1
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Tsukui T, Sheppard D. Stromal heterogeneity in the adult lung delineated by single-cell genomics. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2025; 328:C1964-C1972. [PMID: 40353369 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00285.2025] [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: 03/31/2025] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 05/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
Stromal cells in the lung provide structural support to other cells and play critical roles in inflammation, repair, and fibrosis after injury. Recent technological advancements in single-cell genomics have tremendously improved our knowledge of stromal heterogeneity in the lung. Stromal heterogeneity in single-cell RNA sequencing data is often conserved across different studies despite the different annotation strategies. Spatial analyses suggest that each stromal subset is characterized by unique anatomic locations in the adult lung. This review overviews the stromal heterogeneity delineated by single-cell RNA sequencing studies and highlights the functional characteristics and locations of each population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Tsukui
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
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2
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Lin Y, Chen J, Tan J, Yu Z, Pi R, Xiong J, Ding Y, Chen M, Bai X. Pericytes in the Pulmonary Microenvironment: Guardians or Adversaries? Lung 2025; 203:65. [PMID: 40448710 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-025-00820-8] [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: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 05/11/2025] [Indexed: 06/02/2025]
Abstract
Pericytes, specialized mural cells residing within the basement membrane of pulmonary microvessels, participate in various biological processes, including vascular homeostasis, immunomodulation, and tissue repair. However, these beneficial physiological roles can be detrimental under pathological conditions. Numerous pulmonary fibrosis models have demonstrated pericyte differentiation into scar-forming myofibroblasts, leading to collagen deposition and matrix remodeling, thereby contributing to tissue fibrosis. Similarly, pericytes play crucial roles in inflammatory diseases. This review aims to explore the dual roles of pericytes in the lung and the underlying mechanisms of their role conversion, providing insights for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiale Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihang Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruozheng Pi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Xiong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Minfeng Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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3
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Waxman S, Villafranca-Baughman D, Phillippi J, Jakobs TC, Alarcon-Martinez L, Di Polo A, Sigal IA. Pericytes in the Optic Nerve Head. Prog Retin Eye Res 2025:101375. [PMID: 40449651 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2025.101375] [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: 01/04/2025] [Revised: 05/28/2025] [Accepted: 05/29/2025] [Indexed: 06/03/2025]
Abstract
Pericytes are a unique population of contractile mural cells and an essential part of the microvasculature. In the retina and brain, pericytes play crucial roles in regulating blood flow, maintaining the blood-brain barrier, signaling with neighboring cells, and depositing extracellular matrix. Pericyte dysfunction is an early process in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. However, remarkably little is known about pericytes at an early site of neurodegeneration in glaucoma, the optic nerve head (ONH). This work summarizes the current understanding of pericyte contributions to ONH physiology, identifies potential roles in glaucomatous pathophysiology, and uncovers open questions at the intersection of these areas. We surveyed the literature to identify the roles of ONH pericytes in the context of health and glaucoma. Additionally, we probed for the presence of pericytes along microvasculature in mouse, nonhuman primate, and human donor ONH tissues. We identified an association between factors influencing ONH dysfunction in glaucoma and factors influencing pericyte dysfunction in other neurodegenerative conditions. Pericytes exist in the mouse, nonhuman primate, and human ONH, implicating their capacity for local function. ONH pericytes represent a promising but underexplored target for treating microvascular impairment in glaucoma. Investigating the contribution of pericytes in both healthy and disease states can help inform mechanisms of dysfunction in glaucomatous pathology, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC; Canada Neuroscience Division, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Phillippi
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Tatjana C Jakobs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC; Canada Neuroscience Division, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA.
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4
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Mellors PW, Lange AN, Casino Remondo B, Shestov M, Planer JD, Peterson AR, Ying Y, Zhou S, Christie JD, Diamond JM, Cantu E, Basil MC, Gill S. Shared roles of immune and stromal cells in the pathogenesis of human bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. JCI Insight 2025; 10:e176596. [PMID: 40232854 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176596] [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: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 04/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a progressive, fatal obstructive lung disease that occurs following lung transplant, where it is termed chronic lung allograft dysfunction BOS (CLAD-BOS), or as the primary manifestation of pulmonary chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD-BOS) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Disease pathogenesis is poorly understood; however, chronic alloreactivity is common to both conditions, suggesting a shared pathophysiology. We performed single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) on explanted human lungs from 4 patients with CLAD-BOS, 3 patients with cGVHD-BOS, and 3 deceased controls to identify cell types, genes, and pathways enriched in BOS to better understand disease mechanisms. In both forms of BOS, we found an expanded population of CD8+ tissue resident memory T cells (TRM), which was distinct to BOS compared with other chronic lung diseases. In addition, BOS samples expressed genes and pathways associated with macrophage chemotaxis and proliferation, including in nonimmune cell populations. We also identified dysfunctional stromal cells in BOS, characterized by pro- and antifibrotic gene programs. These data suggest substantial cellular and molecular overlap between CLAD- and cGVHD-BOS and, therefore, common pathways for possible therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Mellors
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies and
| | - Ana N Lange
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph D Planer
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew R Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yun Ying
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason D Christie
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
| | - Joshua M Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
| | - Edward Cantu
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria C Basil
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute and
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar Gill
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies and
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5
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Sun W, Dion E, Laredo F, Okonak A, Sepeda JA, Haykal E, Zhou M, El-Hodiri HM, Fischer AJ, Silver J, Peng J, Sas A, Tedeschi A. In vivo programming of adult pericytes aids axon regeneration by providing cellular bridges for SCI repair. Mol Ther 2025:S1525-0016(25)00294-1. [PMID: 40253585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.020] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2025] [Accepted: 04/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are contractile cells of the microcirculation that participate in wound healing after spinal cord injury (SCI). Thus far, the extent to which pericytes cause or contribute to axon growth and regeneration failure after SCI remains controversial. Here, we found that SCI leads to profound changes in vasculature architecture and pericyte coverage. We demonstrated that pericytes constrain sensory axons on their surface, causing detrimental structural and functional changes in adult dorsal root ganglion neurons that contribute to axon regeneration failure after SCI. Perhaps more excitingly, we discovered that in vivo programming of adult pericytes via local administration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) effectively promotes axon regeneration and recovery of hindlimb function by contributing to the formation of cellular bridges that span the lesion. Ultrastructural analysis showed that PDGF-BB induced fibronectin fibril alignment and extension, effectively converting adult pericytes into a permissive substrate for axon growth. In addition, PDGF-BB localized delivery positively affects the physical and chemical nature of the lesion environment, thereby creating more favorable conditions for SCI repair. Thus, therapeutic manipulation rather than wholesale ablation of pericytes can be exploited to prime axon regeneration and SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Elliot Dion
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Fabio Laredo
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2QL, UK
| | - Allyson Okonak
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jesse A Sepeda
- Department of Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Esraa Haykal
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Heithem M El-Hodiri
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Juan Peng
- Center for Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew Sas
- Department of Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrea Tedeschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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6
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Fang Y, Chung SSW, Xu L, Xue C, Liu X, Jiang D, Li R, Korogi Y, Yuan K, Saqi A, Hibshoosh H, Huang Y, Lin CS, Tsukui T, Sheppard D, Sun X, Que J. RUNX2 promotes fibrosis via an alveolar-to-pathological fibroblast transition. Nature 2025; 640:221-230. [PMID: 39910313 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
A hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis is the aberrant activation of lung fibroblasts into pathological fibroblasts that produce excessive extracellular matrix1-3. Thus, the identification of key regulators that promote the generation of pathological fibroblasts can inform the development of effective countermeasures against disease progression. Here we use two mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis to show that LEPR+ fibroblasts that arise during alveologenesis include SCUBE2+ alveolar fibroblasts as a major constituent. These alveolar fibroblasts in turn contribute substantially to CTHRC1+POSTN+ pathological fibroblasts. Genetic ablation of POSTN+ pathological fibroblasts attenuates fibrosis. Comprehensive analyses of scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data reveal that RUNX2 is a key regulator of the expression of fibrotic genes. Consistently, conditional deletion of Runx2 with LeprcreERT2 or Scube2creERT2 reduces the generation of pathological fibroblasts, extracellular matrix deposition and pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, LEPR+ cells that include SCUBE2+ alveolar fibroblasts are a key source of pathological fibroblasts, and targeting Runx2 provides a potential treatment option for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinshan Fang
- Columbia Center for Human Development and Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanny S W Chung
- Columbia Center for Human Development and Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chenyi Xue
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Medicine and Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rongbo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yohei Korogi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ke Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anjali Saqi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuefeng Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chyuan-Sheng Lin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Transgenic Mouse Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tatsuya Tsukui
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Jianwen Que
- Columbia Center for Human Development and Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Zhao T, Su Y. Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Myofibroblast Transformation in Pulmonary Fibrosis. JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2025; 2:10001. [PMID: 40190620 PMCID: PMC11970920 DOI: 10.70322/jrbtm.2025.10001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible, and fatal disease with an increasing incidence and limited therapeutic options. It is characterized by the formation and deposition of excess extracellular matrix proteins resulting in the gradual replacement of normal lung architecture by fibrous tissue. The cellular and molecular mechanism of IPF has not been fully understood. A hallmark in IPF is pulmonary fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation (FMT). During excessive lung repair upon exposure to harmful stimuli, lung fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts under stimulation of cytokines, chemokines, and vesicles from various cells. These mediators interact with lung fibroblasts, initiating multiple signaling cascades, such as TGFβ1, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, AMPK, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy, contributing to lung FMT. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomic analysis has revealed significant heterogeneity among lung myofibroblasts, which arise from various cell types and are adapted to the altered microenvironment during pathological lung repair. This review provides an overview of recent research on the origins of lung myofibroblasts and the molecular pathways driving their formation, with a focus on the interactions between lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages in the context of lung fibrosis. Based on these molecular insights, targeting the lung FMT could offer promising avenues for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yunchao Su
