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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Qiu Y, Que Y, Ding Z, Zhang S, Wei R, Xia J, Lin Y. Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18448. [PMID: 38774993 PMCID: PMC11109635 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Qiu
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yueyue Que
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zheyu Ding
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Rong Wei
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jianing Xia
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
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3
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Pu M, Zhang J, Hong F, Wang Y, Zhang C, Zeng Y, Fang Z, Qi W, Yang X, Gao G, Zhou T. The pathogenic role of succinate-SUCNR1: a critical function that induces renal fibrosis via M2 macrophage. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:78. [PMID: 38291510 PMCID: PMC10826041 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01481-5] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis significantly contributes to the progressive loss of kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), with alternatively activated M2 macrophages playing a crucial role in this progression. The serum succinate level is consistently elevated in individuals with diabetes and obesity, both of which are critical factors contributing to CKD. However, it remains unclear whether elevated succinate levels can mediate M2 polarization of macrophages and contribute to renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS Male C57/BL6 mice were administered water supplemented with 4% succinate for 12 weeks to assess its impact on renal interstitial fibrosis. Additionally, the significance of macrophages was confirmed in vivo by using clodronate liposomes to deplete them. Furthermore, we employed RAW 264.7 and NRK-49F cells to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Succinate caused renal interstitial macrophage infiltration, activation of profibrotic M2 phenotype, upregulation of profibrotic factors, and interstitial fibrosis. Treatment of clodronate liposomes markedly depleted macrophages and prevented the succinate-induced increase in profibrotic factors and fibrosis. Mechanically, succinate promoted CTGF transcription via triggering SUCNR1-p-Akt/p-GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, which was inhibited by SUCNR1 siRNA. The knockdown of succinate receptor (SUCNR1) or pretreatment of anti-CTGF(connective tissue growth factor) antibody suppressed the stimulating effects of succinate on RAW 264.7 and NRK-49F cells. CONCLUSIONS The causative effects of succinate on renal interstitial fibrosis were mediated by the activation of profibrotic M2 macrophages. Succinate-SUCNR1 played a role in activating p-Akt/p-GSK3β/β-catenin, CTGF expression, and facilitating crosstalk between macrophages and fibroblasts. Our findings suggest a promising strategy to prevent the progression of metabolic CKD by promoting the excretion of succinate in urine and/or using selective antagonists for SUCNR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound, Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyan Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongcheng Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Gene Manipulation and Biomacromolecular Products, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Gene Manipulation and Biomacromolecular Products, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- China Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoquan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Program of Molecular Medicine, Affiliated Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Gene Manipulation and Biomacromolecular Products, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ti Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Gene Manipulation and Biomacromolecular Products, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- China Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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Isshiki T, Naiel S, Vierhout M, Otsubo K, Ali P, Tsubouchi K, Yazdanshenas P, Kumaran V, Dvorkin-Gheva A, Kolb MRJ, Ask K. Therapeutic strategies to target connective tissue growth factor in fibrotic lung diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 253:108578. [PMID: 38103794 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), remains challenging as current available antifibrotic agents are not effective in halting disease progression. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), also known as cellular communication factor 2 (CCN2), is a member of the CCN family of proteins that regulates cell signaling through cell surface receptors such as integrins, the activity of cytokines/growth factors, and the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Accumulating evidence indicates that CTGF plays a crucial role in promoting lung fibrosis through multiple processes, including inducing transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cooperating with other fibrotic mediators such as TGF-β. Increased expression of CTGF has been observed in fibrotic lungs and inhibiting CTGF signaling has been shown to suppress lung fibrosis in several animal models. Thus, the CTGF signaling pathway is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in IPF and other pulmonary fibrotic conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the pathogenic role of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis and discusses the current therapeutic agents targeting CTGF using a systematic review approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Isshiki
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University School of Medicine, 6-11-1 Omori Nisi, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8541, Japan
| | - Safaa Naiel
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Megan Vierhout
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Kohei Otsubo
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Pareesa Ali
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Kazuya Tsubouchi
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Parichehr Yazdanshenas
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Vaishnavi Kumaran
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Anna Dvorkin-Gheva
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada
| | - Martin R J Kolb
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Department of Medicine, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, 5o Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Center, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 48L, Canada.
