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Wang X, Zhang XK. Role of Transcription Factor Fli-1 in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases. Biomolecules 2025; 15:480. [PMID: 40305194 PMCID: PMC12024840 DOI: 10.3390/biom15040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2025] [Revised: 03/18/2025] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), a member of the ETS family of transcription factors, plays an essential role in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have underscored the significance of Fli-1 in modulating inflammation and autoimmune diseases via the regulation of inflammatory responses. Specifically, Fli-1 exerts control over inflammatory processes, influencing key effectors and signaling pathways associated with conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, cancer, and sepsis. This review aims to summarize the emerging roles of Fli-1 in inflammation and autoimmune diseases, with a focus on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and exploring the potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Department of General Practice, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, and International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics of Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
| | - Xian K. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
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2
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Liu Y, Bao D, She H, Zhang Z, Shao S, Wu Z, Wu Y, Li Q, Wang L, Li T, Liu L. Role of Hippo/ACSL4 axis in ferroptosis-induced pericyte loss and vascular dysfunction in sepsis. Redox Biol 2024; 78:103353. [PMID: 39566164 PMCID: PMC11617880 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103353] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a critical condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, often leading to severe vascular dysfunction and high mortality. One of the hallmarks of vascular dysfunction in sepsis is increased vascular permeability and the loss of pericytes, which are essential for maintaining vascular integrity. Despite the significance of pericyte loss in sepsis, the primary type of cell death responsible and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate these mechanisms by focusing on ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, and its regulation through the Hippo/ACSL4 axis. Our research confirmed significant pericyte loss in patients with sepsis. Through advanced single-cell analysis and proteomics, ferroptosis was identified as a key differentiating cell death type between sepsis and sham samples. Further metabolomics analysis revealed that Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4) plays a pivotal role in the ferroptosis of pericytes during sepsis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that downregulation of ACSL4 effectively reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lipid peroxidation, restored pericyte viability, and improved endothelial permeability. In vivo studies with pericyte-specific ACSL4 knockout mice showed a marked decrease in pericyte loss and enhanced vascular barrier function following sepsis induction. To translate these findings into potential therapeutic strategies, we developed pericyte-targeting liposomes encapsulating ACSL4 shRNA adenovirus. These liposomes successfully restored pulmonary vascular barrier function and significantly reduced pericyte loss in septic conditions. The results of this study underscore the crucial role of ACSL4 in mediating ferroptosis in pericytes and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting ACSL4 to mitigate vascular dysfunction in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Liu
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Daiqin Bao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Han She
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zisen Zhang
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Shifeng Shao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zhengbin Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Qinghui Li
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Li Wang
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Liangming Liu
- Shock and Transfusion Department, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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Yu Q, Zhang L, Xu T, Shao J, Yuan F, Yang Z, Wu Y, Lyu H. Oligodendroglia-to-pericyte conversion after lipopolysaccharide exposure is gender-dependent. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308132. [PMID: 39106252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the sex-dependent differentiation of Sox10 cells and their response to pathological conditions such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure or ischemia, we utilized Sox10 Cre-ERT2, tdTomato mice. Tamoxifen administration induced the expression of red fluorescent protein (RFP) in these cells, facilitating their subsequent tracking and analysis after LPS injection and ischemia via immunofluorescence staining. Propidium iodide (PI) was injected to label necrotic cells following LPS administration. We found that the conversion of Sox10 cells to pericytes in female mice was significantly higher than in male mice, especially in those exposed to LPS. After LPS injection, the number of PI+ necrotic cells were significantly greater in females than in males. Moreover, RFP+ cells did not co-localize with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b). Similarly, after brain ischemia, RFP+ cells did not express cluster of differentiation 13 (CD13), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), GFAP, or ionised calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1). These findings indicate that the conversion of Sox10 cells to pericytes following LPS exposure is sex-dependent, with neither male nor female groups showing differentiation into other cell types after LPS exposure or under ischemic conditions. The differences in LPS-induced necrosis of pericytes between sexes may explain the variations in the conversion of Sox10 cells to pericytes in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingting Yu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Linyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Jiapeng Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Falei Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zuisu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yuncheng Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Lyu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Li P, Liu L, Liu S, Lu Z, Halushka PV, Sidles SJ, LaRue AC, Wang Z, Fan H. FLI1 in PBMCs contributes to elevated inflammation in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1436690. [PMID: 39140108 PMCID: PMC11320135 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1436690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition with significant public health implications that arise following exposure to traumatic events. Recent studies highlight the involvement of immune dysregulation in PTSD, characterized by elevated inflammatory markers. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this immune imbalance remain unclear. Previous research has implicated friend leukemia virus integration 1 (FLI1), an erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor, in inflammatory responses in sepsis and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated FLI1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been linked to lupus severity. Yet, FLI1's role in PTSD-related inflammation remains unexplored. In our study, PBMCs were collected from Veterans with and without PTSD. We found significantly increased FLI1 expression in PBMCs from PTSD-afflicted Veterans, particularly in CD4+ T cells, with no notable changes in CD8+ T cells. Stimulation with LPS led to heightened FLI1 expression and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFNγ in PTSD PBMCs compared to controls. Knockdown of FLI1 using Gapmers in PTSD PBMCs resulted in a marked reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels, restoring them to control group levels. Additionally, co-culturing PBMCs from both control and PTSD Veterans with the human brain microglia cell line HMC3 revealed increased inflammatory mediator levels in HMC3. Remarkably, HMC3 cells co-cultured with PTSD PBMCs treated with FLI1 Gapmers exhibited significantly lower inflammatory mediator levels compared to control Gapmer-treated PTSD PBMCs. These findings suggest that suppressing FLI1 may rebalance immune activity in PBMCs and mitigate microglial activation in the brain. Such insights could provide novel therapeutic strategies for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Shufeng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Zhongyang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Perry V. Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sara J. Sidles
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Amanda C. LaRue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Zhewu Wang
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Carvalho TP, Toledo FAO, Bautista DFA, Silva MF, Oliveira JBS, Lima PA, Costa FB, Ribeiro NQ, Lee JY, Birbrair A, Paixão TA, Tsolis RM, Santos RL. Pericytes modulate endothelial inflammatory response during bacterial infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0325223. [PMID: 38289074 PMCID: PMC10936204 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03252-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are located around blood vessels, in close contact with endothelial cells. We discovered that pericytes dampen pro-inflammatory endothelial cell responses. Endothelial cells co-cultured with pericytes had markedly reduced expression of adhesion molecules (PECAM-1 and ICAM-1) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2 and IL-6) in response to bacterial stimuli (Brucella ovis, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). Pericyte-depleted mice intraperitoneally inoculated with either B. ovis, a stealthy pathogen that does not trigger detectable inflammation, or Listeria monocytogenes, developed peritonitis. Further, during Citrobacter rodentium infection, pericyte-depleted mice developed severe intestinal inflammation, which was not evident in control mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of pericytes required connexin 43, as either chemical inhibition or silencing of connexin 43 abrogated pericyte-mediated suppression of endothelial inflammatory responses. Our results define a mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation during infection, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology: from a structural cell to a pro-active player in modulating inflammation. IMPORTANCE A previously unknown mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation was discovered. The absence of pericytes or blocking interaction between pericytes and endothelium through connexin 43 results in stronger inflammation, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology, from a structural cell to a player in controlling inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaynara P. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Frank A. O. Toledo
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F. A. Bautista
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monique F. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jefferson B. S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Lima
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Noelly Q. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jee-Yon Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tatiane A. Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reneé M. Tsolis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renato L. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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6
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Fan Y, Guan B, Xu J, Zhang H, Yi L, Yang Z. Role of toll-like receptor-mediated pyroptosis in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115493. [PMID: 37734261 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, a life-threatening dysregulated status of the host response to infection, can cause multiorgan dysfunction and mortality. Sepsis places a heavy burden on the cardiovascular system due to the pathological imbalance of hyperinflammation and immune suppression. Myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction caused by the aberrant host responses to pathogens can lead to cardiomyopathy, one of the most critical complications of sepsis. However, many questions about the specific mechanisms and characteristics of this complication remain to be answered. The causes of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction include abnormal cardiac perfusion, myocardial inhibitory substances, autonomic dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and calcium homeostasis dysregulation. The fight between the host and pathogens acts as the trigger for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in the progress of sepsis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) act as pattern recognition receptors and participate in innate immune pathways that recognize damage-associated molecular patterns as well as pathogen-associated molecular patterns to mediate pyroptosis. Notably, pyroptosis is tightly associated with cardiac dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock. In line with these observations, induction of TLR-mediated pyroptosis may be a promising therapeutic approach to treat sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. This review focuses on the potential roles of TLR-mediated pyroptosis in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, to shed light on this promising therapeutic approach, thus helping to prevent and control septic shock caused by cardiovascular disorders and improve the prognosis of sepsis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Fan
