scholarly journals Inhibition of TGF-β1 Signaling by IL-15: A Novel Role for IL-15 in the Control of Renal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: IL-15 Counteracts TGF-β1-Induced EMT in Renal Fibrosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurore Devocelle ◽  
Lola Lecru ◽  
Hélène François ◽  
Christophe Desterke ◽  
Cindy Gallerne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Tgf Β1

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway in end-stage renal disease and is characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted by myofibroblasts. Tubular type 2 EMT, induced by TGF-β, plays an important role in renal fibrosis, by participating directly or indirectly in myofibroblasts generation. TGF-β1-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in experimental chronic murine kidney diseases are concomitantly associated with an intrarenal decreased expression of the IL-15 survival factor. Since IL-15 counteracts TGF-β1 effects in different cell models, we analyzed whether (1) human chronic inflammatory nephropathies evolving towards fibrosis could be also characterized by a weak intrarenal IL-15 expression and (2) IL-15 could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and excess matrix deposition in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC). Our data show that different human chronic kidney diseases are characterized by a strong decreased expression of intrarenal IL-15, which is particularly relevant in diabetic nephropathy, in which type 2 tubular EMT plays an important role in fibrosis. Moreover, primary epithelial tubular cultures deprived of growth supplements rapidly produce active TGF-β1 inducing a “spontaneous” EMT process characterized by the loss of membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15) expression. Both “spontaneous” EMT and recombinant human (rh) TGF-β1-induced EMT models can be inhibited by treating RPTEC and HK2 cells with rhIL-15. Through a long-lasting phospho-c-jun activation, IL-15 inhibits rhTGF-β1-induced Snail1 expression, the master inducer of EMT, and blocks TGF-β1-induced tubular EMT and downstream collagen synthesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that intrarenal IL-15 could be a natural inhibitor of TGF-β in human kidney able to guarantee epithelial homeostasis and to prevent EMT process. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro an unbalance in intrarenal IL-15 and TGF-β1 levels could render RPTEC cells more prone to undergo EMT process. Exogenous IL-15 treatment could be beneficial in some human nephropathies such as diabetic nephropathy.

scholarly journals Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Alleviate Renal Fibrosis Progression via Regulation of CCL5-CCR5 Axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Qiu ◽  
Yirui Cao ◽  
Guowei Tu ◽  
Jiawei Li ◽  
Ying Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Tgf Β1

BackgroundRenal fibrosis is inevitable in all progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and represents a serious public health problem. Immune factors contribute to the progression of renal fibrosis. Thus, it is very possible that immunosuppression cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), could bring benefits to renal fibrosis. Herein, this study investigated the antifibrotic and reno-protective effect of MDSCs and the possible mechanisms.MethodsMurine and cell models of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) renal fibrosis were used. Bone marrow-induced MDSCs and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were pretreated before surgery. Kidney weight, pathological injury, extracellular matrix deposition, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition progression were examined. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1)/Smad/Snail signaling pathway involvement was investigated through Western blotting and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Accumulation of MDSC, CD4+ T cell, regulatory T (Treg), and T helper 1 (TH1) cell accumulation, and CCL5 and CCR5 expression level in MDSCs and non-MDSCs were evaluated using flow cytometry.ResultsIn vitro- and in vivo-induced MDSCs significantly ameliorated UUO-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad/Snail signaling pathway, and enhanced MDSC and Treg infiltration in the kidney while downregulating the TH1 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed CCL5 elevation in the two MDSC-treated groups.ConclusionIn vitro- and in vivo-induced MDSCs alleviated renal fibrosis similarly through promoting the CCL5–CCR5 axis interaction and TGF-β1/Smad/Snail signaling pathway inhibition. Our results indicate an alternative treatment for renal fibrosis.

scholarly journals The Expression of TRIM6 Activates the mTORC1 Pathway by Regulating the Ubiquitination of TSC1-TSC2 to Promote Renal Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiwei Liu ◽  
Yang Yi ◽  
Chuanfu Zhang ◽  
Baojuan Zhou ◽  
Lin Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Mtor Pathway ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Mtorc1 Pathway ◽  
Hk2 Cells

