Interplay between extracellular matrix components and cellular and molecular mechanisms in kidney fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (16) ◽  
pp. 1999-2029
Author(s):  
Sandra Rayego-Mateos ◽  
Sofia Campillo ◽  
Raúl R. Rodrigues-Diez ◽  
Antonio Tejera-Muñoz ◽  
Laura Marquez-Exposito ◽  
...  

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in renal structures. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is observed in glomerular diseases as well as in the regeneration failure of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, finding antifibrotic therapies comprises an intensive research field in Nephrology. Nowadays, ECM is not only considered as a cellular scaffold, but also exerts important cellular functions. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis, paying particular attention to ECM components, profibrotic factors and cell–matrix interactions. In response to kidney damage, activation of glomerular and/or tubular cells may induce aberrant phenotypes characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, and thus contribute to CKD progression. Among ECM components, matricellular proteins can regulate cell–ECM interactions, as well as cellular phenotype changes. Regarding kidney fibrosis, one of the most studied matricellular proteins is cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), currently considered as a fibrotic marker and a potential therapeutic target. Integrins connect the ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and several downstream signaling pathways that enable cells to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal tissue stiffness. In kidney fibrosis, there is an increase in ECM deposition, lower ECM degradation and ECM proteins cross-linking, leading to an alteration in the tissue mechanical properties and their responses to injurious stimuli. A better understanding of these complex cellular and molecular events could help us to improve the antifibrotic therapies for CKD.

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvain D. Vallet ◽  
Sylvie Ricard-Blum

Abstract The lysyl oxidase family comprises five members in mammals, lysyl oxidase (LOX) and four lysyl oxidase like proteins (LOXL1-4). They are copper amine oxidases with a highly conserved catalytic domain, a lysine tyrosylquinone cofactor, and a conserved copper-binding site. They catalyze the first step of the covalent cross-linking of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins collagens and elastin, which contribute to ECM stiffness and mechanical properties. The role of LOX and LOXL2 in fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis, including changes in their expression level and their regulation of cell signaling pathways, have been extensively reviewed, and both enzymes have been identified as therapeutic targets. We review here the molecular features and three-dimensional structure/models of LOX and LOXLs, their role in ECM cross-linking, and the regulation of their cross-linking activity by ECM proteins, proteoglycans, and by inhibitors. We also make an overview of the major ECM cross-links, because they are the ultimate molecular readouts of LOX/LOXL activity in tissues. The recent 3D model of LOX, which recapitulates its known structural and biochemical features, will be useful to decipher the molecular mechanisms of LOX interaction with its various substrates, and to design substrate-specific inhibitors, which are potential antifibrotic and antitumor drugs.


2007 ◽  
Vol 156 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alper Gürlek ◽  
Niki Karavitaki ◽  
Olaf Ansorge ◽  
John A H Wass

Prolactinoma is the most common pituitary tumour in adults. Macroprolactinomas, particularly in men, may occasionally exhibit a very aggressive clinical course as evidenced by progressive growth, invasion through bone into the sphenoid sinus, cavernous sinus, suprasellar region or the nasopharynx. Some may even progress to pituitary carcinoma with craniospinal or systemic metastases. Aggressive tumours have low cure rates despite appropriate medical and surgical treatment. The mechanisms underlying this aggressive biological behaviour have not yet been fully clarified. Recent immunohistochemical, molecular and genetic studies have provided some insight in this respect. Invasive prolactinomas may be associated with a high Ki-67/MIB-1 labelling index indicating increased cell proliferation, although this is not a universal finding. The AA polymorphism in the cyclin adenine (A)/guanine (G) gene is more frequently detected in invasive prolactinomas. Increased expression of the polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and reduced expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex implies a contribution of altered cell-to-cell adhesion and cellular migration. Extracellular matrix components (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors play important roles in the context of angiogenesis and invasion. The induction of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor via oestrogen-induced overexpression of novel genes (PTTG, hst and Edpm5) enhance cell growth, proliferation and angiogenesis contributing to invasiveness in prolactinomas. Although mutations in proto-oncogenes like Ras are uncommon, loss of tumour suppressor genes at loci 11q13, 13q12–14, 10q and 1p seem to be associated with invasiveness. Of the described mechanisms, only reduced E-cadherin/catenin expression and overexpression of hst gene seem to be relatively specific markers for prolactinoma invasiveness compared with other pituitary adenomas. Further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the aggressive course of some prolactinomas to predict those with a potentially poor clinical outcome, and to devise treatments that will eventually enable the cure of these challenging tumours.


