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.

scholarly journals Epigenetically-Regulated MicroRNA-9-5p Suppresses the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells via TGFBR1 and TGFBR2

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 2242-2252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fujun Yu ◽  
BiCheng Chen ◽  
XuFei Fan ◽  
Guojun Li ◽  
Peihong Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Luciferase Activity ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background/Aims: Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to act as regulators of activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). It is well known that the main profibrogenic inducer transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) contributes to HSC activation, which is a key event in liver fibrosis. Increasing studies show that miR-9-5p is down-regulated in liver fibrosis and restoration of miR-9-5p limits HSC activation. However, the role of miR-9-5p in TGF-β1-induced HSC activation is still not clear. Methods: miR-9-5p expression was quantified using real-time PCR in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells. In CHB patients, histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis stages were assessed using the Ishak scoring system. Effects of miR-9-5p on liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro were analyzed. Luciferase activity assays were performed to examine the binding of miR-9-5p to the 3′-untranslated region of type I TGF-β receptor (TGFBR1) as well as TGFBR2. Results: Compared with healthy controls, miR-9-5p was reduced in CHB patients. There was a lower miR-9-5p expression in CHB patients with higher fibrosis scores or HAI scores. miR-9-5p was down-regulated by TGF-β1 in a dose-dependent manner. TGF-β1-induced HSC activation including cell proliferation, α-SMA and collagen expression was blocked down by miR-9-5p. Notably, miR-9-5p ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. As determined by luciferase activity assays, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 were targets of miR-9-5p. Further studies demonstrated that miR-9-5p inhibited TGF-β1/Smads pathway via TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Interestingly, promoter methylation was responsible for miR-9-5p down-regulation in liver fibrosis. The relationship between miR-9-5p expression and methylation was confirmed in CHB patients and TGF-β1-treated cells. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that miR-9-5p could inhibit TGF-β1-induced HSC activation through TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Loss of miR-9-5p is associated with its methylation status in liver fibrosis.

Norepinephrine induces calcium spikes and proinflammatory actions in human hepatic stellate cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (5) ◽  
pp. G877-G884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Sancho-Bru ◽  
Ramón Bataller ◽  
Jordi Colmenero ◽  
Xavier Gasull ◽  
Montserrat Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Contraction

Catecholamines participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis through α1-adrenoceptors. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which exert vasoactive, inflammatory, and fibrogenic actions in the injured liver. Adrenoceptor expression was assessed in human HSC by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in fura-2-loaded cells. Cell contraction was studied by assessing wrinkle formation and myosin light chain II (MLC II) phosphorylation. Cell proliferation and collagen-α1(I) expression were assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and quantitative PCR, respectively. NF-κB activation was assessed by luciferase reporter gene and p65 nuclear translocation. Chemokine secretion was assessed by ELISA. Normal human livers expressed α1A-adrenoceptors, which were markedly upregulated in livers with advanced fibrosis. Activated human HSC expressed α1A-adrenoceptors. NE induced multiple rapid [Ca2+]i oscillations (Ca2+ spikes). Prazosin (α1-blocker) completely prevented NE-induced Ca2+ spikes, whereas propranolol (nonspecific β-blocker) partially attenuated this effect. NE caused phosphorylation of MLC II and cell contraction. In contrast, NE did not affect cell proliferation or collagen-α1(I) expression. Importantly, NE stimulated the secretion of inflammatory chemokines (RANTES and interleukin-8) in a dose-dependent manner. Prazosin blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. NE stimulated NF-κB activation. BAY 11-7082, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. We conclude that NE stimulates NF-κB and induces cell contraction and proinflammatory effects in human HSC. Catecholamines may participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis by targeting HSC.

