TGF-β1 promotes vitamin D-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis by upregulating vitamin D receptor expression in human granulosa-lutein cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (5) ◽  
pp. E710-E722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuxin Wang ◽  
Hsun-Ming Chang ◽  
Yuyin Yi ◽  
Yung-Ming Lin ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Prostaglandin E2 ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Tgf Β1

There is increasing evidence showing the importance of vitamin D (Vit D) and its nuclear receptor, the Vit D receptor (VDR), in female reproductive health. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its functional receptors are expressed in human oocytes and granulosa cells that participate in follicular development and ovulation. Recently, Sma- and Mad-related protein 3 (SMAD3; a downstream effector of TGF-β1) has been proposed to mediate crosstalk between the Vit D and TGF-β1 signaling pathways, but this relationship has not been fully explored and has yet to be tested in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. In this study, we showed that TGF-β1 significantly promoted the expression of VDR, and this stimulatory effect occurred through the activin receptor-like kinase 5 type I receptor-mediated SMAD3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in hGL cells. Additionally, we showed that Vit D increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated a synergistic effect of TGF-β1 and Vit D on the expression of COX-2 and synthesis of PGE2, and this effect could be attenuated by silencing the expression of VDR. Our findings indicate that TGF-β1 upregulates the expression of VDR, which promotes Vit D-induced COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE2 production by activating the SMAD3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in hGL cells.

scholarly journals Fucoxanthin Inhibits Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblasts via Modulation of Smad-Dependent and Smad-Independent Signaling Pathways

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Jung ◽  
Dae-Sung Lee ◽  
Seong Park ◽  
Jung Choi ◽  
Won-Kyo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Nasal Polyp ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Type I ◽  
Molecular Signaling ◽  
Tgf Β1

Nasal polyps (NPs) are a multifactorial disorder associated with a chronic inflammatory state of the nasal mucosa. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a characteristic orange carotenoid obtained from brown algae and has diverse immunological properties. The present study investigated whether Fx inhibits fibrosis-related effects in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and elucidated the molecular signaling pathways involved. The production of collagen type I (Col-1) was investigated in NP tissue via immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. NPDFs were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (1 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of Fx (5–30 µM). The levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col-1, and phosphorylated (p)-Smad 2/3, signal protein-1 (SP-1), MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), and Akt were measured by western blot analysis. The expression of Col-1 was detected in NP tissues. TGF-β1 stimulated the production of α-SMA and Col-1, and stimulated the contraction of collagen gel. However, pretreatment with Fx attenuated these effects. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated through modulation of both Smad 2/3 and Akt/SP-1 signaling pathways in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. The results from the present study suggest that Fx may be a novel anti-fibrotic agent for the treatment of NP formation.

scholarly journals Hypoxia Suppresses TGF-B1-Induced Cardiac Myocyte Myofibroblast Transformation by Inhibiting Smad2/3 and Rhoa Signaling Pathways

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 250-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhankui Yan ◽  
Daifei Shen ◽  
Jilin Liao ◽  
Yanmei Zhang ◽  
Yicun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
H9c2 Cells ◽  
Hypoxia Treatment ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background/Aims: Hypoxia modulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)- β-induced signaling during myofibroblast transformation is dependent on the specific cell type. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of hypoxia on myofibroblast transformation of TGF-β1-induced cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells. Methods: H9c2 cells were cultured for intermittent hypoxia treatment and TGF-β1 treatment. α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was examined by western blotting and immunofluorescence after treatment. To further explore the possible mechanism for this effect, the effects of hypoxia on three early TGF-β-dependent signaling pathways, i.e. the Smad2/3, RhoA and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, were screened by western blotting. Results: Intermittent hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression, but had no effect on α-SMA expression. Exogenous TGF-β1 alone upregulated α-SMA expression in H9c2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. α-SMA expression declined with the duration of hypoxia after intermittent hypoxia and exogenous TGF-β1 co-treatment. Phospho-JNK and phospho-p38 levels were not significantly altered after TGF-β1 and hypoxia treatment. However, levels of phospho-ERK increased after TGF-β1 treatment and continued to increase after hypoxia co-treatment. The activation of phospho-Smad2/3 and phospho-RhoA induced by TGFβ1 was significantly reduced after hypoxia co-treatment. Conclusion: Hypoxia can inhibit TGF-β1-induced H9c2 myofibroblast transformation, based on inhibition of α-SMA expression by suppressing signaling downstream of TGF-β1, Smad2/3 and RhoA. It suggested that TGF-β-mediated cardiomyocyte transformation is not involved in hypoxia-mediated fibrosis.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-224 Is Involved in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Mediated Mouse Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Granulosa Cell Function by Targeting Smad4

