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Kattih B, Boeckling F, Shumliakivska M, Tombor L, Rasper T, Schmitz K, Hoffmann J, Nicin L, Abplanalp WT, Carstens DC, Arsalan M, Emrich F, Holubec T, Walther T, Puntmann VO, Nagel E, John D, Zeiher AM, Dimmeler S. Single-nuclear transcriptome profiling identifies persistent fibroblast activation in hypertrophic and failing human hearts of patients with longstanding disease. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2550-2562. [PMID: 37648651 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac fibrosis drives the progression of heart failure in ischaemic and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, the development of specific anti-fibrotic treatment regimens to counteract cardiac fibrosis is of high clinical relevance. Hence, this study examined the presence of persistent fibroblast activation during longstanding human heart disease at a single-cell resolution to identify putative therapeutic targets to counteract pathological cardiac fibrosis in patients. METHODS AND RESULTS We used single-nuclei RNA sequencing with human tissues from two samples of one healthy donor, and five hypertrophic and two failing hearts. Unsupervised sub-clustering of 7110 nuclei led to the identification of 7 distinct fibroblast clusters. De-convolution of cardiac fibroblast heterogeneity revealed a distinct population of human cardiac fibroblasts with a molecular signature of persistent fibroblast activation and a transcriptional switch towards a pro-fibrotic extra-cellular matrix composition in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This sub-cluster was characterized by high expression of POSTN, RUNX1, CILP, and a target gene adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) (all P < 0.001). Strikingly, elevated circulating AEBP1 blood level were also detected in a validation cohort of patients with confirmed cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.01). Since endogenous AEBP1 expression was increased in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, we assessed the functional consequence of siRNA-mediated AEBP1 silencing in human cardiac fibroblasts. Indeed, AEBP1 silencing reduced proliferation, migration, and fibroblast contractile capacity and α-SMA gene expression, which is a hallmark of fibroblast activation (all P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the anti-fibrotic effects of AEBP1 silencing were linked to transforming growth factor-beta pathway modulation. CONCLUSION Together, this study identifies persistent fibroblast activation in patients with longstanding heart disease, which might be detected by circulating AEBP1 and therapeutically modulated by its targeted silencing in human cardiac fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badder Kattih
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felicitas Boeckling
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mariana Shumliakivska
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lukas Tombor
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tina Rasper
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katja Schmitz
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jedrzej Hoffmann
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Luka Nicin
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wesley T Abplanalp
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel C Carstens
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mani Arsalan
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Fabian Emrich
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Tomas Holubec
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Thomas Walther
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Valentina O Puntmann
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eike Nagel
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Centre for Cardiovascular Imaging, Institute of Experimental and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David John
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas M Zeiher
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Corano Scheri K, Lavine JA, Tedeschi T, Thomson BR, Fawzi AA. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy fibrovascular membranes reveals AEBP1 as fibrogenesis modulator. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172062. [PMID: 37917183 PMCID: PMC10896003 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of preretinal fibrovascular membranes, a devastating complication of advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR), remains challenging. We characterized the molecular profile of cell populations in these fibrovascular membranes to identify potentially new therapeutic targets. Preretinal fibrovascular membranes were surgically removed from patients and submitted for single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq). Differential gene expression was implemented to define the transcriptomics profile of these cells and revealed the presence of endothelial, inflammatory, and stromal cells. Endothelial cell reclustering identified subclusters characterized by noncanonical transcriptomics profile and active angiogenesis. Deeper investigation of the inflammatory cells showed a subcluster of macrophages expressing proangiogenic cytokines, presumably contributing to angiogenesis. The stromal cell cluster included a pericyte-myofibroblast transdifferentiating subcluster, indicating the involvement of pericytes in fibrogenesis. Differentially expressed gene analysis showed that Adipocyte Enhancer-binding Protein 1, AEBP1, was significantly upregulated in myofibroblast clusters, suggesting that this molecule may have a role in transformation. Cell culture experiments with human retinal pericytes (HRP) in high-glucose condition confirmed the molecular transformation of pericytes toward myofibroblastic lineage. AEBP1 siRNA transfection in HRP reduced the expression of profibrotic markers in high glucose. In conclusion, AEBP1 signaling modulates pericyte-myofibroblast transformation, suggesting that targeting AEBP1 could prevent scar tissue formation in advanced DR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Benjamin R Thomson
- Department of Ophthalmology and
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Center for Kidney Research and Therapeutics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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3
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Zhang W, Li YJ, Zhang N, Chen SY, Tong XF, Wang BQ, Huang T, You H, Chen W. Fibroblast-specific adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 is a potential pathological trigger and prognostic marker for liver fibrosis independent of etiology. J Dig Dis 2023; 24:550-561. [PMID: 37776122 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is an extracellular protein involved in adipogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, epithelial cell hyperplasia, and collagen fibrogenesis. This study mainly aimed to analyze the potential role of adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1), the ACLP-encoding gene, as a pathological target or prognostic marker for liver fibrosis regardless of etiology. METHODS Dysregulation pattern, clinical relevance, and biological significance of AEBP1 gene in liver fibrosis were analyzed using publicly available transcriptomic profiles, different liver fibrosis mouse models, biological databases, and AEBP1 gene silencing followed by RNA sequencing in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS AEBP1 gene expression was upregulated and positively correlated with liver fibrogenesis independent of etiology, the protein of which was further verified in liver fibrosis mouse models induced by different pathogenic factors. A higher expression of liver AEBP1 gene had the potential to predict poor prognosis in liver fibrosis. Systematic bioinformatic analyses revealed that AEBP1 expression was HSCs-specific and associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and its downstream mechanical-chemical signaling transition. AEBP1 knockdown by specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in HSCs inhibited ECM-receptor interaction and immune-related pathways as well as HSC proliferation or activation. CONCLUSION A high expression of AEBP1 was specifically associated with liver fibrosis and was related to a poor prognosis and predicted the role of AEBP1 in HSCs, providing a new insight for understanding AEBP1 in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Jia Li
- Emory National primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Yan Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Fei Tong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Qiong Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Sekiguchi S, Yorozu A, Okazaki F, Niinuma T, Takasawa A, Yamamoto E, Kitajima H, Kubo T, Hatanaka Y, Nishiyama K, Ogi K, Dehari H, Kondo A, Kurose M, Obata K, Kakiuchi A, Kai M, Hirohashi Y, Torigoe T, Kojima T, Osanai M, Takano K, Miyazaki A, Suzuki H. ACLP Activates Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Inhibits CD8+ T-Cell Infiltration in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4303. [PMID: 37686580 PMCID: PMC10486706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174303] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that upregulation of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) in vascular endothelial cells promotes tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of stromal AEBP1/ACLP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that ACLP is abundantly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in primary OSCC tissues and that upregulated expression of ACLP is associated with disease progression. Analysis using CAFs obtained from surgically resected OSCCs showed that the expression of AEBP1/ACLP in CAFs is upregulated by co-culture with OSCC cells or treatment with TGF-β1, suggesting cancer-cell-derived TGF-β1 induces AEBP1/ACLP in CAFs. Collagen gel contraction assays showed that ACLP contributes to the activation of CAFs. In addition, CAF-derived ACLP promotes migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor formation by OSCC cells. Notably, tumor stromal ACLP expression correlated positively with collagen expression and correlated inversely with CD8+ T cell infiltration into primary OSCC tumors. Boyden chamber assays suggested that ACLP in CAFs may attenuate CD8+ T cell migration. Our results suggest that stromal ACLP contributes to the development of OSCCs, and that ACLP is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Sekiguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akira Yorozu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Fumika Okazaki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Hiroshi Kitajima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Toshiyuki Kubo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Yui Hatanaka
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Koyo Nishiyama
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogi
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hironari Dehari
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kondo
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Sapporo Teishinkai Hospital, Sapporo 065-0033, Japan
| | - Makoto Kurose
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Obata
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akito Kakiuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Yoshihiko Hirohashi
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Toshihiko Torigoe
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Cell Science, Research Institute of Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan;
| | - Makoto Osanai
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.T.)
