SB-431542, a Transforming Growth Factor β Inhibitor, Impairs Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Cardiomyocytes and Parasite Cycle Completion

ABSTRACT The antiinflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays an important role in Chagas disease, a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In the present study, we show that SB-431542, an inhibitor of the TGF-β type I receptor (ALK5), inhibits T. cruzi-induced activation of the TGF-β pathway in epithelial cells and in cardiomyocytes. Further, we demonstrate that addition of SB-431542 greatly reduces cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi. Finally, SB-431542 treatment significantly reduces the number of parasites per infected cell and trypomastigote differentiation and release. Taken together, these data further confirm the major role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in both T. cruzi infection and T. cruzi cell cycle completion. Our present data demonstrate that small inhibitors of the TGF-β signaling pathway might be potential pharmacological tools for the treatment of Chagas disease.

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Abstract 17285: A Selective Transforming Growth Factor-β and Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Ligand Trap Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.17285 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Lai-Ming Yung ◽

Samuel D Paskin-Flerlage ◽

Ivana Nikolic ◽

Scott Pearsall ◽

Ravindra Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Type I ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Differentiation Factor ◽

Group I ◽

Tgf Β1

Introduction: Excessive Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), based on activation of TGF-β effectors and transcriptional targets in affected lungs and the ability of TGF-β type I receptor (ALK5) inhibitors to improve experimental PAH. However, clinical use of ALK5 inhibitors has been limited by cardiovascular toxicity. Hypothesis: We tested whether or not selective blockade of TGF-β and Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF) ligands using a recombinant TGFβ type II receptor extracellular domain Fc fusion protein (TGFBRII-Fc) could impact experimental PAH. Methods: Male SD rats were injected with monocrotaline (MCT) and received vehicle or TGFBRII-Fc (15 mg/kg, twice per week, i.p.). C57BL/6 mice were treated with SU-5416 and hypoxia (SUGEN-HX) and received vehicle or TGFBRII-Fc. RNA-Seq was used to profile transcriptional changes in lungs of MCT rats. Circulating levels of GDF-15 were measured in 241 PAH patients and 41 healthy controls. Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were used to examine signaling in vitro . Results: TGFBRII-Fc is a selective ligand trap, inhibiting the ability of GDF-15, TGF-β1, TGF-β3, but not TGF-β2 to activate SMAD2/3 in vitro . In MCT rats, prophylactic treatment with TGFBRII-Fc normalized expression of TGF-β transcriptional target PAI-1, attenuated PAH and vascular remodeling. Delayed administration of TGFBRII-Fc in rats with established PAH at 2.5 weeks led to improved survival, decreased PAH and remodeling at 5 weeks. Similar findings were observed in SUGEN-HX mice. No valvular abnormalities were found with TGFBRII-Fc treatment. RNA-Seq revealed GDF-15 to be the most highly upregulated TGF-β ligand in the lungs of MCT rats, with only modest increases in TGF-β1 and no change in TGF-β2/3 observed, suggesting a dominant role of GDF-15 in the pathophysiology of this model. Plasma levels of GDF-15 were significantly increased in patients with diverse etiologies of WHO Group I PAH. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a selective TGF-β/GDF-15 trap attenuates experimental PAH, remodeling and mortality, without causing valvulopathy. These data highlight the potential role of GDF-15 as a pathogenic molecule and therapeutic target in PAH.

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Trypanosoma cruzi Induces the PARP1/AP-1 Pathway for Upregulation of Metalloproteinases and Transforming Growth Factor β in Macrophages: Role in Cardiac Fibroblast Differentiation and Fibrosis in Chagas Disease

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.01853-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Subhadip Choudhuri ◽

Nisha Jain Garg

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Chagas Disease ◽

Transcriptional Activation ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Cardiac Fibroblast ◽

