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Kang H, Li R, Wang H, Zheng Y, Chen S. Adverse effects of cigarette filter silica on lungs: Comparison with natural crystalline silica particles. Toxicol Ind Health 2024; 40:59-68. [PMID: 38054809 DOI: 10.1177/07482337231220692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
As a common additive in cigarette filters, nanosilica has been implemented to reduce the release of harmful substances in cigarette smoke. However, the potential risk of occupational exposure for cigarette factory workers is unknown. We collected physical examination data from 710 cigarette factory workers to evaluate the adverse effects of cigarette filter silica exposure. We also established mouse models induced by cigarette filter silica and crystalline silica separately to compare the lung inflammation, pulmonary function, apoptosis, and fibrosis of the two models. Workers in the rolling and packing workshop exposed to cigarette filter silica had a higher rate of abnormal lung function (17.75%) than those in the cutting workshop (0.87%). Animal experiments showed that compared with the same dose of crystalline silica, cigarette filter silica resulted in higher levels of inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice at day 7, and lower levels of total lung capacity (TLC), inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), and forced vital capacity (FVC) in mice at day 28. Additionally, both exposed groups of mice showed increased levels of caspase 3, collagen I (Col-Ⅰ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hydroxyproline (HYP) in the lungs, as well as collagen accumulation and fibrous nodules at day 28, with no significant difference between the two groups. The results suggested that cigarette filter silica caused more severe early lung inflammation and late ventilation impairment than the same dose of crystalline silica. In the future, we need to pay more attention to nanosilica protection in cigarette factories to prevent pulmonary dysfunction in workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Kang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Rou Li
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hanqin Wang
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfan Zheng
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shi Chen
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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2
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Kattih B, Boeckling F, Shumliakivska M, Tombor L, Rasper T, Schmitz K, Hoffmann J, Nicin L, Abplanalp WT, Carstens DC, Arsalan M, Emrich F, Holubec T, Walther T, Puntmann VO, Nagel E, John D, Zeiher AM, Dimmeler S. Single-nuclear transcriptome profiling identifies persistent fibroblast activation in hypertrophic and failing human hearts of patients with longstanding disease. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2550-2562. [PMID: 37648651 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac fibrosis drives the progression of heart failure in ischaemic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the development of specific anti-fibrotic treatment regimens to counteract cardiac fibrosis is of high clinical relevance. Hence, this study examined the presence of persistent fibroblast activation during longstanding human heart disease at a single-cell resolution to identify putative therapeutic targets to counteract pathological cardiac fibrosis in patients. METHODS AND RESULTS We used single-nuclei RNA sequencing with human tissues from two samples of one healthy donor, and five hypertrophic and two failing hearts. Unsupervised sub-clustering of 7110 nuclei led to the identification of 7 distinct fibroblast clusters. De-convolution of cardiac fibroblast heterogeneity revealed a distinct population of human cardiac fibroblasts with a molecular signature of persistent fibroblast activation and a transcriptional switch towards a pro-fibrotic extra-cellular matrix composition in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This sub-cluster was characterized by high expression of POSTN, RUNX1, CILP, and a target gene adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) (all P < 0.001). Strikingly, elevated circulating AEBP1 blood level were also detected in a validation cohort of patients with confirmed cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.01). Since endogenous AEBP1 expression was increased in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, we assessed the functional consequence of siRNA-mediated AEBP1 silencing in human cardiac fibroblasts. Indeed, AEBP1 silencing reduced proliferation, migration, and fibroblast contractile capacity and α-SMA gene expression, which is a hallmark of fibroblast activation (all P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the anti-fibrotic effects of AEBP1 silencing were linked to transforming growth factor-beta pathway modulation. CONCLUSION Together, this study identifies persistent fibroblast activation in patients with longstanding heart disease, which might be detected by circulating AEBP1 and therapeutically modulated by its targeted silencing in human cardiac fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badder Kattih
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felicitas Boeckling
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mariana Shumliakivska
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lukas Tombor
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tina Rasper
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katja Schmitz
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jedrzej Hoffmann
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Luka Nicin
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wesley T Abplanalp
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel C Carstens
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mani Arsalan
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Fabian Emrich
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Tomas Holubec
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Thomas Walther
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Valentina O Puntmann
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eike Nagel
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David John
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas M Zeiher
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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3
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He M, Borlak J. A genomic perspective of the aging human and mouse lung with a focus on immune response and cellular senescence. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:58. [PMID: 37932771 PMCID: PMC10626779 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging lung is a complex process and influenced by various stressors, especially airborne pathogens and xenobiotics. Additionally, a lifetime exposure to antigens results in structural and functional changes of the lung; yet an understanding of the cell type specific responses remains elusive. To gain insight into age-related changes in lung function and inflammaging, we evaluated 89 mouse and 414 individual human lung genomic data sets with a focus on genes mechanistically linked to extracellular matrix (ECM), cellular senescence, immune response and pulmonary surfactant, and we interrogated single cell RNAseq data to fingerprint cell type specific changes. RESULTS We identified 117 and 68 mouse and human genes linked to ECM remodeling which accounted for 46% and 27%, respectively of all ECM coding genes. Furthermore, we identified 73 and 31 mouse and human genes linked to cellular senescence, and the majority code for the senescence associated secretory phenotype. These cytokines, chemokines and growth factors are primarily secreted by macrophages and fibroblasts. Single-cell RNAseq data confirmed age-related induced expression of marker genes of macrophages, neutrophil, eosinophil, dendritic, NK-, CD4+, CD8+-T and B cells in the lung of aged mice. This included the highly significant regulation of 20 genes coding for the CD3-T-cell receptor complex. Conversely, for the human lung we primarily observed macrophage and CD4+ and CD8+ marker genes as changed with age. Additionally, we noted an age-related induced expression of marker genes for mouse basal, ciliated, club and goblet cells, while for the human lung, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts marker genes increased with age. Therefore, we infer a change in cellular activity of these cell types with age. Furthermore, we identified predominantly repressed expression of surfactant coding genes, especially the surfactant transporter Abca3, thus highlighting remodeling of surfactant lipids with implications for the production of inflammatory lipids and immune response. CONCLUSION We report the genomic landscape of the aging lung and provide a rationale for its growing stiffness and age-related inflammation. By comparing the mouse and human pulmonary genome, we identified important differences between the two species and highlight the complex interplay of inflammaging, senescence and the link to ECM remodeling in healthy but aged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng He
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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4
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Corano Scheri K, Lavine JA, Tedeschi T, Thomson BR, Fawzi AA. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy fibrovascular membranes reveals AEBP1 as fibrogenesis modulator. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172062. [PMID: 37917183 PMCID: PMC10896003 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of preretinal fibrovascular membranes, a devastating complication of advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR), remains challenging. We characterized the molecular profile of cell populations in these fibrovascular membranes to identify potentially new therapeutic targets. Preretinal fibrovascular membranes were surgically removed from patients and submitted for single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq). Differential gene expression was implemented to define the transcriptomics profile of these cells and revealed the presence of endothelial, inflammatory, and stromal cells. Endothelial cell reclustering identified subclusters characterized by noncanonical transcriptomics profile and active angiogenesis. Deeper investigation of the inflammatory cells showed a subcluster of macrophages expressing proangiogenic cytokines, presumably contributing to angiogenesis. The stromal cell cluster included a pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiating subcluster, indicating the involvement of pericytes in fibrogenesis. Differentially expressed gene analysis showed that Adipocyte Enhancer-binding Protein 1, AEBP1, was significantly upregulated in myofibroblast clusters, suggesting that this molecule may have a role in transformation. Cell culture experiments with human retinal pericytes (HRP) in high-glucose condition confirmed the molecular transformation of pericytes toward myofibroblastic lineage. AEBP1 siRNA transfection in HRP reduced the expression of profibrotic markers in high glucose. In conclusion, AEBP1 signaling modulates pericyte-myofibroblast transformation, suggesting that targeting AEBP1 could prevent scar tissue formation in advanced DR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benjamin R Thomson
- Department of Ophthalmology and
