EGFR信号通路在SiO2诱导肺上皮细胞间质转化中的作用机制

目的：在二氧化硅（SiO2）刺激下可引起肺部一系列的炎症反应及其伴随相关的成纤维细胞增殖,然而EGFR信号通路可维持细胞增殖、分化和凋亡的平衡,因此,我们可以设想EGFR信号通路是否在肺纤维化的发生发展中起到重要的作用。本实验探讨SiO2是否能诱导人肺上皮细胞（A549）发生上皮间质转化,并且研究EGFR信号通路在矽肺纤维化中的作用机制。方法：以A549为研究对象,用0（对照组）、50、100、200μg／mlSiO2孵育A549,作用48h后于倒置显微镜观察细胞形态学改变,并收集不同时段细胞,采用实时荧光定量PCR（RT-PCR）检测E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）mRNA表达变化,细胞免疫荧光方法检测E-cadllerin、α-SMA及信号转导蛋白EGFR表达的变化。结果：倒置显微镜观察A549经SiO2处理后细胞形态由鹅卵石状转变为纺锤型或梭型,形态似成纤维细胞,随着SiO2浓度的升高,E-cadmRNA和蛋白表达逐渐下调,在200μg／ml组表达最低,α-SMAmRNA和蛋白表达逐渐上调,200μg／ml组α-SMA表达最高;EGFR蛋白表达上调;50、100、200μg／ml与对照组的差异具有统计学学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：SiO2可诱导肺上皮细胞向间质细胞转化,其机制可能与EGFR信号通路有关。     

bFGF 诱导肺腺癌细胞系A549 上皮间质转化

目的:探讨上皮间质转化(epithelial-mesenchymal transition,EMT)过程在肺癌侵袭转移中的作用。方法:体外培养A549细胞,以bFGF(10ng/ml)进行干预后,倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态学变化;间接免疫荧光观察上皮细胞标志物E-cadherin和间质细胞标志物vimentin蛋白表达的变化;采用细胞划痕试验检测bFGF对A549细胞迁移能力的影响;采用transwell小室试验检测bFGF对A549细胞侵袭能力的影响。结果:bFGF(10ng/ml)干预后,在倒置相差显微镜下观察,A549细胞形态变成了梭形,形态如同成纤维细胞。间接免疫荧光显示A549细胞E-cadherin表达随时间延长逐渐减弱,而vimentin表达逐渐增强。细胞划痕试验显示,bFGF干预后细胞迁移能力提高。Transwell小室试验显示,bFGF干预后细胞侵袭能力提高。结论:bFGF在体外诱导肺腺癌细胞系A549细胞发生上皮间质转化,上皮间质转化是肺癌侵袭转移的重要机制之一。     

人脐带间充质干细胞外泌体抑制草酸及草酸钙诱导的HK-2细胞上皮间质转化

采用草酸及一水草酸钙(calcium oxalate monohydrate,COM)晶体诱导人近端肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2)发生上皮间质转化,同时采用超速离心法提取人脐带间充质干细胞外泌体(human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells exosome,huc MSC-Ex)用于干预间质化的HK-2细胞,探究外泌体对其纤维化的缓解作用。采用Western blot、透射电镜及NTA(nanoparticle tracking analysis)鉴定外泌体表面标志物及形态,采用MTT法观察外泌体对细胞活性的影响;免疫荧光双标法检测ZO-1及N-cadherin的表达;Western blot检测细胞上皮标志物E-cadherin和ZO-1、间质标志物N-Cadherin和α-SMA及相关信号通路蛋白TGF-β和Smad2的表达水平。结果显示,草酸和COM晶体可使HK-2细胞形态发生上皮间质转化,并降低上皮细胞标志物E-cadherin和ZO-1的表达,同时使HK-2细胞高表达间质标志物N-Cadherin和α-SMA并上调信号通路蛋白TGF-β和Smad2的表达。电镜下可观察到huc MSC-Ex形态呈双层膜,中空,圆形或椭圆形,并且阳性表达外泌体标志物Alix、CD63和TSG101蛋白,其粒径分布在80~300 nm之间。huc MSC-Ex预处理可显著提高暴露于草酸及COM晶体的HK-2细胞活性。降低HK-2细胞中N-Cadherin和α-SMA及信号通路蛋白TGF-β和Smad2的表达,恢复其上皮标志物E-cadherin和ZO-1蛋白的表达。该研究结果表明,huc MSC-Ex能够缓解草酸及COM晶体诱导的HK-2细胞损伤,同时抑制其上皮间质转化。     

靶向沉默HIF-1α信号通路抑制百草枯中毒诱导的肺泡上皮细胞上皮间质转化

目的:探讨HIF-1α信号通路在百草枯(paraquat,PQ)诱导大鼠Ⅱ型肺泡上皮细胞上皮间质转化(Epithelial-mesenchymal transition,EMT)中的作用机制。方法:使用20μmol/L浓度的百草枯溶剂对大鼠Ⅱ型肺泡上皮RLE-6TN细胞干预24 h,随后在倒置光学显微镜观察各组细胞形态学变化;用real-time PCR与Western blot法检测RLE-6TN细胞中HIF-1α、上皮表型标记蛋白E-cadherin及间质表型标记蛋白Vimentin的表达,Transwell侵袭实验检测各处理组细胞侵袭能力的改变;使用HIF-1α靶向si RNA抑制其表达后,进一步采用RT-PCR和Western blot检测HIF-1α、E-cadherin和Vimentin的表达水平,Transwell法检测细胞侵袭能力变化。结果:体外百草枯溶液可显著诱导大鼠Ⅱ型肺泡上皮细胞RLE-6TN细胞HIF-1α表达升高和上皮间质转化的发生,同时细胞的体外侵袭能力也增强。靶向沉默HIF-1α基因后,百草枯诱导的上皮间质转化过程被逆转,同时细胞侵袭能力显著减弱。结论:百草枯通过调控HIF-1α信号通路来诱导RLE-6TN细胞上皮间质转化的发生,进而促进肺纤维化的形成。     

