YB-1 coordinates vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin gene activation by transforming growth factor beta1 and thrombin during differentiation of human pulmonary myofibroblasts

PDGF-BB promotes oral submucosal fibrosis by driving phenotypic transformation and autophagy in oral mucosal fibroblasts through downregulation of circHIPK3

Circular RNA HIPK3 (circHIPK3), known to regulate cell proliferation, migration, transformation, and autophagy in various fibrotic conditions. However, its role has not been studied in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Therefore, we conducted this study to explore whether platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induces human oral submucous fibroblasts (hOMF) proliferation, migration, transformation, and autophagy through circHIPK3 regulation. Treatment of hOMFs with PDGF-BB significantly increased circHIPK3 expression, promoting proliferation, migration, and autophagy. While inhibiting circHIPK3 mitigated these effects, confirming its role in PDGF-BB-mediated pathways. These findings reveal that PDGF-BB regulates hOMFs via circHIPK3, contributing to OSF pathogenesis and offering potential therapeutic targets. The molecular characteristics of circHIPK3 in fibroblasts (FBs) were identified by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing and Actinomycin D assay. Quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of target molecules. The proliferation and migration capacity of FBs in oral mucosa were detected by the CCK8 and Cell Scratch Assay. Protein molecules interacting with circHIPK3 and downstream signaling pathways were screened by RNA pull down and mass spectrometry. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD062842. Firstly, the ring structure of circHIPK3 is verified. The expression level of circHIPK3 in OSF tissues and hOMFs was significantly decreased, while the expression level of circHIPK3 was significantly increased after inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta‌‌ (PDGFR-β) by Imatinib (IMA). Subsequently, it was confirmed that the overexpression of circHIPK3 could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, transformation and autophagy of PDGF-BB-induced hOMFs. Finally, the mechanism study showed that circHIPK3 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, transformation and autophagy of hOMFs by regulating Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) protein and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathways. PDGF-BB downregulates circHIPK3 expression and induces proliferation, migration, transformation, and autophagy of oral mucosal FBs via the circHIPK3/YBX1 axis and the circHIPK3/ERK, PI3K, p38 MAPK axis.

Y-box binding protein 1: A critical target for understanding and treating cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a significant public health burden, characterized by escalating morbidity and mortality rates and demanding novel therapeutic approaches. Cold shock protein Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), a highly conserved RNA/DNA-binding protein, has emerged as a pivotal regulator in various pathophysiological processes, including CVDs. YB-1 exerts pleiotropic functions by modulating gene transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA translation, and stability. The expression and function of YB-1 are intricately regulated by its subcellular localization, post-translational modifications, upstream regulatory signals. YB-1 plays a multifaceted role in CVDs, influencing inflammation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, apoptosis, phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells, and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the regulation of YB-1 expression and function in CVDs is complex and context-dependent, exhibiting divergent effects even in the same disease across different cell types or at disease stages. This review comprehensively explores the structure, regulation, and functional significance of YB-1 in CVDs. We delve into the transcriptional and translational control mechanisms of YB-1, as well as its post-translational modifications. Furthermore, we elucidate the upstream signaling pathways that influence YB-1 expression, with a particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs and specific upstream molecules. Finally, we systematically examine the role of YB-1 in CVDs, summarizing its expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic potential as a promising target for novel therapeutic interventions. By providing a comprehensive overview of YB-1's involvement in CVDs, this review aims to stimulate further research and facilitate the development of targeted therapies to improve cardiovascular health.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of human non-hematopoietic bone marrow cells reveals a unique set of inter-species conserved biomarkers for native mesenchymal stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Native bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) participate in generating and shaping the skeleton and BM throughout the lifespan. Moreover, BM-MSCs regulate hematopoiesis by contributing to the hematopoietic stem cell niche in providing critical cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. However, BM-MSCs contain a heterogeneous cell population that remains ill-defined. Although studies on the taxonomy of native BM-MSCs in mice have just started to emerge, the taxonomy of native human BM-MSCs remains unelucidated.

METHODS

By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we aimed to define a proper taxonomy for native human BM non-hematopoietic subsets including endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells (MCs) but with a focal point on MSCs. To this end, transcriptomic scRNA-seq data were generated from 5 distinct BM donors and were analyzed together with other transcriptomic data and with computational biology analyses at different levels to identify, characterize and classify distinct native cell subsets with relevant biomarkers.

RESULTS

We could ascribe novel specific biomarkers to ECs, MCs and MSCs. Unlike ECs and MCs, MSCs exhibited an adipogenic transcriptomic pattern while co-expressing genes related to hematopoiesis support and multilineage commitment potential. Furthermore, by a comparative analysis of scRNA-seq of BM cells from humans and mice, we identified core genes conserved in both species. Notably, we identified MARCKS, CXCL12, PDGFRA, and LEPR together with adipogenic factors as archetypal biomarkers of native MSCs within BM. In addition, our data suggest some complex gene nodes regulating critical biological functions of native BM-MSCs together with a preferential commitment toward an adipocyte lineage.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our taxonomy for native BM non-hematopoietic compartment provides an explicit depiction of gene expression in human ECs, MCs and MSCs at single-cell resolution. This analysis helps enhance our understanding of the phenotype and the complexity of biological functions of native human BM-MSCs.

Diverse Regulation of YB-1 and YB-3 Abundance in Mammals

YB proteins are DNA/RNA binding proteins, members of the family of proteins with cold shock domain. Role of YB proteins in the life of cells, tissues, and whole organisms is extremely important. They are involved in transcription regulation, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA translation and stability, mRNA packaging into mRNPs, including stress granules, DNA repair, and many other cellular events. Many processes, from embryonic development to aging, depend on when and how much of these proteins have been synthesized. Here we discuss regulation of the levels of YB-1 and, in part, of its homologs in the cell. Because the amount of YB-1 is immediately associated with its functioning, understanding the mechanisms of regulation of the protein amount invariably reveals the events where YB-1 is involved. Control over the YB-1 abundance may allow using this gene/protein as a therapeutic target in cancers, where an increased expression of the YBX1 gene often correlates with the disease severity and poor prognosis.

The dual distinct role of telomerase in repression of senescence and myofibroblast differentiation

Many aging related diseases such as cancer implicate the myofibroblast in disease progression. Furthermore genesis of the myofibroblast is associated with manifestation of cellular senescence of unclear significance. In this study we investigated the role of a common regulator, namely telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), in order to evaluate the potential significance of this association between both processes. We analyzed the effects of TERT overexpression or deficiency on expression of CDKN2A and ACTA2 as indicators of senescence and differentiation, respectively. We assess binding of TERT or YB-1, a repressor of both genes, to their promoters. TERT repressed both CDKN2A and ACTA2 expression, and abolished stress-induced expression of both genes. Conversely, TERT deficiency enhanced their expression. Altering CDKN2A expression had no effect on ACTA2 expression. Both TERT and YB-1 were shown to bind the CDKN2A promoter but only YB-1 was shown to bind the ACTA2 promoter. TERT overexpression inhibited CDKN2A promoter activity while stimulating YB-1 expression and activation to repress ACTA2 gene. TERT repressed myofibroblast differentiation and senescence via distinct mechanisms. The latter was associated with TERT binding to the CDKN2A promoter, but not to the ACTA2 promoter, which may require interaction with co-factors such as YB-1.

