scholarly journals Protein Expression Profile in Rat Silicosis Model Reveals Upregulation of PTPN2 and Its Inhibitory Effect on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Dephosphorylation of STAT3

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1189
Author(s):  
Ying Zhu ◽  
Jingxin Yao ◽  
Yuxia Duan ◽  
Hong Xu ◽  
Qiyun Cheng ◽  
...  

Silicosis is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of crystalline silica particulates. We created a rat model that closely approximates the exposure and development of silicosis in humans. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technologies we used to identify proteins differentially expressed in activated rat lung tissue. We constructed three lentiviral knockdown vectors and an overexpression vector for the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene to achieve stable long-term expression. A total of 471 proteins were differentially expressed in the silicosis group compared with controls. Twenty upregulated, and eight downregulated proteins exhibited a ≥1.5-fold change relative to controls. We next found that the PTPN2, Factor B, and VRK1 concentrations in silicotic rats silicosis and SiO2-stimulated MLE-12 cells were significantly higher than control groups. More importantly, we found that overexpression of PTPN2 simultaneously decreased the expression of phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and Vimentin, while increasing E-cadherin expression. The opposite pattern was observed for PTPN2-gene silencing. We identified three proteins with substantially enhanced expression in silicosis. Our study also showed that PTPN2 can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by dephosphorylating STAT3 in silicosis fibrosis.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Jia ◽  
Abhijeet Deshmukh ◽  
Sendurai A. Mani ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly ◽  
Herbert Levine

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) often plays a critical role in cancer metastasis and chemoresistance, and decoding its dynamics is crucial to design effective therapeutics. EMT is regulated at multiple levels transcriptional, translational, protein stability, and epigenetics; the mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation can alter the dynamics of EMT remain elusive. Here, to identify the possible effects of epigenetic regulation in EMT, we incorporate a feedback term in our previously proposed model of EMT regulation of the miR 200/ZEB/miR 34/SNAIL circuit. This epigenetic feedback that stabilizes long-term transcriptional activity can alter the relative stability and distribution of states in a given cell population, particularly when incorporated in the inhibitory effect on miR 200 from ZEB. This feedback can stabilize the mesenchymal state, thus making transitions out of that state difficult. Conversely, epigenetic regulation of the self activation of ZEB has only minor effects. Our model predicts that this effect could be seen in experiments, when epithelial cells are treated with an external EMT inducing signal for a sufficiently long period of time and then allowed to recover. Our preliminary experimental data indeed shows that a prolonged TGF beta; exposure gives rise to increasing difficult reversion back to the epithelial state. Thus, this integrated theoretical experimental approach yields insights into how an epigenetic feedback may alter the dynamics of EMT.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1742
Author(s):  
Hélène Barthel ◽  
Christian Darne ◽  
Laurent Gaté ◽  
Athanase Visvikis ◽  
Carole Seidel

In the field of nanotechnology, the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is growing. Pulmonary exposure during their production, use, and handling is raising concerns about their potential adverse health effects. The purpose of this study is to assess how the physical characteristics of MWCNTs, such as diameter and/or length, can play a role in cellular toxicity. Our experimental design is based on the treatment of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) for six weeks with low concentrations (0.125–1 µg/cm2) of MWCNTs having opposite characteristics: NM-403 and Mitsui-7. Following treatment with both MWCNTs, we observed an increase in mitotic abnormalities and micronucleus-positive cells. The cytotoxic effect was delayed in cells treated with NM-403 compared to Mitsui-7. After 4–6 weeks of treatment, a clear cellular morphological change from epithelial to fibroblast-like phenotype was noted, together with a change in the cell population composition. BEAS-2B cells underwent a conversion from the epithelial to mesenchymal state as we observed a decrease in the epithelial marker E-cadherin and an increased expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Fibronectin. After four weeks of recovery, we showed that the induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition is reversible, and that the degree of reversibility depends on the MWCNT.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Sabrina Daniela da Silva ◽  
Fabio Albuquerque Marchi ◽  
Jie Su ◽  
Long Yang ◽  
Ludmila Valverde ◽  
...  

Invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often ulcerated and heavily infiltrated by pro-inflammatory cells. We conducted a genome-wide profiling of tissues from OSCC patients (early versus advanced stages) with 10 years follow-up. Co-amplification and co-overexpression of TWIST1, a transcriptional activator of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1), a major chemotactic agent for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), were observed in metastatic OSCC cases. The overexpression of these markers strongly predicted poor patient survival (log-rank test, p = 0.0035 and p = 0.0219). Protein analysis confirmed the enhanced expression of TWIST1 and CSF1 in metastatic tissues. In preclinical models using OSCC cell lines, macrophages, and an in vivo matrigel plug assay, we demonstrated that TWIST1 gene overexpression induces the activation of CSF1 while TWIST1 gene silencing down-regulates CSF1 preventing OSCC invasion. Furthermore, excessive macrophage activation and polarization was observed in co-culture system involving OSCC cells overexpressing TWIST1. In summary, this study provides insight into the cooperation between TWIST1 transcription factor and CSF1 to promote OSCC invasiveness and opens up the potential therapeutic utility of currently developed antibodies and small molecules targeting cancer-associated macrophages.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beau J. Fenner ◽  
Nur Zahirah B. M. Yusoff ◽  
Matthias Fuest ◽  
Lei Zhou ◽  
Francisco Bandeira ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Human corneal stromal keratocytes propagated in culture media supplemented with human amnion extract (AME) can correct early corneal haze in an animal model. Clinical application of cultivated keratocytes is limited by infectious disease screening before amnion products can be used in humans. It remains unclear if AME from cryopreserved versus fresh human amnion can support human keratocyte propagation, and which components of the extract promote keratocyte growth. Methods Three placentas were collected for the preparation of fresh and cryopreserved amnion tissues followed by homogenization and protein extraction. AME protein profiles were studied using isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics. Enriched gene ontology (GO) terms and functional classes were identified. Primary human keratocytes from 4 donor corneas were cultured in media supplemented with fresh AME (F-AME) or cryopreserved AME (C-AME). Cell viability, proliferation and keratocyte marker expression were examined by confocal immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Results AME proteomics revealed 1385 proteins with similar expression levels (between 0.5- and 2-fold) between F- and C-AME, while 286 proteins were reduced (less than 0.5-fold) in C-AME. Enriched GO term and biological pathway analysis showed that those proteins with comparable expression between F-AME and C-AME were involved in cell metabolism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, focal adhesion, cell-extracellular matrix interaction, cell stress regulation and complement cascades. Human corneal stromal keratocytes cultured with F-AME or C-AME showed similar morphology and viability, while cell proliferation was mildly suppressed with C-AME (P > 0.05). Expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1) and CD34 was similar in both cultures. Conclusion AME from cryopreserved amnion had limited influence on keratocyte culture. It is feasible to use protein extract from cryopreserved amnion to propagate human keratocytes for potential translational applications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Song ◽  
Yong Chen ◽  
Yunqian Li ◽  
Xiaoyan Lyu ◽  
Jiayue Cui ◽  
...  

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant intracranial tumor in adults. Despite continuous improvements in diagnosis and therapeutic method, the prognosis is still far away from expectations. The invasive phenotype of GBM is the main reason for the poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as a participator in this invasive phenotype. Resveratrol, a natural plant-derived compound, is reported to be able to regulate EMT. In the present study, we used TGF-β1 to induce EMT and aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on EMT and to explore the underline mechanism in GBM. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of EMT-related markers, stemness markers, and Smad-dependent signaling. Wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were performed to evaluate the migratory and invasive ability of GBM cells. Gliosphere formation assay was used to investigate the effect of resveratrol on the ability of self-renewal. Xenograft experiment was conducted to examine the effect of resveratrol on EMT and Smad-dependent signalingin vivo. Our data validated that resveratrol suppressed EMT and EMT-associated migratory and invasive ability via Smad-dependent signaling in GBM cells. We also confirmed that resveratrol obviously inhibited EMT-induced self-renewal ability of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and inhibited EMT-induced cancer stem cell markers Bmi1 and Sox2, suggesting that resveratrol is able to suppress EMT-generated stem cell-like properties in GBM cells. Furthermore, we also showed the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on EMT in xenograft experimentsin vivo. Overall, our study reveals that resveratrol suppresses EMT and EMT-generated stem cell-like properties in GBM by regulating Smad-dependent signaling and provides experimental evidence of resveratrol for GBM treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (12) ◽  
pp. 1309-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Liu ◽  
George Bayliss ◽  
Shougang Zhuang