2002 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 643-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lityńska ◽  
Malgorzta Przybyło ◽  
Ewa Pocheć ◽  
Piotr Laidler

Integrin subunits present on human bladder cells displayed heterogeneous functional specificity in adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The non-malignant cell line (HCV29) showed significantly higher adhesion efficiency to collagen IV, laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) than cancer (T24, Hu456) and v-raf transfected (BC3726) cell lines. Specific antibodies to the alpha(2), alpha(5) and beta(1) integrin subunits inhibited adhesion of the non-malignant cells, indicating these integrin participation in the adhesion to ECM proteins. In contrast, adhesion of cancer cells was not inhibited by specific antibodies to the beta(1) integrin subunit. Antibodies to alpha(3) integrin increased adhesion of cancer cells to collagen, LN and FN, but also of the HCV29 line with collagen. It seems that alpha(3) subunit plays a major role in modulation of other integrin receptors especially in cancer cells. Differences in adhesion to ECM proteins between the non-malignant and cancer cell lines in response to Gal and Fuc were not evident, except for the v-raf transfected cell line which showed a distinct about 6-fold increased adhesion to LN on addition of both saccharides. N-Acetylneuraminic acid inhibited adhesion of all cell lines to LN and FN irrespective of their malignancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-110
Author(s):  
Braca Kundalic ◽  
Sladjana Ugrenovic ◽  
Ivan Jovanovic ◽  
Vladimir Petrovic ◽  
Aleksandar Petrovic ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in human endoneurium during aging. We harvested 15 cadaveric sural nerves, distributed in 3 age groups (I: 25-44, II: 45-64, III: 65-86 years old). Histological sections were stained immunohistochemically for the presence of collagen type I, type IV and laminin, and the ImageJ processing program was used in morphometrical analysis to determine the percentages of these endoneurial proteins. In two younger groups, the endoneurial matrix of the sural nerve was composed from about equal proportions of these proteins, which may be considered a favorable microenvironment for the regeneration of nerve fibers. Linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in endoneurial collagen type IV with age, while collagen type I and laminin significantly decreased during the aging process. In cases older than 65 years, remodeling of the endoneurial matrix was observed to be significantly higher for the presence of collagen type IV, and lower for the expression of collagen type I and laminin. This age-related imbalance of ECM proteins could represent a disadvantageous microenvironment for nerve fiber regeneration in older adults. Our findings contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for peripheral nerve regeneration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Puente ◽  
Jose Fortea ◽  
Joaquin Cabezas ◽  
Maria Arias Loste ◽  
Paula Iruzubieta ◽  
...  

The concept of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis being static and therefore irreversible is outdated. Indeed, both human and animal studies have shown that fibrogenesis is a dynamic and potentially reversible process that can be modulated either by stopping its progression and/or by promoting its resolution. Therefore, the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is critical for the development of future antifibrotic therapies. The fibrogenesis process, common to all forms of liver injury, is characterized by the increased deposition of extracellular matrix components (EMCs), including collagen, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins (laminin and fibronectin 2). These changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix components alter their interaction with cell adhesion molecules, influencing the modulation of cell functions (growth, migration, and gene expression). Hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells (liver macrophages) are the key fibrogenic effectors. The antifibrogenic mechanism starts with the activation of Ly6Chigh macrophages, which can differentiate into macrophages with antifibrogenic action. The research of biochemical changes affecting fibrosis irreversibility has identified lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme that promotes the network of collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix. LOXL2 inhibition can decrease cell numbers, proliferation, colony formations, and cell growth, and it can induce cell cycle arrest and increase apoptosis. The development of a new humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody against LOXL2 could open the window of a new antifibrogenic treatment. The current therapeutic target in patients with liver cirrhosis should focus (after the eradication of the causal agent) on the development of new antifibrogenic drugs. The development of these drugs must meet three premises: Patient safety, in non-cirrhotic phases, down-staging or at least stabilization and slowing the progression to cirrhosis must be achieved; whereas in the cirrhotic stage, the objective should be to reduce fibrosis and portal pressure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 643-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman David Bülow ◽  
Peter Boor

