1
|
Peng H, Zhang Y, Min J, Tan Y, Liu S. Loss of ZNF451 mediates fibroblast activation and promotes lung fibrosis. Respir Res 2024; 25:160. [PMID: 38600524 PMCID: PMC11008011 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02781-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No effective therapies for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) exist because of the unclear molecular pathogenesis and the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Zinc finger protein 451 (ZNF451), a transcriptional regulator, plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases. However, its expression pattern and function in PF remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of ZNF451 in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. METHODS GEO dataset analysis, RT‒PCR, and immunoblot assays were used to examine the expression of ZNF451 in PF; ZNF451 knockout mice and ZNF451-overexpressing lentivirus were used to determine the importance of ZNF451 in PF progression; and migration assays, immunofluorescence staining, and RNA-seq analysis were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS ZNF451 is downregulated and negatively associated with disease severity in PF. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, ZNF451 knockout mice exhibited much more serious PF changes. However, ZNF451 overexpression protects mice from BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Mechanistically, ZNF451 downregulation triggers fibroblast activation by increasing the expression of PDGFB and subsequently activating PI3K/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION These findings uncover a critical role of ZNF451 in PF progression and introduce a novel regulatory mechanism of ZNF451 in fibroblast activation. Our study suggests that ZNF451 serves as a potential therapeutic target for PF and that strategies aimed at increasing ZNF451 expression may be promising therapeutic approaches for PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiali Min
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yuexin Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pu HY, Cao Y, Jiang XL, Yang LH, Wang MK, Wang F, Wang L. Steroidal saponins and homoisoflavonoids from the fibrous roots of ophiopogon japonicus and their anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38498767 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2331044] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The chemical investigation of the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus afforded two new steroidal saponins, named ophiojaponin F (1) and ophiojaponin G (2), together with twelve known steroidal saponins (3-14) and ten known homoisoflavonoids (15-24). The structures of the isolated compounds were established unambiguously via spectroscopic analyses (NMR and HR-ESI-MS). Ophiojaponin F (1) is a 23-hydroxylated spirostanol saponin, and this type of steroidal saponin rarely been reported in liriopogons. All isolates were evaluated for their anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities on TGF-β1-actived NIH3T3 cells for the first time. Among them, compounds 3, 4, 11-13, 15-19, 21 and 24 showed potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects with IC50 values ranging from 3.61 ± 0.86 μM to 21.33 ± 1.82 μM, and the main component ophiopogonin D (4) displayed the best activity with an IC50 value of 3.61 ± 0.86 μM. Thus, ophiopogonin D may be a potent candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Yi Pu
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Lang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Metrology and Applications on Nutrition and Health for State Market Regulation, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin-Han Yang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Kui Wang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Lun Wang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Metrology and Applications on Nutrition and Health for State Market Regulation, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Y, Tang A, Liu M, Xu C, Cao F, Yang C. Tuberostemonine may enhance the function of the SLC7A11/glutamate antiporter to restrain the ferroptosis to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116983. [PMID: 37532076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Stemona is a medicinal plant that has been used in China for thousands of years to treat respiratory diseases such as cough and tuberculosis. The tuberostemonine is the component of the Stemona tuberosa Lour., Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq. or Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq. (The plant name has been checked with http://www.theplantlist.org), of which multiple biological activities has been verified. However, whether it may alleviate pulmonary fibrosis via regulating ferroptosis mechanism has not been confirmed. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to observe whether tuberostemonine alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the function of the SLC7A11/glutamate antiporter to restrain the ferroptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We validated the effects of tuberostemonine and ferroptosis on TGF-β1-induced proliferation of human lung fibroblast and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In vitro, the ferroptosis effect of TGF-β1 on human lung fibroblast were examined and the activity of ɑ-SMA, collagen, hydroxyproline and ferrous ions in cells were also examined. In vivo, ferroptosis impacts respiratory function. Inflammatory manifestations, hydroxyproline, collagen activity and ferrous ions in the lung or blood were subject to evaluation. RESULTS Tuberostemonine significantly improved respiratory function in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, decreased cellular and lung hydroxyproline content, reduced inflammation and collagen deposition in cells and lung, and promoted an increase in the SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins. Tuberostemonine inhibits the ferroptosis phenomenon, up-regulates SLC7A11, GPX4 and GSH, and down-regulates the accumulation of iron and ROS. CONCLUSIONS Tuberostemonine significantly inhibited ferroptosis and improved pulmonary fibrosis both in vivo and vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Amei Tang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Changjun Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Cao