Methylation in pericytes after acute injury promotes chronic kidney disease

The origin and fate of renal myofibroblasts is not clear after acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we demonstrate that myofibroblasts were activated from quiescent pericytes (qPericytes) and the cell numbers increased after ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced AKI (IRI-AKI). Myofibroblasts underwent apoptosis during renal recovery but one-fifth of them survived in the recovered kidneys on day 28 after IRI-AKI and their cell numbers increased again after day 56. Microarray data showed the distinctive gene expression patterns of qPericytes, activated pericytes (aPericytes, myofibroblasts), and inactivated pericytes (iPericytes) isolated from kidneys before, on day 7, and on day 28 after IRI-AKI. Hypermethylation of the Acta2 repressor Ybx2 during IRI-AKI resulted in epigenetic modification of iPericytes to promote the transition to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aggravated fibrogenesis induced by a second AKI induced by adenine. Mechanistically, transforming growth factor-β1 decreased the binding of YBX2 to the promoter of Acta2 and induced Ybx2 hypermethylation, thereby increasing α-smooth muscle actin expression in aPericytes. Demethylation by 5-azacytidine recovered the microvascular stabilizing function of aPericytes, reversed the profibrotic property of iPericytes, prevented AKI-CKD transition, and attenuated fibrogenesis induced by a second adenine-AKI. In conclusion, intervention to erase hypermethylation of pericytes after AKI provides a strategy to stop the transition to CKD.

Y-box binding protein 1 acts as a negative regulator of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is a regulatory protein associated with oncogenesis and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. In the cell, YB-1 functions as a DNA and RNA binding protein that promotes or suppresses expression of target genes. The cancer-promoting activity of YB-1 is mediated through its activation of oncogenes and repression of tumor suppressor genes. Lipogenic enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) drives the production of endogenous monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in cells and protects against toxic buildup of saturated fatty acids. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is often characterized by aberrantly high SCD1 expression and cytosolic accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids. In the present study, a proteomics screen of cells treated with inhibitors of SCD1 supported a potential relationship between YB-1 and SCD1. It was revealed that the presence of MUFAs led to increased protein synthesis and increased expression of high molecular weight forms of YB-1 in ccRCC cells, but not in non-tumorigenic cells. Ectopic expression of YB-1 led to decreased expression levels of SCD1 protein and mRNA in ccRCC cell lines. Conversely, targeted knockdown of YB-1 increased SCD1 mRNA abundance. Analysis of ccRCC patient data from The Cancer Proteome Atlas database showed YB-1 expression was negatively associated with survival, whereas SCD1 was associated with improved survival. These data suggested an antagonistic relationship between YB-1 and SCD1 that may influence survival of patients with ccRCC.

Targeted Inhibition of Gut Microbial Trimethylamine N-Oxide Production Reduces Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis and Functional Impairment in a Murine Model of Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE

Gut microbial metabolism of dietary choline, a nutrient abundant in a Western diet, produces trimethylamine (TMA) and the atherothrombosis- and fibrosis-promoting metabolite TMA-N-oxide (TMAO). Recent clinical and animal studies reveal that elevated TMAO levels are associated with heightened risks for both cardiovascular disease and incident chronic kidney disease development. Despite this, studies focusing on therapeutically targeting gut microbiota-dependent TMAO production and its impact on preserving renal function are limited. Approach and Results: Herein we examined the impact of pharmacological inhibition of choline diet-induced gut microbiota-dependent production of TMA, and consequently TMAO, on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and functional impairment in a model of chronic kidney disease. Initial studies with a gut microbial choline TMA-lyase mechanism-based inhibitor, iodomethylcholine, confirmed both marked suppression of TMA generation, and consequently TMAO levels, and selective targeting of the gut microbial compartment (ie, both accumulation of the drug in intestinal microbes and limited systemic exposure in the host). Dietary supplementation of either choline or TMAO significantly augmented multiple indices of renal functional impairment and fibrosis associated with chronic subcutaneous infusion of isoproterenol. However, the presence of the gut microbiota-targeting inhibitor iodomethylcholine blocked choline diet-induced elevation in TMAO, and both significantly improved decline in renal function, and significantly attenuated multiple indices of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Iodomethylcholine treatment also reversed many choline diet-induced changes in cecal microbial community composition associated with TMAO and renal functional impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective targeting of gut microbiota-dependent TMAO generation may prevent adverse renal structural and functional alterations in subjects at risk for chronic kidney disease.

LINC00312/YBX1 Axis Regulates Myofibroblast Activities in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been recognized as a precancerous disorder in the oral cavity. Great effort has been made to inhibit the malignant progression of OSF over the past decades, but the cure of this fibrosis disease has not been discovered. In the present study, we found that a long noncoding RNA, LINC00312, was upregulated in OSF tissues, and positively associated with several fibrosis factors, such as α-SMA, type I collagen, and fibronectin. As such, we sought to investigate the role of LINC00312 in OSF progression and identify its interacting factor that mediated oral fibrogenesis. Our results showed that the inhibition of LINC00312 downregulated the myofibroblast activities, including collagen gel contractility, transwell migration, and wound healing, as well as the gene expression of myofibroblast markers. We verified that YBX1 was a downstream factor of LINC00312 and revealed that the downregulation of YBX1 repressed the gene expression of α-SMA and p-Smad2 along with the reduced myofibroblast phenotypes. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the LINC00312-induced myofibroblast activities were reverted by the knockdown of YBX1, suggesting that the LINC00312-mediated myofibroblast transdifferentiation was through YBX1. Collectively, our findings revealed that the LINC00312/ YBX1 axis may serve as a target for the development of therapies against OSF.

The nucleic acid binding protein YB-1-controlled expression of CXCL-1 modulates kidney damage in liver fibrosis

Acute kidney injury is a common complication of advanced liver disease and increased mortality of these patients. Here, we analyzed the role of Y-box protein-1 (YB-1), a nucleic acid binding protein, in the bile duct ligation model of liver fibrosis and monitored liver and subsequent kidney damage. Following bile duct ligation, both serum levels of liver enzymes and expression of hepatic extracellular matrix components such as type I collagen were significantly reduced in mice with half-maximal YB-1 expression (Yb1^+/-) as compared to their wild-type littermates. By contrast, expression of the chemokine CXCL1 was significantly augmented in these Yb1^+/- mice. YB-1 was identified as a potent transcriptional repressor of the Cxcl1 gene. Precision-cut kidney slices from Yb1^+/- mice revealed higher expression of the CXCL1 receptor CXCR2 as well as enhanced responsivity to CXCL1 compared to those from wild-type mice. Increased CXCL1 content in Yb1^+/- mice led to pronounced bile duct ligation-induced damage of the kidneys monitored as parameters of tubular epithelial injury and immune cell infiltration. Pharmacological blockade of CXCR2 as well as application of an inhibitory anti-CXCL1 antibody significantly mitigated early systemic effects on the kidneys following bile duct ligation whereas it had only a modest impact on hepatic inflammation and function. Thus, our analyses provide direct evidence that YB-1 crucially contributes to hepatic fibrosis and modulates liver-kidney crosstalk by maintaining tight control over chemokine CXCL1 expression.