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 540-551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guidong Yao ◽  
Mianmian Yin ◽  
Jie Lian ◽  
Hui Tian ◽  
Lin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Granulosa Cell ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Many members of the TGF-β superfamily are indicated to play important roles in ovarian follicular development, such as affecting granulosa cell function and oocyte maturation. Abnormalities associated with TGF-β1 signaling transduction could result in female infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small noncoding RNAs, were recently found to regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional levels. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in TGF-β-mediated granulosa cell proliferation and granulosa cell function. In this study, the miRNA expression profiling was identified from TGF-β1-treated mouse preantral granulosa cells (GCs), and three miRNAs were found to be significantly up-regulated and 13 miRNAs were down-regulated. Among up-regulated miRNAs, miR-224 was the second most significantly elevated miRNA. This up-regulation was attenuated by treatment of GCs with SB431542 (an inhibitor of TGFβ superfamily type I receptors, thus blocking phosphorylation of the downstream effectors Smad2/3), indicating that miR-224 expression was regulated by TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The ectopic expression of miR-224 can enhance TGF-β1-induced GC proliferation through targeting Smad4. Inhibition of endogenous miR-224 partially suppressed GC proliferation induced by TGF-β1. In addition, both miR-224 and TGF-β1 can promote estradiol release from GC, at least in part, through increasing CYP19A1 mRNA levels. This is the first demonstration that miRNAs can control reproductive functions resulting in promoting TGF-β1-induced GC proliferation and ovarian estrogen release. Such miRNA-mediated effects could be potentially used for regulation of reproductive processes or for treatment of reproductive disorders.

scholarly journals Perilipin 5 Ameliorates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via SMAD2/3 and SNAIL Signaling Pathways and Suppresses STAT3 Activation

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2184
Author(s):  
Rafael Cierpka ◽  
Ralf Weiskirchen ◽  
Anastasia Asimakopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Type I ◽  
Hepatic Fibrogenesis ◽  
Perilipin 5 ◽  
Tgf Β1

Comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrogenesis is essential to the development of treatment. The hallmark of hepatic fibrosis is the development and deposition of excess fibrous connective tissue forcing tissue remodeling. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Their activation via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) as a key mediator is considered the crucial event in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrogenesis. It has been shown that Perilipin 5 (PLIN5), known as a lipid droplet structural protein that is highly expressed in oxidative tissue, can inhibit such activation through various mechanisms associated with lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of PLIN5 on TGF-β1 signaling. Our findings confirm the importance of PLIN5 in maintaining HSC quiescence in vivo and in vitro. PLIN5 overexpression suppresses the TGF-β1-SMAD2/3 and SNAIL signaling pathways as well as the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). These findings derived from experiments in hepatic cell lines LX-2 and Col-GFP, in which overexpression of PLIN5 was able to downregulate the signaling pathways SMAD2/3 and SNAIL activated previously by TGF-β1 treatment. Furthermore, TGF-β1-mediatedinduction of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen type I (COL1), Fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), was suppressed by PLIN5. Moreover, STAT3, which is interrelated with TGF-β1 was already basally activated in the cell lines and inhibited by PLIN5 overexpression, leading to a further reduction in HSC activity shown by lowered α-SMA expression. This extension of the intervening mechanisms presents PLIN5 as a potent and pleiotropic target in HSC activation.

TGF-β1 stimulates IL-8 release, COX-2 expression, and PGE2release in human airway smooth muscle cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (1) ◽  
pp. L201-L207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Choong Yi Fong ◽  
Linhua Pang ◽  
Elaine Holland ◽  
Alan J. Knox
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Human Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Human Airway ◽  
Cox Inhibitor ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Tgf Β1

We have recently shown that endogenous prostanoids are critical in bradykinin-stimulated interleukin (IL)-8 release from human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. In this study, we tested the ability of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to stimulate IL-8 release, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and PGE2 generation in cultured human ASM cells and explored the role of COX products and COX-2 induction on IL-8 release. TGF-β1 stimulated IL-8 release, COX-2 induction, and PGE2 generation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maximal IL-8 release was achieved with 10 ng/ml of TGF-β1 after 16 h of incubation, which was inhibited by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D and the corticosteroid dexamethasone but was not affected by the nonselective COX inhibitor indomethacin and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 despite their inhibition on TGF-β1-induced PGE2 release. These results show for the first time that TGF-β1 stimulates IL-8 release, COX-2 induction, and PGE2 generation in human ASM cells and that PGE2 generation is not critical for TGF-β1-induced IL-8 release. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma.

scholarly journals TGF-β1 Increases GDNF Production by Upregulating the Expression of GDNF and Furin in Human Granulosa-Lutein Cells

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingwen Yin ◽  
Hsun-Ming Chang ◽  
Yuyin Yi ◽  
Yuanqing Yao ◽  
Peter C.K. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Type I ◽  
High Level ◽  
Tgf Β1