- School of Health Care, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Changfu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Riehl DR, Sharma A, Roewe J, Murke F, Ruppert C, Eming SA, Bopp T, Kleinert H, Radsak MP, Colucci G, Subramaniam S, Reinhardt C, Giebel B, Prinz I, Guenther A, Strand D, Gunzer M, Waisman A, Ward PA, Ruf W, Schäfer K, Bosmann M. Externalized histones fuel pulmonary fibrosis via a platelet-macrophage circuit of TGFβ1 and IL-27. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215421120. [PMID: 37756334 PMCID: PMC10556605 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215421120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Externalized histones erupt from the nucleus as extracellular traps, are associated with several acute and chronic lung disorders, but their implications in the molecular pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease are incompletely defined. To investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of externalized histones within the immunologic networks of pulmonary fibrosis, we studied externalized histones in human and animal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples of lung fibrosis. Neutralizing anti-histone antibodies were administered in bleomycin-induced fibrosis of C57BL/6 J mice, and subsequent studies used conditional/constitutive knockout mouse strains for TGFβ and IL-27 signaling along with isolated platelets and cultured macrophages. We found that externalized histones (citH3) were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in cell-free BAL fluids of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n = 29) as compared to healthy controls (n = 10). The pulmonary sources of externalized histones were Ly6G+CD11b+ neutrophils and nonhematopoietic cells after bleomycin in mice. Neutralizing monoclonal anti-histone H2A/H4 antibodies reduced the pulmonary collagen accumulation and hydroxyproline concentration. Histones activated platelets to release TGFβ1, which signaled through the TGFbRI/TGFbRII receptor complex on LysM+ cells to antagonize macrophage-derived IL-27 production. TGFβ1 evoked multiple downstream mechanisms in macrophages, including p38 MAPK, tristetraprolin, IL-10, and binding of SMAD3 to the IL-27 promotor regions. IL-27RA-deficient mice displayed more severe collagen depositions suggesting that intact IL-27 signaling limits fibrosis. In conclusion, externalized histones inactivate a safety switch of antifibrotic, macrophage-derived IL-27 by boosting platelet-derived TGFβ1. Externalized histones are accessible to neutralizing antibodies for improving the severity of experimental pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R. Riehl
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Arjun Sharma
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA02118
- Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Julian Roewe
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Florian Murke
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen45122, Germany
| | - Clemens Ruppert
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen35392, Germany
| | - Sabine A. Eming
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne50931, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne50931, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne50931, Germany
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Hartmut Kleinert
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Markus P. Radsak
- Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Third Department of Medicine – Hematology, Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Colucci
- Outer Corelab, Viollier AG, Allschwil4123, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology, University of Basel, Basel4031, Switzerland
| | - Saravanan Subramaniam
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA02118
| | - Christoph Reinhardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen45122, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute for Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover30625, Germany
| | - Andreas Guenther
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen35392, Germany
| | - Dennis Strand
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen45122, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute for Analytical Sciences -ISAS- e.V., Dortmund44139, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Peter A. Ward
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor48109, MI
| | - Wolfram Ruf
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Katrin Schäfer
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA02118