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5
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Chen B, Liu X, Yu P, Xie F, Kwan JSH, Chan WN, Fang C, Zhang J, Cheung AHK, Chow C, Leung GWM, Leung KT, Shi S, Zhang B, Wang S, Xu D, Fu K, Wong CC, Wu WKK, Chan MWY, Tang PMK, Tsang CM, Lo KW, Tse GMK, Yu J, To KF, Kang W. H. pylori-induced NF-κB-PIEZO1-YAP1-CTGF axis drives gastric cancer progression and cancer-associated fibroblast-mediated tumour microenvironment remodelling. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1481. [PMID: 37983931 PMCID: PMC10659770 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1481] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common tumours in East Asia countries and is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori utilizes virulence factors, CagA and VacA, to up-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and activate NF-κB signaling. Meanwhile, the PIEZO1 upregulation and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) enrichment were found in GC progression. However, the mechanisms of PIEZO1 upregulation and its involvement in GC progression have not been fully elucidated. METHODS The CAF enrichment and clinical significance were investigated in animal models and primary samples. The expression of NF-κB and PIEZO1 in GC was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining, and expression correlation was analysed in multiple GC datasets. GSEA and Western blot analysis revealed the YAP1-CTGF axis regulation by PIEZO1. The stimulatory effects of CTGF on CAFs were validated by the co-culture system and animal studies. Patient-derived organoid and peritoneal dissemination models were employed to confirm the role of the PIEZO1-YAP1-CTGF cascade in GC. RESULTS Both CAF signature and PIEZO1 were positively correlated with H. pylori infection. PIEZO1, a mechanosensor, was confirmed as a direct downstream of NF-κB to promote the transformation from intestinal metaplasia to GC. Mechanistic studies revealed that PIEZO1 transduced the oncogenic signal from NF-κB into YAP1 signaling, a well-documented oncogenic pathway in GC progression. PIEZO1 expression was positively correlated with the YAP1 signature (CTGF, CYR61, and c-Myc, etc.) in primary samples. The secreted CTGF by cancer cells stimulated the CAF infiltration to form a stiffened collagen-enrichment microenvironment, thus activating PIEZO1 to form a positive feedback loop. Both PIEZO1 depletion by shRNA and CTGF inhibition by Procyanidin C1 enhanced the efficacy of 5-FU in suppressing the GC cell peritoneal metastasis. CONCLUSION This study elucidates a novel driving PIEZO1-YAP1-CTGF force, which opens a novel therapeutic avenue to block the transformation from precancerous lesions to GC. H. pylori-NF-κB activates the PIEZO1-YAP1-CTGF axis to remodel the GC microenvironment by promoting CAF infiltration. Targeting PIEZO1-YAP1-CTGF plus chemotherapy might serve as a potential therapeutic option to block GC progression and peritoneal metastasis.
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Amano H, Inoue T, Kusano T, Fukaya D, Kosakai W, Okada H. Module 4-Deficient CCN2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor Attenuates the Progression of Renal Fibrosis via Suppression of Focal Adhesion Kinase Phosphorylation in Tubular Epithelial Cells. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:515-530. [PMID: 37746701 PMCID: PMC10569360 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2253130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN2/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) potentially serves as a therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease. Here we investigated CCN2 module-4, encoded by Ccn2 exon 5, through the generation of Ccn2 exon 5 knockout mice (Ex5-/- mice). To investigate renal fibrosis pathogenesis, Ex5-/- mice were employed to model unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), unilateral ischemic-reperfusion injury (UIRI), and 5/6 nephrectomy. Interstitial fibrosis was significantly attenuated in the Ex5-/- mice in the three models. Furthermore, phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) levels in tubular epithelial cells were significantly lower in the kidneys of the UUO- and UIRI-Ex5-/- mice than those of the Ex5+/+ mice. Moreover, CCN2 module 4-mediated renal tubule FAK and promoted fibrosis. These findings indicate that CCN2 module-4-FAK pathway components will serve as therapeutic targets for effectively attenuating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Amano
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Inoue
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takeru Kusano
- General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daichi Fukaya
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Wakako Kosakai
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okada
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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7
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Huang R, Fu P, Ma L. Kidney fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic medicines. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:129. [PMID: 36932062 PMCID: PMC10023808 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect 10-14% of global population. Kidney fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition leading to scarring, is a hallmark manifestation in different progressive CKD; However, at present no antifibrotic therapies against CKD exist. Kidney fibrosis is identified by tubule atrophy, interstitial chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis, glomerulosclerosis, and vascular rarefaction. Fibrotic niche, where organ fibrosis initiates, is a complex interplay between injured parenchyma (like tubular cells) and multiple non-parenchymal cell lineages (immune and mesenchymal cells) located spatially within scarring areas. Although the mechanisms of kidney fibrosis are complicated due to the kinds of cells involved, with the help of single-cell technology, many key questions have been explored, such as what kind of renal tubules are profibrotic, where myofibroblasts originate, which immune cells are involved, and how cells communicate with each other. In addition, genetics and epigenetics are deeper mechanisms that regulate kidney fibrosis. And the reversible nature of epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, RNA interference, and chromatin remodeling, gives an opportunity to stop or reverse kidney fibrosis by therapeutic strategies. More marketed (e.g., RAS blockage, SGLT2 inhibitors) have been developed to delay CKD progression in recent years. Furthermore, a better understanding of renal fibrosis is also favored to discover biomarkers of fibrotic injury. In the review, we update recent advances in the mechanism of renal fibrosis and summarize novel biomarkers and antifibrotic treatment for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongshuang Huang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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8