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Intensive Care Unit, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyi Guan
- Department of Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jianxing Xu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Intensive Care Unit, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Yi
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Intensive Care Unit, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhixu Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Intensive Care Unit, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Ye W, Miao Q, Xu G, Jin K, Li X, Wu W, Yu L, Yan M. CircRNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase improves mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by targeting microRNA-214-3p/ATP-binding cassette A1 axis. Ren Fail 2023; 45:2261552. [PMID: 37782276 PMCID: PMC10547449 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2023.2261552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which circRNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (circ-ITCH) regulates sepsis-induced AKI. METHODS A sepsis-induced AKI mouse model was created using LPS induction and circ-ITCH overexpression. Circ-ITCH levels were confirmed via RT-qPCR. Kidney tissue changes were examined through various stains and TUNEL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) gauged oxidative stress and inflammation. Mitochondrial features were studied with electron microscopy. RT-qPCR and western blotting assessed mitochondrial function parameters. Using starBase, binding sites between circ-ITCH and miR-214-3p, as well as miR-214-3p and ABCA1, were predicted. Regulatory connections were proven by dual-luciferase assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS Circ-ITCH expression was downregulated in LPS-induced sepsis mice. Overexpression of circ-ITCH ameliorates indicators of renal function (serum creatinine [SCr], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], and kidney injury molecule-1 [Kim-1]), reduces renal cell apoptosis, mitigates oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species [ROS] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and diminishes inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]). Moreover, circ-ITCH overexpression alleviated mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Furthermore, circ-ITCH acts as a sponge for miR-214-3p, thereby upregulating ABCA1 expression. In addition, the miR-214-3p inhibitor repressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which was reversed by circ-ITCH knockdown. Further cellular analysis in HK-2 cells supported these findings, highlighting the protective role of circ-ITCH against sepsis-induced AKI, particularly through the miR-214-3p/ABCA1 axis. CONCLUSION The novel circ-ITCH/miR-214-3p/ABCA1 pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-induced AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidi Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qi Miao
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Eye Center Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Guangxin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kai Jin
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Eye Center Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lina Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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Abstract
Pericytes are specialized cells located in close proximity to endothelial cells within the microvasculature. They play a crucial role in regulating blood flow, stabilizing vessel walls, and maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The loss of pericytes has been associated with the development and progression of various diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, sepsis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. This review examines the detection of pericyte loss in different diseases, explores the methods employed to assess pericyte coverage, and elucidates the potential mechanisms contributing to pericyte loss in these pathological conditions. Additionally, current therapeutic strategies targeting pericytes are discussed, along with potential future interventions aimed at preserving pericyte function and promoting disease mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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Shan W, Li S, Yin Z. Identification of canonical pyroptosis-related genes, associated regulation axis, and related traditional Chinese medicine in spinal cord injury. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1152297. [PMID: 37273650 PMCID: PMC10232751 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1152297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in spinal cord injury (SCI), and pyroptosis is inflammatory-related programmed cell death. Although neuroinflammation induced by pyroptosis has been reported in SCI, there is a lack of systematic research on SCI pyroptosis and its regulation mechanism. The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in different SCI models and associated regulation axis by bioinformatics methods. We downloaded raw counts data of seven high-throughput sequencings and two microarray datasets from the GEO database, classified by species (rat and mouse) and SCI modes (moderate contusive model, aneurysm clip impact-compression model, and hemisection model), including mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, basically covering the acute, subacute and chronic stages of SCI. We performed differential analysis by R (DEseq2) or GEO2R and found that the AIM2/NLRC4/NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes, GSDMD, IL1B, and IL18, were highly expressed in SCI. Based on the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis-related genes (NLRP3/PRGs), we constructed transcription factors (TFs)-NLRP3/PRGs, miRNAs- Nlrp3/PRGs and lncRNAs/circRNAs/mRNAs-miRNA- Nlrp3/PRGs (ceRNA) networks. In addition, we also predicted Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and small, drug-like molecules with NLRP3/PRGs as potential targets. Finally, 39 up-regulated TFs were identified, which may regulate at least two of NLRP3/PRGs. A total of 7 down-regulated miRNAs were identified which could regulate Nlrp3/PRGs. ceRNA networks were constructed including 23 lncRNAs, 3 cicrRNAs, 6 mRNAs, and 44 miRNAs. A total of 24 herbs were identified which may with two NLRP3/PRGs as potential targets. It is expected to provide new ideas and therapeutic targets for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zongsheng Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Vallés PG, Gil Lorenzo AF, Garcia RD, Cacciamani V, Benardon ME, Costantino VV. Toll-like Receptor 4 in Acute Kidney Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021415. [PMID: 36674930 PMCID: PMC9864062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and devastating pathologic condition, associated with considerable high morbidity and mortality. Although significant breakthroughs have been made in recent years, to this day no effective pharmacological therapies for its treatment exist. AKI is known to be connected with intrarenal and systemic inflammation. The innate immune system plays an important role as the first defense response mechanism to tissue injury. