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Seasock MJ, Shafiquzzaman M, Ruiz-Echartea ME, Kanchi RS, Tran BT, Simon LM, Meyer MD, Erice PA, Lotlikar SL, Wenlock SC, Ochsner SA, Enright A, Carisey AF, Romero F, Rosas IO, King KY, McKenna NJ, Coarfa C, Rodriguez A. Let-7 restrains an oncogenic epigenetic circuit in AT2 cells to prevent ectopic formation of fibrogenic transitional cell intermediates and pulmonary fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.22.595205. [PMID: 38826218 PMCID: PMC11142151 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.22.595205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of lung alveolar type 2 (AT2) progenitor stem cells has highlighted fundamental mechanisms that direct their differentiation into alveolar type 1 cells (AT1s) in lung repair and disease. However, microRNA (miRNA) mediated post-transcriptional mechanisms which govern this nexus remain understudied. We show here that the let-7 miRNA family serves a homeostatic role in governance of AT2 quiescence, specifically by preventing the uncontrolled accumulation of AT2 transitional cells and by promoting AT1 differentiation to safeguard the lung from spontaneous alveolar destruction and fibrosis. Using mice and organoid models with genetic ablation of let-7a1/let-7f1/let-7d cluster (let-7afd) in AT2 cells, we demonstrate prevents AT1 differentiation and results in aberrant accumulation of AT2 transitional cells in progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Integration of enhanced AGO2 UV-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation sequencing (AGO2-eCLIP) with RNA-sequencing from AT2 cells uncovered the induction of direct targets of let-7 in an oncogene feed-forward regulatory network including BACH1/EZH2 which drives an aberrant fibrotic cascade. Additional analyses by CUT&RUN-sequencing revealed loss of let-7afd hampers AT1 differentiation by eliciting aberrant histone EZH2 methylation which prevents the exit of AT2 transitional cells into terminal AT1s. This study identifies let-7 as a key gatekeeper of post-transcriptional and epigenetic chromatin signals to prevent AT2-driven pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Seasock
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Md Shafiquzzaman
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Maria E. Ruiz-Echartea
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Rupa S. Kanchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Brandon T. Tran
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Lukas M. Simon
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | | | - Phillip A. Erice
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Shivani L. Lotlikar
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | | | - Scott A. Ochsner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Anton Enright
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Alex F. Carisey
- William T. Shearer Center for Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030
- Current Address: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Freddy Romero
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, 77030
- Current Address: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 3215 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121
| | - Ivan O. Rosas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Katherine Y. King
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Neil J. McKenna
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Antony Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. Debakey, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
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Vartak T, Giardini E, Kelly D, Moran B, Kennedy C, Barry M, Godson C, Brennan E. Induction of let-7d-5p miRNA modulates aortic smooth muscle inflammatory signaling and phenotypic switching. Atherosclerosis 2024:117573. [PMID: 38796407 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Activation of vascular smooth muscle cell inflammation is recognised as an important early driver of vascular disease. We have previously identified the let-7 miRNA family as important regulators of inflammation in in vitro and in vivo models of atherosclerosis. Here we investigated a dual statin/let-7d-5p miRNA combination therapy approach to target human aortic SMC (HAoSMC) activation and inflammation. METHODS In vitro studies using primary HAoSMCs were performed to investigate the effects of let-7d-5p miRNA overexpression and inhibition. HAoSMCs were treated with combinations of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and atorvastatin or lovastatin. HAoSMC Bulk RNA-seq transcriptomics of HAoSMCs revealed downstream regulatory networks modulated by let-7d-5p miRNA overexpression and statins. Proteome profiler cytokine array, Western blotting and quantitative PCR analyses were performed on HAoSMCs to validate key findings. RESULTS Let-7d-5p overexpression significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of IL-6, ICAM1, VCAM1, CCL2, CD68, MYOCD gene expression in HAoSMCs (p<0.05). Statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin) significantly attenuated inflammatory gene expression and upregulated Let-7d levels in HAoSMCs (p<0.05). Bulk RNA-seq analysis of a dual Let-7d-5p overexpression/statin therapy in HAoSMCs revealed that let-7d-5p activation and statins converge on key inflammatory pathways (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ). Let-7d-5p overexpression led to reduced expression of the ox-LDL receptor OLR1, and this was associated with lower ox-LDL uptake in HAoSMCs. In silico analysis of smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching shows that overexpression of let-7d-5p in HAoSMCs maintains a contractile phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the Let-7 network alongside statins can modulate HAoSMC activation and attenuate key inflammatory pathway signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanwi Vartak
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Elena Giardini
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Daniel Kelly
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Bruce Moran
- St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciarán Kennedy
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Mary Barry
- Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Godson
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eoin Brennan
- Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute & UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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3
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Hartung F, Haimerl P, Schindela S, Mussack V, Kirchner B, Henkel FDR, Bernhardt U, Zissler UM, Santarella-Mellwig R, Pfaffl M, Schmidt-Weber CB, Chaker AM, Esser-von Bieren J. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs drive aberrant macrophage responses in NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease. Allergy 2024. [PMID: 38573073 DOI: 10.1111/all.16117] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, however, how EVs contribute to immune dysfunction and type 2 airway inflammation remains incompletely understood. We aimed to elucidate roles of airway EVs and their miRNA cargo in the pathogenesis of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), a severe type 2 inflammatory condition. METHODS EVs were isolated from induced sputum or supernatants of cultured nasal polyp or turbinate tissues of N-ERD patients or healthy controls by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized by particle tracking, electron microscopy and miRNA sequencing. Functional effects of EV miRNAs on gene expression and mediator release by human macrophages or normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBEs) were studied by RNA sequencing, LC-MS/MS and multiplex cytokine assays. RESULTS EVs were highly abundant in secretions from the upper and lower airways of N-ERD patients. N-ERD airway EVs displayed profoundly altered immunostimulatory capacities and miRNA profiles compared to airway EVs of healthy individuals. Airway EVs of N-ERD patients, but not of healthy individuals induced inflammatory cytokine (GM-CSF and IL-8) production by NHBEs. In macrophages, N-ERD airway EVs exhibited an impaired potential to induce cytokine and prostanoid production, while enhancing M2 macrophage activation. Let-7 family miRNAs were highly enriched in sputum EVs from N-ERD patients and mimicked suppressive effects of N-ERD EVs on macrophage activation. CONCLUSION Aberrant airway EV miRNA profiles may contribute to immune dysfunction and chronic type 2 inflammation in N-ERD. Let-7 family miRNAs represent targets for correcting aberrant macrophage activation and mediator responses in N-ERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hartung
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pascal Haimerl
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Schindela
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Mussack
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Fiona D R Henkel
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bernhardt
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Zissler
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Michael Pfaffl
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Carsten B Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Adam M Chaker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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4
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Li Y, Jiang C, Zhu W, Lu S, Yu H, Meng L. Exploring therapeutic targets for molecular therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Prog 2024; 107:368504241247402. [PMID: 38651330 PMCID: PMC11036936 DOI: 10.1177/00368504241247402] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by repeated alveolar epithelial damage leading to abnormal repair. The intercellular microenvironment is disturbed, leading to continuous activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, deposition of extracellular matrix, and ultimately fibrosis. Moreover, pulmonary fibrosis was also found as a COVID-19 complication. Currently, two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for clinical therapy worldwide. However, they can merely slow the disease's progression rather than rescue it. These two drugs have other limitations, such as lack of efficacy, adverse effects, and poor pharmacokinetics. Consequently, a growing number of molecular therapies have been actively developed. Treatment options for IPF are becoming increasingly available. This article reviews the research platform, including cell and animal models involved in molecular therapy studies of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as the promising therapeutic targets and their development progress during clinical trials. The former includes patient case/control studies, cell models, and animal models. The latter includes transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, lysophosphatidic acid, interleukin-13, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase family, and Janus kinases/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway. We mainly focused on the therapeutic targets that have not only entered clinical trials but were publicly published with their clinical outcomes. Moreover, this work provides an outlook on some promising targets for further validation of their possibilities to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Congshan Jiang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shemin Lu
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Yu
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liesu Meng
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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5
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Sobański D, Bogdał P, Staszkiewicz R, Sobańska M, Filipowicz M, Czepko RA, Strojny D, Grabarek BO. Evaluation of differences in expression pattern of three isoforms of the transforming growth factor beta in patients with lumbosacral stenosis. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:555-572. [PMID: 38695374 PMCID: PMC11135850 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2345484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigates molecular changes in the lumbosacral (L/S) spine's yellow ligamentum flavum during degenerative stenosis, focusing on the role of transforming growth factor beta 1-3 (TGF-β-1-3). Sixty patients with degenerative stenosis and sixty control participants underwent molecular analysis using real-time quantitative reverse transcription reaction technique (RTqPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis (IHC). At the mRNA level, study samples showed reduced expression of TGF-β-1 and TGF-β-3, while TGF-β-2 increased by only 4%. Conversely, at the protein level, the study group exhibited significantly higher concentrations of TGF-β-1, TGF-β-2, and TGF-β-3 compared to controls. On the other hand, at the protein level, a statistically significant higher concentration of TGF-β-1 was observed (2139.33 pg/mL ± 2593.72 pg/mL vs. 252.45 pg/mL ± 83.89 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), TGF-β-2 (3104.34 pg/mL ± 1192.74 pg/mL vs. 258.86 pg/mL ± 82.98 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), TGF-β-3 (512.75 pg/mL ± 107.36 pg/mL vs. 55.06 pg/mL ± 9.83 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) in yellow ligaments obtained from patients of the study group compared to control samples. The study did not establish a significant correlation between TGF-β-1-3 concentrations and pain severity. The findings suggest that molecular therapy aimed at restoring the normal expression pattern of TGF-β-1-3 could be a promising strategy for treating degenerative stenosis of the L/S spine. The study underscores the potential therapeutic significance of addressing molecular changes at the TGF-β isoforms level for better understanding and managing degenerative spinal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Sobański
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | - Paweł Bogdał
- Department of Orthopedic, Szpital Powiatowy w Zawierciu, Zawiercie, Poland
| | - Rafał Staszkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Michał Filipowicz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Adam Czepko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
| | - Damian Strojny
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
- Institute of Health Care, National Academy of Applied Sciences in Przemyśl, Przemyśl, Poland
- Department of Medical Science, New Medical Techniques Specialist Hospital of St. Family in Rudna Mała, Rzeszów, Poland
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Sun L, He X, Kong J, Yu H, Wang Y. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells exosomal miR-let-7 to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting ferroptosis by Sp3/HDAC2/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111316. [PMID: 38056200 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111316] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious, lifelong lung disease with high morbidity and high mortality. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) derived exosomes (MenSCs-Exo) emerge as an attractive tool for the treatment of acute lung injury and fibrosis-related diseases. However, more comprehensive mechanism over how MenSCs derived exosomes exhibits anti-pulmonary fibrosis needs to be elucidated. In this study, TGF-β was used to construct cell fibrosis model, and bleomycin (BLM) was applied to induce lung tissue fibrosis mice model. BLM- and TGF-β1-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, and lung epithelial cell apoptosis were alleviated by MenSCs-Exo treatment in vivo and in vitro. Besides, it was found that MenSCs-Exo delivered miR-let-7 into MLE-12 cells/lung epithelial cell and the reduction of miR-let-7 blocked the improvement produced by MenSCs-Exo. Mechanistically, miR-let-7 directly bound to Sp3 and negatively regulated its expression. Sp3 elevation promoted the expression of ferroptosis-related protein and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage markers via recruiting HDAC2, thereby inactivating keap1/Nrf2 signal cascade, which were confirmed in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice model under the combination therapy of the MenSCs-Exo and let-7 inhibitor. Collectively, MenSCs derived exosomes could transmit miR-let-7 into MLE-12 cells to inhibit the expression of Sp3, thereby weakening the recruitment effect of Sp3 on HDAC2, lifting the deacetylation restriction of HDAC2 on Nrf2, and enhancing the Nrf2 pathway. These changes further declined ferroptosis and delayed the pathological process of oxidative damage and lung epithelial cell apoptosis in PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Sun
- Department of Tuberculosis, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China; Department of Tuberculosis, Hangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou 310003, PR China
| | - Xinxin He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 311399, PR China
| | - Jiao Kong
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, PR China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Yunguang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, PR China.
