1
|
Abraham D, Lescoat A, Stratton R. Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101252. [PMID: 38325132 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also called scleroderma, SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to skin fibrosis and various internal organ manifestations. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for scleroderma focus on early detection and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Diagnostics for SSc have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in serological markers and imaging techniques. Autoantibody profiling, especially antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific scleroderma-associated autoantibodies, aids in identifying subsets of scleroderma and predicting disease progression. Furthermore, novel imaging modalities, such as high-frequency ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography, enable early detection of skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement, enhancing the diagnostic precision and allowing for tailored management. Therapeutic strategies for SSc are multifaceted, targeting immune dysregulation, vascular abnormalities, and fibrotic processes. Emerging biologic agents have shown promise in clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies directed against key cytokines involved in fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt fibrotic pathways, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have exhibited potential in limiting collagen deposition and preventing disease progression. Stem cell therapy, cell ablation and gene editing techniques hold great potential in regenerating damaged tissue and halting fibrotic processes. Early intervention remains crucial in managing SSc, as irreversible tissue damage often occurs in advanced stages. Novel diagnostic methods, such as biomarkers and gene expression profiling, are being explored to identify individuals at high risk for developing progressive severe disease and intervene proactively. Furthermore, patient-tailored therapeutic approaches, employing a combination of immunosuppressive agents and targeted anti-fibrotic therapies, are being investigated to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in scleroderma are transforming the management of this challenging disease. Nevertheless, ongoing research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the efficacy and safety of these novel approaches in the complex and diverse spectrum of SSc manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Abraham
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Richard Stratton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bordoni B, Escher AR, Girgenti GT, Tobbi F, Bonanzinga R. Osteopathic Approach for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars. Cureus 2023; 15:e44815. [PMID: 37692181 PMCID: PMC10483258 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is a complex organ, a system that influences and is influenced by the body system, with different skin layers always mechano-biologically active. In the presence of a lesion that damages the dermis, the skin undergoes sensory, morphological, and functional alterations. The subsequent adaptation is the formation of scar tissue, following distinct and overlapping biological phases. For reasons not yet fully elucidated, some healing processes lead to pathological scars, from which symptoms such as pain, itching, and functional limitations are derived. Currently, there is no gold standard treatment that fully meets the needs of different scars and can eliminate any symptoms that the patient suffers. One such treatment is manual medicine, which involves direct manual approaches to the site of injury. Reviewing the phases that allow the skin to be remodeled following an injury, this article reflects on the usefulness of resorting to these procedures, highlighting erroneous concepts on which the manual approach is based, compared to what the current literature highlights the cicatricial processes. Considering pathological scar adaptations, it would be better to follow a gentle manual approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bordoni
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Foundation Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, ITA
| | - Allan R Escher
- Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA
| | - Gregory T Girgenti
- Anesthesiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA
| | - Filippo Tobbi
- Osteopathy, PGO (Post Graduate Osteopathic) Institute, Lesignano De' bagni, ITA
| | - Roberto Bonanzinga
- Osteopathy, PGO (Post Graduate Osteopathic) Institute, Lesignano De' bagni, ITA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu L, Liu L, Wang A, Liu J, Huang X, Zan T. Positive feedback loops between fibroblasts and the mechanical environment contribute to dermal fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2023; 121:1-21. [PMID: 37164179 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.001] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Dermal fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the dermis and affects millions of people worldwide and causes limited movement, disfigurement and psychological distress in patients. Fibroblast dysfunction of plays a central role in the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis and is controlled by distinct factors. Recent studies support the hypothesis that fibroblasts can drive matrix deposition and stiffening, which in turn can exacerbate the functional dysregulation of fibroblasts. Ultimately, through a positive feedback loop, uncontrolled pathological fibrosis develops. This review aims to summarize the phenomenon and mechanism of the positive feedback loop in dermal fibrosis, and discuss potential therapeutic targets to help further elucidate the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis and develop therapeutic strategies. In this review, fibroblast-derived compositional and structural changes in the ECM that lead to altered mechanical properties are briefly discussed. We focus on the mechanisms by which mechanical cues participate in dermal fibrosis progression. The mechanosensors discussed in the review include integrins, DDRs, proteoglycans, and mechanosensitive ion channels. The FAK, ERK, Akt, and Rho pathways, as well as transcription factors, including MRTF and YAP/TAZ, are also discussed. In addition, we describe stiffness-induced biological changes in the ECM on fibroblasts that contribute to the formation of a positive feedback loop. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to treat the vicious cycle and present important suggestions for researchers conducting in-depth research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lechen Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aoli Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Zan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fertala J, Wang ML, Rivlin M, Beredjiklian PK, Abboud J, Arnold WV, Fertala A. Extracellular Targets to Reduce Excessive Scarring in Response to Tissue Injury. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050758. [PMID: 37238628 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050758] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive scar formation is a hallmark of localized and systemic fibrotic disorders. Despite extensive studies to define valid anti-fibrotic targets and develop effective therapeutics, progressive fibrosis remains a significant medical problem. Regardless of the injury type or location of wounded tissue, excessive production and accumulation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is the common denominator of all fibrotic disorders. A long-standing dogma was that anti-fibrotic approaches should focus on overall intracellular processes that drive fibrotic scarring. Because of the poor outcomes of these approaches, scientific efforts now focus on regulating the extracellular components of fibrotic tissues. Crucial extracellular players include cellular receptors of matrix components, macromolecules that form the matrix architecture, auxiliary proteins that facilitate the formation of stiff scar tissue, matricellular proteins, and extracellular vesicles that modulate matrix homeostasis. This review summarizes studies targeting the extracellular aspects of fibrotic tissue synthesis, presents the rationale for these studies, and discusses the progress and limitations of current extracellular approaches to limit fibrotic healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mark L Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael Rivlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Pedro K Beredjiklian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph Abboud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - William V Arnold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Onishi K, Ishihara S, Takahashi M, Sakai A, Enomoto A, Suzuki K, Haga H. Substrate stiffness induces nuclear localization of myosin regulatory light chain to suppress apoptosis. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:643-656. [PMID: 36723402 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14592] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Stiffness of the extracellular matrix regulates various biological responses, but the response mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we found that the nuclear diphosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain (2P-MRLC) is a critical mechanomediator that suppresses apoptosis in response to substrate stiffness. Stiff substrates promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC. Zipper-interacting protein kinase [ZIPK; also known as death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3)], a kinase for MRLC, was localized in the nucleus in response to stiff substrates and promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC. Moreover, actin fiber formation induced by substrate stiffness promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC via ZIPK. 2P-MRLC in response to substrate stiffness suppressed the expression of MAF bZIP transcription factor B (MafB) and repressed apoptosis. These findings reveal a newly identified role of MRLC in mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Onishi
- Division of Soft Matter, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Ishihara
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takahashi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Japan
| | - Hisashi Haga