Myofibroblast Differentiation ◽

Content Type ◽

Parp1 Inhibitors

ABSTRACT Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a degenerative heart condition. In the present study, we investigated the role of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1/activator protein 1 (PARP1/AP-1) in upregulation of profibrotic macrophages (Mϕ) and subsequent development of cardiac fibrosis in CD. We used in vitro and in vivo models of T. cruzi infection and chemical and genetic inhibition of Parp1 to examine the molecular mechanisms by which Mϕ might augment profibrotic events in CD. Cultured (RAW 264.7 and THP-1) Mϕ infected with T. cruzi and primary cardiac and splenic Mϕ of chronically infected mice exhibited a significant increase in the expression, activity, and release of metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9, and MMP12) and the cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Mϕ release of MMPs and TGF-β signaled the cardiac fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation, as evidenced by a shift from S100A4 to alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Incubation of infected Mϕ with MMP2 and MMP9 inhibitors resulted in 60 to 74% decline in TGF-β release, and MMP9 and PARP1 inhibitors resulted in 57 to 70% decline in Mϕ TGF-β-driven cardiac fibroblast differentiation. Likewise, histological studies showed a 12- to 16-fold increase in myocardial expression of CD68 (Mϕ marker) and its colocalization with MMP9/TGF-β, galectin-3, and vimentin in wild-type mice with CD. In comparison, chronically infected Parp1−/− mice exhibited a >50% decline in myocardial levels of Mϕ and associated fibrosis markers. Further study showed that PARP1 synergized with c-Fos and JunB AP-1 family members for transcriptional activation of profibrotic response after T. cruzi infection. We conclude that PARP1 inhibition offers a potential therapy for controlling the T. cruzi-driven fibroblast differentiation in CD through modulation of the Mϕ signaling of the AP-1–MMP9–TGF-β pathway. IMPORTANCE Cardiomyopathy is the most important clinical manifestation of T. cruzi-driven CD. Recent studies have suggested the detrimental role of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9 in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation during cardiac remodeling in T. cruzi infection. Peripheral TGF-β levels are increased in clinically symptomatic CD patients over those in clinically asymptomatic seropositive individuals. We provide the first evidence that during T. cruzi infection, Mϕ release of MMP2 and MMP9 plays an active role in activation of TGF-β signaling of ECM remodeling and cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. We also determined that PARP1 signals c-Fos- and JunB-mediated AP-1 transcriptional activation of profibrotic gene expression and demonstrated the significance of PARP1 inhibition in controlling chronic fibrosis in Chagas disease. Our study provides a promising therapeutic approach for controlling T. cruzi-driven fibroblast differentiation in CD by PARP1 inhibitors through modulation of the Mϕ signaling of the AP-1–MMP9–TGF-β pathway.

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Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGFβ) Signaling Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8090960 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 960 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Panagiotis Papoutsoglou ◽

Corentin Louis ◽

Cédric Coulouarn

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Tgfβ Signaling ◽

Efficient Treatment ◽

Tumor Onset ◽

Tgfβ Signaling Pathway

Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly cancer worldwide, associated with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Although cholangiocarcinoma accounts for less than 15% of liver primary cancer, its silent nature restricts early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment. Therefore, it is of clinical relevance to better understand the molecular basis of cholangiocarcinoma, including the signaling pathways that contribute to tumor onset and progression. In this review, we discuss the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that promote cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing the role of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in the progression of this cancer. We provide an overview of the physiological functions of TGFβ signaling in preserving liver homeostasis and describe how advanced cholangiocarcinoma benefits from the tumor-promoting effects of TGFβ. Moreover, we report the importance of noncoding RNAs as effector molecules downstream of TGFβ during cholangiocarcinoma progression, and conclude by highlighting the need for identifying novel and clinically relevant biomarkers for a better management of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

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Role of transforming growth factor-β in hematologic malignancies

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2005-10-4169 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 107 (12) ◽

pp. 4589-4596 ◽

Cited By ~ 154

Author(s):

Mei Dong ◽

Gerard C. Blobe

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Myeloproliferative Disorders ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Hematologic Malignancies ◽

Negative Regulator ◽

Cellular Processes ◽

Signaling Field

AbstractThe transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is an essential regulator of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell survival. During hematopoiesis, the TGF-β signaling pathway is a potent negative regulator of proliferation while stimulating differentiation and apoptosis when appropriate. In hematologic malignancies, including leukemias, myeloproliferative disorders, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma, resistance to these homeostatic effects of TGF-β develops. Mechanisms for this resistance include mutation or deletion of members of the TGF-β signaling pathway and disruption of the pathway by oncoproteins. These alterations define a tumor suppressor role for the TGF-β pathway in human hematologic malignancies. On the other hand, elevated levels of TGF-β can promote myelofibrosis and the pathogenesis of some hematologic malignancies through their effects on the stroma and immune system. Advances in the TGF-β signaling field should enable targeting of the TGF-β signaling pathway for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

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Dual Role for Transforming Growth Factor β-Dependent Signaling in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection of Mammalian Cells

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.68.4.2077-2081.2000 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 2077-2081 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Belinda S. Hall ◽

Miercio A. Pereira

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽

Host Cell ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Mammalian Cells ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Growth Arrest ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β

ABSTRACT Expression of functional transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptors (TβR) is required for the invasion of mammalian cells by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. However, the precise role of this host cell signaling complex in T. cruzi infection is unknown. To investigate the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway, infection levels were studied in the mink lung epithelial cell lines JD1, JM2, and JM3. These cells express inducible mutant TβR1 proteins that cannot induce growth arrest in response to TGF-β but still transmit the signal for TGF-β-dependent gene expression. In the absence of mutant receptor expression, trypomastigotes invaded the cells at a low level. Induction of the mutant receptors caused an increase in infection in all three cell lines, showing that the requirement for TGF-β signaling at invasion can be divorced from TGF-β-induced growth arrest. TGF-β pretreatment of mink lung cells expressing wild-type TβR1 caused a marked enhancement of infection, but no enhancement was seen in JD1, JM2, and JM3 cells, showing that the ability of TGF-β to stimulate infection is associated with growth arrest. Likewise, expression of SMAD7 or SMAD2SA, inhibitors of TGF-β signaling, did not block infection by T. cruzi but did block the enhancement of infection by TGF-β. Taken together, these results show that there is a dual role for TGF-β signaling in T. cruzi infection. The initial invasion of the host cell is independent of both TGF-β-dependent gene expression and growth arrest, but TGF-β stimulation of infection requires a fully functional TGF-β signaling pathway.