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55131, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu M, Zhao C, Song H, Wang C, Li H, Qiu X, Jing H, Zhuang W. Inhibitory effects of Schisandrin C on collagen behavior in pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13475. [PMID: 37596361 PMCID: PMC10439186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40631-6] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious progressive fibrotic disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), thus resulting in stiff lung tissues. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme involved in fibrosis by catalyzing collagen cross-linking. Studies found that the ingredients in schisandra ameliorated bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF, but it is unknown whether the anti-PF of schisandra is related to LOX. In this study, we established models of PF including a mouse model stimulated by BLM and a HFL1 cell model induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to evaluate the inhibition effects of Schisandrin C (Sch C) on PF. We observed that Sch C treatment decreased pulmonary indexes compared to control group. Treatment of Sch C showed a significant reduction in the accumulation of ECM as evidenced by decreased expressions of α-SMA, FN, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and collagen proteins such as Col 1A1, and Col 3A1. In addition, the expression of LOX in the lung tissue of mice after Sch C treatment was effectively decreased compared with the MOD group. The inhibition effects in vitro were consistent with those in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that Sch C significantly inhibited TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and TNF-α/JNK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Sch C significantly ameliorated PF in vivo and vitro, which may play an important role by reducing ECM deposition and inhibiting the production of LOX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingchen Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology Test Technique, College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Chenghe Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biology Test Technique, College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Haiming Song
- Department of Molecular Biology Test Technique, College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Xudong Qiu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - He Jing
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyue Zhuang
- Department of Molecular Biology Test Technique, College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Fengman District, Jilin, 132013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ishiuchi N, Nakashima A, Maeda S, Miura Y, Miyasako K, Sasaki K, Uchiki T, Sasaki A, Nagamatsu S, Nakao N, Nagao M, Masaki T. Comparison of therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from superficial and deep subcutaneous adipose tissues. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:121. [PMID: 37143086 PMCID: PMC10161523 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03350-3] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a common histological feature in the process from chronic organ injury to organ failure. Chronic tissue injury causes inflammatory cell infiltration into the injured tissue. The persistence of this inflammatory cell infiltration leads to fibrosis and organ failure. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have received much attention as a regenerative therapeutic tool to prevent progression from organ injury to failure. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue is divided into superficial and deep layers by a superficial fascia. Adipose tissue easily collected by liposuction is usually obtained from a deep layer, so ASCs derived from a deep layer are generally used for regenerative medicine. However, no research has been conducted to investigate differences in the therapeutic effects of ASCs from the superficial and deep layers (Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs, respectively). Therefore, we compared the therapeutic potencies of Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs. METHODS ASCs were isolated from superficial and deep subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissues collected from patients who underwent breast reconstruction. We first compared cell characteristics, such as morphology, cell proliferation, cell surface markers, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, cell senescence markers, and expression of coagulation and anticoagulant factors between Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs. Furthermore, we compared their ability to promote polarization of M2 macrophages and to inhibit transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling using THP-1 cells and TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells incubated with conditioned media from Sup-ASCs or Deep-ASCs. In in vivo experiments, after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) procedure, Sup-ASCs or Deep-ASCs were injected through the abdominal aorta. At 21 days post-injection, the rats were sacrificed and their left kidneys were collected to evaluate fibrosis. Finally, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs. RESULTS Sup-ASCs had greater proliferation and adipogenic differentiation compared with Deep-ASCs, whereas both ASC types had similar morphology, cell surface markers, senescence markers, and expression of coagulation and anticoagulant factors. Conditioned media from Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs equally promoted polarization of M2 macrophages and suppressed TGF-β/Smad signaling. Moreover, administration of Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs equally ameliorated renal fibrosis induced by IRI in rats. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed no significant difference in the expression of genes involved in anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects between Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that both Sup-ASCs and Deep-ASCs can be used effectively and safely as an intravascular ASC therapy for organ injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Ishiuchi
