1
|
Xu S, Jiemy WF, Brouwer E, Burgess JK, Heeringa P, van der Geest KSM, Alba-Rovira R, Corbera-Bellalta M, Boots AH, Cid MC, Sandovici M. Current evidence on the role of fibroblasts in large-vessel vasculitides: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103574. [PMID: 38782083 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the aorta and its major branches. The most common forms of LVV are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Both GCA and TAK are characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall accompanied by a maladaptive immune and vascular response that promotes vascular damage and remodeling. The inflammatory process in LVV starts in the adventitia where fibroblasts constitute the dominant cell population. Fibroblasts are traditionally recognized for synthesizing and renewing the extracellular matrix thereby being major players in maintenance of normal tissue architecture and in tissue repair. More recently, fibroblasts have emerged as a highly plastic cell population exerting various functions, including the regulation of local immune processes and organization of immune cells at the site of inflammation through production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as cell-cell interaction. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on fibroblasts in LVV. Furthermore, we identify key questions that need to be addressed to fully understand the role of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of LVV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Roser Alba-Rovira
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Corbera-Bellalta
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annemieke H Boots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu S, Jiemy WF, Boots AMH, Arends S, van Sleen Y, Nienhuis PH, van der Geest KSM, Heeringa P, Brouwer E, Sandovici M. Altered Plasma Levels and Tissue Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha in Giant Cell Arteritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38685696 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the medium- and large-sized arteries accompanied by remodeling of the vessel wall. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a serine protease that promotes both inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we investigated the plasma levels and vascular expression of FAP in GCA. METHODS Plasma FAP levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in treatment-naive patients with GCA (n = 60) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) (n = 63) compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) (n = 42) and during follow-up, including treatment-free remission (TFR). Inflamed temporal artery biopsies (TABs) of patients with GCA (n = 9), noninflamed TABs (n = 14), and aorta samples from GCA-related (n = 9) and atherosclerosis-related aneurysm (n = 11) were stained for FAP using immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed for fibroblasts (CD90), macrophages (CD68/CD206/folate receptor beta), vascular smooth muscle cells (desmin), myofibroblasts (α-smooth muscle actin), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). RESULTS Baseline plasma FAP levels were significantly lower in patients with GCA compared with patients with PMR and HCs and inversely correlated with systemic markers of inflammation and angiogenesis. FAP levels decreased even further at 3 months on remission in patients with GCA and gradually increased to the level of HCs in TFR. FAP expression was increased in inflamed TABs and aorta of patients with GCA compared with control tissues. FAP was abundantly expressed in fibroblasts and macrophages. Some of the FAP+ fibroblasts expressed IL-6 and MMP-9. CONCLUSION FAP expression in GCA is clearly modulated both in plasma and in vessels. FAP may be involved in the inflammatory and remodeling processes in GCA and have utility as a target for imaging and therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke M H Boots
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Arends
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter H Nienhuis
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Sandovici
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Delgado-Arija M, Genovés P, Pérez-Carrillo L, González-Torrent I, Giménez-Escamilla I, Martínez-Dolz L, Portolés M, Tarazón E, Roselló-Lletí E. Plasma fibroblast activation protein is decreased in acute heart failure despite cardiac tissue upregulation. J Transl Med 2024; 22:124. [PMID: 38297310 PMCID: PMC10832198 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has an emerging role in heart failure (HF). A paradoxical reduction in its levels in pathological conditions associated with acute processes has been observed. We aimed to identify FAP cardiac tissue expression and its relationship with the main cardiac fibrosis-related signaling pathways, and to compare plasma FAP levels in acute and chronic HF patients. METHODS Transcriptomic changes were assessed via mRNA/ncRNA-seq in left ventricle tissue from HF patients (n = 57) and controls (n = 10). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to explore FAP protein levels and localization in cardiac tissue. ELISA was performed to examine plasma FAP levels in acute HF (n = 48), chronic HF (n = 15) and control samples (n = 7). RESULTS FAP overexpression in cardiac tissue is related to the expression of molecules directly involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as POSTN, THBS4, MFAP5, COL1A2 and COL3A1 (P < 0.001), and is directly and inversely related to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs, respectively. The observed FAP overexpression is not reflected in plasma. Circulating FAP levels were lower in acute HF patients than in controls (P < 0.05), while chronic HF patients did not show significant changes. The clinical variables analyzed, such as functional class or etiology, do not affect plasma FAP concentrations. CONCLUSIONS We determined that in HF cardiac tissue, FAP is related to the main cardiac fibrosis signaling pathways as well as to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs. Additionally, an acute phase of HF decreases plasma FAP levels despite the upregulation observed in cardiac tissue and regardless of other clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Delgado-Arija