Molecular mechanism of myofibroblast formation and strategies for clinical drugs treatments in hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) commonly occurred after burn and trauma. It was characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix with the inadequate remodeling, which could result in severe physiological and psychological problems. However, the effective available prevention and treatment measures were still limited. The main pathological feature of HTS was the excessive formation of myofibroblasts, and they persist in the repaired tissue. To better understand the mechanics of this process, this review focused on the characteristics and formation of myofibroblasts, the main effector cells in HTS. We summarized the present theories and opinions on myofibroblasts formation from the perspective of related signaling pathways and epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, miRNA/lncRNA/ceRNA action, histone modification, and so forth for a better understanding on the development of HTS. This information might assist in developing effective experimental and clinical treatment strategies. Additionally, we also summarized currently known clinical strategies for HTS treatment, including traditional drugs, molecular medicine, stem cells, and exosomes.

Immunomodulatory Molecule IRAK-M Balances Macrophage Polarization and Determines Macrophage Responses during Renal Fibrosis

Activation of various innate immune receptors results in IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-1/IRAK-4-mediated signaling and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12, IL-6, or TNF-α, all of which are implicated in tissue injury and elevated during tissue remodeling processes. IRAK-M, also known as IRAK-3, is an inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression in intrarenal macrophages. Innate immune activation contributes to both acute kidney injury and tissue remodeling that is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study assessed the contribution of macrophages in CKD and the role of IRAK-M in modulating disease progression. To evaluate the effect of IRAK-M in chronic renal injury in vivo, a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was employed. The expression of IRAK-M increased within 2 d after UUO in obstructed compared with unobstructed kidneys. Mice deficient in IRAK-M were protected from fibrosis and displayed a diminished number of alternatively activated macrophages. Compared to wild-type mice, IRAK-M-deficient mice showed reduced tubular injury, leukocyte infiltration, and inflammation following renal injury as determined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and intrarenal mRNA expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators. Taken together, these results strongly support a role for IRAK-M in renal injury and identify IRAK-M as a possible modulator in driving an alternatively activated profibrotic macrophage phenotype in UUO-induced CKD.

Positive feedback loop of YB-1 interacting with Smad2 promotes liver fibrosis

Y-box binding protein (YB-1), known as a multifunctional cellular protein in various biological processes, was recently reported to be associated with liver fibrosis. The critical role of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in stimulating the transcription of fibrotic genes in fibroblasts have already been identified, however, whether and how YB-1 modulated liver fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway remains largely unknown. In our previous study, we proved that ectopic TGF-β was associated with YB-1 expression. Herein, by combining in vitro experiments in LX2 human hepatic stellate cells and in vivo studies by building CCl4 based mice liver fibrosis model, we showed that YB-1 and p-YB-1 were upregulated in liver fibrosis tissue, and YB-1 promoted the deposition of excess extracellular matrix. Mechanistically, Smad2, a key member in TGF-β signaling pathway, acted as a transcription factor that triggered YB-1 promoter, while on the other hand, p-YB-1 stabilized Smad2 by attenuating its ubiquitination. Knockdown of Smad2 could reduce YB-1 expression, which in turn shorter the half time of Smad2. Furthermore, the serine102 residue of YB-1 both affected its binding and stabilizing activity to Smad2. These finding demonstrated that YB-1 and Smad2 played as a positive feedback loop in promoting liver fibrosis. In conclusion, TGF-β signaling pathway may influence liver fibrosis by incorporating with YB-1, indicating that YB-1 could be a potential target for therapies against liver fibrosis.

Therapeutic nuclear shuttling of YB-1 reduces renal damage and fibrosis

Virtually all chronic kidney diseases progress towards tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In vitro, Y-box protein-1 (YB-1) acts as a central regulator of gene transcription and translation of several fibrosis-related genes. However, it remains to be determined whether its pro- or antifibrotic propensities prevail in disease. Therefore, we investigated the outcome of mice with half-maximal YB-1 expression in a model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction. Yb1^+/- animals displayed markedly reduced tubular injury, immune cell infiltration and renal fibrosis following ureteral obstruction. The increase in renal YB-1 was limited to a YB-1 variant nonphosphorylated at serine 102 but phosphorylated at tyrosine 99. During ureteral obstruction, YB-1 localized to the cytoplasm, directly stabilizing Col1a1 mRNA, thus promoting fibrosis. Conversely, the therapeutic forced nuclear compartmentalization of phosphorylated YB-1 by the small molecule HSc025 mediated repression of the Col1a1 promoter and attenuated fibrosis following ureteral obstruction. Blunting of these effects in Yb1^+/- mice confirmed involvement of YB-1. HSc025 even reduced tubulointerstitial damage when applied at later time points during maximum renal damage. Thus, phosphorylation and subcellular localization of YB-1 determines its effect on renal fibrosis in vivo. Hence, induced nuclear YB-1 shuttling may be a novel antifibrotic treatment strategy in renal diseases with the potential of damage reversal.

The role of Interleukin Receptor Associated Kinase (IRAK)-M in regulation of myofibroblast phenotype in vitro, and in an experimental model of non-reperfused myocardial infarction

In the infarcted myocardium, necrotic cardiomyocytes activate innate immune pathways, stimulating pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. Although inflammation plays an important role in clearance of the infarct from dead cells and matrix debris, repair of the infarcted heart requires timely activation of signals that negatively regulate the innate immune response, limiting inflammatory injury. We have previously demonstrated that Interleukin receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M, a member of the IRAK family that suppresses toll-like receptor/interleukin-1 signaling, is upregulated in the infarcted heart in both macrophages and fibroblasts, and restrains pro-inflammatory activation attenuating adverse remodeling. Although IRAK-M is known to suppress inflammatory activation of macrophages, its role in fibroblasts remains unknown. Our current investigation examines the effects of IRAK-M on fibroblast phenotype and function. In vitro, IRAK-M null cardiac fibroblasts have impaired capacity to contract free-floating collagen pads. IRAK-M loss reduces transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-mediated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. IRAK-M deficient cardiac fibroblasts exhibit a modest reduction in TGF-β-stimulated Smad activation and increased expression of the α-SMA repressor, Y-box binding protein (YB)-1. In a model of non-reperfused myocardial infarction, IRAK-M absence does not affect collagen content and myofibroblast density in the infarcted and remodeling myocardium, but increases YB-1 levels and is associated with attenuated α-SMA expression in isolated infarct myofibroblasts. Our findings suggest that, in addition to its role in restraining inflammation following reperfused infarction, IRAK-M may also contribute to myofibroblast conversion.

