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Luo W, Gu Y, Fu S, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang Y. Emerging opportunities to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Design, discovery, and optimizations of small-molecule drugs targeting fibrogenic pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115762. [PMID: 37683364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115762] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common fibrotic form of idiopathic diffuse lung disease. Due to limited treatment options, IPF patients suffer from poor survival. About ten years ago, Pirfenidone (Shionogi, 2008; InterMune, 2011) and Nintedanib (Boehringer Ingelheim, 2014) were approved, greatly changing the direction of IPF drug design. However, limited efficacy and side effects indicate that neither can reverse the process of IPF. With insights into the occurrence of IPF, novel targets and agents have been proposed, which have fundamentally changed the treatment of IPF. With the next-generation agents, targeting pro-fibrotic pathways in the epithelial-injury model offers a promising approach. Besides, several next-generation IPF drugs have entered phase II/III clinical trials with encouraging results. Due to the rising IPF treatment requirements, there is an urgent need to completely summarize the mechanisms, targets, problems, and drug design strategies over the past ten years. In this review, we summarize known mechanisms, target types, drug design, and novel technologies of IPF drug discovery, aiming to provide insights into the future development and clinical application of next-generation IPF drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilin Gu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyu Fu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Liu D, Zhang C, Zhang J, Xu GT, Zhang J. Molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular AMD focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of retinal pigment epithelium. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106250. [PMID: 37536385 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among elderly people in developed countries. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) accounts for more than 90% of AMD-related vision loss. At present, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is widely used as the first-line therapy to decrease the choroidal and retinal neovascularizations, and thus to improve or maintain the visual acuity of the patients with nAMD. However, about 1/3 patients still progress to irreversible visual impairment due to subretinal fibrosis even with adequate anti-VEGF treatment. Extensive literatures support the critical role of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, but the underlying mechanisms still remain largely unknown. This review summarized the molecular pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, especially focusing on the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EMT pathways. It was also discussed how these pathways crosstalk and respond to signals from the microenvironment to mediate EMT and contribute to the progression of nAMD-related subretinal fibrosis. Targeting EMT signaling pathways might provide a promising and effective therapeutic strategy to treat subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Inoue R, Yasuma T, Fridman D’Alessandro V, Toda M, Ito T, Tomaru A, D’Alessandro-Gabazza CN, Tsuruga T, Okano T, Takeshita A, Nishihama K, Fujimoto H, Kobayashi T, Gabazza EC. Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Overexpression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076695. [PMID: 37047672 PMCID: PMC10095307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and fatal disease with a poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 is involved in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. The role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in lung fibrosis is unclear. This study evaluated whether overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 affects the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Lung fibrosis was induced by bleomycin in wild-type mice and transgenic mice overexpressing human matrix metalloproteinase-2. Mice expressing human matrix metalloproteinase-2 showed significantly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells and inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines in the lungs compared to wild-type mice after induction of lung injury and fibrosis with bleomycin. The computed tomography score, Ashcroft score of fibrosis, and lung collagen deposition were significantly reduced in human matrix metalloproteinase transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice. The expression of anti-apoptotic genes was significantly increased, while caspase-3 activity was significantly reduced in the lungs of matrix metalloproteinase-2 transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice. Active matrix metalloproteinase-2 significantly decreased bleomycin-induced apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 appears to protect against pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Inoue
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Taro Yasuma
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Toda
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ito
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tomaru
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuki Tsuruga
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tomohito Okano
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Atsuro Takeshita
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kota Nishihama
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hajime Fujimoto
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tetsu Kobayashi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Esteban C. Gabazza
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
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Liu L, Sun Q, Davis F, Mao J, Zhao H, Ma D. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in organ fibrosis development: current understanding and treatment strategies. BURNS & TRAUMA 2022; 10:tkac011. [PMID: 35402628 PMCID: PMC8990740 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a process in which cellular homeostasis is disrupted and extracellular matrix is excessively deposited. Fibrosis can lead to vital organ failure and there are no effective treatments yet. Although epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be one of the key cellular mechanisms, the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis remain largely unknown. EMT is a cell phenotypic process in which epithelial cells lose their cell-to-cell adhesion and polarization, after which they acquire mesenchymal features such as infiltration and migration ability. Upon injurious stimulation in different organs, EMT can be triggered by multiple signaling pathways and is also regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of EMT in fibrogenesis and discusses potential strategies for attenuating EMT to prevent and/or inhibit fibrosis. Despite better understanding the role of EMT in fibrosis development, targeting EMT and beyond in developing therapeutics to tackle fibrosis is challenging but likely feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexin Liu