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Research Service, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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8
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Klouda T, Kim Y, Baek SH, Bhaumik M, Li Y, Liu Y, Wu JC, Raby BA, Perez VDJ, Yuan K. Specialized pericyte subtypes in the pulmonary capillaries. EMBO J 2025; 44:1074-1106. [PMID: 39806101 PMCID: PMC11833098 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are essential for capillary stability and homeostasis, with impaired pericyte function linked to diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension. Investigating pericyte biology has been challenging due to the lack of specific markers, making it difficult to distinguish pericytes from other stromal cells. Using bioinformatic analysis and RNAscope, we identified Higd1b as a unique gene marker for pericytes and subsequently generated a knock-in mouse line, Higd1b-CreERT2, that accurately labels pericytes in the lung and heart. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed two distinct Higd1b+ pericyte subtypes: while Type 1 pericytes support capillary homeostasis, Type 2 pericytes accumulate in arterioles, and co-express smooth muscle markers and higher levels of vimentin under hypoxic conditions. Lastly, healthy human lung pericytes with upregulation of vimentin exhibited increased adhesion, migration, and higher expression levels of the smooth muscle marker SM22 in vitro. These findings highlight the specialization of pulmonary pericytes and their contribution to vascular remodeling during hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Klouda
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yunhye Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seung-Han Baek
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mantu Bhaumik
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Benjamin A Raby
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vinicio de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary and Allergy Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Ke Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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9
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Alvarado-Vasquez N, Rangel-Escareño C, de Jesús Ramos-Abundis J, Becerril C, Negrete-García MC. The possible role of hypoxia-induced exosomes on the fibroblast metabolism in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 181:117680. [PMID: 39549361 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a high incidence and prevalence among patients over 65 years old. While its exact etiology remains unknown, several risk factors have recently been identified. Hypoxia is associated with IPF due to the abnormal architecture of lung parenchyma and the accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by activated fibroblasts. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication during both physiological and pathological processes, including hypoxic diseases like IPF. Recent findings suggest that a hypoxic microenvironment influences the content of exosomes in various diseases, thereby altering cellular metabolism. Although the role of exosomes in IPF is an emerging area of research, the significance of hypoxic exosomes as inducers of metabolic reprogramming in fibroblasts is still underexplored. In this study, we analyze and discuss the relationship between hypoxia, exosomal cargo, and the metabolic reprogramming of fibroblasts in the progression of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noé Alvarado-Vasquez
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine and Translational Research, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rangel-Escareño
- Computational Genomics, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, NL 64700, Mexico
| | | | - Carina Becerril
- Department of Research in Pulmonary Fibrosis, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - María Cristina Negrete-García
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Research in Pulmonary Fibrosis, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
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10
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Wang H, Sun K, Peng H, Wang Y, Zhang L. Emerging roles of noncoding RNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:443. [PMID: 39433746 PMCID: PMC11494106 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02170-5] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrotic lung disease with limited treatment options and efficacy. Evidence suggests that IPF arises from genetic, environmental, and aging-related factors. The pathogenic mechanisms of IPF primarily involve dysregulated repeated microinjuries to epithelial cells, abnormal fibroblast/myofibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, but thus far, the exact etiology remains unclear. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play regulatory roles in various biological processes and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple fibrotic diseases, including IPF. This review summarizes the roles of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of IPF and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science & Technology, Xianning, 437000, Hubei, China.
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11
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Auld SC, Sheshadri A, Alexander-Brett J, Aschner Y, Barczak AK, Basil MC, Cohen KA, Dela Cruz C, McGroder C, Restrepo MI, Ridge KM, Schnapp LM, Traber K, Wunderink RG, Zhang D, Ziady A, Attia EF, Carter J, Chalmers JD, Crothers K, Feldman C, Jones BE, Kaminski N, Keane J, Lewinsohn D, Metersky M, Mizgerd JP, Morris A, Ramirez J, Samarasinghe AE, Staitieh BS, Stek C, Sun J, Evans SE. Postinfectious Pulmonary Complications: Establishing Research Priorities to Advance the Field: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2024; 21:1219-1237. [PMID: 39051991 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202406-651st] [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: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Continued improvements in the treatment of pulmonary infections have paradoxically resulted in a growing challenge of individuals with postinfectious pulmonary complications (PIPCs). PIPCs have been long recognized after tuberculosis, but recent experiences such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have underscored the importance of PIPCs following other lower respiratory tract infections. Independent of the causative pathogen, most available studies of pulmonary infections focus on short-term outcomes rather than long-term morbidity among survivors. In this document, we establish a conceptual scope for PIPCs with discussion of globally significant pulmonary pathogens and an examination of how these pathogens can damage different components of the lung, resulting in a spectrum of PIPCs. We also review potential mechanisms for the transition from acute infection to PIPC, including the interplay between pathogen-mediated injury and aberrant host responses, which together result in PIPCs. Finally, we identify cross-cutting research priorities for the field to facilitate future studies to establish the incidence of PIPCs, define common mechanisms, identify therapeutic strategies, and ultimately reduce the burden of morbidity in survivors of pulmonary infections.
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12
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Zhao J, Yue P, Mi N, Li M, Fu W, Zhang X, Gao L, Bai M, Tian L, Jiang N, Lu Y, Ma H, Dong C, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhang J, Ren Y, Suzuki A, Wong PF, Tanaka K, Rerknimitr R, Junger HH, Cheung TT, Melloul E, Demartines N, Leung JW, Yao J, Yuan J, Lin Y, Schlitt HJ, Meng W. Biliary fibrosis is an important but neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:326-365. [PMID: 39135601 PMCID: PMC11317084 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2024-0029] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis resulting from pathological repair secondary to recurrent or persistent tissue damage often leads to organ failure and mortality. Biliary fibrosis is a crucial but easily neglected pathological feature in hepatobiliary disorders, which may promote the development and progression of benign and malignant biliary diseases through pathological healing mechanisms secondary to biliary tract injuries. Elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of biliary diseases. In this review, we emphasized the importance of biliary fibrosis in cholangiopathies and summarized the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and aberrant cellular composition involving the biliary ductules, cholangiocytes, immune system, fibroblasts, and the microbiome. We also focused on pivotal signaling pathways and offered insights into ongoing clinical trials and proposing a strategic approach for managing biliary fibrosis-related cholangiopathies. This review will offer a comprehensive perspective on biliary fibrosis and provide an important reference for future mechanism research and innovative therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ping Yue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningning Mi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Matu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenkang Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xianzhuo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Mingzhen Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Liang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ningzu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yawen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haidong Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hengwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinduo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanxian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Azumi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hamamatsu Medical Center, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Peng F. Wong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Kiyohito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rungsun Rerknimitr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, Thailand
- Excellence Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Henrik H. Junger
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tan T. Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmanuel Melloul
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demartines
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joseph W. Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC Davis Medical Center and Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinqiu Yuan
- Clinical Research Center, Big Data Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wenbo Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Mierzejewski B, Różycka J, Stremińska W, Brągiel-Pieczonka A, Sidor K, Hoser G, Bartoszewicz Z, Gewartowska M, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Ciemerych MA, Brzóska E, Skirecki T. The Role of Pericytes in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Murine Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1443-1457. [PMID: 38705380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome that is most commonly triggered by infection-related inflammation. Lung pericytes can respond to infection and act as immune and proangiogenic cells; moreover, these cells can differentiate into myofibroblasts in nonresolving ARDS and contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we aimed to characterize the role of lung cells, which present characteristics of pericytes, such as peri-endothelial location and expression of a panel of specific markers. A murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced resolving ARDS was used to study their role in ARDS. The development of ARDS was confirmed after LPS instillation, which was resolved 14 days after onset. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed early expansion of neural-glial antigen 2+ β-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor+ pericytes in murine lungs with loss of CD31+ β-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor+ endothelial cells. These changes were accompanied by specific changes in lung structure and loss of vascular integrity. On day 14 after ARDS onset, the composition of pericytes and endothelial cells returned to baseline values. LPS-induced ARDS activated NOTCH signaling in lung pericytes, the inhibition of which during LPS stimulation reduced the expression of its downstream target genes, pericyte markers, and angiogenic factors. Together, these data indicate that lung pericytes in response to inflammatory injury activate NOTCH signaling that supports their maintenance and in turn can contribute to recovery of the microvascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Mierzejewski
- Department of Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Różycka
- Department of Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Aneta Brągiel-Pieczonka
- Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Sidor
- Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Hoser
- Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Bartoszewicz
- Department of Internal Diseases and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gewartowska
- Electron Microscopy Research Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Maria A Ciemerych
- Department of Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Brzóska
- Department of Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skirecki
- Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland.