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Amano H, Inoue T, Kusano T, Okada H. Analysis of the Function of CCN2 in Tubular Epithelium Cells with a Focus on Renal Fibrogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:411-426. [PMID: 36370339 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_28] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway in the process of all kidney diseases, and it results in chronic kidney disease. CCN2 is an important factor in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis, and analysis of its function can lead to treatments for chronic kidney disease. Since CCN2 knockout mice are developmentally lethal, generation of conditional knockout mice is essential for in vivo analysis. Since CCN2 is expressed in a variety of cells in the kidney, including podocytes, mesangial cells, pericytes, and tubular epithelial cells, it is necessary to perform cell-specific verification of the cells that play a central role in fibrosis. However, cell-specific validation using the Cre/loxP system in vivo has only been performed in mesangial cells. In our research program, we are focusing on the role of CCN2 in tubular epithelial cells in renal fibrogenesis. In this report, we introduce the creation of a tubular epithelial cell-specific knockout model and method of its analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Amano
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Inoue
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takeru Kusano
- General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okada
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
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9
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The adventitia in arterial development, remodeling, and hypertension. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115259. [PMID: 36150432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The adventitia receives input signals from the vessel wall, the immune system, perivascular nerves and from surrounding tissues to generate effector responses that regulate structural and mechanical properties of blood vessels. It is a complex and dynamic tissue that orchestrates multiple functions for vascular development, homeostasis, repair, and disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the origins, phenotypes, and functions of adventitial and perivascular cells with particular emphasis on hypertensive vascular remodeling.
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10
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The fibrogenic niche in kidney fibrosis: components and mechanisms. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:545-557. [PMID: 35788561 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that leads to tissue scarring, is the final common outcome of a wide variety of chronic kidney diseases. Rather than being distributed uniformly across the kidney parenchyma, renal fibrotic lesions initiate at certain focal sites in which the fibrogenic niche is formed in a spatially confined fashion. This niche provides a unique tissue microenvironment that is orchestrated by a specialized ECM network consisting of de novo-induced matricellular proteins. Other structural elements of the fibrogenic niche include kidney resident and infiltrated inflammatory cells, extracellular vesicles, soluble factors and metabolites. ECM proteins in the fibrogenic niche recruit soluble factors including WNTs and transforming growth factor-β from the extracellular milieu, creating a distinctive profibrotic microenvironment. Studies using decellularized ECM scaffolds from fibrotic kidneys show that the fibrogenic niche autonomously promotes fibroblast proliferation, tubular injury, macrophage activation and endothelial cell depletion, pathological features that recapitulate key events in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. The concept of the fibrogenic niche represents a paradigm shift in understanding of the mechanism of kidney fibrosis that could lead to the development of non-invasive biomarkers and novel therapies not only for chronic kidney disease, but also for fibrotic diseases of other organs.
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11
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Nakayama T, Azegami T, Hayashi K, Hishikawa A, Yoshimoto N, Nakamichi R, Sugita E, Itoh H. Vaccination against connective tissue growth factor attenuates the development of renal fibrosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10933. [PMID: 35768626 PMCID: PMC9243061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a critical need for efficient treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal fibrosis is a final common pathway to end-stage renal disease independent of the underlying etiology, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a well-recognized profibrotic factor in fibrosis of various organ systems. Here, we developed a novel peptide vaccine against CTGF to attenuate the development of renal fibrosis. Three inoculations with this CTGF vaccine at 2-week intervals elicited antibodies specifically binding to human full-length CTGF, and the antigen-specific serum IgG antibody titers were maintained for > 30 weeks. The efficacy of the CTGF vaccine on renal fibrosis was evaluated in adenine-induced CKD and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) murine models. In adenine-induced CKD model, immunization with the CTGF vaccine attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis. Vaccinated mice showed low levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen and low urine albumin–creatinine ratio compared with vehicle-treated mice. In UUO model, the CTGF vaccination also suppressed the onset of renal fibrosis. In an in vitro study, CTGF vaccine-elicited IgG antibodies efficiently suppressed CTGF-induced- and transforming growth factor-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression in kidney fibroblasts. These results demonstrate that the CTGF vaccine is a promising strategy to attenuate the development of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashin Nakayama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Azegami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. .,Keio University Health Center, 4-1-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 223-8521, Japan.
