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Yoshimori T, Kawami M, Kumagai Y, Futatsugi S, Yumoto R, Uchida Y, Takano M. Abemaciclib-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 independent of cell cycle arrest pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 172:106601. [PMID: 38821314 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106601] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Abemaciclib (ABM), a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, shows pharmacological effects in cell cycle arrest. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is an important cellular event associated with pathophysiological states such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. In the present study, we evaluated the contribution of factors associated with cell cycle arrest to ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Treatment with 0.6 µM ABM induced both cell cycle arrest and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related phenotypic changes. Interestingly, the knockdown of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, pharmacological targets of ABM or cyclin D1, which forms complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, indicating that downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6-cyclin D1 complexes would mimic ABM. In contrast, knockdown of the Rb protein, which is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, had no effect on the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker. Furthermore, ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition was not affected by Rb knockdown, suggesting that Rb is not involved in the transition process. Our study is the first to suggest that cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6-cyclin D1 complexes, as pharmacological targets of ABM, may contribute to ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, followed by clinical disorders such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. This study suggests that blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition might be a promising way to prevent negative side effects caused by a medication (ABM) without affecting its ability to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyo Yoshimori
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Masashi Kawami
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan.
| | - Yuta Kumagai
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Sorahito Futatsugi
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan.
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, 6-13-1 Yasuhigashi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan
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2
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Zeyada MS, Eraky SM, El-Shishtawy MM. Trigonelline mitigates bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis: Insight into NLRP3 inflammasome and SPHK1/S1P/Hippo signaling modulation. Life Sci 2024; 336:122272. [PMID: 37981228 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122272] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with an increasing incidence following the COVID-19 outbreak. Pirfenidone (Pirf), an FDA-approved pulmonary anti-fibrotic drug, is poorly tolerated and exhibits limited efficacy. Trigonelline (Trig) is a natural plant alkaloid with diverse pharmacological actions. We investigated the underlying prophylactic and therapeutic mechanisms of Trig in ameliorating bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF and the possible synergistic antifibrotic activity of Pirf via its combination with Trig. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single dose of BLM was administered intratracheally to male Sprague-Dawley rats for PF induction. In the prophylactic study, Trig was given orally 3 days before BLM and then for 28 days. In the therapeutic study, Trig and/or Pirf were given orally from day 8 after BLM until the 28th day. Biochemical assay, histopathology, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry were performed on lung tissues. KEY FINDINGS Trig prophylactically and therapeutically mitigated the inflammatory process via targeting NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling. Trig activated the autophagy process which in turn attenuated alveolar epithelial cells apoptosis and senescence. Remarkably, Trig attenuated lung SPHK1/S1P axis and its downstream Hippo targets, YAP-1, and TAZ, with a parallel decrease in YAP/TAZ profibrotic genes. Interestingly, Trig upregulated lung miR-375 and miR-27a expression. Consequently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung tissues was reversed upon Trig administration. These results were simultaneously associated with profound improvement in lung histological alterations. SIGNIFICANCE The current study verifies Trig's prophylactic and antifibrotic effects against BLM-induced PF via targeting multiple signaling. Trig and Pirf combination may be a promising approach to synergize Pirf antifibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menna S Zeyada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Salma M Eraky