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Genovés
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de València, Avd. de Blasco Ibañez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Pérez-Carrillo
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene González-Torrent
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isaac Giménez-Escamilla
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Dolz
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Heart Failure and Transplantation Unit, Cardiology Department, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Portolés
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estefanía Tarazón
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Esther Roselló-Lletí
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He J, Fang B, Shan S, Li Q. Mechanical stiffness promotes skin fibrosis through FAPα-AKT signaling pathway. J Dermatol Sci 2024; 113:51-61. [PMID: 38155020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofibroblasts contribute to the excessive production, remodeling and cross-linking of the extracellular matrix that characterizes the progression of skin fibrosis. An important insight into the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis has been the discovery that increased matrix stiffness during fibrosis progression is involved in myofibroblast activation. However, mechanistic basis for this phenomenon remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To explore the role of fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) in mechanical stiffness-induced skin fibrosis progression. METHODS RNA-seq was performed to compare differential genes of mouse dermal fibroblasts (MDFs) grown on low or high stiffness plates. This process identified FAPα, which is a membrane protein usually overexpressed in activated fibroblasts, as a suitable candidate. In vitro assay, we investigate the role of FAPα in mechanical stiffness-induced MDFs activation and downstream pathway. By establishing mouse skin fibrosis model and intradermally administrating FAPα adeno-associated virus (AAV) or a selective Fap inhibitor FAPi, we explore the role of FAPα in skin fibrosis in vivo. RESULTS We show that FAPα, a membrane protein highly expressed in myofibroblasts of skin fibrotic tissues, is regulated by increased matrix stiffness. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of FAPα significantly inhibits mechanical stiffness-induced activation of myofibroblasts in vitro. Mechanistically, FAPα promotes myofibroblast activation by stimulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Furthermore, we showed that administration of the inhibitor FAPi or FAPα targeted knockdown ameliorated the progression of skin fibrosis. CONCLUSION Taken together, we identify FAPα as an important driver of mechanical stiffness-induced skin fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao He
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengzhou Shan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lopes E, Machado-Oliveira G, Simões CG, Ferreira IS, Ramos C, Ramalho J, Soares MIL, Melo TMVDPE, Puertollano R, Marques ARA, Vieira OV. Cholesteryl Hemiazelate Present in Cardiovascular Disease Patients Causes Lysosome Dysfunction in Murine Fibroblasts. Cells 2023; 12:2826. [PMID: 38132146 PMCID: PMC10741512 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242826] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence supporting the role of fibroblasts in all stages of atherosclerosis, from the initial phase to fibrous cap and plaque formation. In the arterial wall, as with macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts are exposed to a myriad of LDL lipids, including the lipid species formed during the oxidation of their polyunsaturated fatty acids of cholesteryl esters (PUFA-CEs). Recently, our group identified the final oxidation products of the PUFA-CEs, cholesteryl hemiesters (ChE), in tissues from cardiovascular disease patients. Cholesteryl hemiazelate (ChA), the most prevalent lipid of this family, is sufficient to impact lysosome function in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, with consequences for their homeostasis. Here, we show that the lysosomal compartment of ChA-treated fibroblasts also becomes dysfunctional. Indeed, fibroblasts exposed to ChA exhibited a perinuclear accumulation of enlarged lysosomes full of neutral lipids. However, this outcome did not trigger de novo lysosome biogenesis, and only the lysosomal transcription factor E3 (TFE3) was slightly transcriptionally upregulated. As a consequence, autophagy was inhibited, probably via mTORC1 activation, culminating in fibroblasts' apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the impairment of lysosome function and autophagy and the induction of apoptosis in fibroblasts may represent an additional mechanism by which ChA can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizeth Lopes
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Gisela Machado-Oliveira
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Catarina Guerreiro Simões
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Inês S. Ferreira
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Cristiano Ramos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - José Ramalho
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Maria I. L. Soares
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC)–Institute of Molecular Sciences and Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.I.L.S.); (T.M.V.D.P.e.M.)