| | - Kaori Hayashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akihito Hishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norifumi Yoshimoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ran Nakamichi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Erina Sugita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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12
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Fu M, Peng D, Lan T, Wei Y, Wei X. Multifunctional regulatory protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF): A potential therapeutic target for diverse diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1740-1760. [PMID: 35847511 PMCID: PMC9279711 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a multifunctional protein of the CCN family, regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and a variety of other biological processes. It is involved in the disease-related pathways such as the Hippo pathway, p53 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways and thus contributes to the developments of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer and other diseases as a downstream effector. Therefore, CTGF might be a potential therapeutic target for treating various diseases. In recent years, the research on the potential of CTGF in the treatment of diseases has also been paid more attention. Several drugs targeting CTGF (monoclonal antibodies FG3149 and FG3019) are being assessed by clinical or preclinical trials and have shown promising outcomes. In this review, the cellular events regulated by CTGF, and the relationships between CTGF and pathogenesis of diseases are systematically summarized. In addition, we highlight the current researches, focusing on the preclinical and clinical trials concerned with CTGF as the therapeutic target.
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13
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Rao KS, Kloppenburg JE, Marquis T, Solomon L, McElroy-Yaggy KL, Spees JL. CTGF-D4 Amplifies LRP6 Signaling to Promote Grafts of Adult Epicardial-derived Cells That Improve Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction. Stem Cells 2022; 40:204-214. [PMID: 35257185 PMCID: PMC9199845 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of stem/progenitor cells holds promise for cardiac regeneration in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Currently, however, low cell survival and engraftment after transplantation present a major barrier to many forms of cell therapy. One issue is that ligands, receptors, and signaling pathways that promote graft success remain poorly understood. Here, we prospectively isolate uncommitted epicardial cells from the adult heart surface by CD104 (β-4 integrin) and demonstrate that C-terminal peptide from connective tissue growth factor (CTGF-D4), when combined with insulin, effectively primes epicardial-derived cells (EPDC) for cardiac engraftment after MI. Similar to native epicardial derivatives that arise from epicardial EMT at the heart surface, the grafted cells migrated into injured myocardial tissue in a rat model of MI with reperfusion. By echocardiography, at 1 month after MI, we observed significant improvement in cardiac function for animals that received epicardial cells primed with CTGF-D4/insulin compared with those that received vehicle-primed (control) cells. In the presence of insulin, CTGF-D4 treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of Wnt co-receptor LRP6 on EPDC. Competitive engraftment assays and neutralizing/blocking studies showed that LRP6 was required for EPDC engraftment after transplantation. Our results identify LRP6 as a key target for increasing EPDC engraftment after MI and suggest amplification of LRP6 signaling with CTGF-D4/insulin, or by other means, may provide an effective approach for achieving successful cellular grafts in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika S Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jessica E Kloppenburg
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Taylor Marquis
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Laura Solomon
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Keara L McElroy-Yaggy
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
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14
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Li SS, Sun Q, Hua MR, Suo P, Chen JR, Yu XY, Zhao YY. Targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:719880. [PMID: 34483931 PMCID: PMC8415231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.719880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays important roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Wnt signaling is induced, and β-catenin is activated, associated with the development and progression of renal fibrosis. Wnt/β-catenin controls the expression of various downstream mediators such as snail1, twist, matrix metalloproteinase-7, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, transient receptor potential canonical 6, and renin-angiotensin system components in epithelial cells, fibroblast, and macrophages. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin is usually intertwined with other signaling pathways to promote renal interstitial fibrosis. Actually, given the crucial of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal fibrogenesis, blocking this signaling may benefit renal interstitial fibrosis. There are several antagonists of Wnt signaling that negatively control Wnt activation, and these include soluble Fzd-related proteins, the family of Dickkopf 1 proteins, Klotho and Wnt inhibitory factor-1. Furthermore, numerous emerging small-molecule β-catenin inhibitors cannot be ignored to prevent and treat renal fibrosis. Moreover, we reviewed the knowledge focusing on anti-fibrotic effects of natural products commonly used in kidney disease by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, in this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation, downstream targets, role, and mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal fibrosis pathogenesis. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway to treat renal fibrosis; this may shed new insights into effective treatment strategies to prevent and treat renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi'an, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi'an, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Meng-Ru Hua
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Suo
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia-Rong Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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15
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Ren Q, Chen J, Liu Y. LRP5 and LRP6 in Wnt Signaling: Similarity and Divergence. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:670960. [PMID: 34026761 PMCID: PMC8134664 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.670960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a fundamental role in regulating embryonic development, injury repair and the pathogenesis of human diseases. In vertebrates, low density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5 and LRP6), the single-pass transmembrane proteins, act as coreceptors of Wnt ligands and are indispensable for Wnt signal transduction. LRP5 and LRP6 are highly homologous and widely co-expressed in embryonic and adult tissues, and they share similar function in mediating Wnt signaling. However, they also exhibit distinct characteristics by interacting with different protein partners. As such, each of them possesses its own unique functions. In this review, we systematically discuss the similarity and divergence of LRP5 and LRP6 in mediating Wnt and other signaling in the context of kidney diseases. A better understanding of the precise role of LRP5 and LRP6 may afford us to identify and refine therapeutic targets for the treatment of a variety of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiongcheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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16