Transforming growth factor-β1 downregulation of Smad1 gene expression in rat hepatic stellate cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (3) ◽  
pp. G539-G546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Shen ◽  
Guojiang Huang ◽  
Mohammed Hadi ◽  
Patrick Choy ◽  
Manna Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tgf Β1

Smads are intracellular signaling molecules of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily that play an important role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic fibrosis. Excepting the regulation of Smad7, receptor-regulated Smad gene expression is still unclear. We employed rat HSCs to investigate the expression and regulation of the Smad1 gene, which is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor-regulated Smad. We found that the expression and phosphorylation of Smad1 are increased during the activation of HSCs. Moreover, TGF-β significantly inhibits Smad1 gene expression in HSCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, although both TGF-β1 and BMP2 stimulate the activation of HSCs, they have different effects on HSC proliferation. In conclusion, Smad1 expression and phosphorylation are increased during the activation of HSCs and TGF-β1 significantly inhibits the expression of the Smad1 gene.

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 Albumin inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells by suppressing TGF-β/Smad3 signaling via IL-1β

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Hoon Park ◽  
Janghyun Kim ◽  
So-Young Choi ◽  
Kiweon Cha ◽  
Heekyung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Approach

AbstractActivated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in liver fibrosis and inactivating HSCs has been considered a promising therapeutic approach. We previously showed that albumin and its derivative, retinol binding protein (RBP)-albumin domain III fusion protein (named R-III), inhibit HSC activation. Here, we investigate the mode of action of albumin and R-III. NF-κB in activated HSCs was evenly distributed in the cytoplasm, but albumin expression and R-III treatment (albumin/R-III) induced NF-κB nuclear translocation via retinoic acid (RA) sequestration, resulting in increased expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In an IL-1β dependent manner, albumin/R-III inhibited Smad3 nuclear translocation via TAK1-, JNK-mediated Smad3 linker phosphorylation and decreased expression of Smad3 target genes, such as α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I. Mutation of the Smad3 linker phosphorylation sites abolished R-III effects on Smad3. In conclusion, our data suggest that the anti-fibrotic effects of albumin/R-III are due to RA sequestration which downregulates RAR-mediated signaling and also TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. This mechanistic elucidation of albumin function in HSCs provides clues to understanding the frequent albumin mutations found in hepatocellular carcinoma.

scholarly journals Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 Suppresses TGF-β-Mediated Myofibroblastic Differentiation of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 124-132
Author(s):  
Eva Peterová ◽  
Lucie Podmolíková ◽  
Martina Řezáčová ◽  
Alena Mrkvicová
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Critical Event ◽  
Fibroblast Growth ◽  
Enhanced Production ◽  
Tgf Β1

Myofibroblast expansion is a critical event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to myofibroblast (MFB) results in the enhanced production of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we explored the effect of acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) treatment on a transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) induced MFB conversion. We used HSC-T6 cell line, which represents well-established model of activated HSC. These cells strongly expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN-EDA) after stimulation with TGF-β1, which is a stimulus for MFB differentiation and ECM production. FGF-1 reduced proteins expression to levels comparable with untreated cells. Mild repression of secreted gelatinases was seen in culture media after FGF-1 treatment. The exposure of cells to collagen gel leads to changes in cell morphology and in expression of MFB markers. Lack of α-SMA in cells embedded to collagen gel was detected. When stimulated with TGF-β1, the cells increased expression of FN-EDA, but not α-SMA. Although the cells on plastic and in collagen gel show different properties, FGF-1 reduced expression of FN-EDA in both conditions. Disrupting TGF-β1 signalling pathway represents a potential strategy for the treatment of fibrosis. We showed that FGF-1 could antagonize signals initiated by TGF-β1.