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khachigian LM, Black BL, Ferdinandy P, De Caterina R, Madonna R, Geng YJ. Transcriptional regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, differentiation and senescence: Novel targets for therapy. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 146:107091. [PMID: 35896140 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) possess a unique cytoplasticity, regulated by transcriptional, translational and phenotypic transformation in response to a diverse range of extrinsic and intrinsic pathogenic factors. The mature, differentiated SMC phenotype is physiologically typified transcriptionally by expression of genes encoding "contractile" proteins, such as SMα-actin (ACTA2), SM-MHC (myosin-11) and SM22α (transgelin). When exposed to various pathological conditions (e.g., pro-atherogenic risk factors, hypertension), SMC undergo phenotypic modulation, a bioprocess enabling SMC to de-differentiate in immature stages or trans-differentiate into other cell phenotypes. As recent studies suggest, the process of SMC phenotypic transformation involves five distinct states characterized by different patterns of cell growth, differentiation, migration, matrix protein expression and declined contractility. These changes are mediated via the action of several transcriptional regulators, including myocardin and serum response factor. Conversely, other factors, including Kruppel-like factor 4 and nuclear factor-κB, can inhibit SMC differentiation and growth arrest, while factors such as yin yang-1, can promote SMC differentiation whilst inhibiting proliferation. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of regulatory mechanisms governing SMC phenotypic modulation. We propose the concept that transcription factors mediating this switching are important biomarkers and potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Brian L Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raffaele De Caterina
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital & University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital & University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, 2, Pisa 56124, Italy; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Research, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Yong-Jian Geng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Research, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Neelakantan S, Xin Y, Gaver DP, Cereda M, Rizi R, Smith BJ, Avazmohammadi R. Computational lung modelling in respiratory medicine. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220062. [PMID: 35673857 PMCID: PMC9174712 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational modelling of the lungs is an active field of study that integrates computational advances with lung biophysics, biomechanics, physiology and medical imaging to promote individualized diagnosis, prognosis and therapy evaluation in lung diseases. The complex and hierarchical architecture of the lung offers a rich, but also challenging, research area demanding a cross-scale understanding of lung mechanics and advanced computational tools to effectively model lung biomechanics in both health and disease. Various approaches have been proposed to study different aspects of respiration, ranging from compartmental to discrete micromechanical and continuum representations of the lungs. This article reviews several developments in computational lung modelling and how they are integrated with preclinical and clinical data. We begin with a description of lung anatomy and how different tissue components across multiple length scales affect lung mechanics at the organ level. We then review common physiological and imaging data acquisition methods used to inform modelling efforts. Building on these reviews, we next present a selection of model-based paradigms that integrate data acquisitions with modelling to understand, simulate and predict lung dynamics in health and disease. Finally, we highlight possible future directions where computational modelling can improve our understanding of the structure–function relationship in the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunder Neelakantan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yi Xin
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Donald P. Gaver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Maurizio Cereda
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rahim Rizi
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bradford J. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
- Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Reza Avazmohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dupont S, Wickström SA. Mechanical regulation of chromatin and transcription. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:624-643. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
13
|
Huang S, Shao T, Liu H, Li T, Gui X, Zhao Q. Resident Fibroblast MKL1 Is Sufficient to Drive Pro-fibrogenic Response in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:812748. [PMID: 35178401 PMCID: PMC8844195 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.812748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an evolutionarily conserved pathophysiological process serving bifurcated purposes. On the one hand, fibrosis is essential for wound healing and contributes to the preservation of organ function. On the other hand, aberrant fibrogenic response may lead to tissue remodeling and precipitate organ failure. Recently lineage tracing studies have shown that resident fibroblasts are the primary mediator of fibrosis taking place in key organs such as the heart, the lungs, and the kidneys. Megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is transcriptional regulator involved in tissue fibrosis. Here we generated resident fibroblast conditional MKL1 knockout (CKO) mice by crossing the Mkl1f/f mice to the Col1a2-CreERT2 mice. Models of cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and renal fibrosis were reproduced in the CKO mice and wild type (WT) littermates. Compared to the WT mice, the CKO mice displayed across-the-board attenuation of fibrosis in different models. Our data cement the pivotal role MKL1 plays in tissue fibrosis but point to the cellular origin from which MKL1 exerts its pro-fibrogenic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianfa Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xianhua Gui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Research Unit of Island Emergency Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:259-298. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
15
|
Liu ZZ(G, Taiyab A, West-Mays JA. MMP9 Differentially Regulates Proteins Involved in Actin Polymerization and Cell Migration during TGF-β-Induced EMT in the Lens. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111988. [PMID: 34769418 PMCID: PMC8584335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic cataracts have been attributed to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using mouse knockout (KO) models, our laboratory has identified MMP9 as a crucial protein in the TGF-β-induced EMT process. In this study, we further revealed an absence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and filamentous-actin (F-actin) stress fibers in MMP9KO mouse lens epithelial cell explants (LECs). Expression analysis using NanoString revealed no marked differences in αSMA (ACTA2) and beta-actin (β-actin) (ACTB) mRNA between the lenses of TGF-β-overexpressing (TGF-βtg) mice and TGF-βtg mice on a MMP9KO background. We subsequently conducted a protein array that revealed differential regulation of proteins known to be involved in actin polymerization and cell migration in TGF-β-treated MMP9KO mouse LECs when compared to untreated controls. Immunofluorescence analyses using rat LECs and the novel MMP9-specific inhibitor, JNJ0966, revealed similar differential regulation of cortactin, FAK, LIMK1 and MLC2 as observed in the array. Finally, a reduction in the nuclear localization of MRTF-A, a master regulator of cytoskeletal remodeling during EMT, was observed in rat LECs co-treated with JNJ0966 and TGF-β. In conclusion, MMP9 deficiency results in differential regulation of proteins involved in actin polymerization and cell migration, and this in turn prevents TGF-β-induced EMT in the lens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judith A. West-Mays
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(905)-525-9140 (ext. 26237); Fax: +1-(905)-525-7400
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang X, Zhang A, Zhang X, Hu S, Bao Z, Zhang Y, Jiang X, He H, Zhang TC. ERa-36 instead of ERa mediates the stimulatory effects of estrogen on the expression of viral oncogenes HPV E6/E7 and the malignant phenotypes in cervical cancer cells. Virus Res 2021; 306:198602. [PMID: 34662680 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative factor of cervical cancer. In addition, estrogen and its receptors are also involved in the development of carcinogenesis. The canonical estrogen receptor ERα is frequently deficient while its variant ERα-36 is highly expressed in cervical cancer cells. The biological significance for this receptor transition from ERα to ERα-36 remains unclear. In the present study, the results of RT-PCR and Western blot demonstrated that ERα and ERα-36 function antagonistically on the expression of the viral oncogenes HPV E6 and E7. At mRNA and protein levels, ERα inhibited HPV E6/E7 expression whereas ERα-36 stimulated HPV E6/E7 expression. Overexpression of ERα-36 promoted cell proliferation while reintroduction of ERα into cervical cancer cells did not significantly affect cell proliferation which is in line with the different effects of . ERα-36 and ERα on the expression of cell cycle regulator, namely p53, p21 and cyclin D1. Furthermore, ERα suppressed whereas ERα-36 promoted the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, which should be related to the oppositive roles of ERα and ERα-36 in the Wnt/β-catenin/MRTF-A signaling pathway which is activated by HPV E7. Results of this study suggest that ERα functions as a tumor suppressor whereas ERα-36 is an oncoprotein in cervical cancer cells. ERα deficiency together with ERα-36 overexpression might enhance the expression of HPV E6/E7 genes and facilitate the development of cervical cancer. Targeting ERα-36 with selective antagonists should be a promising strategy for cervical cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Aowei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Shiyue Hu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Zhenghao Bao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Hongpeng He
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China.