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mamdouh M El-Shishtawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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Matouk AI, Awad EM, El-Tahawy NFG, El-Sheikh AAK, Anter A. Dihydromyricetin Modulates Nrf2 and NF-κB Crosstalk to Alleviate Methotrexate-Induced Lung Toxicity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040481. [PMID: 37111238 PMCID: PMC10145727 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040481] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agent. However, it induces a serious pneumonitis that leads to irreversible fibrotic lung damage. This study addresses the protective role of the natural flavonoid dihydromyricetin (DHM) against MTX-induced pneumonitis via modulation of Nrf2/NF-κB signaling crosstalk. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, which received the vehicle; MTX, which received a single MTX (40 mg/kg, i.p) at day 9 of the experiment; (MTX + DHM), which received oral DHM (300 mg/kg) for 14 days and methotrexate (40 mg/kg, i.p) on the 9th day; and DHM, which received DHM (300 mg/kg, p.o) for 14 days. RESULTS Lung histopathological examination and scoring showed a decline in MTX-induced alveolar epithelial damage and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration by DHM treatment. Further, DHM significantly alleviated the oxidative stress by decreasing MDA while increasing GSH and SOD antioxidant levels. Additionally, DHM suppressed the pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis through decreasing levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 while promoting the expression of Nrf2, a positive regulator of antioxidant genes, and its downstream modulator, HO-1. CONCLUSION This study identified DHM as a promising therapeutic target against MTX-induced pneumonitis via activation of Nrf2 antioxidant signaling while suppressing the NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa I Matouk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, El-Minia 61511, Egypt
| | - Eman M Awad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, El-Minia 61511, Egypt
| | - Nashwa F G El-Tahawy
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minia 61511, Egypt
| | - Azza A K El-Sheikh
- Basic Health Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliaa Anter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, El-Minia 61511, Egypt
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4
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Kawami M, Ojima T, Yumoto R, Takano M. Role of integrin α2 in methotrexate-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:449-458. [PMID: 36277370 PMCID: PMC9532481 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00127-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used to treat various diseases. However, it induces adverse reactions like serious lung injury, including pulmonary fibrosis. Increasing evidence suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in injured alveolar epithelium contributes to the development of the pathophysiological state of the lung. We demonstrated that MTX induced EMT in cultured alveolar epithelial cell lines. Integrin-mediated signaling is considered a significant factor in recognizing the EMT process. However, the relationship between MTX-induced EMT and integrin family members is poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of integrin in MTX-induced EMT in A549 and NCI-H1299 (H1299) cells by focusing on the integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) subunit, selected based on our microarray analysis. MTX treatment for 72 h significantly increased the mRNA and cell surface expression of ITGA2 in both cell lines. However, this upregulation by MTX was suppressed by co-treatment with SB431542 and folic acid, which are inhibitors of MTX-induced EMT in A549 cells. The mRNA expression levels of EMT-related genes were more affected in the MTX-treated A549 cells with high ITGA2 expression than in those with low ITGA2 expression. Finally, E7820, an ITGA2 inhibitor, suppressed MTX-induced EMT-related phenotypic changes, such as morphology and mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin, a representative EMT marker. These findings suggest that ITGA2 may play a key role in MTX-induced EMT in alveolar epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Kawami
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Takamichi Ojima
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
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5
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Kawami M, Honda M, Hara T, Yumoto R, Takano M. Role of Nrf2 in Methotrexate-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Alveolar A549 Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1069-1076. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Kawami
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Mikito Honda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Takuya Hara
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University
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6
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Kawami M, Takenaka S, Akai M, Yumoto R, Takano M. Characterization of miR-34a-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Non-Small Lung Cancer Cells Focusing on p53. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121853. [PMID: 34944497 PMCID: PMC8699678 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121853] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic conversion of the epithelial to mesenchymal state, contributes to cancer progression. Currently, several microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with EMT-mediated cancer progression, but the contribution of miR-34a to EMT in cancer cells remains controversial. The present study aimed to clarify the role of miR-34a in the EMT-related phenotypes of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, A549 (p53 wild-type) and H1299 (p53-deficient). Methods: The miR-34a mimic and p53 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were transfected into the cells using Lipofectamine, and the obtained total RNA and cell lysates were used for real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Results: The introduction of the miR-34a mimic led to an increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a mesenchymal marker gene, in A549, but not in H1299 cells. Additionally, miR-34a-induced the upregulation of p53 activity and migration was observed in A549, but not in H1299 cells. However, under the p53-knockdown condition, only α-SMA upregulation by miR-34a was abolished. Conclusion: These findings indicate a close relationship between p53 and miR-34a-induced EMT in p53-wild type NSCLC cells, which provides novel insights about the role of miR-34a in EMT-like phenotypic changes in NSCLC.