| | - Teresa M. V. D. Pinho e Melo
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC)–Institute of Molecular Sciences and Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.I.L.S.); (T.M.V.D.P.e.M.)
| | - Rosa Puertollano
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - André R. A. Marques
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| | - Otília V. Vieira
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.L.); (G.M.-O.); (C.G.S.); (I.S.F.); (C.R.); (J.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu X, Yan S, Qin X, Cheng K, Zheng J, Wu H, Wei Y, Yuan S. Increased 18F-FAPI uptake in bones and joints of lung cancer patients: characteristics and distributions. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52:2377-2386. [PMID: 37129613 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04335-2] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of various bone and joint lesions on 18F-FAPI PET/CT in lung cancer patients. METHODS Seventy-four lung cancer patients who underwent 18F-FAPI PET/CT were reviewed. Bone and joint lesions with elevated 18F-FAPI uptake were recorded and analyzed. The distribution and maximum uptake value (SUVmax) of different benign lesions or bone metastases were presented. In addition, the SUVmax of bone metastases on 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT were also compared. RESULTS In 53 patients, a total of 262 lesions presented 18F-FAPI accumulation. Bone metastases were mainly in vertebrae, pelvis, and ribs, while benign lesions were in vertebral margins, alveolar bone, and shoulder joints. The SUVmax of bone metastases was significantly higher than that of benign lesions ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), with NSCLC cases having higher SUVmax values than SCLC cases ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Among benign lesions, arthritis and periodontitis demonstrated higher SUVmax than degenerative lesions (arthritis: [Formula: see text]; periodontitis: [Formula: see text]; degenerative diseases: [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively). The SUVmax of bone metastases was comparable between 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI PET/CT. However, 18F-FAPI PET/CT was found to be superior in identifying cranial metastases compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT (TBRmet/brain: [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that 18F-FAPI PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality for detecting bone and joint lesions in lung cancer patients. The SUVmax of malignant lesions was higher than that of benign lesions, but cannot accurately distinguish benign and malignant lesions. The uptake of FAPI differs among lesions with different pathological types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shoumei Yan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xueting Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongbo Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchun Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Shuanghu Yuan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cui Y, Wang Y, Wang S, Du B, Li X, Li Y. Highlighting Fibroblasts Activation in Fibrosis: The State-of-The-Art Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor PET Imaging in Cardiovascular Diseases. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6033. [PMID: 37762974 PMCID: PMC10531835 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186033] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common healing process that occurs during stress and injury in cardiovascular diseases. The evolution of fibrosis is associated with cardiovascular disease states and causes adverse effects. Fibroblast activation is responsible for the formation and progression of fibrosis. The incipient detection of activated fibroblasts is important for patient management and prognosis. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a membrane-bound serine protease, is almost specifically expressed in activated fibroblasts. The development of targeted FAP-inhibitor (FAPI) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging enabled the visualisation of FAP, that is, incipient fibrosis. Recently, research on FAPI PET imaging in cardiovascular diseases increased and is highly sought. Hence, we comprehensively reviewed the application of FAPI PET imaging in cardiovascular diseases based on the state-of-the-art published research. These studies provided some insights into the value of FAPI PET imaging in the early detection of cardiovascular fibrosis, risk stratification, response evaluation, and prediction of the evolution of left ventricular function. Future studies should be conducted with larger populations and multicentre patterns, especially for response evaluation and outcome prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xuena Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China; (Y.C.); (Y.W.); (S.W.); (B.D.)