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Akihiro Miyazaki
- Department of Oral Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan (T.K.); (M.K.)
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Liu N, Liu D, Cao S, Lei J. Silencing of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) alleviates renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via inhibition of the β-catenin signaling pathway. Hum Cell 2023; 36:972-986. [PMID: 36738398 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the common final pathway in many renal diseases regardless of the underlying etiology. Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) was reported to play a vital role in the development of organ fibrosis, but its role in renal fibrosis has not been reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible function of AEBP1 in renal fibrosis and the mechanism associated with the β-catenin signaling pathway. A total of 83 genes upregulated after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were screened from two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Among them, AEBP1 was enriched in collagen binding and the regulation of collagen fibril organization and was confirmed to be upregulated in UUO kidneys and TGF-β1-induced cells. Knockdown of AEBP1 ameliorated renal fibrosis via reducing collagen accumulation, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast transformation, as evidenced by decreases in the expression of collagen I and III, Col1a1, Col3a1, fibronectin, Snail, α-SMA, as well as collagen-specific staining of kidney tissues, whereas the E-cadherin was increased. Besides, AEBP1 silencing inhibited the expression of β-catenin in nucleus and β-catenin downstream proteins (Axin2, Myc, and Ccnd1). Continuously active β-catenin-S33Y further restored the inhibitory effect of AEBP1 silencing on renal fibrosis. These findings indicate that knockdown of AEBP1 could potentially slow down renal fibrosis by blocking the β-catenin signaling pathway, highlighting the potential of AEBP1 as a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiquan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Dajun Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China.
| | - Shiyu Cao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Class of 2018, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Lei
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 39#, Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, 110022, China
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Li YX, Zhu XX, Wu X, Li JH, Ni XH, Li SJ, Zhao W, Yin XY. ACLP promotes activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor metastasis via ACLP-PPARγ-ACLP feedback loop in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 544:215802. [PMID: 35732215 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Its fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in promoting tumor invasion and metastasis, which eventually leads to a dismal 5-year survival rate in PDAC patients. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) promotes tissue fibrosis in benign diseases. However, its role in cancer-associated fibrosis remains unelucidated. Here, we show that ACLP was mainly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but not in cancer cells and highly expressed in PDAC tissues. High ACLP expression was correlated with poor overall survival. Moreover, ACLP expression in PDAC patients with liver metastases was higher than that in PDAC patients without liver metastases. By detecting activation marker expression and CAF contractility and motility, we found that ACLP promoted CAF activation in PDAC, leading to TME fibrosis. Furthermore, ACLP-activated CAFs could promote cancer cell invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, ACLP promotes the expressions of MMP1 and MMP3 in CAFs, thus promoting PDAC invasion and metastasis. Intriguingly, we identified an ACLP-PPARγ-ACLP feedback loop in PDAC CAFs. Abatement of this feedback loop might be a promising approach in CAF-targeting PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Zhu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu-Hao Ni
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Jin Li
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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MiRNA-29b and miRNA-497 Modulate the Expression of Carboxypeptidase X Member 2, a Candidate Gene Associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042263. [PMID: 35216380 PMCID: PMC8880112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. Recently, a novel candidate gene encoding the carboxypeptidase X member 2 (CPXM2) was found to be associated with hypertension-induced LVH. CPXM2 belongs to the M14 family of metallocarboxypeptidases, yet it lacks detectable enzyme activity, and its function remains unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of micro (mi)RNA-29b, miRNA-195, and miRNA-497 on the posttranscriptional expression control of CPXM2. Candidate miRNAs for CPXM2 expression control were identified in silico. CPXM2 expression in rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) was characterized via real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Direct miRNA/target mRNA interaction was analysed by dual luciferase assay. CPXM2 was expressed in H9C2 and co-localised with z-disc associated protein PDZ and LIM domain 3 (Pdlim3). Transfection of H9C2 with miRNA-29b, miRNA-195, and miRNA-497 led to decreased levels of CPXM2 mRNA and protein, respectively. Results of dual luciferase assays revealed that miRNA-29b and miRNA-497, but not miRNA-195, directly regulated CPXM2 expression on a posttranscriptional level via binding to the 3′UTR of CPXM2 mRNA. We identified two miRNAs capable of the direct posttranscriptional expression control of CPXM2 expression in rat cardiomyocytes. This novel data may help to shed more light on the—so far—widely unexplored expression control of CPXM2 and its potential role in LVH.