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7
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Garman L, Pezant N, Dawkins BA, Rasmussen A, Levin AM, Rybicki BA, Iannuzzi MC, Bagavant H, Deshmukh US, Montgomery CG. Inclusivity in Research Matters: Variants in PVT1 Specific to Persons of African Descent Are Associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:106-109. [PMID: 37348127 PMCID: PMC10870883 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202210-1969le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Albert M Levin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Benjamin A Rybicki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Michael C Iannuzzi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Harini Bagavant
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
| | - Umesh S Deshmukh
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
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8
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Wang L, Zhao W, Xia C, Ma S, Li Z, Wang N, Ding L, Wang Y, Cheng L, Liu H, Yang J, Li Y, Rosas I, Yu G. TRIOBP modulates β-catenin signaling by regulation of miR-29b in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:13. [PMID: 38157020 PMCID: PMC10756874 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05080-4] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and devastating lung disease of unknown etiology, described as the result of multiple cycles of epithelial cell injury and fibroblast activation. Despite this impressive increase in understanding, a therapy that reverses this form of fibrosis remains elusive. In our previous study, we found that miR-29b has a therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis. However, its anti-fibrotic mechanism is not yet clear. Recently, our study identified that F-Actin Binding Protein (TRIOBP) is one of the target genes of miR-29b and found that deficiency of TRIOBP increases resistance to lung fibrosis in vivo. TRIOBP knockdown inhibited the proliferation of epithelial cells and attenuated the activation of fibroblasts. In addition, deficiency of Trio Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor (TRIO) in epithelial cells and fibroblasts decreases susceptibility to lung fibrosis. TRIOBP interacting with TRIO promoted abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk and modulated the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of β-catenin. We concluded that the miR-29b‒TRIOBP-TRIO-β-catenin axis might be a key anti-fibrotic axis in IPF to regulate lung regeneration and fibrosis, which may provide a promising treatment strategy for lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Wenyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Cong Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Shuaichen Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Ningdan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Linke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Yaxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Lianhui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Huibing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Juntang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Yajun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China
| | - Ivan Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis; Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, 46 Jianshe Road, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China.
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9
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Magri F, Napoli L, Ripolone M, Ciscato P, Moggio M, Corti S, Comi GP, Sciacco M, Zanotti S. The Profiling of 179 miRNA Expression in Serum from Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Patients and Healthy Controls. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17402. [PMID: 38139231 PMCID: PMC10743601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417402] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a group of genetically inherited neuromuscular diseases with a very variable clinical presentation and overlapping traits. Over the last few years there has been an increasing interest in the use of non-invasive circulating biomarkers to monitor disease progression and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic approaches. Our aim was to identify the miRNA signature with potential value for LGMD patient screening and stratification. Using miRCURY LNA miRNA qPCR Serum/Plasma Panel, we analyzed 179 miRNAs from 16 patients, divided in four pools based on their genetic diagnosis, and from healthy controls. The miRNAs analysis showed a total of 107 dysregulated miRNAs in LGMD patients when compared to the healthy controls. After filtering via skeletal tissue expression and gene/pathways target analysis, the number of dysregulated miRNAs drastically reduced. Six selected miRNAs-let-7f-5p (in LGMDR1), miR-20a-5p (in LGMDR2), miR-130b-5p, miR-378a-5p (both in LGMDR3), miR-376c-3p and miR-382-5p (both in LGMDR4)-whose expression was significantly lower compared to controls in the different LGMD pools, were further investigated. The bioinformatic analysis of the target genes in each selected miRNA revealed ECM-receptor interaction and TGF-beta signaling as the most involved pathways. The correlation analysis showed a good correlation of let-7f-5p with fibrosis and with the cross sectional area of type I and type II fibers, while miR-130b-5p showed a good correlation with the age of onset of the disease. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed how single miRNAs were able to discriminate a specific group of LGMD patients and how the combination of six miRNAs was able to discriminate LGMD patients from controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Magri
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Napoli
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Michela Ripolone
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Patrizia Ciscato
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Maurizio Moggio
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Sciacco
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Simona Zanotti
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy (M.M.)
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10
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Haroun RAH, Osman WH, Eessa AM. Prognostic significance of serum miR-18a-5p in severe COVID-19 Egyptian patients. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:114. [PMID: 37953403 PMCID: PMC10641059 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00565-y] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of miRNAs as well as characterization of miRNA-mRNA interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to understand their role in disease pathogenesis. Therefore the aim of the present study was to measure the expression levels of hsa-mir-18a-5p in the sera of severe COVID-19 Egyptian patients admitted to ICU to investigate its roles in the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19 disease. METHODS A total of 180 unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients were enrolled in our study. Besides the routine laboratory work, the expression level of hsa-mir-18a-5p was done using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RTqPCR) technique. Also, target genes of hsa-mir-18a-5p were explored by using online bioinformatics databases. RESULTS The expression level of hsa-mir-18a-5p decreased in nonsurvival severe COVID-19 patients (0.38 ± 0.26) when compared to the survival ones (0.84 ± 0.23). While as a prognostic tool for the prediction of bad prognosis and mortality among severe COVID-19 patients, our results showed that the serum hsa-mir-18a-5p expression level is a good sensitive and specific marker. By using bioinformatics tools, our results revealed that the decreased hsa-mir-18a-5p expression level may have a crucial role in COVID-19 pathogenesis and severity through decreased immunological responses (interpreted as lymphopenia) or increased inflammation (interpreted as increased serum levels of IL-6, CRP, LDH). CONCLUSION Taken together, the decreased expression level of hsa-mir-18a-5p could be a bad prognostic marker and therapeutic overexpression of hsa-mir-18a-5p could be a novel approach in the treatment of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Waleed H Osman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Eessa
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
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11
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Lu S. Are herbal sRNAs really novel precision medicines? SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2688-2691. [PMID: 37209249 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2249-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shanfa Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China.
