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Barravecchia I, Lee JM, Manassa J, Magnuson B, Ferris SF, Cavanaugh S, Steele NG, Espinoza CE, Galban CJ, Ramnath N, Frankel TL, Pasca di Magliano M, Galban S. Modeling Molecular Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis-Associated Lung Cancer in Mice. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:295-307. [PMID: 38015750 PMCID: PMC10906012 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive, often fatal loss of lung function due to overactive collagen production and tissue scarring. Patients with IPF have a sevenfold-increased risk of developing lung cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of patients with lung diseases, and infection can worsen prognoses for those with chronic lung diseases and disease-associated cancer. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of IPF-associated lung cancer is imperative for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapies that will facilitate prevention of IPF and progression to lung cancer. To understand how IPF-associated fibroblast activation, matrix remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune modulation influences lung cancer predisposition, we developed a mouse model to recapitulate the molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis-associated lung cancer using the bleomycin and Lewis lung carcinoma models. We demonstrate that development of pulmonary fibrosis-associated lung cancer is likely linked to increased abundance of tumor-associated macrophages and a unique gene signature that supports an immune-suppressive microenvironment through secreted factors. Not surprisingly, preexisting fibrosis provides a pre-metastatic niche and results in augmented tumor growth, and tumors associated with bleomycin-induced fibrosis are characterized by a dramatic loss of cytokeratin expression, indicative of EMT. IMPLICATIONS This characterization of tumors associated with lung diseases provides new therapeutic targets that may aid in the development of treatment paradigms for lung cancer patients with preexisting pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Barravecchia
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jennifer M. Lee
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jason Manassa
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sarah F. Ferris
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sophia Cavanaugh
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Pancreatic Cancer Center, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Carlos E. Espinoza
- Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Craig J. Galban
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan Medical School and College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nithya Ramnath
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stefanie Galban
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Karetnikova ES, Jarzebska N, Rodionov RN, Rubets E, Markov AG, Spieth PM. mRNA Levels of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Markers in Lung Epithelial Cell Lines. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:211-219. [PMID: 38317809 PMCID: PMC10838588 DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.2.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important physiologic process that determines the outcome of lung tissue healing after injury. Stimuli and molecular cascades inducing EMT lead to up-regulation of the mesenchymal-specific genes in the alveolar epithelial cells and to down-regulation of the genes coding for epithelial markers. Alveolar epithelial cell lines are commonly used as in vitro models to study processes occurring in the lung tissue. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare mRNA expression levels of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in a number of lung epithelial cell lines. Methods Lung epithelial cell lines L2, R3/1 and RLE-6TN were cultured. Repeated mRNA isolation, reverse transcription, and quantitative PCR with primers to epithelial (E-cadherin, occludin, and ZO-2) and mesenchymal (α-SMA, collagen III, and vimentin) markers were performed. Results First, our study revealed a higher level of epithelial transcripts in the RLE-6TN cell line compared to L2 and R3/1 cells. Secondly, we have found simultaneous mRNA expression of both epithelial (E-cadherin, occludin and ZO-2) and mesenchymal (α-SMA, collagen III and vimentin) markers in all cell lines studied. Conclusions Our data indicate that at the transcriptional level the L2, R3/1, and RLE-6TN cell lines are at one of the intermediate stages of EMT, which opens new possibilities for the study of EMT on cell lines. Determination of the direction of changes in epithelial and mesenchymal markers will make it possible to establish the factors responsible for both EMT and reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Sergeevna Karetnikova
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Natalia Jarzebska
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Roman Nikolaevich Rodionov
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Elena Rubets
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Alexander Georgievich Markov
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
- The first and the second authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Peter Markus Spieth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- The first and the second authors contributed equally to this work.