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14
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Xue W, Wang J, Hou Y, Wu D, Wang H, Jia Q, Jiang Q, Wang Y, Song C, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Tian L. Lung decellularized matrix-derived 3D spheroids: Exploring silicosis through the impact of the Nrf2/Bax pathway on myofibroblast dynamics. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33585. [PMID: 39040273 PMCID: PMC11261893 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33585] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is an occupational respiratory disease caused by long-term inhalation of high concentrations of free silica particles. Studies suggest that oxidative stress is a crucial initiator of silicosis fibrosis, and previous studies have linked the antioxidative stress transcription factor known as Nrf2 to fibrosis antagonism. Myofibroblasts play a pivotal role in tissue damage repair due to oxidative stress. Unlike physiological repair, myofibroblasts in fibrosis exhibit an apoptosis-resistant phenotype, continuously synthesising and secreting significant amounts of collagen and other extracellular matrices, which could be a direct cause of silicosis fibrosis. However, the relationship and mechanism of action between oxidative stress and myofibroblast apoptosis resistance remain unclear. In this study, a new 3D cell culture model using mice lung decellularised matrix particles and fibroblasts was developed, simulating the changes in myofibroblasts during the development of silicotic nodules. Western Blot results indicate that silica stimulation leads to increased collagen deposition and decreased apoptosis-related protein Bax and oxidative stress-related protein Nrf2 in the 3D spheroid model. Immunofluorescence experiments reveal co-localisation in their expression. In Nrf2 overexpressing spheroids, Bax exhibits significant upregulation. In the Nrf2 knockout spheroids, Bax is also significantly downregulated; after intervention with Bax inhibitors, a significant downregulation of Bax-induced apoptosis was also detected in the Nrf2-overexpressed spheroids. In contrast, Bax-induced apoptosis showed a significant upregulation trend in Nrf2-overexpressed spheroids after intervention with Bax agonists. The results demonstrate that the spheroid model can mimic the development process of silicotic nodules, and silica stimulation leads to an apoptosis-resistant phenotype in myofibroblasts in the model, acting through the Nrf2/Bax pathway. This research establishes a new methodology for silicosis study, identifies therapeutic targets for silicosis, and opens new avenues for studying the mechanisms of silicosis fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Xue
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yao Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qiyue Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chenzhao Song
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Experimental Teaching Center of Public Heatlh and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Zhonghui Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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15
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Renaud L, Wilson CL, Lafyatis R, Schnapp LM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Transcriptomic characterization of lung pericytes in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis. iScience 2024; 27:110010. [PMID: 38868196 PMCID: PMC11167435 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin and internal organs, including the lung. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death in SSc patients. Pericytes are key regulators of vascular integrity and endothelial function. The role that pericytes play in SSc-PF remains unclear. We compared the transcriptome of pericytes from SSc-PF lungs (SScL) to pericytes from normal lungs (NORML). We identified 1,179 differentially expressed genes in SScL pericytes. Pathways enriched in SScL pericytes included prostaglandin, PI3K-AKT, calcium, and vascular remodeling signaling. Decreased cyclic AMP production and altered phosphorylation of AKT in response to prostaglandin E2 in SScL pericytes demonstrate the functional consequence of changes in the prostaglandin pathway that may contribute to fibrosis. The transcriptomic signature of SSc lung pericytes suggests that they promote vascular dysfunction and contribute to the loss of protection against lung inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carole L. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lynn M. Schnapp
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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16
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Yin Y, Koenitzer JR, Patra D, Dietmann S, Bayguinov P, Hagan AS, Ornitz DM. Identification of a myofibroblast differentiation program during neonatal lung development. Development 2024; 151:dev202659. [PMID: 38602479 PMCID: PMC11165721 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alveologenesis is the final stage of lung development in which the internal surface area of the lung is increased to facilitate efficient gas exchange in the mature organism. The first phase of alveologenesis involves the formation of septal ridges (secondary septae) and the second phase involves thinning of the alveolar septa. Within secondary septa, mesenchymal cells include a transient population of alveolar myofibroblasts (MyoFBs) and a stable but poorly described population of lipid-rich cells that have been referred to as lipofibroblasts or matrix fibroblasts (MatFBs). Using a unique Fgf18CreER lineage trace mouse line, cell sorting, single-cell RNA sequencing and primary cell culture, we have identified multiple subtypes of mesenchymal cells in the neonatal lung, including an immature progenitor cell that gives rise to mature MyoFB. We also show that the endogenous and targeted ROSA26 locus serves as a sensitive reporter for MyoFB maturation. These studies identify a MyoFB differentiation program that is distinct from other mesenchymal cell types and increases the known repertoire of mesenchymal cell types in the neonatal lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Yin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Koenitzer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Debabrata Patra
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Peter Bayguinov
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrew S. Hagan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David M. Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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17
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Bermea KC, Duque C, Cohen CD, Bhalodia A, Rousseau S, Lovell J, Zita MD, Mugnier MR, Adamo L. Myocardial B cells have specific gene expression and predicted interactions in dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327372. [PMID: 38736889 PMCID: PMC11082303 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Growing evidence from animal models indicates that the myocardium hosts a population of B cells that play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy. However, there is minimal data on human myocardial B cells in the context of cardiomyopathy. Methods We integrated single-cell and single-nuclei datasets from 45 healthy human hearts, 70 hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 8 hearts with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Interactions between B cells and other cell types were investigated using the CellChat Package. Differential gene expression analysis comparing B cells across conditions was performed using DESeq2. Pathway analysis was performed using Ingenuity, KEGG, and GO pathways analysis. Results We identified 1,100 B cells, including naive B cells and plasma cells. Cells showed an extensive network of interactions within the healthy myocardium that included outgoing signaling to macrophages, T cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes, and incoming signaling from endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts. This niche relied on ECM-receptor, contact, and paracrine interactions; and changed significantly in the context of cardiomyopathy, displaying disease-specific features. Differential gene expression analysis showed that in the context of DCM both naive and plasma B cells upregulated several pathways related to immune activation, including upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, upregulation of leukocyte extravasation, and, in naive B cells, antigen presentation. Discussion The human myocardium contains naive B cells and plasma cells, integrated into a diverse and dynamic niche that has distinctive features in healthy, DCM, and ARVC. Naive myocardial-associated B cells likely contribute to the pathogenesis of human DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Bermea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carolina Duque
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Charles D. Cohen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aashik Bhalodia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sylvie Rousseau
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jana Lovell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marcelle Dina Zita
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Monica R. Mugnier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Luigi Adamo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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18
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Nikoloudaki G, Hamilton DW. Assessing the fate and contribution of Foxd1-expressing embryonic precursors and their progeny in palatal development, homeostasis and excisional repair. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4969. [PMID: 38424240 PMCID: PMC10904772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55486-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal tissues heal rapidly with minimal scarring, although palatal mucosa can be associated with excessive fibrosis in response to injury. Investigations on the balance between neovascularization and tissue repair suggests regulation of angiogenesis is an important determinant of repair versus scarring. Associated with pericyte mediated fibrosis in kidney injury, FoxD1 is implicated in growth centres during cranio-facial development, although which cell lineages are derived from these embryonic populations in development and in adult animals is unknown. Using a lineage tracing approach, we assessed the fate of embryonic Foxd1-expressing progenitor cells and their progeny in palatal development and during wound healing in adult mice. During palatal development as well as in post-natal tissues, Foxd1-lineage progeny were associated with the vasculature and the epineurium. Post-injury, de novo expression of FoxD1 was not detectable, although Foxd1-lineage progeny expanded while exhibiting low association with the fibroblast/myofibroblast markers PDGFα, PDGFβ, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, as well as the neuronal associated markers S100β and p75NTR. Foxd1-lineage progeny were primarily associated with CD146, CD31, and to a lesser extent CD105, remaining in close proximity to developing neovascular structures. Our findings demonstrate that FoxD1 derived cells are predominantly associated with the palatal vasculature and provide strong evidence that FoxD1 derived cells do not give rise to populations involved directly in the scarring of the palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Nikoloudaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Schulich Dentistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Douglas W Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Schulich Dentistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
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19
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Li Y, Fujishita T, Mishiro‐Sato E, Kojima Y, Niu Y, Taketo MM, Urano Y, Sakai T, Enomoto A, Nishida Y, Aoki M. TGF-β signaling promotes desmoid tumor formation via CSRP2 upregulation. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:401-411. [PMID: 38041233 PMCID: PMC10859603 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16037] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoid tumors (DTs), also called desmoid-type fibromatoses, are locally aggressive tumors of mesenchymal origin. In the present study, we developed a novel mouse model of DTs by inducing a local mutation in the Ctnnb1 gene, encoding β-catenin in PDGFRA-positive stromal cells, by subcutaneous injection of 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen. Tumors in this model resembled histologically clinical samples from DT patients and showed strong phosphorylation of nuclear SMAD2. Knockout of SMAD4 in the model significantly suppressed tumor growth. Proteomic analysis revealed that SMAD4 knockout reduced the level of Cysteine-and-Glycine-Rich Protein 2 (CSRP2) in DTs, and treatment of DT-derived cells with a TGF-β receptor inhibitor reduced CSRP2 RNA levels. Knockdown of CSRP2 in DT cells significantly suppressed their proliferation. These results indicate that the TGF-β/CSRP2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for DTs downstream of TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive SurgeryNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Teruaki Fujishita
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
| | - Emi Mishiro‐Sato
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
- Molecular Structure CenterInstitute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM), Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Yasushi Kojima