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Vroman R, Malfait AM, Miller RE, Malfait F, Syx D. Animal Models of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Phenotype, Pathogenesis, and Translational Potential. Front Genet 2021; 12:726474. [PMID: 34712265 PMCID: PMC8547655 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.726474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissues disorders mainly characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Currently, 14 EDS subtypes each with particular phenotypic features are recognized and are caused by genetic defects in 20 different genes. All of these genes are involved in the biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis of collagens at some level. Although great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of different EDS subtypes, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes remain poorly understood, and consequentially, adequate treatment and management options for these conditions remain scarce. To date, several animal models, mainly mice and zebrafish, have been described with defects in 14 of the 20 hitherto known EDS-associated genes. These models have been instrumental in discerning the functions and roles of the corresponding proteins during development, maturation and repair and in portraying their roles during collagen biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis, for some even before their contribution to an EDS phenotype was elucidated. Additionally, extensive phenotypical characterization of these models has shown that they largely phenocopy their human counterparts, with recapitulation of several clinical hallmarks of the corresponding EDS subtype, including dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular features, as well as biomechanical and ultrastructural similarities in tissues. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of animal models manifesting phenotypes that mimic EDS with a focus on engineered mouse and zebrafish models, and their relevance in past and future EDS research. Additionally, we briefly discuss domestic animals with naturally occurring EDS phenotypes. Collectively, these animal models have only started to reveal glimpses into the pathophysiological aspects associated with EDS and will undoubtably continue to play critical roles in EDS research due to their tremendous potential for pinpointing (common) signaling pathways, unveiling possible therapeutic targets and providing opportunities for preclinical therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rachel E Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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9
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Wang D, Rabhi N, Yet SF, Farmer SR, Layne MD. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein regulates vascular adventitial progenitor and fibroblast differentiation through myocardin related transcription factor A. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3948. [PMID: 33597582 PMCID: PMC7889889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82941-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular adventitia contains numerous cell types including fibroblasts, adipocytes, inflammatory cells, and progenitors embedded within a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) network. In response to vascular injury, adventitial progenitors and fibroblasts become activated and exhibit increased proliferative capacity and differentiate into contractile cells that remodel the ECM. These processes can lead to vascular fibrosis and disease progression. Our previous work established that the ECM protein aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) promotes fibrotic remodeling in the lung and is activated by vascular injury. It is currently unknown what controls vascular adventitial cell differentiation and if ACLP has a role in this process. Using purified mouse aortic adventitia Sca1+ progenitors, ACLP repressed stem cell markers (CD34, KLF4) and upregulated smooth muscle actin (SMA) and collagen I expression. ACLP enhanced myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) activity in adventitial cells by promoting MRTFA nuclear translocation. Sca1 cells from MRTFA-null mice exhibited reduced SMA and collagen expression induced by ACLP, indicating Sca1 cell differentiation is regulated in part by the ACLP-MRTFA axis. We determined that ACLP induced vessel contraction and increased adventitial collagen in an explant model. Collectively these studies identified ACLP as a mediator of adventitial cellular differentiation, which may result in pathological vessel remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Hematology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nabil Rabhi
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Shaw-Fang Yet
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Stephen R Farmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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10
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Malfait F, Castori M, Francomano CA, Giunta C, Kosho T, Byers PH. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:64. [PMID: 32732924 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-0194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders of connective tissue, with common features including joint hypermobility, soft and hyperextensible skin, abnormal wound healing and easy bruising. Fourteen different types of EDS are recognized, of which the molecular cause is known for 13 types. These types are caused by variants in 20 different genes, the majority of which encode the fibrillar collagen types I, III and V, modifying or processing enzymes for those proteins, and enzymes that can modify glycosaminoglycan chains of proteoglycans. For the hypermobile type of EDS, the molecular underpinnings remain unknown. As connective tissue is ubiquitously distributed throughout the body, manifestations of the different types of EDS are present, to varying degrees, in virtually every organ system. This can make these disorders particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. Management consists of a care team responsible for surveillance of major and organ-specific complications (for example, arterial aneurysm and dissection), integrated physical medicine and rehabilitation. No specific medical or genetic therapies are available for any type of EDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Clair A Francomano
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cecilia Giunta
- Connective Tissue Unit, Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Peter H Byers
- Department of Pathology and Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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11
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Vishwanath N, Monis WJ, Hoffmann GA, Ramachandran B, DiGiacomo V, Wong JY, Smith ML, Layne MD. Mechanisms of aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein secretion and identification of an intracellularly retained variant associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:9725-9735. [PMID: 32482891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is a collagen-binding extracellular matrix protein that has important roles in wound healing and fibrosis. ACLP contains thrombospondin repeats, a collagen-binding discoidin domain, and a catalytically inactive metallocarboxypeptidase domain. Recently, mutations in the ACLP-encoding gene, AE-binding protein 1 (AEBP1), have been discovered, leading to the identification of a new variant of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causing connective tissue disruptions in multiple organs. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms of ACLP secretion or the role of post-translational modifications in these processes. We show here that the secreted form of ACLP contains N-linked glycosylation and that inhibition of glycosylation results in its intracellular retention. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that glycosylation of Asn-471 and Asn-1030 is necessary for ACLP secretion and identified a specific N-terminal proteolytic ACLP fragment. To determine the contribution of secreted ACLP to extracellular matrix mechanical properties, we generated and mechanically tested wet-spun collagen ACLP composite fibers, finding that ACLP enhances the modulus (or stiffness), toughness, and tensile strength of the fibers. Some AEBP1 mutations were null alleles, whereas others resulted in expressed proteins. We tested the hypothesis that a recently discovered 40-amino acid mutation and insertion in the ACLP discoidin domain regulates collagen binding and assembly. Interestingly, we found that this protein variant is retained intracellularly and induces endoplasmic reticulum stress identified with an XBP1-based endoplasmic reticulum stress reporter. Our findings highlight the importance of N-linked glycosylation of ACLP for its secretion and contribute to our understanding of ACLP-dependent disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neya Vishwanath