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Center for Kidney Research and Therapeutics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Zhang W, Li YJ, Zhang N, Chen SY, Tong XF, Wang BQ, Huang T, You H, Chen W. Fibroblast-specific adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 is a potential pathological trigger and prognostic marker for liver fibrosis independent of etiology. J Dig Dis 2023; 24:550-561. [PMID: 37776122 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is an extracellular protein involved in adipogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and collagen fibrogenesis. This study mainly aimed to analyze the potential role of adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1), the ACLP-encoding gene, as a pathological target or prognostic marker for liver fibrosis regardless of etiology. METHODS Dysregulation pattern, clinical relevance, and biological significance of AEBP1 gene in liver fibrosis were analyzed using publicly available transcriptomic profiles, different liver fibrosis mouse models, biological databases, and AEBP1 gene silencing followed by RNA sequencing in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS AEBP1 gene expression was upregulated and positively correlated with liver fibrogenesis independent of etiology, the protein of which was further verified in liver fibrosis mouse models induced by different pathogenic factors. A higher expression of liver AEBP1 gene had the potential to predict poor prognosis in liver fibrosis. Systematic bioinformatic analyses revealed that AEBP1 expression was HSCs-specific and associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and its downstream mechanical-chemical signaling transition. AEBP1 knockdown by specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in HSCs inhibited ECM-receptor interaction and immune-related pathways as well as HSC proliferation or activation. CONCLUSION A high expression of AEBP1 was specifically associated with liver fibrosis and was related to a poor prognosis and predicted the role of AEBP1 in HSCs, providing a new insight for understanding AEBP1 in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Jia Li
- Emory National primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Yan Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Fei Tong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qiong Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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6
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Sekiguchi S, Yorozu A, Okazaki F, Niinuma T, Takasawa A, Yamamoto E, Kitajima H, Kubo T, Hatanaka Y, Nishiyama K, Ogi K, Dehari H, Kondo A, Kurose M, Obata K, Kakiuchi A, Kai M, Hirohashi Y, Torigoe T, Kojima T, Osanai M, Takano K, Miyazaki A, Suzuki H. ACLP Activates Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Inhibits CD8+ T-Cell Infiltration in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4303. [PMID: 37686580 PMCID: PMC10486706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that upregulation of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) in vascular endothelial cells promotes tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of stromal AEBP1/ACLP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that ACLP is abundantly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in primary OSCC tissues and that upregulated expression of ACLP is associated with disease progression. Analysis using CAFs obtained from surgically resected OSCCs showed that the expression of AEBP1/ACLP in CAFs is upregulated by co-culture with OSCC cells or treatment with TGF-β1, suggesting cancer-cell-derived TGF-β1 induces AEBP1/ACLP in CAFs. Collagen gel contraction assays showed that ACLP contributes to the activation of CAFs. In addition, CAF-derived ACLP promotes migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor formation by OSCC cells. Notably, tumor stromal ACLP expression correlated positively with collagen expression and correlated inversely with CD8+ T cell infiltration into primary OSCC tumors. Boyden chamber assays suggested that ACLP in CAFs may attenuate CD8+ T cell migration. Our results suggest that stromal ACLP contributes to the development of OSCCs, and that ACLP is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Sekiguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akira Yorozu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Fumika Okazaki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Hiroshi Kitajima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Toshiyuki Kubo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Yui Hatanaka
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Koyo Nishiyama
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogi
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hironari Dehari
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kondo
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Sapporo Teishinkai Hospital, Sapporo 065-0033, Japan
| | - Makoto Kurose
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Obata
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akito Kakiuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Yoshihiko Hirohashi
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Toshihiko Torigoe
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute of Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan;
| | - Makoto Osanai
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
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Kim H, Kim MJ, Moon SA, Cho HJ, Lee YS, Park SJ, Kim Y, Baek IJ, Kim BJ, Lee SH, Koh JM. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein, a putative myokine, stimulates the differentiation and survival of bone-forming osteoblasts. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23104. [PMID: 37486753 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300140r] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
A new target that stimulates bone formation is needed to overcome limitations of current anti-osteoporotic drugs. Myokines, factors secreted from muscles, may modulate it. In this study, we investigated the role of aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP), which is highly expressed in skeletal muscles, on bone formation. MC3T3-E1 cells and/or calvaria osteoblasts were treated with recombinant N-terminal mouse ACLP containing a signal peptide [rmACLP (N)]. The expression and secretion of ACLP were higher in skeletal muscle and differentiated myotube than in other tissues and undifferentiated myoblasts, respectively. rmACLP (N) increased bone formation, ALP activity, and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in osteoblasts; reversal was achieved by pre-treatment with a TGF-β receptor inhibitor. Under H2 O2 treatment, rmACLP (N) increased osteoblast survival, phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase, and the nuclear translocation of FoxO3a in osteoblasts. H2 O2 treatment caused rmACLP (N) to suppress its apoptotic, oxidative, and caspase-9 activities. rmACLP (N)-stimulated osteoblast survival was reversed by pre-treatment with a p38 inhibitor, a TGF-β-receptor II blocking antibody, and a FoxO3a shRNA. Conditioned media (CM) from muscle cells stimulated osteoblast survival under H2 O2 treatment, in contrast to CM from ACLP knockdown muscle cells. rmACLP (N) increased the expressions of FoxO3a target anti-oxidant genes such as Sod2, Trx2, and Prx5. In conclusion, ACLP stimulated the differentiation and survival of osteoblasts. This led to the stimulation of bone formation by the activation of p38 MAP kinase and/or FoxO3a via TGF-β receptors. These findings suggest a novel role for ACLP in bone metabolism as a putative myokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ah Moon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Jin Cho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jeong Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yewon Kim
- AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom-Jun Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hun Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Koh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Liu N, Liu D, Cao S, Lei J. Silencing of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) alleviates renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via inhibition of the β-catenin signaling pathway. Hum Cell 2023; 36:972-986. [PMID: 36738398 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the common final pathway in many renal diseases regardless of the underlying etiology. Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) was reported to play a vital role in the development of organ fibrosis, but its role in renal fibrosis has not been reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible function of AEBP1 in renal fibrosis and the mechanism associated with the β-catenin signaling pathway. A total of 83 genes upregulated after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were screened from two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Among them, AEBP1 was enriched in collagen binding and the regulation of collagen fibril organization and was confirmed to be upregulated in UUO kidneys and TGF-β1-induced cells. Knockdown of AEBP1 ameliorated renal fibrosis via reducing collagen accumulation, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast transformation, as evidenced by decreases in the expression of collagen I and III, Col1a1, Col3a1, fibronectin, Snail, α-SMA, as well as collagen-specific staining of kidney tissues, whereas the E-cadherin was increased. Besides, AEBP1 silencing inhibited the expression of β-catenin in nucleus and β-catenin downstream proteins (Axin2, Myc, and Ccnd1). Continuously active β-catenin-S33Y further restored the inhibitory effect of AEBP1 silencing on renal fibrosis. These findings indicate that knockdown of AEBP1 could potentially slow down renal fibrosis by blocking the β-catenin signaling pathway, highlighting the potential of AEBP1 as a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiquan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Dajun Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China.
| | - Shiyu Cao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Class of 2018, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China
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9
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Lineage-specific regulatory changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy unraveled by single-nucleus RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics. Cell Discov 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36646705 PMCID: PMC9842679 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac genetic disorder characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Pathological cardiac remodeling in the myocardium of HCM patients may progress to heart failure. An in-depth elucidation of the lineage-specific changes in pathological cardiac remodeling of HCM is pivotal for the development of therapies to mitigate the progression. Here, we performed single-nucleus RNA-seq of the cardiac tissues from HCM patients or healthy donors and conducted spatial transcriptomic assays on tissue sections from patients. Unbiased clustering of 55,122 nuclei from HCM and healthy conditions revealed 9 cell lineages and 28 clusters. Lineage-specific changes in gene expression, subpopulation composition, and intercellular communication in HCM were discovered through comparative analyses. According to the results of pseudotime ordering, differential expression analysis, and differential regulatory network analysis, potential key genes during the transition towards a failing state of cardiomyocytes such as FGF12, IL31RA, and CREB5 were identified. Transcriptomic dynamics underlying cardiac fibroblast activation were also uncovered, and potential key genes involved in cardiac fibrosis were obtained such as AEBP1, RUNX1, MEOX1, LEF1, and NRXN3. Using the spatial transcriptomic data, spatial activity patterns of the candidate genes, pathways, and subpopulations were confirmed on patient tissue sections. Moreover, we showed experimental evidence that in vitro knockdown of AEBP1 could promote the activation of human cardiac fibroblasts, and overexpression of AEBP1 could attenuate the TGFβ-induced activation. Our study provided a comprehensive analysis of the lineage-specific regulatory changes in HCM, which laid the foundation for targeted drug development in HCM.