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Leguit RJ, Raymakers RAP, Hebeda KM, Goldschmeding R. CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2) in the bone marrow microenvironment, normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:25-56. [PMID: 33428075 PMCID: PMC7798015 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN2, formerly termed Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is a protein belonging to the Cellular Communication Network (CCN)-family of secreted extracellular matrix-associated proteins. As a matricellular protein it is mainly considered to be active as a modifier of signaling activity of several different signaling pathways and as an orchestrator of their cross-talk. Furthermore, CCN2 and its fragments have been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, cell survival, apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix products, as well as in more complex processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, fibrosis, mechanotransduction and inflammation. Its function is complex and context dependent, depending on cell type, state of differentiation and microenvironmental context. CCN2 plays a role in many diseases, especially those associated with fibrosis, but has also been implicated in many different forms of cancer. In the bone marrow (BM), CCN2 is highly expressed in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). CCN2 is important for MSC function, supporting its proliferation, migration and differentiation. In addition, stromal CCN2 supports the maintenance and longtime survival of hematopoietic stem cells, and in the presence of interleukin 7, stimulates the differentiation of pro-B lymphocytes into pre-B lymphocytes. Overexpression of CCN2 is seen in the majority of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemias, especially in certain cytogenetic subgroups associated with poor outcome. In acute myeloid leukemia, CCN2 expression is increased in MSCs, which has been associated with leukemic engraftment in vivo. In this review, the complex function of CCN2 in the BM microenvironment and in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis is discussed. In addition, an overview is given of data on the remaining CCN family members regarding normal and malignant hematopoiesis, having many similarities and some differences in their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos J Leguit
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, H04-312, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinier A P Raymakers
- Department of Hematology, UMCU Cancer Center, Heidelberglaan 100 B02.226, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Konnie M Hebeda
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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17
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Meng P, Zhu M, Ling X, Zhou L. Wnt signaling in kidney: the initiator or terminator? J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1511-1523. [PMID: 32939578 PMCID: PMC7591426 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01978-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kidney is a key organ in the human body that excretes toxins and sustains the water-electrolyte balance. During embryonic development and disease progression, the kidney undergoes enormous changes in macrostructure, accompanied by a variety of microstructural histological changes, such as glomerular formation and sclerosis, tubule elongation and atrophy, interstitial establishment, and fibrosis progression. All of these rely on the frequent occurrence of cell death and growth. Notably, to overcome disease, some cells regenerate through self-repair or progenitor cell differentiation. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying kidney development and regeneration have not been elucidated. Recently, Wnt signaling has been noted to play an important role. Although it is a well-known developmental signal, the role of Wnt signaling in kidney development and regeneration is not well recognized. In this review, we review the role of Wnt signaling in kidney embryonic development, tissue repair, cell division, and progenitor cell differentiation after injury. Moreover, we briefly highlight advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of Wnt signaling in mediating cellular senescence in kidney parenchymal and stem cells, an irreversible arrest of cell proliferation blocking tissue repair and regeneration. We also highlight the therapeutic targets of Wnt signaling in kidney diseases and provide important clues for clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Nephrology, Huadu District People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Maoming, China
| | - Xian Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Ave, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
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18
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Chen Z, Zhang N, Chu HY, Yu Y, Zhang ZK, Zhang G, Zhang BT. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: From Molecular Understandings to Drug Discovery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:593269. [PMID: 33195264 PMCID: PMC7658337 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.593269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a key signaling and regulatory molecule involved in different biological processes, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing, as well as multiple pathologies, such as tumor development and tissue fibrosis. Although the underlying mechanisms of CTGF remain incompletely understood, a commonly accepted theory is that the interactions between different protein domains in CTGF and other various regulatory proteins and ligands contribute to its variety of functions. Here, we highlight the structure of each domain of CTGF and its biology functions in physiological conditions. We further summarized main diseases that are deeply influenced by CTGF domains and the potential targets of these diseases. Finally, we address the advantages and disadvantages of current drugs targeting CTGF and provide the perspective for the drug discovery of the next generation of CTGF inhibitors based on aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hang Yin Chu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zong-Kang Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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19
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WNT-β-catenin signalling - a versatile player in kidney injury and repair. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020; 17:172-184. [PMID: 32989282 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-020-00343-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The WNT-β-catenin system is an evolutionary conserved signalling pathway that is of particular importance for morphogenesis and cell organization during embryogenesis. The system is usually suppressed in adulthood; however, it can be re-activated in organ injury and regeneration. WNT-deficient mice display severe kidney defects at birth. Transient WNT-β-catenin activation stimulates tissue regeneration after acute kidney injury, whereas sustained (uncontrolled) WNT-β-catenin signalling promotes kidney fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), podocyte injury and proteinuria, persistent tissue damage during acute kidney injury and cystic kidney diseases. Additionally, WNT-β-catenin signalling is involved in CKD-associated vascular calcification and mineral bone disease. The WNT-β-catenin pathway is tightly regulated, for example, by proteins of the Dickkopf (DKK) family. In particular, DKK3 is released by 'stressed' tubular epithelial cells; DKK3 drives kidney fibrosis and is associated with short-term risk of CKD progression and acute kidney injury. Thus, targeting the WNT-β-catenin pathway might represent a promising therapeutic strategy in kidney injury and associated complications.