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK.,Department of Nephrology and Urology, Pediatric Urolith Center, The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, China
| | - Qizhe Sun
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Frank Davis
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, The Children Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, China
| | - Hailin Zhao
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Daqing Ma
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
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5
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Shi C, Chen X, Yin W, Sun Z, Hou J, Han X. Wnt8b regulates myofibroblast differentiation of lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells via the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pulmonary fibrogenesis. Differentiation 2022; 125:35-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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6
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Baarsma HA, Van der Veen CHTJ, Lobee D, Mones N, Oosterhout E, Cattani-Cavalieri I, Schmidt M. Epithelial 3D-spheroids as a tool to study air pollutant-induced lung pathology. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:185-190. [PMID: 35227934 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.02.001] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) and air pollutants (AP) activate pathological processes in bronchial epithelial cells resulting in lung function decline which severely impacts human health. Knowledge about the molecular mechanism(s) by which CS and AP induce pathology is limited. Our previous studies in 2D cultures of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells showed that CS exposure activates transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) release and signaling. Furthermore, CS exposure reduced the expression of E-cadherin, which was prevented by applying a TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. Exposure of BEAS-2B cells cultured in 2D to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) increased TGF-β1 protein expression and reduced the expression of epithelial cell markers, whereas mesenchymal markers are upregulated. Conventional 2D cell culture may, however, not fully reflect the physiology of bronchial epithelial cells in vivo. To simulate the in vivo situation more closely we cultured the bronchial epithelial cells in a 3D environment in the current study. Treatment of epithelial spheroids with TGF-β resulted in reduced E-cadherin and increased collagen I expression, indicating the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Similarly, exposure of spheroids to DEP induced and EMT-like phenotype. Collectively, our data indicate AP induces an EMT-like phenotype of BEAS-2B cells in 3D spheroid cultures. This opens new avenues for drug development for the treatment of lung diseases induced by AP. The 3D spheroid cell culture is a novel, innovative and physiologically relevant model for culturing a variety of cells. It is a versatile tool for both high-throughput studies and for identifying molecular mechanisms involved in bronchial epithelial cell (patho)physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoeke A Baarsma
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherland.
| | - Christina H T J Van der Veen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherland
| | - Danique Lobee
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland
| | - Nienke Mones
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland
| | - Emily Oosterhout
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland
| | - Isabella Cattani-Cavalieri
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherland; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherland; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, GRIAC, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherland
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7
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Nie J, Liu Y, Sun C, Zheng J, Chen B, Zhuo J, Su Z, Lai X, Chen J, Zheng J, Li Y. Effect of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extract from Chrysanthemum indicum Linné on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:240. [PMID: 34563177 PMCID: PMC8464116 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a prevalent type of cryptogenic fibrotic disease with high mortality, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) still lacks effective therapeutic drugs. The compounds extracted from buds and flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné with supercritical-carbon dioxide fluid (CISCFE) has been confirmed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lung-protective effects. This paper aimed to clarify whether CISCFE could treat IPF induced by bleomycin (BLM) and elucidate the related mechanisms. Methods Rats (Sprague-Dawley, male) were separated into the following groups: normal, model, pirfenidone (50 mg/kg), CISCFE-L, −M, and -H (240, 360, and 480 mg/kg/d, i.g., respectively, for 4 weeks). Rats were given BLM (5 mg/kg) via intratracheal installation to establish the IPF model. A549 and MRC-5 cells were stimulated by Wnt-1 to establish a cell model and then treated with CISCFE. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were employed to observe lesions in the lung tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to observe changes in genes and proteins connected with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results CISCFE inhibited the proliferation of MRC-5 cells (IC50: 2.723 ± 0.488 μg/mL) and A549 cells (IC50: 2.235 ± 0.229 μg/mL). In rats, A549 cells, and MRC-5 cells, BLM and Wnt-1 obviously induced the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, type I collagen (collagen-I), and Nu-β-catenin. The mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and − 9 (MMP-9), two enzymes that degrade and reshape the extracellular matrix (ECM) were also increased while those of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) were decreased. However, CISCFE reversed the effects of BLM and Wnt-1 on the expression pattern of these proteins and genes. Conclusion These findings showed that CISCFE could inhibit IPF development by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and may serve as a treatment for IPF after further investigation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03409-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Nie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoyue Sun
- 2nd Clinical Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jingna Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyi Zhuo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoping Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jibiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, 524000, China.