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SMADS-Mediate Molecular Mechanisms in Sjögren's Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063203. [PMID: 33801157 PMCID: PMC8004153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable interest in delineating the molecular mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), considered as central player in a plethora of human conditions, including cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune disease. TGF-β elicits its biological effects through membrane bound serine/threonine kinase receptors which transmit their signals via downstream signalling molecules, SMADs, which regulate the transcription of target genes in collaboration with various co-activators and co-repressors. Until now, therapeutic strategy for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) has been focused on inflammation, but, recently, the involvement of TGF-β/SMADs signalling has been demonstrated in pSS salivary glands (SGs) as mediator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation. Although EMT seems to cause pSS SG fibrosis, TGF-β family members have ambiguous effects on the function of pSS SGs. Based on these premises, this review highlights recent advances in unravelling the molecular basis for the multi-faceted functions of TGF-β in pSS that are dictated by orchestrations of SMADs, and describe TGF-β/SMADs value as both disease markers and/or therapeutic target for pSS.
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Sisto M, Ribatti D, Lisi S. Organ Fibrosis and Autoimmunity: The Role of Inflammation in TGFβ-Dependent EMT. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020310. [PMID: 33670735 PMCID: PMC7922523 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pathways that control the link of inflammation with organ fibrosis and autoimmune diseases point to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as the common association in the progression of these diseases characterized by an intense inflammatory response. EMT, a process in which epithelial cells are gradually transformed to mesenchymal cells, is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Importantly, the chronic inflammatory microenvironment has emerged as a decisive factor in the induction of pathological EMT. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine, plays a crucial role in the induction of fibrosis, often associated with chronic phases of inflammatory diseases, contributing to marked fibrotic changes that severely impair normal tissue architecture and function. The understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMT-dependent fibrosis has both a basic and a translational relevance, since it may be useful to design therapies aimed at counteracting organ deterioration and failure. To this end, we reviewed the recent literature to better elucidate the molecular response to inflammatory/fibrogenic signals in autoimmune diseases in order to further the specific regulation of EMT-dependent fibrosis in more targeted therapies.
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Yi JH, Zhang ZC, Zhang MB, He X, Lin HR, Huang HW, Dai HB, Huang YW. Role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat in rats. World J Emerg Med 2021; 12:214-220. [PMID: 34141037 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the characteristics of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and its underlying molecular mechanisms in the period of paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). METHODS Picrosirius red staining and collagen volume fraction were utilized to evaluate the pathological changes of PQ-induced PF in rats. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to measure the protein and gene expression of EMT markers, EMT-associated transcription factors, and regulators of EMT-related pathways, respectively. RESULTS The collagen deposition in the alveolar septum and increased PF markers were characteristics of pathological changes in PQ-induced PF, reached a peak on day 14 after PQ poisoning, and then decreased on day 21. The protein and gene expression of the fibrosis marker, EMT markers, transcription factors, and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways significantly increased at different time points after PQ poisoning compared with corresponding controls (P<0.05), and most of them reached a peak on day 14, followed by a decrease on day 21. The gene expression of EMT markers was significantly correlated with PF markers, transcription factors, and regulators of EMT-related signaling pathways (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of transcription factors was significantly correlated with that of TGF-β1 and Smad2 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), instead of Wnt2 and β-catenin (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS EMT process plays a role in the PQ-induced PF, in which most PF and EMT markers have a peak phenomenon, and its underlying molecular mechanisms might be determined by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Yi
- Emergency Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhao-Cai Zhang
- Scientific Research Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Mei-Bian Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 301051, China
| | - Xin He
- Shangyu People's Hospital, Shaoxing 312300, China
| | - Hao-Ran Lin
- Pharmacy Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Hai-Wen Huang
- Scientific Research Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Hai-Bin Dai
- Pharmacy Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yu-Wen Huang
- Pharmacy Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