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
| | - Yanqing Niu
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
| | - Makoto Mark Taketo
- Colon Cancer ProjectKyoto University Hospital‐iACT, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Yuya Urano
- Department of PathologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Tomohisa Sakai
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of PathologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | | | - Masahiro Aoki
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
- Department of Cancer PhysiologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
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20
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Mayr CH, Sengupta A, Asgharpour S, Ansari M, Pestoni JC, Ogar P, Angelidis I, Liontos A, Rodriguez-Castillo JA, Lang NJ, Strunz M, Porras-Gonzalez D, Gerckens M, De Sadeleer LJ, Oehrle B, Viteri-Alvarez V, Fernandez IE, Tallquist M, Irmler M, Beckers J, Eickelberg O, Stoleriu GM, Behr J, Kneidinger N, Wuyts WA, Wasnick RM, Yildirim AÖ, Ahlbrecht K, Morty RE, Samakovlis C, Theis FJ, Burgstaller G, Schiller HB. Sfrp1 inhibits lung fibroblast invasion during transition to injury-induced myofibroblasts. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301326. [PMID: 38212077 PMCID: PMC10850614 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01326-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion is a major driver of tissue remodelling in organ fibrosis. Distinct lineages of fibroblasts support homeostatic tissue niche functions, yet their specific activation states and phenotypic trajectories during injury and repair have remained unclear. METHODS We combined spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed immunostainings, longitudinal single-cell RNA-sequencing and genetic lineage tracing to study fibroblast fates during mouse lung regeneration. Our findings were validated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient tissues in situ as well as in cell differentiation and invasion assays using patient lung fibroblasts. Cell differentiation and invasion assays established a function of SFRP1 in regulating human lung fibroblast invasion in response to transforming growth factor (TGF)β1. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We discovered a transitional fibroblast state characterised by high Sfrp1 expression, derived from both Tcf21-Cre lineage positive and negative cells. Sfrp1 + cells appeared early after injury in peribronchiolar, adventitial and alveolar locations and preceded the emergence of myofibroblasts. We identified lineage-specific paracrine signals and inferred converging transcriptional trajectories towards Sfrp1 + transitional fibroblasts and Cthrc1 + myofibroblasts. TGFβ1 downregulated SFRP1 in noninvasive transitional cells and induced their switch to an invasive CTHRC1+ myofibroblast identity. Finally, using loss-of-function studies we showed that SFRP1 modulates TGFβ1-induced fibroblast invasion and RHOA pathway activity. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the convergence of spatially and transcriptionally distinct fibroblast lineages into transcriptionally uniform myofibroblasts and identifies SFRP1 as a modulator of TGFβ1-driven fibroblast phenotypes in fibrogenesis. These findings are relevant in the context of therapeutic interventions that aim at limiting or reversing fibroblast foci formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph H Mayr
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- C.H. Mayr and A. Sengupta contributed equally to this work
| | - Arunima Sengupta
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- C.H. Mayr and A. Sengupta contributed equally to this work
| | - Sara Asgharpour
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Meshal Ansari
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeanine C Pestoni
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Ogar
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Ilias Angelidis
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Liontos
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Niklas J Lang
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Strunz
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Diana Porras-Gonzalez
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Gerckens
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M bioArchive, Munich, Germany
| | - Laurens J De Sadeleer
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bettina Oehrle
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Valeria Viteri-Alvarez
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Isis E Fernandez
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Michelle Tallquist
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gabriel Mircea Stoleriu
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M bioArchive, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Behr
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M bioArchive, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), CPC-M bioArchive, Munich, Germany
| | - Wim A Wuyts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department CHROMETA, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roxana Maria Wasnick
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Pneumology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Ahlbrecht
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Rory E Morty
- Department of Translational Pulmonology, University Hospital Heidelberg, and Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christos Samakovlis
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Burgstaller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- G. Burgstaller and H.B. Schiller contributed equally to this article as lead authors and supervised the work
| | - Herbert B Schiller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Pneumology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- G. Burgstaller and H.B. Schiller contributed equally to this article as lead authors and supervised the work
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21
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Escarrer-Garau G, Martín-Medina A, Truyols-Vives J, Gómez-Bellvert C, Elowsson L, Westergren-Thorsson G, Molina-Molina M, Mercader-Barceló J, Sala-Llinàs E. In Vivo and In Vitro Pro-Fibrotic Response of Lung-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:160. [PMID: 38247851 PMCID: PMC10814068 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSC) are thought to participate in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by differentiating into myofibroblasts. On the other hand, LR-MSC in IPF patients present senescence-related features. It is unclear how they respond to a profibrotic environment. Here, we investigated the profibrotic response of LR-MSC isolated from IPF and control (CON) patients. LR-MSC were inoculated in mice 48 h after bleomycin (BLM) instillation to analyze their contribution to lung damage. In vitro, LR-MSC were exposed to TGFβ. Mice inoculated with IPF LR-MSC exhibited worse maintenance of their body weight. The instillation of either IPF or CON LR-MSC sustained BLM-induced histological lung damage, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell count, and the expression of the myofibroblast marker, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs. In vitro, IPF LR-MSC displayed higher basal protein levels of aSMA and fibronectin than CON LR-MSC. However, the TGFβ response in the expression of TGFβ, aSMA, and ECM genes was attenuated in IPF LR-MSC. In conclusion, IPF LR-MSC have acquired myofibroblastic features, but their capacity to further respond to profibrotic stimuli seems to be attenuated. In an advanced stage of the disease, LR-MSC may participate in disease progression owing to their limited ability to repair epithelial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aina Martín-Medina
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
| | - Joan Truyols-Vives
- MolONE Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
| | | | - Linda Elowsson
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 08908 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Molina-Molina
- ILD Unit, Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Mercader-Barceló
- MolONE Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernest Sala-Llinàs
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Bermea KC, Duque C, Cohen CD, Bhalodia A, Rousseau S, Lovell J, Zita MD, Mugnier MR, Adamo L. Myocardial B cells have specific gene expression and predicted interactions in Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.21.558902. [PMID: 38293212 PMCID: PMC10827058 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Growing evidence from animal models indicates that the myocardium hosts a population of B cells that play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy. However, there is minimal data on human myocardial B cells in the context of cardiomyopathy. Methods We integrated single-cell and single-nuclei datasets from 45 healthy human hearts, 70 hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 8 hearts with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Interactions between B cells and other cell types were investigated using the CellChat Package. Differential gene expression analysis comparing B cells across conditions was performed using DESeq2. Pathway analysis was performed using Ingenuity, KEGG, and GO pathways analysis. Results We identified 1,100 B cells, including naive B cells and plasma cells. B cells showed an extensive network of interactions within the healthy myocardium that included outgoing signaling to macrophages, T cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes, and incoming signaling from endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts. This niche relied on ECM-receptor, contact, and paracrine interaction; and changed significantly in the context of cardiomyopathy, displaying disease-specific features. Differential gene expression analysis showed that in the context of DCM both naive and plasma B cells upregulated several pathways related to immune activation, including upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, upregulation of leukocyte extravasation, and, in naive B cells, antigen presentation. Discussion The human myocardium contains naive B cells and plasma cells, integrated into a diverse and dynamic niche that has distinctive features in healthy myocardium, DCM, and ARVC. Naive myocardial-associated B cells likely contribute to the pathogenesis of human DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Bermea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carolina Duque
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles D Cohen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aashik Bhalodia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sylvie Rousseau
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jana Lovell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marcelle Dina Zita
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Monica R Mugnier
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Luigi Adamo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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23
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Langner E, Cheng T, Kefaloyianni E, Gluck C, Wang B, Mahjoub MR. Cep120 is essential for kidney stromal progenitor cell growth and differentiation. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:428-454. [PMID: 38177914 PMCID: PMC10897188 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00019-z] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes that disrupt centrosome structure or function can cause congenital kidney developmental defects and lead to fibrocystic pathologies. Yet, it is unclear how defective centrosome biogenesis impacts renal progenitor cell physiology. Here, we examined the consequences of impaired centrosome duplication on kidney stromal progenitor cell growth, differentiation, and fate. Conditional deletion of the ciliopathy gene Cep120, which is essential for centrosome duplication, in the stromal mesenchyme resulted in reduced abundance of interstitial lineages including pericytes, fibroblasts and mesangial cells. These phenotypes were caused by a combination of delayed mitosis, activation of the mitotic surveillance pathway leading to apoptosis, and changes in both Wnt and Hedgehog signaling that are key for differentiation of stromal cells. Cep120 ablation resulted in small hypoplastic kidneys with medullary atrophy and delayed nephron maturation. Finally, Cep120 and centrosome loss in the interstitium sensitized kidneys of adult mice, causing rapid fibrosis after renal injury via enhanced TGF-β/Smad3-Gli2 signaling. Our study defines the cellular and developmental defects caused by loss of Cep120 and aberrant centrosome biogenesis in the embryonic kidney stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Langner
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology Division), Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tao Cheng
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology Division), Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eirini Kefaloyianni
- Department of Medicine (Rheumatology Division), Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles Gluck
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology Division), Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Baolin Wang
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moe R Mahjoub
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology Division), Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA.