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10
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Angwin C, Ghali N, van Dijk FS. Case report: Two individuals with AEBP1-related classical-like EDS: Further clinical characterisation and description of novel AEBP1 variants. Front Genet 2023; 14:1148224. [PMID: 37144134 PMCID: PMC10151747 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1148224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: AEBP1-related classical-like EDS (clEDS type 2) is a rare type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) that was first reported in 2016. There are overlapping clinical features with TNXB-related classical-like EDS (or clEDS type 1), including skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and easy bruising. There are currently nine reported individuals with AEBP1-related clEDS type 2. This report confirms previous findings and provides additional clinical and molecular data on this group of individuals. Materials and methods: Two individuals (P1 and P2), with features of a rare type of EDS, were clinically assessed in the London national EDS service and underwent genetic testing. Results: Genetic testing in P1 revealed likely pathogenic AEBP1 variants: c.821del:p. (Pro274Leufs*18) and c.2248T>C:p. (Trp750Arg). In P2 pathogenic AEBP1 variants, c.1012G>T:p. (Glu338*) and c.1930C>T:p. (Arg644*) were identified. Discussion: These two individuals increased the reported number of individuals with AEBP1-related clEDS to 11 (six females and five males). There are shared features with previously reported individuals, including hypermobility (11/11), skin hyperextensibility (11/11), presence of atrophic scarring (9/11), and easy bruising (10/11). In P1, a chronic right vertebral artery dissection, mild dilatation of the splenic artery, aberrant subclavian artery, and tortuous iliac arteries were observed at the age of 63 years. Cardiovascular disease has been reported, including mitral valve prolapse (4/11), peripheral arterial disease (1/11), and aortic root aneurysm requiring surgical intervention (1/11). Hair loss has been reported in 6/11 individuals (five females and one male), only one of which was documented to have a formal diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, while other individuals were described as having thinning of hair, male pattern hair loss, or unspecified alopecia. Conclusion: The clinical features of individuals with AEBP1-related EDS have not been fully elucidated yet. Hair loss is present in 6/11 individuals with AEBP1-related clEDS and appears to be a feature of this condition. This is the first time hair loss has been formally reported as a characteristic feature in a rare type of EDS. Cardiovascular surveillance seems warranted in this condition because 2/11 individuals have evidence of arterial aneurysm and/or dissection. Further descriptions of affected individuals are necessary to update diagnostic criteria and management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Angwin
- National Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Service, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Genetics and Genomics Division, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neeti Ghali
- National Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Service, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Genetics and Genomics Division, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fleur Stephanie van Dijk
- National Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Service, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Genetics and Genomics Division, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Fleur Stephanie van Dijk,
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11
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Congenital Defects in a Patient Carrying a Novel Homozygous AEBP1 Variant: Further Expansion of the Phenotypic Spectrum of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Classical-like Type 2? Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122358. [PMID: 36553625 PMCID: PMC9777638 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122358] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, a new clinical subtype, caused by biallelic variants in the AEBP1 gene, encoding the ACLP protein, was added to the current nosological classification of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). This new phenotype, provisionally termed EDS classical-like type 2 (clEDS2), has not yet been fully characterized, as only nine cases have been reported to date. Here we describe a patient, homozygous for a novel AEBP1 pathogenic variant (NM_001129.5 c.2123_2124delTG (p.Val708AlafsTer5)), whose phenotype is reminiscent of classical EDS but also includes previously unreported multiple congenital malformations. Furthermore, we briefly summarize the current principal clinical manifestations of clEDS2 and the molecular evidence surrounding the role of AEBP1 in the context of extracellular matrix homeostasis and connective tissue development. Although a different coexisting etiology for the multiple congenital malformations of our patient cannot be formally excluded, the emerging role of ACLP in TGF-β and WNT pathways may explain their occurrence and the phenotypical variability of clEDS2.
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12
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Lin P, Zhang G, Peng R, Zhao M, Li H. Increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated genes and core transcription factors in keloids by RNA sequencing. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1586-1596. [PMID: 35730251 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts in keloids undergo cell identity transition with altered transcriptional characteristics. However, the core transcription factors driving this cellular reprogramming remain largely unknown. Here, we report the results of transcriptional profiling from 48 keloid and 24 control dermal tissues. We identified 1187 upregulated differentially expressed genes (foldchange > 2, false discovery rate < 0.05) in keloids, which were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization and bone/cartilage development, with significantly increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated collagens (COL5A1, COL10A1, and COL11A1) and glycoproteins (ACAN, COMP, and SPARC). Deconvolution analysis also revealed significantly increased composition of osteoblasts in keloid dermis. A total of 92 upregulated transcription factors were screened out from differentially expressed genes and mainly enriched in transcription process and skeleton development. Additional sequencing of six keloid individuals with multiple regions and intersection further narrow the list with 10 transcription factors. Finally, AEBP1, CREB3L1, RUNX2, and ZNF469 have been identified as candidate core regulators in promoting the gaining of bone/cartilage-like characteristics in keloids. RNA-sequencing of full-skin keloids consolidated the existence of these four transcription factors. Immunohistochemistry was employed to verify the expression of AEBP1, CREB3L1, RUNX2, and ZNF469 in keloid fibroblasts. In conclusion, we bioinformatically discovered the increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated genes and candidate core transcription factors in keloids. Our findings promise to provide molecular clues to develop novel therapeutic modalities against skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Lin
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
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13
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Li YX, Zhu XX, Wu X, Li JH, Ni XH, Li SJ, Zhao W, Yin XY. ACLP promotes activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor metastasis via ACLP-PPARγ-ACLP feedback loop in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 544:215802. [PMID: 35732215 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Its fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in promoting tumor invasion and metastasis, which eventually leads to a dismal 5-year survival rate in PDAC patients. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) promotes tissue fibrosis in benign diseases. However, its role in cancer-associated fibrosis remains unelucidated. Here, we show that ACLP was mainly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but not in cancer cells and highly expressed in PDAC tissues. High ACLP expression was correlated with poor overall survival. Moreover, ACLP expression in PDAC patients with liver metastases was higher than that in PDAC patients without liver metastases. By detecting activation marker expression and CAF contractility and motility, we found that ACLP promoted CAF activation in PDAC, leading to TME fibrosis. Furthermore, ACLP-activated CAFs could promote cancer cell invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, ACLP promotes the expressions of MMP1 and MMP3 in CAFs, thus promoting PDAC invasion and metastasis. Intriguingly, we identified an ACLP-PPARγ-ACLP feedback loop in PDAC CAFs. Abatement of this feedback loop might be a promising approach in CAF-targeting PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Zhu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Hao Ni
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Jin Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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14
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Grabowski K, Herlan L, Witten A, Qadri F, Eisenreich A, Lindner D, Schädlich M, Schulz A, Subrova J, Mhatre KN, Primessnig U, Plehm R, van Linthout S, Escher F, Bader M, Stoll M, Westermann D, Heinzel FR, Kreutz R. Cpxm2 as a novel candidate for cardiac hypertrophy and failure in hypertension. Hypertens Res 2022; 45:292-307. [PMID: 34916661 PMCID: PMC8766285 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of hypertension-mediated cardiac damage with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and heart failure remains challenging. To identify novel targets, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis between genetic models derived from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Here, we identified carboxypeptidase X 2 (Cpxm2) as a genetic locus affecting LV mass. Analysis of isolated rat cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts indicated Cpxm2 expression and intrinsic upregulation in genetic hypertension. Immunostaining indicated that CPXM2 associates with the t-tubule network of cardiomyocytes. The functional role of Cpxm2 was further investigated in Cpxm2-deficient (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice exposed to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA). WT and KO animals developed severe and similar systolic hypertension in response to DOCA. WT mice developed severe LV damage, including increases in LV masses and diameters, impairment of LV systolic and diastolic function and reduced ejection fraction. These changes were significantly ameliorated or even normalized (i.e., ejection fraction) in KO-DOCA animals. LV transcriptome analysis showed a molecular cardiac hypertrophy/remodeling signature in WT but not KO mice with significant upregulation of 1234 transcripts, including Cpxm2, in response to DOCA. Analysis of endomyocardial biopsies from patients with cardiac hypertrophy indicated significant upregulation of CPXM2 expression. These data support further translational investigation of CPXM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Grabowski
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Herlan
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Witten
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Fatimunnisa Qadri
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Eisenreich
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Lindner
- grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Clinic for Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schädlich
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Subrova
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ketaki Nitin Mhatre
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Primessnig
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 10178 Berlin, Germany ,grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralph Plehm
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie van Linthout
- grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BCRT—Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felicitas Escher
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 10178 Berlin, Germany ,grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.486773.9Institute of Cardiac Diagnostics and Therapy, IKDT GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bader
- grid.419491.00000 0001 1014 0849Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany ,grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany ,grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany ,grid.4562.50000 0001 0057 2672University of Lübeck, Institute for Biology, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany ,grid.5012.60000 0001 0481 6099Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Westermann
- grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Clinic for Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank R. Heinzel
- grid.7468.d0000 0001 2248 7639Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Department of Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, 10178 Berlin, Germany ,grid.452396.f0000 0004 5937 5237German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, 10178, Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Kamali Zonouzi S, Pezeshki PS, Razi S, Rezaei N. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:757-769. [PMID: 34839457 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality among cancers. Many aspects of this cancer are under investigation to find established markers of diagnosis, prognosis, and also potential drug targets. In this review article, we are going to discuss the possible solution to all these aims by investigating the literature about cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) involved in CRC. Moreover, we are going to review their interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and vitamin D and their role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, we are going to expand more on some markers produced by them or related to them including FAP, a-SMA, CXCL12, TGF- β, POSTN, and β1-Integrin. Some signaling pathways related to CAFs are as follows: FAK, AKT, activin A, and YAP/TAZ. Some genes related to the CAFs which are found to be possible therapeutic targets include COL3A1, JAM3, AEBP1 and, CAF-derived TGFB3, WNT2, and WNT54.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kamali Zonouzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - P S Pezeshki
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - S Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Vroman R, Malfait AM, Miller RE, Malfait F, Syx D. Animal Models of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Phenotype, Pathogenesis, and Translational Potential. Front Genet 2021; 12:726474. [PMID: 34712265 PMCID: PMC8547655 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.726474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissues disorders mainly characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Currently, 14 EDS subtypes each with particular phenotypic features are recognized and are caused by genetic defects in 20 different genes. All of these genes are involved in the biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis of collagens at some level. Although great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of different EDS subtypes, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes remain poorly understood, and consequentially, adequate treatment and management options for these conditions remain scarce. To date, several animal models, mainly mice and zebrafish, have been described with defects in 14 of the 20 hitherto known EDS-associated genes. These models have been instrumental in discerning the functions and roles of the corresponding proteins during development, maturation and repair and in portraying their roles during collagen biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis, for some even before their contribution to an EDS phenotype was elucidated. Additionally, extensive phenotypical characterization of these models has shown that they largely phenocopy their human counterparts, with recapitulation of several clinical hallmarks of the corresponding EDS subtype, including dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular features, as well as biomechanical and ultrastructural similarities in tissues. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of animal models manifesting phenotypes that mimic EDS with a focus on engineered mouse and zebrafish models, and their relevance in past and future EDS research. Additionally, we briefly discuss domestic animals with naturally occurring EDS phenotypes. Collectively, these animal models have only started to reveal glimpses into the pathophysiological aspects associated with EDS and will undoubtably continue to play critical roles in EDS research due to their tremendous potential for pinpointing (common) signaling pathways, unveiling possible therapeutic targets and providing opportunities for preclinical therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rachel E Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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An Overview of miRNAs Involved in PASMC Phenotypic Switching in Pulmonary Hypertension. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5765029. [PMID: 34660794 PMCID: PMC8516547 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5765029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is occult, with no distinctive clinical manifestations and a poor prognosis. Pulmonary vascular remodelling is an important pathological feature in which pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) phenotypic switching plays a crucial role. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of evolutionarily highly conserved single-stranded small noncoding RNAs. An increasing number of studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of PH by regulating PASMCs phenotypic switching, which is expected to be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of PH. miRNAs such as miR-221, miR-15b, miR-96, miR-24, miR-23a, miR-9, miR-214, and miR-20a can promote PASMCs phenotypic switching, while such as miR-21, miR-132, miR-449, miR-206, miR-124, miR-30c, miR-140, and the miR-17~92 cluster can inhibit it. The article reviews the research progress on growth factor-related miRNAs and hypoxia-related miRNAs that mediate PASMCs phenotypic switching in PH.