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is expressed at a high level in the human ovary and GDNF signaling is involved in the direct control of follicular activation and oocyte maturation. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the regulation of various ovarian functions. Furin is an intracellular serine endopeptidase of the subtilisin family that is closely associated with the activation of multiple protein precursors. Despite the important roles of GDNF and TGF-β1 in the regulation of follicular development, whether TGF-β is able to regulate the expression and production of GDNF in human granulosa cells remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β1 on the production of GDNF and its underlying mechanisms in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. We used two types of hGL cells (primary hGL cells and an established immortalized hGL cell line, SVOG cells) as study models. Our results show that TGF-β1 significantly induced the expression of GDNF and furin, which, in turn, increased the production of mature GDNF. Using a dual inhibition approach combining RNA interference and kinase inhibitors against cell signaling components, we showed that the TβRII type II receptor and ALK5 type I receptor are the principal receptors that mediated TGF-β1-induced cellular activity in hGL cells. Additionally, Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD)3 and SMAD4 are the downstream signaling transducers that mediate the biological response induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, furin is the main proprotein convertase that induces the production of GDNF. These findings provide additional regulatory mechanisms by which an intrafollicular factor influences the production of another growth factor through a paracrine or autocrine interaction in hGL cells.

Stretching-Induced Collagen Type I Synthesis in Human Tendon Fibroblasts Is Mediated by TGF-β1

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoguang Yang ◽  
Richard C. Crawford ◽  
James H.-C. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Collagen Type ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Mechanical Stretching ◽  
Tgf Β1

This study investigated the effect of cyclic mechanical stretching on the collagen gene expression and protein synthesis of human patellar tendon fibroblasts (HPTFs). We hypothesized that cyclic mechanical stretching of HPTFs would increase collagen synthesis via transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). To test the hypothesis, the tendon fibroblasts were cultured on microgrooved surfaces of silicone dishes under serum-free conditions. The cells were subjected to cyclic uniaxial stretching with a constant frequency and duration (0.5Hz, 4hr), and one of three stretching magnitudes (no stretch, 4%, and 8%) followed by 4 hours of rest. It was found that the gene and protein expression of both collagen type I and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in a stretching-magnitude dependent manner, whereas collagen type III gene and protein levels were not significantly changed. The exogenous addition of antibody to TGF-β1 eliminated the stretching-induced increase in collagen type I protein synthesis. The results therefore confirmed our working hypothesis and suggest that mechanical stretching of tendon fibroblasts can lead to matrix remodeling by modulating the collagen production of tendon fibroblasts, a process at least particially mediated by TGF-β1.

scholarly journals Interdependence of HIF-1α and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in normoxic and hypoxic renal epithelial cell collagen expression

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (4) ◽  
pp. F898-F905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajit K. Basu ◽  
Susan Hubchak ◽  
Tomoko Hayashida ◽  
Constance E. Runyan ◽  
Paul T. Schumacker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Renal Epithelial Cell ◽  
Collagen Expression ◽  
Tgf Β1

Increasing evidence suggests that chronic kidney disease may develop following acute kidney injury and that this may be due, in part, to hypoxia-related phenomena. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is stabilized in hypoxic conditions and regulates multiple signaling pathways that could contribute to renal fibrosis. As transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is known to mediate renal fibrosis, we proposed a profibrotic role for cross talk between the TGF-β1 and HIF-1α signaling pathways in kidney cells. Hypoxic incubation increased HIF-1α protein expression in cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. TGF-β1 treatment further increased HIF-1α expression in cells treated with hypoxia and also increased HIF-1α in normoxic conditions. TGF-β1 did not increase HIF-1α mRNA levels nor decrease the rate of protein degradation, suggesting that it enhances normoxic HIF-1α translation. TGF-β receptor (ALK5) kinase activity was required for increased HIF-1α expression in response to TGF-β1, but not to hypoxia. A dominant negative Smad3 decreased the TGF-β-stimulated reporter activity of a HIF-1α-sensitive hypoxia response element. Conversely, a dominant negative HIF-1α construct decreased Smad-binding element promoter activity in response to TGF-β. Finally, blocking HIF-1α transcription with a biochemical inhibitor, a dominant negative construct, or gene-specific knockdown decreased basal and TGF-β1-stimulated type I collagen expression, while HIF-1α overexpression increased both. Taken together, our data demonstrate cooperation in signaling between Smad3 and HIF-1α and suggest a new paradigm in which HIF-1α is necessary for normoxic, TGF-β1-stimulated renal cell fibrogenesis.

scholarly journals Differential expression of mRNAs encoding the putative inhibin co-receptor (betaglycan) and activin type-I and type-II receptors in preovulatory and prehierarchical follicles of the laying hen ovary