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Maeda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
- TWOCELLS Company, Limited, 16-35 Hijiyama-honmachi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 732-0816, Japan
| | - Yoshie Miura
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
- TWOCELLS Company, Limited, 16-35 Hijiyama-honmachi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 732-0816, Japan
| | - Kisho Miyasako
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kensuke Sasaki
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Toshio Uchiki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Ayano Sasaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shogo Nagamatsu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masataka Nagao
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takao Masaki
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang QR, Liu SS, Min JL, Yin M, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Tang XN, Li X, Liu SS. CCL17 drives fibroblast activation in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the TGF-β/Smad signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115475. [PMID: 36870575 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a type of fatal respiratory diseases with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. The chemokine CCL17 plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of immune diseases. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) CCL17 levels are significantly higher in patients with idiopathic PF (IPF) than in healthy volunteers. However, the source and function of CCL17 in PF remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the levels of CCL17 were increased in the lungs of IPF patients and mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. In particular, CCL17 were upregulated in alveolar macrophages (AMs) and antibody blockade of CCL17 protected mice against BLM-induced fibrosis and significantly reduced fibroblast activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that CCL17 interacted with its receptor CCR4 on fibroblasts, thereby activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway to promote fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. Moreover, the knockdown of CCR4 by CCR4-siRNA or blockade by CCR4 antagonist C-021 was able to ameliorate PF pathology in mice. In summary, the CCL17-CCR4 axis is involved in the progression of PF, and targeting of CCL17 or CCR4 inhibits fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis and may benefit patients with fibroproliferative lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Rong Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Suo-Si Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jia-Li Min
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Min Yin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang-Ning Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Shan-Shan Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
PEAR1 regulates expansion of activated fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix in pulmonary fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7114. [PMID: 36402779 PMCID: PMC9675736 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34870-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic interstitial lung disease that causes irreversible and progressive lung scarring and respiratory failure. Activation of fibroblasts plays a central role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Here we show that platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) in fibroblasts may serve as a target for pulmonary fibrosis therapy. Pear1 deficiency in aged mice spontaneously causes alveolar collagens accumulation. Mesenchyme-specific Pear1 deficiency aggravates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, confirming that PEAR1 potentially modulates pulmonary fibrosis progression via regulation of mesenchymal cell function. Moreover, single cell and bulk tissue RNA-seq analysis of pulmonary fibroblast reveals the expansion of Activated-fibroblast cluster and enrichment of marker genes in extracellular matrix development in Pear1-/- fibrotic lungs. We further show that PEAR1 associates with Protein Phosphatase 1 to suppress fibrotic factors-induced intracellular signalling and fibroblast activation. Intratracheal aerosolization of monoclonal antibodies activating PEAR1 greatly ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in both WT and Pear1-humanized mice, significantly improving their survival rate.
