scholarly journals β‐Catenin mediates TGF‐β1‐induced myofibroblast differentiation in a matrix stiffness‐dependent manner: implication to aortic valve sclerosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan‐Hung Chen ◽  
Wen Li Kelly Chen ◽  
Krista Sider ◽  
Craig Simmons
2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (5) ◽  
pp. C562-C572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Sharma ◽  
Rishov Goswami ◽  
Michael Merth ◽  
Jonathan Cohen ◽  
Kai Y. Lei ◽  
...  

Scleroderma is a multisystem fibroproliferative disease with no effective medical treatment. Myofibroblasts are critical to the fibrogenic tissue repair process in the skin and many internal organs. Emerging data support a role for both matrix stiffness, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), in myofibroblast differentiation. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a mechanosensitive ion channel activated by both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. The objective of this study was to determine the role of TRPV4 in TGFβ1- and matrix stiffness-induced differentiation of dermal fibroblasts. We found that TRPV4 channels are expressed and functional in both human (HDF) and mouse (MDF) dermal fibroblasts. TRPV4 activity (agonist-induced Ca2+ influx) was induced by both matrix stiffness and TGFβ1 in dermal fibroblasts. TGFβ1 induced expression of TRPV4 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Genetic ablation or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 channel abrogated Ca2+ influx and both TGFβ1-induced and matrix stiffness-induced myofibroblast differentiation as assessed by 1) α-smooth muscle actin expression/incorporation into stress fibers, 2) generation of polymerized actin, and 3) expression of collagen-1. We found that TRPV4 inhibition abrogated TGFβ1-induced activation of AKT but not of Smad2/3, suggesting that the mechanism by which profibrotic TGFβ1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts is modified by TRPV4 may be through non-Smad pathways. Altogether, these data identify a novel reciprocal functional link between TRPV4 activation and TGFβ1 signals regulating dermal myofibroblast differentiation. These findings suggest that therapeutic inhibition of TRPV4 activity may provide a targeted approach to the treatment of scleroderma.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Zhang ◽  
Yi Hu ◽  
Huiping Huang ◽  
Qun Liu ◽  
Yang Du ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by accumulation of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and myofibroblast hyperproliferation plays a major role in pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, mTOR signaling pathway and SIRT6 play a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanisms whether SIRT6 affect the myofibroblasts differentiation during IPF remain unclear.MethodWe investigated myofibroblast differentiation using a bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and TGF-b1 induced human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC5) in vitro. We used both SIRT6 siRNA and rapamycin to study the role of SIRT6 and mTOR signaling pathway in the normal human lung fibroblasts and the myofibroblasts from human IPF lungs.ResultsOur data show that high level of SIRT6 was detected in IPF samples, and SIRT6 was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in a time and concentration-dependent manner. SIRT6 expression and activation of mTORC1 signalling pathway were upregulated in fibrotic lung tissues and primary lung fibroblasts isolated from patients with IPF and bleomycin-challenged mice. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment inhibited mTORC1 pathway activity and SIRT6 protein expression. SIRT6 SiRNA failed to mediate the activity of mTORC1 pathway and autophagy induction. However, SIRT6 knockdown could promote TGF-b1 induced pro-fibrotic cytokines.ConclusionActivated mTORC1 signalling pathway regulated SIRT6 overexpression. Deficiency of SIRT6 mediated myofibroblasts differentiation through induced pro-fibrotic cytokines production in the present of TGF-β1. The study indicated that manipulations of SIRT6 expression may provide a new therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.