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12
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Jia Z, Wang Y, Gao J, Zheng M, Wang P, Zu G. miR-379-5P INHIBITION ENHANCES INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL PROLIFERATION AND BARRIER FUNCTION RECOVERY AFTER ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION BY TARGETING EIF4G2. Shock 2023; 60:594-602. [PMID: 37646610 PMCID: PMC10581434 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002205] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gut barrier dysfunction caused by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with substantial death and morbidity. In this research, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating intestinal I/R injury was investigated. We used miRNA sequencing to analyze clinical ischemic and normal intestinal samples. Through bioinformatics analysis based on sequencing results, we found that upregulated miRNAs inhibited epithelial barrier function and cell proliferation, with miR-379-5p being the most significantly upregulated in the ischemic intestine. Further studies confirmed the role of miR-379-5p through experiments in the human ischemic intestine, the mouse I/R injury model in vivo , and cell hypoxia/reoxygenation models in vitro . Inhibiting miR-379-5p increased epithelial cell proliferation and improved barrier function after I/R injury. We also identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) as a downstream target gene of miR-379-5p through bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification. The findings suggest that inhibiting miR-379-5p could improve intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and barrier function by targeting EIF4G2. The goal of this study was to find a potential target for treating I/R injury in the intestine, as well as to prevent and mitigate the damage caused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiacheng Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingcan Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Puxu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guo Zu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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13
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Perrot CY, Karampitsakos T, Herazo-Maya JD. Monocytes and macrophages: emerging mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets in pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1046-C1057. [PMID: 37694283 PMCID: PMC10635664 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00302.2023] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis results from a plethora of abnormal pathogenetic events. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), inhalational, environmental, or occupational exposures in genetically and epigenetically predisposed individuals trigger recurrent cycles of alveolar epithelial cell injury, activation of coagulation pathways, chemoattraction, and differentiation of monocytes into monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages (Mo-AMs). When these events happen intermittently and repeatedly throughout the individual's life cycle, the wound repair process becomes aberrant leading to bronchiolization of distal air spaces, fibroblast accumulation, extracellular matrix deposition, and loss of the alveolar-capillary architecture. The role of immune dysregulation in IPF pathogenesis and progression has been underscored in the past mainly after the disappointing results of immunosuppressant use in IPF patients; however, recent reports highlighting the prognostic and mechanistic roles of monocytes and Mo-AMs revived the interest in immune dysregulation in IPF. In this review, we will discuss the role of these cells in the onset and progression of IPF, as well as potential targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Y Perrot
- Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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14
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Karampitsakos T, Juan-Guardela BM, Tzouvelekis A, Herazo-Maya JD. Precision medicine advances in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104766. [PMID: 37625268 PMCID: PMC10469771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a highly heterogeneous, unpredictable and ultimately lethal chronic lung disease. Over the last decade, two anti-fibrotic agents have been shown to slow disease progression, however, both drugs are administered uniformly with minimal consideration of disease severity and inter-individual molecular, genetic, and genomic differences. Advances in biological understanding of disease endotyping and the emergence of precision medicine have shown that "a one-size-fits-all approach" to the management of chronic lung diseases is no longer appropriate. While precision medicine approaches have revolutionized the management of other diseases such as lung cancer and asthma, the implementation of precision medicine in IPF clinical practice remains an unmet need despite several reports demonstrating a large number of diagnostic, prognostic and theragnostic biomarker candidates in IPF. This review article aims to summarize our current knowledge of precision medicine in IPF and highlight barriers to translate these research findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brenda M Juan-Guardela
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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15
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Chen Y, He Z, Zhao B, Zheng R. Downregulation of a potential therapeutic target NPAS2, regulated by p53, alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition via suppressing HES1. Cell Signal 2023:110795. [PMID: 37406788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110795] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease and a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells is induced in response to epithelial injury, which leads to the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the lung parenchyma and contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. NPAS2 (neuronal PAS domain protein 2) is significantly increased in the lung tissues of IPF patients according to microarray dataset GSE10667 and NPAS2 is downregulated in differentiated human pulmonary type 2 epithelial cells in vitro based on microarray dataset GSE3306 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In this study, we demonstrated that NPAS2 was increased in bleomycin (BLM)- induced fibrotic lungs in mice. Knockdown of NPAS2 inhibited EMT in primary mouse lung alveolar type 2 epithelial (pmATII) cells and human lung alveolar type 2 epithelial cell line A549 cells under BLM challenge in vitro. Moreover, the silence of NPAS2 alleviated the BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model. Mechanistically, NPAS2 promotes EMT through positively regulating hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1) expression. In this study, we present novel findings that have not been previously reported, emphasizing that p53 transcriptionally activates NPAS2 in ATII cells and overexpression of NPAS2 weakens the effects of TP53 knockdown on EMT of pmATII and A549 cells. Our results suggest NPAS2 is a novel target gene of p53 in regulating BLM-mediated EMT in ATII cells and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Zhong He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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16
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Xuan D, Du C, Zhao W, Zhou J, Dai S, Zhang T, Wu M, Tian J. Downregulation of β-Catenin Contributes to type II Alveolar Epithelial Stem Cell Resistance to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Lowing Lin28/let-7 Ratios in Fibrosis-Resistant Mice after Thoracic Irradiation. Radiat Res 2023; 200:32-47. [PMID: 37141224 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00165.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Transdifferentiation of type II alveolar cells (AECII) is a major cause for radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF). Cell differentiation phenotype is determined by Lin28 (undifferentiated marker) and let-7 (differentiated marker) in a see-saw-pattern. Therefore, differentiation phenotype can be extrapolated based on Lin28/let-7 ratio. Lin28 is activated by β-catenin. To the best of our knowledge this study was the first to use the single primary AECII freshly isolated from irradiated lungs of fibrosis-resistant C3H/HeNHsd strain to further confirm RILF mechanism by comparing its differences in AECII phenotype status/state and cell differentiation regulators to fibrosis-prone C57BL/6j mice. Results showed that radiation pneumonitis and fibrotic lesions were seen in C3H/HeNHsd and C57BL/6j mouse strains, respectively. mRNAs of E-cadherin, EpCAM, HOPX and proSP-C (epithelial phenotype biomarkers) were significantly downregulated in single primary AECII isolated from irradiated lungs of both strains. Unlike C57BL/6j, α-SMA and Vimentin (mesenchymal phenotype biomarkers) were not upregulated in single AECII from irradiated C3H/HeNHsd. Profibrotic molecules, TGF-β1 mRNA was upregulated and β-catenin was significantly downregulated in AECII after irradiation (both P < 0.01). In contrast, transcriptions for GSK-3β, TGF-β1 and β-catenin were enhanced in isolated single AECII from irradiated C57BL/6j (P < 0.01-P < 0.001). The Lin28/let-7 ratios were much lower in single primary AECII from C3H/HeNHsd after irradiation vs. C57BL/6j. In conclusion, AECII from irradiated C3H/HeNHsd did not undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lower ratios of Lin28/let-7 contributed to AECII relatively higher differentiated status, leading to increased susceptibility to radiation stress and a failure in transdifferentiation in the absence of β-catenin. Reducing β-catenin expression and the ratios of Lin28/let-7 may be a promising strategy to prevent radiation fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xuan
- Experimental Animal Platform, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chunyan Du
- Experimental Animal Platform, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wendi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shan Dai
- Experimental Animal Platform, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Center for Clinical Single-Cell Biomedicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengge Wu
- Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Animal experimental center of Central China Subcenter of National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jian Tian
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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17
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Ruan P, Todd JL, Zhao H, Liu Y, Vinisko R, Soellner JF, Schmid R, Kaner RJ, Luckhardt TR, Neely ML, Noth I, Porteous M, Raj R, Safdar Z, Strek ME, Hesslinger C, Palmer SM, Leonard TB, Salisbury ML. Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals novel idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis endotypes associated with disease progression. Respir Res 2023; 24:141. [PMID: 37344825 PMCID: PMC10283254 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the pulmonary interstitium and progressive functional decline. We hypothesized that integration of multi-omics data would identify clinically meaningful molecular endotypes of IPF. METHODS The IPF-PRO Registry is a prospective registry of patients with IPF. Proteomic and transcriptomic (including total RNA [toRNA] and microRNA [miRNA]) analyses were performed using blood collected at enrollment. Molecular data were integrated using Similarity Network Fusion, followed by unsupervised spectral clustering to identify molecular subtypes. Cox proportional hazards models tested the relationship between these subtypes and progression-free and transplant-free survival. The molecular subtypes were compared to risk groups based on a previously described 52-gene (toRNA expression) signature. Biological characteristics of the molecular subtypes were evaluated via linear regression differential expression and canonical pathways (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis [IPA]) over-representation analyses. RESULTS Among 232 subjects, two molecular subtypes were identified. Subtype 1 (n = 105, 45.3%) and Subtype 2 (n = 127, 54.7%) had similar distributions of age (70.1 +/- 8.1 vs. 69.3 +/- 7.6 years; p = 0.31) and sex (79.1% vs. 70.1% males, p = 0.16). Subtype 1 had more severe disease based on composite physiologic index (CPI) (55.8 vs. 51.2; p = 0.002). After adjusting for CPI and antifibrotic treatment at enrollment, subtype 1 experienced shorter progression-free survival (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.28,2.56; p = 0.0008) and similar transplant-free survival (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.87,1.96; p = 0.20) as subtype 2. There was little agreement in the distribution of subjects to the molecular subtypes and the risk groups based on 52-gene signature (kappa = 0.04, 95% CI= -0.08, 0.17), and the 52-gene signature risk groups were associated with differences in transplant-free but not progression-free survival. Based on heatmaps and differential expression analyses, proteins and miRNAs (but not toRNA) contributed to classification of subjects to the molecular subtypes. The IPA showed enrichment in pulmonary fibrosis-relevant pathways, including mTOR, VEGF, PDGF, and B-cell receptor signaling. CONCLUSIONS Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data from blood enabled identification of clinically meaningful molecular endotypes of IPF. If validated, these endotypes could facilitate identification of individuals likely to experience disease progression and enrichment of clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01915511.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifeng Ruan
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jamie L Todd
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Richard Vinisko
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | | | - Ramona Schmid
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Tracy R Luckhardt
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Megan L Neely
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Imre Noth
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mary Porteous
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rishi Raj
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Mary E Strek
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Scott M Palmer
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Margaret L Salisbury
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, 37232, Nashville, TN, USA.