Renal fibrosis is considered as the final pathway of all types of kidney diseases, which can lead to the progressive loss of kidney functions and eventually renal failure. The mechanisms behind are diversified, in which the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the most important regulatory pathways that accounts for the disease. Several processes that are regulated by the mTOR pathway, such as autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, are tightly associated with renal fibrosis. In this study, we have reported that the expression of tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) protein 6, a member of TRIM family protein, was highly expressed in renal fibrosis patients and positively correlated with the severity of renal fibrosis. In our established in vitro and in vivo renal fibrosis models, its expression was upregulated by the Angiotensin II-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p50 and p65. In HK2 cells, the expression of TRIM6 promoted the ubiquitination of tuberous sclerosis proteins (TSC) 1 and 2, two negative regulators of the mTORC1 pathway. Moreover, the knockdown of TRIM6 was found efficient for alleviating renal fibrosis and inhibiting the downstream processes of EMT and ER in both HK2 cells and 5/6-nephrectomized rats. Clinically, the level of TRIM6, TSC1/2, and NF-κB p50 was found closely related to renal fibrosis. As a result, we have presented the first study on the role of TRIM6 in the mTORC1 pathway in renal fibrosis models and our findings suggested that TRIM6 may be a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition and promoted renal fibrosis through Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712110387
Author(s):  
Huali Zhang ◽  
Jiaming Xing ◽  
Lingwei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Cell Invasion ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Notch 1 ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Lysine Specific Demethylase ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
E Cadherin

Objective TGF-β1-induced excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of tubular epithelial cells play critical roles in the progression of renal fibrosis. We are aimed to explore the effects of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells and in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells and UUO-treated rats were used to establish the model of renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Protein expression of LSD1, E-cadherin, a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), Vimentin, Jagged-1, Notch-1 and Notch-2 were detected by Western blot. The concentrations of type I collagen (Col-I) and Fibronectin (FN) were measured by ELISA. Transwell assay were used to assess cell invasion. Results LSD1 was dramatically increased in TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cells. Knockdown of LSD1 decreased the TGF-β1-induced secretion of Col-I and FN, and suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of E-cadherin,α-SMA and Vimentin, while suppressed cell invasion. Consistent with the in vitro data, the severe histopathological damage, collagen deposition and reduced E-cadherin, increased α-SMA induced by UUO was abated by the knockdown of LSD1 in vivo. Moreover, knockdown of LSD1 suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of Jagged-1, Notch-1 and Notch-2. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of Notch signaling by a γ-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 almost recapitulated the effects of LSD1 knockdown in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells, and at least in part reversed the effects of LSD1 overexpression on EMT and ECM deposition in HK-2 cells. Conclusions Taken together, LSD1 significantly impact on the progression of TGF-β1-mediated EMT and ECM deposition in HK-2 cells, and it may represent novel target for the prevention strategies of renal fibrosis.

Silencing of the lncRNA TUG1 attenuates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells by sponging miR-141-3p via regulating β-catenin

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (6) ◽  
pp. F1125-F1134
Author(s):  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Chengguang Zhao ◽  
Ling Hou ◽  
Yubin Wu
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Tgf Β1

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The lncRNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 ( TUG1) participates in EMT in several cancers; however, the effect and underlying mechanism of TUG1 in RIF-related EMT remain unclear. Here, we explored the mechanisms by which TUG1 modulates RIF. An in vivo model of renal fibrosis was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction in Balb/c mice. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used to induce the in vitro model. Morphological changes and TUG1 expression were assessed. HK-2 cells were transfected with siRNA to silence TUG1. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, cell proliferation, and migration assays were performed to examine TGF-β1-induced changes in EMT markers and EMT-like cell behaviors. TUG1 and β-catenin ( CTNNB1) levels were significantly upregulated, whereas miR-141-3p was significantly downregulated, during EMT in vitro and in vivo. TUG1 knockdown or miR-141-3p overexpression supported the epithelioid morphology of HK-2 cells while enhancing the downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and β-catenin levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 knockdown promoted the proliferation and decreased the migration of HK-2 cells and enhanced the downregulation of miR-141-3p levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 directly targeted miR-141-3p, and miR-141-3p was directly bound to CTNNB1. Downregulation of miR-141-3p inhibited TUG1 silencing-induced suppression of EMT. In conclusion, TUG1 promotes EMT in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells via upregulation of β-catenin levels by sponging miR-141-3p, suggesting a novel therapeutic candidate for RIF.