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18
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Wang D, Rabhi N, Yet SF, Farmer SR, Layne MD. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein regulates vascular adventitial progenitor and fibroblast differentiation through myocardin related transcription factor A. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3948. [PMID: 33597582 PMCID: PMC7889889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82941-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular adventitia contains numerous cell types including fibroblasts, adipocytes, inflammatory cells, and progenitors embedded within a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) network. In response to vascular injury, adventitial progenitors and fibroblasts become activated and exhibit increased proliferative capacity and differentiate into contractile cells that remodel the ECM. These processes can lead to vascular fibrosis and disease progression. Our previous work established that the ECM protein aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) promotes fibrotic remodeling in the lung and is activated by vascular injury. It is currently unknown what controls vascular adventitial cell differentiation and if ACLP has a role in this process. Using purified mouse aortic adventitia Sca1+ progenitors, ACLP repressed stem cell markers (CD34, KLF4) and upregulated smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen I expression. ACLP enhanced myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) activity in adventitial cells by promoting MRTFA nuclear translocation. Sca1 cells from MRTFA-null mice exhibited reduced SMA and collagen expression induced by ACLP, indicating Sca1 cell differentiation is regulated in part by the ACLP-MRTFA axis. We determined that ACLP induced vessel contraction and increased adventitial collagen in an explant model. Collectively these studies identified ACLP as a mediator of adventitial cellular differentiation, which may result in pathological vessel remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Hematology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nabil Rabhi
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Shaw-Fang Yet
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Stephen R Farmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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19
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Shao X, Zhang X, Yang L, Zhang R, Zhu R, Feng R. Integrated analysis of mRNA and microRNA expression profiles reveals differential transcriptome signature in ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy induced heart failure. Epigenetics 2020; 16:917-932. [PMID: 33016206 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1827721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodelling is widely accepted as a common characteristic for many heart diseases, especially in heart failure (HF). Ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are associated with cardiac remodelling. Both mRNA and microRNA are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets of cardiac remodelling in HF. However, the mechanisms of microRNA-mRNA joint regulation in HF are still unclear. In this study, 3 gene expression profiles from patients with and without HF were analysed to harvest shared differentially expressed genes (microRNA and mRNA) with significant major biological function. Moreover, key genes highly related to ICM and DCM-induced HF were screened out through a Weighted Genes Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Based on microRNA-mRNA analysis, several microRNAs and target genes were identified. Combined with pathway analysis, we found that miR-542-3p and its target gene CILP were likely involved in the regulation of TGF-β signalling pathway in ICM induced HF. Collectively, the microRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis revealed that miR-542-3p-CILP as mediator of TGF-β signalling pathway might be a new mechanism to mediate ICM induced HF. This study provides certain novel targets for diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of ICM- and DCM-induced HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Tianjin Customs, Technical Center for Safety of Industrial Products, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruijia Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rongli Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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20
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Tidu A, Schanne-Klein MC, Borderie VM. Development, structure, and bioengineering of the human corneal stroma: A review of collagen-based implants. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108256. [PMID: 32971095 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bio-engineering technologies are currently used to produce biomimetic artificial corneas that should present structural, chemical, optical, and biomechanical properties close to the native tissue. These properties are mainly supported by the corneal stroma which accounts for 90% of corneal thickness and is mainly made of collagen type I. The stromal collagen fibrils are arranged in lamellae that have a plywood-like organization. The fibril diameter is between 25 and 35 nm and the interfibrillar space about 57 nm. The number of lamellae in the central stroma is estimated to be 300. In the anterior part, their size is 10-40 μm. They appear to be larger in the posterior part of the stroma with a size of 60-120 μm. Their thicknesses also vary from 0.2 to 2.5 μm. During development, the acellular corneal stroma, which features a complex pattern of organization, serves as a scaffold for mesenchymal cells that invade and further produce the cellular stroma. Several pathways including Bmp4, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, retinoic acid, and TGF-β, in addition to EFTFs including the mastering gene Pax-6, are involved in corneal development. Besides, retinoic acid and TGF- β seem to have a crucial role in the neural crest cell migration in the stroma. Several technologies can be used to produce artificial stroma. Taking advantage of the liquid-crystal properties of acid-soluble collagen, it is possible to produce transparent stroma-like matrices with native-like collagen I fibrils and plywood-like organization, where epithelial cells can adhere and proliferate. Other approaches include the use of recombinant collagen, cross-linkers, vitrification, plastically compressed collagen or magnetically aligned collagen, providing interesting optical and mechanical properties. These technologies can be classified according to collagen type and origin, presence of telopeptides and native-like fibrils, structure, and transparency. Collagen matrices feature transparency >80% for the appropriate 500-μm thickness. Non-collagenous matrices made of biopolymers including gelatin, silk, or fish scale have been developed which feature interesting properties but are less biomimetic. These bioengineered matrices still need to be colonized by stromal cells to fully reproduce the native stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Tidu
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Hospitalier, National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, 75571, Paris, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique 32, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claire Schanne-Klein
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, LOB, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Vincent M Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre Hospitalier, National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, 75571, Paris, France; Groupe de Recherche Clinique 32, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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21
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Tan S, Yang S, Chen M, Wang Y, Zhu L, Sun Z, Chen S. Lipopolysaccharides promote pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through the aggravation of apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar macrophages. Open Life Sci 2020; 15:598-605. [PMID: 33817248 PMCID: PMC7874552 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2020-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play an important defensive role by removing dust and bacteria from alveoli. Apoptosis of AMs is associated with lung fibrosis; however, the relationship between this apoptotic event and environmental factors, such as the presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) in the workplace, has not yet been addressed. To investigate whether exposure to LPS can exacerbate fibrosis, we collected AMs from 12 male workers exposed to silica and incubated them in the presence and absence of LPS for 24 h. We show that the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in these AMs following LPS treatment. Moreover, we demonstrate that LPS exposure aggravated apoptosis and the release of inflammatory factors in AMs in a mouse model of silicosis, which eventually promoted pulmonary fibrosis. These results suggest that exposure to LPS may accelerate the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis by increasing apoptosis and inflammation in AMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Mingke Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yurun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Beidaihe Sanitarium for China Coal Miners, Beidaihe, 066100, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiqian Sun
- Department of Pneumoconiosis, Beidaihe Sanitarium for China Coal Miners, Beidaihe, 066100, Hebei, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, No. 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
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22
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Malfait F, Castori M, Francomano CA, Giunta C, Kosho T, Byers PH. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:64. [PMID: 32732924 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-0194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders of connective tissue, with common features including joint hypermobility, soft and hyperextensible skin, abnormal wound healing and easy bruising. Fourteen different types of EDS are recognized, of which the molecular cause is known for 13 types. These types are caused by variants in 20 different genes, the majority of which encode the fibrillar collagen types I, III and V, modifying or processing enzymes for those proteins, and enzymes that can modify glycosaminoglycan chains of proteoglycans. For the hypermobile type of EDS, the molecular underpinnings remain unknown. As connective tissue is ubiquitously distributed throughout the body, manifestations of the different types of EDS are present, to varying degrees, in virtually every organ system. This can make these disorders particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. Management consists of a care team responsible for surveillance of major and organ-specific complications (for example, arterial aneurysm and dissection), integrated physical medicine and rehabilitation. No specific medical or genetic therapies are available for any type of EDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Clair A Francomano
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cecilia Giunta
- Connective Tissue Unit, Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Peter H Byers
- Department of Pathology and Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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Vishwanath N, Monis WJ, Hoffmann GA, Ramachandran B, DiGiacomo V, Wong JY, Smith ML, Layne MD. Mechanisms of aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein secretion and identification of an intracellularly retained variant associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:9725-9735. [PMID: 32482891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is a collagen-binding extracellular matrix protein that has important roles in wound healing and fibrosis. ACLP contains thrombospondin repeats, a collagen-binding discoidin domain, and a catalytically inactive metallocarboxypeptidase domain. Recently, mutations in the ACLP-encoding gene, AE-binding protein 1 (AEBP1), have been discovered, leading to the identification of a new variant of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causing connective tissue disruptions in multiple organs. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms of ACLP secretion or the role of post-translational modifications in these processes. We show here that the secreted form of ACLP contains N-linked glycosylation and that inhibition of glycosylation results in its intracellular retention. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that glycosylation of Asn-471 and Asn-1030 is necessary for ACLP secretion and identified a specific N-terminal proteolytic ACLP fragment. To determine the contribution of secreted ACLP to extracellular matrix mechanical properties, we generated and mechanically tested wet-spun collagen ACLP composite fibers, finding that ACLP enhances the modulus (or stiffness), toughness, and tensile strength of the fibers. Some AEBP1 mutations were null alleles, whereas others resulted in expressed proteins. We tested the hypothesis that a recently discovered 40-amino acid mutation and insertion in the ACLP discoidin domain regulates collagen binding and assembly. Interestingly, we found that this protein variant is retained intracellularly and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress identified with an XBP1-based endoplasmic reticulum stress reporter. Our findings highlight the importance of N-linked glycosylation of ACLP for its secretion and contribute to our understanding of ACLP-dependent disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neya Vishwanath