| | - Tong-Cun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China; College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Mechanosensitive Transcription Factors MRTF and YAP /TAZ. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:197-216. [PMID: 34028745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and the paralogous Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional co-activators that play pivotal roles in myofibroblast generation and activation, and thus the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. They are regulated by a variety of chemical and mechanical fibrogenic stimuli, primarily at the level of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this chapter we describe the tools and protocols that allow for exact, quantitative, and automated determination and analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of endogenous or heterologously expressed MRTF and YAP/TAZ, measured in large cell populations. Dynamic monitoring of nucleocytoplasmic ratios of transcription factors is a novel and important approach, suitable to address both the structural requirements and the regulatory mechanisms underlying transcription factor traffic and the consequent reprogramming of gene expression during fibrogenesis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Henderson J, O'Reilly S. The emerging role of metabolism in fibrosis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:639-653. [PMID: 34024695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic shift that cancer cells undergo towards aerobic glycolysis was identified as a defining feature in tumours almost 100 years ago; however, it has only recently become apparent that similar metabolic reprogramming is a key feature in other diseases - with fibrosis now entering the fray. In this perspective, an overview of the recent evidence implicating increased glycolysis and glutaminolysis as mediators of fibrosis is presented, with a particular emphasis on the novel therapeutic possibilities this introduces. Furthermore, the impact that metabolic reprogramming has on redox homeostasis is discussed, providing an insight into how this often-overlooked mechanism may drive the pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. steven.o'
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sawant M, Hinz B, Schönborn K, Zeinert I, Eckes B, Krieg T, Schuster R. A story of fibers and stress: Matrix-embedded signals for fibroblast activation in the skin. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:515-530. [PMID: 34081361 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our skin is continuously exposed to mechanical challenge, including shear, stretch, and compression. The extracellular matrix of the dermis is perfectly suited to resist these challenges and maintain integrity of normal skin even upon large strains. Fibroblasts are the key cells that interpret mechanical and chemical cues in their environment to turnover matrix and maintain homeostasis in the skin of healthy adults. Upon tissue injury, fibroblasts and an exclusive selection of other cells become activated into myofibroblasts with the task to restore skin integrity by forming structurally imperfect but mechanically stable scar tissue. Failure of myofibroblasts to terminate their actions after successful repair or upon chronic inflammation results in dysregulated myofibroblast activities which can lead to hypertrophic scarring and/or skin fibrosis. After providing an overview on the major fibrillar matrix components in normal skin, we will interrogate the various origins of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the skin. We then examine the role of the matrix as signaling hub and how fibroblasts respond to mechanical matrix cues to restore order in the confusing environment of a healing wound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha Sawant
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katrin Schönborn
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabel Zeinert
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronen Schuster
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,PhenomicAI, MaRS Centre, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kong M, Zhang Y, Song M, Cong W, Gao C, Zhang J, Han S, Tu Q, Ma X. Myocardin‑related transcription factor A nuclear translocation contributes to mechanical overload‑induced nucleus pulposus fibrosis in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration. Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:123. [PMID: 33982787 PMCID: PMC8121555 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/myocardin‑related transcription factor A (MRTF‑A) nuclear translocation axis positively regulates fibrogenesis induced by mechanical forces in various organ systems. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this signaling pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of nucleus pulposus (NP) fibrosis induced by mechanical overload during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and to confirm the alleviating effect of an MRTF‑A inhibitor in the treatment of IVDD. NP cells (NPCs) were cultured on substrates of different stiffness (2.9 and 41.7 KPa), which mimicked normal and overloaded microenvironments, and were treated with an inhibitor of MRTF‑A nuclear import, CCG‑1423. In addition, bipedal rats were established by clipping the forelimbs of rats at 1 month and gradually elevating the feeding trough, and in order to establish a long‑term overload‑induced model of IVDD, and their intervertebral discs were injected with CCG‑1423 in situ. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, and protein expression was determined by western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. The results demonstrated that the viability of NPCs was not affected by the application of force or the inhibitor. In NPCs cultured on stiff matrices, MRTF‑A was mostly localized in the nucleus, and the expression levels of fibrotic proteins, including type I collagen, connective tissue growth factor and α‑smooth muscle cell actin, were upregulated compared with those in NPCs cultured on soft matrices. The levels of these proteins were reduced by CCG‑1423 treatment. In rats, 6 months of upright posture activated MRTF‑A nuclear‑cytoplasmic trafficking and fibrogenesis in the NP and induced IVDD; these effects were alleviated by CCG‑1423 treatment. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that the RhoA/MRTF‑A translocation pathway may promote mechanical overload‑induced fibrogenic activity in NP tissue and partially elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of IVDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Kong
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Mengxiong Song
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Cong
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Changtong Gao
- Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Qihao Tu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xuexiao Ma
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qing'dao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Choudhary I, Hwang D, Chae J, Yoon W, Kang C, Kim E. Proteomic Changes during the Dermal Toxicity Induced by Nemopilema nomurai Jellyfish Venom in HaCaT Human Keratinocyte. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050311. [PMID: 33925349 PMCID: PMC8146130 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish venom is well known for its local skin toxicities and various lethal accidents. The main symptoms of local jellyfish envenomation include skin lesions, burning, prickling, stinging pain, red, brown, or purplish tracks on the skin, itching, and swelling, leading to dermonecrosis and scar formation. However, the molecular mechanism behind the action of jellyfish venom on human skin cells is rarely understood. In the present study, we have treated the human HaCaT keratinocyte with Nemopilema nomurai jellyfish venom (NnV) to study detailed mechanisms of actions behind the skin symptoms after jellyfish envenomation. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), cellular changes at proteome level were examined. The treatment of NnV resulted in the decrease of HaCaT cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Using NnV (at IC50), the proteome level alterations were determined at 12 h and 24 h after the venom treatment. Briefly, 70 protein spots with significant quantitative changes were picked from the gels for MALDI-TOF/MS. In total, 44 differentially abundant proteins were successfully identified, among which 19 proteins were increased, whereas 25 proteins were decreased in the abundance levels comparing with their respective control spots. DAPs involved in cell survival and development (e.g., Plasminogen, Vinculin, EMILIN-1, Basonuclin2, Focal adhesion kinase 1, FAM83B, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator 1-alpha) decreased their expression, whereas stress or immune response-related proteins (e.g., Toll-like receptor 4, Aminopeptidase N, MKL/Myocardin-like protein 1, hypoxia up-regulated protein 1, Heat shock protein 105 kDa, Ephrin type-A receptor 1, with some protease (or peptidase) enzymes) were up-regulated. In conclusion, the present findings may exhibit some possible key players during skin damage and suggest therapeutic strategies for preventing jellyfish envenomation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indu Choudhary
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (I.C.); (D.H.); (C.K.)
| | - Duhyeon Hwang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (I.C.); (D.H.); (C.K.)
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Jinho Chae
- Marine Environmental Research and Information Laboratory, B1101, 17 Gosan-ro 148beon-gil, Gunpo-si 15850, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.C.); (W.Y.)
| | - Wonduk Yoon
- Marine Environmental Research and Information Laboratory, B1101, 17 Gosan-ro 148beon-gil, Gunpo-si 15850, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (J.C.); (W.Y.)
| | - Changkeun Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (I.C.); (D.H.); (C.K.)
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Euikyung Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (I.C.); (D.H.); (C.K.)
- Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-2355; Fax: +82-55-772-2349
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
De Pieri A, Korman BD, Jüngel A, Wuertz-Kozak K. Engineering Advanced In Vitro Models of Systemic Sclerosis for Drug Discovery and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000168. [PMID: 33852183 PMCID: PMC8717409 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex multisystem disease with the highest case-specific mortality among all autoimmune rheumatic diseases, yet without any available curative therapy. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic antifibrotic strategies that effectively decrease skin and organ fibrosis is needed. Existing animal models are cost-intensive, laborious and do not recapitulate the full spectrum of the disease and thus commonly fail to predict human efficacy. Advanced in vitro models, which closely mimic critical aspects of the pathology, have emerged as valuable platforms to investigate novel pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of SSc. This review focuses on recent advancements in the development of SSc in vitro models, sheds light onto biological (e.g., growth factors, cytokines, coculture systems), biochemical (e.g., hypoxia, reactive oxygen species) and biophysical (e.g., stiffness, topography, dimensionality) cues that have been utilized for the in vitro recapitulation of the SSc microenvironment, and highlights future perspectives for effective drug discovery and validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Pieri
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Benjamin D Korman
- Prof. B. D. Korman, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, 81547, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sprenkeler EGG, Guenther C, Faisal I, Kuijpers TW, Fagerholm SC. Molecular Mechanisms of Leukocyte Migration and Its Potential Targeting-Lessons Learned From MKL1/SRF-Related Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:615477. [PMID: 33692789 PMCID: PMC7938309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.615477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) deficiency is one of the most recently discovered primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) caused by cytoskeletal abnormalities. These immunological “actinopathies” primarily affect hematopoietic cells, resulting in defects in both the innate immune system (phagocyte defects) and adaptive immune system (T-cell and B-cell defects). MKL1 is a transcriptional coactivator that operates together with serum response factor (SRF) to regulate gene transcription. The MKL/SRF pathway has been originally described to have important functions in actin regulation in cells. Recent results indicate that MKL1 also has very important roles in immune cells, and that MKL1 deficiency results in an immunodeficiency affecting the migration and function of primarily myeloid cells such as neutrophils. Interestingly, several actinopathies are caused by mutations in genes which are recognized MKL(1/2)-dependent SRF-target genes, namely ACTB, WIPF1, WDR1, and MSN. Here we summarize these and related (ARPC1B) actinopathies and their effects on immune cell function, especially focusing on their effects on leukocyte adhesion and migration. Furthermore, we summarize recent therapeutic efforts targeting the MKL/SRF pathway in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelien G G Sprenkeler
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carla Guenther
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Imrul Faisal
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susanna C Fagerholm
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Leask A. The hard problem: Mechanotransduction perpetuates the myofibroblast phenotype in scleroderma fibrosis. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:582-587. [DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tissue-scale tensional homeostasis in skin regulates structure and physiological function. Commun Biol 2020; 3:637. [PMID: 33127987 PMCID: PMC7603398 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01365-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tensional homeostasis is crucial for organ and tissue development, including the establishment of morphological and functional properties. Skin plays essential roles in waterproofing, cushioning and protecting deeper tissues by forming internal tension-distribution patterns, which involves aligning various cells, appendages and extracellular matrices (ECMs). The balance of traction force is thought to contribute to the formation of strong and pliable physical structures that maintain their integrity and flexibility. Here, by using a human skin equivalent (HSE), the horizontal tension-force balance of the dermal layer was found to clearly improve HSE characteristics, such as the physical relationship between cells and the ECM. The tension also promoted skin homeostasis through the activation of mechano-sensitive molecules such as ROCK and MRTF-A, and these results compared favourably to what was observed in tension-released models. Tension-induced HSE will contribute to analyze skin physiological functions regulated by tensional homeostasis as an alternative animal model.
Collapse
|
27
|
Karvar S, Ansa-Addo EA, Suda J, Singh S, Zhu L, Li Z, Rockey DC. Moesin, an Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Family Member, Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis. Hepatology 2020; 72:1073-1084. [PMID: 31860744 PMCID: PMC7437180 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Moesin, an ezrin/radixin/moesin family member, is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, polarity, and migration by cross-linking between the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. The primary effector cell in hepatic fibrosis is the hepatic stellate cell (HSC), which undergoes activation during liver injury leading to increased extracellular matrix production. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we have hypothesized that moesin plays a critical role in linking the HSC cytoskeleton to the fibrogenic cascade during HSC activation. Moesin phosphorylation was up-regulated during HSC activation and fibrogenesis. Using moesin wild-type (WT) and mutant constructs (phosphomimicking T558D and nonphosphorylatable T558A), we found that cellular motility and contraction were increased in moesin WT-infected and T558D-infected cells, paralleled by an increase in smooth muscle α-actin and collagen 1 expression. In contrast, overexpression of nonphosphorylatable moesin and moesin knockout (KO) decreased cellular motility and contraction. Most importantly, moesin KO led to abrogation of liver fibrosis. The mechanism of moesin's effect was a reduction in myocardin-related transcription factor-A and serum-response factor (SRF)-mediated changes in the actin cytoskeleton, which in turn modulated the expression of matrix genes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings suggest that the linkage between cytoskeletal dynamics and the correlated MRTF/SRF signaling pathway has a pivotal role in HSC activation and fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serhan Karvar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Jo Suda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Lixin Zhu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Department of
Colorectal Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University,
Guangzhou, China. Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pediatrics,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer
Center
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The New Model of Snail Expression Regulation: The Role of MRTFs in Fast and Slow Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165875. [PMID: 32824297 PMCID: PMC7461591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a crucial phenomenon in regulating the development of diseases, including cancer metastasis and fibrotic disorders. The primary regulators of disease development are zinc-finger transcription factors belonging to the Snail family. In this study, we characterized the myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-dependent mechanisms of a human snail promoter regulation in TGF-β-stimulated human endothelial cells. Although in silico analysis revealed that the snail promoter’s regulatory fragment contains one GCCG and two SP1 motifs that could be occupied by MRTFs, the genetic study confirmed that MRTF binds only to SP1 sites to promote snail expression. The more accurate studies revealed that MRTF-A binds to both SP1 elements, whereas MRTF-B to only one (SP1near). Although we found that each MRTF alone is capable of inducing snail expression, the direct cooperation of these proteins is required to reinforce snail expression and promote the late stages of EndMT within 48 hours. Furthermore, genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that MRTF-B alone could induce the late stage of EndMT. However, it requires a prolonged time. Therefore, we concluded that MRTFs might cause EndMT in a fast- and slow-dependent manner. Based on MRTF-dependent Snail upregulation, we recognized that TGF-β1, as an MRTF-B regulator, is involved in slow EndMT induction, whereas TGF-β2, which altered both MRTF-A and MRTF-B expression, promotes a fast EndMT process.
