated by the following parameters: protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines, carbonyl protein contents, nitrite concentration, infiltration of monocytes/macrophages in interstitium and glomeruli, kidney pathological changes, and excretion rate of urinary protein. HMP did not prevent the development of hypertension in SHR. However, this Chinese medicinal compound decreased renal Ang II content. Consistent with the change of renal Ang II, all the parameters of renal inflammatory injury were significantly decreased by HMP. This study indicates that HMP is a potent suppressor of renal inflammatory damage in SHR, which may serve as a basis for the advanced preventive and therapeutic investigation of HMP in hypertensive nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengke Tian
- Murad Research Institute for Modernized Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR, China
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