Author(s):  
Joseph Chen ◽  
Charles I. Fisher ◽  
M. K. Sewell-Loftin ◽  
W. David Merryman

Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular disease, affecting nearly 5 million people in the United States alone. It is now the most common form of acquired valvular disease in industrialized countries and will likely affect more individuals in the coming years as the prevalence increases with life expectancy. It is known that the progression of CAVD is closely related to the behavior of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs); however the cellular mechanobiological mechanisms leading to dysfunction remain unclear. Generally, CAVD is characterized by the formation of calcified AVIC aggregates with an apoptotic core. These aggregates increase the leaflet stiffness and impede normal valve function. Multiple studies have investigated the effects of various biochemical cues on this process, such as transformation growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), on the regulation of nodule formation [1]. Additionally, Yip et al revealed that matrix stiffness controls nodule formation in vitro, with stiffer substrates promoting apoptotic nodule formation, while compliant substrates generated nodules containing cells with osteoblast markers [2]. This suggests that matrix stiffness is involved in the regulatory mechanisms of nodule formation and may initiate different types of nodule formation (i.e. osteogenic vs. dystrophic). In the current study, we examined the synergistic role of strain and TGF-β1 in the generation of calcified nodules AVICs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 314 (5) ◽  
pp. L695-L707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Noskovičová ◽  
Katharina Heinzelmann ◽  
Gerald Burgstaller ◽  
Jürgen Behr ◽  
Oliver Eickelberg

Fibroblasts are thought to be the prime cell type for producing and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the connective tissue. The profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) activates and transdifferentiates fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing myofibroblasts, which exhibit increased ECM secretion, in particular collagens. Little information, however, exists about cell-surface molecules on fibroblasts that mediate this transdifferentiation process. We recently identified, using unbiased cell-surface proteome analysis, Cub domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) to be strongly downregulated by TGF-β1. CDCP1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein, the expression and role of which has not been investigated in lung fibroblasts to date. Here, we characterized, in detail, the effect of TGF-β1 on CDCP1 expression and function, using immunofluorescence, FACS, immunoblotting, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of CDCP1. CDCP1 is present on interstitial fibroblasts, but not myofibroblasts, in the normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung. In vitro, TGF-β1 decreased CDCP1 expression in a time-dependent manner by impacting mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of CDCP1 enhanced a TGF-β1-mediated cell adhesion of fibroblasts. Importantly, CDCP1-depleted cells displayed an enhanced expression of profibrotic markers, such as collagen V or α-SMA, which was found to be independent of TGF-β1. Our data show, for the very first time that loss of CDCP1 contributes to fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation via a potential negative feedback loop between CDCP1 expression and TGF-β1 stimulation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Wei ◽  
Yan Xie ◽  
Peter W. Abel ◽  
Yapei Huang ◽  
Qin Ma ◽  
...  

Abstract Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a main profibrogenic cytokine in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), induces differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts to myofibroblasts that produce high levels of collagen, leading to concomitantly loss of lung elasticity and function. Recent studies implicate the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in IPF but their regulation and individual pathological roles remain largely unknown. We used both RNA sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR strategies to systematically study TGF-β1-induced alternations of miRNAs in human lung fibroblasts (HFL). Our data show that miR-133a was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Surprisingly, miR-133a inhibits TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation whereas miR-133a inhibitor enhances TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Interestingly, quantitative proteomics analysis indicates that miR-133a attenuates myofibroblast differentiation via targeting multiple components of TGF-β1 profibrogenic pathways. Western blot analysis confirmed that miR-133a down-regulates TGF-β1-induced expression of classic myofibroblast differentiation markers such as ɑ-smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagens. miRNA Target Searcher analysis and luciferase reporter assays indicate that TGF-β receptor 1, CTGF and collagen type 1-alpha1 (Col1a1) are direct targets of miR-133a. More importantly, miR-133a gene transferred into lung tissues ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Together, our study identified TGF-β1-induced miR-133a as an anti-fibrotic factor. It functions as a feed-back negative regulator of TGF-β1 profibrogenic pathways. Thus, manipulations of miR-133a expression may provide a new therapeutic strategy to halt and perhaps even partially reverse the progression of IPF.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Min Shin ◽  
Ji-Young Um ◽  
Seoung-Ae Lee ◽  
Il-Ho Park ◽  
Soo-Hyung Lee ◽  
...  