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18
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Wang D, Deng B, Cheng L, Li J, Zhang J, Zhang X, Guo X, Yan T, Yue X, An Y, Zhang B, Yang W, Xie J, Wang R. A novel and low-toxic peptide DR3penA alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the MAPK/miR-23b-5p/AQP5 signaling axis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:722-738. [PMID: 36873181 PMCID: PMC9979266 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a pathological change caused by repeated injuries and repair dysfunction of the alveolar epithelium. Our previous study revealed that the residues Asn3 and Asn4 of peptide DR8 (DHNNPQIR-NH2) could be modified to improve stability and antifibrotic activity, and the unnatural hydrophobic amino acids α-(4-pentenyl)-Ala and d-Ala were considered in this study. DR3penA (DHα-(4-pentenyl)-ANPQIR-NH2) was verified to have a longer half-life in serum and to significantly inhibit oxidative damage, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, DR3penA has a dosage advantage over pirfenidone through the conversion of drug bioavailability under different routes of administration. A mechanistic study revealed that DR3penA increased the expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) by inhibiting the upregulation of miR-23b-5p and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, indicating that DR3penA may alleviate PF by regulating MAPK/miR-23b-5p/AQP5. Safety evaluation showed that DR3penA is a peptide drug without obvious toxicity or acute side effects and has significantly improved safety compared to DR8. Thus, our findings suggest that DR3penA, as a novel and low-toxic peptide, has the potential to be a leading compound for PF therapy, which provides a foundation for the development of peptide drugs for fibrosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bochuan Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jieru Li
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaomin Guo
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tiantian Yan
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xin Yue
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingying An
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bangzhi Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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19
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Su M, Liu J, Wu X, Chen X, Xiao Q, Jiang N. Construction of a TFs-miRNA-mRNA network related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:78. [PMID: 36819574 PMCID: PMC9929790 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background The transcription factors (TFs)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) network plays an important role in a variety of diseases. However, the relationship between the TFs-miRNA-mRNA network and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains unclear. Methods The GSE110147 and GSE53845 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to process differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), as well as Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The GSE13316 dataset was used to perform differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) analysis and TFs prediction. Finally, a TFs-miRNA-mRNA network related to IPF was constructed, and its function was evaluated by Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses. Also, 19 TFs in the network were verified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results Through our analysis, 53 DEMs and 2,630 DEGs were screened. The GSEA results suggested these genes were mainly related to protein digestion and absorption. The WGCNA results showed that these DEGs were divided into eight modules, and the GO and KEGG analyses results of blue module genes showed that these 86 blue module genes were mainly enriched in cilium assembly and cilium organization. Moreover, a TFs-miRNA-mRNA network comprising 25 TFs, 11 miRNAs, and 60 mRNAs was constructed. Ultimately, the functional enrichment analysis showed that the TFs-miRNA-mRNA network was mainly related to the cell cycle and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, experimental verification of the TFs showed that ARNTL, TRIM28, EZH2, BCOR, and ASXL1 were sufficiently up-regulated in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment groups, while BCL6, BHLHE40, FOXA1, and EGR1 were significantly down-regulated. Conclusions The novel TFs-miRNA-mRNA network that we constructed could provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of IPF. ARNTL, TRIM28, EZH2, BCOR, ASXL1, BCL6, BHLHE40, FOXA1, and EGR1 may play important roles in IPF and become effective biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhong Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junfang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiping Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Xiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Tirelli C, Pesenti C, Miozzo M, Mondoni M, Fontana L, Centanni S. The Genetic and Epigenetic Footprint in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis: A State-of-the-Art Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123107. [PMID: 36553114 PMCID: PMC9777399 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease of the lung with a largely unknown etiology and a poor prognosis. Intriguingly, forms of familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) have long been known and linked to specific genetic mutations. There is little evidence of the possible role of genetics in the etiology of sporadic IPF. We carried out a non-systematic, narrative literature review aimed at describing the main known genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of IPF and FPF. In this review, we highlighted the mutations in classical genes associated with FPF, including those encoding for telomerases (TERT, TERC, PARN, RTEL1), which are also found in about 10-20% of cases of sporadic IPF. In addition to the Mendelian forms, mutations in the genes encoding for the surfactant proteins (SFTPC, SFTPA1, SFTPA2, ABCA3) and polymorphisms of genes for the mucin MUC5B and the Toll-interacting protein TOLLIP are other pathways favoring the fibrogenesis that have been thoroughly explored. Moreover, great attention has been paid to the main epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA gene silencing) that are emerging to play a role in fibrogenesis. Finally, a gaze on the shared mechanisms between cancer and fibrogenesis, and future perspectives on the genetics of pulmonary fibrosis have been analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Tirelli
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Pesenti
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mondoni
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fontana
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Centanni
- Respiratory Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
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21
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Liu X, Geng Y, Liang J, Coelho AL, Yao C, Deng N, Wang Y, Dai K, Huang G, Xie T, Liu N, Rowan SC, Taghavifar F, Kulur V, Liu Z, Stripp BR, Hogaboam CM, Jiang D, Noble PW. HER2 drives lung fibrosis by activating a metastatic cancer signature in invasive lung fibroblasts. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20220126. [PMID: 35980387 PMCID: PMC9391950 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive tissue fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is characterized by excessive recruitment of fibroblasts to sites of tissue injury and unremitting extracellular matrix deposition associated with severe morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms that control progressive IPF have yet to be fully determined. Previous studies suggested that invasive fibroblasts drive disease progression in IPF. Here, we report profiling of invasive and noninvasive fibroblasts from IPF patients and healthy donors. Pathway analysis revealed that the activated signatures of the invasive fibroblasts, the top of which was ERBB2 (HER2), showed great similarities to those of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma cancer cells. Activation of HER2 in normal lung fibroblasts led to a more invasive genetic program and worsened fibroblast invasion and lung fibrosis, while antagonizing HER2 signaling blunted fibroblast invasion and ameliorated lung fibrosis. These findings suggest that HER2 signaling may be a key driver of fibroblast invasion and serve as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiurong Liang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ana Lucia Coelho
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Changfu Yao
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nan Deng
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center and Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Genomics Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kristy Dai
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Guanling Huang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ting Xie
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ningshan Liu
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Simon C. Rowan
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Forough Taghavifar
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Vrishika Kulur
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhenqiu Liu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center and Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Barry R. Stripp
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Cory M. Hogaboam
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Paul W. Noble
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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22
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Lepri G, Catalano M, Bellando-Randone S, Pillozzi S, Giommoni E, Giorgione R, Botteri C, Matucci-Cerinic M, Antonuzzo L, Guiducci S. Systemic Sclerosis Association with Malignancy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022; 63:398-416. [PMID: 36121543 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and cancer is well known from several decades suggesting common genetic and environmental risk factors involved in the development of both diseases. Immunosuppressive drugs widely used in SSc may increase the risk of cancer occurrence and different SSc clinical and serological features identify patients at major risk to develop malignancy. In this context, among serological features, presence of anti-RNA polymerase III and anti-topoisomerase I autoantibodies seems to increase cancer frequency in SSc patients (particularly lung and breast cancers). Lung fibrosis and a long standing SSc pulmonary involvement have been largely proposed as lung cancer risk factors, and the exposure to cyclophosphamide and an upper gastrointestinal involvement have been traditionally linked to bladder and oesophagus cancers, respectively. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors used for cancer therapy can induce immune-related adverse events, which are more frequent and severe in patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases such as SSc. The strong association between SSc and cancer occurrence steers clinicians to carefully survey SSc patients performing periodical malignancy screening. In the present review, the most relevant bilateral relationships between SSc and cancer will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Lepri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, AOUC & Scleroderma Unit, Florence, Italy.
| | - Martina Catalano
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, AOUC & Scleroderma Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Giommoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Botteri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, AOUC & Scleroderma Unit, Florence, Italy.,Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology, AOUC & Scleroderma Unit, Florence, Italy
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23
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Non-coding RNA in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11535-11546. [PMID: 36097114 PMCID: PMC9467421 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is the key feature of majority of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) as well as many patients with post-COVID-19. The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is a complex molecular process that involves myriad of cells, proteins, genes, and regulatory elements. The non-coding RNA mainly miRNA, circRNA, and lncRNA are among the key regulators of many protein coding genes and pathways that are involved in pulmonary fibrosis. Identification and molecular mechanisms, by which these non-coding RNA molecules work, are crucial to understand the molecular basis of the disease. Additionally, elucidation of molecular mechanism could also help in deciphering a potential diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as therapeutic targets for IIPs and post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we have provided the latest findings and discussed the role of these regulatory elements in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis associated with Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia and Covid-19.