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20
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Dwivedi N, Tao S, Jamadar A, Sinha S, Howard C, Wallace DP, Fields TA, Leask A, Calvet JP, Rao R. Epithelial Vasopressin Type-2 Receptors Regulate Myofibroblasts by a YAP-CCN2-Dependent Mechanism in Polycystic Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:1697-1710. [PMID: 32554753 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a major cause of loss of renal function in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In this study, we examined whether vasopressin type-2 receptor (V2R) activity in cystic epithelial cells can stimulate interstitial myofibroblasts and fibrosis in ADPKD kidneys. METHODS We treated Pkd1 gene knockout (Pkd1KO) mice with dDAVP, a V2R agonist, for 3 days and evaluated the effect on myofibroblast deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). We also analyzed the effects of conditioned media from primary cultures of human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells on myofibroblast activation. Because secretion of the profibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) increased significantly in dDAVP-treated Pkd1KO mouse kidneys, we examined its role in V2R-dependent fibrosis in ADPKD as well as that of yes-associated protein (YAP). RESULTS V2R stimulation using dDAVP increased the renal interstitial myofibroblast population and ECM deposition. Similarly, conditioned media from human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells increased myofibroblast activation in vitro, suggesting a paracrine mechanism. Renal collecting duct-specific gene deletion of CCN2 significantly reduced cyst growth and myofibroblasts in Pkd1KO mouse kidneys. We found that YAP regulates CCN2, and YAP inhibition or gene deletion reduces renal fibrosis in Pkd1KO mouse kidneys. Importantly, YAP inactivation blocks the dDAVP-induced increase in myofibroblasts in Pkd1KO kidneys. Further in vitro studies showed that V2R regulates YAP by an ERK1/2-dependent mechanism in human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which cystic epithelial cells stimulate myofibroblasts in the pericystic microenvironment, leading to fibrosis in ADPKD. The V2R-YAP-CCN2 cell signaling pathway may present a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis in ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Dwivedi
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Shixin Tao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Abeda Jamadar
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sonali Sinha
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Christianna Howard
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Darren P Wallace
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Timothy A Fields
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Andrew Leask
- School of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - James P Calvet
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Reena Rao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas .,Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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21
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Li Y, Meng R. MicroRNA-154 Targets the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Following Injury to Human Vascular Endothelial Cells by Hydrogen Peroxide. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:5648-5656. [PMID: 31359876 PMCID: PMC6685327 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial cells are involved in vascular homeostasis, and endothelial cell dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-154 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Material/Methods Cell viability and apoptosis of HUVECs treated with H2O2 were measured. The expression of microRNA-154 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell survival, caspase-3 activity, and the apoptosis rate were evaluated in H2O2-treated HUVECs cells after the upregulation and down-regulation of microRNA-154 expression. The interaction between microRNA-154 and Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 2 (DKK2) was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and was verified by luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot. The effects of DKK2 short-interfering RNA (siRNA) on antioxidant injury in HUVECs cells were determined. Results The survival rate of HUVECs exposed to H2O2 was significantly reduced and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, and H2O2 significantly inhibited the expression of microRNA-154 in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of microRNA-154 increased cell survival, reduced the activity of caspase-3, and reduced cell apoptosis. Inhibition of microRNA-154 expression decreased cell survival, increased the activity of caspase-3, and promoted cell apoptosis. Luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot showed that microRNA-154 interacted with the Wnt pathway molecule DKK2 in HUVECS. Also, DDK2 siRNA resulted in a similar protective effect on H2O2-treated HUVECs as overexpression of microRNA-154. Conclusions Oxidative injury in HUVECs was regulated by microRNA-154 targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Ranran Meng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Peoples' Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong, China (mainland)
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22
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Chen J, Guo Y, Chen Q, Cheng X, Xiang G, Chen M, Wu H, Huang Q, Zhu P, Zhang J. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts and are involved in atrial remodelling in patients with rheumatic heart disease. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3032-3039. [PMID: 30697920 PMCID: PMC6433664 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human atrial fibroblasts, and to explore the relationship of these factors in atrial fibrosis and atrial anatomical remodelling (AAR) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Fresh right auricular appendix tissue of 20 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery was collected during surgeries, 10 patients had sinus rhythm(SR), and 10 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Atrial fibroblasts were then cultured from the tissues with differential attachment technique and treated with either TGFβ1 (10 ng/mL) or HGF (100 ng/mL). CTGF mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR, and CTGF protein content was determined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays. RESULTS CAF group had higher left atrial diameters (LADs) and higher CTGF mRNA expression in atrial fibroblasts compared with SR group. The CTGF protein content in CAF group was higher than that of SR group and positively correlated with LAD and AF duration. After CAF group was treated with TGFβ1, CTGF mRNA and protein expression were significantly down-regulated, whereas when treated with HGF, expression was up-regulated compared with SR group. CONCLUSIONS Increased CTGF expression was associated with enlarged LAD, atrial fibrosis and AAR in patients with AF. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts with up-regulation of mRNA and down-regulation of protein, therefore, either promote or inhibit atrial fibrosis, which could be related to the incidence and persistence of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Quan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Yan‐Song Guo