Collapse
|
29
|
Taki Z, Gostjeva E, Thilly W, Yaseen B, Lopez H, Mirza M, Hassuji Z, Vigneswaran S, Ahmed Abdi B, Hart A, Arumalla N, Thomas G, Denton CP, Suleman Y, Liu H, Venturini C, O'Reilly S, Xu S, Stratton R. Pathogenic Activation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Induced by the Disease Microenvironment in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1361-1374. [PMID: 32237059 DOI: 10.1002/art.41267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In systemic sclerosis (SSc), a persistent tissue repair process leads to progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which characteristically initiate and regulate tissue repair, has not been fully evaluated. We undertook this study to investigate whether dividing metakaryotic MSCs are present in SSc skin and to examine whether exposure to the disease microenvironment activates MSCs and leads to transdifferentiation. METHODS Skin biopsy material from patients with recent-onset diffuse SSc was examined by collagenase spread of 1-mm-thick surface-parallel sections, in order to identify dividing metakaryotic stem cells in each tissue plane. Adipose-derived MSCs from healthy controls were treated with dermal blister fluid (BF) from patients with diffuse SSc and profiled by next-generation sequencing, or they were evaluated for phenotypic changes relevant to SSc. Differential responses of dermal fibroblasts were studied in parallel. RESULTS MSC-like cells undergoing active metakaryotic division were identified in SSc sections (but not control sections) most prominently in the deep dermis and adjacent to damaged microvessels, in both clinically involved and uninvolved skin. Furthermore, exposure to SSc BF caused selective MSC activation, inducing a myofibroblast signature, while reducing signatures of vascular repair and adipogenesis and enhancing migration and contractility. Microenvironmental factors implicated in inducing transdifferentiation included the profibrotic transforming growth factor β, the presence of lactate, and mechanosensing, while the microenvironment Th2 cytokine, interleukin-31, enhanced osteogenic commitment (calcinosis). CONCLUSION Dividing MSC-like cells are present in the SSc disease microenvironment where multiple factors, likely acting in concert, promote transdifferentiation and lead to a complex and resistant disease state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Taki
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | | - Bodoor Yaseen
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Henry Lopez
- MuriGenics, Inc., Vallejo, California, and Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Maria Mirza
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Zainab Hassuji
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Shivanee Vigneswaran
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Bahja Ahmed Abdi
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Amy Hart
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Nikita Arumalla
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Gemma Thomas
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Yasir Suleman
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Huan Liu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China, and Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | | - Shiwen Xu
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Richard Stratton
- Royal Free Hospital Campus and University College London Medical School, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Deng Z, Fear MW, Suk Choi Y, Wood FM, Allahham A, Mutsaers SE, Prêle CM. The extracellular matrix and mechanotransduction in pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 126:105802. [PMID: 32668329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is characterised by excessive scarring in the lung which leads to compromised lung function, serious breathing problems and in some diseases, death. It includes several lung disorders with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) the most common and most severe. Pulmonary fibrosis is considered to be perpetuated by aberrant wound healing which leads to fibroblast accumulation, differentiation and activation, and deposition of excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, in particular, collagen. Recent studies have identified the importance of changes in the composition and structure of lung ECM during the development of pulmonary fibrosis and the interaction between ECM and lung cells. There is strong evidence that increased matrix stiffness induces changes in cell function including proliferation, migration, differentiation and activation. Understanding how changes in the ECM microenvironment influence cell behaviour during fibrogenesis, and the mechanisms regulating these changes, will provide insight for developing new treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Deng
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Mark W Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia; Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Fiona M Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia; Burns Service of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Amira Allahham
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Steven E Mutsaers
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Cecilia M Prêle
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Feng D, Gerarduzzi C. Emerging Roles of Matricellular Proteins in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4776. [PMID: 32640520 PMCID: PMC7369781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic heterogenous disease that involves inflammation and vasculopathy, and converges in end-stage development of multisystem tissue fibrosis. The loss of tight spatial distribution and temporal expression of proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to progressive organ stiffening, which is a hallmark of fibrotic disease. A group of nonstructural matrix proteins, known as matricellular proteins (MCPs) are implicated in dysregulated processes that drive fibrosis such as ECM remodeling and various cellular behaviors. Accordingly, MCPs have been described in the context of fibrosis in sclerosis (SSc) as predictive disease biomarkers and regulators of ECM synthesis, with promising therapeutic potential. In this present review, an informative summary of major MCPs is presented highlighting their clear correlations to SSc- fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Feng
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Faculté de Médecine, Centre affilié à l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Casimiro Gerarduzzi
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Faculté de Médecine, Centre affilié à l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yamasaki Y, Kuwana M. Nintedanib for the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:547-560. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1777857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshioki Yamasaki
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Diazzi S, Tartare-Deckert S, Deckert M. Bad Neighborhood: Fibrotic Stroma as a New Player in Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061364. [PMID: 32466585 PMCID: PMC7352197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for metastatic cutaneous melanoma include immunotherapies and drugs targeting key molecules of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is often activated by BRAF driver mutations. Overall responses from patients with metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma are better with therapies combining BRAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. However, most patients that initially respond to therapies develop drug resistance within months. Acquired resistance to targeted therapies can be due to additional genetic alterations in melanoma cells and to non-genetic events frequently associated with transcriptional reprogramming and a dedifferentiated cell state. In this second scenario, it is possible to identify pro-fibrotic responses induced by targeted therapies that contribute to the alteration of the melanoma tumor microenvironment. A close interrelationship between chronic fibrosis and cancer has been established for several malignancies including breast and pancreatic cancers. In this context, the contribution of fibrosis to drug adaptation and therapy resistance in melanoma is rapidly emerging. In this review, we summarize recent evidence underlining the hallmarks of fibrotic diseases in drug-exposed and resistant melanoma, including increased remodeling of the extracellular matrix, enhanced actin cytoskeleton plasticity, high sensitivity to mechanical cues, and the establishment of an inflammatory microenvironment. We also discuss several potential therapeutic options for manipulating this fibrotic-like response to combat drug-resistant and invasive melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Diazzi
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
| | - Marcel Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tschumperlin DJ, Lagares D. Mechano-therapeutics: Targeting Mechanical Signaling in Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107575. [PMID: 32437826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activated myofibroblasts is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. Activation of myofibroblasts occurs in response to fibrogenic tissue injury as well as in tumor-associated fibrotic reactions. The molecular determinants of myofibroblast activation in fibrosis and tumor stroma have traditionally been viewed to include biochemical agents, such as dysregulated growth factor and cytokine signaling, which profoundly alter the biology of fibroblasts, ultimately leading to overexuberant matrix deposition and fibrosis. More recently, compelling evidence has shown that altered mechanical properties of the ECM such as matrix stiffness are major drivers of tissue fibrogenesis by promoting mechano-activation of fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the role of the biophysical microenvironment in the amplified activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts during the development and progression of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. We also summarize novel therapeutic targets for anti-fibrotic therapy based on the mechanobiology of tissue fibrosis and tumor stroma, a class of drugs known as "mechano-therapeutics".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Tissue Repair and Mechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 1(st) St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nihtyanova SI, Denton CP. Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:6-16. [PMID: 35382227 PMCID: PMC8922569 DOI: 10.1177/2397198320903867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease leading to vasculopathy and fibrosis
of skin and internal organs. Despite likely shared pathogenic mechanisms, the
patterns of skin and lung fibrosis differ. Pathogenesis of interstitial lung
disease, a major cause of death in systemic sclerosis, reflects the intrinsic
disease pathobiology and is associated with distinct clinical phenotypes and
laboratory characteristics. The commonest histological pattern of systemic
sclerosis–interstitial lung disease is non-specific interstitial pneumonia.