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510006, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Research of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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8
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Peng S, Shi S, Tao G, Li Y, Xiao D, Wang L, He Q, Cai X, Xiao J. JKAMP inhibits the osteogenic capacity of adipose-derived stem cells in diabetic osteoporosis by modulating the Wnt signaling pathway through intragenic DNA methylation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:120. [PMID: 33579371 PMCID: PMC7881648 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a systemic metabolic bone disease caused by diabetes mellitus (DM). Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) play an important role in bone regeneration. Our previous study confirmed that ASCs from DOP mice (DOP-ASCs) have a lower osteogenesis potential compared with control ASCs (CON-ASCs). However, the cause of this poor osteogenesis has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the underlying mechanism of the decline in the osteogenic potential of DOP-ASCs from the perspective of epigenetics and explored methods to enhance their osteogenic capacity. Methods The expression level of JNK1-associated membrane protein (JKAMP) and degree of DNA methylation in CON-ASCs and DOP-ASCs were measured by mRNA expression profiling and MeDIP sequencing, respectively. JKAMP small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a Jkamp overexpression plasmid were used to assess the role of JKAMP in osteogenic differentiation of CON-ASCs and DOP-ASCs. Immunofluorescence, qPCR, and western blotting were used to measure changes in expression of Wnt signaling pathway-related genes and osteogenesis-related molecules after osteogenesis induction. Alizarin red and ALP staining was used to confirm the osteogenic potential of stem cells. Bisulfite-specific PCR (BSP) was used to detect JKAMP methylation degree. Results Expression of JKAMP and osteogenesis-related molecules (RUNX2 and OPN) in DOP-ASCs was decreased significantly in comparison with CON-ASCs. JKAMP silencing inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway and reduced the osteogenic ability of CON-ASCs. Overexpression of JKAMP in DOP-ASCs rescued the impaired osteogenic capacity caused by DOP. Moreover, JKAMP in DOP-ASCs contained intragenic DNA hypermethylated regions related to the downregulation of JKAMP expression. Conclusions Intragenic DNA methylation inhibits the osteogenic ability of DOP-ASCs by suppressing expression of JKAMP and the Wnt signaling pathway. This study shows an epigenetic explanation for the reduced osteogenic ability of DOP-ASCs and provides a potential therapeutic target to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanglin Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,National Key Clinical Specialty, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Sirong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gang Tao
- Orofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration Laboratory, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yanjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dexuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lang Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jingang Xiao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China. .,National Key Clinical Specialty, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China. .,Orofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration Laboratory, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China. .,Department of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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9
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Volovat SR, Volovat C, Hordila I, Hordila DA, Mirestean CC, Miron OT, Lungulescu C, Scripcariu DV, Stolniceanu CR, Konsoulova-Kirova AA, Grigorescu C, Stefanescu C, Volovat CC, Augustin I. MiRNA and LncRNA as Potential Biomarkers in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Review. Front Oncol 2020; 10:526850. [PMID: 33330019 PMCID: PMC7716774 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.526850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) include a diverse range of RNA species, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). MiRNAs, ncRNAs of approximately 19-25 nucleotides in length, are involved in gene expression regulation either via degradation or silencing of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and have roles in multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. LncRNAs, which are longer than 200 nucleotides, comprise one of the largest and most heterogeneous RNA families. LncRNAs can activate or repress gene expression through various mechanisms, acting alone or in combination with miRNAs and other molecules as part of various pathways. Until recently, most research has focused on individual lncRNA and miRNA functions as regulators, and there is limited available data on ncRNA interactions relating to the tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy of cancer, acting either on mRNA alone or as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents approximately 10%-20% of all breast cancers (BCs) and is highly heterogenous and more aggressive than other types of BC, for which current targeted treatment options include hormonotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy; however, no targeted therapies for TNBC are available, partly because of a lack of predictive biomarkers. With advances in proteomics, new evidence has emerged demonstrating the implications of dysregulation of ncRNAs in TNBC etiology. Here, we review the roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs implicated in TNBC, including their interactions and regulatory networks. Our synthesis provides insight into the mechanisms involved in TNBC progression and has potential to aid the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ruxandra Volovat
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Constantin Volovat
- Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania.,Center of Oncology Euroclinic, Iași, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristian Lungulescu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Cati Raluca Stolniceanu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa Iasi, Iași, Romania
| | | | - Cristina Grigorescu
- Department of Surgery, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
| | - Cipriana Stefanescu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa Iasi, Iași, Romania