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24
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Yang Y, Liu Y, Chai Y, Liu K, Hu W, Zhao K, Zhu Y, Gao P, Huang Q, Zhang C. Exosomes in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927653. [PMID: 36091791 PMCID: PMC9453030 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927653] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a group of interstitial lung diseases that seriously endanger human life and health. Despite the current advances in research on the pathogenesis and treatment of PF, the overall quality of survival and survival rates of PF patients remain low, prompting the search for more effective therapeutic approaches. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles with diameters ranging from approximately 30–150 nm, capable of transporting a variety of molecules in the body and mediating intercellular communication. There is an increasing number of studies focusing on the role of exosomes in PF. This review demonstrates the significance of exosomes in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of PF. Exosomes are able to influence inflammatory, immune, and extracellular matrix deposition processes in PF and regulate the corresponding cytokines. Some exosomes detected in sputum, blood, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PF. Exosomes derived from several cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, have demonstrated potential as PF therapeutic agents. Drug delivery systems using exosomes may also provide new insights into PF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Keni Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiyang Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
| | - Qingsong Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
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25
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Herrera JA, Dingle L, Montero MA, Venkateswaran RV, Blaikley JF, Lawless C, Schwartz MA. The UIP/IPF fibroblastic focus is a collagen biosynthesis factory embedded in a distinct extracellular matrix. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e156115. [PMID: 35852874 PMCID: PMC9462507 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.156115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a histological pattern characteristic of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The UIP pattern is patchy with histologically normal lung adjacent to dense fibrotic tissue. At this interface, fibroblastic foci (FF) are present and are sites where myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulate. Utilizing laser capture microdissection-coupled mass spectrometry, we interrogated the FF, adjacent mature scar, and adjacent alveoli in 6 fibrotic (UIP/IPF) specimens plus 6 nonfibrotic alveolar specimens as controls. The data were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis and histologically validated. We found that the fibrotic alveoli protein signature is defined by immune deregulation as the strongest category. The fibrotic mature scar classified as end-stage fibrosis whereas the FF contained an overabundance of a distinctive ECM compared with the nonfibrotic control. Furthermore, FF were positive for both TGFB1 and TGFB3, whereas the aberrant basaloid cell lining of FF was predominantly positive for TGFB2. In conclusion, spatial proteomics demonstrated distinct protein compositions in the histologically defined regions of UIP/IPF tissue. These data revealed that FF are the main site of collagen biosynthesis and that the adjacent alveoli are abnormal. This essential information will inform future mechanistic studies on fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lewis Dingle
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - M. Angeles Montero
- Department of Histopathology, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rajamiyer V. Venkateswaran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Transplant, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Blaikley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Transplant, Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin A. Schwartz
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research and
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center and
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiology) and Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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26
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Abstract
Mechanical variables such as stiffness, stress, strain, and fluid shear stress are central to tissue functions, thus, must be maintained within the proper range. Mechanics are especially important in the cardiovascular system and lung, the functions of which are essentially mechanical. Mechanical homeostasis is characterized by negative feedback in which deviations from the optimal value or set point activates mechanisms to return the system to the correct range. In chronic diseases, homeostatic mechanisms are generally overcome or replaced with positive feedback loops that promote disease progression. Recent work has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential to mechanical homeostasis in a number of biological systems and that perturbations to miRNA biogenesis play key roles in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. In this review, we integrate current knowledge of miRNAs in mechanical homeostasis and how these mechanisms are altered in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Herrera
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center and Departments of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Cell Biology, and Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven 06511, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Singh S, Allwood BW, Chiyaka TL, Kleyhans L, Naidoo CC, Moodley S, Theron G, Segal LN. Immunologic and imaging signatures in post tuberculosis lung disease. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2022; 136:102244. [PMID: 36007338 PMCID: PMC10061373 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Post Tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD) affects millions of tuberculosis survivors and is a global health burden. The immune mechanisms that drive PTLD are complex and have historically been under investigated. Here, we discuss two immune-mediated paradigms that could drive human PTLD. We review the characteristics of a fibrotic granuloma that favors the development of PTLD via an abundance of T-helper-2 and T-regulatory cells and an upregulation of TGF-β mediated collagen deposition. Next, we discuss the post-primary tuberculosis paradigm and the complex mixture of caseous pneumonia, cavity formation and fibrosis that can also lead to PTLD. We review the delicate balance between cellular subsets and cytokines of the innate and adaptive immune system in conjunction with host-derived proteases that can perpetuate the parenchymal lung damage seen in PTLD. Next, we discuss the role of novel host directed therapies (HDT) to limit the development of PTLD and in particular, the recent repurposing of established medications such as statins, metformin and doxycycline. Finally, we review the emerging role of novel imaging techniques as a non-invasive modality for the early recognition of PTLD. While access to computed tomography imaging is unlikely to be available widely in countries with a high TB burden, its use in research settings can help phenotype PTLD. Due to a lack of disease-specific biomarkers and controlled clinical trials, there are currently no evidence-based recommendations for the management of PTLD. It is likely that an integrated antifibrotic strategy that could simultaneously target inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways will probably emerge as a successful way to treat this complex condition. In a disease spectrum as wide as PTLD, a single immunologic or radiographic marker may not be sufficient and a combination is more likely to be a successful surrogate that could aid in the development of successful HDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Singh
- NYU Langone Translational Lung Biology Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, MSB 594, New York, NY, USA.
| | - B W Allwood
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University & Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.
| | - T L Chiyaka
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - L Kleyhans
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - C C Naidoo
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - S Moodley
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - G Theron
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - L N Segal
- NYU Langone Translational Lung Biology Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, MSB 594, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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microRNA Expression Profile of Purified Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081420. [PMID: 36011331 PMCID: PMC9407429 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081420] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar type II (ATII) cells are essential for the maintenance of the alveolar homeostasis. However, knowledge of the expression of the miRNAs and miRNA-regulated networks which control homeostasis and coordinate diverse functions of murine ATII cells is limited. Therefore, we asked how miRNAs expressed in ATII cells might contribute to the regulation of signaling pathways. We purified “untouched by antibodies” ATII cells using a flow cytometric sorting method with a highly autofluorescent population of lung cells. TaqMan® miRNA low-density arrays were performed on sorted cells and intersected with miRNA profiles of ATII cells isolated according to a previously published protocol. Of 293 miRNAs expressed in both ATII preparations, 111 showed equal abundances. The target mRNAs of bona fide ATII miRNAs were used for pathway enrichment analysis. This analysis identified nine signaling pathways with known functions in fibrosis and/or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In particular, a subset of 19 miRNAs was found to target 21 components of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Three of these miRNAs (miR-16-5p, -17-5p and -30c-5p) were down-modulated by TGF-β1 stimulation in human A549 cells, and concomitant up-regulation of associated mRNA targets (BMPR2, JUN, RUNX2) was observed. These results suggest an important role for miRNAs in maintaining the homeostasis of the TGF-β signaling pathway in ATII cells under physiological conditions.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are anuclear particles composed of lipid bilayers that contain nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and organelles. EVs act as an important mediator of cell-to-cell communication by transmitting biological signals or components, including lipids, proteins, messenger RNAs, DNA, microRNAs, organelles, etc, to nearby or distant target cells to activate and regulate the function and phenotype of target cells. Under physiological conditions, EVs play an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the pulmonary milieu but they can also be involved in promoting the pathogenesis and progression of various respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and pulmonary artery hypertension. In addition, in multiple preclinical studies, EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (EVs) have shown promising therapeutic effects on reducing and repairing lung injuries. Furthermore, in recent years, researchers have explored different methods for modifying EVs or enhancing EVs-mediated drug delivery to produce more targeted and beneficial effects. This article will review the characteristics and biogenesis of EVs and their role in lung homeostasis and various acute and chronic lung diseases and the potential therapeutic application of EVs in the field of clinical medicine.
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Decoding microRNA drivers in Atherosclerosis. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231479. [PMID: 35758143 PMCID: PMC9289798 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 97% of the human genome consists of non-protein-coding sequences. As our understanding of genome regulation improves, this has led to the characterization of a diverse array of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA). Among these, micro-RNAs (miRNAs) belong to the short ncRNA class (22–25 nucleotides in length), with approximately 2500 miRNA genes encoded within the human genome. From a therapeutic perspective, there is interest in exploiting miRNA as biomarkers of disease progression and response to treatments, as well as miRNA mimics/repressors as novel medicines. miRNA have emerged as an important class of RNA master regulators with important roles identified in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory build-up, driven largely by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol accumulation within the artery wall and vascular injury, including endothelial dysfunction, leukocyte recruitment and vascular remodelling. Conventional therapy focuses on lifestyle interventions, blood pressure-lowering medications, high-intensity statin therapy and antiplatelet agents. However, a significant proportion of patients remain at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This continued cardiovascular risk is referred to as residual risk. Hence, a new drug class targeting atherosclerosis could synergise with existing therapies to optimise outcomes. Here, we review our current understanding of the role of ncRNA, with a focus on miRNA, in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, highlighting novel biological mechanisms and therapeutic avenues.