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24
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Yin Y, Koenitzer JR, Patra D, Dietmann S, Bayguinov P, Hagan AS, Ornitz DM. Identification of a myofibroblast differentiation program during neonatal lung development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573370. [PMID: 38234814 PMCID: PMC10793446 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Alveologenesis is the final stage of lung development in which the internal surface area of the lung is increased to facilitate efficient gas exchange in the mature organism. The first phase of alveologenesis involves the formation of septal ridges (secondary septae) and the second phase involves thinning of the alveolar septa. Within secondary septa, mesenchymal cells include a transient population of alveolar myofibroblasts (MyoFB) and a stable but poorly described population of lipid rich cells that have been referred to as lipofibroblasts or matrix fibroblasts (MatFB). Using a unique Fgf18CreER lineage trace mouse line, cell sorting, single cell RNA sequencing, and primary cell culture, we have identified multiple subtypes of mesenchymal cells in the neonatal lung, including an immature progenitor cell that gives rise to mature MyoFB. We also show that the endogenous and targeted ROSA26 locus serves as a sensitive reporter for MyoFB maturation. These studies identify a myofibroblast differentiation program that is distinct form other mesenchymal cells types and increases the known repertoire of mesenchymal cell types in the neonatal lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Yin
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | | | - Debabrata Patra
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Peter Bayguinov
- Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Andrew S. Hagan
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - David M. Ornitz
- Departments of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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25
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Hou J, Yang Y, Han X. Machine Learning and Single-Cell Analysis Identify Molecular Features of IPF-Associated Fibroblast Subtypes and Their Implications on IPF Prognosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:94. [PMID: 38203265 PMCID: PMC10778894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010094] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease of unknown cause, and the involvement of fibroblasts in its pathogenesis is well recognized. However, a comprehensive understanding of fibroblasts' heterogeneity, their molecular characteristics, and their clinical relevance in IPF is lacking. In this study, we aimed to systematically classify fibroblast populations, uncover the molecular and biological features of fibroblast subtypes in fibrotic lung tissue, and establish an IPF-associated, fibroblast-related predictive model for IPF. Herein, a meticulous analysis of scRNA-seq data obtained from lung tissues of both normal and IPF patients was conducted to identify fibroblast subpopulations in fibrotic lung tissues. In addition, hdWGCNA was utilized to identify co-expressed gene modules associated with IPF-related fibroblasts. Furthermore, we explored the prognostic utility of signature genes for these IPF-related fibroblast subtypes using a machine learning-based approach. Two predominant fibroblast subpopulations, termed IPF-related fibroblasts, were identified in fibrotic lung tissues. Additionally, we identified co-expressed gene modules that are closely associated with IPF-fibroblasts by utilizing hdWGCNA. We identified gene signatures that hold promise as prognostic markers in IPF. Moreover, we constructed a predictive model specifically focused on IPF-fibroblasts which can be utilized to assess disease prognosis in IPF patients. These findings have the potential to improve disease prediction and facilitate targeted interventions for patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Canter of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | | | - Xin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Canter of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
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26
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Wan R, Wang L, Duan Y, Zhu M, Li W, Zhao M, Yuan H, Xu K, Li Z, Zhang X, Yu G. ADRB2 inhibition combined with antioxidant treatment alleviates lung fibrosis by attenuating TGFβ/SMAD signaling in lung fibroblasts. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:407. [PMID: 37923730 PMCID: PMC10624856 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options, which is characterized by aberrant myofibroblast activation and pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix, while the mechanism remains elusive. In the present investigation, we observed a reduction in ADRB2 expression within both IPF and bleomycin-induced fibrotic lung samples, as well as in fibroblasts treated with TGF-β1. ADRB2 inhibition blunted bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Blockage of the ADRB2 suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation. Conversely, the enhancement of ADRB2 expression or functionality proved capable of inducing fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Subsequent mechanistic investigation revealed that inhibition of ADRB2 suppressed the activation of SMAD2/3 in lung fibroblasts and increased phos-SMAD2/3 proteasome degradation, and vice versa. Finally, ADRB2 inhibition combined with antioxidants showed increased efficacy in the therapy of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. In short, these data indicate that ADRB2 is involved in lung fibroblast differentiation, and targeting ADRB2 could emerge as a promising and innovative therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Grants
- This work was supported by Ministry of Science and Technology, PR China, 2019YFE0119500, State Innovation Base for Pulmonary Fibrosis (111 Project), and Henan Project of Science and Technology, 212102310894, 222102310711, 232102310067, and 232102521025, Xinxiang Major Project 21ZD002.
- This work was supported by Henan Project of Science and Technology, 212102310894, 222102310711, 232102310067, and 232102521025, Xinxiang Major Project 21ZD002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyan Wan
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Yudi Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Mengxia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Hongmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Zhengzhou 101 Middle School, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan center for outstanding overseas scientists of pulmonary fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453007, China.
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27
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Cheng L, Yan H, Liu Y, Guan G, Cheng P. Dissecting multifunctional roles of forkhead box transcription factor D1 in cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188986. [PMID: 37716516 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the forkhead box (FOX) family of transcription factors (TF), FOXD1 has recently been implicated as a crucial regulator in a variety of human cancers. Accumulating evidence has established dysregulated and aberrant FOXD1 signaling as a prominent feature in cancer development and progression. However, there is a lack of systematic review on this topic. Here, we summarized the present understanding of FOXD1 functions in cancer biology and reviewed the downstream targets and upstream regulatory mechanisms of FOXD1 as well as the related signaling pathways within the context of current reports. We highlighted the functional features of FOXD1 in cancers to identify the future research consideration of this multifunctional transcription factor and potential therapeutic strategies targeting its oncogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haixu Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Gefei Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Peng Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Eriksson O, Velikyan I. Radiotracers for Imaging of Fibrosis: Advances during the Last Two Decades and Future Directions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1540. [PMID: 38004406 PMCID: PMC10674214 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111540] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis accompanies various pathologies, and there is thus an unmet medical need for non-invasive, sensitive, and quantitative methods for the assessment of fibrotic processes. Currently, needle biopsy with subsequent histological analysis is routinely used for the diagnosis along with morphological imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). However, none of these imaging techniques are sufficiently sensitive and accurate to detect minor changes in fibrosis. More importantly, they do not provide information on fibrotic activity on the molecular level, which is critical for fundamental understanding of the underlying biology and disease course. Molecular imaging technology using positron emission tomography (PET) offers the possibility of imaging not only physiological real-time activity, but also high-sensitivity and accurate quantification. This diagnostic tool is well established in oncology and has exhibited exponential development during the last two decades. However, PET diagnostics has only recently been widely applied in the area of fibrosis. This review presents the progress of development of radiopharmaceuticals for non-invasive detection of fibrotic processes, including the fibrotic scar itself, the deposition of new fibrotic components (fibrogenesis), or the degradation of existing fibrosis (fibrolysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olof Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Antaros Tracer AB, Dragarbrunnsgatan 46, 2 tr, 753 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irina Velikyan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Liu L, Zhang X, Zhang R, Wang L, Zhi S, Feng X, Liu X, Shen Y, Hao J. Sohlh2 promotes pulmonary fibrosis via repression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:698. [PMID: 37875506 PMCID: PMC10598036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance in the redox balance of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was considered as a causal factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The regulatory mechanisms of redox hemostasis in the development of pulmonary fibrosis remain largely unknown. Using a type II AEC-specific Sohlh2 conditional knock-in (CKI) mouse model, we found that Sohlh2, a basic HLH transcription factor, accelerated age-related pulmonary fibrosis. High-fat diet (HFD) resulted in a tremendous increase in lung inflammation and fibrotic changes in the lung tissues of Sohlh2 CKI mice. Sohlh2 overexpression led to a significant rise of intracellular ROS and apoptosis in the lung, mouse primary AECIIs, and human A549 cells, which was attenuated by ROS inhibitor (NAC). Sohlh2 enhanced oxidative stress via repressing p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway. p62, a direct target of Sohlh2, mediated Sohlh2 effects on ROS generation and apoptosis in A549 cells. Hence, our findings elucidate a pivotal mechanism underlying oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis, providing a framework for aging-related disorder interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ruihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Morphological Experimental Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Sujuan Zhi
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoning Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jing Hao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.
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Alex L, Tuleta I, Hernandez SC, Hanna A, Venugopal H, Astorkia M, Humeres C, Kubota A, Su K, Zheng D, Frangogiannis NG. Cardiac Pericytes Acquire a Fibrogenic Phenotype and Contribute to Vascular Maturation After Myocardial Infarction. Circulation 2023; 148:882-898. [PMID: 37350296 PMCID: PMC10527624 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pericytes have been implicated in tissue repair, remodeling, and fibrosis. Although the mammalian heart contains abundant pericytes, their fate and involvement in myocardial disease remains unknown. METHODS We used NG2Dsred;PDGFRαEGFP pericyte:fibroblast dual reporter mice and inducible NG2CreER mice to study the fate and phenotypic modulation of pericytes in myocardial infarction. The transcriptomic profile of pericyte-derived cells was studied using polymerase chain reaction arrays and single-cell RNA sequencing. The role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in regulation of pericyte phenotype was investigated in vivo using pericyte-specific TGF-β receptor 2 knockout mice and in vitro using cultured human placental pericytes. RESULTS In normal hearts, neuron/glial antigen 2 (NG2) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) identified distinct nonoverlapping populations of pericytes and fibroblasts, respectively. After infarction, a population of cells expressing both pericyte and fibroblast markers emerged. Lineage tracing demonstrated that in the infarcted region, a subpopulation of pericytes exhibited transient expression of fibroblast markers. Pericyte-derived cells accounted for ~4% of PDGFRα+ infarct fibroblasts during the proliferative phase of repair. Pericyte-derived fibroblasts were overactive, expressing higher levels of extracellular matrix genes, integrins, matricellular proteins, and growth factors, when compared with fibroblasts from other cellular sources. Another subset of pericytes contributed to infarct angiogenesis by forming a mural cell coat, stabilizing infarct neovessels. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that NG2 lineage cells diversify after infarction and exhibit increased expression of matrix genes, and a cluster with high expression of fibroblast identity markers emerges. Trajectory analysis suggested that diversification of infarct pericytes may be driven by proliferating cells. In vitro and in vivo studies identified TGF-β as a potentially causative mediator in fibrogenic activation of infarct pericytes. However, pericyte-specific TGF-β receptor 2 disruption had no significant effects on infarct myofibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition. Pericyte-specific TGF-β signaling was involved in vascular maturation, mediating formation of a mural cell coat investing infarct neovessels and protecting from dilative remodeling. CONCLUSIONS In the healing infarct, cardiac pericytes upregulate expression of fibrosis-associated genes, exhibiting matrix-synthetic and matrix-remodeling profiles. A fraction of infarct pericytes exhibits expression of fibroblast identity markers. Pericyte-specific TGF-β signaling plays a central role in maturation of the infarct vasculature and protects from adverse dilative remodeling, but it does not modulate fibrotic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Alex
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Izabela Tuleta
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Silvia C Hernandez
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Anis Hanna
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Harikrishnan Venugopal
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Maider Astorkia
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Claudio Humeres
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Akihiko Kubota
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Kai Su
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, USA
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31
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Zhang X, Shi X, Xie F, Liu Y, Wei X, Cai Y, Chao J. Dissecting pulmonary fibroblasts heterogeneity in lung development, health and diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19428. [PMID: 37674845 PMCID: PMC10477496 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19428] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung fibroblasts are the major components in the connective tissue of the pulmonary interstitium and play essential roles in the developing of postnatal lung, synthesizing the extracellular matrix and maintaining the integrity of the lung architecture. Fibroblasts are activated in various disease conditions and exhibit functional heterogeneities according to their origin, spatial location, activated state and microenvironment. In recent years, advances in technology have enabled researchers to identify fibroblast subpopulations in both mouse and human. Here, we discuss pulmonary fibroblast heterogeneity, focusing on the developing, healthy and pathological lung conditions. We firstly review the expression profiles of fibroblasts during lung development, and then consider fibroblast diversity according to different anatomical sites of lung architecture. Subsequently, we discuss fibroblast heterogeneity in genetic lineage. Finally, we focus on how fibroblast heterogeneity may shed light on different pathological lung conditions such as fibrotic diseases, infectious diseases including COVID-19, and lung cancers. We emphasize the importance of comparative studies to illuminate the overlapping characteristics, expression profiles and signaling pathways of the fibroblast subpopulations across disease conditions, a better characterization of the functional complexity rather than the expression of a particular gene may have important therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoni Shi
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Feiyan Xie
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Xinyan Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Singh P, Ali SN, Zaheer S, Singh M. Cellular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154691. [PMID: 37480596 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a large, heterogeneous group of several hundred generally rare pulmonary pathologies, which show injury, inflammation and/or scarring in the lung. Although the aetiology of these disorders remains largely unknown, various cellular mechanisms have an important role in pathogenesis of fibrosis on the background of occupational, environmental and genetic factors. We have tried to provide new insights into the interactions and cellular contributions, analysing the roles of various cells in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Singh
- Department of Pathology, VMMC, and Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Saba Naaz Ali
- Department of Pathology, VMMC, and Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, VMMC, and Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India.