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EGF-mediated reduced miR-92a-1-5p controls HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion through activation of MAPK8 and FAS which in turn increase MMP-2/-9 expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12274. [PMID: 32703964 PMCID: PMC7378053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of human miR-17-92 cluster are implicated in several cancers and are known to increase cancer cells invasiveness. The present study reports reduced expression of miR-92a-1-5p in EGF treated HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells by NGS and qRT-PCR. Overexpression of miR-92a-1-5p led to significantly reduced EGF-mediated HTR-8/SVneo cells invasion. MAPK8 and FAS were predicted to be miR-92a-1-5p targets, and confirmed to be reduced by qRT-PCR and Western blotting in trophoblast cells overexpressing miR-92a-1-5p. The binding of miR-92a-1-5p to MAPK8 and FAS 3'-UTR was confirmed by Luciferase reporter assay and Rescue assay. EGF increases MMP-2 & MMP-9 expression and reduces TIMP1 expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Inhibition of MAPK8 (by SP600125) reduced EGF-mediated MMP-9/TIMP1 ratio and invasion. Similarly, silencing of FAS by siRNA reduced EGF-mediated MMP-2/TIMP1 ratio and invasion. Treatment of HTR-8/SVneo cells with STAT1/3 inhibitors or siRNAs led to loss of EGF-mediated reduction in miR-92a-1-5p levels. Inserting the predicted binding sites of STAT3 present in promoter region of miR-92a-1-5p upstream of Luciferase promoter reduced its expression in presence of STAT3 expression vector. Thus, EGF leads to reduced miR-92a-1-5p expression which may be regulated by STAT1/STAT3 and controls HTR-8/SVneo cells invasion by targeting MAPK8 and FAS, which in turn increases MMP-2/MMP-9 expression.
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11
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Hu HH, Cao G, Wu XQ, Vaziri ND, Zhao YY. Wnt signaling pathway in aging-related tissue fibrosis and therapies. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 60:101063. [PMID: 32272170 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final hallmark of pathological remodeling, which is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases and aging-related organ failure to fully control chronic wound-healing and restoring tissue function. The process of fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of the kidney, lung, liver, heart and other tissue disorders. Wnt is a highly conserved signaling in the aberrant wound repair and fibrogenesis, and sustained Wnt activation is correlated with the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In particular, mounting evidence has revealed that Wnt signaling played important roles in cell fate determination, proliferation and cell polarity establishment. The expression and distribution of Wnt signaling in different tissues vary with age, and these changes have key effects on maintaining tissue homeostasis. In this review, we first describe the major constituents of the Wnt signaling and their regulation functions. Subsequently, we summarize the dysregulation of Wnt signaling in aging-related fibrotic tissues such as kidney, liver, lung and cardiac fibrosis, followed by a detailed discussion of its involvement in organ fibrosis. In addition, the crosstalk between Wnt signaling and other pathways has the potential to profoundly add to the complexity of organ fibrosis. Increasing studies have demonstrated that a number of Wnt inhibitors had the potential role against tissue fibrosis, specifically in kidney fibrosis and the implications of Wnt signaling in aging-related diseases. Therefore, targeting Wnt signaling might be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy against aging-related tissue fibrosis.
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12
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van der Velden JL, Alcorn JF, Chapman DG, Lundblad LKA, Irvin CG, Davis RJ, Butnor K, Janssen-Heininger YMW. Airway epithelial specific deletion of Jun-N-terminal kinase 1 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in two independent mouse models. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226904. [PMID: 31935227 PMCID: PMC6959564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The stress-induced kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) has previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. However, the exact cell type(s) wherein JNK1 exerts its pro-fibrotic role(s) remained enigmatic. Herein we demonstrate prominent activation of JNK in bronchial epithelia using the mouse models of bleomycin- or AdTGFβ1-induced fibrosis. Furthermore, in lung tissues of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), active JNK was observed in various regions including type I and type II pneumocytes and fibroblasts. No JNK activity was observed in adjacent normal tissue or in normal control tissue. To address the role of epithelial JNK1, we ablated Jnk1 form bronchiolar and alveolar type II epithelial cells using CCSP-directed Cre recombinase-mediated ablation of LoxP-flanked Jnk1 alleles. Our results demonstrate that ablation of Jnk1 from airway epithelia resulted in a strong protection from bleomycin- or adenovirus expressing active transforming growth factor beta-1 (AdTGFβ1)-induced fibrosis. Ablation of the Jnk1 allele at a time when collagen increases were already present showed a reversal of existing increases in collagen content. Epithelial Jnk1 ablation resulted in attenuation of mesenchymal genes and proteins in lung tissue and preserved expression of epithelial genes. Collectively, these data suggest that epithelial JNK1 contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Given the presence of active JNK in lungs from patients with IPF, targeting JNK1 in airway epithelia may represent a potential treatment strategy to combat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos L. van der Velden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - John F. Alcorn
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David G. Chapman
- Departments of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Lennart K. A. Lundblad
- Departments of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Charles G. Irvin