The Purα/Purβ single-strand DNA-binding proteins attenuate smooth-muscle actin gene transactivation in myofibroblasts

Expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMαA) is essential for myofibroblast-mediated wound contraction following tissue injury. The Pur α/β and YB-1 transcriptional repressors govern the DNA-binding activity of serum response factor (SRF) and phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) transcriptional activators during induction of SMαA gene expression in human pulmonary myofibroblasts. In quiescent fibroblasts, Pur α exhibited a novel function in enhancing stability of pre-existing SRF complexes with SMαA core promoter DNA, whereas Pur β was more effective in disrupting SRF-DNA interaction. Pur proteins were less efficient competitors of pre-existing, core-promoter complexes containing both SRF and pSmad3 in nuclear extracts from TGFβ1-activated myofibroblasts. TGFβ1 signaling dissociated a SRF/Pur protein complex with concurrent formation of a transient pSmad3/MRTF-A/Pur β complex during early phase myofibroblast differentiation. Pur β was replaced by Pur α in the pSmad3/MRTF-A complex in mature myofibroblasts. Combining all three repressors potently inhibited SRF and pSmad3 binding to promoter DNA in quiescent fibroblasts and TGFβ1-activated myofibroblasts, respectively. The results point to dynamic interplay between transcriptional activators and repressors in regulating SMαA gene output during myofibroblast differentiation. Therapeutic targeting of nucleoprotein complexes regulating the SMαA promoter may prevent excessive myofibroblast accumulation associated with chronic cardiopulmonary fibrosis and dysfunctional tissue remodeling.

Transglutaminase-2 mediates calcium-regulated crosslinking of the Y-box 1 (YB-1) translation-regulatory protein in TGFβ1-activated myofibroblasts

Myofibroblast differentiation is required for wound healing and accompanied by activation of smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) gene expression. The stress-response protein, Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) binds SMαA mRNA and regulates its translational activity. Activation of SMαA gene expression in human pulmonary myofibroblasts by TGFβ1 was associated with formation of denaturation-resistant YB-1 oligomers with selective affinity for a known translation-silencer sequence in SMαA mRNA. We have determined that YB-1 is a substrate for the protein-crosslinking enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) that catalyzes calcium-dependent formation of covalent γ-glutamyl-isopeptide linkages in response to reactive oxygen signaling. TG2 transamidation reactions using intact cells, cell lysates, and recombinant YB-1 revealed covalent crosslinking of the 50 kDa YB-1 polypeptide into protein oligomers that were distributed during SDS-PAGE over a 75-250 kDa size range. In vitro YB-1 transamidation required nanomolar levels of calcium and was enhanced by the presence of SMαA mRNA. In human pulmonary fibroblasts, YB-1 crosslinking was inhibited by (a) anti-oxidant cystamine, (b) the reactive-oxygen antagonist, diphenyleneiodonium, (c) competitive inhibition of TG2 transamidation using the aminyl-surrogate substrate, monodansylcadaverine, and (d) transfection with small-interfering RNA specific for human TG2 mRNA. YB-1 crosslinking was partially reversible as a function of oligomer-substrate availability and TG2 enzyme concentration. Intracellular calcium accumulation and peroxidative stress in injury-activated myofibroblasts may govern SMαA mRNA translational activity during wound healing via TG2-mediated crosslinking of the YB-1 mRNA-binding protein.

Dynamic Interplay of Smooth Muscle α-Actin Gene-Regulatory Proteins Reflects the Biological Complexity of Myofibroblast Differentiation

Myofibroblasts (MFBs) are smooth muscle-like cells that provide contractile force required for tissue repair during wound healing. The leading agonist for MFB differentiation is transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) that induces transcription of genes encoding smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) and interstitial collagen that are markers for MFB differentiation. TGFβ1 augments activation of Smad transcription factors, pro-survival Akt kinase, and p38 MAP kinase as well as Wingless/int (Wnt) developmental signaling. These actions conspire to activate β-catenin needed for expression of cyclin D, laminin, fibronectin, and metalloproteinases that aid in repairing epithelial cells and their associated basement membranes. Importantly, β-catenin also provides a feed-forward stimulus that amplifies local TGFβ1 autocrine/paracrine signaling causing transition of mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes, and epithelial cells into contractile MFBs. Complex, mutually interactive mechanisms have evolved that permit several mammalian cell types to activate the SMαA promoter and undergo MFB differentiation. These molecular controls will be reviewed with an emphasis on the dynamic interplay between serum response factor, TGFβ1-activated Smads, Wnt-activated β-catenin, p38/calcium-activated NFAT protein, and the RNA-binding proteins, Purα, Purβ, and YB-1, in governing transcriptional and translational control of the SMαA gene in injury-activated MFBs.

Novel insight into Y-box binding protein 1 in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through targeting GC box-dependent genes

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in atherosclerosis and restenosis. In this paper, we report that Y-box binding protein 1 (YB1) functions as a phenotypic regulator in VSMC proliferation-differentiation switching through targeting GC box-dependent genes. Oligo pull-down assays demonstrated that YB1 binds directly to GC boxes via amino acids 125-220. YB1 C-terminal tail domain (CTD, amino acids 125-324) regulates GC box-dependent target gene transcription and suppresses VSMC proliferation. These findings provide a novel insight into the regulation of GC box-related genes by YB1, and provide a new understanding of VSMC proliferation regulation.

Functional classification of skeletal muscle networks. II. Applications to pathophysiology

In our preceding companion paper (Wang Y, Winters J, Subramaniam S. J Appl Physiol. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01514.2011), we used extensive expression profile data on normal human subjects, in combination with legacy knowledge to classify skeletal muscle function into four models, namely excitation-activation, mechanical, metabolic, and signaling-production model families. In this paper, we demonstrate how this classification can be applied to study two well-characterized myopathies: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Using skeletal muscle profile data from ALS and DMD patients compared with that from normal subjects, normal young in the case of DMD, we delineate molecular mechanisms that are causative and consequential to skeletal muscle dysfunction. In ALS, our analysis establishes the metabolic role and specifically identifies the mechanisms of calcium dysregulation and defects in mitochondrial transport of materials as important for muscle dysfunction. In DMD, we illustrate how impaired mechanical function is strongly coordinated with other three functional networks, resulting in transformation of the skeletal muscle into hybrid forms as a compensatory mechanism. Our functional models also provide, in exquisite detail, the mechanistic role of myriad proteins in these four families in normal and disease function.

Y-box binding protein 1 and RNase UK114 mediate monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 mRNA stability in vascular smooth muscle cells

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) plays a pivotal role in many inflammatory processes, including the progression of atherosclerosis and the response of the arterial wall to injury. We previously demonstrated that dexamethasone (Dex) inhibits MCP-1 mRNA accumulation in smooth muscle cells by decreasing its half-life. The effect of Dex was dependent upon the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and independent of new transcription. Using RNA affinity and column chromatography, we have identified two proteins involved in regulating MCP-1 mRNA stability: Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), a multifunctional DNA/RNA-binding protein, and endoribonuclease UK114 (UK). By immunoprecipitation, YB and GR formed a complex present in equal amounts in extracts from untreated and Dex-treated cells. YB-1, UK, and GR small interfering RNA (siRNA) substantially inhibited the effect of Dex on MCP-1 mRNA accumulation. In addition, YB-1 antibody blocked the degradation of MCP-1 mRNA by cytoplasmic extracts from the Dex-treated cells. The degradative activity of extracts immunoprecipitated with antibodies to either YB-1 or GR was blocked with UK antibody. UK did not degrade MCP-1 mRNA; however, upon addition to nondegrading control extracts, it rapidly degraded MCP-1 mRNA. These studies define new roles for GR, YB-1, and UK in the formation of a molecular complex that degrades MCP-1 mRNA.

Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) and its functions

This review describes the structure and functions of Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) and its homologs. Interactions of YB-1 with DNA, mRNAs, and proteins are considered. Data on the participation of YB-1 in DNA reparation and transcription, mRNA splicing and translation are systematized. Results on interactions of YB-1 with cytoskeleton components and its possible role in mRNA localization are discussed. Data on intracellular distribution of YB-1, its redistribution between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and its secretion and extracellular functions are summarized. The effect of YB-1 on cell differentiation, its involvement in extra- and intracellular signaling pathways, and its role in early embryogenesis are described. The mechanisms of regulation of YB-1 expression in the cell are presented. Special attention is paid to the involvement of YB-1 in oncogenic cell transformation, multiple drug resistance, and dissemination of tumors. Both the oncogenic and antioncogenic activities of YB-1 are reviewed. The potential use of YB-1 in diagnostics and therapy as an early cancer marker and a molecular target is discussed.

Y-box binding protein-1 implicated in translational control of fetal myocardial gene expression after cardiac transplant

Peri-transplant surgical trauma and ischemia/reperfusion injury in accepted murine heterotopic heart grafts has been associated with myofibroblast differentiation, cardiac fibrosis and biomechanical-stress activation of the fetal myocardial smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) gene. The wound-healing agonists, transforming growth factor β1 and thrombin, are known to coordinate SMαA mRNA transcription and translation in activated myofibroblasts by altering the subcellular localization and mRNA-binding affinity of the Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) cold-shock domain (CSD) protein that governs a variety of cellular responses to metabolic stress. YB-1 accumulated in polyribosome-enriched regions of the sarcoplasm proximal to cardiac intercalated discs in accepted heart grafts. YB-1 binding to a purine-rich motif in exon 3 of SMαA mRNA that regulates translational efficiency increased substantially in perfusion-isolated, rod-shaped adult rat cardiomyocytes during phenotypic de-differentiation in the presence of serum-derived growth factors. Cardiomyocyte de-differentiation was accompanied by the loss of a 60 kDa YB-1 variant that was highly expressed in both adult myocardium and freshly isolated myocytes and replacement with the 50 kDa form of YB-1 (p50) typically expressed in myofibroblasts that demonstrated sequence-specific interaction with SMαA mRNA. Accumulation of p50 YB-1 in reprogrammed, de-differentiated myocytes was associated with a 10-fold increase in SMαA protein expression. Endomyocardial biopsies collected from patients up to 14 years after heart transplant showed variable yet coordinately elevated expression of SMαA and p50 YB-1 protein and demonstrable p50 YB-1:SMαA mRNA interaction. The p60 YB-1 variant in human heart graft samples, but neither mouse p60 nor mouse or human p50, reacted with an antibody specific for the phosphoserine 102 modification in the YB-1 CSD. Modulation of YB-1 subcellular compartmentalization and mRNA-binding activity may be linked with reprogramming of contractile protein gene expression in ventricular cardiomyocytes that could contribute to maladaptive remodeling in accepted, long-term heart grafts.

Recent developments in myofibroblast biology: paradigms for connective tissue remodeling

The discovery of the myofibroblast has opened new perspectives for the comprehension of the biological mechanisms involved in wound healing and fibrotic diseases. In recent years, many advances have been made in understanding important aspects of myofibroblast basic biological characteristics. This review summarizes such advances in several fields, such as the following: i) force production by the myofibroblast and mechanisms of connective tissue remodeling; ii) factors controlling the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, the most used marker of myofibroblastic phenotype and, more important, involved in force generation by the myofibroblast; and iii) factors affecting genesis of the myofibroblast and its differentiation from precursor cells, in particular epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, microRNAs, and histone modification. We also review the origin and the specific features of the myofibroblast in diverse fibrotic lesions, such as systemic sclerosis; kidney, liver, and lung fibrosis; and the stromal reaction to certain epithelial tumors. Finally, we summarize the emerging strategies for influencing myofibroblast behavior in vitro and in vivo, with the ultimate goal of an effective therapeutic approach for myofibroblast-dependent diseases.

Rat Mrp2 gene expression is regulated by an interleukin-1β-stimulated biphasic response with enhanced transcription and subcellular shuttling of YB-1

INTRODUCTION

Expression of hepatobiliary transporters is decreased during endotoxemia. Reduction of Mrp2 is mediated by IL-1β-dependent signals but underlying mechanisms are still unclear. YB-1 is a predominantly cytoplasmic protein that translocates to the nucleus in response to various stimuli. Previously we have shown that YB-1 down-regulates Mrp2 expression in vitro. Therefore we investigated the potential role of YB-1 as regulator of hepatic acute phase genes.

METHODS

Liver sections from LPS-injected rats (20 h) were stained with YB-1-specific antibodies. Real-time RT-PCR quantification was performed for Mrp2, MMP-2 and YB-1. YB-1 protein was quantified from IL-1β- or TNFα-stimulated rat hepatoma cells (FaO) and the localization of a YFP-YB-1-CFP fusion protein was visualized by confocal microscopy in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ChIP-assays and EMSA were performed to analyze YB-1 binding to DNA promoter elements.

RESULTS

In endotoxemic livers Mrp2 mRNA was down-regulated by 80%, while YB-1 mRNA expression increased 2.5-fold. Immunohistochemical staining showed a marked up-regulation and predominant nuclear localization of YB-1 protein in LPS challenged rats. In FAO cells IL-1β incubation increased cytoplasmic YB-1 protein content up to 16h. IL-1β stimulation resulted in a 6-fold up-regulation of endogenous YB-1 in the nuclear compartment, which occurred within 90min. In accord with these findings nuclear fluorescence was detected with a YFP-YB-1-CFP fusion protein introduced in HepG2 cells. In addition to DNA binding studies with endotoxemic rat liver tissue, ChIP assays revealed an IL-1β-dependent increase of YB-1 binding to the Mrp2-promoter in FAO cells.

CONCLUSION

YB-1 is activated during the hepatic acute phase response. IL-1β promotes a rapid nuclear YB-1 protein shuttling in hepatoma cells within 90 min and a transcriptional induction thereafter. This biphasic response may explain the IL-1β-mediated suppression of Mrp2 expression in endotoxemic rats.

Cold shock Y-box protein-1 participates in signaling circuits with auto-regulatory activities

The cold shock protein Y-box (YB) binding-1 is an example of a highly regulated protein with pleiotropic functions. Besides activities as a transcription factor in the nucleus or regulator of translation in the cytoplasm, recent findings indicate extracellular effects and secretion via a non-classical secretion pathway. This review summarizes regulatory pathways in which YB-1 participates, all iterating auto-regulatory loops. Schematics are developed that elucidate the cold shock protein activities in (i) fine-tuning its own expression level following platelet-derived growth factor-B-, thrombin- or interferon-γ-dependent signaling, (ii) as a component of the messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complex for interleukin-2 synthesis in T-cell commitment/activation, (iii) pro-fibrogenic cell phenotypic changes mediated by transforming growth factor-β, and (iv) receptor Notch-3 cleavage and signal transduction. Emphasis is put forward on subcellular protein translocation mechanisms and underlying signaling pathways. These have mostly been analysed in cell culture systems and rarely in experimental models. In sum, YB-1 seems to fulfill a pacemaker role in diverse diseases, both inflammatory/pro-fibrogenic as well as tumorigenic. A clue towards potential intervention strategies may reside in the understanding of the outlined auto-regulatory loops and means to interfere with cycling pathways.