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China; (Y.C.); (Y.W.); (S.W.); (B.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kosmala A, Serfling SE, Michalski K, Lindner T, Schirbel A, Higuchi T, Hartrampf PE, Derlin T, Buck AK, Weich A, Werner RA. Molecular imaging of arterial fibroblast activation protein: association with calcified plaque burden and cardiovascular risk factors. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:3011-3021. [PMID: 37147478 PMCID: PMC10382401 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess prevalence, distribution, and intensity of in-vivo arterial wall fibroblast activation protein (FAP) uptake, and its association with calcified plaque burden, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), and FAP-avid tumor burden. METHODS We analyzed 69 oncologic patients who underwent [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT. Arterial wall FAP inhibitor (FAPI) uptake in major vessel segments was evaluated. We then investigated the associations of arterial wall uptake with calcified plaque burden (including number of plaques, plaque thickness, and calcification circumference), CVRFs, FAP-positive total tumor burden, and image noise (coefficient of variation, from normal liver parenchyma). RESULTS High focal arterial FAPI uptake (FAPI +) was recorded in 64/69 (92.8%) scans in 800 sites, of which 377 (47.1%) exhibited concordant vessel wall calcification. The number of FAPI + sites per patient and (FAPI +)-derived target-to-background ratio (TBR) correlated significantly with the number of calcified plaques (FAPI + number: r = 0.45, P < 0.01; TBR: r = - 0.26, P = 0.04), calcified plaque thickness (FAPI + number: r = 0.33, P < 0.01; TBR: r = - 0.29, P = 0.02), and calcification circumference (FAPI + number: r = 0.34, P < 0.01; TBR: r = - 0.26, P = 0.04). In univariate analysis, only body mass index was significantly associated with the number of FAPI + sites (OR 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 - 1.12, P < 0.01). The numbers of FAPI + sites and FAPI + TBR, however, were not associated with other investigated CVRFs in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Image noise, however, showed significant correlations with FAPI + TBR (r = 0.30) and the number of FAPI + sites (r = 0.28; P = 0.02, respectively). In addition, there was no significant interaction between FAP-positive tumor burden and arterial wall FAPI uptake (P ≥ 0.13). CONCLUSION [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET identifies arterial wall lesions and is linked to marked calcification and overall calcified plaque burden, but is not consistently associated with cardiovascular risk. Apparent wall uptake may be partially explained by image noise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Kosmala
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian E Serfling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Michalski
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Takahiro Higuchi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Philipp E Hartrampf
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Derlin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Weich
- Internal Medicine II, Gastroenterology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- NET-Zentrum Würzburg, European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Center of Excellence (ENETS CoE), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf A Werner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- NET-Zentrum Würzburg, European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Center of Excellence (ENETS CoE), University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Banerjee P, Rosales JE, Chau K, Nguyen MTH, Kotla S, Lin SH, Deswal A, Dantzer R, Olmsted-Davis EA, Nguyen H, Wang G, Cooke JP, Abe JI, Le NT. Possible molecular mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis in cancer survivors. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1186679. [PMID: 37332576 PMCID: PMC10272458 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1186679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivors undergone treatment face an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies have revealed that chemotherapy can drive senescent cancer cells to acquire a proliferative phenotype known as senescence-associated stemness (SAS). These SAS cells exhibit enhanced growth and resistance to cancer treatment, thereby contributing to disease progression. Endothelial cell (EC) senescence has been implicated in atherosclerosis and cancer, including among cancer survivors. Treatment modalities for cancer can induce EC senescence, leading to the development of SAS phenotype and subsequent atherosclerosis in cancer survivors. Consequently, targeting senescent ECs displaying the SAS phenotype hold promise as a therapeutic approach for managing atherosclerotic CVD in this population. This review aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of SAS induction in ECs and its contribution to atherosclerosis among cancer survivors. We delve into the mechanisms underlying EC senescence in response to disturbed flow and ionizing radiation, which play pivotal role in atherosclerosis and cancer. Key pathways, including p90RSK/TERF2IP, TGFβR1/SMAD, and BH4 signaling are explored as potential targets for cancer treatment. By comprehending the similarities and distinctions between different types of senescence and the associated pathways, we can pave the way for targeted interventions aim at enhancing the cardiovascular health of this vulnerable population. The insights gained from this review may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for managing atherosclerotic CVD in cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Banerjee
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Julia Enterría Rosales
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- School of Medicine, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Khanh Chau
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Minh T. H. Nguyen
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sivareddy Kotla
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steven H. Lin