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu Y, Chai Y, Xiao G, Liu Y, Xie X, Xiao W, Zhou P, Ma W, Zhang C, Li L. Astragalus and its formulas as a therapeutic option for fibrotic diseases: Pharmacology and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040350. [PMID: 36408254 PMCID: PMC9669388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, characterized by accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which causes organ dysfunction and even death. Despite advances in understanding fibrosis pathology and clinical management, there is no treatment for fibrosis that can prevent or reverse it, existing treatment options may lead to diarrhea, nausea, bleeding, anorexia, and liver toxicity. Thus, effective drugs are needed for fibrotic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in fibrotic diseases, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) can attenuate multiple fibrotic diseases, which include liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and so on, mechanisms may be related to inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, apoptosis, inflammation pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize the pharmacology and mechanisms of Astragalus in treating fibrotic diseases, the data reviewed demonstrates that Astragalus is a promising anti-fibrotic drug, its main anti-fibrotic components are Calycosin, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharides and formononetin. We also review formulas that contain Astragalus with anti-fibrotic effects, in which Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels are the most commonly used combinations. We propose that combining active components into new formulations may be a promising way to develop new drugs for fibrosis. Besides, we expect Astragalus to be accepted as a clinically effective method of treating fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Xiao
- Nursing Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Heart Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen L, Yang Y, Yue R, Peng X, Yu H, Huang X. Exosomes derived from hypoxia-induced alveolar epithelial cells stimulate interstitial pulmonary fibrosis through a HOTAIRM1-dependent mechanism. J Transl Med 2022; 102:935-944. [PMID: 36775422 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00782-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is the result of various diseases with no satisfactory treatment approaches. The exosome-mediated transfer of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been implicated in the pathological process of lung diseases. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic potential of HOTAIRM1 transferred by alveolar epithelial cell (AEC)-derived exosomes in interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the potential molecular mechanisms. Next-generation sequencing-based gene expression profiling was employed to identify lncRNAs related to IPF. Exosomes were isolated from hypoxia-induced AECs (AEC-exosomes) and identified before use. HOTAIRM1 expression was examined in bleomycin-induced IPF mouse models and the isolated exosomes, and the miRNA downstream of HOTAIRM1 was analyzed. HOTAIRM1 expression was increased in the lung tissues of IPF mice and AEC exosomes. HOTAIRM1 delivered by AEC-exosomes promoted the proliferation and transdifferentiation of lung fibroblasts (LFs). Mechanistically, HOTAIRM1 competitively bound to miR-30d-3p and recruited YY1 to upregulate HSF1 expression. In addition, miR-30d-3p targeted HSF1 by binding to its 3'-UTR and reduced its expression. In vivo assays confirmed the promoting effect of exosomes-HOTAIRM1 on extracellular matrix remodeling by regulating the miR-30d-3p/HSF1/YY1 axis. Overall, HOTAIRM1 loaded by AEC exosomes can accelerate IPF by disrupting miR-30d-3p-mediated inhibition of HSF1 and inducing recruitment of HSF1 by YY1. These results highlight a promising strategy to overcome IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Ruiming Yue
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaying Peng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Hua Yu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China
| | - XiaoBo Huang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pilling D, Sahlberg K, Karhadkar TR, Chen W, Gomer RH. The sialidase NEU3 promotes pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Respir Res 2022; 23:215. [PMID: 35999554 PMCID: PMC9400331 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02146-y] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sialic acid is often the distal sugar on glycoconjugates, and sialidases are enzymes that remove this sugar. In fibrotic lesions in human and mouse lungs, there is extensive desialylation of glycoconjugates, and upregulation of sialidases including the extracellular sialidase NEU3. In the bleomycin model of pulmonary fibrosis, mice lacking NEU3 (Neu3-/-) showed strongly attenuated bleomycin-induced weight loss, lung damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. This indicates that NEU3 is necessary for the full spectrum of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS To determine if NEU3 is sufficient to induce pulmonary fibrosis, recombinant murine NEU3 and a mutated inactive recombinant murine NEU3 protein were produced. Mice were given recombinant NEU3 proteins by oropharyngeal aspiration, either alone or 10 days after bleomycin challenge. Over the course of 21 days, mice were assessed for weight change, and after euthanasia, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells and lung tissue were assessed for inflammation and fibrosis. RESULTS Aspiration of recombinant murine NEU3 caused inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, while inactive NEU3 caused inflammation but not fibrosis. Mice were also treated with recombinant murine NEU3 starting 10 days after bleomycin. In male but not female mice, recombinant murine NEU3 increased inflammation and fibrosis. Inactive NEU3 did not enhance bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. CONCLUSION These results suggest that NEU3 is sufficient to induce fibrosis in the lungs, that aspiration of NEU3 has a greater effect on male mice, and that this effect is mediated by NEU3's enzymic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darrell Pilling
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, TX, 77843-3474, USA.