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Kawami M, Takenaka S, Kadekaru Y, Akai M, Konaka T, Yumoto R, Takano M. Evaluation on epithelial-mesenchymal state and microRNAs focusing on isolated alveolar epithelial cells from bleomycin injured rat lung. Toxicology 2021; 461:152903. [PMID: 34425168 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several studies using bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury rat model revealed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Conversely, microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as useful markers of various diseases. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the EMT state through focusing on alveolar epithelial cells and identify the miRNAs that can be used as markers to predict pulmonary fibrosis using a BLM-induced lung injury rat model. Intratracheal administration of BLM increased hydroxyproline, a component of collagen, in lung tissues at day 14, but not at day 7. However, BLM induced EMT at day 7, which was accompanied with increased mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin, a representative EMT marker, in alveolar epithelium, thereby suggesting that EMT occurs prior to pulmonary fibrosis in alveolar epithelial cells. Using this rat model, the expression levels of several EMT-associated miRNAs were examined, and miR-222 was found to be upregulated in alveolar epithelial cells as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from day 3. Our findings indicate that EMT in alveolar epithelial cells may occur before pulmonary fibrosis, and miR-222 may be used as a potential marker for early prediction of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Kawami
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Shinnosuke Takenaka
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yuri Kadekaru
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Mizuki Akai
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takashi Konaka
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
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Sun L, Dong H, Zhang W, Wang N, Ni N, Bai X, Liu N. Lipid Peroxidation, GSH Depletion, and SLC7A11 Inhibition Are Common Causes of EMT and Ferroptosis in A549 Cells, but Different in Specific Mechanisms. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 40:172-183. [PMID: 33351681 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Emerging evidence suggested that there are some common causes between ferroptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. The interaction of EMT and ferroptosis and its mechanism were investigated by detecting the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and measuring the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). The cellular morphology and ultrastructure of mitochondria were studied by microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The results showed that ferroptosis in A549 cells was induced by Erastin, which decreased the expression levels of E-cadherin (E-Ca), α-SMA, and SLC7A11, accompanied with ROS and MDA increase, as well as GSH decrease. TGF-β1 promoted ultrastructure variation of mitochondria similar to ferroptosis and mesenchymal changes in morphology during EMT of A549 cells, accompanied with reduced GSH content and expression of SLC7A11, as well as ROS and MDA increase. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) recovered ferroptosis induced by Erastin, but had no effect on the morphological change caused by TGF-β1. Furthermore, Fer-1 reduced ROS and MDA production, and increased SLC7A11 expression in the early subsequently increased GSH. However, the effects of Fer-1 on above indicators were different in time. The expression of GPX4 had no significant change during EMT induced by TGF-β1 and ferroptosis induced by Erastin in A549 cells. It is indicating that Erastin promoted the de-epithelialization of lung epithelial cells, but inhibited the process of myofibroblast differentiation; Fer-1 could partially inhibit EMT induced by TGF-β1, but reverse ferroptosis induced by Erastin. TGF-β1 could delay the ferroptosis, but could not prevent it. Lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and SLC7A11 inhibition are common causes of EMT and ferroptosis in A549 cells, but different in specific mechanisms. The exact effects of GPX4 involved in EMT and ferroptosis in A549 cells need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Sun
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Dong
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weiqun Zhang
- Dental Implant Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Na Ni
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuelian Bai
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Naiguo Liu
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, P.R. China
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p53: A Key Protein That Regulates Pulmonary Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6635794. [PMID: 33312337 PMCID: PMC7721501 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6635794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressively aggravating lethal disease that is a serious public health concern. Although the incidence of this disease is increasing, there is a lack of effective therapies. In recent years, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis has become a research hotspot. p53 is a tumor suppressor gene with crucial roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and malignant transformation. Previous studies on p53 have predominantly focused on its role in neoplastic disease. Following in-depth investigation, several studies have linked it to pulmonary fibrosis. This review covers the association between p53 and pulmonary fibrosis, with the aim of providing novel ideas to improve the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis.