| | - Mukul Singh
- Department of Pathology, VMMC, and Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India
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33
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Luu RJ, Hoefler BC, Gard AL, Ritenour CR, Rogers MT, Kim ES, Coppeta JR, Cain BP, Isenberg BC, Azizgolshani H, Fajardo-Ramirez OR, García-Cardeña G, Lech MP, Tomlinson L, Charest JL, Williams C. Fibroblast activation in response to TGFβ1 is modulated by co-culture with endothelial cells in a vascular organ-on-chip platform. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1160851. [PMID: 37577751 PMCID: PMC10421749 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1160851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Tissue fibrosis is a major healthcare burden that affects various organs in the body for which no effective treatments exist. An underlying, emerging theme across organs and tissue types at early stages of fibrosis is the activation of pericytes and/or fibroblasts in the perivascular space. In hepatic tissue, it is well known that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (EC) help maintain the quiescence of stellate cells, but whether this phenomenon holds true for other endothelial and perivascular cell types is not well studied. Methods: The goal of this work was to develop an organ-on-chip microvascular model to study the effect of EC co-culture on the activation of perivascular cells perturbed by the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ1. A high-throughput microfluidic platform, PREDICT96, that was capable of imparting physiologically relevant fluid shear stress on the cultured endothelium was utilized. Results: We first studied the activation response of several perivascular cell types and selected a cell source, human dermal fibroblasts, that exhibited medium-level activation in response to TGFβ1. We also demonstrated that the PREDICT96 high flow pump triggered changes in select shear-responsive factors in human EC. We then found that the activation response of fibroblasts was significantly blunted in co-culture with EC compared to fibroblast mono-cultures. Subsequent studies with conditioned media demonstrated that EC-secreted factors play at least a partial role in suppressing the activation response. A Luminex panel and single cell RNA-sequencing study provided additional insight into potential EC-derived factors that could influence fibroblast activation. Conclusion: Overall, our findings showed that EC can reduce myofibroblast activation of perivascular cells in response to TGFβ1. Further exploration of EC-derived factors as potential therapeutic targets in fibrosis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeccah J. Luu
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - B. Christopher Hoefler
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ashley L. Gard
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Miles T. Rogers
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ernest S. Kim
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan R. Coppeta
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Brian P. Cain
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Brett C. Isenberg
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Hesham Azizgolshani
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Oscar R. Fajardo-Ramirez
- Laboratory for Systems Mechanobiology, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guillermo García-Cardeña
- Laboratory for Systems Mechanobiology, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Joseph L. Charest
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Corin Williams
- Bioengineering Division, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
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Choi J, Son Y, Moon JW, Park DW, Kim YS, Oh J. Fusion Protein of RBP and Albumin Domain III Reduces Lung Fibrosis by Inactivating Lung Stellate Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2007. [PMID: 37509646 PMCID: PMC10377390 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072007] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated stellate cells play a role in fibrosis development in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. The fusion protein R-III, which consists of retinol-binding protein and albumin domain III, has been demonstrated to attenuate liver and renal fibrosis by suppressing stellate cell activation. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of R-III against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. R-III reduced lung fibrosis and primarily localized in autofluorescent cells in the lung tissue. Furthermore, we isolated lung stellate cells (LSCs) from rat lungs using the isolation protocol employed for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). LSCs shared many characteristics with HSCs, including the presence of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I, markers for activated HSCs/myofibroblasts. LSCs spontaneously transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, which was inhibited by R-III. These findings suggest that R-III may reduce lung fibrosis by inactivating LSCs and could be a promising treatment for extrahepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Choi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Son
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Wook Moon
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Won Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sik Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseo Oh
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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Frommer ML, Langridge BJ, Awad L, Jasionowska S, Denton CP, Abraham DJ, Abu-Hanna J, Butler PEM. Single-Cell Analysis of ADSC Interactions with Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in Scleroderma Skin. Cells 2023; 12:1784. [PMID: 37443817 PMCID: PMC10341100 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as part of autologous fat grafting have anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, but the exact mechanisms of action remain unknown. By simulating the interaction of ADSCs with fibroblasts and endothelial cells (EC) from scleroderma (SSc) skin in silico, we aim to unravel these mechanisms. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data from the stromal vascular fraction of 3 lean patients and biopsies from the skin of 10 control and 12 patients with SSc were obtained from the GEO and analysed using R and Seurat. Differentially expressed genes were used to compare the fibroblast and EC transcriptome between controls and SSc. GO and KEGG functional enrichment was performed. Ligand-receptor interactions of ADSCs with fibroblasts and ECs were explored with LIANA. Pro-inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM) interacting fibroblasts were identified in SSc. Arterial, capillary, venous and lymphatic ECs showed a pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory transcriptome. Most interactions with both cell types were based on ECM proteins. Differential interactions identified included NTN1, VEGFD, MMP2, FGF2, and FNDC5. The ADSC secretome may disrupt vascular and perivascular inflammation hubs in scleroderma by promoting angiogenesis and especially lymphangiogenesis. Key phenomena observed after fat grafting remain unexplained, including modulation of fibroblast behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin L. Frommer
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Langridge
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Laura Awad
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Sara Jasionowska
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Christopher P. Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - David J. Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Jeries Abu-Hanna
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Peter E. M. Butler
- Charles Wolfson Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK; (B.J.L.); (J.A.-H.); (P.E.M.B.)