Role of cold shock Y-box protein-1 in inflammation, atherosclerosis and organ transplant rejection

Chemokines (chemoattractant cytokines) are crucial regulators of immune cell extravasation from the bloodstream into inflamed tissue. Dysfunctional regulation and perpetuated chemokine gene expression are linked to progressive chronic inflammatory diseases and, in respect to transplanted organs, may trigger graft rejection. RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (also known as CCL5)) is a model chemokine with relevance in numerous inflammatory diseases where the innate immune response predominates. Transcription factor Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) serves as a trans-regulator of CCL5 gene transcription in vascular smooth muscle cells and leucocytes. This review provides an update on YB-1 as a mediator of inflammatory processes and focuses on the role of YB-1 in CCL5 expression in diseases with monocytic cell infiltrates, albeit acute or chronic. Paradigms of such diseases encompass atherosclerosis and transplant rejection where cold shock protein YB-1 takes a dominant role in transcriptional regulation.

Y-box binding protein-1 mediates profibrotic effects of calcineurin inhibitors in the kidney

The immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus are widely used in transplant organ recipients, but in the kidney allograft, they may cause tubulointerstitial as well as mesangial fibrosis, with TGF-β believed to be a central inductor. In this study, we report that the cold-shock protein Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) is a TGF-β independent downstream effector in CsA- as well as in tacrolimus- but not in rapamycin-mediated activation of rat mesangial cells (rMCs). Intracellular content of YB-1 is several-fold increased in MCs following CNI treatment in vitro and in vivo in mice. This effect ensues in a time-dependent manner, and the operative concentration range encompasses therapeutically relevant doses for CNIs. The effect of CNI on cellular YB-1 content is abrogated by specific blockade of translation, whereas retarding the transcription remains ineffective. The activation of rMCs by CNIs is accomplished by generation of reactive oxygen species. In contrast to TGF-β-triggered reactive oxygen species generation, hydrogen peroxide especially could be identified as a potent inductor of YB-1 accumulation. In line with this, hindering TGF-β did not influence CNI-induced YB-1 upregulation, whereas ERK/Akt pathways are involved in CNI-mediated YB-1 expression. CsA-induced YB-1 accumulation results in mRNA stabilization and subsequent generation of collagen. Our results provide strong evidence for a CNI-dependent induction of YB-1 in MCs that contributes to renal fibrosis via regulation of its own and collagen translation.

NADPH oxidase 4 mediates TGF-β-induced smooth muscle α-actin via p38MAPK and serum response factor

In contrast to other cell types, vascular smooth muscle cells modify their phenotype in response to external signals. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is critical for maintenance of smooth muscle gene expression; however, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely characterized. Using smooth muscle α-actin (SMA) as a prototypical smooth muscle gene and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as a differentiating agent, we examined Nox4-dependent signaling. TGF-β increases Nox4 expression and activity in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Transfection of HASMC with siRNA against Nox4 (siNox4) abolishes TGF-β-induced SMA expression and stress fiber formation. siNox4 also significantly inhibits TGF-β-stimulated p38MAPK phosphorylation, as well as that of its substrate, mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-2. Moreover, the p38MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 nearly completely blocks the SMA increase induced by TGF-β. Inhibition of either p38MAPK or NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species impairs the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Ser103 on serum response factor (SRF) and reduces its transcriptional activity. Binding of SRF to myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) is also necessary, because downregulation of MRTF by siRNA abolishes TGF-β-induced SMA expression. Taken together, these data suggest that Nox4 regulates SMA expression via activation of a p38MAPK/SRF/MRTF pathway in response to TGF-β.

Increased local expression of coagulation factor X contributes to the fibrotic response in human and murine lung injury

Uncontrolled activation of the coagulation cascade contributes to the pathophysiology of several conditions, including acute and chronic lung diseases. Coagulation zymogens are considered to be largely derived from the circulation and locally activated in response to tissue injury and microvascular leak. Here we report that expression of coagulation factor X (FX) is locally increased in human and murine fibrotic lung tissue, with marked immunostaining associated with bronchial and alveolar epithelia. FXa was a potent inducer of the myofibroblast differentiation program in cultured primary human adult lung fibroblasts via TGF-beta activation that was mediated by proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and integrin alphavbeta5. PAR1, alphavbeta5, and alpha-SMA colocalized to fibrotic foci in lung biopsy specimens from individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, we demonstrated a causal link between FXa and fibrosis development by showing that a direct FXa inhibitor attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. These data support what we believe to be a novel pathogenetic mechanism by which FXa, a central proteinase of the coagulation cascade, is locally expressed and drives the fibrotic response to lung injury. These findings herald a shift in our understanding of the origins of excessive procoagulant activity and place PAR1 central to the cross-talk between local procoagulant signaling and tissue remodeling.

Absence of circulating aldosterone attenuates foreign body reaction around surgical sutures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Adrenal hormones influence inflammatory and fibrotic activity and thereby are involved in wound-healing process. Any excess as well as any shortage of glucocorticoids leads to a delayed wound healing. Mineralocorticoids like aldosterone have a pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory impact; thus, reduction of circulating aldosterone should result in an attenuated inflammatory response to implanted foreign bodies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen rats were bilaterally adrenalectomized and substituted with dexamethasone (12 microg/kg per day) and 1% salt in their drinking water; 22 rats were sham-operated. The surgical suture material was removed after 3 weeks and analyzed for size of granuloma, ratio of collagen type I/III, apoptotic cells (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling), expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, cyclooxygenase 2, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-R2), cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), Ki67, and cold shock protein Y box binding protein 1 (YB-1). Cell expression was scored according to Remmele.

RESULTS

All animals developed foreign body granulomas around the sutures. Absence of circulating aldosterone after adrenalectomy (ADX) was associated with smaller granuloma size and a reduced ratio of collagen type I/III. Ki67 and MMP-2 showed the strongest expression in cells of the infiltrate around suture. In adrenalectomized rats, we observed significantly less CD68-positive macrophages and less Ki67-positive cells but no significant differences in the expression of YB-1, TNF-R2, or MMP-2. Looking for correlations and co-expressions of proteins, the number of significant Spearman correlations was reduced in the ADX group compared to controls (one and four, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The absence of circulating aldosterone attenuates inflammatory intensity around suture material. Foreign body granuloma seems to be an appropriate model to study chronic inflammatory process.

Transforming growth factor beta1-mediated activation of the smooth muscle alpha-actin gene in human pulmonary myofibroblasts is inhibited by tumor necrosis factor-alpha via mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1-dependent induction of the Egr-1 transcriptional repressor

Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 is a mediator of myofibroblast differentiation in healing wounds in which it activates transcription of the smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMalphaA) gene via dynamic interplay of nuclear activators and repressors. Targeting components of TGFbeta1 signaling may be an effective strategy for controlling myofibroblasts in chronic fibrotic diseases. We examined the ability of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha to antagonize TGFbeta1-mediated human pulmonary myofibroblast differentiation. TNF-alpha abrogated TGFbeta1-induced SMalphaA gene expression at the level of transcription without disrupting phosphorylation of regulatory Smads. Intact mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (Mek)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) kinase signaling was required for myofibroblast repression by TNF-alpha via induction of the early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) DNA-binding protein. Egr-1 bound to the GC-rich SPUR activation element in the SMalphaA promoter and potently suppressed Smad3- and TGFbeta1-mediated transcription. Reduction in Smad binding to the SMalphaA promoter in TNF-alpha-treated myofibroblasts was accompanied by an increase in Egr-1 and YB-1 repressor binding, suggesting that the molecular mechanism underlying repression may involve competitive interplay between Egr-1, YB-1, and Smads. The ability of TNF-alpha to attenuate myofibroblast differentiation via modulation of a Mek1/Erk/Egr-1 regulatory axis may be useful in designing new therapeutic targets to offset destructive tissue remodeling in chronic fibrotic disease.