Purpose Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), known as a transcriptional regulator, has been suggested to play an important role in myofibroblast differentiation in the lung. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of MeCP2 in transforming growth factor (TGF)- β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs). Methods To identify the expression of MeCP2 in nasal polyp tissues, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot were performed. TGF- β1-induced NPDFs were treated with 5-azacytidine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, and the expression levels of α-SMA and fibronectin were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescent staining, and Western blotting. The total soluble collagen was analyzed by the Sircol collagen assay. MeCP2 silenced by MeCP2-specific small interference ( si) RNA was verified by Western blot. Results The expression levels of MeCP2 increased in nasal polyp tissues compared to normal inferior turbinate tissues. 5-Azacytidine significantly inhibited the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 5-azacytidine suppressed collagen production and the expression of MeCP2 in the same manner. The expression levels of a-SMA and collagen production were significantly blocked by MeCP2 silencing in TGF- β1-induced NPDFs. Conclusions Our data suggest that MeCP2 plays an essential role in TGF- β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production in NPDFs.


2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (5) ◽  
pp. L864-L870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weichao Guo ◽  
Bin Shan ◽  
Ross C. Klingsberg ◽  
Xiangmei Qin ◽  
Joseph A. Lasky

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease with no known effective pharmacological therapy. The fibroblastic foci of IPF contain activated myofibroblasts that are the major synthesizers of type I collagen. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 promotes differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we investigated the molecular link between TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. Treatment of normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) with the pan-HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) inhibited TGF-β1-mediated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and α1 type I collagen mRNA induction. TSA also blocked the TGF-β1-driven contractile response in NHLFs. The inhibition of α-SMA expression by TSA was associated with reduced phosphorylation of Akt, and a pharmacological inhibitor of Akt blocked TGF-β1-mediated α-SMA induction in a dose-dependent manner. HDAC4 knockdown was effective in inhibiting TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA expression as well as the phosphorylation of Akt. Moreover, the inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A and 1 (PP2A and PP1) rescued the TGF-β1-mediated α-SMA induction from the inhibitory effect of TSA. Together, these data demonstrate that the differentiation of NHLFs to myofibroblasts is HDAC4 dependent and requires phosphorylation of Akt.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Li ◽  
Jing Zhou ◽  
Yajie Zhang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xue Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Echinacoside (ECH) is the main active ingredient of Cistanches Herba, which is known to have therapeutic effects on metastatic tumors. However, the effects of ECH on liver cancer are still unclear. This study was to investigate the effects of ECH on the aggression of liver cancer cells. Methods Two types of liver cancer cells Huh7 and HepG2 were treated with different doses of ECH at different times and gradients. MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the effects of ECH on the viability of Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Transwell assays and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the effects of ECH treatment on the invasion, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle of Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis was used to detect the effects of ECH on the expression levels of TGF-β1, smad3, smad7, apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase-3, Caspase-8), and Cyto C in liver cancer cells. The relationship between miR-503-3p and TGF-β1 was detected using bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase reporter assay. Results The results showed that ECH inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of Huh7 and HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that ECH caused Huh7 and HepG2 cell apoptosis by blocking cells in S phase. Furthermore, the expression of miR-503-3p was found to be reduced in liver tumor tissues, but ECH treatment increased the expression of miR-503-3p in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. In addition, we found that TGF-β1 was identified as a potential target of miR-503-3p. ECH promoted the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and increased the expression levels of Bax/Bcl-2. Moreover, ECH could trigger the release of mitochondrial Cyto C, and cause the reaction Caspases grade. Conclusions This study demonstrates that ECH exerts anti-tumor activity via the miR-503-3p/TGF-β1/Smad aixs in liver cancer, and provides a safe and effective anti-tumor agent for liver cancer.


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