1
|
Sisto M, Lisi S. Epigenetic Regulation of EMP/EMT-Dependent Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2775. [PMID: 38474021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052775] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It often represents the evolution of pathological conditions, causes organ failure, and can, in extreme cases, compromise the functionality of organs to the point of causing death. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic evolution and to identify possible therapeutic strategies. Great interest has been aroused by the discovery of a molecular association between epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), in particular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrogenesis, which has led to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms closely interconnected with each other, which could explain EMT-dependent fibrosis. However, the result remains unsatisfactory from a therapeutic point of view. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, based on chromatin remodeling through various histone modifications or through the intervention of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have provided more information on the fibrotic process, and this could represent a promising path forward for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current research on epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on epigenetic regulation of EMP/EMT-dependent fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brandt S, Bernhardt A, Häberer S, Wolters K, Gehringer F, Reichardt C, Krause A, Geffers R, Kahlfuß S, Jeron A, Bruder D, Lindquist JA, Isermann B, Mertens PR. Comparative Analysis of Acute Kidney Injury Models and Related Fibrogenic Responses: Convergence on Methylation Patterns Regulated by Cold Shock Protein. Cells 2024; 13:367. [PMID: 38474331 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix formation in solid organs, disrupting tissue architecture and function. The Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) regulates fibrosis-related genes (e.g., Col1a1, Mmp2, and Tgfβ1) and contributes significantly to disease progression. This study aims to identify fibrogenic signatures and the underlying signaling pathways modulated by YB-1. METHODS Transcriptomic changes associated with matrix gene patterns in human chronic kidney diseases and murine acute injury models were analyzed with a focus on known YB-1 targets. Ybx1-knockout mouse strains (Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX and Ybx1ΔLysM) were subjected to various kidney injury models. Fibrosis patterns were characterized by histopathological staining, transcriptome analysis, qRT-PCR, methylation analysis, zymography, and Western blotting. RESULTS Integrative transcriptomic analyses revealed that YB-1 is involved in several fibrogenic signatures related to the matrisome, the WNT, YAP/TAZ, and TGFß pathways, and regulates Klotho expression. Changes in the methylation status of the Klotho promoter by specific methyltransferases (DNMT) are linked to YB-1 expression, extending to other fibrogenic genes. Notably, kidney-resident cells play a significant role in YB-1-modulated fibrogenic signaling, whereas infiltrating myeloid immune cells have a minimal impact. CONCLUSIONS YB-1 emerges as a master regulator of fibrogenesis, guiding DNMT1 to fibrosis-related genes. This highlights YB-1 as a potential target for epigenetic therapies interfering in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Brandt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anja Bernhardt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Häberer
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wolters
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Gehringer
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Reichardt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Krause
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome Analytics Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuß
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Jeron
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jonathan A Lindquist
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter R Mertens
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Iheanacho MS, Kandel R, Roy P, Singh KP. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes in human kidney epithelial cells through reversal of epigenetic aberrations and antioxidant activities. Biofactors 2023. [PMID: 38146662 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a pathogenic intermediate stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrotoxicants including arsenic can cause kidney fibrosis through induction of oxidative stress and epigenetic aberrations. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, is known to have antioxidant and epigenetic modulation properties. Whether EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulating activities, can attenuate fibrogenesis is not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether EGCG can attenuate arsenic-induced acute injury and long-term exposure associated fibrogenicity in kidney epithelial cells. To address this question, two human kidney epithelial cell lines Caki-1 and HK-2 exposed to arsenic for both acute and long-term durations were treated with EGCG. The protective effect of EGCG on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenicity were evaluated by measuring the cell growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, genes expression, and epigenetic changes in histone marks. Results revealed that EGCG has a protective effect in arsenic-induced acute cytotoxicity in these cells. EGCG scavenges the increased levels of ROS in arsenic exposed cells. Aberrant expression of fibrogenic genes in arsenic exposed cells were restored by EGCG. Abrogation of arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes was also associated with EGCG-mediated restoration of arsenic-induced aberrant expression of epigenetic regulatory proteins and histone marks. Novel findings of this study suggest that EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulation capacities, has protective effects against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenic changes in kidney epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sonia Iheanacho
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Ramji Kandel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Priti Roy