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
T M Lovell ◽  
P G Knight ◽  
R T Gladwell
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Type I ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Ovarian Follicle Development ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr

Ovarian follicle development is primarily regulated by an interplay between the pituitary gonadotrophins, LH and FSH, and ovary-derived steroids. Increasing evidence implicates regulatory roles of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily members, including inhibins and activins. The aim of this study was to identify the expression of mRNAs encoding key receptors of the inhibin/activin system in ovarian follicles ranging from 4 mm in diameter to the dominant F1 follicle (~40 mm). Ovaries were collected (n=16) from mid-sequence hens maintained on a long-day photoschedule (16 h of light:8 h of darkness). All follicles removed were dissected into individual granulosa and thecal layers. RNA was extracted and cDNA synthesized. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify the expression of mRNA encoding betaglycan, activin receptor (ActR) subtypes (type-I, -IIA and -IIB) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); receptor expression data were normalized to GAPDH expression. Detectable levels of ActRI, -IIA and -IIB and the inhibin co-receptor (betaglycan) expression were found in all granulosa and thecal layers analysed. Granulosa ActRI mRNA peaked (P < 0.05) in 8–9.9 mm follicles, whereas ActRIIA rose significantly from 6–7.9 mm to 8–9.9 mm, before falling to F3/2; levels then rose sharply (3-fold) to F1 levels. Granulosa betaglycan mRNA expression rose 3-fold from 4–5.9 mm to 8–9.9 mm, before falling 4-fold to F3/2; levels then rose sharply (4-fold) to F1 levels. ActRIIB levels did not vary significantly during follicular development. Thecal ActRI mRNA expression was similar from 4–7.9 mm then decreased significantly to a nadir at the F4 position, before increasing 2-fold to the F1 (P < 0.05). Although thecal ActRIIB and -IIA expression did not vary significantly from 4 mm to F3, ActRIIB expression increased significantly (2-fold) from F3 to F1 and ActRIIA increased 2-fold from F2 to F1 (P < 0.05). Thecal betaglycan fell to a nadir at F6 after follicle selection; levels then increased significantly to F2, before falling ~50% in the F1. In all follicles studied expression of betaglycan and ActRI (granulosa: r=0.65, P < 0.001, n=144/group; theca: r=0.49, P < 0.001, n=144/group) was well correlated. No significant correlations were identified between betaglycan and ActRIIA or -IIB. Considering all follicles analysed, granulosa mRNA expression of betaglycan, ActRI, ActRIIA and ActRIIB were all significantly lower than in corresponding thecal tissue (betaglycan, 11.4-fold; ActRIIB, 5.1-fold; ActRI, 3.8-fold; ActRIIA, 2.8-fold). The co-localization of type-I and -II activin receptors and betaglycan on granulosa and thecal cells are consistent with a local auto/paracrine role of inhibins and activins in modulating ovarian follicle development, selection and progression in the domestic fowl.

scholarly journals The Epigenetically-Regulated microRNA-378a Targets TGF-β2 in TGF-β1-Treated Hepatic Stellate Cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 183-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fujun Yu ◽  
Jianhuan Yang ◽  
Kate Huang ◽  
Xiaodong Pan ◽  
BiCheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Promoter Methylation ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background/Aims: In liver fibrosis, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is considered as a pivotal event. It is well known that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is the main stimuli factor responsible for HSC activation. microRNAs (miRNAs), regulating various biological processes, have recently been shown to be involved in HSC activation. A recent study reported that deficiency of miR-378a contributes to cardiac fibrosis via TGF-β1-dependent paracrine mechanism. However, the involvement of miR-378a and its roles in TGF-β1-induced HSC activation remains largely unknown. Methods: miR-378a expression was detected in TGF-β1-treated cells and patients with cirrhosis. Then, effects of miR-378a overexpression on cell proliferation and HSC activation were analyzed. We also analyzed the binding of miR-378a to the 3′-untranslated region of TGF-β2. Results: In response to TGF-β1, miR-378a expression was down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. miR-378a overexpression suppressed both cell proliferation and cell cycle in TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells. Moreover, miR-378a overexpression inhibited TGF-β1-induced HSC activation including the reduction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen. Similarly, miR-378a resulted in a reduction in cell proliferation, and the expressions of α-SMA and Col1A1 in TGF-β1-treated primary HSCs. Notably, TGF-β2 was confirmed as a target of miR-378a by luciferase reporter assays. Interestingly, miR-378a promoter methylation may be responsible for miR-378a down-regulation in TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells and TGF-β1-treated primary HSCs. Further studies confirmed that reduced miR-378a was associated with promoter methylation in patients with cirrhosis compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that miR-378a expression is associated with its methylation status in TGF-β1-treated cells, and epigenetically-regulated miR-378a inhibits TGF-β1-induced HSC activation, at least in part, via TGF-β2.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document