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William J Monis
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gwendolyn A Hoffmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bhavana Ramachandran
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent DiGiacomo
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joyce Y Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Yorozu A, Yamamoto E, Niinuma T, Tsuyada A, Maruyama R, Kitajima H, Numata Y, Kai M, Sudo G, Kubo T, Nishidate T, Okita K, Takemasa I, Nakase H, Sugai T, Takano K, Suzuki H. Upregulation of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 in endothelial cells promotes tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1631-1644. [PMID: 32086986 PMCID: PMC7226196 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is an important therapeutic target in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to identify novel genes associated with angiogenesis in CRC. Using RNA sequencing analysis in normal and tumor endothelial cells (TECs) isolated from primary CRC tissues, we detected frequent upregulation of adipocyte enhancer‐binding protein 1 (AEBP1) in TECs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AEBP1 is upregulated in TECs and stromal cells in CRC tissues. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that there is little or no AEBP1 expression in CRC cell lines, but that AEBP1 is well expressed in vascular endothelial cells. Levels of AEBP1 expression in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were upregulated by tumor conditioned medium derived from CRC cells or by direct coculture with CRC cells. Knockdown of AEBP1 suppressed proliferation, migration, and in vitro tube formation by HUVECs. In xenograft experiments, AEBP1 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and microvessel formation. Depletion of AEBP1 in HUVECs downregulated a series of genes associated with angiogenesis or endothelial function, including aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and periostin (POSTN), suggesting that AEBP1 might promote angiogenesis through regulation of those genes. These results suggest that upregulation of AEBP1 contributes to tumor angiogenesis in CRC, which makes AEBP1 a potentially useful therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yorozu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuyada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitajima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuto Numata
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Gota Sudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kubo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nishidate
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenji Okita
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakase
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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25
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Syx D, De Wandele I, Symoens S, De Rycke R, Hougrand O, Voermans N, De Paepe A, Malfait F. Bi-allelic AEBP1 mutations in two patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1853-1864. [PMID: 30668708 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDSs) are a clinically and molecularly diverse group of heritable connective tissue disorders caused by defects in a wide range of genes. Recently, bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in the adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) gene were reported in three families with an autosomal recessive EDS-like condition characterized by thin and hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing with prominent atrophic scarring, joint hypermobility and osteoporosis. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified novel bi-allelic AEBP1 variants in two unrelated adult patients, previously diagnosed with an undefined EDS type, which shows important clinical resemblance to several other EDS subtypes. Our patients present with similar cutaneous and musculoskeletal features as the previously reported patients. They also show unreported clinical features, including pectus deformity, premature aged appearance, sparse and frizzled hair, fatigue and pain. AEBP1 is ubiquitously expressed and encodes the secreted aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) that can bind fibrillar collagens and assist in collagen polymerization. Transmission electron microscopy studies on the patients' skin biopsies show ultrastructural alterations in collagen fibril diameter and appearance, underscoring an important role for ACLP in collagen fibril organization. This report further expands the clinical, molecular and ultrastructural spectrum associated with AEBP1 defects and highlights the complex and variable phenotype associated with this new EDS variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inge De Wandele
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Symoens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology and Expertise Centre for Transmission Electron Microscopy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for Inflammation Research and BioImaging Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Hougrand
- Unit of Electron Microscopy, Department of Pathology, Unilab LG, University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicol Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne De Paepe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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26
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Ma J, Lwigale P. Transformation of the Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Periocular Mesenchyme During Formation of the Embryonic Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:661-676. [PMID: 30786278 PMCID: PMC6383728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in neural crest development are a major contributing factor in corneal dysgenesis, but little is known about the genetic landscape during corneal development. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed transcriptome profile and evaluate changes in gene expression during mouse corneal development. Methods RNA sequencing was used to uncover the transcriptomic profile of periocular mesenchyme (pNC) isolated at embryonic day (E) 10.5 and corneas isolated at E14.5 and E16.5. The spatiotemporal expression of several differentially expressed genes was validated by in situ hybridization. Results Analysis of the whole-transcriptome profile between pNC and embryonic corneas identified 3815 unique differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction (retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways) and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions Our analyses, for the first time, identify a large number of differentially expressed genes during progressive stages of mouse corneal development. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of the developing cornea. Combined, these data serve as a valuable resource for the identification of novel regulatory networks crucial for the advancement of studies in congenital defects, stem cell therapy, bioengineering, and adult corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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27
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Zhang BN, Zhang X, Xu H, Gao XM, Zhang GZ, Zhang H, Yang F. Dynamic Variation of RAS on Silicotic Fibrosis Pathogenesis in Rats. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:551-559. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Gerhard GS, Hanson A, Wilhelmsen D, Piras IS, Still CD, Chu X, Petrick AT, DiStefano JK. AEBP1 expression increases with severity of fibrosis in NASH and is regulated by glucose, palmitate, and miR-372-3p. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219764. [PMID: 31299062 PMCID: PMC6625715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors governing the development of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are only partially understood. We recently identified adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) as a member of a core set of dysregulated fibrosis-specific genes in human NASH. Here we sought to investigate the relationship between AEBP1 and hepatic fibrosis. We confirmed that hepatic AEBP1 expression is elevated in fibrosis compared to lobular inflammation, steatosis, and normal liver, and increases with worsening fibrosis in NASH patients. AEBP1 expression was upregulated 5.8-fold in activated hepatic stellate cells and downregulated during chemical and contact induction of biological quiescence. In LX-2 and HepG2 cells treated with high glucose (25 mM), AEBP1 expression increased over 7-fold compared to normal glucose conditions. In response to treatment with either fructose or palmitate, AEBP1 expression in primary human hepatocytes increased 2.4-fold or 9.6-fold, but was upregulated 55.8-fold in the presence of fructose and palmitate together. AEBP1 knockdown resulted in decreased expression of nine genes previously identified to be part of a predicted AEBP1-associated NASH co-regulatory network and confirmed to be upregulated in fibrotic tissue. We identified binding sites for two miRNAs known to be downregulated in NASH fibrosis, miR-372-3p and miR-373-3p in the AEBP1 3' untranslated region. Both miRNAs functionally interacted with AEBP1 to regulate its expression. These findings indicate a novel AEBP1-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S. Gerhard
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Amanda Hanson
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Danielle Wilhelmsen
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | | | - Xin Chu
- Geisinger Obesity Institute, Danville, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Johanna K. DiStefano
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
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29
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Zhang B, Xu H, Zhang Y, Yi X, Zhang G, Zhang X, Xu D, Gao X, Li S, Zhu Y, Zhang H, Wei Z, Li S, Zhang L, Wang R, Yang F. Targeting the RAS axis alleviates silicotic fibrosis and Ang II-induced myofibroblast differentiation via inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway. Toxicol Lett 2019; 313:30-41. [PMID: 31181250 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays an important role in lung development, but its significance in silicosis is unclear. We showed that in human coal pneumoconiosis autopsy specimens, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and the Glioma-associated oncogene homolog transcription factors family (GLI) 1 proteins were up-regulated, whereas Patch-1 (PTC) was down-regulated. The protein levels of SHH, smoothened (SMO), GLI1, GLI2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) were also elevated gradually in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of different stages of coal pneumoconiosis patients, dynamic silica-inhalation rat lung tissue and MRC-5 cells induced by Ang II at different time points, whereas the PTC and GLI3 levels were diminished gradually. Ac-SDKP, an active peptide of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is an anti-fibrotic tetrapeptide. Targeting RAS axis also has anti-silicotic fibrosis effects. However, their roles on the HH pathway are still unknown. Here, we reported that Ac-SDKP + Captopril, Ac-SDKP, Captopril, or Ang (1-7) could alleviate silicotic fibrosis and collagen deposition, as well as improve the lung functions of silicotic rat. These treatments decreased the expression of SHH, SMO, GLI1, GLI2, α-SMA, and Col Ⅰ and increased the expression of PTC and GLI3 on both the silicotic rat lung tissue and MRC-5 cells induced by Ang II. We also reported that Ang II may promote myofibroblast differentiation via the GLI1 transcription factor and independently of the SMO receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Department of Basic Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