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William J Monis
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gwendolyn A Hoffmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bhavana Ramachandran
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent DiGiacomo
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joyce Y Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Yorozu A, Yamamoto E, Niinuma T, Tsuyada A, Maruyama R, Kitajima H, Numata Y, Kai M, Sudo G, Kubo T, Nishidate T, Okita K, Takemasa I, Nakase H, Sugai T, Takano K, Suzuki H. Upregulation of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 in endothelial cells promotes tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1631-1644. [PMID: 32086986 PMCID: PMC7226196 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is an important therapeutic target in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to identify novel genes associated with angiogenesis in CRC. Using RNA sequencing analysis in normal and tumor endothelial cells (TECs) isolated from primary CRC tissues, we detected frequent upregulation of adipocyte enhancer‐binding protein 1 (AEBP1) in TECs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AEBP1 is upregulated in TECs and stromal cells in CRC tissues. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that there is little or no AEBP1 expression in CRC cell lines, but that AEBP1 is well expressed in vascular endothelial cells. Levels of AEBP1 expression in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were upregulated by tumor conditioned medium derived from CRC cells or by direct coculture with CRC cells. Knockdown of AEBP1 suppressed proliferation, migration, and in vitro tube formation by HUVECs. In xenograft experiments, AEBP1 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and microvessel formation. Depletion of AEBP1 in HUVECs downregulated a series of genes associated with angiogenesis or endothelial function, including aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and periostin (POSTN), suggesting that AEBP1 might promote angiogenesis through regulation of those genes. These results suggest that upregulation of AEBP1 contributes to tumor angiogenesis in CRC, which makes AEBP1 a potentially useful therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yorozu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuyada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitajima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuto Numata
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Gota Sudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kubo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nishidate
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenji Okita
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakase
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Kenichi Takano
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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13
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Syx D, De Wandele I, Symoens S, De Rycke R, Hougrand O, Voermans N, De Paepe A, Malfait F. Bi-allelic AEBP1 mutations in two patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:1853-1864. [PMID: 30668708 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDSs) are a clinically and molecularly diverse group of heritable connective tissue disorders caused by defects in a wide range of genes. Recently, bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in the adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) gene were reported in three families with an autosomal recessive EDS-like condition characterized by thin and hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing with prominent atrophic scarring, joint hypermobility and osteoporosis. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified novel bi-allelic AEBP1 variants in two unrelated adult patients, previously diagnosed with an undefined EDS type, which shows important clinical resemblance to several other EDS subtypes. Our patients present with similar cutaneous and musculoskeletal features as the previously reported patients. They also show unreported clinical features, including pectus deformity, premature aged appearance, sparse and frizzled hair, fatigue and pain. AEBP1 is ubiquitously expressed and encodes the secreted aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) that can bind fibrillar collagens and assist in collagen polymerization. Transmission electron microscopy studies on the patients' skin biopsies show ultrastructural alterations in collagen fibril diameter and appearance, underscoring an important role for ACLP in collagen fibril organization. This report further expands the clinical, molecular and ultrastructural spectrum associated with AEBP1 defects and highlights the complex and variable phenotype associated with this new EDS variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inge De Wandele
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Symoens
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology and Expertise Centre for Transmission Electron Microscopy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for Inflammation Research and BioImaging Core, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Hougrand
- Unit of Electron Microscopy, Department of Pathology, Unilab LG, University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicol Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne De Paepe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Gerhard GS, Hanson A, Wilhelmsen D, Piras IS, Still CD, Chu X, Petrick AT, DiStefano JK. AEBP1 expression increases with severity of fibrosis in NASH and is regulated by glucose, palmitate, and miR-372-3p. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219764. [PMID: 31299062 PMCID: PMC6625715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors governing the development of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are only partially understood. We recently identified adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) as a member of a core set of dysregulated fibrosis-specific genes in human NASH. Here we sought to investigate the relationship between AEBP1 and hepatic fibrosis. We confirmed that hepatic AEBP1 expression is elevated in fibrosis compared to lobular inflammation, steatosis, and normal liver, and increases with worsening fibrosis in NASH patients. AEBP1 expression was upregulated 5.8-fold in activated hepatic stellate cells and downregulated during chemical and contact induction of biological quiescence. In LX-2 and HepG2 cells treated with high glucose (25 mM), AEBP1 expression increased over 7-fold compared to normal glucose conditions. In response to treatment with either fructose or palmitate, AEBP1 expression in primary human hepatocytes increased 2.4-fold or 9.6-fold, but was upregulated 55.8-fold in the presence of fructose and palmitate together. AEBP1 knockdown resulted in decreased expression of nine genes previously identified to be part of a predicted AEBP1-associated NASH co-regulatory network and confirmed to be upregulated in fibrotic tissue. We identified binding sites for two miRNAs known to be downregulated in NASH fibrosis, miR-372-3p and miR-373-3p in the AEBP1 3' untranslated region. Both miRNAs functionally interacted with AEBP1 to regulate its expression. These findings indicate a novel AEBP1-mediated pathway in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S. Gerhard
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Amanda Hanson
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Danielle Wilhelmsen
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | | | - Xin Chu
- Geisinger Obesity Institute, Danville, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Johanna K. DiStefano
- Diabetes and Fibrotic Disease Unit, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
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15
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Xing Y, Zhang Z, Chi F, Zhou Y, Ren S, Zhao Z, Zhu Y, Piao D. AEBP1, a prognostic indicator, promotes colon adenocarcinoma cell growth and metastasis through the NF-κB pathway. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:1795-1808. [PMID: 31219650 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal expression of adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) has been implicated in the carcinogenesis and progression of various types of human tumors. However, the role of AEBP1 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains largely unelucidated. In this study, we explored the clinical significance and biological function of AEBP1 in COAD. We observed that AEBP1 was overexpressed in COAD tissues and cells and that the expression of AEBP1 was correlated with tumor size, the level of histologic differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and cancer stage in COAD patients. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that high AEBP1 expression suggested poor prognosis in COAD. Moreover, AEBP1 silencing suppressed COAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas the upregulation of AEBP1 promoted these behaviors. Additionally, mechanistic studies further demonstrated that AEBP1 promoted COAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, vimentin, and TWIST whereas downregulating that of E-cadherin through the nuclear factor-κB pathway. Collectively, these data indicated that AEBP1 may be a new prognostic factor and a potential gene therapy target in COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Xing