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anita Deswal
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Olmsted-Davis
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Cancer Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John P. Cooke
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jun-ichi Abe
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nhat-Tu Le
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jian HR, Niu WH, Xu ZS, Zhu JX, Pan X, Zhang YR, Lei P, Huang FQ, He Y. Establishment of FAP-overexpressing Cells for FAP-targeted Theranostics. Curr Med Sci 2023:10.1007/s11596-023-2740-7. [PMID: 37222958 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been widely studied and exploited for its clinical applications. One of the difficulties in interpreting reports of FAP-targeted theranostics is due to the lack of accurate controls, making the results less specific and less confirmative. This study aimed to establish a pair of cell lines, in which one highly expresses FAP (HT1080-hFAP) and the other has no detectable FAP (HT1080-vec) as control, to accurately evaluate the specificity of the FAP-targeted theranostics in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The cell lines of the experimental group (HT1080-hFAP) and no-load group (HT1080-vec) were obtained by molecular construction of the recombinant plasmid pIRES-hFAP. The expression of hFAP in HT1080 cells was detected by PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. CCK-8, Matrigel transwell invasion assay, scratch test, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to verify the physiological function of FAP. The activities of human dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) and human endopeptidase (EP) were detected by ELISA in HT1080-hFAP cells. PET imaging was performed in bilateral tumor-bearing nude mice models to evaluate the specificity of FAP. RESULTS RT-PCR and Western blotting demonstrated the mRNA and protein expression of hFAP in HT1080-hFAP cells but not in HT1080-vec cells. Flow cytometry confirmed that nearly 95% of the HT1080-hFAP cells were FAP positive. The engineered hFAP on HT1080 cells had its ability to retain enzymatic activities and a variety of biological functions, including internalization, proliferation-, migration-, and invasion-promoting activities. The HT1080-hFAP xenografted tumors in nude mice bound and took up 68GA-FAPI-04 with superior selectivity. High image contrast and tumor-organ ratio were obtained by PET imaging. The HT1080-hFAP tumor retained the radiotracer for at least 60 min. CONCLUSION This pair of HT1080 cell lines was successfully established, making it feasible for accurate evaluation and visualization of therapeutic and diagnostic agents targeting the hFAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ru Jian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434000, China
| | - Wen-Hao Niu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhuo-Shuo Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Xu Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Xin Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Yi-Rui Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fa-Qing Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434000, China.
| | - Yong He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Z, Wang J, Lan T, Zhang L, Yan Z, Zhang N, Xu Y, Tao Q. Role and mechanism of fibroblast-activated protein-α expression on the surface of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135384. [PMID: 37006278 PMCID: PMC10064071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-activated protein-α (FAP) is a type II integrated serine protease expressed by activated fibroblasts during fibrosis or inflammation. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial sites abundantly and stably overexpress FAP and play important roles in regulating the cellular immune, inflammatory, invasion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis responses in the synovial region. Overexpression of FAP is regulated by the initial inflammatory microenvironment of the disease and epigenetic signaling, which promotes RA development by regulating FLSs or affecting the signaling cross-linking FLSs with other cells at the local synovium and inflammatory stimulation. At present, several treatment options targeting FAP are in the process of development. This review discusses the basic features of FAP expressed on the surface of FLSs and its role in RA pathophysiology and advances in targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Lan
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liubo Zhang
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeran Yan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Xu, ; Qingwen Tao,
| | - Qingwen Tao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Xu, ; Qingwen Tao,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nakahara T, Strauss HW, Narula J, Jinzaki M. Vulnerable Plaque Imaging. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:230-240. [PMID: 36333157 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaques progress as a result of inflammation. Both invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques have been developed to identify and characterize plaque as vulnerable (more likely to rupture and cause a clinical event). Imaging techniques to identify vulnerable include identifying vessels with focal subendothelial collections of I) inflammatory cells; II) lipid/ fatty acid; III) local regions of hypoxia; IV) local expression of angiogenesis factors; V) local expression of protease; VI) intravascular foci of thrombus; hemorrhage (most often seen in the aftermath of a clinical event); VII) apoptosis and VIII) microcalcification. This review provides an overview of atherosclerotic plaque progression and tracers which can visualize specific molecules associated with vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakahara
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - H William Strauss
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jagat Narula
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Mahahiro Jinzaki