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 Albumin inhibits the nuclear translocation of Smad3 via interleukin-1beta signaling in hepatic stellate cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Hoon Park ◽  
Janghyun Kim ◽  
So-Young Choi ◽  
Boram Lee ◽  
Jung-Eun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Retinol Binding Protein ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Interleukin 1Beta

AbstractActivation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts plays a key role in liver fibrosis. We had previously shown that albumin and its derivative, R-III (a retinol-binding protein—albumin domain III fusion protein), inhibited HSC activation by sequestering retinoic acid (RA) and that R-III administration reduced carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of albumin downstream of RA sequestration. Nuclear factor-κB p65 was evenly distributed in the cytoplasm in activated mouse HSCs, whereas albumin expression or R-III treatment (albumin/R-III) caused the nuclear translocation of p65, probably via RA sequestration, resulting in a dramatic increase in interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) expression. Albumin/R-III in turn induced the phosphorylation of Smad3 at the linker region, inhibiting its nuclear import in an IL-1β-dependent manner. Consistent with the in vitro results, the level of IL-1β mRNA expression was higher in CCl4/R-III-treated livers than in CCl4-treated livers. These findings reveal that albumin/R-III inhibits the transforming growth factor-β-Smad3 signaling as well as the retinoic acid receptor-mediated pathway, which probably contributes to the inhibition of HSC activation, and suggest that R-III may be an anti-fibrotic drug candidate.

scholarly journals Tanshinone IIA alters the transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway in angiotensin II-treated rat hepatic stellate cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 030006052092635
Author(s):  
Guo-wei Wei ◽  
Ke-yue Li ◽  
Ke-li Tang ◽  
Cheng-Xian Shi
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Tanshinone Iia ◽  
Mrna And Protein Expression ◽  
Tgf Β1

Objective To investigate the effects of tanshinone IIA on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway in angiotensin II-treated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods HSCs were cultured and treated with angiotensin II (10 μM) or angiotensin II (10 μM) plus tanshinone IIA (3, 10, or 30 μM). Cells were incubated for 48 hours and proliferation was determined with the Cell Counting Kit-8. The relative mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad4, and Smad7 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR, and the relative protein expression levels were investigated by western blotting. Results After angiotensin II treatment, cell proliferation was significantly accelerated. Furthermore, both the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 was significantly up-regulated, while the mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 was significantly down-regulated compared with the control cells. Tanshinone IIA inhibited the observed effects of angiotensin II in a concentration-dependent manner, with significant inhibition exerted by tanshinone IIA at 10 and 30 μM. Conclusions Angiotensin II promotes the proliferation of HSCs, possibly by regulating the expression of components along the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Tanshinone IIA inhibits the angiotensin II-induced activation of this pathway, and may, therefore, have preventive and therapeutic effects in liver fibrosis.

TGF-β1 modulates matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression in hepatic stellate cells by complex mechanisms involving p38MAPK, PI3-kinase, AKT, and p70S6k

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (5) ◽  
pp. G974-G987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen G. Lechuga ◽  
Zamira H. Hernández-Nazara ◽  
José-Alfredo Domínguez Rosales ◽  
Elena R. Morris ◽  
Ana Rosa Rincón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Type I ◽  
Collagen Mrna ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 ◽  
De Novo Protein Synthesis ◽  
Tgf Β1

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), the main cytokine involved in liver fibrogenesis, induces expression of the type I collagen genes in hepatic stellate cells by a transcriptional mechanism, which is hydrogen peroxide and de novo protein synthesis dependent. Our recent studies have revealed that expression of type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells is reciprocally modulated. Because TGF-β1 induces a transient elevation of α1(I) collagen mRNA, we investigated whether this cytokine was able to induce the expression of MMP-13 mRNA during the downfall of the α1(I) collagen mRNA. In the present study, we report that TGF-β1 induces a rapid decline in steady-state levels of MMP-13 mRNA at the time that it induces the expression of α1(I) collagen mRNA. This change in MMP-13 mRNA expression occurs within the first 6 h postcytokine administration and is accompanied by a twofold increase in gene transcription and a fivefold decrease in mRNA half-life. This is followed by increased expression of MMP-13 mRNA, which reaches maximal values by 48 h. Our results also show that this TGF-β1-mediated effect is de novo protein synthesis-dependent and requires the activity of p38MAPK, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, AKT, and p70S6k. Altogether, our data suggest that regulation of MMP-13 by TGF-β1 is a complex process involving transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

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