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a well-characterized pattern recognition receptor, and increasing evidence has shown that TLR4 mediated inflammatory response, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS), which are the conserved microbial motifs, are sensed by these receptors. Endogenous molecules generated during tissue injury, and labeled as damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), also activate pattern recognition receptors, thereby offering an understanding of sterile types of inflammation. Excessive, uncontrolled and/or sustained activation of TLR4, may lead to a chronic inflammatory state. In this review we describe the role of TLR4, its endogenous ligands and activation in the inflammatory response to ischemic/reperfusion-induced AKI and sepsis-associated AKI. The potential regeneration signaling patterns of TLR4 in acute kidney injury, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G. Vallés
- Área de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- IMBECU-CONICET (Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Fernanda Gil Lorenzo
- Área de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo D. Garcia
- Área de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Valeria Cacciamani
- IMBECU-CONICET (Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Benardon
- Área de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Valeria Victoria Costantino
- IMBECU-CONICET (Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- Área de Biología Celular, Departamento de Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
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11
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Alvino VV, Mohammed KAK, Gu Y, Madeddu P. Approaches for the isolation and long-term expansion of pericytes from human and animal tissues. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1095141. [PMID: 36704463 PMCID: PMC9873410 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1095141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes surround capillaries in every organ of the human body. They are also present around the vasa vasorum, the small blood vessels that supply the walls of larger arteries and veins. The clinical interest in pericytes is rapidly growing, with the recognition of their crucial roles in controlling vascular function and possible therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. Nonetheless, discrepancies in methods used to define, isolate, and expand pericytes are common and may affect reproducibility. Separating pure pericyte preparations from the continuum of perivascular mesenchymal cells is challenging. Moreover, variations in functional behavior and antigenic phenotype in response to environmental stimuli make it difficult to formulate an unequivocal definition of bona fide pericytes. Very few attempts were made to develop pericytes as a clinical-grade product. Therefore, this review is devoted to appraising current methodologies' pros and cons and proposing standardization and harmonization improvements. We highlight the importance of developing upgraded protocols to create therapeutic pericyte products according to the regulatory guidelines for clinical manufacturing. Finally, we describe how integrating RNA-seq techniques with single-cell spatial analysis, and functional assays may help realize the full potential of pericytes in health, disease, and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khaled Abdelsattar Kassem Mohammed
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Yue Gu
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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12
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Li N, Li Y, Wu B, Sun R, Zhao M, Hu Z. CIRCKLHL2 KNOCKDOWN ALLEVIATES SEPSIS-INDUCED ACUTE LUNG INJURY BY REGULATING MIR-29B-3P MEDIATED ROCK1 EXPRESSION DOWN-REGULATION. Shock 2023; 59:99-107. [PMID: 36476974 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis is distinguished by an inflammatory progression. Herein, we investigated the action of circular RNA kelch like family member 2 (circKlhl2) in sepsis-induced ALI. Methods: The animal or cell model of sepsis ALI was established by LPS stimulation. The contents of circKlhl2, microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p), rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), CyclinD1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and cleaved-caspase 3 (C-caspase-3) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The abundances of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Besides, the targeted relationship between miR-29b-3p and circKlhl2 or ROCK1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assay. Results: Loss of circKlhl2 mitigated lung injury and proinflammatory cytokine expression in sepsis-ALI mice model and alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in microvascular endothelial cell (MPVECs) in vitro . The abundances of circKlhl2 and ROCK1 were boosted, while the miR-29b-3p level was diminished in the animal or cell model of sepsis-ALI. MiR-29b-3p inhibition abrogated circKlhl2 knockdown-mediated effects on MPVECs injury. Moreover, miR-29b-3p overexpression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and inflammation in LPS-treated MPVECs, while ROCK1 enhancement reversed these effects. Conclusion: CircKlhl2 expedited the sepsis-induced ALI by adjusting miR-29b-3p/ROCK1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuqiang Li
- Clinical Biological Sample Center, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Clinical Biological Sample Center, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Clinical Biological Sample Center, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mingzhou Zhao
- Clinical Biological Sample Center, The First Affiliated Hospital Of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China
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13
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Abstract