| | - Kyle Sahlberg
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, TX, 77843-3474, USA
| | - Tejas R Karhadkar
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, TX, 77843-3474, USA
| | - Wensheng Chen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, TX, 77843-3474, USA
| | - Richard H Gomer
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 301 Old Main Drive, College Station, TX, 77843-3474, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cui H, Xie N, Banerjee S, Dey T, Liu RM, Antony VB, Sanders YY, Adams TS, Gomez JL, Thannickal VJ, Kaminski N, Liu G. CD38 Mediates Lung Fibrosis by Promoting Alveolar Epithelial Cell Aging. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 206:459-475. [PMID: 35687485 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202109-2151oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: A prevailing paradigm recognizes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) originating from various alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injuries, and there is a growing appreciation of AEC aging as a key driver of the pathogenesis. Despite this progress, it is incompletely understood what main factor(s) contribute to the worsened alveolar epithelial aging in lung fibrosis. It remains a challenge how to dampen AEC aging and thereby mitigate the disease progression. Objectives: To determine the role of AEC CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38) in promoting cellular aging and lung fibrosis. Methods: We used single-cell RNA sequencing, real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Measurements and Main Results: We discovered a pivotal role of CD38, a cardinal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) hydrolase, in AEC aging and its promotion of lung fibrosis. We found increased CD38 expression in IPF lungs that inversely correlated with the lung functions of patients. CD38 was primarily located in the AECs of human lung parenchyma and was markedly induced in IPF AECs. Similarly, CD38 expression was elevated in the AECs of fibrotic lungs of young mice and further augmented in those of old mice, which was in accordance with a worsened AEC aging phenotype and an aggravated lung fibrosis in the old animals. Mechanistically, we found that CD38 elevation downregulated intracellular NAD, which likely led to the aging promoting impairment of the NAD-dependent cellular and molecular activities. Furthermore, we demonstrated that genetic and pharmacological inactivation of CD38 improved these NAD dependent events and ameliorated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Conclusions: Our study suggests targeting alveolar CD38 as a novel and effective therapeutic strategy to treat this pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huachun Cui
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Na Xie
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sami Banerjee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Tapan Dey
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rui-Ming Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Veena B Antony
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Yan Y Sanders
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Taylor S Adams
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Jose L Gomez
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Victor J Thannickal
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and
| | - Gang Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nintedanib Inhibits Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Focal Adhesion Kinase Activity Reduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158193. [PMID: 35897764 PMCID: PMC9332002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibroblasts play an important role in the development of IPF. Emerging evidence indicates that pulmonary endothelial cells could be the source of pulmonary fibroblasts through endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), which contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. EndoMT is a complex process in which endothelial cells lose their expression of endothelial markers and give rise to the characteristics of mesenchymal cells, including morphological fibroblast-like change and the expression of mesenchymal markers, which result in cardiac, renal, and dermal fibroses. Furthermore, EndoMT inhibition attenuates pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, we demonstrate that nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, ameliorated murine bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis and suppressed the in vivo and in vitro models of EndoMT. We demonstrated that the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key EndoMT regulator, increased in murine lung tissues and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells after BLM stimulation. Nintedanib treatment inhibited BLM-induced FAK activation and thus suppressed both in vivo and in vitro BLM-induced EndoMT. Importantly, we found that the VEGF/FAK signaling pathway was involved in nintedanib regulating EndoMT. These novel findings help us understand the mechanism and signaling pathway of EndoMT to further develop more efficacious drugs for IPF treatment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Min J, Li Q, Liu S, Wang Q, Yin M, Zhang Y, Yan J, Cui B, Liu S. TRAF6 Suppresses the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Attenuating the Activation of Fibroblasts. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911945. [PMID: 35668944 PMCID: PMC9163739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has a high mortality rate, and its pathogenesis is unknown. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), a signal transducer for inflammatory signaling, plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of immune diseases. However, its function in PF remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that lungs from mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF were characterized by decreased expression of TRAF6 in lung fibroblasts. Enhancing TRAF6 expression protected mice from BLM-induced PF coupled with a significant reduction in fibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overexpression of TRAF6 reversed the activation of myofibroblasts from PF mice by reducing the expression of Wnt3a and subsequently suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Additionally, the abundance of Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3), a stress sensor, was negatively correlated with the abundance of TRAF6 in lung fibroblasts. TRIB3 overexpression decreased TRAF6 abundance by reducing TRAF6 stability in lung fibroblasts during PF. Mechanistic studies revealed that TRIB3 bound to TRAF6 and accelerated basal TRAF6 ubiquitination and degradation. Collectively, our data indicate that reduced TRAF6 expression in fibroblasts is essential for the progression of PF, and therefore, genetically increasing TRAF6 expression or disrupting the TRIB3-TRAF6 interaction could be potential therapeutic strategies for fibroproliferative lung diseases in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Min
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiao Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Suosi Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianrong Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Yin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Shanshan Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Moss BJ, Ryter SW, Rosas IO. Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 17:515-546. [PMID: 34813355 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-042320-030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) involves a complex interplay of cell types and signaling pathways. Recurrent alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury may occur in the context of predisposing factors (e.g., genetic, environmental, epigenetic, immunologic, and gerontologic), leading to metabolic dysfunction, senescence, aberrant epithelial cell activation, and dysregulated epithelial repair. The dysregulated epithelial cell interacts with mesenchymal, immune, and endothelial cells via multiple signaling mechanisms to trigger fibroblast and myofibroblast activation. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies of IPF lungs support the epithelial injury model. These studies have uncovered a novel type of AEC with characteristics of an aberrant basal cell, which may disrupt normal epithelial repair and propagate a profibrotic phenotype. Here, we review the pathogenesis of IPF in the context of novel bioinformatics tools as strategies to discover pathways of disease, cell-specific mechanisms, and cell-cell interactions that propagate the profibrotic niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Moss
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; ,
| | - Stefan W Ryter
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu KK. Control of Tissue Fibrosis by 5-Methoxytryptophan, an Innate Anti-Inflammatory Metabolite. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759199. [PMID: 34858185 PMCID: PMC8632247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis causes debilitating human diseases such as liver cirrhosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and pulmonary insufficiency. It is a dynamic process orchestrated by specific subsets of monocyte-macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes and hepatic stellate cells. Fibrosis is linked to tissue inflammation. Pro-inflammatory macrophages promote fibrosis by driving myofibroblast differentiation and macrophage myofibroblast transition. Myofibroblasts express α-smooth muscle cell actin (α-SMA) and secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins notably collagen I and III. Deposition of ECM proteins at injury sites and interstitial tissues distorts normal structure and impairs vital functions. Despite advances in the mechanisms of fibrosis at cellular, molecular and genetic levels, prevention and treatment of fibrotic diseases remain poorly developed. Recent reports suggest that 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is effective in attenuating injury-induced liver, kidney, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. It inhibits macrophage activation and blocks fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblasts. Furthermore, it inhibits hepatic stellate cell differentiation into myofibroblasts. As 5-MTP is an endogenous molecule derived from tryptophan catabolism via tryptophan hydroxylase pathway, it is well-suited as a lead compound for developing new anti-fibrotic drugs. This article provides an overview of 5-MTP synthesis, and a critical review of its anti-fibrotic activities. Its mechanisms of actions and potential therapeutic value will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K Wu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tong X, Zhang S, Wang D, Zhang L, Huang J, Zhang T, Fan H. Azithromycin Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Partly by Inhibiting the Expression of LOX and LOXL-2. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709819. [PMID: 34803671 PMCID: PMC8602210 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive process of tissue repair. Azithromycin (AZM) may be beneficial for the treatment of PF because AZM has anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory roles and inhibits remodeling, but the mechanism is not entirely clear. In this study, we established a mouse PF model induced by bleomycin (BLM) and primary mouse lung fibroblasts stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to explore the possible mechanisms of AZM in PF. Results showed that AZM reduces mortality and lung inflammation and attenuates BLM-induced PF in mice. AZM effectively reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and type I collagen. Meanwhile, expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like protein (LOXL)-2 in the lung tissue of mice after AZM treatment was significantly lower than in the BLM group. In addition, this study found that AZM significantly inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathways in vivo, and expression of a-SMA, type I collagen, LOX and LOXL-2 in the lung tissue of mice treated with AZM was significantly lower than that in the BLM group. In vitro, AZM also effectively inhibited type I collagen, LOX, LOXL-2 and JNK-c-Jun signaling pathways in TGF-β1-stimulated primary mouse fibroblasts, and this effect was similar to that of a JNK-specific inhibitor (SP600125). In conclusion, AZM effectively attenuated BLM-induced PF in mice, which may play a role by partially inhibiting the JNK/c-Jun and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathways and reducing production of LOX and LOXL2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongguang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jizheng Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianli Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Inui N, Sakai S, Kitagawa M. Molecular Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis, with Focus on Pathways Related to TGF-β and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6107. [PMID: 34198949 PMCID: PMC8201174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease. During the past decade, novel pathogenic mechanisms of IPF have been elucidated that have shifted the concept of IPF from an inflammatory-driven to an epithelial-driven disease. Dysregulated repair responses induced by recurrent epithelial cell damage and excessive extracellular matrix accumulation result in pulmonary fibrosis. Although there is currently no curative therapy for IPF, two medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been introduced based on understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we discuss advances in understanding IPF pathogenesis, highlighting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and endothelial cells. TGF-β is a central regulator involved in EMT and pulmonary fibrosis. HECT-, RING finger-, and U-box-type E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate TGF-β-Smad pathway-mediated EMT via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. p27 degradation mediated by the SCF-type E3 ligase, Skp2, contributes to the progression of pulmonary fibrosis by promotion of either mesenchymal fibroblast proliferation, EMT, or both. In addition to fibroblasts as key effector cells in myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix deposition, endothelial cells also play a role in the processes of IPF. Endothelial cells can transform into myofibroblasts; therefore, endothelial-mesenchymal transition can be another source of myofibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Inui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan;
| | - Masatoshi Kitagawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by progressive lung scarring due to unknown injurious stimuli ultimately leading to respiratory failure. Diagnosis is complex and requires a combination of clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histological investigations, along with exclusion of known causes of lung fibrosis. The current understanding of the disease etiology suggests an interaction between genetic factors and epigenetic alterations in susceptible, older individuals. Prognosis is dismal and current treatment options include anti-fibrotic agents that only slow down disease progression and carry considerable side effects that hamper patients' quality of life. Therefore, the need for new, more effective treatments, alone or in combination with existing pharmacotherapy, is sorely needed. Regenerative medicine, the potential use of cell therapies to treat destructive diseases that cause architectural distortion to the target organ, has also emerged as an alternative therapeutic for lung diseases with unfavorable prognosis such as IPF. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) have been used and their safety has been demonstrated. In the case of MSCs, both homogenic and allogeneic sources have been used and both are considered viable options without immunosuppressive therapy, taking into consideration the absence of immunogenicity and HLA response. AEC2s have been used in one trial with promising results but their use requires a deceased donor and immunosuppressive pre-treatment. In this review, we briefly summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of IPF, and the background and rationale for using MSCs or AEC2s as potential treatment options. We list and describe the clinical trials completed to date and provide a comparison of their methods and results as well as a possible way forward.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sgalla G, Mari PV, Richeldi L. Home spirometry to assess efficacy of pirfenidone in progressive unclassifiable interstitial lung disease: better the devil you know than the devil you don't. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 8:1615. [PMID: 33437814 PMCID: PMC7791202 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Sgalla
- UOC Pneumologia, Dipartimento Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche e Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luca Richeldi
- UOC Pneumologia, Dipartimento Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche e Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|