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Cadena-Suárez AR, Hernández-Hernández HA, Alvarado-Vásquez N, Rangel-Escareño C, Sommer B, Negrete-García MC. Role of MicroRNAs in Signaling Pathways Associated with the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Focus on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126613. [PMID: 35743055 PMCID: PMC9224458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease with high mortality and unclear etiology. Previous evidence supports that the origin of this disease is associated with epigenetic alterations, age, and environmental factors. IPF initiates with chronic epithelial lung injuries, followed by basal membrane destruction, which promotes the activation of myofibroblasts and excessive synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Due to miRNAs’ role as regulators of apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell interaction processes, some studies have involved miRNAs in the biogenesis and progression of IPF. In this context, the analysis and discussion of the probable association of miRNAs with the signaling pathways involved in the development of IPF would improve our knowledge of the associated molecular mechanisms, thereby facilitating its evaluation as a therapeutic target for this severe lung disease. In this work, the most recent publications evaluating the role of miRNAs as regulators or activators of signal pathways associated with the pathogenesis of IPF were analyzed. The search in Pubmed was made using the following terms: “miRNAs and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)”; “miRNAs and IPF and signaling pathways (SP)”; and “miRNAs and IPF and SP and IPF pathogenesis”. Additionally, we focus mainly on those works where the signaling pathways involved with EMT, fibroblast differentiation, and synthesis of ECM components were assessed. Finally, the importance and significance of miRNAs as potential therapeutic or diagnostic tools for the treatment of IPF are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ruth Cadena-Suárez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
| | - Hilda Arely Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
| | - Noé Alvarado-Vásquez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Claudia Rangel-Escareño
- Departamento de Genomica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Periférico Sur 4809, Col. Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City 14610, Mexico;
- Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Epigmenio González 500, San Pablo 76130, Mexico
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - María Cristina Negrete-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
- Correspondence:
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Korfei M, Mahavadi P, Guenther A. Targeting Histone Deacetylases in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Future Therapeutic Option. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101626. [PMID: 35626663 PMCID: PMC9139813 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease with limited therapeutic options, and there is a huge unmet need for new therapies. A growing body of evidence suggests that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family of transcriptional corepressors has emerged as crucial mediators of IPF pathogenesis. HDACs deacetylate histones and result in chromatin condensation and epigenetic repression of gene transcription. HDACs also catalyse the deacetylation of many non-histone proteins, including transcription factors, thus also leading to changes in the transcriptome and cellular signalling. Increased HDAC expression is associated with cell proliferation, cell growth and anti-apoptosis and is, thus, a salient feature of many cancers. In IPF, induction and abnormal upregulation of Class I and Class II HDAC enzymes in myofibroblast foci, as well as aberrant bronchiolar epithelium, is an eminent observation, whereas type-II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) of IPF lungs indicate a significant depletion of many HDACs. We thus suggest that the significant imbalance of HDAC activity in IPF lungs, with a “cancer-like” increase in fibroblastic and bronchial cells versus a lack in AECII, promotes and perpetuates fibrosis. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which Class I and Class II HDACs mediate fibrogenesis and on the mechanisms by which various HDAC inhibitors reverse the deregulated epigenetic responses in IPF, supporting HDAC inhibition as promising IPF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Korfei
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (P.M.); (A.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-9942425; Fax: +49-641-9942429
| | - Poornima Mahavadi
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (P.M.); (A.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Guenther
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (P.M.); (A.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Lung Clinic, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mittelhessen, D-35398 Giessen, Germany
- European IPF Registry and Biobank, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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Santos-Álvarez JC, Velázquez-Enríquez JM, García-Carrillo R, Rodríguez-Beas C, Ramírez-Hernández AA, Reyes-Jiménez E, González-García K, López-Martínez A, Pérez-Campos Mayoral L, Aguilar-Ruiz SR, Romero-Tlalolini MDLÁ, Torres-Aguilar H, Castro-Sánchez L, Arellanes-Robledo J, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Baltiérrez-Hoyos R. miRNAs Contained in Extracellular Vesicles Cargo Contribute to the Progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An In Vitro Aproach. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071112. [PMID: 35406675 PMCID: PMC8997737 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease. Lesions in the lung epithelium cause alterations in the microenvironment that promote fibroblast accumulation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The aim of this study was to characterize the differentially expressed miRNAs in the cargo of EVs obtained from the LL97 and LL29 fibroblast cell lines isolated from IPF lungs versus those derived from the CCD19 fibroblast cell line isolated from a healthy donors. We characterized EVs by ultracentrifugation, Western blotting, and dynamic light scattering. We identified miRNAs by small RNA-seq, a total of 1144 miRNAs, of which 1027 were known miRNAs; interestingly, 117 miRNAs were novel. Differential expression analysis showed that 77 miRNAs were upregulated and 68 were downregulated. In addition, pathway enrichment analyses from the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes identified several miRNA target genes in the categories, cell proliferation, regulation of apoptosis, pathways in cancer, and proteoglycans in cancer. Our data reveal that miRNAs contained in EVs cargo could be helpful as biomarkers for fibrogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovito Cesar Santos-Álvarez
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Rosendo García-Carrillo
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico;
| | | | - Alma Aurora Ramírez-Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Edilburga Reyes-Jiménez
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Karina González-García
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Armando López-Martínez
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | - Laura Pérez-Campos Mayoral
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Roberto Aguilar-Ruiz
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (J.C.S.-Á.); (J.M.V.-E.); (A.A.R.-H.); (E.R.-J.); (K.G.-G.); (A.L.-M.); (S.R.A.-R.)
| | | | - Honorio Torres-Aguilar
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico;
| | - Luis Castro-Sánchez
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, CONACYT-Universidad de Colima, Universidad de Colima, Colima 28045, Mexico;
| | | | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.R.-T.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Rafael Baltiérrez-Hoyos
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.R.-T.); (V.R.V.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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Sun W, Li Y, Ma D, Liu Y, Xu Q, Cheng D, Li G, Ni C. ALKBH5 promotes lung fibroblast activation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through miR-320a-3p and FOXM1. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:26. [PMID: 35279083 PMCID: PMC8917683 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant internal modification of RNA. Its critical functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes have been reported. However, the role of m6A in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a well-known m6A demethylase, is upregulated in the silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Here, we sought to investigate the function of ALKBH5 in pulmonary fibrosis triggered by silica inhalation. Methods We performed studies with fibroblast cell lines and silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis models. The expression of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assays (MeRIP), western bolt, immunofluorescence assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) fluorescence staining were performed to explore the roles of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and FOXM1 in fibroblast activation. Results ALKBH5 expression was increased in silica-inhaled mouse lung tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. Moreover, ALKBH5 knockdown exerted antifibrotic effects in vitro. Simultaneously, downregulation of ALKBH5 elevated miR-320a-3p but decreased pri-miR-320a-3p. Mechanically, ALKBH5 demethylated pri-miR-320a-3p, thus blocking the microprocessor protein DGCR8 from interacting with pri-miR-320a-3p and leading to mature process blockage of pri-miR-320a-3p. We further demonstrated that miR-320a-3p could regulate fibrosis by targeting FOXM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Notably, our study also verified that ALKBH5 could also directly regulate FOXM1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ALKBH5 promotes silica-induced lung fibrosis via the miR-320a-3p/FOXM1 axis or targeting FOXM1 directly. Approaches aimed at ALKBH5 may be efficacious in treating lung fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Sun
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dongyu Ma
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Demin Cheng
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Guanru Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Rackow AR, Judge JL, Woeller CF, Sime PJ, Kottmann RM. miR-338-3p blocks TGFβ-induced myofibroblast differentiation through the induction of PTEN. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L385-L400. [PMID: 34986654 PMCID: PMC8884407 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00251.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease. The pathogenesis of IPF is not completely understood. However, numerous genes are associated with the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, indicating there is a significant genetic component to the pathogenesis of IPF. Epigenetic influences on the development of human disease, including pulmonary fibrosis, remain to be fully elucidated. In this paper, we identify miR-338-3p as a microRNA severely downregulated in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in experimental models of pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment of primary human lung fibroblasts with miR-338-3p inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and matrix protein production. Published and proposed targets of miR-338-3p such as TGFβ receptor 1, MEK/ERK 1/2, Cdk4, and Cyclin D are also not responsible for the regulation of pulmonary fibroblast behavior by miR-338-3p. miR-338-3p inhibits myofibroblast differentiation by preventing TGFβ-mediated downregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a known antifibrotic mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Rackow
- 1Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, New York,2Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Collynn F. Woeller
- 2Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, New York,4Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- 5Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Robert M. Kottmann
- 1Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, New York,2Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, New York,6Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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MicroRNA let-7 and viral infections: focus on mechanisms of action. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:14. [PMID: 35164678 PMCID: PMC8853298 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are fundamental post-transcriptional modulators of several critical cellular processes, a number of which are involved in host defense mechanisms. In particular, miRNA let-7 functions as an essential regulator of the function and differentiation of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Let-7 is involved in several human diseases, including cancer and viral infections. Several viral infections have found ways to dysregulate the expression of miRNAs. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane-bound lipid structures released from many types of human cells that can transport proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs, including let-7. After their release, EVs are taken up by the recipient cells and their contents released into the cytoplasm. Let-7-loaded EVs have been suggested to affect cellular pathways and biological targets in the recipient cells, and can modulate viral replication, the host antiviral response, and the action of cancer-related viruses. In the present review, we summarize the available knowledge concerning the expression of let-7 family members, functions, target genes, and mechanistic involvement in viral pathogenesis and host defense. This may provide insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies to manage viral infections.
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Qiu J, Ma C, Dai W, Fang E, Li W, Yang F. Ghrelin attenuates transforming growth factor-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis via the miR-125a-5p/Kruppel-like factor 13 axis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 715:109082. [PMID: 34767797 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109082] [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: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe condition with limited therapeutic options and characterized by increased fibroblast activation and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone, has been reported to possess protective roles in lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the protective effects of ghrelin remain unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of ghrelin on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and the possible mechanism of action. It was found that ghrelin significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic responses in human lung fibroblast (IMR-90) cells and bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrotic lung tissues. Meanwhile, ghrelin decreased the expressions of miR-125a-5p and phosphorylated smad2/3 and increased protein expressions of Kruppel-like factor 13 (KLF13) in vivo and in vitro. Ghrelin-induced anti-fibrotic effects and smad2/3 downregulation in TGF-β1-stimulated IMR-90 cells were markedly reversed by miR-125a-5p mimics and KLF13 siRNA. Furthermore, miR-125a-5p directly targeted KLF13 in IMR-90 cells. Our findings suggest that ghrelin attenuates TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis via the miR-125a-5p/KLF13 axis, which supports ghrelin as a new therapeutic agent against pulmonary fibrosis by antagonizing the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qiu
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunlan Ma
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjing Dai
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Enrong Fang
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Wancheng Li
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Chengdu Medical College, No. 783, Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Geriatic Respiratory Diseases of Sichuan Higher Education Institutes, No. 278, Baoguang Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu , 610500, Sichuan, China.