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Abd-El-Raouf R, Ouf SA, Gabr MM, Zakaria MM, El-Yasergy KF, Ali-El-Dein B. Escherichia coli foster bladder cancer cell line progression via epithelial mesenchymal transition, stemness and metabolic reprogramming. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18024. [PMID: 33093503 PMCID: PMC7581527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria is recognized as opportunistic tumor inhabitant, giving rise to an environmental stress that may alter tumor microenvironment, which directs cancer behavior. In vitro infection of the T24 cell line with E. coli was performed to study the bacterial impact on bladder cancer cells. EMT markers were assessed using immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR. Stemness characteristics were monitored using RT-PCR. Furthermore, the metabolic reprograming was investigated by detection of ROS and metabolic markers. A significant (p ≤ 0.001) upregulation of vimentin as well as downregulation of CK19 transcription and protein levels was reported. A significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in the expression level of stemness markers (CD44, NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4) was reported. ROS level was elevated, that led to a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in UCP2. This enhanced a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) in PDK1 to significantly downregulate PDH (p ≤ 0.001) in order to block oxidative phosphorylation in favor of glycolysis. This resulted in a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.001) of AMPK, and a significant elevation (p ≤ 0.001) of MCT1 to export the produced lactate to extracellular matrix. Thus, bacteria may induce alteration to the heterogonous tumor cell population through EMT, CSCs and metabolic reprogramming, which may improve cancer cell ability to migrate and self-renew.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romaila Abd-El-Raouf
- Researches Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Salama A Ouf
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud M Gabr
- Researches Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Zakaria
- Researches Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khaled F El-Yasergy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Bedeir Ali-El-Dein
- Urology Department, Urology and Nephrology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Luan Y, Zhang L, Chao S, Liu X, Li K, Wang Y, Zhang Z. Mesenchymal stem cells in combination with erythropoietin repair hyperoxia-induced alveoli dysplasia injury in neonatal mice via inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:47082-47094. [PMID: 27191651 PMCID: PMC5216925 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the protection effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with EPO against hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) injury in neonatal mice. BPD model was prepared by continuous high oxygen exposure, 1×106 bone marrow MSCs and 5000U/kg recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) were injected respectively. Results showed that administration of MSCs, EPO especially MSCs+EPO significant attenuated hyperoxia-induced lung damage with a decrease of fibrosis, radical alveolar counts and inhibition of the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, MSCs+EPO co-treatment more significantly suppressed the levels of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) than MSCs or EPO alone. Collectively, these results suggested that MSCs, EPO in particular MSCs+EPO co-treatment could promote lung repair in hyperoxia-induced alveoli dysplasia injury via inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling pathway to further suppress EMT process and may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Luan
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Luan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sun Chao
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kaili Li
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yibiao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaohua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Comeglio P, Morelli A, Adorini L, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Beneficial effects of bile acid receptor agonists in pulmonary disease models. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1215-1228. [PMID: 28949776 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1385760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bile acids act as steroid hormones, controlling lipid, glucose and energy metabolism, as well as inflammation and fibrosis. Their actions are implemented through activation of nuclear (FXR, VDR, PXR) and membrane G protein-coupled (TGR5, S1PR2) receptors. Areas covered: This review discusses the potential of FXR and TGR5 as therapeutic targets in the treatment of pulmonary disorders linked to metabolism and/or inflammation. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the most clinically advanced bile acid-derived agonist for FXR-mediated anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. It therefore represents an attractive pharmacological approach for the treatment of lung conditions characterized by vascular and endothelial dysfunctions. Expert opinion: Inflammation, vascular remodeling and fibrotic processes characterize the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These processes are only partially targeted by the available therapeutic options and still represent a relevant medical need. The results hereby summarized demonstrate OCA efficacy in preventing experimental lung disorders, i.e. monocrotaline-induced PAH and bleomycin-induced fibrosis, by abating proinflammatory and vascular remodeling progression. TGR5 is also expressed in the lung, and targeting the TGR5 pathway, using the TGR5 agonist INT-777 or the dual FXR/TGR5 agonist INT-767, could also contribute to the treatment of pulmonary disorders mediated by inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Comeglio