scholarly journals Autocrine Exosomal Fibulin-1 as a Target of MiR-1269b Induces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Proximal Tubule in Diabetic Nephropathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Tsai ◽  
Wei-Wen Hung ◽  
Wei-An Chang ◽  
Ping-Hsun Wu ◽  
Ling-Yu Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic Patients ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Type 2 Diabetic

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an increasing threat to human health and is regarded to be the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Exosomes deliver biomolecule massages and may play a key role in cell communication and the progression of DN.Methods: A cross-disciplinary study, including in vivo, in vitro, and human studies, was conducted to explore the cross-talk within proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) in DN. Exosomal protein from PTECs treated with high glucose (HG) was purified and examined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized to analyze RNAs extracted from PTECs from a type 2 diabetic patient and a normal individual. HK-2 cells were used to assess exosomal protein and its modulation and biofunction in DN. Normal individuals and type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled, and nondiabetic db/m mice and diabetic db/db mice were used to validate the molecular mechanism of exosomes in DN.Results: HG stimulated PTECs to increase Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) expression, and PTECs secreted FBLN1 through exosome delivery, thereby inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PTECs. Transcriptome analysis found that FBLN1 expression was modulated by miR-1269b, which was downregulated by HG in HK-2 cells. While transfection of miR-1269b reversed FBLN1-mediated EMT in PTECs, miR-1269b inhibitor modulated the phenotype of PTECs toward mesenchymal type under normal glucose (NG) condition. Most importantly, urinary FBLN1 and exosomal miR-1269b levels were correlated with the severity of kidney injury in type 2 diabetic patients.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the communication within PTECs through exosome transmission in an autocrine pattern. MiR-1269b–FBLN1 epigenetic regulatory network could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the progression of DN.

scholarly journals Epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activity contributes to the myofibroblastic phenotype and fibrosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weilong Hong ◽  
Ge Zhang ◽  
Hong Lu ◽  
Yangyang Guo ◽  
Shizhang Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cultured Fibroblasts ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Specific Antagonist ◽  
Related Pathway ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Background Notch1 signalling is a stem-cell-related pathway that is essential for embryonic development, tissue regeneration and organogenesis. However, the role of Notch1 in the formation of myofibroblasts and fibrosis in kidneys following injury remains unknown. Methods The activity of Notch1 signalling was evaluated in fibrotic kidneys in CKD patients and in ureteral obstructive models in vivo and in cultured fibroblasts and TECs in vitro. In addition, the crosstalk of Notch1 with TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling was also investigated. Results Notch1 activity was elevated in fibrotic kidneys of rat models and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Further study revealed that epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activity correlated with an α-SMA-positive myofibroblastic phenotype. In vitro, injury stimulated epithelial Notch1 activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in matrix deposition in tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Additionally, interstitial Notch1 activation in association with fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation (FMD) in fibroblasts mediated a myofibroblastic phenotype. These TGF-β1/Smad2/3-dependent phenotypic transitions were abolished by Notch1 knockdown or a specific antagonist, DAPT, and were exacerbated by Notch1 overexpression or an activator Jagged-1-Fc chimaera protein. Interestingly, as a major driving force behind the EMT and FMD, TGF-β1, also induced epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activity, indicating that TGF-β1 may engage in crosstalk with Notch1 signalling to trigger fibrogenesis. Conclusion These findings suggest that epithelial and interstitial Notch1 activation in kidneys following injury contributes to the myofibroblastic phenotype and fibrosis through the EMT in TECs and to the FMD in fibroblasts by targeting downstream TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling.

scholarly journals Promotion of USP4 to TGF-β1-induced EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells is regulated by Akt through stabilizing TβRI

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Yun Pu ◽  
Li-Xia Wang ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Jian-Hua Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tubular Epithelial Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Pi3k Inhibitor Ly294002 ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
E Cadherin