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxu Chi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Ren
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuekun Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxun Piao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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16
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Ritelli M, Cinquina V, Venturini M, Pezzaioli L, Formenti AM, Chiarelli N, Colombi M. Expanding the Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Recessive AEBP1-Related Classical-Like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E135. [PMID: 30759870 PMCID: PMC6410021 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises clinically heterogeneous connective tissue disorders with diverse molecular etiologies. The 2017 International Classification for EDS recognized 13 distinct subtypes caused by pathogenic variants in 19 genes mainly encoding fibrillar collagens and collagen-modifying or processing proteins. Recently, a new EDS subtype, i.e., classical-like EDS type 2, was defined after the identification, in six patients with clinical findings reminiscent of EDS, of recessive alterations in AEBP1, which encodes the aortic carboxypeptidase⁻like protein associating with collagens in the extracellular matrix. Herein, we report on a 53-year-old patient, born from healthy second-cousins, who fitted the diagnostic criteria for classical EDS (cEDS) for the presence of hyperextensible skin with multiple atrophic scars, generalized joint hypermobility, and other minor criteria. Molecular analyses of cEDS genes did not identify any causal variant. Therefore, AEBP1 sequencing was performed that revealed homozygosity for the rare c.1925T>C p.(Leu642Pro) variant classified as likely pathogenetic (class 4) according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. The comparison of the patient's features with those of the other patients reported up to now and the identification of the first missense variant likely associated with the condition offer future perspectives for EDS nosology and research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Cinquina
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marina Venturini
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili University Hospital, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Letizia Pezzaioli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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17
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Englert JA, Christman JW, Ballinger MN. Unhinging the machinery of sepsis: An unexpected role for vascular smooth muscle. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 104:661-663. [PMID: 30134503 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.ce0618-236r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Englert
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John W Christman
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Megan N Ballinger
- The Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Shu C, Huang H, Xu Y, Rota M, Sorrentino A, Peng Y, Padera RF, Huntoon V, Agrawal PB, Liu X, Perrella MA. Pressure Overload in Mice With Haploinsufficiency of Striated Preferentially Expressed Gene Leads to Decompensated Heart Failure. Front Physiol 2018; 9:863. [PMID: 30042693 PMCID: PMC6048438 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Striated preferentially expressed gene (Speg) is a member of the myosin light chain kinase family of proteins. Constitutive Speg deficient (Speg−/−) mice develop a dilated cardiomyopathy, and the majority of these mice die in utero or shortly after birth. In the present study we assessed the importance of Speg in adult mice. Speg−/− mice that survived to adulthood, or adult striated muscle-specific Speg knockout mice (Speg-KO), demonstrated cardiac dysfunction and evidence of increased left ventricular (LV) internal diameter and heart to body weight ratio. To determine whether heterozygosity of Speg interferes with the response of the heart to pathophysiologic stress, Speg+/− mice were exposed to pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). At baseline, Speg+/+ and Speg+/− hearts showed no difference in cardiac function. However, 4 weeks after TAC, Speg+/− mice had a marked reduction in LV function. This defect was associated with an increase in LV internal diameter and enhanced heart weight to body weight ratio, compared with Speg+/+ mice after TAC. The response of Speg+/− mice to pressure overload also included increased fibrotic deposition in the myocardium, disruption of transverse tubules, and attenuation in cell contractility, compared with Speg+/+ mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Speg is necessary for normal cardiac function and is involved in the complex adaptation of the heart in response to TAC. Haploinsufficiency of Speg results in decompensated heart failure when exposed to pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Respiratory Center, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - He Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Marcello Rota
- Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yuan Peng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert F Padera
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Virginia Huntoon
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Genetics & Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pankaj B Agrawal
- Divisions of Newborn Medicine and Genetics & Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark A Perrella
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Gerhard GS, Legendre C, Still CD, Chu X, Petrick A, DiStefano JK. Transcriptomic Profiling of Obesity-Related Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Reveals a Core Set of Fibrosis-Specific Genes. J Endocr Soc 2018; 2:710-726. [PMID: 29978150 PMCID: PMC6018672 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The molecular factors underlying the development of inflammation and severe fibrosis in NASH remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify gene expression patterns related to obesity-related NASH inflammation and fibrosis. We performed sequencing-based mRNA profiling analysis of liver samples from individuals with normal histology (n = 24), lobular inflammation (n = 53), or bridging fibrosis, incomplete cirrhosis, or cirrhosis (n = 65). Hepatic expression of a subset of mRNAs was validated using an orthogonal method, analyzed in a hepatic stellate cell line, and used to identify transcriptional patterns shared by other forms of cirrhosis. We observed evidence for differential levels of 3820 and 2980 transcripts in lobular inflammation and advanced fibrosis, respectively, compared with normal histology (false discovery rate ≤0.05), including 176 genes specific to fibrosis. Functional enrichment analysis of these genes revealed participation in pathways involving cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. We identified 34 differentially expressed transcripts in comparisons of lobular inflammation and fibrosis, a proportion of which were also upregulated during activation of hepatic stellate cells. A set of 16 genes from a previous independent study of NASH bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis were replicated, several of which have also been associated with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis due to hepatitis viruses or alcohol in human patients. Dysregulated mRNA expression is associated with inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. Advanced NASH fibrosis is characterized by distinct set of molecular changes that are shared with other causes of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn S Gerhard
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Xin Chu
- Geisinger Obesity Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania
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20
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Jager M, Lee MJ, Li C, Farmer SR, Fried SK, Layne MD. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein enhances adipose tissue stromal progenitor differentiation into myofibroblasts and is upregulated in fibrotic white adipose tissue. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197777. [PMID: 29799877 PMCID: PMC5969754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