Kidney fibrosis is the common histological end-point of progressive, chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) regardless of the underlying etiology. The hallmark of renal fibrosis, similar to all other organs, is pathological deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Renal ECM is a complex network of collagens, elastin, and several glycoproteins and proteoglycans forming basal membranes and interstitial space. Several ECM functions beyond providing a scaffold and organ stability are being increasingly recognized, for example, in inflammation. ECM composition is determined by the function of each of the histological compartments of the kidney, that is, glomeruli, tubulo-interstitium, and vessels. Renal ECM is a dynamic structure undergoing remodeling, particularly during fibrosis. From a clinical perspective, ECM proteins are directly involved in several rare renal diseases and indirectly in CKD progression during renal fibrosis. ECM proteins could serve as specific non-invasive biomarkers of fibrosis and scaffolds in regenerative medicine. The gold standard and currently only specific means to measure renal fibrosis is renal biopsy, but new diagnostic approaches are appearing. Here, we discuss the localization, function, and remodeling of major renal ECM components in healthy and diseased, fibrotic kidneys and the potential use of ECM in diagnostics of renal fibrosis and in tissue engineering.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Premkumar B. Saganti ◽  
Huichen Wang ◽  
Kareena M. Menezes ◽  
Premkumar B. Saganti

It is well-known that Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a late event occurring months to years after the initial radiation exposure. Fibrotic lesions have been shown to manifest in many tissues including the skin, heart, lung, liver and kidney. Fibrosis occurs due to abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that result in loss of normal tissue and organ function. The cell type involved in RIF is myofibroblasts, which do not undergo apoptosis after healing but instead continue to accumulate, producing excessive amounts of ECM proteins, thereby damaging the tissues and organs. Reactive oxygen species, generated in response to radiation, is one signal that helps maintain the myofibroblast phenotype. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms leading to this late radiation event, known biomarkers for prediction, preclinical animal models of radiation-induced toxicity and current clinical trials designed for mitigation and treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis. We also discuss other physical properties such as linear energy transfer (LET) than the ones used in the clinics today which may have the potential to change our understanding on this inevitable pathway from radiation treatment to organ fibrosis.


1989 ◽  
Vol 415 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsuko Oomura ◽  
Takamichi Nakamura ◽  
Masaaki Arakawa ◽  
Akira Ooshima ◽  
Mamoru Isemura

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel Bijkerk ◽  
Marina A. Aleksinskaya ◽  
Jacques M.G.J. Duijs ◽  
Jennifer Veth ◽  
Bettina Husen ◽  
...  

Abstract Kidney fibrosis is the common pathophysiological mechanism in end-stage renal disease characterized by excessive accumulation of myofibroblast-derived extracellular matrix. Natriuretic peptides have been demonstrated to have cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent anti-fibrotic properties likely due to interference with pro-fibrotic tissue growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling. However, in vivo, natriuretic peptides are rapidly degraded by neutral endopeptidases (NEP). In a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model for kidney fibrosis we assessed the anti-fibrotic effects of SOL1, an orally active compound that inhibits NEP and endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Mice (n=10 per group) subjected to UUO were treated for 1 week with either solvent, NEP-/ECE-inhibitor SOL1 (two doses), reference NEP-inhibitor candoxatril or the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1)-antagonist losartan. While NEP-inhibitors had no significant effect on blood pressure, they did increase urinary cGMP levels as well as endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a marked decrease in renal collagen (∼55% reduction, P<0.05) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; ∼40% reduction, P<0.05). Moreover, the number of α-SMA positive cells in the kidneys of SOL1-treated groups inversely correlated with cGMP levels consistent with a NEP-dependent anti-fibrotic effect. To dissect the molecular mechanisms associated with the anti-fibrotic effects of NEP inhibition, we performed a ‘deep serial analysis of gene expression (Deep SAGE)’ transcriptome and targeted metabolomics analysis of total kidneys of all treatment groups. Pathway analyses linked increased cGMP and ET-1 levels with decreased nuclear receptor signaling (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR] and liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor [LXR/RXR] signaling) and actin cytoskeleton organization. Taken together, although our transcriptome and metabolome data indicate metabolic dysregulation, our data support the therapeutic potential of NEP inhibition in the treatment of kidney fibrosis via cGMP elevation and reduced myofibroblast formation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Van der Hauwaert ◽  
François Glowacki ◽  
Nicolas Pottier ◽  
Christelle Cauffiez

Fibrosis, or tissue scarring, is defined as the excessive, persistent and destructive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in response to chronic tissue injury. Renal fibrosis represents the final stage of most chronic kidney diseases and contributes to the progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function. Limited therapeutic options are available and the molecular mechanisms governing the renal fibrosis process are complex and remain poorly understood. Recently, the role of non-coding RNAs, and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), has been described in kidney fibrosis. Seminal studies have highlighted their potential importance as new therapeutic targets and innovative diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. This review will summarize recent scientific advances and will discuss potential clinical applications as well as future research directions.


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