Biology of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts

Despite their importance in fibrosis, the origin of fibroblasts and the genesis of the various subpopulations characterized by distinct phenotypes remain unclear. Various studies have described distinct and relatively stable phenotypes in fibroblasts isolated from lung tissue undergoing remodeling, which were not present in the normal intact tissue. This indicates a process by which these distinct fibroblast subpopulations could arise de novo from resident lung progenitors or precursor cells and/or be recruited from distal organs, such as the bone marrow. Evidence for these possibilities is reviewed, but there is as yet incomplete understanding of the precise precursor cells and the potential interrelationships between the various phenotypes, especially as to how they relate to the distinct myofibroblast phenotype. Moreover, the complexity of the mechanism for the genesis of these phenotypes, such as the myofibroblast, is highlighted by the multilevel regulation of the differentiation process, with evidence for the importance of multiple signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic mechanisms. Future studies into these various unsettled areas are essential to provide further insights that may help provide the pathway for novel translational approaches.

Factor Xa stimulates proinflammatory and profibrotic responses in fibroblasts via protease-activated receptor-2 activation

Coagulation proteases have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of tissue remodeling and fibrosis. We therefore assessed the proinflammatory and fibroproliferative effects of coagulation protease factor (F)Xa. We show that FXa elicits a signaling response in C2C12 and NIH3T3 fibroblasts. FXa-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was dependent on protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 cleavage because desensitization with a PAR-2 agonist (trypsin) but not a PAR-1 agonist (thrombin) abolished FXa-induced signal transduction and PAR-2 siRNA abolished FXa-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The PAR-2-dependent cellular effects of FXa led to fibroblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts, as demonstrated by the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin, followed by the secretion of the cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-6 as well as the expression of the fibrogenic proteins transforming growth factor-beta and fibronectin. To assess the relevance of FXa-induced proliferation and cell migration, we examined the effect of FXa in a wound scratch assay. Indeed, FXa facilitated wound healing in a PAR-2- and ERK1/2-dependent manner. Taken together, these results support the notion that, beyond its role in coagulation, FXa-dependent PAR-2 cleavage might play a role in the progression of tissue fibrosis and remodeling.

Serum response factor neutralizes Pur alpha- and Pur beta-mediated repression of the fetal vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin gene in stressed adult cardiomyocytes

Mouse hearts subjected to repeated transplant surgery and ischemia-reperfusion injury develop substantial interstitial and perivascular fibrosis that was spatially associated with dysfunctional activation of fetal smooth muscle alpha-actin (SM alpha A) gene expression in graft ventricular cardiomyocytes. Compared with cardiac fibroblasts in which nuclear levels of the Sp1 and Smad 2/3 transcriptional-activating proteins increased markedly after transplant injury, the most abundant SM alpha A gene-activating protein in cardiomyocyte nuclei was serum response factor (SRF). Additionally, cardiac intercalated discs in heart grafts contained substantial deposits of Pur alpha, an mRNA-binding protein and known negative modulator of SRF-activated SM alpha A gene transcription. Activation of fetal SM alpha A gene expression in perfusion-isolated adult cardiomyocytes was linked to elevated binding of a novel protein complex consisting of SRF and Pur alpha to a purine-rich DNA element in the SM alpha A promoter called SPUR, previously shown to be required for induction of SM alpha A gene transcription in injury-activated myofibroblasts. Increased SRF binding to SPUR DNA plus one of two nearby CArG box consensus elements was observed in SM alpha A-positive cardiomyocytes in parallel with enhanced Pur alpha:SPUR protein:protein interaction. The data suggest that de novo activation of the normally silent SM alpha A gene in reprogrammed adult cardiomyocytes is linked to elevated interaction of SRF with fetal-specific CArG and injury-activated SPUR elements in the SM alpha A promoter as well as the appearance of novel Pur alpha protein complexes in both the nuclear and cytosolic compartments of these cells.

Y-box binding protein-1 controls CC chemokine ligand-5 (CCL5) expression in smooth muscle cells and contributes to neointima formation in atherosclerosis-prone mice

BACKGROUND

The CC chemokine CCL5/Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) is upregulated in mononuclear cells or deposited by activated platelets during inflammation and has been implicated in atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. We investigated the influence of the transcriptional regulator Y-box binding protein (YB)-1 on CCL5 expression and wire-induced neointimal hyperplasia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Analysis of the CCL5 promoter revealed potential binding sites for YB-1, and interaction of YB-1 with a sequence at position -204/-173 was confirmed by DNA binding assays. Both YB-1 expression and CC chemokine ligand-5 (CCL5) mRNA expression were increased in neointimal versus medial smooth muscle cells, as analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Overexpression of YB-1 in smooth muscle cells (but not macrophages) enhanced CCL5 transcriptional activity in reporter assays, mRNA and protein expression, and CCL5-mediated monocyte arrest. Carotid arteries of hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were subjected to intraluminal transfection with a lentivirus encoding YB-1 short hairpin RNA or empty vector directly after wire injury. Double immunofluorescence revealed YB-1 expression in neointimal smooth muscle cells but not macrophages and colocalization with neointimal CCL5, which was downregulated by YB-1 short hairpin RNA. Neointima formation was decreased significantly after YB-1 knockdown compared with controls and was associated with a diminished content of lesional macrophages. A reduction of lesion formation by YB-1 knockdown was not observed in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice deficient in the CCL5 receptor CCR5 or after treatment with the CCL5 antagonist Met-RANTES, which indicates that YB-1 effects were dependent on CCL5.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcriptional regulator YB-1 mediates CCL5 expression in smooth muscle cells and thereby contributes to neointimal hyperplasia, thus representing a novel target with which to limit vascular remodeling.

P21waf1/cip1/sdi1 as a central regulator of inducible smooth muscle actin expression and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts

The phenotypic switch of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to myofibroblasts is essential for normal and pathological wound healing. Relative hyperoxic challenge during reoxygenation causes myocardial remodeling. Here, we sought to characterize the novel O(2)-sensitive molecular mechanisms responsible for triggering the differentiation of CFs to myofibroblasts. Exposure of CFs to hyperoxic challenge-induced transcription of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and enhanced the stability of both Acta2 transcript as well as of SMA protein. Both p21 deficiency as well as knockdown blunted hyperoxia-induced Acta2 and SMA response. Strikingly, overexpression of p21 alone markedly induced differentiation of CFs under normoxia. Overexpression of p21 alone induced SMA transcription by down-regulating YB1 and independent of TGFbeta1. In vivo, hyperoxic challenge induced p21-dependent differentiation of CFs to myofibroblasts in the infarct boundary region of ischemia-reperfused heart. Tissue elements were laser-captured from infarct boundary and from a noninfarct region 0.5 mm away. Reperfusion caused marked p21 induction in the infarct region. Acta2 as well as SMA expression were markedly up-regulated in CF-rich infarct boundary region. Of note, ischemia-reperfusion-induced up-regulation of Acta2 in the infarct region was completely abrogated in p21-deficient mice. This observation establishes p21 as a central regulator of reperfusion-induced phenotypic switch of CFs to myofibroblasts.