White adipose tissue expands through both adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia and it is hypothesized that fibrosis or excess accumulation of extracellular matrix within adipose tissue may limit tissue expansion contributing to metabolic dysfunction. The pathways that control adipose tissue remodeling are only partially understood, however it is likely that adipose tissue stromal and perivascular progenitors participate in fibrotic remodeling and also serve as adipocyte progenitors. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of the secreted extracellular matrix protein aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) on adipose progenitor differentiation in the context of adipose tissue fibrosis. Treatment of 10T1/2 mouse cells with recombinant ACLP suppressed adipogenesis and enhanced myofibroblast differentiation, which was dependent on transforming growth factor-β receptor kinase activity. Mice fed a chronic high fat diet exhibited white adipose tissue fibrosis with elevated ACLP expression and cellular fractionation of these depots revealed that ACLP was co-expressed with collagens primarily in the inflammatory cell depleted stromal-vascular fraction (SVF). SVF cells isolated from mice fed a high fat diet secreted increased amounts of ACLP compared to low fat diet control SVF. These cells also exhibited reduced adipogenic differentiation capacity in vitro. Importantly, differentiation studies in primary human adipose stromal cells revealed that mature adipocytes do not express ACLP and exogenous ACLP administration blunted their differentiation potential while upregulating myofibroblastic markers. Collectively, these studies identify ACLP as a stromal derived mediator of adipose progenitor differentiation that may limit adipocyte expansion during white adipose tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Jager
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mi-Jeong Lee
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chendi Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephen R. Farmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susan K. Fried
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Blackburn PR, Xu Z, Tumelty KE, Zhao RW, Monis WJ, Harris KG, Gass JM, Cousin MA, Boczek NJ, Mitkov MV, Cappel MA, Francomano CA, Parisi JE, Klee EW, Faqeih E, Alkuraya FS, Layne MD, McDonnell NB, Atwal PS. Bi-allelic Alterations in AEBP1 Lead to Defective Collagen Assembly and Connective Tissue Structure Resulting in a Variant of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:696-705. [PMID: 29606302 PMCID: PMC5985336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AEBP1 encodes the aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) that associates with collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and has several roles in development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. ACLP is expressed in bone, the vasculature, and dermal tissues and is involved in fibroblast proliferation and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into collagen-producing cells. Aebp1-/- mice have abnormal, delayed wound repair correlating with defects in fibroblast proliferation. In this study, we describe four individuals from three unrelated families that presented with a unique constellation of clinical findings including joint laxity, redundant and hyperextensible skin, poor wound healing with abnormal scarring, osteoporosis, and other features reminiscent of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Analysis of skin biopsies revealed decreased dermal collagen with abnormal collagen fibrils that were ragged in appearance. Exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in AEBP1 (c.1470delC [p.Asn490_Met495delins(40)] and c.1743C>A [p.Cys581∗]) in the first individual, a homozygous variant (c.1320_1326del [p.Arg440Serfs∗3]) in the second individual, and a homozygous splice site variant (c.1630+1G>A) in two siblings from the third family. We show that ACLP enhances collagen polymerization and binds to several fibrillar collagens via its discoidin domain. These studies support the conclusion that bi-allelic pathogenic variants in AEBP1 are the cause of this autosomal-recessive EDS subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Blackburn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhi Xu
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kathleen E Tumelty
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Rose W Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - William J Monis
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kimberly G Harris
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gass
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Margot A Cousin
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nicole J Boczek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mario V Mitkov
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Mark A Cappel
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Clair A Francomano
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD 21204, USA
| | - Joseph E Parisi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Eric W Klee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Eissa Faqeih
- Department of Pediatric Specialties, Children's Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Saudi Human Genome Project, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia; Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 12713, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Nazli B McDonnell
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Veteran's Administration, Eastern Colorado Health System, Denver, CO 80220, USA.
| | - Paldeep S Atwal
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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22
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Teratani T, Tomita K, Suzuki T, Furuhashi H, Irie R, Nishikawa M, Yamamoto J, Hibi T, Miura S, Minamino T, Oike Y, Hokari R, Kanai T. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein, a WNT ligand, exacerbates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1581-1596. [PMID: 29553485 DOI: 10.1172/jci92863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has been increasing worldwide with the rise in obesity; however, its pathological mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the hepatic expression of aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP), a glycosylated, secreted protein, increases in NASH in humans and mice. Furthermore, we elucidate that ACLP is a ligand, unrelated to WNT proteins, that activates the canonical WNT pathway and exacerbates NASH pathology. In the liver, ACLP is specifically expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). As fatty liver disease progresses, ACLP expression is enhanced via activation of STAT3 signaling by obesity-related factors in serum. ACLP specifically binds to frizzled-8 and low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 6 to form a ternary complex that activates canonical WNT signaling. Consequently, ACLP activates HSCs by inhibiting PPARγ signals. HSC-specific ACLP deficiency inhibits fibrosis progression in NASH by inhibiting canonical WNT signaling in HSCs. The present study elucidates the role of canonical WNT pathway activation by ACLP in NASH pathology, indicating that NASH can be treated by targeting ACLP-induced canonical WNT pathway activation in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Teratani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Tomita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Furuhashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rie Irie
- Department of Pathology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishikawa
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Hibi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soichiro Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tohru Minamino
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryota Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takanori Kanai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Tsujino K, Li JT, Tsukui T, Ren X, Bakiri L, Wagner E, Sheppard D. Fra-2 negatively regulates postnatal alveolar septation by modulating myofibroblast function. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L878-L888. [PMID: 28818870 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00062.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice that globally overexpress the transcription factor Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) develop extensive pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. To determine if these phenotypes are a consequence of ectopic Fra-2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts, we generated mice that overexpress Fra-2 specifically in these cell types (α-SMA-rtTA;tetO-Fra-2). Surprisingly, these mice did not develop vascular remodeling or pulmonary fibrosis but did develop a spontaneous emphysema-like phenotype characterized by alveolar enlargement. Secondary septa formation is an important step in the normal development of lung alveoli, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-expressing fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) play a crucial role in this process. The mutant mice showed reduced numbers of secondary septa at postnatal day 7 and enlarged alveolae starting at postnatal day 12, suggesting impairment of secondary septa formation. Lineage tracing using α-SMA-rtTA mice crossed to a floxed TdTomato reporter revealed that embryonic expression of α-SMA Cre marked a population of cells that gave rise to nearly all alveolar myofibroblasts. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses (RNA sequencing) demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of genes whose expression was significantly altered by overexpression of Fra-2 in myofibroblasts encoded secreted proteins, components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell adhesion-associated genes, including coordinate upregulation of pairs of integrins and their principal ECM ligands. In addition, primary myofibroblasts isolated from the mutant mice showed reduced migration capacity. These findings suggest that Fra-2 overexpression might impair myofibroblast functions crucial for secondary septation, such as myofibroblast migration across alveoli, by perturbing interactions between integrins and locally produced components of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Tsujino