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kamaleshwar P Singh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghosh K, Shome DK, Kulkarni B, Ghosh MK, Ghosh K. Fibrosis and bone marrow: understanding causation and pathobiology. J Transl Med 2023; 21:703. [PMID: 37814319 PMCID: PMC10561412 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04393-z] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow fibrosis represents an important structural change in the marrow that interferes with some of its normal functions. The aetiopathogenesis of fibrosis is not well established except in its primary form. The present review consolidates current understanding of marrow fibrosis. We searched PubMed without time restriction using key words: bone marrow and fibrosis as the main stem against the terms: growth factors, cytokines and chemokines, morphology, megakaryocytes and platelets, myeloproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndrome, collagen biosynthesis, mesenchymal stem cells, vitamins and minerals and hormones, and mechanism of tissue fibrosis. Tissue marrow fibrosis-related papers were short listed and analysed for the review. It emerged that bone marrow fibrosis is the outcome of complex interactions between growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and hormones together with their facilitators and inhibitors. Fibrogenesis is initiated by mobilisation of special immunophenotypic subsets of mesenchymal stem cells in the marrow that transform into fibroblasts. Fibrogenic stimuli may arise from neoplastic haemopoietic or non-hematopoietic cells, as well as immune cells involved in infections and inflammatory conditions. Autoimmunity is involved in a small subset of patients with marrow fibrosis. Megakaryocytes and platelets are either directly involved or are important intermediaries in stimulating mesenchymal stem cells. MMPs, TIMPs, TGF-β, PDGRF, and basic FGF and CRCXL4 chemokines are involved in these processes. Genetic and epigenetic changes underlie many of these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanjaksha Ghosh
- National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13 Th Fl KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Durjoy K Shome
- Department of Pathophysiology, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Coolidge, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Bipin Kulkarni
- Department of Molecular Biology and Haemostasis, National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13Th Fl KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Malay K Ghosh
- Department of Haematology, Nilratan Sarkar Medical College, Kolkata, 700014, West Bengal, India
| | - Kinjalka Ghosh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tata Medical Centre and Homi Bhaba National Institute, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salminen A. The role of immunosuppressive myofibroblasts in the aging process and age-related diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1169-1189. [PMID: 37606688 PMCID: PMC10560181 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-resident fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which control the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibroblasts possess a remarkable plasticity to allow them to adapt to the changes in the microenvironment and thus maintain tissue homeostasis. Several stresses, also those associated with the aging process, convert quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which not only display fibrogenic properties but also act as immune regulators cooperating both with tissue-resident immune cells and those immune cells recruited into affected tissues. TGF-β cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major inducers of myofibroblast differentiation in pathological conditions either from quiescent fibroblasts or via transdifferentiation from certain other cell types, e.g., macrophages, adipocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells. Intriguingly, TGF-β and ROS are also important signaling mediators between immunosuppressive cells, such as MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages. It seems that in pathological states, myofibroblasts are able to interact with the immunosuppressive network. There is clear evidence that a low-grade chronic inflammatory state in aging tissues is counteracted by activation of compensatory immunosuppression. Interestingly, common enhancers of the aging process, such as oxidative stress, loss of DNA integrity, and inflammatory insults, are inducers of myofibroblasts, whereas anti-aging treatments with metformin and rapamycin suppress the differentiation of myofibroblasts and thus prevent age-related tissue fibrosis. I will examine the reciprocal interactions between myofibroblasts and immunosuppressive cells within aging tissues. It seems that the differentiation of myofibroblasts with age-related harmful stresses enhances the activity of the immunosuppressive network which promotes tissue fibrosis and degeneration in elderly individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Z, Liu J, Wang W, An X, Luo L, Yu D, Sun W. Epigenetic modification in diabetic kidney disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1133970. [PMID: 37455912 PMCID: PMC10348754 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1133970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microangiopathy in diabetic patients and the main cause of death in diabetic patients. The main manifestations of DKD are proteinuria and decreased renal filtration capacity. The glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin level are two of the most important hallmarks of the progression of DKD. The classical treatment of DKD is controlling blood glucose and blood pressure. However, the commonly used clinical therapeutic strategies and the existing biomarkers only partially slow the progression of DKD and roughly predict disease progression. Therefore, novel therapeutic methods, targets and biomarkers are urgently needed to meet clinical requirements. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of DKD. Epigenetic variation mainly includes DNA methylation, histone modification and changes in the noncoding RNA expression profile, which are deeply involved in DKD-related inflammation, oxidative stress, hemodynamics, and the activation of abnormal signaling pathways. Since DKD is reversible at certain disease stages, it is valuable to identify abnormal epigenetic modifications as early diagnosis and treatment targets to prevent the progression of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Because the current understanding of the epigenetic mechanism of DKD is not comprehensive, the purpose of this review is to summarize the role of epigenetic modification in the occurrence and development of DKD and evaluate the value of epigenetic therapies in DKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- Public Research Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Public Research Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wanning Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xingna An
- Public Research Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Public Research Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dehai Yu
- Public Research Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Weixia Sun
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|