- a Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- b Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- a Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- a Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corcetto F, Corno C, Maneschi E, Pini A, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Anti-fibrotic effects of chronic treatment with the selective FXR agonist obeticholic acid in the bleomycin-induced rat model of pulmonary fibrosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 168:26-37. [PMID: 28115235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation by obeticholic acid (OCA) has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis development in liver, kidney and intestine in multiple disease models. FXR activation has also been demonstrated to suppress the inflammatory response and to promote lung repair after lung injury. This study investigated the protective effects of OCA treatment (3 or 10mg/kg/day) on inflammation, tissue remodeling and fibrosis in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model. Effects of OCA treatment on morphological and molecular alterations of the lung, as well as remodeling of the alveoli and the right ventricle were also evaluated. Lung function was assessed by measuring airway resistance to inflation. In the acute phase (7days), bleomycin promoted an initial thickening and fibrosis of the lung interstitium, with upregulation of genes related to epithelial proliferation, tissue remodeling and hypoxia. At 28days, an evident increase in the deposition of collagen in the lungs was observed. This excessive deposition was accompanied by an upregulation of transcripts related to the extracellular matrix (TGFβ1, SNAI1 and SNAI2), indicating lung fibrosis. Administration of OCA protected against bleomycin-induced lung damage by suppressing molecular mechanisms related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation and collagen deposition, with a dose-dependent reduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, as well as TGF-β1 and SNAI1 expression. Pirfenidone, a recently approved treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), significantly counteracted bleomycin-induced pro-fibrotic genes expression, but did not exert significant effects on IL-1β and IL-6. OCA treatment in bleomycin-challenged rats also improved pulmonary function, by effectively normalizing airway resistance to inflation and lung stiffness in vivo. Results with OCA were similar, or even superior, to those obtained with pirfenidone. In conclusion, our results suggest an important protective effect of OCA against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by blunting critical mediators in the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Corcetto
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Huang D, Xu W, Xu X, Zhang X, Zhou R, Chen P. EMT influences the expression of CK19 in pleural effusion-derived lung cancer cells and their invasion and metastasis. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:5052-5058. [PMID: 28105212 PMCID: PMC5228382 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer after breast and colon cancer, with high rates of mortality, worldwide. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), which accounts for approximately 20% of all lung cancer cases and non-SCLC, which accounts for almost 80% of lung cancer cases. Although lung cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, progress in achieving better clinical outcomes has been gradual. Even though a number of markers have been suggested for the diagnosis of lung cancer and monitoring of disease progression, there is no clear way of assessing the invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasizing capability of the primary tumor cells. We investigated the incidence of cytokeratin 19 (CK19)-negative expressers in different types of lung cancer from 111 lung cancer patients, their serum and pleural effusion CYFRA21-1 levels and whether induction of EMT in the primary focus cells influences the expression of CK19. In addition, we examined whether CK19-negative lung cancers were more invasive and metastatic. We also examined the propensity of primary focus cells to undergo EMT in the presence of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The results obtained suggested that the invasion and metastasis of lung tumor cells can be assessed by having a complete picture of serum CYFRA21-1 together with the CK19 expression status of primary focus cells and pleural effusion. This assessment may be further improved by examining the propensity of the isolated primary focus cells to undergo TGF-β1 induced EMT in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyun Huang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Subei People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Subei People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Xingxiang Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Subei People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Subei People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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Analysis of TGF-β1- and drug-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cultured alveolar epithelial cell line RLE/Abca3. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2014; 30:111-8. [PMID: 25760538 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and drugs in genetically engineered type II alveolar epithelial cell line RLE/Abca3. Treatment of RLE/Abca3 cells with TGF-β1 induced marked changes in cell morphology from epithelial-like to elongated fibroblast-like morphology. With these morphological changes, mRNA expression of epithelial markers such as cytokeratin 19 (CK19) decreased, while that of mesenchymal markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased. TGF-β1 treatment also decreased the mRNA expression of Abca3, a type II cell marker, and formation of lamellar body structures. Interestingly, the effect of TGF-β1 on Abca3 mRNA expression was observed in RLE/Abca3 cells, but not in wild-type RLE-6TN, A549, and H441 cells. Treatment of RLE/Abca3 cells with bleomycin (BLM) and methotrexate (MTX) induced similar morphological and mRNA expression changes. In addition, the increase in α-SMA and the decrease in Abca3 mRNA expression by these drugs were observed only in RLE/Abca3 cells. These findings suggest that, like TGF-β1, BLM and MTX induce EMT in RLE/Abca3 cells, and RLE/Abca3 cells would be a good model to study drug-induced EMT. The effect of pirfenidone, an antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug, on EMT induced by TGF-β1 was also discussed.