Sepsis-associated AKI is a life-threatening complication that is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients who are critically ill. Although it is clear early supportive interventions in sepsis reduce mortality, it is less clear that they prevent or ameliorate sepsis-associated AKI. This is likely because specific mechanisms underlying AKI attributable to sepsis are not fully understood. Understanding these mechanisms will form the foundation for the development of strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis-associated AKI. Here, we summarize recent laboratory and clinical studies, focusing on critical factors in the pathophysiology of sepsis-associated AKI: microcirculatory dysfunction, inflammation, NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, microRNAs, extracellular vesicles, autophagy and efferocytosis, inflammatory reflex pathway, vitamin D, and metabolic reprogramming. Lastly, identifying these molecular targets and defining clinical subphenotypes will permit precision approaches in the prevention and treatment of sepsis-associated AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Kuwabara
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Eibhlin Goggins
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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14
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Wu Y, Li P, Liu L, Goodwin AJ, Halushka PV, Hirose T, Nakagawa S, Zhou J, Liu M, Fan H. lncRNA Neat1 regulates neuronal dysfunction post sepsis via stabilization of hemoglobin subunit beta. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2618-2632. [PMID: 35331906 PMCID: PMC9263235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is characterized by acute and diffuse brain dysfunction and correlates with long-term cognitive impairments with no targeted therapy. We used a mouse model of sepsis-related cognitive impairment to examine the role of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (Neat1) in SAE. We observed that Neat1 expression was increased in neuronal cells from septic mice and that it directly interacts with hemoglobin subunit beta (Hbb), preventing its degradation. The Neat1/Hbb axis suppressed postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) levels and decreased dendritic spine density. Neat1 knockout mice exhibited decreased Hbb levels, which resulted in increased PSD-95 levels, increased neuronal dendritic spine density, and decreased anxiety and memory impairment. Neat1 silencing via the antisense oligonucleotide GapmeR ameliorated anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment post-sepsis. In conclusion, we uncovered a previously unknown mechanism of the Neat1/Hbb axis in regulating neuronal dysfunction, which may lead to a novel treatment strategy for SAE.
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15
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Ke J, Chen M, Ma S, Zhang L, Zhang L. Circular RNA VMA21 ameliorates lung injury in septic rat via targeting microRNA-497-5p/CD2-associated protein axis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:5453-5466. [PMID: 35172672 PMCID: PMC8973665 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2031406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis was characterized via an acute inflammatory response to infection, often accompanying by multiple organ failure, particularly lung damage. Circular RNA (circRNA) played an important role in the pathology of a variety of diseases. However, the role of circRNA in sepsis-induced lung injury (LI) remained unknown. This study was to explore the expression and role of circVMA21 in sepsis LI and the possible molecular mechanism. The results manifested circVMA21 and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) were down-regulated in lung tissue and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BEAS-2B, while microRNA (miR)-497-5p was up-regulated. A large number of deaths in rats after surgery of 72 h were caused via cecal ligation-perforation surgery, W/D value and Bax positive cells were increased, LI was caused, cell apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 expression were promoted and Bcl-2 positive cells were decreased. Overexpression of circVMA21 ameliorated these phenomena. In addition, LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation of BEAS-2B cells was improved via overexpression of circVMA21, while overexpression of miR-497-5P was opposite. Apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage of BEAS-2B cells were aggravated via knockdown of circVMA21, but it was reversed by knockdown of miR-497-5p or overexpression of CD2AP. Mechanistically, CircVMA21 mediated CD2AP expression through competitive adsorption of miR-497-5p. In conclusion, this work showed circVMA21 improved LI in sepsis rats by targeting miR-497-5p/CD2AP axis, suggesting that circVMA21 may be a novel therapeutic target for sepsis-induced LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinFang Ke
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, YinChuan City, NingXia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - MengFei Chen
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, YinChuan City, NingXia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - ShiLan Ma
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, YinChuan City, NingXia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, YinChuan City, NingXia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, YinChuan City, NingXia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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16
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Li P, Wu Y, Hamlett ED, Goodwin AJ, Halushka PV, Carroll SL, Liu M, Fan H. Suppression of Fli-1 protects against pericyte loss and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1451-1464. [PMID: 35038582 PMCID: PMC9077320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pericytes regulate cerebral blood flow, maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitate the removal of amyloid β (Aβ) which is critical to healthy brain activity. Pericyte loss has been observed in brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and animal models. Our previous data demonstrated that friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte viability in murine sepsis; however, the role of Fli-1 and its impact on pericyte loss in AD remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Fli-1 expression was up-regulated in postmortem brains from a cohort of human AD donors and in 5xFAD mice, which corresponded with a decreased pericyte number, elevated inflammatory mediators, and increased Aβ accumulation as compared to cognitively normal individuals and WT mice. Antisense oligonucleotide Fli-1 Gapmer administrated via intrahippocampal injection decelerated pericyte loss, decreased inflammatory response, ameliorated cognitive deficits, improved BBB dysfunction, and reduced Aβ deposition in 5xFAD mice. Fli-1 Gapmer-mediated inhibition of Fli-1 protected against Aβ accumulation-induced human brain pericyte apoptosis in vitro. Overall, these studies indicate that Fli-1 contributes to pericyte loss, inflammatory response, Aβ deposition, vascular dysfunction and cognitive decline, and suggest that inhibition of Fli-1 may represent novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425; Department of Pharmacology and, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425.