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - John T Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California; and
| | - Tatsuya Tsukui
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Xin Ren
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Latifa Bakiri
- BBVA Foundation-CNIO Cancer Cell Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erwin Wagner
- BBVA Foundation-CNIO Cancer Cell Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California;
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24
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Shijo M, Honda H, Suzuki SO, Hamasaki H, Hokama M, Abolhassani N, Nakabeppu Y, Ninomiya T, Kitazono T, Iwaki T. Association of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 with Alzheimer's disease pathology in human hippocampi. Brain Pathol 2017; 28:58-71. [PMID: 27997051 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) activates inflammatory responses via the NF-κB pathway in macrophages and regulates adipogenesis in preadipocytes. Up-regulation of AEBP1 in the hippocampi of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been revealed by microarray analyses of autopsied brains from the Japanese general population (the Hisayama study). In this study, we compared the expression patterns of AEBP1 in normal and AD brains, including in the hippocampus, using immunohistochemistry. The subjects were 24 AD cases and 52 non-AD cases. Brain specimens were immunostained with antibodies against AEBP1, tau protein, amyloid β protein, NF-κB, GFAP and Iba-1. In normal brains, AEBP1 immunoreactivity mainly localized to the perikarya of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, and its expression was elevated in the pyramidal neurons and some astrocytes in AD hippocampi. Although AEBP1 immunoreactivity was almost absent in neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles, AEBP1 was highly expressed in neurons with pretangles and in the tau-immunopositive, dystrophic neurites of senile plaques. Nuclear localization of NF-κB was also observed in certain AEBP1-positive neurons in AD cases. Comparison of AD and non-AD cases suggested a positive correlation between the expression level of AEBP1 and the degree of amyloid β pathology. These findings imply that AEBP1 protein has a role in the progression of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shijo
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi O Suzuki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideomi Hamasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hokama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Kyushu Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nona Abolhassani
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusaku Nakabeppu
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Ninomiya
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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25
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Kim YH, Barclay JL, He J, Luo X, O'Neill HM, Keshvari S, Webster JA, Ng C, Hutley LJ, Prins JB, Whitehead JP. Identification of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis. FASEB J 2016; 30:2528-40. [PMID: 27006448 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500107r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue expansion occurs through a combination of hypertrophy of existing adipocytes and generation of new adipocytes via the process of hyperplasia, which involves the proliferation and subsequent differentiation of preadipocytes. Deficiencies in hyperplasia contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and the association of obesity with chronic cardiometabolic diseases. Thus, increased understanding of hyperplastic pathways may be expected to afford novel therapeutic strategies. We have reported that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 promotes proliferation and differentiation of human preadipocytes and recently demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) is a central, proximal effector. Herein, we describe the identification and characterization of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1, a secreted collagen-binding glycoprotein, as a novel downstream effector in human primary and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome preadipocytes. CPX-1 expression increased after treatment of preadipocytes with FGF-1, BAMBI knockdown, or induction of differentiation. CPX-1 knockdown compromised preadipocyte differentiation coincident with reduced collagen expression. Furthermore, preadipocytes differentiated on matrix derived from CPX-1 knockdown cells exhibited reduced Glut4 expression and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Finally, CPX-1 expression was increased in adipose tissue from obese mice and humans. Collectively, these findings establish CPX-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis situated downstream of FGF-1/BAMBI that may contribute to hyperplastic adipose tissue expansion via affecting extracellular matrix remodeling.-Kim, Y.-H., Barclay, J. L., He, J., Luo, X., O'Neill, H. M., Keshvari, S., Webster, J. A., Ng, C., Hutley, L. J., Prins, J. B., Whitehead, J. P. Identification of carboxypeptidase X (CPX)-1 as a positive regulator of adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hee Kim
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Johanna L Barclay
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jingjing He
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xiao Luo
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hayley M O'Neill
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sahar Keshvari
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julie A Webster
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Choaping Ng
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louise J Hutley
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Johannes B Prins
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jonathan P Whitehead
- Metabolic Medicine Group, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Carboxypeptidase X-1 (CPX-1) is a secreted collagen-binding glycoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:894-9. [PMID: 26603934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase X-1 (CPX-1) is an atypical member of the carboxypeptidase (CP) family of proteins involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, unlike most other family members CPX-1 lacks catalytic activity making its biological function unclear. CPX-1 contains a 160 amino acid discoidin domain (DSD) that serves as a binding domain in other proteins prompting us to investigate a putative functional role for this domain in CPX-1. Sequence alignment confirmed the overarching homology between the DSD of CPX-1 and other DSDs whilst more detailed analysis revealed conservation of the residues known to form the collagen-binding trench within the DSD of the discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) 1 and 2. Biochemical characterisation of transiently expressed human CPX-1 revealed that CPX-1 was secreted in an N-glycosylation-dependent manner as treatment with the N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin inhibited secretion concomitant with a reduction in CPX-1 mobility on Western blot. Using a collagen pull-down assay we found that secreted CPX-1 bound collagen and this appeared independent of N-glycosylation as treatment with PNGaseF did not affect binding. Further analysis under non-reducing and reducing (+DTT) conditions revealed that CPX-1 was secreted in both monomeric and dimeric forms and only the former bound collagen. Finally, mutation of a key residue situated within the putative collagen-binding trench within the DSD of CPX-1 (R192A) significantly reduced secretion and collagen-binding by 40% and 60%, respectively. Collectively these results demonstrate that CPX-1 is a secreted collagen-binding glycoprotein and provide a foundation for future studies investigating the function of CPX-1.