- Departments of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Roger J. Davis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kelly Butnor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Yvonne M. W. Janssen-Heininger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Li J, Chen Y, Han C, Huang S, Chen S, Luo L, Liu Y. JNK1/β-catenin axis regulates H2O2-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 511:336-342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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van der Velden JL, Wagner DE, Lahue KG, Abdalla ST, Lam YW, Weiss DJ, Janssen-Heininger YMW. TGF-β1-induced deposition of provisional extracellular matrix by tracheal basal cells promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in a c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase-1-dependent manner. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 314:L984-L997. [PMID: 29469614 PMCID: PMC6032072 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00053.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells have been suggested as potential drivers of lung fibrosis, although the epithelial-dependent pathways that promote fibrogenesis remain unknown. Extracellular matrix is increasingly recognized as an environment that can drive cellular responses in various pulmonary diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated mouse tracheal basal (MTB) cells produce provisional matrix proteins in vitro, which initiate mesenchymal changes in subsequently freshly plated MTB cells via Rho kinase- and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK1)-dependent processes. Repopulation of decellularized lung scaffolds, derived from mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis or from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with wild-type MTB cells resulted in a loss of epithelial gene expression and augmentation of mesenchymal gene expression compared with cells seeded into decellularized normal lungs. In contrast, Jnk1-/- basal cells seeded into fibrotic lung scaffolds retained a robust epithelial expression profile, failed to induce mesenchymal genes, and differentiated into club cell secretory protein-expressing cells. This new paradigm wherein TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix derived from MTB cells activates a JNK1-dependent mesenchymal program, which impedes subsequent normal epithelial cell homeostasis, provides a plausible scenario of chronic aberrant epithelial repair, thought to be critical in lung fibrogenesis. This study identifies JNK1 as a possible target for inhibition in settings wherein reepithelialization is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos L van der Velden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Darcy E Wagner
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lung Bioengineering, and Regeneration, Lund University , Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University , Lund, Sweden
| | - Karolyn G Lahue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Sarah T Abdalla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Ying-Wai Lam
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
- Vermont Genetics Networks Proteomics Facility, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
| | - Daniel J Weiss
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont , Burlington, Vermont
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15
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Song L, Chang R, Dai C, Wu Y, Guo J, Qi M, Zhou W, Zhan L. SORBS1 suppresses tumor metastasis and improves the sensitivity of cancer to chemotherapy drug. Oncotarget 2018; 8:9108-9122. [PMID: 27791200 PMCID: PMC5354718 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis and invasion are both hallmarks of cancer malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death. Here we show that the adaptor protein SORBS1 (Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 1, also known as CAP/ponsin) is expressed at low levels in clinical cancer samples. In addition, low-level expression of SORBS1 was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and the increased tumor cell invasive capacity in breast cancer patients. We demonstrate that depletion of SORBS1 increases protrusions and filopodium-like protrusions (FLPs) formation, as well as the migratory and invasive abilities of cancer cells, via activation of JNK/cJun. Furthermore, silencing of SORBS1 promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and attenuates chemical drug sensitivity especially that to cisplatin, by inhibition of p53 in breast cancer cells. Thus, we illustrate that SORBS1 is a potential inhibitor of metastasis in cancer and may be a promising target in chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Song
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Renxu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Cheng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yanjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jingyu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meiyan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wu Zhou
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Lixing Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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16
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Aghapour M, Raee P, Moghaddam SJ, Hiemstra PS, Heijink IH. Airway Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Role of Cigarette Smoke Exposure. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2018; 58:157-169. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0200tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pourya Raee
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyed Javad Moghaddam
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pieter S. Hiemstra
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Irene H. Heijink
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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17
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Distinct Roles of Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:3520581. [PMID: 28588349 PMCID: PMC5447271 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3520581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are tightly controlled under a physiological condition, under which they play key roles in many biological functions, including cell fate specification and tissue regeneration. Increasing lines of evidence recently demonstrated that a dysregulated activation of Wnt signaling, particularly the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, was involved in the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In this respect, Wnt signaling interacts with other cellular signaling pathways to regulate the initiation and pathogenic procedures of airway inflammation and remodeling, pulmonary myofibroblast proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and development of emphysema. Intriguingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated in IPF; an inhibition of this signaling leads to an alleviation of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in experimental models. Conversely, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is inactivated in COPD tissues, and its reactivation results in an amelioration of airspace enlargement with a restored alveolar epithelial structure and function in emphysema models. These studies thus imply distinct mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pathogenesis of these two chronic pulmonary diseases, indicating potential targets for COPD and IPF treatments. This review article aims to summarize the involvement and pathogenic roles of Wnt signaling pathways in the COPD and IPF, with a focus on the implication of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets in these two incurable diseases.