- Department of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
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Fließer E, Lins T, Berg JL, Kolb M, Kwapiszewska G. The endothelium in lung fibrosis: a core signaling hub in disease pathogenesis? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C2-C16. [PMID: 37184232 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00097.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive chronic lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and structural destruction, associated with a severe 5-year mortality rate. The onset of the disease is thought to be triggered by chronic damage to the alveolar epithelium. Since the pulmonary endothelium is an important component of the alveolar-capillary niche, it is also affected by the initial injury. In addition to ensuring proper gas exchange, the endothelium has critical functional properties, including regulation of vascular tone, inflammatory responses, coagulation, and maintenance of vascular homeostasis and integrity. Recent single-cell analyses have shown that shifts in endothelial cell (EC) subtypes occur in PF. Furthermore, the increased vascular remodeling associated with PF leads to deteriorated outcomes for patients, underscoring the importance of the vascular bed in PF. To date, the causes and consequences of endothelial and vascular involvement in lung fibrosis are poorly understood. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the involvement of EC and the vascular system in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we will outline the current knowledge on the role of the pulmonary vasculature in PF, in terms of abnormal cellular interactions, hyperinflammation, vascular barrier disorders, and an altered basement membrane composition. Finally, we will summarize recent advances in extensive therapeutic research and discuss the significant value of novel therapies targeting the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Fließer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Lins
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Lorenz Berg
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Research Institute at St Joseph's Healthcare, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute for Lung Health, Member of the German Lung Center (DZL), Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany
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Liu X, Dai K, Zhang X, Huang G, Lynn H, Rabata A, Liang J, Noble PW, Jiang D. Multiple Fibroblast Subtypes Contribute to Matrix Deposition in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:45-56. [PMID: 36927333 PMCID: PMC10324043 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0292oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive pulmonary fibrosis results from a dysfunctional tissue repair response and is characterized by fibroblast proliferation, activation, and invasion and extracellular matrix accumulation. Lung fibroblast heterogeneity is well recognized. With single-cell RNA sequencing, fibroblast subtypes have been reported by recent studies. However, the roles of fibroblast subtypes in effector functions in lung fibrosis are not well understood. In this study, we incorporated the recently published single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets on murine lung samples of fibrosis models and human lung samples of fibrotic diseases and analyzed fibroblast gene signatures. We identified and confirmed the novel fibroblast subtypes we reported recently across all samples of both mouse models and human lung fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Furthermore, we identified specific cell surface proteins for each fibroblast subtype through differential gene expression analysis, which enabled us to isolate primary cells representing distinct fibroblast subtypes by flow cytometry sorting. We compared matrix production, including fibronectin, collagen, and hyaluronan, after profibrotic factor stimulation and assessed the invasive capacity of each fibroblast subtype. Our results suggest that in addition to myofibroblasts, lipofibroblasts and Ebf1+ (Ebf transcription factor 1+) fibroblasts are two important fibroblast subtypes that contribute to matrix deposition and also have enhanced invasive, proliferative, and contraction phenotypes. The histological locations of fibroblast subtypes are identified in healthy and fibrotic lungs by these cell surface proteins. This study provides new insights to inform approaches to targeting lung fibroblast subtypes to promote the development of therapeutics for lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Kristy Dai
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Xuexi Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Guanling Huang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Heather Lynn
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Anas Rabata
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Jiurong Liang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Paul W. Noble
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Women’s Guild Lung Institute and
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Yang W, Pan L, Cheng Y, Wu X, Huang S, Du J, Zhu H, Zhang M, Zhang Y. Amifostine attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10485. [PMID: 37380638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amifostine is a normal cell protection agent, not only used in the adjuvant therapy of lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, bone tumor, digestive tract tumor, blood system tumor and other cancers in order to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, and recent studies have reported that the drug can also reduce lung tissue damage in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, but its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. In this study, we explored the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of AMI on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established using BLM. We then assessed histopathological changes, inflammatory factors, oxidative indicators, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix changes, and levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins in the BLM-treated mice to determine the effect of AMI treatment on these factors. BLM-treated mice had substantial lung inflammation and abnormal extracellular matrix deposition. Overall, treatment with AMI significantly improved BLM-induced lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. More specifically, AMI alleviated BLM-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, alveolar cell apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix deposition by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This finding that AMI can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model by inhibiting activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway lays a foundation for potential future clinical application of this agent in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Lin Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yiju Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Songsong Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Honglan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Menglin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
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Aue A, Englert N, Harrer L, Schwiering F, Gaab A, König P, Adams R, Schmidtko A, Friebe A, Groneberg D. NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase discriminates pericyte-derived interstitial from intra-alveolar myofibroblasts in murine pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2023; 24:167. [PMID: 37349733 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02479-2] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The origin of αSMA-positive myofibroblasts, key players within organ fibrosis, is still not fully elucidated. Pericytes have been discussed as myofibroblast progenitors in several organs including the lung. METHODS Using tamoxifen-inducible PDGFRβ-tdTomato mice (PDGFRβ-CreERT2; R26tdTomato) lineage of lung pericytes was traced. To induce lung fibrosis, a single orotracheal dose of bleomycin was given. Lung tissue was investigated by immunofluorescence analyses, hydroxyproline collagen assay and RT-qPCR. RESULTS Lineage tracing combined with immunofluorescence for nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) as marker for PDGFRβ-positive pericytes allows differentiating two types of αSMA-expressing myofibroblasts in murine pulmonary fibrosis: (1) interstitial myofibroblasts that localize in the alveolar wall, derive from PDGFRβ+ pericytes, express NO-GC and produce collagen 1. (2) intra-alveolar myofibroblasts which do not derive from pericytes (but express PDGFRβ de novo after injury), are negative for NO-GC, have a large multipolar shape and appear to spread over several alveoli within the injured areas. Moreover, NO-GC expression is reduced during fibrosis, i.e., after pericyte-to-myofibroblast transition. CONCLUSION In summary, αSMA/PDGFRβ-positive myofibroblasts should not be addressed as a homogeneous target cell type within pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Aue
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Schmerzmedizin, Klinik für Anästhesiologie Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nils Englert
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leon Harrer
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schwiering
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annika Gaab
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter König
- Institut für Anatomie, Zentrum für Medizinische Struktur- und Zellbiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf Adams
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Achim Schmidtko
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Klinische Pharmazie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Friebe
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Dieter Groneberg
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
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Werner G, Sanyal A, Mirizio E, Hutchins T, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Jacobe H, Torok KS. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Subclusters with Inflammatory Fibroblast Responses in Localized Scleroderma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9796. [PMID: 37372943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune disease with both inflammatory and fibrotic components causing an abnormal deposition of collagen in the skin and underlying tissue, often leading to disfigurement and disability. Much of its pathophysiology is extrapolated from systemic sclerosis (SSc) since the histopathology findings in the skin are nearly identical. However, LS is critically understudied. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) technology provides a novel way to obtain detailed information at the individual cellular level, overcoming this barrier. Here, we analyzed the affected skin of 14 patients with LS (pediatric and adult) and 14 healthy controls. Fibroblast populations were the focus, since they are the main drivers of fibrosis in SSc. We identified 12 fibroblast subclusters in LS, which overall had an inflammatory gene expression (IFN and HLA-associated genes). A myofibroblast-like cluster (SFRP4/PRSS23) was more prevalent in LS subjects and shared many upregulated genes expressed in SSc-associated myofibroblasts, though it also had strong expression of CXCL9/10/11, known CXCR3 ligands. A CXCL2/IRF1 cluster identified was unique to LS, with a robust inflammatory gene signature, including IL-6, and according to cell communication analysis are influenced by macrophages. In summary, potential disease-propagating fibroblasts and associated gene signatures were identified in LS skin via scRNA seq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giffin Werner
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Anwesha Sanyal
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Emily Mirizio
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Theresa Hutchins
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Heidi Jacobe
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kathryn S Torok
- Department of Pediatrics (Rheumatology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Dabaghi M, Carpio MB, Saraei N, Moran-Mirabal JM, Kolb MR, Hirota JA. A roadmap for developing and engineering in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021302. [PMID: 38510343 PMCID: PMC10903385 DOI: 10.1063/5.0134177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a fatal disease with no cure and is challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, due to the elusive etiology of IPF and a late diagnosis, there are no cures for IPF. Two FDA-approved drugs for IPF, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the progression of the disease, yet fail to cure or reverse it. Furthermore, most animal models have been unable to completely recapitulate the physiology of human IPF, resulting in the failure of many drug candidates in preclinical studies. In the last few decades, the development of new IPF drugs focused on changes at the cellular level, as it was believed that the cells were the main players in IPF development and progression. However, recent studies have shed light on the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF development, where the ECM communicates with cells and initiates a positive feedback loop to promote fibrotic processes. Stemming from this shift in the understanding of fibrosis, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that mimic the human lung microenvironment to better understand how biochemical and biomechanical cues drive fibrotic processes in IPF. However, current in vitro cell culture platforms, which may include substrates with different stiffness or natural hydrogels, have shortcomings in recapitulating the complexity of fibrosis. This review aims to draw a roadmap for developing advanced in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models, which can be leveraged to understand better different mechanisms involved in IPF and develop drug candidates with improved efficacy. We begin with a brief overview defining pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of ECM components in the disease progression. We focus on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the context of ECM biology and fibrotic processes, as most conventional advanced in vitro models of pulmonary fibrosis use these cell types. We transition to discussing the parameters of the 3D microenvironment that are relevant in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Finally, the review ends by summarizing the state of the art in the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dabaghi
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Mabel Barreiro Carpio
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Arthur N. Bourns Science Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Neda Saraei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Engineering Technology Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Martin R. Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
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Gunatilaka A, Zhang S, Tan WSD, G Stewart A. Anti-fibrotic strategies and pulmonary fibrosis. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 98:179-224. [PMID: 37524487 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) results from the dysregulated process of injury and repair, which promotes scarring of the lung tissue and deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) components, that make the lung unphysiologically stiff. IPF presents a serious concern as its pathogenesis remains elusive, and current anti-fibrotic treatments are only effective in slowing rather than halting disease progression. The IPF disease pathogenesis is incompletely defined, complex and incorporates interplay between different fibrogenesis signaling pathways. Preclinical IPF experimental models used to validate drug candidates present significant limitations in modeling IPF pathobiology, with their limited time frame, simplicity and inaccurate representation of the disease and the mechanical influences of IPF. Potentially more accurate mimetic disease models that capture the cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, such as 3D cultures, organoids and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS), may yield more meaningful clinical predictions for drug candidates. Recent advances in developing anti-fibrotic compounds have positioned drug towards targeting components of the fibrogenesis signaling pathway of IPF or the extracellular microenvironment. The major goals in this area of research focus on finding ways to reverse or halt the disease progression by utilizing more disease-relevant experimental models to improve the qualification of potential drug targets for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avanka Gunatilaka
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wan Shun Daniel Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Langner E, Cheng T, Kefaloyianni E, Gluck C, Wang B, Mahjoub MR. Impaired centrosome biogenesis in kidney stromal progenitors reduces abundance of interstitial lineages and accelerates injury-induced fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.04.535583. [PMID: 37066241 PMCID: PMC10104024 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Defective centrosome function can disrupt embryonic kidney development, by causing changes to the renal interstitium that leads to fibrocystic disease pathologies. Yet, it remains unknown how mutations in centrosome genes impact kidney interstitial cells. Here, we examined the consequences of defective centrosome biogenesis on stromal progenitor cell growth, differentiation and fate. Conditional deletion of Cep120 , a ciliopathy gene essential for centrosome duplication, in the stromal mesenchyme resulted in reduced abundance of pericytes, interstitial fibroblasts and mesangial cells. This was due to delayed mitosis, increased apoptosis, and changes in Wnt and Hedgehog signaling essential for differentiation of stromal lineages. Cep120 ablation resulted in hypoplastic kidneys with medullary atrophy and delayed nephron maturation. Finally, centrosome loss in the interstitium sensitized kidneys of adult mice, causing rapid fibrosis via enhanced TGF-β/Smad3-Gli2 signaling after renal injury. Our study defines the cellular and developmental defects caused by centrosome dysfunction in embryonic kidney stroma. Highlights Defective centrosome biogenesis in kidney stroma causes:Reduced abundance of stromal progenitors, interstitial and mesangial cell populationsDefects in cell-autonomous and paracrine signalingAbnormal/delayed nephrogenesis and tubular dilationsAccelerates injury-induced fibrosis via defective TGF-β/Smad3-Gli2 signaling axis.