Systemic sclerosis–interstitial lung disease pathogenesis involves multiple
components, including susceptibility and triggering factors, which could be
genetic or environmental. The process is amplified likely through ongoing
inflammation and the link between inflammatory activity and fibrosis with IL6
emerging as a key mediator. The disease is driven by epithelial injury,
reflected by markers in the serum, such as surfactant proteins and KL-6. In
addition, mediators that are produced by epithelial cells and that regulate
inflammatory cell trafficking may be important, especially CCL2. Other factors,
such as CXCL4 and CCL18, point towards immune-mediated damage or injury
response. Monocytes and alternatively activated macrophages appear to be
important. Transforming growth factor beta appears central to pathogenesis and
regulates epithelial repair and fibroblast activation. Understanding
pathogenesis may help to unravel the stages of systemic sclerosis–interstitial
lung disease, risks of progression and determinants of outcome. With this
article, we set out to review the multiple factors, including genetic,
environmental, cellular and molecular, that may be involved in the pathogenesis
of systemic sclerosis–interstitial lung disease and the mechanisms leading to
sustained fibrosis. We propose a model for the pathogenesis of systemic
sclerosis–interstitial lung disease, based on the available literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana I Nihtyanova
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bou Jawde S, Takahashi A, Bates JHT, Suki B. An Analytical Model for Estimating Alveolar Wall Elastic Moduli From Lung Tissue Uniaxial Stress-Strain Curves. Front Physiol 2020; 11:121. [PMID: 32158400 PMCID: PMC7052331 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-linear stress-strain behavior of uniaxially-stretched lung parenchyma is thought to be an emergent phenomenon arising from the ensemble behavior of its microscopic constituents. Such behavior includes the alignment and elongation of randomly oriented alveolar walls with initially flaccid fibers in the direction of strain. To account for the link between microscopic wall behavior and the macroscopic stress-strain curve, we developed an analytical model that represents both alignment and elongation of alveolar walls during uniaxial stretching. The model includes the kinetics and mechanical behavior of randomly oriented elastic alveolar walls that have a bending stiffness at their intersections. The alignment and stretch of the walls following incremental stretch of the tissue were determined based on energy minimization, and the total stress was obtained by differentiating the total energy density with respect to strain. The stress-strain curves predicted by the model were comparable to curves generated by a previously published numerical alveolar network model. The model was also fit to experimentally measured stress-strain curves in parenchymal strips obtained from mice with decreased lung collagen content, and from young and aged mice. This yielded estimates for the elastic modulus of an alveolar wall, which increased with age from 4.4 to 5.9 kPa (p = 0.043), and for the elastic modulus of fibers within the wall, which increased with age from 311 to 620 kPa (p = 0.001). This demonstrates the possibility of estimating alveolar wall mechanical properties in biological soft tissue from its macroscopic behavior given appropriate assumptions about tissue structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samer Bou Jawde
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ayuko Takahashi
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason H T Bates
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Béla Suki
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tucker T, Tsukasaki Y, Sakai T, Mitsuhashi S, Komatsu S, Jeffers A, Idell S, Ikebe M. Myocardin Is Involved in Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Pleural Mesothelial Cells. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 61:86-96. [PMID: 30605348 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2018-0121oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural fibrosis is characterized by severe inflammation of the pleural space and pleural reorganization. Subsequent thickening of the visceral pleura contributes to lung stiffness and impaired lung function. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) can become myofibroblasts via mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) and contribute to pleural organization, fibrosis, and rind formation. However, the mechanisms that underlie MesoMT remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of myocardin in the induction of MesoMT. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and thrombin induced MesoMT and markedly upregulated the expression of myocardin, but not myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) or MRTF-B, in human PMCs (HPMCs). TGF-β stimulation notably induced the nuclear translocation of myocardin in HPMCs, whereas nuclear translocation of MRTF-A and MRTF-B was not observed. Several genes under the control of myocardin were upregulated in cells undergoing MesoMT, an effect that was accompanied by a dramatic cytoskeletal reorganization of HPMCs consistent with a migratory phenotype. Myocardin gene silencing blocked TGF-β- and thrombin-induced MesoMT. Although myocardin upregulation was blocked, MRTF-A and MRTF-B were unchanged. Myocardin, α-SMA, calponin, and smooth muscle myosin were notably upregulated in the thickened pleura of carbon black/bleomycin and empyema mouse models of fibrosing pleural injury. Similar results were observed in human nonspecific pleuritis. In a TGF-β mouse model of pleural fibrosis, PMC-specific knockout of myocardin protected against decrements in lung function. Further, TGF-β-induced pleural thickening was abolished by PMC-specific myocardin knockout, which was accompanied by a marked reduction of myocardin, calponin, and α-SMA expression compared with floxed-myocardin controls. These novel results show that myocardin participates in the development of MesoMT in HPMCs and contributes to the pathogenesis of pleural organization and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torry Tucker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Yoshikazu Tsukasaki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Tsuyoshi Sakai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Shinya Mitsuhashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Satoshi Komatsu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Ann Jeffers
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Steven Idell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Mitsuo Ikebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hinz B, Lagares D. Evasion of apoptosis by myofibroblasts: a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:11-31. [PMID: 31792399 PMCID: PMC7913072 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a lethal outcome of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Myofibroblasts are scar-forming cells that are ultimately responsible for the excessive synthesis, deposition and remodelling of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrosis. Advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that keep myofibroblasts in an activated state and control myofibroblast functions. However, the mechanisms that help myofibroblasts to persist in fibrotic tissues remain poorly understood. Myofibroblasts evade apoptosis by activating molecular mechanisms in response to pro-survival biomechanical and growth factor signals from the fibrotic microenvironment, which can ultimately lead to the acquisition of a senescent phenotype. Growing evidence suggests that myofibroblasts and senescent myofibroblasts, rather than being resistant to apoptosis, are actually primed for apoptosis owing to concomitant activation of cell death signalling pathways; these cells are poised to apoptose when survival pathways are inhibited. This knowledge of apoptotic priming has paved the way for new therapies that trigger apoptosis in myofibroblasts by blocking pro-survival mechanisms, target senescent myofibroblast for apoptosis or promote the reprogramming of myofibroblasts into scar-resolving cells. These novel strategies are not only poised to prevent progressive tissue scarring, but also have the potential to reverse established fibrosis and to regenerate chronically injured tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lin JZ, Rabhi N, Farmer SR. Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor A Promotes Recruitment of ITGA5+ Profibrotic Progenitors during Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Fibrosis. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1977-1987. [PMID: 29768198 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue fibrosis is associated with inflammation and insulin resistance in human obesity. In particular, visceral fat fibrosis is correlated with hyperlipidemia and ectopic fat accumulation. Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) is an important coactivator that mediates the transcription of extracellular matrix and other fibrogenic genes. Here, we examine the role of MRTFA in the development of adipose tissue fibrosis and identify a signaling pathway that regulates the fate of vascular progenitors. We demonstrate that obesity induces the formation of Sca1-, Sma+, ITGA5+ fibrogenic progenitor cells (FPCs) in adipose tissue. MRTFA deficiency in mice shifts the fate of perivascular progenitors from FPCs to adipocyte precursor cells and protects against chronic obesity-induced fibrosis and accompanying metabolic dysfunction, without a shift in energy expenditure. Our findings highlight the ITGA5-MRTFA pathway as a potential target to ameliorate obesity-associated metabolic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Z Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Nabil Rabhi