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18
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Alves MJ, Figuerêdo RG, Azevedo FF, Cavallaro DA, Neto NIP, Lima JDC, Matos-Neto E, Radloff K, Riccardi DM, Camargo RG, De Alcântara PSM, Otoch JP, Junior MLB, Seelaender M. Adipose tissue fibrosis in human cancer cachexia: the role of TGFβ pathway. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:190. [PMID: 28288584 PMCID: PMC5348844 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that dramatically decreases survival. Loss of white adipose tissue (WAT) is one of the key characteristics of cachexia. WAT wasting is paralleled by microarchitectural remodeling in cachectic cancer patients. Fibrosis results from uncontrolled ECM synthesis, a process in which, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) plays a pivotal role. So far, the mechanisms involved in adipose tissue (AT) re-arrangement, and the role of TGFβ in inducing AT remodeling in weight-losing cancer patients are poorly understood. This study examined the modulation of ECM components mediated by TGFβ pathway in fibrotic AT obtained from cachectic gastrointestinal cancer patients. Methods After signing the informed consent form, patients were enrolled into the following groups: cancer cachexia (CC, n = 21), weight-stable cancer (WSC, n = 17), and control (n = 21). The total amount of collagen and elastic fibers in the subcutaneous AT was assessed by histological analysis and by immunohistochemistry. TGFβ isoforms expression was analyzed by Multiplex assay and by immunohistochemistry. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibroblast-specific protein (FSP1), Smad3 and 4 were quantified by qPCR and/or by immunohistochemistry. Interleukin (IL) 2, IL5, IL8, IL13 and IL17 content, cytokines known to be associated with fibrosis, was measured by Multiplex assay. Results There was an accumulation of collagen and elastic fibers in the AT of CC, as compared with WSC and controls. Collagens type I, III, VI, and fibronectin expression was enhanced in the tissue of CC, compared with both WSC and control. The pronounced expression of αSMA in the surrounding of adipocytes, and the increased mRNA content for FSP1 (20-fold) indicate the presence of activated myofibroblasts; particularly in CC. TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 levels were up-regulated by cachexia in AT, as well in the isolated adipocytes. Smad3 and Smad4 labeling was found to be more evident in the fibrotic areas of CC adipose tissue. Conclusions Cancer cachexia promotes the development of AT fibrosis, in association with altered TGFβ signaling, compromising AT organization and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Joana Alves
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Galvão Figuerêdo
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Alexandre Cavallaro
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Joanna Darck Carola Lima
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emidio Matos-Neto
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katrin Radloff
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Mendes Riccardi
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Gonzalez Camargo
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Pinhata Otoch
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Surgery, Hospital University, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Luiz Batista Junior
- Biotechnology Group, Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, University of Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
| | - Marília Seelaender
- Cancer Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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19
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MiRNAs and Other Epigenetic Changes as Biomarkers in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28347-76. [PMID: 26633365 PMCID: PMC4691037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterised by the lack of receptors for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). Since it cannot be treated by current endocrine therapies which target these receptors and due to its aggressive nature, it has one of the worst prognoses of all breast cancer subtypes. The only treatments remain chemo- and/or radio-therapy and surgery and because of this, novel biomarkers or treatment targets are urgently required to improve disease outcomes. MicroRNAs represent an attractive candidate for targeted therapies against TNBC, due to their natural ability to act as antisense interactors and regulators of entire gene sets involved in malignancy and their superiority over mRNA profiling to accurately classify disease. Here we review the current knowledge regarding miRNAs as biomarkers in TNBC and their potential use as therapeutic targets in this disease. Further, we review other epigenetic changes and interactions of these changes with microRNAs in this breast cancer subtype, which may lead to the discovery of new treatment targets for TNBC.