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qian Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Critical Care Medicine Division FourFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Xian‐Lu Cheng
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Guo‐Jian Xiang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Mei‐Yan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Anesthesiology Division TwoFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Hong‐Lin Wu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qi‐Lei Huang
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Peng‐Li Zhu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of Geriatric MedicineFujian Provincial HospitalFujian Provincial Center for GeriatricsFuzhouPR China
| | - Jian‐Cheng Zhang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
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23
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Kaasbøll OJ, Gadicherla AK, Wang JH, Monsen VT, Hagelin EMV, Dong MQ, Attramadal H. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a matricellular preproprotein controlled by proteolytic activation. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:17953-17970. [PMID: 30262666 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; now often referred to as CCN2) is a secreted protein predominantly expressed during development, in various pathological conditions that involve enhanced fibrogenesis and tissue fibrosis, and in several cancers and is currently an emerging target in several early-phase clinical trials. Tissues containing high CCN2 activities often display smaller degradation products of full-length CCN2 (FL-CCN2). Interpretation of these observations is complicated by the fact that a uniform protein structure that defines biologically active CCN2 has not yet been resolved. Here, using DG44 CHO cells engineered to produce and secrete FL-CCN2 and cell signaling and cell physiological activity assays, we demonstrate that FL-CCN2 is itself an inactive precursor and that a proteolytic fragment comprising domains III (thrombospondin type 1 repeat) and IV (cystine knot) appears to convey all biologically relevant activities of CCN2. In congruence with these findings, purified FL-CCN2 could be cleaved and activated following incubation with matrix metalloproteinase activities. Furthermore, the C-terminal fragment of CCN2 (domains III and IV) also formed homodimers that were ∼20-fold more potent than the monomeric form in activating intracellular phosphokinase cascades. The homodimer elicited activation of fibroblast migration, stimulated assembly of focal adhesion complexes, enhanced RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, and promoted mammosphere formation of MCF-7 mammary cancer cells. In conclusion, CCN2 is synthesized and secreted as a preproprotein that is autoinhibited by its two N-terminal domains and requires proteolytic processing and homodimerization to become fully biologically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Jørgen Kaasbøll
- From the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, NO-0424 Oslo, Norway; Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ashish K Gadicherla
- From the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, NO-0424 Oslo, Norway; Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206 Beijing, China
| | - Vivi Talstad Monsen
- From the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, NO-0424 Oslo, Norway; Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marie Valbjørn Hagelin
- From the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, NO-0424 Oslo, Norway; Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Meng-Qiu Dong
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, 102206 Beijing, China
| | - Håvard Attramadal
- From the Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, NO-0424 Oslo, Norway; Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway.
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24
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Ramazani Y, Knops N, Elmonem MA, Nguyen TQ, Arcolino FO, van den Heuvel L, Levtchenko E, Kuypers D, Goldschmeding R. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from basics to clinics. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:44-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Oxidized phospholipids are ligands for LRP6. Bone Res 2018; 6:22. [PMID: 30038821 PMCID: PMC6050227 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-018-0023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is a co-receptor for Wnt signaling and can be recruited by multiple growth factors/hormones to their receptors facilitating intracellular signaling activation. The ligands that bind directly to LRP6 have not been identified. Here, we report that bioactive oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are native ligands of LRP6, but not the closely related LRP5. oxPLs are products of lipid oxidation involving in pathological conditions such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. We found that cell surface LRP6 in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) decreased rapidly in response to increased oxPLs in marrow microenvironment. LRP6 directly bound and mediated the uptake of oxPLs by MSCs. oxPL-LRP6 binding induced LRP6 endocytosis through a clathrin-mediated pathway, decreasing responses of MSCs to osteogenic factors and diminishing osteoblast differentiation ability. Thus, LRP6 functions as a receptor and molecular target of oxPLs for their adverse effect on MSCs, revealing a potential mechanism underlying atherosclerosis-associated bone loss.