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Elliot S, Catanuto P, Pereira-simon S, Xia X, Shahzeidi S, Roberts E, Ludlow J, Hamdan S, Daunert S, Parra J, Stone R, Pastar I, Tomic-Canic M, Glassberg MK. Urine-derived exosomes from individuals with IPF carry pro-fibrotic cargo. eLife 2022; 11:79543. [PMID: 36454035 PMCID: PMC9714968 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNA) and other components contained in extracellular vesicles may reflect the presence of a disease. Lung tissue, sputum, and sera of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) show alterations in miRNA expression. We designed this study to test whether urine and/or tissue derived exosomal miRNAs from individuals with IPF carry cargo that can promote fibrosis. METHODS Exosomes were isolated from urine (U-IPFexo), lung tissue myofibroblasts (MF-IPFexo), serum from individuals with IPF (n=16) and age/sex-matched controls without lung disease (n=10). We analyzed microRNA expression of isolated exosomes and their in vivo bio-distribution. We investigated the effect on ex vivo skin wound healing and in in vivo mouse lung models. RESULTS U-IPFexo or MF-IPFexo expressed miR-let-7d, miR-29a-5p, miR-181b-3p and miR-199a-3p consistent with previous reports of miRNA expression obtained from lung tissue/sera from patients with IPF. In vivo bio-distribution experiments detected bioluminescent exosomes in the lung of normal C57Bl6 mice within 5 min after intravenous infusion, followed by distribution to other organs irrespective of exosome source. Exosomes labeled with gold nanoparticles and imaged by transmission electron microscopy were visualized in alveolar epithelial type I and type II cells. Treatment of human and mouse lung punches obtained from control, non-fibrotic lungs with either U-IPFexo or MF-IPFexo produced a fibrotic phenotype. A fibrotic phenotype was also induced in a human ex vivo skin model and in in vivo lung models. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence of a systemic feature of IPF whereby exosomes contain pro-fibrotic miRNAs when obtained from a fibrotic source and interfere with response to tissue injury as measured in skin and lung models. FUNDING This work was supported in part by Lester and Sue Smith Foundation and The Samrick Family Foundation and NIH grants R21 AG060338 (SE and MKG), U01 DK119085 (IP, RS, MTC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Elliot
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
| | - Paola Catanuto
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
| | - Simone Pereira-simon
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
| | - Xiaomei Xia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | | | - Evan Roberts
- Cancer Modeling Shared Resource Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | | | - Suzana Hamdan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States,Dr. JT Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States,Dr. JT Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States,Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States
| | - Jennifer Parra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | - Rivka Stone
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | - Irena Pastar
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | - Marjana Tomic-Canic
- Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States
| | - Marilyn K Glassberg
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of MedicineMiamiUnited States,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, University of MiamiMiamiUnited States,Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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The role of microRNAs in COVID-19 with a focus on miR-200c. J Circ Biomark 2022; 11:14-23. [PMID: 35356072 PMCID: PMC8939267 DOI: 10.33393/jcb.2022.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Epigenetics is a quickly spreading scientific field, and the study of epigenetic regulation in various diseases such as infectious diseases is emerging. The microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) as one of the types of epigenetic processes bind to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and regulate their stability and/or translation. This study aims to evaluate non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a focus on miR-200c in COVID-19. In this review, we first define the epigenetics and miRNAs, and then the role of miRNAs in diseases focusing on lung diseases is explained. Finally, in this study, we will investigate the role and position of miRNAs with a focus on miR-200c in viral and severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) infections. Methods: Systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted for all relative papers from 2000 to 2021 with the limitations of the English language. Finally, we selected 128 articles which fit the best to our objective of study, among which 5 articles focused on the impact of miR-200c. Results: Due to the therapeutic results of various drugs in different races and populations, epigenetic processes, especially miRNAs, are important. The overall results showed that different types of miRNAs can be effective on the process of various lung diseases through different target pathways and genes. It is likely that amplified levels of miR-200c may lead to decreased angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) expression, which in turn may increase the potential of infection, inflammation, and the complications of coronavirus disease. Conclusion: miR-200c and its correlation with ACE2 can be used as early prognostic and diagnostic markers.
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Crovella S, Revelant A, Muraro E, Moura RR, Brandão L, Trovò M, Steffan A, Zacchi P, Zabucchi G, Minatel E, Borelli V. Biological Pathways Associated With the Development of Pulmonary Toxicities in Mesothelioma Patients Treated With Radical Hemithoracic Radiation Therapy: A Preliminary Study. Front Oncol 2021; 11:784081. [PMID: 35004305 PMCID: PMC8728021 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.784081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical hemithoracic radiotherapy (RHR), after lung-sparing surgery, has recently become a concrete therapeutic option for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an asbestos-related, highly aggressive tumor with increasing incidence and poor prognosis. Although the toxicity associated to this treatment has been reduced, it is still not negligible and must be considered when treating patients. Genetic factors appear to play a role determining radiotherapy toxicity. The aim of this study is the identification of biological pathways, retrieved through whole exome sequencing (WES), possibly associated to the development of lung adverse effects in MPM patients treated with RHR. The study included individuals with MPM, treated with lung-sparing surgery and chemotherapy, followed by RHR with curative intent, and followed up prospectively for development of pulmonary toxicity. Due to the strong impact of grade 3 pulmonary toxicities on the quality of life, compared with less serious adverse events, for genetic analyses, patients were divided into a none or tolerable pulmonary toxicity (NoSTox) group (grade ≤2) and a severe pulmonary toxicity (STox) group (grade = 3). Variant enrichment analysis allowed us to identify different pathway signatures characterizing NoSTox and Stox patients, allowing to formulate hypotheses on the protection from side effects derived from radiotherapy as well as factors predisposing to a worst response to the treatment. Our findings, being aware of the small number of patients analyzed, could be considered a starting point for the definition of a panel of pathways, possibly helpful in the management of MPM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alberto Revelant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Biomarker Unit, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ronald Rodrigues Moura
- Department of Advanced Diagnostics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health – Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucas Brandão
- Department of Advanced Diagnostics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health – Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Trovò
- Radiation Oncology Department, Udine Academic Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Biomarker Unit, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paola Zacchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Minatel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- *Correspondence: Violetta Borelli ,
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Dudala SS, Venkateswarulu TC, Kancharla SC, Kodali VP, Babu DJ. A review on importance of bioactive compounds of medicinal plants in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (special emphasis on isoquinoline alkaloids). FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease of unknown cause which disrupts the normal lung architecture and functions by deregulating immune responses and ultimately leads to the death of the individual. A number of factors can lead to its development and currently there is no cure for this disease.
Main text
There are synthetic drugs available to relieve the symptoms and decelerate its development by targeting pathways involved in the development of IPF, but there had also been various side effects detected by their usage. It is known since decades that medicinal plants and their compounds have been used all over the world in natural medicines to cure various diseases. This review article is focused on the effects of various natural bioactive compounds of 26 plant extracts that show prophylactic and therapeutic properties against the disease and so can be used in treating IPF replacing synthetic drugs and reducing the side effects.
Short conclusion
This review includes different mechanisms that cause pulmonary fibrosis along with compounds that can induce fibrosis, drugs used for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, diagnosis, the biochemical tests used for the experimental study to determine the pathogenesis of disease with a special note on Isoquinoline alkaloids and their role in reducing various factors leading to IPF thus providing promising therapeutic approach.
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Evaluation of microRNA expression in a sheep model for lung fibrosis. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:827. [PMID: 34789159 PMCID: PMC8596952 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibroproliferative disorder that has one of the poorest prognoses amongst interstitial lung diseases. Recently, the finding of aberrant expression levels of miRNAs in IPF patients has drawn significant attention to the involvement of these molecules in the pathogenesis of this disease. Clarification of the differential expression of miRNAs in health and disease may identify novel therapeutic strategies that can be employed in the future to combat IPF. This study evaluates the miRNA expression profiles in a sheep model for lung fibrosis and compares them to the miRNA profiles of both IPF patients and the mouse bleomycin model for pulmonary fibrosis. Pathway enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed miRNAs to illustrate which biological mechanisms were associated with lung fibrosis. RESULTS We discovered 49 differentially expressed miRNAs in the sheep fibrosis model, in which 32 miRNAs were significantly down regulated, while 17 miRNAs were significantly upregulated due to bleomycin-induced lung injury. Moreover, the miRNA families miR-29, miR-26, miR-30, let-7, miR-21, miR-19, miR-17 and miR-199 were aberrantly expressed in both sheep and mouse models, with similar differential miRNAs expression observed in IPF cases. Importantly, 18 miRNAs were aberrantly expressed in both the sheep model and IPF patients, but not in mice. CONCLUSION Together with pathway enrichment analyses, these results show that the sheep model can potentially be used to characterize previously unrecognized biological pathways associated with lung fibrosis.