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20
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Raaijmakers LM, Giansanti P, Possik PA, Mueller J, Peeper DS, Heck AJR, Altelaar AFM. PhosphoPath: Visualization of Phosphosite-centric Dynamics in Temporal Molecular Networks. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4332-41. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linsey M. Raaijmakers
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Piero Giansanti
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia A. Possik
- Division
of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Mueller
- Division
of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel S. Peeper
- Division
of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J. R. Heck
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A. F. Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular
Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan
8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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21
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Kumawat K, Koopmans T, Gosens R. β-catenin as a regulator and therapeutic target for asthmatic airway remodeling. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1023-34. [PMID: 25005144 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.934813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pathological alteration in the airway structure, termed as airway remodeling, is a hallmark feature of individuals with asthma and has been described to negatively impact lung function in asthmatics. Recent studies have raised considerable interest in the regulatory role of β-catenin in remodeling asthmatic airways. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is the key to normal lung development and tightly coordinates the maintenance of tissue homeostasis under steady-state conditions. Several studies indicate the crucial role of β-catenin signaling in airway remodeling in asthma and suggest that this pathway may be activated by both the growth factors and mechanical stimuli such as bronchoconstriction. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss recent literature regarding the mechanisms of β-catenin signaling activation and its mechanistic role in asthmatic airway remodeling. Further, we discuss the possibilities of therapeutic targeting of β-catenin. EXPERT OPINION The aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling by both WNT-dependent and -independent mechanisms in asthmatic airways plays a key role in remodeling the airways, including cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue repair and extracellular matrix production. These findings are interesting from both a mechanistic and therapeutic perspective, as several drug classes have now been described that target β-catenin signaling directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Kumawat
- University of Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Department of Molecular Pharmacology , A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen , The Netherlands +31 50 363 8177 ; +31 50 363 6908 ;
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22
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Song P, Zheng JX, Liu JZ, Xu J, Wu LY, Liu C, Zhu Q, Wang Y. Effect of the Wnt1/β-catenin signalling pathway on human embryonic pulmonary fibroblasts. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:1030-6. [PMID: 24859686 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease associated with a high rate of mortality, characterised by an accumulation of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in the fibroblastic foci (FF) and by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lung parenchyma. The pathogenesis of this fatal disorder remains unclear. Previous evidence suggests that myofibroblasts are key effectors of the deposition of ECM. In the present study, human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast (HEPF) cells were incubated with different concentrations of Wnt1. The present study revealed that cell proliferation improved following stimulation using different concentrations of Wnt1 in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration exceeded 20 µg/l, cell proliferation was significant (P<0.05) and the cell expression of α-SMA, vimentin and collagen I mRNA, as well as protein expression, significantly increased (P<0.05). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was then obtained from bleomycin (BLM)-induced models of pulmonary fibrosis. HEPF cells were cultured with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium plus BALF. The mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, vimentin and collagen I significantly increased and these increases were associated with β-catenin. Furthermore, following being infected with the lentivirus expressing β-catenin shRNA, HEPF cells were cultured with BALF. However, the mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, vimentin and collagen I did not increase significantly. The present study suggested that the Wnt1/β-catenin signalling pathway can promote HEPF cell proliferation and induced HEPF cells can change into myofibroblasts and promote ECM deposition. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Song
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Xu Zheng
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Zhu Liu
- Respiratory Department, Huaibei Miner General Hospital, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Xu
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Li-Yan Wu
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Qin Zhu
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
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Xu X, Wan X, Geng J, Li F, Wang C, Dai H. Kinase inhibitors fail to induce mesenchymal-epithelial transition in fibroblasts from fibrotic lung tissue. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:430-8. [PMID: 23760654 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been considered to be involved in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the EMT process in vivo is much more complex and controversial. Studies regarding the opposite process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in fibroblasts, are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the involvement of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-dependent EMT network in the process of pulmonary fibrosis and to explore the possibility of MET. Fibrotic lung tissues were obtained from patients with IPF with histological evidence of usual interstitial pneumonia at the time of surgical lung biopsy. For the controls, histologically normal lung tissues were obtained from patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax at the time of thoracoscopy with stapling of any air leaks. Real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptor type I/II/III (TβRI/II/III), Smad2/3/4 and Snail1/2 were significantly upregulated in the fibrotic lung tissue. Inhibitors of various kinases implicated in EMT, including TGF-β1/Smad, Rho kinase (ROCK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun NH-terminal kinase (JNK) were used to determine the MET potential in fibroblasts from fibrotic lung tissue. Western blot analysis or indirect immunofluorescence staining revealed that Smad inhibitor, as well as other kinase inhibitors failed to induce the MET process, determined by cellular morphology and protein markers. Our data suggest that the MET process may not be the exact reversal of EMT. In addition to using kinase inhibitors, other intervention measures should be used to explore the possibility of the MET process in fibroblasts from fibrotic lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