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Stephen R Farmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mao L, Liu L, Zhang T, Wu X, Zhang T, Xu Y. MKL1 mediates TGF-β-induced CTGF transcription to promote renal fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:4790-4803. [PMID: 31637729 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant fibrogenesis impairs the architectural and functional homeostasis of the kidneys. It also predicts poor diagnosis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) can trans-differentiate into myofibroblasts to produce extracellular matrix proteins and contribute to renal fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cytokine upregulated in RTECs during renal fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of CTGF transcription by megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). Genetic deletion or pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 in mice mitigated renal fibrosis following the unilateral ureteral obstruction procedure. Notably, MKL1 deficiency in mice downregulated CTGF expression in the kidneys. Likewise, MKL1 knockdown or inhibition in RTEs blunted TGF-β induced CTGF expression. Further, it was discovered that MKL1 bound directly to the CTGF promoter by interacting with SMAD3 to activate CTGF transcription. In addition, MKL1 mediated the interplay between p300 and WDR5 to regulate CTGF transcription. CTGF knockdown dampened TGF-β induced pro-fibrogenic response in RTEs. MKL1 activity was reciprocally regulated by CTGF. In conclusion, we propose that targeting the MKL1-CTGF axis may generate novel therapeutic solutions against aberrant renal fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu Z, Cao Y, Liu G, Yin S, Ma J, Liu J, Zhang M, Wang Y. p75 neurotrophin receptor regulates NGF-induced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis through MRTF-A. Exp Cell Res 2019; 383:111504. [PMID: 31325438 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are characterized by de novo expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and play a key role in tissue repair and remodeling. In addition to TGF-β1, recent studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) has effects on myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis. However, the regulatory mechanism remains poorly defined. NGF effects are mediated by the specific expression of the NGF neurotrophic tropomyosin-receptor kinase A (TrkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Using NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell lines, we examined the induction of myofibroblast differentiation stimulated by NGF. Our findings showed that p75NTR was in keeping with the expression of α-SMA. Herein, we investigated the role of p75NTR in NGF-induced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis in these cells using lentivirus transfection to overexpress and knock down. Our results showed that p75NTR was preferentially expressed and was sufficient to induce actin cytoskeleton remodeling, which was required for NGF-induced α-SMA expression. Furthermore, NGF induced nuclear translocation of MRTF-A, an effect that was regulated by p75NTR, and required for α-SMA and collagen-I expression in myofibroblasts. Using a novel MRTF-A pathway inhibitor, CCG-203971, we further demonstrated the requirement of MRTF-A nuclear localization and activity in NGF-induced α-SMA expression. In conclusion, we conclude that p75NTR regulates NGF-induced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis through MRTF-A. Regulation of NGF-p75NTR interactions represents a promising therapy for fibrotic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Yongqian Cao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Guijun Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Siyuan Yin
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jiaxu Ma
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kong M, Chen X, Lv F, Ren H, Fan Z, Qin H, Yu L, Shi X, Xu Y. Serum response factor (SRF) promotes ROS generation and hepatic stellate cell activation by epigenetically stimulating NCF1/2 transcription. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101302. [PMID: 31442911 PMCID: PMC6831835 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a hallmark event in liver fibrosis. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) serves as a driving force for HSC activation. The regulatory subunits of the NOX complex, NCF1 (p47phox) and NCF2 (p67phox), are up-regulated during HSC activation contributing to ROS production and liver fibrosis. The transcriptional mechanism underlying NCF1/2 up-regulation is not clear. In the present study we investigated the role of serum response factor (SRF) in HSC activation focusing on the transcriptional regulation of NCF1/2. We report that compared to wild type littermates HSC-conditional SRF knockout (CKO) mice exhibited a mortified phenotype of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) injection or feeding with a methionine-and-choline deficient diet (MCD). More importantly, SRF deletion attenuated ROS levels in HSCs in vivo. Similarly, SRF knockdown in cultured HSCs suppressed ROS production in vitro. Further analysis revealed that SRF deficiency resulted in repression of NCF1/NCF2 expression. Mechanistically, SRF regulated epigenetic transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 by interacting with and recruiting the histone acetyltransferase KAT8 during HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that SRF integrates transcriptional activation of NCF1/NCF2 and ROS production to promote liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology and the Municipal Laboratory of Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepato-biliary Surgery and Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang Y, Mack JA, Maytin EV. CD44 inhibits α-SMA gene expression via a novel G-actin/MRTF-mediated pathway that intersects with TGFβR/p38MAPK signaling in murine skin fibroblasts. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12779-12794. [PMID: 31285260 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-regulated differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts (MF) is critical for skin wound healing. Neoexpression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an established marker for MF differentiation, is driven by TGFβ receptor (TGFβR)-mediated signaling. Hyaluronan (HA) and its receptor CD44 may also participate in this process. To further understand this process, primary mouse skin fibroblasts were isolated and treated in vitro with recombinant TGF-β1 (rTGF-β1) to induce α-SMA expression. CD44 expression was also increased. Paradoxically, CD44 knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) led to increased α-SMA expression and α-SMA-containing stress fibers. Removal of extracellular HA or inhibition of HA synthesis had no effect on α-SMA levels, suggesting a dispensable role for HA. Exploration of mechanisms linking CD44 knockdown to α-SMA induction, using RNAi and chemical inhibitors, revealed a requirement for noncanonical TGFβR signaling through p38MAPK. Decreased monomeric G-actin but increased filamentous F-actin following CD44 RNAi suggested a possible role for myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), a known regulator of α-SMA transcription and itself regulated by G-actin binding. CD44 RNAi promoted nuclear accumulation of MRTF and the binding to its transcriptional cofactor SRF. MRTF knockdown abrogated the increased α-SMA expression caused by CD44 RNAi, suggesting that MRTF is required for CD44-mediated regulation of α-SMA. Finally, chemical inhibition of p38MAPK reversed nuclear MRTF accumulation after rTGF-β1 addition or CD44 RNAi, revealing a central involvement of p38MAPK in both cases. We concluded that CD44 regulates α-SMA gene expression through cooperation between two intersecting signaling pathways, one mediated by G-actin/MRTF and the other via TGFβR/p38MAPK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Judith A Mack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195.,Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Edward V Maytin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 .,Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Quesnel K, Shi-Wen X, Hutchenreuther J, Xiao Y, Liu S, Peidl A, Naskar D, Siqueira WL, O'Gorman DB, Hinz B, Stratton RJ, Leask A. CCN1 expression by fibroblasts is required for bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Matrix Biol Plus 2019; 3:100009. [PMID: 33543008 PMCID: PMC7852207 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2019.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment contributes to the excessive connective tissue deposition that characterizes fibrosis. Members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins are secreted by fibroblasts into the fibrotic microenvironment; however, the role of endogenous CCN1 in skin fibrosis is unknown. Mice harboring a fibroblast-specific deletion for CCN1 were used to assess if CCN1 contributes to dermal homeostasis, wound healing, and skin fibrosis. Mice with a fibroblast-specific CCN1 deletion showed progressive skin thinning and reduced accumulation of type I collagen; however, the overall mechanical property of skin (Young's modulus) was not significantly reduced. Real time-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that CCN1-deficient skin displayed reduced expression of mRNAs encoding enzymes that promote collagen stability (including prolyl-4-hydroxylase and PLOD2), although expression of COL1A1 mRNA was unaltered. CCN1-deficent skin showed reduced hydroxyproline levels. Electron microscopy revealed that collagen fibers were disorganized in CCN1-deficient skin. CCN1-deficient mice were resistant to bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, as visualized by reduced collagen accumulation and skin thickness suggesting that deposition/accumulation of collagen is impaired in the absence of CCN1. Conversely, CCN1-deficient mice showed unaltered wound closure kinetics, suggesting de novo collagen production in response to injury did not require CCN1. In response to either wounding or bleomycin, induction of α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts was unaffected by loss of CCN1. CCN1 protein was overexpressed by dermal fibroblasts isolated from lesional (i.e., fibrotic) areas of patients with early onset diffuse scleroderma. Thus, CCN1 expression by fibroblasts, being essential for skin fibrosis, is a viable anti-fibrotic target. The role of endogenous CCN1 in skin biology is largely unknown Fibroblast-specific deletion CCN1 causes thinner skin and misaligned collagen CCN1-deficient mice were resistant to bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis Wound healing closure kinetics was unaffected by loss of CCN1 CCN1 may be as a target for anti-fibrotic therapy
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Quesnel
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Xu Shi-Wen
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - James Hutchenreuther
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Yizhi Xiao
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Shangxi Liu
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Alexander Peidl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Deboki Naskar
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Walter L Siqueira
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - David B O'Gorman
- Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, Lawson Research Institute, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada.,Departments of Biochemistry and Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5C1, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Andrew Leask