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10
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Ojima T, Kawami M, Yumoto R, Takano M. Differential mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced cell death and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells. Toxicol Res 2020; 37:293-300. [PMID: 34295794 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-020-00067-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological process through which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells, is involved in several pathological events, such as cancer progression and organ fibrosis. So far, we have found that methotrexate (MTX), an anticancer drug, induced EMT in the human A549 alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line. However, the relationship between EMT and the cytotoxicity induced by MTX remains unclear. In this study, we compared the processes of MTX-induced EMT and apoptosis in A549 cells. Q-VD-Oph, a caspase inhibitor, suppressed MTX-induced apoptosis, but not the increase in mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), a representative EMT marker. In addition, SB431542, an EMT inhibitor, did not inhibit MTX-induced apoptosis. By using isolated clonal cells from wild-type A549 cells, the induction of EMT and apoptosis by MTX in each clone was analyzed, and no significant correlation was observed between the MTX-induced increase in α-SMA mRNA expression and the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, the increase in the mRNA expression of α-SMA was well correlated with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, a cell cycle arrest marker, but not with BCL-2 binding component 3 and Fas cell surface death receptor, which are both pro-apoptotic factors, indicating that the MTX-induced EMT may be related to cell cycle arrest, but not to apoptosis. These findings suggested that different mechanisms were involved in the MTX-induced EMT and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamichi Ojima
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Masashi Kawami
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553 Japan
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11
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Qi Y, Zhao A, Yang P, Jin L, Hao C. miR-34a-5p Attenuates EMT through targeting SMAD4 in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12219-12224. [PMID: 32929850 PMCID: PMC7579717 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15853] [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: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is an incurable occupational disease, and its pathological feature is diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the important events in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Previous studies found that abnormal expression of various microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the development of lung fibrosis. However, their roles in silicosis have not been elucidated. To research the biological effects of miR-34a in EMT process in silica-induced lung fibrosis, we established the silicosis model in mouse and miR-34a intervention in a cell model of TGF-β1 stimulated lung epithelial cells (A549). The results showed that miR-34a expression was down-regulated in the fibrotic lung tissue after silica treatment, and it was similarly expressed in A549 cells stimulated by TGF-β1. Meanwhile, silica-induced EMT process can increase expression of two mesenchymal markers, α-SMA and vimentin. Furthermore, overexpression miR-34a markedly inhibited EMT stimulated by TGF-β1. Mechanistically, SMAD4 was identified as the target of miR-34a. SMAD4 levels decreased in mRNA and protein levels in A549 cells upon miR-34a overexpression. In addition, the knockdown of SMAD4 blocked the EMT process. Taken together, miR-34a regulated EMT, which might be partially realized by targeting SMAD4. Our data might provide new insight into treatment targets for silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmeng Qi
- School of public health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Ahui Zhao
- School of public health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Peiyan Yang
- School of public health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Luheng Jin
- School of public health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- School of public health, Zhengzhou University, Henan, China
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12
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DNA methyltransferase mediates the hypermethylation of the microRNA 34a promoter and enhances the resistance of patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells to molecular targeting agents. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105071. [PMID: 32659427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) participates in the transformation or progression of human cancers by mediating the hypermethylation of cancer suppressors. However, the regulatory role of DNMT in pancreatic cancer cells remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that DNMT1 repressed the expression of microRNA 34a (miR-34a) and enhanced the activation of the Notch pathway by mediating the hypermethylation of the miR-34a promoter. In patients with pancreatic cancer, the expression levels of DNMT1 were negatively related with those of miR-34a. Mechanistically, knockdown of DNMT1 decreased the methylation of the miR-34a promoter and enhanced the expression of miR-34a to inhibit the activation of the Notch pathway. Downregulation of the Notch pathway via the DNMT1/miR-34a axis significantly enhanced the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to molecular targeting agents. Therefore, the results of our study suggest that downregulation of DNMT enhances the expression of miR-34a and may be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Jiang C, Cheng Z, Jiang T, Xu Y, Wang B. MicroRNA-34a inhibits cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via targeting AXL/PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genes Genomics 2020; 42:971-978. [PMID: 32648233 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been reported to inhibit TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Using the bioinformatics, we found that the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) is a predicted target of miR-34a. OBJECTIVE we aimed to reveal the relationship between miR-34a and AXL, and investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-34a in NPC progression. METHODS The expression patterns of miR-34a and AXL in 30 paired NPC tissues and the adjacent tissues were examined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The target relationship between miR-34a and AXL was evaluated by the luciferase gene reporter assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell chamber assays, respectively. RESULTS miR-34a level was dramatically decreased in the NPC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues, while AXL expression was increased. Overexpression of miR-34a significantly reduced the luciferase activity of the luciferase vector of AXL (pGL3-AXL-WT), whereas this effect was abrogated when binding sites between miR-34a and AXL were mutated. In addition, ectopic expression of miR-34a dramatically inhibited Sune-1 cell migration and invasion abilities, decreased the levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin and increased E-cadherin and γ-catenin expressions, as well as induced significant reductions in the expressions of p-AKT and Snail. However, these effects were attenuated when the cells were treated with recombinant human AXL protein. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that miR-34a/AXL can inhibit NPC cell migration, invasion and EMT through inhibition of AKT/Snail signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zhongqiang Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yajia Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
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