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27
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Identification of osteoblast stimulating factor 5 as a negative regulator in the B-lymphopoietic niche. Exp Hematol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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28
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Tumelty KE, Smith BD, Nugent MA, Layne MD. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) enhances lung myofibroblast differentiation through transforming growth factor β receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:2526-36. [PMID: 24344132 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.502617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fatal lung disease characterized by the overgrowth, hardening, and scarring of lung tissue. The exact mechanisms of how IPF develops and progresses are unknown. IPF is characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling and accumulation of active TGFβ, which promotes collagen expression and the differentiation of smooth muscle α-actin (SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is an extracellular matrix protein secreted by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and is expressed in fibrotic human lung tissue and in mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Importantly, ACLP knockout mice are significantly protected from bleomycin-induced fibrosis. The goal of this study was to identify the mechanisms of ACLP action on fibroblast differentiation. As primary lung fibroblasts differentiated into myofibroblasts, ACLP expression preceded SMA and collagen expression. Recombinant ACLP induced SMA and collagen expression in mouse and human lung fibroblasts. Knockdown of ACLP slowed the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and partially reverted differentiated myofibroblasts by reducing SMA expression. We hypothesized that ACLP stimulates myofibroblast formation partly through activating TGFβ signaling. Treatment of fibroblasts with recombinant ACLP induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad3. This phosphorylation and induction of SMA was dependent on TGFβ receptor binding and kinase activity. ACLP-induced collagen expression was independent of interaction with the TGFβ receptor. These findings indicate that ACLP stimulates the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by promoting SMA expression via TGFβ signaling and promoting collagen expression through a TGFβ receptor-independent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Tumelty
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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29
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Baron RM, Choi AJS, Owen CA, Choi AMK. Genetically manipulated mouse models of lung disease: potential and pitfalls. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 302:L485-97. [PMID: 22198907 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00085.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene targeting in mice (transgenic and knockout) has provided investigators with an unparalleled armamentarium in recent decades to dissect the cellular and molecular basis of critical pathophysiological states. Fruitful information has been derived from studies using these genetically engineered mice with significant impact on our understanding, not only of specific biological processes spanning cell proliferation to cell death, but also of critical molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. This review will focus on the use of gene-targeted mice to study various models of lung disease including airways diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and parenchymal lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, and acute lung injury. We will attempt to review the current technological approaches of generating gene-targeted mice and the enormous dataset derived from these studies, providing a template for lung investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Baron
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Gusinjac A, Gagnon A, Sorisky A. Effect of collagen I and aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Metabolism 2011; 60:782-8. [PMID: 20817214 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2010.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) is a secreted protein expressed in preadipocytes and down-regulated during adipogenesis. Results from previous studies on the influence of ACLP overexpression on adipogenesis vary from no effect to complete inhibition. We hypothesized that ACLP may modulate adipogenesis in the presence of collagen I, a protein to which it binds. We compared control (pLXSN) 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with 3T3-L1 preadipocytes stably overexpressing ACLP (pLXSN-ACLP) that were grown in standard vs collagen I-coated dishes. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein overexpression, via retroviral transduction, resulted in a 3.2-fold increase in ACLP cellular levels and a 2.1-fold increase in ACLP levels released into medium. Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein overexpression did not inhibit differentiation in standard dishes. In collagen I-coated dishes compared with standard dishes, control preadipocytes, when induced to differentiate, exhibited the same increase in triacylglycerol accumulation, but showed a significantly higher induction of fatty acid synthase (1.6-fold more), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (1.4-fold more), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (1.4-fold more). Aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein overexpression significantly reduced this enhanced induction of fatty acid synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α by 65%, 59%, and 66%, respectively, but had no effect on the accumulation of triacylglycerol during differentiation. Finally, studies on proadipogenic insulin signaling in ACLP-overexpressing preadipocytes demonstrated that insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation was significantly decreased by 27% in cells cultured in collagen I-coated dishes vs standard dishes. Our data suggest that ACLP inhibits certain aspects of 3T3-L1 adipogenesis in a collagen I-rich environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjeta Gusinjac
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Didangelos A, Yin X, Mandal K, Saje A, Smith A, Xu Q, Jahangiri M, Mayr M. Extracellular matrix composition and remodeling in human abdominal aortic aneurysms: a proteomics approach. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 10:M111.008128. [PMID: 21593211 PMCID: PMC3149094 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.008128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by pathological remodeling of the aortic extracellular matrix (ECM). However, besides the well-characterized elastolysis and collagenolysis little is known about changes in other ECM proteins. Previous proteomics studies on AAA focused on cellular changes without emphasis on the ECM. In the present study, ECM proteins and their degradation products were selectively extracted from aneurysmal and control aortas using a solubility-based subfractionation methodology and analyzed by gel-liquid chromatography-tandem MS and label-free quantitation. The proteomics analysis revealed novel changes in the ECM of AAA, including increased expression as well as degradation of collagen XII, thrombospondin 2, aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein, periostin, fibronectin and tenascin. Proteomics also confirmed the accumulation of macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12). Incubation of control aortic tissue with recombinant MMP-12 resulted in the extensive fragmentation of these glycoproteins, most of which are novel substrates of MMP-12. In conclusion, our proteomics methodology allowed the first detailed analysis of the ECM in AAA and identified markers of pathological ECM remodeling related to MMP-12 activity.
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Xu Y, Luchsinger L, Lucey EC, Smith BD. The effect of class II transactivator mutations on bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010; 44:898-905. [PMID: 20705943 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2009-0416oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IFN-γ expression increases during the inflammatory response after bleomycin injury in mice. IFN-γ deficiency attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis. Because IFN-γ stimulates class II transactivator (CIITA) expression, which activates major histocompatibility class (MHC) II and represses collagen expression, it was hypothesized that CIITA mediates IFN-γ action after bleomycin injury. To test this hypothesis, two CIITA mouse lines, one carrying a mutation of the leucine-rich region of CIITA (CIITA C-/-) and one with a deletion extending into the GTP-binding domain (CIITA G-/-), were used. IFN-γ treatment of lung cells isolated from both strains of mice induced mutant CIITA expression, which did not activate MHC II transcription. Collagen expression was similar in both mutant mouse strains and comparable to C57BL/6 (wild-type) mice. When mice were exposed to intratracheal bleomycin, both strains of CIITA mutant mice retained body weight and altered inflammation at 14 days after bleomycin injury compared with bleomycin-treated wild-type mice. However, there was no difference in fibrosis as judged by histology, mRNA, and protein expression of lungs. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells from CIITA C-/- and C57BL/6 lungs were examined at 3, 7, and 14 days after bleomycin injury. CD4 mRNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage cells was down-regulated, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 expression was up-regulated, in CIITA C-/- mice, indicating a diminished, skewed Th2 response. The expression of IFN-γ was the same in all mice tested. Combined, our data suggest that CIITA mutations altered the immune response without affecting fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
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Majdalawieh A, Ro HS. PPARgamma1 and LXRalpha face a new regulator of macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory responsiveness, AEBP1. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2010; 8:e004. [PMID: 20419060 PMCID: PMC2858268 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.08004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1 (PPARγ1) and liver X receptor α (LXRα) are nuclear receptors that play pivotal roles in macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation; key biological processes in atherogenesis. The activation of PPARγ1 and LXRα by natural or synthetic ligands results in the transactivation of ABCA1, ABCG1, and ApoE; integral players in cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport. In this review, we describe the structure, isoforms, expression pattern, and functional specificity of PPARs and LXRs. Control of PPARs and LXRs transcriptional activity by coactivators and corepressors is also highlighted. The specific roles that PPARγ1 and LXRα play in inducing macrophage cholesterol efflux mediators and antagonizing macrophage inflammatory responsiveness are summarized. Finally, this review focuses on the recently reported regulatory functions that adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) exerts on PPARγ1 and LXRα transcriptional activity in the context of macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation.
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