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Jeong J, Garcia-Reyero N, Burgoon L, Perkins E, Park T, Kim C, Roh JY, Choi J. Development of Adverse Outcome Pathway for PPARγ Antagonism Leading to Pulmonary Fibrosis and Chemical Selection for Its Validation: ToxCast Database and a Deep Learning Artificial Neural Network Model-Based Approach. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1212-1222. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseong Jeong
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Natalia Garcia-Reyero
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
| | - Lyle Burgoon
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
| | - Edward Perkins
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
| | - Taehyun Park
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Changheon Kim
- Department of Computer Science, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Roh
- Knoell Korea, 37 Gukjegeumyung-ro 2-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07327, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Choi
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kahl DJ, Hutchings KM, Lisabeth EM, Haak AJ, Leipprandt JR, Dexheimer T, Khanna D, Tsou PS, Campbell PL, Fox DA, Wen B, Sun D, Bailie M, Neubig RR, Larsen SD. 5-Aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylthioalkanoic Acids: A Highly Potent New Class of Inhibitors of Rho/Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor (MRTF)/Serum Response Factor (SRF)-Mediated Gene Transcription as Potential Antifibrotic Agents for Scleroderma. J Med Chem 2019; 62:4350-4369. [PMID: 30951312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Through a phenotypic high-throughput screen using a serum response element luciferase promoter, we identified a novel 5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylthiopropionic acid lead inhibitor of Rho/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)/serum response factor (SRF)-mediated gene transcription with good potency (IC50 = 180 nM). We were able to rapidly improve the cellular potency by 5 orders of magnitude guided by sharply defined and synergistic SAR. The remarkable potency and depth of the SAR, as well as the relatively low molecular weight of the series, suggests, but does not prove, that binding to the unknown molecular target may be occurring through a covalent mechanism. The series nevertheless has no observable cytotoxicity up to 100 μM. Ensuing pharmacokinetic optimization resulted in the development of two potent and orally bioavailable anti-fibrotic agents that were capable of dose-dependently reducing connective tissue growth factor gene expression in vitro as well as significantly reducing the development of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis in mice in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erika Mathes Lisabeth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Jeffrey R Leipprandt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Thomas Dexheimer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence , University of Michigan Medical Center , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence , University of Michigan Medical Center , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Phillip L Campbell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence , University of Michigan Medical Center , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - David A Fox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence , University of Michigan Medical Center , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | | | | | - Marc Bailie
- Michigan State University in Vivo Facility , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hinz B, McCulloch CA, Coelho NM. Mechanical regulation of myofibroblast phenoconversion and collagen contraction. Exp Cell Res 2019; 379:119-128. [PMID: 30910400 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts promote physiological wound repair following tissue injury. However, dysregulation of fibroblast activation contributes to the development of fibrosis by enhanced production and contraction of collagen-rich extracellular matrix. At the peak of their activities, fibroblasts undergo phenotypic conversion into highly contractile myofibroblasts by developing muscle-like features, including formation of contractile actin-myosin bundles. The phenotype and function of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are mechanically regulated by matrix stiffness using a feedback control system that is integrated with the progress of tissue remodelling. The actomyosin contraction machinery and cell-matrix adhesion receptors are critical elements that are needed for mechanosensing by fibroblasts and the translation of mechanical signals into biological responses. Here, we focus on mechanical and chemical regulation of collagen contraction by fibroblasts and the involvement of these factors in their phenotypic conversion to myofibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Canada; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada
| | | | - Nuno M Coelho
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1G6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lisabeth EM, Kahl D, Gopallawa I, Haynes SE, Misek SA, Campbell PL, Dexheimer TS, Khanna D, Fox DA, Jin X, Martin BR, Larsen SD, Neubig RR. Identification of Pirin as a Molecular Target of the CCG-1423/CCG-203971 Series of Antifibrotic and Antimetastatic Compounds. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:92-100. [PMID: 32039344 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.8b00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A series of compounds (including CCG-1423 and CCG-203971) discovered through an MRTF/SRF-dependent luciferase screen has shown remarkable efficacy in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models, including significant reduction of melanoma metastasis and bleomycin- induced fibrosis. Although these compounds are efficacious in these disease models, the molecular target is unknown. Here, we describe affinity isolation-based target identification efforts which yielded pirin, an iron-dependent cotranscription factor, as a target of this series of compounds. Using biophysical techniques including isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography, we verify that pirin binds these compounds in vitro. We also show with genetic approaches that pirin modulates MRTF- dependent luciferase reporter activity. Finally, using both siRNA and a previously validated pirin inhibitor, we show a role for pirin in TGF-β- induced gene expression in primary dermal fibroblasts. A recently developed analog, CCG-257081, which co crystallizes with pirin, is also effective in the prevention of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Lisabeth
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| | - Dylan Kahl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Indiwari Gopallawa
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| | - Sarah E Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Sean A Misek
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| | - Phillip L Campbell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Thomas S Dexheimer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - David A Fox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Xiangshu Jin
- Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| | - Brent R Martin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Scott D Larsen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States.,Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Identification of regulators of the myofibroblast phenotype of primary dermal fibroblasts from early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4521. [PMID: 30872777 PMCID: PMC6418101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41153-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc or scleroderma) is an auto-immune disease characterized by skin fibrosis. While primary cells from patients are considered as a unique resource to better understand human disease biology, the effect of in vitro culture on these cells and their evaluation as a platform to identify disease regulators remain poorly characterized. The goal of our studies was to provide insights into the utility of SSc dermal fibroblast primary cells for therapeutic target discovery. The disease phenotypes of freshly isolated and in vitro cultured SSc dermal fibroblasts were characterized using whole transcriptome profiling, alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA) expression and cell impedance. SSc dermal fibroblasts retained most of the molecular disease phenotype upon in vitro culture for at least four cell culture passages (approximatively 10 cell doublings). We validated an RNA interference high throughput assay that successfully identified genes affecting the myofibroblast phenotype of SSc skin fibroblasts. These genes included MKL1, RHOA and LOXL2 that were previously proposed as therapeutic anti-fibrotic target, and ITGA5, that has been less studied in fibrosis biology and may be a novel potential modifier of SSc fibroblast biology. Together our results demonstrated the value of carefully-phenotyped SSc dermal fibroblasts as a platform for SSc target and drug discovery.
Collapse
|
50
|
Profibrotic epithelial phenotype: a central role for MRTF and TAZ. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4323. [PMID: 30867502 PMCID: PMC6416270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial injury is a key initiator of fibrosis but - in contrast to the previous paradigm - the epithelium in situ does not undergo wide-spread epithelial-mesenchymal/myofibroblast transition (EMT/EMyT). Instead, it assumes a Profibrotic Epithelial Phenotype (PEP) characterized by fibrogenic cytokine production. The transcriptional mechanisms underlying PEP are undefined. As we have shown that two RhoA/cytoskeleton-regulated transcriptional coactivators, Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and TAZ, are indispensable for EMyT, we asked if they might mediate PEP as well. Here we show that mechanical stress (cyclic stretch) increased the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor and Indian Hedgehog mRNA in LLC-PK1 tubular cells. These responses were mitigated by siRNA-mediated silencing or pharmacological inhibition of MRTF (CCG-1423) or TAZ (verteporfin). RhoA inhibition exerted similar effects. Unilateral ureteral obstruction, a murine model of mechanically-triggered kidney fibrosis, induced tubular RhoA activation along with overexpression/nuclear accumulation of MRTF and TAZ, and increased transcription of the above-mentioned cytokines. Laser capture microdissection revealed TAZ, TGFβ1 and CTGF induction specifically in the tubular epithelium. CCG-1423 suppressed total renal and tubular expression of these proteins. Thus, MRTF regulates epithelial TAZ expression, and both MRTF and TAZ are critical mediators of PEP-related epithelial cytokine production.
Collapse
|