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Valkenburg KC, Steensma MR, Williams BO, Zhong Z. Skeletal metastasis: treatments, mouse models, and the Wnt signaling. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2013; 32:380-96. [PMID: 23327798 PMCID: PMC3845601 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.012.10218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal metastases result in significant morbidity and mortality. This is particularly true of cancers with a strong predilection for the bone, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers. There is currently no reliable cure for skeletal metastasis, and palliative therapy options are limited. The Wnt signaling pathway has been found to play an integral role in the process of skeletal metastasis and may be an important clinical target. Several experimental models of skeletal metastasis have been used to find new biomarkers and test new treatments. In this review, we discuss pathologic process of bone metastasis, the roles of the Wnt signaling, and the available experimental models and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C Valkenburg
- Center for Skeletal Disease Research, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Tanjore H, Degryse AL, Crossno PF, Xu XC, McConaha ME, Jones BR, Polosukhin VV, Bryant AJ, Cheng DS, Newcomb DC, McMahon FB, Gleaves LA, Blackwell TS, Lawson WE. β-catenin in the alveolar epithelium protects from lung fibrosis after intratracheal bleomycin. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 187:630-9. [PMID: 23306543 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201205-0972oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) play central roles in the response to lung injury and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the role of β-catenin in alveolar epithelium during bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. METHODS Genetically modified mice were developed to selectively delete β-catenin in AECs and were crossed to cell fate reporter mice that express β-galactosidase (βgal) in cells of AEC lineage. Mice were given intratracheal bleomycin (0.04 units) and assessed for AEC death, inflammation, lung injury, and fibrotic remodeling. Mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE12) with small interfering RNA knockdown of β-catenin underwent evaluation for wound closure, proliferation, and bleomycin-induced cytotoxicity. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Increased β-catenin expression was noted in lung parenchyma after bleomycin. Mice with selective deletion of β-catenin in AECs had greater AEC death at 1 week after bleomycin, followed by increased numbers of fibroblasts and enhanced lung fibrosis as determined by semiquantitative histological scoring and total collagen content. However, no differences in lung inflammation or protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage were noted. In vitro, β-catenin-deficient AECs showed increased bleomycin-induced cytotoxicity as well as reduced proliferation and impaired wound closure. Consistent with these findings, mice with AEC β-catenin deficiency showed delayed recovery after bleomycin. CONCLUSIONS β-Catenin in the alveolar epithelium protects against bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Our studies suggest that AEC survival and wound healing are enhanced through β-catenin-dependent mechanisms. Activation of the developmentally important β-catenin pathway in AECs appears to contribute to epithelial repair after epithelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishna Tanjore
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2650, USA
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Meuten T, Hickey A, Franklin K, Grossi B, Tobias J, Newman DR, Jennings SH, Correa M, Sannes PL. WNT7B in fibroblastic foci of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2012; 13:62. [PMID: 22838404 PMCID: PMC3479038 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-13-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial pneumonia causing a loss of respiratory surface area due to a proliferative fibrotic response involving hyperplastic, hypertrophic, and metaplastic epithelium, cystic honeycomb change, septal expansion, and variable inflammation. Wnt (wingless) signaling glycoproteins are known to be involved in lung development and tissue repair, and are up-regulated in patients with IPF. Based on previous qRT-PCR data showing increased Wnt7B in lungs of IPF patients, a systematic, quantitative examination of its tissue site distribution was undertaken. Methods Tissue samples from the Lung Tissue Research Consortium (LTRC) of 39 patients diagnosed with mild to severe IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and 19 normal patients were examined for the immunolocalization of Wnt7B. Results In normal lung, moderate Wnt7B reactivity was confined to airway epithelium, smooth muscle of airways and vasculature, and macrophages. IPF lung showed strong Wnt7B reactivity in fibroblastic foci, dysplastic airway and alveolar epithelium, and in highly discrete subepithelial, basement membrane-associated regions. All reactive sites were sized and counted relative to specific microscopic regions. Those in the subepithelial sites were found in significantly greater numbers and larger relative area compared with the others. No reactive sites were present in normal patient controls. Conclusions The results demonstrate Wnt7B to be expressed at high concentrations in regions of active hyperplasia, metaplasia, and fibrotic change in IPF patients. In this context and its previously established biologic activities, Wnt7B would be expected to be of potential importance in the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Meuten
- Departments of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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