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Transforming growth factor-β and myostatin signaling in skeletal muscle

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.01091.2007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 104 (3) ◽

pp. 579-587 ◽

Cited By ~ 182

Author(s):

Helen D. Kollias ◽

John C. McDermott

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Muscle Development ◽

Cellular Proliferation ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Related Family ◽

Cytokine Milieu

The superfamily of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) cytokines has been shown to have profound effects on cellular proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Recently, there have been major advances in our understanding of the signaling pathway(s) conveying TGF-β signals to the nucleus to ultimately control gene expression. One tissue that is potently influenced by TGF-β superfamily signaling is skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle ontogeny and postnatal physiology have proven to be exquisitely sensitive to the TGF-β superfamily cytokine milieu in various animal systems from mice to humans. Recently, major strides have been made in understanding the role of TGF-β and its closely related family member, myostatin, in these processes. In this overview, we will review recent advances in our understanding of the TGF-β and myostatin signaling pathways and, in particular, focus on the implications of this signaling pathway for skeletal muscle development, physiology, and pathology.

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Myostatin Signals through a Transforming Growth Factor β-Like Signaling Pathway To Block Adipogenesis

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.23.20.7230-7242.2003 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 23 (20) ◽

pp. 7230-7242 ◽

Cited By ~ 386

Author(s):

A. Rebbapragada ◽

H. Benchabane ◽

J. L. Wrana ◽

A. J. Celeste ◽

L. Attisano

Keyword(s):

Signal Transduction ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Signal Transduction Pathway ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Negative Regulator ◽

Type I ◽

Type Ii ◽

Transduction Pathway

ABSTRACT Myostatin, a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family member, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. In this study we characterized the myostatin signal transduction pathway and examined its effect on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced adipogenesis. While both BMP7 and BMP2 activated transcription from the BMP-responsive I-BRE-Lux reporter and induced adipogenic differentiation, myostatin inhibited BMP7- but not BMP2-mediated responses. To dissect the molecular mechanism of this antagonism, we characterized the myostatin signal transduction pathway. We showed that myostatin binds the type II Ser/Thr kinase receptor. ActRIIB, and then partners with a type I receptor, either activin receptor-like kinase 4 (ALK4 or ActRIB) or ALK5 (TβRI), to induce phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3 and activate a TGF-β-like signaling pathway. We demonstrated that myostatin prevents BMP7 but not BMP2 binding to its receptors and that BMP7-induced heteromeric receptor complex formation is blocked by competition for the common type II receptor, ActRIIB. Thus, our results reveal a strikingly specific antagonism of BMP7-mediated processes by myostatin and suggest that myostatin is an important regulator of adipogenesis.

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Arecoline Enhances Phosphodiesterase 4A Activity to Promote Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Buccal Mucosal Fibroblast Activation via cAMP-Epac1 Signaling Pathway

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.722040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Bo Zhang ◽

Lihua Gao ◽

Chunsheng Shao ◽

Mingsi Deng ◽

Liangjian Chen

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Clinical Investigation ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Oral Submucous Fibrosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽

Type I ◽

Camp Analog ◽

Tgf Β1

Chewing areca nut (betel quid) is strongly associated with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a pre-cancerous lesion. Among the areca alkaloids, arecoline is the main agent responsible for fibroblast proliferation; however, the specific molecular mechanism of arecoline affecting the OSF remains unclear. The present study revealed that arecoline treatment significantly enhanced Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced buccal mucosal fibroblast (BMF) activation and fibrotic changes. Arecoline interacts with phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A) to exert its effects through modulating PDE4A activity but not PDE4A expression. PDE4A silence reversed the effects of arecoline on TGF-β-induced BMFs activation and fibrotic changes. Moreover, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1)-selective Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) analog (8-Me-cAMP) but not the protein kinase A (PKA)-selective cAMP analog (N6-cAMP) remarkably suppressed α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (Col1A1) protein levels in response to TGF-β1 and arecoline co-treatment, indicating that cAMP-Epac1 but not cAMP-PKA signaling is involved in arecoline functions on TGF-β1-induced BMFs activation. In conclusion, arecoline promotes TGF-β1-induced BMFs activation through enhancing PDE4A activity and the cAMP-Epac1 signaling pathway during OSF. This novel mechanism might provide more powerful strategies for OSF treatment, requiring further in vivo and clinical investigation.

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