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to explore the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase-4 (USP4) in TGF-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during renal fibrosis, and investigated that if Akt inactivation exerted a critical effect on EMT via USP4/TβRI pathway.MethodsUSP4, pAkt and TβRI proteins in the obstructed kidneys from unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats were detected by immunohistochemistry assay or western blot method. E-cadherin, α-SMA, USP4 and pAkt protein expression in NRK-52E cells at different concentration of TGF-β1 were detected at different time. Further, NRK-52E cells were transfected with USP4-specific siRNA (si-USP4), and then stimulated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24h to detect E-cadherin, α-SMA, E-cadherin and TβRI by immunofluorescent double staining assay. Pretreated with PI3K inhibitor LY294002, protein expression levels of pAkt, E-cadherin, α-SMA were detected. Meanwhile, the location of USP4 was visualized by immunofluorescent assay in NRK-52E cells.ResultsThe expression of USP4 and TβRI was significantly upregulated in the tubular epithelial cells of UUO rats. We also found that TGF-β1 upregulated USP4 and activated Akt in NRK-52E cells during EMT. In vitro, downregulation of USP4 inhibited TβRI expression and partially reversed EMT stimulated by TGF-β1. In the meantime, blunted phosphorylation of Akt with LY294002 promoted the E-cadherin expression, and inhibited α-SMA expression in response to TGF-β1. However, inactivation of Akt could reverse EMT process, but failed to induce USP4 to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in NRK-52E cells stimulated by TGF-β1.ConclusionsThese data implied that USP4 was a harmful molecule induced by TGF-β1, regulated by Akt activation and promoted TGF-β1-induced EMT via TβRI in tubular epithelial cells during renal fibrosis.

scholarly journals Cilomilast Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Xu ◽  
Shumin Li ◽  
Jiajia Wang ◽  
Songming Huang ◽  
Aihua Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Fibroblast Cells ◽  
Pathological Feature ◽  
Tubular Injury ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Collagen Iii ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the key pathological feature in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) with no satisfactory therapies in clinic. Cilomilast is a second-generation, selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, but its role in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD remains unclear.Material and Methods: Cilomilast was applied to the mice with unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) and renal fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) stimulated by TGF-β1. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation after UUO or TGF-β1 stimulation were examined by histology, Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. KIM-1 and NGAL were detected to evaluate tubular injury in UUO mice.Results:In vivo, immunohistochemistry and western blot data demonstrated that cilomilast treatment inhibited extracellular matrix deposition, profibrotic gene expression, and the inflammatory response. Furthermore, cilomilast prevented tubular injury in UUO mice, as manifested by reduced expression of KIM-1 and NGAL in the kidney. In vitro, cilomilast attenuated the activation of fibroblast cells stimulated by TGF-β1, as shown by the reduced expression of fibronectin, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Cilomilast also inhibited the activation of TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling in TGF-β1-treated fibroblast cells.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that cilomilast is protective against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD, possibly through the inhibition of TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling, indicating the translational potential of this drug in treating CKD.

Carvacrol Ameliorates Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Extracellular Matrix Deposition and Reduces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Regulating The Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Pathway In Hk-2 Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-507
Author(s):  
Yunhe Gu ◽  
Peiyao Guo ◽  
Guangbiao Xu
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Matrix Deposition ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Deposition ◽  
Dose Dependent

Transforming growth factor-β1 promotes excessive extracellular matrix deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells, thus stimulating the progression of renal fibrosis. Carvacrol has been shown to alleviate cardiac and liver fibrosis and attenuate renal injury. However, the role of carvacrol on renal fibrosis has not been examined. First, measurements using Cell Counting Kit-8 showed that carvacrol reduced cell viability of tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 in a dose-dependent fashion. Second, transforming growth factor-β1 induced excessive extracellular matrix deposition in HK-2 cells with enhanced collagen I, collagen IV, and fibronectin expression. However, carvacrol decreased the expression of collagen I, collagen IV in a dose-dependent manner and fibronectin to attenuate the extracellular matrix deposition in HK-2. Third, carvacrol attenuated TGF-β1-induced decrease of E-cadherin and increase of snail, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in HK-2 cells. Transforming growth factor-β1-induced increase in PI3K and AKT phosphorylation in HK-2 were also reversed by carvacrol. Collectively, carvacrol ameliorates renal fibrosis through inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1-induced extracellular matrix deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HK-2 cells, providing potential therapy for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document