Smooth muscle alpha-actin expression and myofibroblast differentiation by TGFbeta are dependent upon MK2

Fibroblasts play a major role in processes such as wound repair, scarring, and fibrosis. Differentiation into myofibroblasts, characterized by upregulation of smooth muscle alpha-actin (smalpha) in response to profibrotic agents such as TGFbeta is believed to be an important step in fibrosis. Therefore, elucidating mechanisms of myofibroblast differentiation might reveal novel targets in treating diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MK2 is a kinase substrate of p38 MAP kinase that mediates some effects of p38 activation on the actin cytoskeleton. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from MK2 knockout (MK2(-/-)) mice, we demonstrate that disrupting expression of MK2 expression reduces filamentous actin and stress fibers. It also causes MK2(-/-) MEF to express less smalpha than their corresponding wild-type (WT) MEF at baseline and in response to TGFbeta. Furthermore, TGFbeta causes downregulation of smalpha in MK2(-/-) MEF, instead of upregulation observed in WT MEF. Expression of other fibroblast markers, such as collagen, is not altered in MK2(-/-) MEF. Our results further suggest that downregulation of smalpha in MK2(-/-) MEF is not due to lack of activation of serum responsive promoter elements, but probably due to reduced smalpha message stability in these cells. These results indicate that MK2 plays a key role in regulation of smalpha expression, and that targeting MK2 might present a therapeutic approach in managing conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis.

Urokinase plasminogen activator in injured adventitia increases the number of myofibroblasts and augments early proliferation

Myofibroblasts are involved in vessel remodeling during the development of hypertension as well as after angioplasty and aortocoronary grafting, but the mechanisms of myofibroblastic phenotypic modulation are not fully elucidated. We assessed the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its proteolytic activity in myofibroblast differentiation and the early proliferation following mechanical injury of the rat carotid adventitia. The effects of perivascular application of recombinant uPA (r-uPA), proteolytically inactive r-uPA(H/Q) and uPA neutralizing antibody were evaluated 4 days after surgical injury to the adventitia. The phenotype of adventitial cells was assessed using anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SM actin) antibody, anti-SM heavy chain myosin, anti-high-molecular-weight caldesmon, anti-smoothelin and anti-ED-1 antibodies, proliferation by the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the size of the adventitia by quantitative morphometry. Four days after injury, the intensive immunostaining for urokinase appeared in the rat carotid artery adventitia. At the same time, the frequency of alpha-SM actin-positive adventitial cells was 1.8+/-1.1% in uninjured arteries and 25.2+/-5.4% in injured arteries (p<0.05), and the respective frequency of ED-1-positive cells 1.5+/-1.1 and 25.0+/-5.2%. The application of exogenous r-uPA doubled the numbers of alpha-SM actin-positive adventitial cells to 55.7+/-6.8% (p<0.05). ED-1-positive cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells as well as the size of the adventitia were also significantly increased after r-uPA compared with injury alone. In contrast, the proteolytically inactive r-uPA(H/Q) did not affect any parameters. The application of uPA neutralizing antibody attenuated the frequency of alpha-SM actin-positive cells to 12.6+/-3.5% (p<0.05), the frequency of ED-1-positive cells, and the numbers of adventitial cells. r-uPA stimulation of cultured human skin fibroblasts significantly increased the alpha-SM actin content in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, r-uPAH/Q did not induce changes in alpha-SM actin content. We conclude that uPA, which is upregulated in the injured adventitia, can augment adventitial cell accumulation, including myofibroblasts, and adventitia growth early after injury of the rat carotid artery adventitia by mechanisms involving proteolysis.

IL-6 modulates alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in dermal fibroblasts from IL-6-deficient mice

IL-6 deficient (IL-6KO) mice display significantly delayed cutaneous wound closure. Myofibroblasts are the primary mediators of wound closure, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) is a marker of fibroblast differentiation to the myofibroblast phenotype. Wounds from IL-6KO, and wild-type mice were collected up to 6 days following wounding. Expression of alpha-SMA mRNA was found to be increased in wounds of IL-6KO mice up to 48 hours post wounding, but decreased below wild-type levels by 72 hours. Recombinant IL-6 treatment of IL-6KO dermal fibroblasts showed an induction of alpha-SMA mRNA and protein peaking at 1 ng/ml cytokine, but declining at higher concentrations. Actinomycin-D treatment of fibroblast cultures indicated that recombinant mouse IL-6 (rmIL-6) induction of alpha-SMA mRNA appeared to be primarily transcriptionally regulated, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 kinase, but not signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 was readily phosphorylated in rmIL-6 treated IL-6KO fibroblasts. A dose-response increase in the mRNA expression of the IL-6R signaling inhibitor protein suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 was also noted in rmIL-6-treated IL-6KO fibroblasts. These data indicate that alpha-SMA expression is dysregulated in IL-6KO mice. The expression of alpha-SMA induced by rmIL-6 in fibroblasts from IL-6KO mice appears to be transcriptionally modulated, dependent on JAK1 kinase, and possibly downregulated as a result of increased SOCS3 expression.

Nucleoprotein interactions governing cell type-dependent repression of the mouse smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter by single-stranded DNA-binding proteins Pur alpha and Pur beta

Pur alpha and Pur beta are structurally related single-stranded DNA/RNA-binding proteins implicated in the control of cell growth and differentiation. The goal of this study was to determine whether Pur alpha and Pur beta function in a redundant, distinct, or collaborative manner to suppress smooth muscle alpha-actin gene expression in cell types relevant to wound repair and vascular remodeling. RNA interference-mediated loss-of-function analyses revealed that, although Pur beta was the dominant repressor, the combined action of endogenous Pur alpha and Pur beta was necessary to fully repress the full-length smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter in cultured fibroblasts but to a lesser extent in vascular smooth muscle cells. The activity of a minimal core enhancer containing a truncated 5' Pur repressor binding site was unaffected by knockdown of Pur alpha and/or Pur beta in fibroblasts. Conversely, gain-of-function studies indicated that Pur alpha or Pur beta could each independently repress core smooth muscle alpha-actin enhancer activity albeit in a cell type-dependent fashion. Biochemical analyses indicated that purified recombinant Pur alpha and Pur beta were essentially identical in terms of their binding affinity and specificity for GGN repeat-containing strands of several cis-elements comprising the core enhancer. However, Pur alpha and Pur beta exhibited more distinctive protein interaction profiles when evaluated for binding to enhancer-associated transcription factors in extracts from fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings support the hypothesis that Pur alpha and Pur beta repress smooth muscle alpha-actin gene transcription by means of DNA strand-selective cis-element binding and cell type-dependent protein-protein interactions.