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26
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Montford JR, Furgeson SB. A new CTGF target in renal fibrosis. Kidney Int 2018; 92:784-786. [PMID: 28938948 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis appears to accompany renal fibrosis, but signals that regulate the lymphangiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor C are not well understood. Kinashi et al. have shown that conditionally deleting connective tissue growth factor reduces renal fibrosis, vascular endothelial growth factor C, and lymphangiogenesis. Connective tissue growth factor has pleiotropic effects in the setting of renal fibrosis; this study adds a potentially new mechanism for the profibrotic effects of connective tissue growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Montford
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Renal Section, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Seth B Furgeson
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Medicine, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, Colorado, USA; Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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27
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Gauer S, Holzmann Y, Kränzlin B, Hoffmann SC, Gretz N, Hauser IA, Goppelt-Struebe M, Geiger H, Obermüller N. CTGF Is Expressed During Cystic Remodeling in the PKD/Mhm (cy/+) Rat Model for Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). J Histochem Cytochem 2017; 65:743-755. [PMID: 29058957 DOI: 10.1369/0022155417735513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, also named CCN2) plays an important role in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which most critically determines the progression to end-stage renal failure in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common genetically caused renal disease. We determined CTGF expression in a well-characterized animal model of human ADPKD, the PKD/Mhm (cy/+) rat. Kidneys of 12 weeks old (cy/+) as well as (+/+) non-affected rats were analyzed for CTGF RNA and protein expression by RT-PCR, Northern and Western blot analyses, in situ hybridization, and IHC. Besides the established expression of CTGF in glomerular cells in kidneys of wild-type (+/+) animals, in (cy/+) rats, CTGF mRNA and protein were robustly expressed in interstitial, stellate-shaped cells, located in a scattered pattern underlying the cystic epithelium and in focal areas of advanced tubulointerstitial remodeling. Renal CTGF mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in (cy/+) rats compared with their (+/+) littermates. Detection of CTGF expression in cells adjacent to cystic epithelium and in areas of marked fibrosis suggests a role in the local response to cyst development and indicates that CTGF may be a relevant factor contributing to tubulointerstitial fibrosis in polycystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gauer
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yvonne Holzmann
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bettina Kränzlin
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sigrid C Hoffmann
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ingeborg A Hauser
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Margarete Goppelt-Struebe
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical Clinic 4, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helmut Geiger
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicholas Obermüller
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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28
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Defective CFTR leads to aberrant β-catenin activation and kidney fibrosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5233. [PMID: 28701694 PMCID: PMC5507915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), known as a cAMP-activated Cl− channel, is widely expressed at the apical membrane of epithelial cells in a wide variety of tissues. Of note, despite the abundant expression of CFTR in mammalian kidney, the role of CFTR in kidney disease development is unclear. Here, we report that CFTR expression is downregulated in the UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction)-induced kidney fibrosis mouse model and human fibrotic kidneys. Dysfunction or downregulation of CFTR in renal epithelial cells leads to alteration of genes involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and kidney fibrosis. In addition, dysregulation of CFTR activates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, whereas the β-catenin inhibitor reverses the effects of CFTR downregulation on EMT marker. More interestingly, CFTR interacts with Dishevelled 2 (Dvl2), a key component of Wnt signaling, thereby suppressing the activation of β-catenin. Compared to wild type, deltaF508 mice with UUO treatment exhibit significantly higher β-catenin activity with aggregated kidney fibrogenesis, which is reduced by forced overexpression of CFTR. Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which CFTR regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pertinent to progression of kidney fibrosis and indicates a potential treatment target.
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29
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Gröne EF, Federico G, Nelson PJ, Arnold B, Gröne HJ. The hormetic functions of Wnt pathways in tubular injury. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:899-906. [PMID: 28685176 PMCID: PMC5541077 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic tubulointerstitial damage with tubular epithelial atrophy and interstitial fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a predictor for progression of CKD.Several experiments have now provided evidence that the Wnt signaling pathways are significantly contributing to atrophy and fibrosis; in contrast, it also has been shown that the Wnt system fosters regenerative processes in acute tubular injury.We now have demonstrated that Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) is an agonist for canonical Wnt signaling in CKD and fosters chronic fibrosing inflammation of the tubulointerstitial compartment. Genetic- and antibody-mediated inhibition of DKK3 leads to a pronounced improvement of tubular differentiation and a reduction in fibrosis.In addition, the secreted glycoprotein DKK3 can be used as a non-invasive urinary marker for the extent of CKD in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giuseppina Federico
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. h.-
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