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30
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Ritelli M, Cinquina V, Venturini M, Pezzaioli L, Formenti AM, Chiarelli N, Colombi M. Expanding the Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Recessive AEBP1-Related Classical-Like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E135. [PMID: 30759870 PMCID: PMC6410021 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises clinically heterogeneous connective tissue disorders with diverse molecular etiologies. The 2017 International Classification for EDS recognized 13 distinct subtypes caused by pathogenic variants in 19 genes mainly encoding fibrillar collagens and collagen-modifying or processing proteins. Recently, a new EDS subtype, i.e., classical-like EDS type 2, was defined after the identification, in six patients with clinical findings reminiscent of EDS, of recessive alterations in AEBP1, which encodes the aortic carboxypeptidase⁻like protein associating with collagens in the extracellular matrix. Herein, we report on a 53-year-old patient, born from healthy second-cousins, who fitted the diagnostic criteria for classical EDS (cEDS) for the presence of hyperextensible skin with multiple atrophic scars, generalized joint hypermobility, and other minor criteria. Molecular analyses of cEDS genes did not identify any causal variant. Therefore, AEBP1 sequencing was performed that revealed homozygosity for the rare c.1925T>C p.(Leu642Pro) variant classified as likely pathogenetic (class 4) according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. The comparison of the patient's features with those of the other patients reported up to now and the identification of the first missense variant likely associated with the condition offer future perspectives for EDS nosology and research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Cinquina
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marina Venturini
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili University Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Letizia Pezzaioli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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Hebebrand M, Vasileiou G, Krumbiegel M, Kraus C, Uebe S, Ekici AB, Thiel CT, Reis A, Popp B. A biallelic truncating AEBP1 variant causes connective tissue disorder in two siblings. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 179:50-56. [PMID: 30548383 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.60679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biallelic variants in the AEBP1 gene cause a novel autosomal-recessive connective tissue disorder (CTD) reminiscent of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The four previously reported individuals show considerable clinical variability. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing enables the rapid identification of additional cases for such rare entities. We identified the homozygous nonsense variant c.917dup, p.Tyr306* in AEBP1 using clinical exome sequencing in a female individual with previously unsolved CTD. Segregation testing confirmed homozygosity in the clinically affected brother and heterozygous carrier status in the healthy mother. Chromosomal microarray showed that the variant lies in a run of homozygosity, suggesting a common origin of this genomic segment. RT-PCR analysis in the mother revealed a monoallelic expression of the normal transcript supporting a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and functional nullizygosity as disease mechanism. We describe two individuals from a fourth family with AEBP1-associated CTD. Our results further verify that autosomal-recessive inherited LOF variants in the AEBP1 gene cause clinical features of different EDS subtypes, but also of the marfanoid spectrum. As identification of further individuals is necessary to inform the clinical characterization, we stress the added value of exome sequencing for such rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Hebebrand
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgia Vasileiou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mandy Krumbiegel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Uebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian T Thiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernt Popp
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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32
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Gerhard GS, Legendre C, Still CD, Chu X, Petrick A, DiStefano JK. Transcriptomic Profiling of Obesity-Related Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Reveals a Core Set of Fibrosis-Specific Genes. J Endocr Soc 2018; 2:710-726. [PMID: 29978150 PMCID: PMC6018672 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The molecular factors underlying the development of inflammation and severe fibrosis in NASH remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify gene expression patterns related to obesity-related NASH inflammation and fibrosis. We performed sequencing-based mRNA profiling analysis of liver samples from individuals with normal histology (n = 24), lobular inflammation (n = 53), or bridging fibrosis, incomplete cirrhosis, or cirrhosis (n = 65). Hepatic expression of a subset of mRNAs was validated using an orthogonal method, analyzed in a hepatic stellate cell line, and used to identify transcriptional patterns shared by other forms of cirrhosis. We observed evidence for differential levels of 3820 and 2980 transcripts in lobular inflammation and advanced fibrosis, respectively, compared with normal histology (false discovery rate ≤0.05), including 176 genes specific to fibrosis. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes revealed participation in pathways involving cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. We identified 34 differentially expressed transcripts in comparisons of lobular inflammation and fibrosis, a proportion of which were also upregulated during activation of hepatic stellate cells. A set of 16 genes from a previous independent study of NASH bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis were replicated, several of which have also been associated with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis due to hepatitis viruses or alcohol in human patients. Dysregulated mRNA expression is associated with inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. Advanced NASH fibrosis is characterized by distinct set of molecular changes that are shared with other causes of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S Gerhard
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Xin Chu
- Geisinger Obesity Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania
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33
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Jager M, Lee MJ, Li C, Farmer SR, Fried SK, Layne MD. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein enhances adipose tissue stromal progenitor differentiation into myofibroblasts and is upregulated in fibrotic white adipose tissue. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197777. [PMID: 29799877 PMCID: PMC5969754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
White adipose tissue expands through both adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia and it is hypothesized that fibrosis or excess accumulation of extracellular matrix within adipose tissue may limit tissue expansion contributing to metabolic dysfunction. The pathways that control adipose tissue remodeling are only partially understood, however it is likely that adipose tissue stromal and perivascular progenitors participate in fibrotic remodeling and also serve as adipocyte progenitors. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of the secreted extracellular matrix protein aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) on adipose progenitor differentiation in the context of adipose tissue fibrosis. Treatment of 10T1/2 mouse cells with recombinant ACLP suppressed adipogenesis and enhanced myofibroblast differentiation, which was dependent on transforming growth factor-β receptor kinase activity. Mice fed a chronic high fat diet exhibited white adipose tissue fibrosis with elevated ACLP expression and cellular fractionation of these depots revealed that ACLP was co-expressed with collagens primarily in the inflammatory cell depleted stromal-vascular fraction (SVF). SVF cells isolated from mice fed a high fat diet secreted increased amounts of ACLP compared to low fat diet control SVF. These cells also exhibited reduced adipogenic differentiation capacity in vitro. Importantly, differentiation studies in primary human adipose stromal cells revealed that mature adipocytes do not express ACLP and exogenous ACLP administration blunted their differentiation potential while upregulating myofibroblastic markers. Collectively, these studies identify ACLP as a stromal derived mediator of adipose progenitor differentiation that may limit adipocyte expansion during white adipose tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Jager
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mi-Jeong Lee
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chendi Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephen R. Farmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susan K. Fried
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Blackburn PR, Xu Z, Tumelty KE, Zhao RW, Monis WJ, Harris KG, Gass JM, Cousin MA, Boczek NJ, Mitkov MV, Cappel MA, Francomano CA, Parisi JE, Klee EW, Faqeih E, Alkuraya FS, Layne MD, McDonnell NB, Atwal PS. Bi-allelic Alterations in AEBP1 Lead to Defective Collagen Assembly and Connective Tissue Structure Resulting in a Variant of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:696-705. [PMID: 29606302 PMCID: PMC5985336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AEBP1 encodes the aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) that associates with collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and has several roles in development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. ACLP is expressed in bone, the vasculature, and dermal tissues and is involved in fibroblast proliferation and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into collagen-producing cells. Aebp1-/- mice have abnormal, delayed wound repair correlating with defects in fibroblast proliferation. In this study, we describe four individuals from three unrelated families that presented with a unique constellation of clinical findings including joint laxity, redundant and hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing with abnormal scarring, osteoporosis, and other features reminiscent of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Analysis of skin biopsies revealed decreased dermal collagen with abnormal collagen fibrils that were ragged in appearance. Exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in AEBP1 (c.1470delC [p.Asn490_Met495delins(40)] and c.1743C>A [p.Cys581∗]) in the first individual, a homozygous variant (c.1320_1326del [p.Arg440Serfs∗3]) in the second individual, and a homozygous splice site variant (c.1630+1G>A) in two siblings from the third family. We show that ACLP enhances collagen polymerization and binds to several fibrillar collagens via its discoidin domain. These studies support the conclusion that bi-allelic pathogenic variants in AEBP1 are the cause of this autosomal-recessive EDS subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Blackburn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhi Xu
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kathleen E Tumelty
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Rose W Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - William J Monis
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harris
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gass
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Margot A Cousin
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nicole J Boczek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mario V Mitkov
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Mark A Cappel
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Clair A Francomano
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD 21204, USA
| | - Joseph E Parisi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Eric W Klee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Eissa Faqeih
- Department of Pediatric Specialties, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Saudi Human Genome Project, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia; Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 12713, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Nazli B McDonnell
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Veteran's Administration, Eastern Colorado Health System, Denver, CO 80220, USA.