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Ligresti G, Raslan AA, Hong J, Caporarello N, Confalonieri M, Huang SK. Mesenchymal cells in the Lung: Evolving concepts and their role in fibrosis. Gene 2023; 859:147142. [PMID: 36603696 PMCID: PMC10068350 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells in the lung are crucial during development, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and deadly form of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. Originally thought to behave as supporting cells for the lung epithelium and endothelium with a singular function of producing basement membrane, mesenchymal cells encompass a variety of cell types, including resident fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes, which all occupy different anatomic locations and exhibit diverse homeostatic functions in the lung. During injury, each of these subtypes demonstrate remarkable plasticity and undergo varying capacity to proliferate and differentiate into activated myofibroblasts. Therefore, these cells secrete high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to tissue repair, or in pathologic situations, scarring and fibrosis. Whereas epithelial damage is considered the initial trigger that leads to lung injury, lung mesenchymal cells are recognized as the ultimate effector of fibrosis and attempts to better understand the different functions and actions of each mesenchymal cell subtype will lead to a better understanding of why fibrosis develops and how to better target it for future therapy. This review summarizes current findings related to various lung mesenchymal cells as well as signaling pathways, and their contribution to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US.
| | - Ahmed A Raslan
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Jeongmin Hong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, US
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Steven K Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, US
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McElhinney K, Irnaten M, O’Brien C. p53 and Myofibroblast Apoptosis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076737. [PMID: 37047710 PMCID: PMC10095465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ fibrosis represents a dysregulated, maladaptive wound repair response that results in progressive disruption of normal tissue architecture leading to detrimental deterioration in physiological function, and significant morbidity/mortality. Fibrosis is thought to contribute to nearly 50% of all deaths in the Western world with current treatment modalities effective in slowing disease progression but not effective in restoring organ function or reversing fibrotic changes. When physiological wound repair is complete, myofibroblasts are programmed to undergo cell death and self-clearance, however, in fibrosis there is a characteristic absence of myofibroblast apoptosis. It has been shown that in fibrosis, myofibroblasts adopt an apoptotic-resistant, highly proliferative phenotype leading to persistent myofibroblast activation and perpetuation of the fibrotic disease process. Recently, this pathological adaptation has been linked to dysregulated expression of tumour suppressor gene p53. In this review, we discuss p53 dysregulation and apoptotic failure in myofibroblasts and demonstrate its consistent link to fibrotic disease development in all types of organ fibrosis. An enhanced understanding of the role of p53 dysregulation and myofibroblast apoptosis may aid in future novel therapeutic and/or diagnostic strategies in organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kealan McElhinney
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm O’Brien
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
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Alex L, Tuleta I, Hanna A, Frangogiannis NG. Diabetes Induces Cardiac Fibroblast Activation, Promoting a Matrix-Preserving Nonmyofibroblast Phenotype, Without Stimulating Pericyte to Fibroblast Conversion. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e027463. [PMID: 36892073 PMCID: PMC10111546 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.027463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Interstitial and perivascular fibrosis may contribute to diabetes-associated heart failure. Pericytes can convert to fibroblasts under conditions of stress and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. We hypothesized that in diabetic hearts, pericytes may convert to fibroblasts, contributing to fibrosis and to the development of diastolic dysfunction. Methods and Results Using pericyte:fibroblast dual reporter (NG2Dsred [neuron-glial antigen 2 red fluorescent protein variant]; PDGFRαEGFP [platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha enhanced green fluorescent protein]) mice in a type 2 diabetic db/db background, we found that diabetes does not significantly affect pericyte density but reduces the myocardial pericyte:fibroblast ratio. Lineage tracing using the inducible NG2CreER driver, along with reliable labeling of fibroblasts with the PDGFRα reporter system, showed no significant pericyte to fibroblast conversion in lean and db/db hearts. In addition, db/db mouse cardiac fibroblasts did not undergo myofibroblast conversion and had no significant induction of structural collagens but exhibited a matrix-preserving phenotype, associated with increased expression of antiproteases, matricellular genes, matrix cross-linking enzymes, and the fibrogenic transcription factor cMyc. In contrast, db/db mouse cardiac pericytes had increased expression of Timp3, without any changes in expression of other fibrosis-associated genes. The matrix-preserving phenotype of diabetic fibroblasts was associated with induction of genes encoding oxidative (Ptgs2/cycloxygenase-2, and Fmo2) and antioxidant proteins (Hmox1, Sod1). In vitro, high glucose partially recapitulated the in vivo changes in diabetic fibroblasts. Conclusions Diabetic fibrosis is not mediated through pericyte to fibroblast conversion but involves acquisition of a matrix-preserving fibroblast program, which is independent of myofibroblast conversion and is only partially explained by the effects of the hyperglycemic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Alex
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research InstituteDepartment of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Izabela Tuleta
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research InstituteDepartment of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Anis Hanna
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research InstituteDepartment of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Nikolaos G. Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research InstituteDepartment of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
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Geiger F, Zeitlmayr S, Staab-Weijnitz CA, Rajan S, Breit A, Gudermann T, Dietrich A. An Inhibitory Function of TRPA1 Channels in TGF-β1-driven Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 68:314-325. [PMID: 36378826 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0159oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1) is a nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channel, which was originally cloned from human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). TRPA1-mediated Ca2+ entry is evoked by exposure to several chemicals, including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and a protective effect of TRPA1 activation in the development of cardiac fibrosis has been proposed. Yet the function of TRPA1 in TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)-driven fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and the development of pulmonary fibrosis remains elusive. TRPA1 expression and function were analyzed in cultured primary HLFs, and mRNA concentrations were significantly reduced after adding TGF-β1. Expression of genes encoding fibrosis markers (e.g., ACTA2, SERPINE1 [plasminogen activator inhibitor 1], FN1 [fibronectin], COL1A1 [type I collagen]) was increased after siRNA-mediated downregulation of TRPA1 mRNA in HLFs. Moreover, AITC-induced Ca2+ entry in HLFs was decreased after TGF-β1 treatment and by application of TRPA1 siRNAs, while AITC treatment alone did not reduce cell viability or enhance apoptosis. Most interestingly, AITC-induced TRPA1 activation augmented ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and SMAD2 linker phosphorylation, which might inhibit TGF-β-receptor signaling. Our results suggest an inhibitory function of TRPA1 channels in TGF-β1-driven fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Therefore, activation of TRPA1 channels might be protective during the development of pulmonary fibrosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Geiger
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Sarah Zeitlmayr
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive and Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Suhasini Rajan
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
| | - Alexander Dietrich
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, and
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48
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The Role of Pericytes in Regulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020600. [PMID: 36831136 PMCID: PMC9953719 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are perivascular multipotent cells wrapping microvascular capillaries, where they support vasculature functioning, participate in tissue regeneration, and regulate blood flow. However, recent evidence suggests that in addition to traditionally credited structural function, pericytes also manifest immune properties. In this review, we summarise recent data regarding pericytes' response to different pro-inflammatory stimuli and their involvement in innate immune responses through expression of pattern-recognition receptors. Moreover, pericytes express various adhesion molecules, thus regulating trafficking of immune cells across vessel walls. Additionally, the role of pericytes in modulation of adaptive immunity is discussed. Finally, recent reports have suggested that the interaction with cancer cells evokes immunosuppression function in pericytes, thus facilitating immune evasion and facilitating cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, such complex and multi-faceted cross-talks of pericytes with immune cells also suggest a number of potential pericyte-based therapeutic methods and techniques for cancer immunotherapy and treatment of autoimmune and auto-inflammatory disorders.
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49
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Gajjala PR, Singh P, Odayar V, Ediga HH, McCormack FX, Madala SK. Wilms Tumor 1-Driven Fibroblast Activation and Subpleural Thickening in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2850. [PMID: 36769178 PMCID: PMC9918078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is often fatal due to the formation of irreversible scar tissue in the distal areas of the lung. Although the pathological and radiological features of IPF lungs are well defined, the lack of insight into the fibrogenic role of fibroblasts that accumulate in distinct anatomical regions of the lungs is a critical knowledge gap. Fibrotic lesions have been shown to originate in the subpleural areas and extend into the lung parenchyma through processes of dysregulated fibroproliferation, migration, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation, and extracellular matrix production. Identifying the molecular targets underlying subpleural thickening at the early and late stages of fibrosis could facilitate the development of new therapies to attenuate fibroblast activation and improve the survival of patients with IPF. Here, we discuss the key cellular and molecular events that contribute to (myo)fibroblast activation and subpleural thickening in IPF. In particular, we highlight the transcriptional programs involved in mesothelial to mesenchymal transformation and fibroblast dysfunction that can be targeted to alter the course of the progressive expansion of fibrotic lesions in the distal areas of IPF lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Satish K. Madala
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0564, USA
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50
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Peidl A, Nguyen J, Chitturi P, Riser BL, Leask A. Using the Bleomycin-Induced Model of Fibrosis to Study the Contribution of CCN Proteins to Scleroderma Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:309-321. [PMID: 36370359 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_21] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 45% of the deaths in the developed world result from conditions with a fibrotic component. Although no specific, focused anti-fibrotic therapies have been approved for clinical use, a long-standing concept is that targeting CCN proteins may be useful to treat fibrosis. Herein, we summarize current data supporting the concept that targeting CCN2 may be a viable anti-fibrotic approach to treat scleroderma. Testing this hypothesis has been made possible by using a mouse model of inflammation-driven skin and lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Peidl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Bruce L Riser
- BLR Bio LLC, Kenosha, WI, USA
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Department of Medicine Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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