- Department of Radiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang AT, Kim YO, Yan XZ, Abe H, Aslam M, Park KS, Zhao XY, Jia JD, Klein T, You H, Schuppan D. Fibroblast Activation Protein Activates Macrophages and Promotes Parenchymal Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:841-867. [PMID: 36521660 PMCID: PMC9972574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is expressed on activated fibroblast. Its role in fibrosis and desmoplasia is controversial, and data on pharmacological FAP inhibition are lacking. We aimed to better define the role of FAP in liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. METHODS FAP expression was analyzed in mice and patients with fibrotic liver diseases of various etiologies. Fibrotic mice received a specific FAP inhibitor (FAPi) at 2 doses orally for 2 weeks during parenchymal fibrosis progression (6 weeks of carbon tetrachloride) and regression (2 weeks off carbon tetrachloride), and with biliary fibrosis (Mdr2-/-). Recombinant FAP was added to (co-)cultures of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), fibroblasts, and macrophages. Fibrosis- and inflammation-related parameters were determined biochemically, by quantitative immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and transcriptomics. RESULTS FAP+ fibroblasts/HSCs were α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-negative and located at interfaces of fibrotic septa next to macrophages in murine and human livers. In parenchymal fibrosis, FAPi reduced collagen area, liver collagen content, α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, M2-type macrophages, serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, key fibrogenesis-related transcripts, and increased hepatocyte proliferation 10-fold. During regression, FAP was suppressed, and FAPi was ineffective. FAPi less potently inhibited biliary fibrosis. In vitro, FAP small interfering RNA reduced HSC α-SMA expression and collagen production, and FAPi suppressed their activation and proliferation. Compared with untreated macrophages, FAPi regulated macrophage profibrogenic activation and transcriptome, and their conditioned medium attenuated HSC activation, which was increased with addition of recombinant FAP. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological FAP inhibition attenuates inflammation-predominant liver fibrosis. FAP is expressed on subsets of activated fibroblasts/HSC and promotes both macrophage and HSC profibrogenic activity in liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ting Yang
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xu-Zhen Yan
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Misbah Aslam
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Sook Park
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xin-Yan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Thomas Klein
- Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cardiometabolic Research, Biberach, Germany
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pedersen AKN, Hage C, Jessen N, Mellbin L, Bjerre M. Sitagliptin reduces FAP-activity and increases intact FGF21 levels in patients with newly detected glucose abnormalities. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 556:111738. [PMID: 35926756 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone with pleiotropic metabolic effects, is inactivated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a member of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) family. We investigate if sitagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) inhibits FAP-activity and increases intact FGF21. METHODS Patients with impaired glucose metabolism were randomized to 100 mg sitagliptin (n = 34) or placebo (n = 37) treatment for 12 weeks. Plasma samples obtained at study entry and at 12-weeks were analysed for FAP-activity, FAP, total FGF21 and intact FGF21. RESULTS Sitagliptin significantly inhibited FAP-activity (497 ± 553 vs. 48 ± 712 RFU/min, p < 0.01) and correspondingly increased intact FGF21 (253 ± 182 vs 141 ± 80 ng/L, p < 0.01) compared to placebo in plasma. Sitagliptin dose-dependently inhibited the FAP-activity in vitro. Intact FGF21 was higher in patients obtaining a normal glucose tolerance regardless of treatment (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION A sitagliptin-induced increase of intact FGF21 may contribute to an improved metabolic effect in patients with impaired glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K N Pedersen
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Camilla Hage
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niels Jessen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Linda Mellbin
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mette Bjerre
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lyu Z, Han W, Zhao H, Jiao Y, Xu P, Wang Y, Shen Q, Yang S, Zhao C, Tian L, Fu P. A clinical study on relationship between visualization of cardiac fibroblast activation protein activity by Al18F-NOTA-FAPI-04 positron emission tomography and cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:921724. [PMID: 36072860 PMCID: PMC9441604 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.921724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective FAP plays a vital role in myocardial injury and fibrosis. Although initially used to study imaging of primary and metastatic tumors, the use of FAPI tracers has recently been studied in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. The study aimed to investigate the application of FAPI PET/CT imaging in human myocardial fibrosis and its relationship with clinical factors. Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of FAPI PET/CT scans of twenty-one oncological patients from 05/2021 to 03/2022 with visual uptake of FAPI in the myocardium were applying the American Heart Association 17-segment model of the left ventricle. The patients’ general data, echocardiography, and laboratory examination results were collected, and the correlation between PET imaging data and the above data was analyzed. Linear regression models, Kendall’s TaU-B test, the Spearman test, and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for the statistical analysis. Results 21 patients (60.1 ± 9.4 years; 17 men) were evaluated with an overall mean LVEF of 59.3 ± 5.4%. The calcific plaque burden of LAD, LCX, and RCA are 14 (66.7%), 12 (57.1%), and 9 (42.9%). High left ventricular SUVmax correlated with BMI (P < 0.05) and blood glucose level (P < 0.05), and TBR correlated with age (P < 0.05). A strong correlation was demonstrated between SUVmean and CTnImax (r = 0.711, P < 0.01). Negative correlation of SUVmean and LVEF (r = −0.61, P < 0.01), SUVmax and LVEF (r = −0.65, P < 0.01) were found. ROC curve for predicting calcified plaques by myocardial FAPI uptake (SUVmean) in LAD, LCX, and RCA territory showed AUCs were 0.786, 0.759, and 0.769. Conclusion FAPI PET/CT scans might be used as a new potential method to evaluate cardiac fibrosis to help patients’ management further. FAPI PET imaging can reflect the process of myocardial fibrosis. High FAPI uptakes correlate with cardiovascular risk factors and the distribution of coronary plaques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhehao Lyu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Han
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyue Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuying Jiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuyi Shen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Changjiu Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Lin Tian,
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Fu,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Meng L, Fang J, Zhao L, Wang T, Yuan P, Zhao Z, Zhuang R, Lin Q, Chen H, Chen X, Zhang X, Guo Z. Rational Design and Pharmacomodulation of Protein-Binding Theranostic Radioligands for Targeting the Fibroblast Activation Protein. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8245-8257. [PMID: 35658448 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fibroblast activation protein (FAP), overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), has become a valuable target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. However, most FAP-based radioligands show insufficient tumor uptake and retention. In this study, three novel albumin-binding FAP ligands (denoted as FSDD0I, FSDD1I, and FSDD3I) were labeled with 68Ga and 177Lu to overcome these limitations. Cell-based studies and molecular docking assays were performed to identify the specificity and protein-binding properties for FAP. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans in human hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived xenografts (HCC-PDXs) animal models revealed longer blood retention of 68Ga-FSDD0I than 68Ga-FAPI-04, 68Ga-FSDD1I, and 68Ga-FSDD3I. Remarkably, 68Ga-FSDD3I had prominent tumor-to-nontarget (T/NT) ratios. The prominent tumor retention properties of 177Lu-FSDD0I in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and biodistribution studies were demonstrated. In summary, this study reports a proof-of-concept study of albumin-binding radioligands for FAP-targeted imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Pu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zuoquan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute and FuWai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qin Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.,Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.,Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang Q, Zhang Z, Li M, Xu WH, Huo L. Increased 68Ga-FAPI Uptake of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaque Revealed by PET/MR. Clin Nucl Med 2022; 47:469-470. [PMID: 35025803 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000004050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 58-year-old man was enrolled in our 68Ga-FAPI PET/MR study for evaluation of stroke etiology. He had left thalamus and cerebellum infarction 6 months ago, and left occipital lobe infarction 2 years ago. 68Ga-FAPI PET/MR showed focal uptake along the low segment of the basilar artery. We hypothesize that the FAPI-avid plaque of basilar artery may account for the embolic events resulting in downstream infarction. Thus FAP-targeted imaging may have a potential for detection of vulnerable plaques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Yang
- From the Nuclear Medicine Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Center for Rare Diseases Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College
| | - Zongmuyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Chinese Academy of Medical Science
| | - Mingli Li
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Hai Xu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Chinese Academy of Medical Science
| | - Li Huo
- From the Nuclear Medicine Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Center for Rare Diseases Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu M, Ning J, Li J, Lai Z, Shi X, Xing H, Hacker M, Liu B, Huo L, Li X. Feasibility of in vivo Imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein in Human Arterial Walls. J Nucl Med 2021; 63:948-951. [PMID: 34531265 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.262863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of fibroblast activating protein (FAP) in fibrous caps may contribute to progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent gallium-68-conjugated quinoline-based FAP inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI-04) PET/CT for non-cardiovascular indications were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations were assessed between the uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-04 in large arterial walls (SUVmax and target-to-background ratio, TBR) and degree of calcification and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Focal arterial uptake of 68Ga-FAPI-04 or calcification was detected in 1,177 arterial segments in all 41 patients. TBR was negatively correlated with the degree of calcification (HU) (r = -0.27, P < 0.01). Mean TBR in higher-risk patients was greater than lower-risk patients (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical labeling of carotid plaques exhibited prominent FAP expression in a thin fibrous cap and moderate FAP expression in a thick cap. Conclusion: 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT might have potential for imaging fibroblastic activation in the arterial wall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | - Jing Ning
- Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Jingle Li
- Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Zhichao Lai
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | - Ximin Shi
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | - Haiqun Xing
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | | | - Bao Liu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | - Li Huo
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bell M, Gandhi R, Shawer H, Tsoumpas C, Bailey MA. Imaging Biological Pathways in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Positron Emission Tomography. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:1596-1606. [PMID: 33761759 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bell
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Richa Gandhi
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Heba Shawer
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Charalampos Tsoumpas
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Marc A Bailey
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hoffmann DB, Fraccarollo D, Galuppo P, Frantz S, Bauersachs J, Tillmanns J. Genetic ablation of fibroblast activation protein alpha attenuates left ventricular dilation after myocardial infarction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248196. [PMID: 33667270 PMCID: PMC7935287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Regulating excessive activation of fibroblasts may be a promising target to optimize extracellular matrix deposition and myocardial stiffness. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is upregulated in activated fibroblasts after myocardial infarction (MI), and alters fibroblast migration in vitro. We hypothesized that FAP depletion may have a protective effect on left ventricular (LV) remodeling after MI. Materials and methods We used the model of chronic MI in homozygous FAP deficient mice (FAP-KO, n = 51) and wild type mice (WT, n = 55) to analyze wound healing by monocyte and myofibroblast infiltration. Heart function and remodeling was studied by echocardiography, morphometric analyses including capillary density and myocyte size, collagen content and in vivo cell-proliferation. In non-operated healthy mice up to 6 months of age, morphometric analyses and collagen content was assessed (WT n = 10, FAP-KO n = 19). Results Healthy FAP-deficient mice did not show changes in LV structure or differences in collagen content or cardiac morphology. Infarct size, survival and cardiac function were not different between FAP-KO and wildtype mice. FAP-KO animals showed less LV-dilation and a thicker scar, accompanied by a trend towards lower collagen content. Wound healing, assessed by infiltration with inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts were not different between groups. Conclusion We show that genetic ablation of FAP does not impair cardiac wound healing, and attenuates LV dilation after MI in mice. FAP seems dispensable for normal cardiac function and homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Hoffmann
- Department of Trauma-, Orthopaedic- and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Fraccarollo
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Paolo Galuppo
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Frantz
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Tillmanns
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xi CR, Di Fazio A, Nadvi NA, Xiang MSW, Zhang HE, Deshpande C, Chen Y, Tabar MS, Wang XM, Bailey CG, McCaughan GW, Church WB, Gorrell MD. An improved production and purification protocol for recombinant soluble human fibroblast activation protein alpha. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 181:105833. [PMID: 33524496 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a cell-surface expressed type II glycoprotein that has a unique proteolytic activity. FAP has active soluble forms that retain the extracellular portion but lack the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. FAP expression is normally very low in adult tissue but is highly expressed by activated fibroblasts in sites of tissue remodelling. Thus, FAP is a potential biomarker and pharmacological target in liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, arthritis and cancer. Understanding the biological significance of FAP by investigating protein structure, interactions and activities requires reliable methods for the production and purification of abundant pure and stable protein. We describe an improved production and purification protocol for His6-tagged recombinant soluble human FAP. A modified baculovirus expression construct was generated using the pFastBac1 vector and the gp67 secretion signal to produce abundant active soluble recombinant human FAP (residues 27-760) in insect cells. The FAP purification protocol employed ammonium sulphate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, immobilised metal affinity chromatography and ultrafiltration. High purity was achieved, as judged by gel electrophoresis and specific activity. The purified 82 kDa FAP protein was specifically inhibited by a FAP selective inhibitor, ARI-3099, and was inhibited by zinc with an IC50 of 25 μM. Our approach could be adopted for producing the soluble portions of other type II transmembrane glycoproteins to study their structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecy R Xi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Arianna Di Fazio
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Nadvi
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Research Portfolio Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle Sui Wen Xiang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chandrika Deshpande
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, UK; Drug Discovery, Sydney Analytical, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yiqian Chen
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Xin Maggie Wang
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Charles G Bailey
- Gene & Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; AW Morrow GE & Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|