| | - Paldeep S Atwal
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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35
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Zhang Y, Yang F, Liu Y, Peng HB, Geng YC, Li SF, Xu H, Zhu LY, Yang XH, Brann D. Influence of the interaction between Ac‑SDKP and Ang II on the pathogenesis and development of silicotic fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7467-7476. [PMID: 29620193 PMCID: PMC5983938 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a natural tetrapeptide that is released from thymosin β4 by prolyl oligopeptides. It is hydrolyzed by the key enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in Ac-SDKP and the ACE/angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor axis and its impact on the pathogenesis and development of silicotic fibrosis. For in vivo studies, a HOPE MED 8050 exposure control apparatus was used to establish different stages of silicosis in a rat model treated with Ac-SDKP. For in vitro studies, cultured primary lung fibroblasts were induced to differentiate into myofibroblasts by Ang II, and were pretreated with Ac-SDKP and valsartan. The results of the present study revealed that, during silicosis development, ACE/Ang II/AT1 expression in local lung tissues increased, whereas that of Ac-SDKP decreased. Ac-SDKP and the ACE/AT1/Ang II axis were inversely altered in the development of silicotic fibrosis. Ac-SDKP treatment had an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo. Compared with the silicosis group, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen (Col) I, Fibronectin (Fn) and AT1 were significantly downregulated, whereas matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and the MMP-1/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) ratio was increased in the Ac-SDKP treatment group. In vitro, pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP or valsartan attenuated the expression of α-SMA, Col I, Fn and AT1 in Ang II-induced fibroblasts. In addition, MMP-1 expression and the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio were significantly higher in Ac-SDKP and valsartan pre-treatment groups compared with the Ang II group. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that an imbalance between Ac-SDKP and ACE/Ang II/AT1 molecules promotes the development of silicosis and that Ac-SDKP protects against silicotic fibrosis by inhibiting Ang II-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Bing Peng
- Ji Tang College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Cong Geng
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Feng Li
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Li-Yan Zhu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Hong Yang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Darrell Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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36
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Teratani T, Tomita K, Suzuki T, Furuhashi H, Irie R, Nishikawa M, Yamamoto J, Hibi T, Miura S, Minamino T, Oike Y, Hokari R, Kanai T. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein, a WNT ligand, exacerbates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1581-1596. [PMID: 29553485 DOI: 10.1172/jci92863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has been increasing worldwide with the rise in obesity; however, its pathological mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the hepatic expression of aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP), a glycosylated, secreted protein, increases in NASH in humans and mice. Furthermore, we elucidate that ACLP is a ligand, unrelated to WNT proteins, that activates the canonical WNT pathway and exacerbates NASH pathology. In the liver, ACLP is specifically expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). As fatty liver disease progresses, ACLP expression is enhanced via activation of STAT3 signaling by obesity-related factors in serum. ACLP specifically binds to frizzled-8 and low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 6 to form a ternary complex that activates canonical WNT signaling. Consequently, ACLP activates HSCs by inhibiting PPARγ signals. HSC-specific ACLP deficiency inhibits fibrosis progression in NASH by inhibiting canonical WNT signaling in HSCs. The present study elucidates the role of canonical WNT pathway activation by ACLP in NASH pathology, indicating that NASH can be treated by targeting ACLP-induced canonical WNT pathway activation in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Teratani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Tomita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Furuhashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rie Irie
- Department of Pathology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishikawa
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Hibi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soichiro Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tohru Minamino
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryota Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Andley UP, Tycksen E, McGlasson-Naumann BN, Hamilton PD. Probing the changes in gene expression due to α-crystallin mutations in mouse models of hereditary human cataract. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190817. [PMID: 29338044 PMCID: PMC5770019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian eye lens expresses a high concentration of crystallins (α, β and γ-crystallins) to maintain the refractive index essential for lens transparency. Crystallins are long-lived proteins that do not turnover throughout life. The structural destabilization of crystallins by UV exposure, glycation, oxidative stress and mutations in crystallin genes leads to protein aggregation and development of cataracts. Several destabilizing mutations in crystallin genes are linked with human autosomal dominant hereditary cataracts. To investigate the mechanism by which the α-crystallin mutations Cryaa-R49C and Cryab-R120G lead to cataract formation, we determined whether these mutations cause an altered expression of specific transcripts in the lens at an early postnatal age by RNA-seq analysis. Using knock-in mouse models previously generated in our laboratory, in the present work, we identified genes that exhibited altered abundance in the mutant lenses, including decreased transcripts for Clic5, an intracellular water channel in Cryaa-R49C heterozygous mutant lenses, and increased transcripts for Eno1b in Cryab-R120G heterozygous mutant lenses. In addition, RNA-seq analysis revealed increased histones H2B, H2A, and H4 gene expression in Cryaa-R49C mutant lenses, suggesting that the αA-crystallin mutation regulates histone expression via a transcriptional mechanism. Additionally, these studies confirmed the increased expression of histones H2B, H2A, and H4 by proteomic analysis of Cryaa-R49C knock-in and Cryaa;Cryab gene knockout lenses reported previously. Taken together, these findings offer additional insight into the early transcriptional changes caused by Cryaa and Cryab mutations associated with autosomal dominant human cataracts, and indicate that the transcript levels of certain genes are affected by the expression of mutant α-crystallin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha P. Andley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brittney N. McGlasson-Naumann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Paul D. Hamilton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Garcia-Pardo J, Tanco S, Díaz L, Dasgupta S, Fernandez-Recio J, Lorenzo J, Aviles FX, Fricker LD. Substrate specificity of human metallocarboxypeptidase D: Comparison of the two active carboxypeptidase domains. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187778. [PMID: 29131831 PMCID: PMC5683605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallocarboxypeptidase D (CPD) is a membrane-bound component of the trans-Golgi network that cycles to the cell surface through exocytic and endocytic pathways. Unlike other members of the metallocarboxypeptidase family, CPD is a multicatalytic enzyme with three carboxypeptidase-like domains, although only the first two domains are predicted to be enzymatically active. To investigate the enzymatic properties of each domain in human CPD, a critical active site Glu in domain I and/or II was mutated to Gln and the protein expressed, purified, and assayed with a wide variety of peptide substrates. CPD with all three domains intact displays >50% activity from pH 5.0 to 7.5 with a maximum at pH 6.5, as does CPD with mutation of domain I. In contrast, the domain II mutant displayed >50% activity from pH 6.5–7.5. CPD with mutations in both domains I and II was completely inactive towards all substrates and at all pH values. A quantitative peptidomics approach was used to compare the activities of CPD domains I and II towards a large number of peptides. CPD cleaved C-terminal Lys or Arg from a subset of the peptides. Most of the identified substrates of domain I contained C-terminal Arg, whereas comparable numbers of Lys- and Arg-containing peptides were substrates of domain II. We also report that some peptides with C-terminal basic residues were not cleaved by either domain I or II, showing the importance of the P1 position for CPD activity. Finally, the preference of domain I for C-terminal Arg was validated through molecular docking experiments. Together with the differences in pH optima, the different substrate specificities of CPD domains I and II allow the enzyme to perform distinct functions in the various locations within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Garcia-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Tanco
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lucía Díaz
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Joint BSC-CRG-IRB Research Program in Computational Biology, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sayani Dasgupta
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Juan Fernandez-Recio
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Joint BSC-CRG-IRB Research Program in Computational Biology, Life Sciences Department, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Lorenzo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc X. Aviles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina and Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (LDF); (FXA)
| | - Lloyd D. Fricker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LDF); (FXA)
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39
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Functional profiling of microtumors to identify cancer associated fibroblast-derived drug targets. Oncotarget 2017; 8:99913-99930. [PMID: 29245949 PMCID: PMC5725140 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21915] [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: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in chemotherapeutics highlight the importance of molecularly-targeted perturbagens. Although these therapies typically address dysregulated cancer cell proteins, there are increasing therapeutic modalities that take into consideration cancer cell-extrinsic factors. Targeting components of tumor stroma such as vascular or immune cells has been shown to represent an efficacious approach in cancer treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exemplify an important stromal component that can be exploited in targeted therapeutics, though their employment in drug discovery campaigns has been relatively minimal due to technical logistics in assaying for CAF-tumor interactions. Here we report a 3-dimensional multi-culture tumor:CAF spheroid phenotypic screening platform that can be applied to high-content drug discovery initiatives. Using a functional genomics approach we systematically profiled 1,024 candidate genes for CAF-intrinsic anti-spheroid activity; identifying several CAF genes important for development and maintenance of tumor:CAF co-culture spheroids. Along with previously reported genes such as WNT, we identify CAF-derived targets such as ARAF and COL3A1 upon which the tumor compartment depends for spheroid development. Specifically, we highlight the G-protein-coupled receptor OGR1 as a unique CAF-specific protein that may represent an attractive drug target for treating colorectal cancer. In vivo, murine colon tumor implants in OGR1 knockout mice displayed delayed tumor growth compared to tumors implanted in wild type littermate controls. These findings demonstrate a robust microphysiological screening approach for identifying new CAF targets that may be applied to drug discovery efforts.