Abstract Nintedanib, a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPK), inhibits both tyrosine kinase receptors and non-receptor kinases, and block activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and Src family kinases. Preclinical and clinical studies have revealed the potent anti-fibrotic effect of nintedanib in IPK in human and animal models. Recent preclinical studies have also demonstrated the inhibitory effect of nintedanib on the development and progression of tissue fibrosis in other organs, including liver, kidney, and skin. The anti-fibrotic actions of nintedanib occur through a number of mechanisms, including blocking differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis. In this article, we summarize the mechanisms and efficacy of nintedanib in the treatment of fibrotic diseases in animal models and clinical trials, provide an update on recent advances in the development of other novel antifibrotic agents in preclinical and clinical study, and offer our perspective about the possible clinical application of these agents in fibrotic diseases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fat-Moon Suk ◽  
Chao-Lien Liu ◽  
Ming-Hua Hsu ◽  
Yu-Ting Chuang ◽  
Jack P. Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Currently, sorafenib is the standard first-line drug for patients with advanced HCC. However, long-term exposure to sorafenib often results in reduced sensitivity of tumour cells to the drug, leading to acquired resistance. Therefore, developing new compounds to treat sorafenib resistance is urgently needed. Although benzimidazole and its derivatives have been reported to exert antimicrobial and antitumour effects, the anti-drug resistance potential of these molecules is still unknown. In this study, we established sorafenib-resistant (SR) cell lines and an acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model. We showed that treatment with a benzimidazole derivative bearing a pyrrolidine side chain (compound 9a) inhibited the proliferation of SR cells by blocking the phosphorylation of AKT, p70S6 and the downstream molecule RPS6. In addition, caspase 3/PARP-dependent apoptotic signals were induced in 9a-treated cells. Regarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activities, 9a treatment significantly suppressed the migration of SR cells. In particular, the levels of EMT-related transcription factors (snail, slug and twist) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin and N-cadherin) were downregulated. In the acquired sorafenib resistance xenograft model, compound 9a administration decreased the growth of tumours with acquired sorafenib resistance and the expression of the HCC markers α-fetoprotein, glypican 3 and survivin. In conclusion, treatment with this compound may be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with sorafenib resistance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Cushing ◽  
Pingping Kuang ◽  
Jining Lü

Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathological condition in which lungs become scarred due to the excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and structural alterations in the interstitium of lung parenchyma. Many patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) caused by long-term exposure to toxic substances, chronic infections, or autoimmune responses develop fibrosis. Etiologies for many ILDs are unknown, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating, relentless form of pulmonary fibrosis with a median survival of 2–3 years. Despite several decades of research, factors that initiate and sustain the fibrotic response in lungs remain unclear and there is no effective treatment to block progression of fibrosis. Here we summarize recent findings on the antifibrotic activity of miR-29, a small noncoding regulatory RNA, in the pathogenesis of fibrosis by regulating ECM production and deposition, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). We also describe interactions of miR-29 with multiple profibrotic and inflammatory pathways. Finally, we review the antifibrotic activity of miR-29 in animal models of fibrosis and highlight miR-29 as a promising therapeutic reagent or target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 463-463
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna Lichner ◽  
Carol Saleh ◽  
Venkateshwaran Subramaniam ◽  
Gerard Prud'homme ◽  
George M. Yousef

463 Background: Cancer cells may acquire stem cell (CSC) properties by activated TGFβ-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) axis resulting in formation of cancer stem cells. miRNAs are involved in CSC formation in solid tumors, but their role has not been investigated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: RCC spheres were generated and propagated in serum-free defined medium (SFDM). mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. miRNA expression was screened on a qRT-PCR based panel. Tumorigenicity was assessed by subcutaneous injection of RCC sphere or parental cells into immunodeficient mice in different dilutions. TargetScan and miRPath was used for target prediction and clustering. Results: We isolated self-renewing cancer spheres from ACHN and CAKI-1 RCC cell lines in the stem cell supporting media, SFDM. Spheres were highly clonogenic and tumorigenic in xenograft tumor model and expressed high levels of stem cell-related markers and mesenchymal markers. These spheres were enriched in the mesenchymal marker CD44 and the kidney progenitor maker CD24 indicating that EMT contributed to their formation or maintenance. We compared miRNA expression between the spheres and the parental cells and identified differentially expressed miRNAs. Functional clustering of their predicted targets indicates that TGFβ signaling is a potential regulator of CSC self-renewal and is regulated by the candidate miRNAs. Further, we show that transfection of ACHN and CAKI-1 cells with the miR-17 inhibitor resulted in rapid and highly efficient formation of cancer spheres that were indistinguishable from the spheres formed in SFDM. These spheres were stable and could be propagated indefinitely. Histologic examination and immunohistochemistry of the sphere-derived xenografts confirmed the presence of clear cell RCC with large areas of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation. Finally, we prove that the TGFβ receptor II, and the co-Smad Smad4 are possible direct targets of miR-17. Conclusions: The TGFβ-EMT axis likely contributes to the self-renewing potential of RCC spheres. miRNAs are differentially expressed in RCC spheres and miR-17 inhibition transformed ccRCC cells to highly tumorigenic RCC spheres.


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