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Zhang D, Zhuang R, Li J, Lv Y, Yang X, Pan W, Zhang X. MicroSPECT Imaging-Guided Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice with a Vimentin-Targeting 99mTc-Labeled N-Acetylglucosamine-Polyethyleneimine. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:4140-4147. [PMID: 34657437 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic disease with poor prognosis. Evidence has shown that vimentin is a key regulator of lung fibrogenesis. 99mTc-labeled N-acetylglucosamine-polyethyleneimine (NAG-PEI), a vimentin-targeting radiotracer, was used for the early diagnosis of IPF, and NAG-PEI was also used as a therapeutic small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery vector for the treatment of IPF in this study. Single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of bleomycin (BM)- and silica-induced IPF mice with 99mTc-labeled NAG-PEI was performed to visualize pulmonary fibrosis and monitor the treatment efficiency of siRNA-loaded NAG-PEI, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a tolerogenic adjuvant), or zymosan (ZYM, an immunostimulant). The lung uptakes of 99mTc-NAG-PEI in the BM- and silica-induced IPF mice were clearly and directly correlated with IPF progression. The lung uptake of 99mTc-NAG-PEI in the NAG-PEI/TGF-β1-siRNA treatment group or LPS treatment group was evidently lower than that in the control group, while the lung uptake of 99mTc-NAG-PEI was significantly higher in the ZYM treatment group compared to that in the control group. These results demonstrate that NAG-PEI is a potent MicroSPECT imaging-guided theranostic platform for IPF diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang 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.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, 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
| | - Jindian Li
- 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
| | - Yuting Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weimin Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - 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
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Pacurari M, Mitra A, Turner T. Idiopathic Pulmonary Comorbidities and Mechanisms. Int J Inflam 2021; 2021:3963659. [PMID: 34691383 PMCID: PMC8528608 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3963659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with an unknown etiology mainly characterized by a progressive decline of lung function due to the scarring of the tissue deep in the lungs. The overall survival after diagnosis remains low between 3 and 5 years. IPF is a heterogeneous disease and much progress has been made in the past decade in understanding the disease mechanisms that contributed to the development of two new drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, which improved the therapeutic management of the disease. The understanding of the cofactors and comorbidities of IPF also contributed to improved management of the disease outcome. In the present review, we evaluate scientific evidence which indicates IPF as a risk factor for other diseases based on the complexity of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the disease development and of comorbidities. We conclude from the existing literature that while much progress has been made in understating the mechanisms involved in IPF development, further studies are still necessary to fully understand IPF pathogenesis which will contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for IPF management as well as other diseases for which IPF is a major risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricica Pacurari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Amal Mitra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Timothy Turner
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
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Konigsberg IR, Borie R, Walts AD, Cardwell J, Rojas M, Metzger F, Hauck SM, Fingerlin TE, Yang IV, Schwartz DA. Molecular Signatures of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 65:430-441. [PMID: 34038697 PMCID: PMC8525208 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0546oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular patterns and pathways in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been extensively investigated, but few studies have assimilated multiomic platforms to provide an integrative understanding of molecular patterns that are relevant in IPF. Herein, we combine the coding and noncoding transcriptomes, DNA methylomes, and proteomes from IPF and healthy lung tissue to identify molecules and pathways associated with this disease. RNA sequencing, Illumina MethylationEPIC array, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry proteomic data were collected on lung tissue from 24 subjects with IPF and 14 control subjects. Significant differential features were identified by using linear models adjusting for age and sex, inflation, and bias when appropriate. Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker Discovery Using a Latent Component Method for Omics Studies was used for integrative multiomic analysis. We identified 4,643 differentially expressed transcripts aligning to 3,439 genes, 998 differentially abundant proteins, 2,500 differentially methylated regions, and 1,269 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were significant after correcting for multiple tests (false discovery rate < 0.05). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering using 20 coding mRNA, protein, methylation, and lncRNA features with the highest loadings on the top latent variable from the four data sets demonstrates perfect separation of IPF and control lungs. Our analysis confirmed previously validated molecules and pathways known to be dysregulated in disease and implicated novel molecular features as potential drivers and modifiers of disease. For example, 4 proteins, 18 differentially methylated regions, and 10 lncRNAs were found to have strong correlations (|r| > 0.8) with MMP7 (matrix metalloproteinase 7). Therefore, by using a system biology approach, we have identified novel molecular relationships in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain R. Konigsberg
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Raphael Borie
- Department of Medicine, Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Avram D. Walts
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jonathan Cardwell
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fabian Metzger
- Research Unit for Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; and
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit for Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; and
| | - Tasha E. Fingerlin
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine and Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Ivana V. Yang
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - David A. Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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Karampitsakos T, Papaioannou O, Katsaras M, Sampsonas F, Tzouvelekis A. Interstitial Lung Diseases and the Impact of Gender. Clin Chest Med 2021; 42:531-541. [PMID: 34353457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases encompass an amalgamated group of heterogeneous lung disorders, characterized by variable clinical and radiologic patterns. Despite an increase in our knowledge, pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases remains largely unknown. Experimental evidence on the role of sex hormones in lung development and epidemiologic associations of gender differences with interstitial lung diseases prevalence fueled studies investigating the role of gender and sex hormones in the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes experimental and clinical data for the impact of gender and sex hormones on interstitial lung diseases and highlights future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthaios Katsaras
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Greece
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Kadota T, Fujita Y, Araya J, Watanabe N, Fujimoto S, Kawamoto H, Minagawa S, Hara H, Ohtsuka T, Yamamoto Y, Kuwano K, Ochiya T. Human bronchial epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicle therapy for pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of TGF-β-WNT crosstalk. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12124. [PMID: 34377373 PMCID: PMC8329991 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by devastating and progressive lung parenchymal fibrosis, resulting in poor patient prognosis. An aberrant recapitulation of developmental lung gene expression, including genes for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and WNT, has been widely implicated in the pathogenic IPF wound healing process that results from repetitive alveolar epithelial injury. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to carry bioactive molecules and to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Here, we demonstrate that, by attenuating WNT signalling, human bronchial epithelial cell-derived EVs (HBEC EVs) inhibit TGF-β mediated induction of both myofibroblast differentiation and lung epithelial cellular senescence. This effect of HBEC EVs is more pronounced than that observed with mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs. Mechanistically, the HBEC EV microRNA (miRNA) cargo is primarily responsible for attenuating both myofibroblast differentiation and cellular senescence. This attenuation occurs via inhibition of canonical and non-canonical WNT signalling pathways. Among enriched miRNA species present in HBEC EVs, miR-16, miR-26a, miR-26b, miR-141, miR-148a, and miR-200a are mechanistically involved in reducing WNT5A and WNT10B expression in LFs, and in reducing WNT3A, WNT5A, and WNT10B expression in HBECs. Mouse models utilizing intratracheal administration of EVs demonstrate efficient attenuation of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis development accompanied by reduced expression of both β-catenin and markers of cellular senescence. These findings indicate that EVs derived from normal resident lung HBECs may possess anti-fibrotic properties. They further suggest that, via miRNA-mediated inhibition of TGF-β-WNT crosstalk, HBEC EVs administration can be a promising anti-fibrotic modality of treatment for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Kadota
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yu Fujita
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Department of Translational Research for ExosomesThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Jun Araya
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Naoaki Watanabe
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Division of Cellular SignalingNational Cancer Center Research InstituteTokyoJapan
| | - Shota Fujimoto
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hironori Kawamoto
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Shunsuke Minagawa
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hiromichi Hara
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Ohtsuka
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Division of Cellular SignalingNational Cancer Center Research InstituteTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuyoshi Kuwano
- Division of Respiratory DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineThe Jikei University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineInstitute of Medical ScienceTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
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Wajda A, Sivitskaya L, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Application of NGS Technology in Understanding the Pathology of Autoimmune Diseases. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3334. [PMID: 34362117 PMCID: PMC8348854 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NGS technologies have transformed clinical diagnostics and broadly used from neonatal emergencies to adult conditions where the diagnosis cannot be made based on clinical symptoms. Autoimmune diseases reveal complicate molecular background and traditional methods could not fully capture them. Certainly, NGS technologies meet the needs of modern exploratory research, diagnostic and pharmacotherapy. Therefore, the main purpose of this review was to briefly present the application of NGS technology used in recent years in the understanding of autoimmune diseases paying particular attention to autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The main issues are presented in four parts: (a) panels, whole-genome and -exome sequencing (WGS and WES) in diagnostic, (b) Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) as a diagnostic tool, (c) RNAseq, (d) microRNA and (f) microbiome. Although all these areas of research are extensive, it seems that epigenetic impact on the development of systemic autoimmune diseases will set trends for future studies on this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Larysa Sivitskaya
- Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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Shi XM, Bai YC, Gao YR, Bu N, Song HY, Huang LH, Zhao YH, Wang SH. Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed lncRNAs miRNAs and mRNA and Their ceRNA Network of Patients With Rare-Earth Pneumoconiosis. Front Genet 2021; 12:700398. [PMID: 34349786 PMCID: PMC8326912 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.700398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare-earth pneumoconiosis (REP) is the main occupational disease of rare earth exposed workers and there is no specific treatment. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing on the plasma of nine REP to describe and analyze the expression profiles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), micro RNA (miRNA) and mRNA and investigate their regulatory networks. Our results identified a total of 125 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 82 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the plasma of patients with REP. Furthermore, Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to analyze the differentially expressed non-coding RNAs (ncRNA). We found the differential expression of ncRNA are mainly related to the response of cells to stimulation, Hedgehog signaling pathway and so on. We also constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks to further explore their underlying mechanism and possible relationships in REP. We found that in the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, lncRNA acts as a sponge of miRNA to regulate the target gene. The expression results were verified by qRT-PCR and the protein interaction networks of differentially expressed genes were constructed via the STRING database. OncoLnc online platform was used to do the lung cancer survival analysis among the top five mRNA analyzed by Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. We found miR-16-2-3p may used as biomarker for REP, because it is closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of REP through inflammatory reaction and in lung squamous cell carcinoma, its expression levels were positively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yu-hang Zhao
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Su-hua Wang
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
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The Role of miRNAs in Extracellular Matrix Repair and Chronic Fibrotic Lung Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071706. [PMID: 34359876 PMCID: PMC8304879 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the normal architecture of the lung, from embryonic lung development to mechanical stability and elastic recoil of the breathing adult lung. The lung ECM can modulate the biophysical environment of cells through ECM stiffness, porosity, topography and insolubility. In a reciprocal interaction, lung ECM dynamics result from the synthesis, degradation and organization of ECM components by the surrounding structural and immune cells. Repeated lung injury and repair can trigger a vicious cycle of aberrant ECM protein deposition, accompanied by elevated ECM stiffness, which has a lasting effect on cell and tissue function. The processes governing the resolution of injury repair are regulated by several pathways; however, in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF) these processes are compromised, resulting in impaired cell function and ECM remodeling. Current estimates show that more than 60% of the human coding transcripts are regulated by miRNAs. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expressions and modulate cellular functions. This review is focused on the current knowledge of miRNAs in regulating ECM synthesis, degradation and topography by cells and their dysregulation in asthma, COPD and IPF.
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