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40
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Tsujino K, Li JT, Tsukui T, Ren X, Bakiri L, Wagner E, Sheppard D. Fra-2 negatively regulates postnatal alveolar septation by modulating myofibroblast function. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L878-L888. [PMID: 28818870 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00062.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice that globally overexpress the transcription factor Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) develop extensive pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. To determine if these phenotypes are a consequence of ectopic Fra-2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts, we generated mice that overexpress Fra-2 specifically in these cell types (α-SMA-rtTA;tetO-Fra-2). Surprisingly, these mice did not develop vascular remodeling or pulmonary fibrosis but did develop a spontaneous emphysema-like phenotype characterized by alveolar enlargement. Secondary septa formation is an important step in the normal development of lung alveoli, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-expressing fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) play a crucial role in this process. The mutant mice showed reduced numbers of secondary septa at postnatal day 7 and enlarged alveolae starting at postnatal day 12, suggesting impairment of secondary septa formation. Lineage tracing using α-SMA-rtTA mice crossed to a floxed TdTomato reporter revealed that embryonic expression of α-SMA Cre marked a population of cells that gave rise to nearly all alveolar myofibroblasts. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses (RNA sequencing) demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of genes whose expression was significantly altered by overexpression of Fra-2 in myofibroblasts encoded secreted proteins, components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell adhesion-associated genes, including coordinate upregulation of pairs of integrins and their principal ECM ligands. In addition, primary myofibroblasts isolated from the mutant mice showed reduced migration capacity. These findings suggest that Fra-2 overexpression might impair myofibroblast functions crucial for secondary septation, such as myofibroblast migration across alveoli, by perturbing interactions between integrins and locally produced components of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Tsujino
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - John T Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Tatsuya Tsukui
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Xin Ren
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Latifa Bakiri
- BBVA Foundation-CNIO Cancer Cell Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erwin Wagner
- BBVA Foundation-CNIO Cancer Cell Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California;
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Sun Q, Wu Y, Zhao F, Wang J. Maresin 1 inhibits transforming growth factor-β1-induced proliferation, migration and differentiation in human lung fibroblasts. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:1523-1529. [PMID: 29067437 PMCID: PMC5561789 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The myofibroblast has been implicated to be an important pathogenic cell in all fibrotic diseases, through synthesis of excess extracellular matrix. Lung fibroblast migration, proliferation and differentiation into a myofibroblast-like cell type are regarded as important steps in the formation of lung fibrosis. In the present study, the effect of maresin 1 (MaR 1), a pro-resolving lipid mediator, on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated lung fibroblasts was investigated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were examined. The results of the present study demonstrated that MaR 1 inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferative and migratory ability, assessed using MTT and scratch wound healing assays. The TGF-β1-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I, the hallmarks of myofibroblast differentiation, was decreased by MaR 1 at the mRNA and protein levels, determined using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that MaR 1 downregulated the TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA. In addition, phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (Smad2/3) and extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) 1/2 were upregulated in TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblasts, and these effects were attenuated by MaR 1 administration. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that MaR 1 inhibited the TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and differentiation of human lung fibroblasts. These observed effects may be mediated in part by decreased phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Therefore, MaR 1 may be a potential therapeutic approach to lung fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanchao Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - You Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Marttila-Ichihara F, Elima K, Auvinen K, Veres TZ, Rantakari P, Weston C, Miyasaka M, Adams D, Jalkanen S, Salmi M. Amine oxidase activity regulates the development of pulmonary fibrosis. FASEB J 2017; 31:2477-2491. [PMID: 28251930 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600935r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In pulmonary fibrosis, an inflammatory reaction and differentiation of myofibroblasts culminate in pathologic deposition of collagen. Amine oxidase copper containing-3 (AOC3) is a cell-surface-expressed oxidase that regulates leukocyte extravasation. Here we analyzed the potential role of AOC3 using gene-modified and inhibitor-treated mice in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. Inflammation and fibrosis of lungs were assessed by histologic, flow cytometric, and quantitative PCR analysis. AOC3-deficient mice showed a 30-50% reduction in fibrosis, collagen synthesis, numbers of myofibroblasts, and accumulation of CD4+ lymphocytes, NK T cells, macrophages, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells compared with wild-type control mice. AOC3-knock-in mice, which express a catalytically inactive form of AOC3, were also protected from lung fibrosis. In wild-type mice, a small-molecule AOC3 inhibitor treatment reduced leukocyte infiltration, myofibroblast differentiation, and fibrotic injury both in prophylactic and early therapeutic settings by about 50% but was unable to reverse the established fibrosis. AOC3 was also induced in myofibroblasts in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, the oxidase activity of AOC3 contributes to the development of lung fibrosis mainly by regulating the accumulation of pathogenic leukocyte subtypes, which drive the fibrotic response.-Marttila-Ichihara, F., Elima, K., Auvinen, K., Veres, T. Z., Rantakari, P., Weston, C., Miyasaka, M., Adams, D., Jalkanen, S., Salmi, M. Amine oxidase activity regulates the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kati Elima
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisa Auvinen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tibor Z Veres
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Christopher Weston
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Masayuki Miyasaka
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,World Premier International (WPI) Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Japan
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marko Salmi
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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43
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Shijo M, Honda H, Suzuki SO, Hamasaki H, Hokama M, Abolhassani N, Nakabeppu Y, Ninomiya T, Kitazono T, Iwaki T. Association of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 with Alzheimer's disease pathology in human hippocampi. Brain Pathol 2017; 28:58-71. [PMID: 27997051 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) activates inflammatory responses via the NF-κB pathway in macrophages and regulates adipogenesis in preadipocytes. Up-regulation of AEBP1 in the hippocampi of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been revealed by microarray analyses of autopsied brains from the Japanese general population (the Hisayama study). In this study, we compared the expression patterns of AEBP1 in normal and AD brains, including in the hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry. The subjects were 24 AD cases and 52 non-AD cases. Brain specimens were immunostained with antibodies against AEBP1, tau protein, amyloid β protein, NF-κB, GFAP and Iba-1. In normal brains, AEBP1 immunoreactivity mainly localized to the perikarya of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, and its expression was elevated in the pyramidal neurons and some astrocytes in AD hippocampi. Although AEBP1 immunoreactivity was almost absent in neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles, AEBP1 was highly expressed in neurons with pretangles and in the tau-immunopositive, dystrophic neurites of senile plaques. Nuclear localization of NF-κB was also observed in certain AEBP1-positive neurons in AD cases. Comparison of AD and non-AD cases suggested a positive correlation between the expression level of AEBP1 and the degree of amyloid β pathology. These findings imply that AEBP1 protein has a role in the progression of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shijo
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi O Suzuki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideomi Hamasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hokama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Kyushu Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nona Abolhassani
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusaku Nakabeppu
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Ninomiya
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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44
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Hellewell AL, Adams JC. Insider trading: Extracellular matrix proteins and their non-canonical intracellular roles. Bioessays 2015; 38:77-88. [PMID: 26735930 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In metazoans, the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a dynamic, heterogeneous microenvironment that has important supportive and instructive roles. Although the primary site of action of ECM proteins is extracellular, evidence is emerging for non-canonical intracellular roles. Examples include osteopontin, thrombospondins, IGF-binding protein 3 and biglycan, and relate to roles in transcription, cell-stress responses, autophagy and cancer. These findings pose conceptual problems on how proteins signalled for secretion can be routed to the cytosol or nucleus, or can function in environments with diverse redox, pH and ionic conditions. We review evidence for intracellular locations and functions of ECM proteins, and current knowledge of the mechanisms by which they may enter intracellular compartments. We evaluate the experimental methods that are appropriate to obtain rigorous evidence for intracellular localisation and function. Better insight into this under-researched topic is needed to decipher the complete spectrum of physiological and pathological roles of ECM proteins.
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45
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Identification of osteoblast stimulating factor 5 as a negative regulator in the B-lymphopoietic niche. Exp Hematol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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46
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Shiwen X, Stratton R, Nikitorowicz-Buniak J, Ahmed-Abdi B, Ponticos M, Denton C, Abraham D, Takahashi A, Suki B, Layne MD, Lafyatis R, Smith BD. A Role of Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) in Scleroderma Related Fibrosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126015. [PMID: 25955164 PMCID: PMC4425676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc), persistent activation of myofibroblast leads to severe skin and organ fibrosis resistant to therapy. Increased mechanical stiffness in the involved fibrotic tissues is a hallmark clinical feature and a cause of disabling symptoms. Myocardin Related Transcription Factor-A (MRTF-A) is a transcriptional co-activator that is sequestered in the cytoplasm and translocates to the nucleus under mechanical stress or growth factor stimulation. Our objective was to determine if MRTF-A is activated in the disease microenvironment to produce more extracellular matrix in progressive SSc. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrate that nuclear translocation of MRTF-A in scleroderma tissues occurs in keratinocytes, endothelial cells, infiltrating inflammatory cells, and dermal fibroblasts, consistent with enhanced signaling in multiple cell lineages exposed to the stiff extracellular matrix. Inhibition of MRTF-A nuclear translocation or knockdown of MRTF-A synthesis abolishes the SSc myofibroblast enhanced basal contractility and synthesis of type I collagen and inhibits the matricellular profibrotic protein, connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF). In MRTF-A null mice, basal skin and lung stiffness was abnormally reduced and associated with altered fibrillar collagen. MRTF-A has a role in SSc fibrosis acting as a central regulator linking mechanical cues to adverse remodeling of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shiwen
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Nikitorowicz-Buniak
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bahja Ahmed-Abdi
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markella Ponticos
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayuko Takahashi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bela Suki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Rheumatology Department, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Barbara D. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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