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Zhou QD, Ning Y, Zeng R, Chen L, Kou P, Xu CO, Pei GC, Han M, Xu G. Erbin interacts with Sema4C and inhibits Sema4C-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK2 cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 33:672-679. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-013-1179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tan X, Dagher H, Hutton CA, Bourke JE. Effects of PPAR gamma ligands on TGF-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cells. Respir Res 2010; 11:21. [PMID: 20178607 PMCID: PMC2844370 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) may contribute to lung fibrosis. Since PPARγ ligands have been shown to inhibit fibroblast activation by TGF-β1, we assessed the ability of the thiazolidinediones rosiglitazone (RGZ) and ciglitazone (CGZ) to regulate TGF-β1-mediated EMT of A549 cells, assessing changes in cell morphology, and expression of cell adhesion molecules E-cadherin (epithelial cell marker) and N-cadherin (mesenchymal cell marker), and collagen 1α1 (COL1A1), CTGF and MMP-2 mRNA. Methods Serum-deprived A549 cells (human AEC cell line) were pre-incubated with RGZ and CGZ (1 - 30 μM) in the absence or presence of the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (10 μM) before TGFβ-1 (0.075-7.5 ng/ml) treatment for up to 72 hrs. Changes in E-cadherin, N-cadherin and phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 levels were analysed by Western blot, and changes in mRNA levels including COL1A1 assessed by RT-PCR. Results TGFβ-1 (2.5 ng/ml)-induced reductions in E-cadherin expression were associated with a loss of epithelial morphology and cell-cell contact. Concomitant increases in N-cadherin, MMP-2, CTGF and COL1A1 were evident in predominantly elongated fibroblast-like cells. Neither RGZ nor CGZ prevented TGFβ1-induced changes in cell morphology, and PPARγ-dependent inhibitory effects of both ligands on changes in E-cadherin were only evident at submaximal TGF-β1 (0.25 ng/ml). However, both RGZ and CGZ inhibited the marked elevation of N-cadherin and COL1A1 induced by TGF-β1 (2.5 ng/ml), with effects on COL1A1 prevented by GW9662. Phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 by TGF-β1 was not inhibited by RGZ or CGZ. Conclusions RGZ and CGZ inhibited profibrotic changes in TGF-β1-stimulated A549 cells independently of inhibition of Smad phosphorylation. Their inhibitory effects on changes in collagen I and E-cadherin, but not N-cadherin or CTGF, appeared to be PPARγ-dependent. Further studies are required to unravel additional mechanisms of inhibition of TGF-β1 signalling by thiazolidinediones and their implications for the contribution of EMT to lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiahui Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Xu J, Lamouille S, Derynck R. TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Cell Res 2009; 19:156-72. [PMID: 19153598 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2009.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2000] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During development and in the context of different morphogenetic events, epithelial cells undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition or transdifferentiation (EMT). In this process, the cells lose their epithelial characteristics, including their polarity and specialized cell-cell contacts, and acquire a migratory behavior, allowing them to move away from their epithelial cell community and to integrate into surrounding tissue, even at remote locations. EMT illustrates the differentiation plasticity during development and is complemented by another process, called mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). While being an integral process during development, EMT is also recapitulated under pathological conditions, prominently in fibrosis and in invasion and metastasis of carcinomas. Accordingly, EMT is considered as an important step in tumor progression. TGF-beta signaling has been shown to play an important role in EMT. In fact, adding TGF-beta to epithelial cells in culture is a convenient way to induce EMT in various epithelial cells. Although much less characterized, epithelial plasticity can also be regulated by TGF-beta-related bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and BMPs have been shown to induce EMT or MET depending on the developmental context. In this review, we will discuss the induction of EMT in response to TGF-beta, and focus on the underlying signaling and transcription mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Programs in Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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