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17
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Zhou Y, Wen LL, Li YF, Wu KM, Duan RR, Yao YB, Jing LJ, Gong Z, Teng JF, Jia YJ. Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protect the injured spinal cord by inhibiting pericyte pyroptosis. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:194-202. [PMID: 34100456 PMCID: PMC8451579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising treatment strategy for spinal cord injury, but immunological rejection and possible tumor formation limit its application. The therapeutic effects of MSCs mainly depend on their release of soluble paracrine factors. Exosomes are essential for the secretion of these paracrine effectors. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-EXOs) can be substituted for BMSCs in cell transplantation. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a rat model of T10 spinal cord injury was established using the impact method. Then, 30 minutes and 1 day after spinal cord injury, the rats were administered 200 μL exosomes via the tail vein (200 μg/mL; approximately 1 × 106 BMSCs). Treatment with BMSC-EXOs greatly reduced neuronal cell death, improved myelin arrangement and reduced myelin loss, increased pericyte/endothelial cell coverage on the vascular wall, decreased blood-spinal cord barrier leakage, reduced caspase 1 expression, inhibited interleukin-1β release, and accelerated locomotor functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury. In the cell culture experiment, pericytes were treated with interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Then, Lipofectamine 3000 was used to deliver lipopolysaccharide into the cells, and the cells were co-incubated with adenosine triphosphate to simulate injury in vitro. Pre-treatment with BMSC-EXOs for 8 hours greatly reduced pericyte pyroptosis and increased pericyte survival rate. These findings suggest that BMSC-EXOs may protect pericytes by inhibiting pyroptosis and by improving blood-spinal cord barrier integrity, thereby promoting the survival of neurons and the extension of nerve fibers, and ultimately improving motor function in rats with spinal cord injury. All protocols were conducted with the approval of the Animal Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University on March 16, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Lu-Lu Wen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yan-Fei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Kai-Min Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Ran-Ran Duan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yao-Bing Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Jing
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhe Gong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jun-Fang Teng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yan-Jie Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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18
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Li J, Zeng X, Wang W. miR-122-5p downregulation attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by targeting IL1RN. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1278. [PMID: 34594415 PMCID: PMC8456493 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) and inflammatory cytokines can induce acute lung injury (ALI), which can develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases. Previous research has revealed that miR-122-5p participates in the development of ALI, and that its expression is positively associated with ALI. However, the mechanism by which miR-122-5p contributes to ALI remains to be determined. In the current study, TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter gene assays were used to confirm that IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) was a target of miR-122-5p. Subsequently, by referring to previous literature, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI cell model was established. A549 cells were transfected with mimic control or miR-122-5p mimics for 24 h, and 10 µg LPS was used to treat the transfected cells for 12 h. The results revealed that miR-122-5p mimics decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays indicated that miR-122-5p mimics increased LDH release. ELISA demonstrated that miR-122-5p mimics promoted TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression levels. A549 cells were transfected with inhibitor control, miR-122-5p inhibitor, miR-122-5p inhibitor + control-small interfering (si)RNA or miR-122-5p inhibitor + IL1RN-siRNA for 24 h, after which the cells were treated with 10 µg LPS for 12 h. The results revealed that the effects of the miR-122-5p inhibitor were the opposite of those of the miR-122-5p mimic. All the effects of miR-122-5p inhibitor on LPS-treated A549 cells were significantly reversed by IL1RN-siRNA. Overall, the results highlighted miR-122-5p as a potential novel target for the treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Pulmonary Disease, Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Zeng
- Department of Emergency, Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Department of Emergency, Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
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19
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Yuan K, Agarwal S, Chakraborty A, Condon DF, Patel H, Zhang S, Huang F, Mello SA, Kirk OI, Vasquez R, de Jesus Perez VA. Lung Pericytes in Pulmonary Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2227-2247. [PMID: 34190345 PMCID: PMC10507675 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes are mesenchymal-derived mural cells localized within the basement membrane of pulmonary and systemic capillaries. Besides structural support, pericytes control vascular tone, produce extracellular matrix components, and cytokines responsible for promoting vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. However, pericytes can also contribute to vascular pathology through the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines, differentiation into myofibroblast-like cells, destruction of the extracellular matrix, and dissociation from the vessel wall. In the lung, pericytes are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the alveolar-capillary membrane and coordinating vascular repair in response to injury. Loss of pericyte communication with alveolar capillaries and a switch to a pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotype are common features of lung disorders associated with vascular remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. In this article, we will address how to differentiate pericytes from other cells, discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interactions of pericytes and endothelial cells in the pulmonary circulation, and the experimental tools currently used to study pericyte biology both in vivo and in vitro. We will also discuss evidence that links pericytes to the pathogenesis of clinically relevant lung disorders such as pulmonary hypertension, idiopathic lung fibrosis, sepsis, and SARS-COVID. Future studies dissecting the complex interactions of pericytes with other pulmonary cell populations will likely reveal critical insights into the origin of pulmonary diseases and offer opportunities to develop novel therapeutics to treat patients afflicted with these devastating disorders. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:2227-2247, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yuan
- Division of Respiratory Diseases Research, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuti Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ananya Chakraborty
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David F. Condon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hiral Patel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Serena Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Flora Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Salvador A. Mello
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Rocio Vasquez
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vinicio A. de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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20
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Li P, Wu Y, Goodwin AJ, Halushka PV, Wilson CL, Schnapp LM, Fan H. Generation of a new immortalized human lung pericyte cell line: a promising tool for human lung pericyte studies. J Transl Med 2021; 101:625-635. [PMID: 33446892 PMCID: PMC8068576 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-00524-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes apposed to the capillary endothelium are known to stabilize and promote endothelial integrity. Recent studies indicate that lung pericytes play a prominent role in lung physiology, and they are involved in the development of various lung diseases including lung injury in sepsis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. Accordingly, human lung pericyte studies are important for understanding the mechanistic basis of lung physiology and pathophysiology; however, human lung pericytes can only be cultured for a few passages and no immortalized human lung pericyte cell line has been established so far. Thus, our study aims to establish an immortalized human lung pericyte cell line. Developed using SV40 large T antigen lentivirus, immortalized pericytes exhibit stable SV40T expression, sustained proliferation, and have significantly higher telomerase activity compared to normal human lung pericytes. In addition, these cells retained pericyte characteristics, marked by similar morphology, and expression of pericyte cell surface markers such as PDGFRβ, NG2, CD44, CD146, CD90, and CD73. Furthermore, similar to that of primary pericytes, immortalized pericytes promoted endothelial cell tube formation and responded to different stimuli. Our previous data showed that friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), a member of the ETS transcription factor family, is a key regulator that modulates inflammatory responses in mouse lung pericytes. We further demonstrated that Fli-1 regulates inflammatory responses in immortalized human lung pericytes. To summarize, we successfully established an immortalized human lung pericyte cell line, which serves as a promising tool for in vitro pericyte studies to understand human lung pericyte physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Carole L Wilson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Lynn M Schnapp
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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21
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Wang X, Lennard Richard M, Li P, Henry B, Schutt S, Yu XZ, Fan H, Zhang W, Gilkeson G, Zhang XK. Expression of GM-CSF Is Regulated by Fli-1 Transcription Factor, a Potential Drug Target. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 206:59-66. [PMID: 33268481 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) is an ETS transcription factor and a critical regulator of inflammatory mediators, including MCP-1, CCL5, IL-6, G-CSF, CXCL2, and caspase-1. GM-CSF is a regulator of granulocyte and macrophage lineage differentiation and a key player in the pathogenesis of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that Fli-1 regulates the expression of GM-CSF in both T cells and endothelial cells. The expression of GM-CSF was significantly reduced in T cells and endothelial cells when Fli-1 was reduced. We found that Fli-1 binds directly to the GM-CSF promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Transient transfection assays indicated that Fli-1 drives transcription from the GM-CSF promoter in a dose-dependent manner, and mutation of the Fli-1 DNA binding domain resulted in a significant loss of transcriptional activation. Mutation of a known phosphorylation site within the Fli-1 protein led to a significant increase in GM-CSF promoter activation. Thus, direct binding to the promoter and phosphorylation are two important mechanisms behind Fli-1-driven activation of the GM-CSF promoter. In addition, Fli-1 regulates GM-CSF expression in an additive manner with another transcription factor Sp1. Finally, we demonstrated that a low dose of a chemotherapeutic drug, camptothecin, inhibited expression of Fli-1 and reduced GM-CSF production in human T cells. These results demonstrate novel mechanisms for regulating the expression of GM-CSF and suggest that Fli-1 is a critical druggable regulator of inflammation and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Mara Lennard Richard
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; and
| | - Brittany Henry
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Steven Schutt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; and
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Gary Gilkeson
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Xian K Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425;
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22
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Jiang WY, Ren J, Zhang XH, Lu ZL, Feng HJ, Yao XL, Li DH, Xiong R, Fan T, Geng Q. CircC3P1 attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in acute lung injury induced by sepsis through modulating miR-21. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11221-11229. [PMID: 32846020 PMCID: PMC7576301 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis is characterized by an inflammatory process related to the up‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we explored the role of circC3P1 in sepsis‐induced ALI in vitro and in vivo. The caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis model was established through CLP surgery. Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into sham, CLP, CLP + vector and CLP + circC3P1 (each n = 10). Primary murine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (MPVECs) were transfected with circC3P1 or empty vector 24 hours prior to LPS treatment via Lipofectamine 2000. The expressions of circC3P1, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β were evaluated after 6‐h LPS treatment. Cell apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. The CLP group demonstrated pulmonary morphological abnormalities, increased concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in the lung tissue, compared with the sham group. MPVECs treated with LPS significantly elevated TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels and increased cell apoptosis than that in the control group. The circC3P1 overexpression in sepsis‐induced ALI mice attenuated pulmonary injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Besides, circC3P1 revealed anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effect in MPVEC‐treated LPS. CircC3P1 overexpression reduced cell apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels via down‐regulating miR‐21. CircC3P1 attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and cell apoptosis in ALI induced by sepsis through modulating miR‐21, indicating that circC3P1 is a promising therapeutic biomarker for sepsis‐induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yang Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-Hua Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zi-Long Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao-Jie Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Li Yao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Hang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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23
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Wu Y, Li P, Goodwin AJ, Cook JA, Halushka PV, Zingarelli B, Fan H. miR-145a Regulation of Pericyte Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Sepsis. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:1037-1045. [PMID: 32285112 PMCID: PMC7430167 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic disease with severe microvascular dysfunction. Pericytes preserve vascular homeostasis. To our knowledge, the potential roles of microRNAs in sepsis-induced pericyte dysfunction have not been explored. METHODS We determined lung pericyte expression of miR-145a in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Mouse lung pericytes were isolated and transfected with a miR-145a mimic, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We measured inflammatory cytokine levels. To assess the functions of miR-145a in vivo, we generated a pericyte-specific miR-145a-knockout mouse and determined sepsis-induced organ injury, lung and renal vascular leakage, and mouse survival rates. We used RNA sequencing and Western blotting to analyze the signaling pathways regulated by miR-145a. RESULTS CLP led to decreased miR-145a expression in lung pericytes. The miR-145a mimic inhibited LPS-induced increases in cytokines. In CLP-induced sepsis, pericytes lacking miR-145a exhibited increased lung and kidney vascular leakage and reduced survival rates. We found that miR-145a could suppress LPS-induced NF-κB activation. In addition, we confirmed that the transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) is a target of miR-145a and that Fli-1 activates NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that pericyte miR-145a mediates sepsis-associated microvascular dysfunction, potentially by means of Fli-1-mediated modulation of NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - James A Cook
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Basilia Zingarelli
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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24
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Li P, Goodwin AJ, Cook JA, Halushka PV, Zhang XK, Fan H. Fli-1 transcription factor regulates the expression of caspase-1 in lung pericytes. Mol Immunol 2019; 108:1-7. [PMID: 30739075 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our previous data demonstrated that Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte loss and vascular dysfunction in cecal ligation and puncture-induced murine sepsis by regulating essential pyroptosis markers including caspase-1. However, whether Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression levels in vitro and how Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 remain unknown. Our present work further demonstrated that overexpressed Fli-1 significantly increased caspase-1 and IL-18 expression levels in cultured mouse lung pericytes. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been found to induce cell pyroptosis through transferring LPS intracellularly. Using OMVs to induce an in vitro model of pyroptosis, we observed that OMVs significantly increased protein levels of Fli-1 in mouse lung pericytes. Furthermore, knockdown of Fli-1 by siRNA blocked OMVs-induced caspase-1, caspase-11 and IL-18 expression levels. As caspase-1 was predicted as a potential target of Fli-1, we cloned murine caspase-1 promoter into a luciferase construct. Our data demonstrate for the first time that Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression by directly binding to its promoter regions measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase reporter system. In summary, our findings demonstrated a novel role and mechanism of Fli-1 in regulating caspase-1 expression in lung pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - James A Cook
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Xian K Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States.
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