LIMR参与了AF-1对A549细胞上皮间质转化的抑制作用

肺泡上皮细胞发生上皮间质转化(epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EMT)是肺纤维化时肺内肌成纤维细胞的主要来源之一,在肺纤维化的发生和发展过程中具有重要作用。已有研究表明子宫珠蛋白(uteroglobin, UG)的活性片段antiflammin-1(AF-1)能够有效地抑制博来霉素诱导的肺纤维化,然而,其作用机制尚未阐明。本研究利用细胞形态学检测和Western blot技术观察AF-1对转化生长因子β1 (transforming growth factor-β1, TGF-β1)诱导的A549细胞EMT的影响。结果显示,TGF-β1处理A549细胞后,α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)的表达明显上升而E-cadherin的表达显著下降,A549细胞由鹅卵石样上皮细胞向长梭形间质细胞转变。给予TGF-β1和AF-1共孵育细胞后,TGF-β1诱导A549细胞EMT的作用受到明显抑制。抗脂质运载蛋白相互作用膜受体(lipocalin interacting membrane receptor, LIMR)抗体或细胞外调节蛋白激酶(extracellular regulated protein kinases, ERK)信号通路阻断剂PD98059均能够减弱AF-1对TGF-β1诱导A549细胞EMT的抑制作用。上述结果表明,AF-1能够抑制TGF-β1诱导的A549细胞EMT转变,该作用有赖于LIMR及其下游ERK信号通路的参与。     

Napsin A基因对A549细胞在上皮-间质转化中增殖的影响及其机制

采用慢病毒载体质粒PLJM1将NapsinA基因转染到人肺腺癌细胞——A549细胞中,获得稳定表达Napsin A蛋白的特性并鉴定,通过转化生长因子-β1刺激A549细胞发生上皮-间质转化,体外构建上皮-间质转化模型并鉴定。MTT法检测转基因前后A549细胞在上皮-间质转化过程中生长速率的变化;流式细胞术检测其细胞周期的改变,最后予Western blot检测黏着斑激酶的表达情况,探讨Napsin A基因对A549细胞在上皮-间质转化过程中增殖的影响及其机制。结果表明转染后的A549细胞表达Napsin A蛋白明显增加(P<0.01);A549细胞发生上皮-间质转化后细胞E钙蛋白表达下调(P<0.01),Ⅰ型胶原表达上调(P<0.01);转基因细胞在体外上皮-间质转化模型中增殖速度减慢(P<0.05),且细胞周期被阻滞在G_1期(P<0.01),其表达整合素信号传导通路的基础分子——黏着斑激酶的量显著下降(P<0.01)。提示Napsin A基因可以抑制A549细胞在上皮-间质转化过程中的进一步增殖,其机制可能与抑制整合素信号传导通路有关。     

p~(38)MAPK在IL-18诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的作用

目的:白细胞介素18(IL-18)可诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化,本研究探讨其是否是通过p38MAPK途径而起作用。方法:应用不同浓度的p38MAPK通路特异性阻断剂SB203580(0、5、10、20μmol/L)预孵育人近端肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2细胞)30min后,加入IL-18(100ng/ml)共培养24、48、72h。应用RT-PCR法检测α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)mRNA的表达水平;应用ELISA法测定细胞浆中α-SMA蛋白质含量。结果:SB203580呈剂量依赖性地抑制IL-18诱导的HK-2细胞α-SMA基因表达(P0.05)。结论:p38MAPK通路是调控IL-18诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化的主要信号通路之一。     

Wnt/β-catenin信号途径在高糖诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的作用

目的探讨Wnt/β-catenin信号途径在高糖诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的作用。方法体外培养人近端肾小管上皮细胞（HKC）,分为正常糖组、甘露醇对照组及高糖组。采用免疫细胞化学观察β-连环蛋白（β-catenin）表达情况;Westernblot检测Wnt4、β-catenin、E-钙粘蛋白（E-cadherin）和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）表达水平;逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测Wnt4和β-cateninmRNA表达水平。结果高糖组较正常糖及渗透浓度对照组Wnt4蛋白及mRNA、α-SMA蛋白表达增高,E-cadherin表达降低,β-catenin总蛋白及mRNA水平无明显变化,细胞浆及核内蛋白表达增强。高糖刺激肾小管上皮细胞Wnt4及核β-catenin蛋白表达呈时间依赖性,于高糖刺激后12h增强,24h达到高峰。结论Wnt/β-catenin信号通路可能参与了高糖介导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化过程。     

大黄素对TGF-β1诱导的肾小管上皮细胞间质转分化的影响

目的:探讨大黄素对TGF-β1诱导的人肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2)间质转分化的影响。方法:不同浓度大黄素分别作用于TGF-β1诱导HK-2细胞24 h和48 h,通过细胞增殖实验确定最佳大黄素最佳给药浓度。TGF-β1诱导HK-2细胞24 h后收集细胞用于免疫印迹Western blot和实时荧光定量PCR(RT-PCR)分析。Western印迹法分别检测纤维化相关蛋白Collagen IV的表达,和肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转分化关键蛋白α-SMA和E-Cadherin的表达;RT-PCR法检测肾小管上皮细胞向间充质细胞转分化关键蛋白α-SMA的表达。结果:由细胞增殖实验结果表明40μM大黄素是最佳给药浓度。Western结果表明,与模型组相比,大黄素组下调纤维化相关蛋白Collagen IV的表达,大黄素组与模型组蛋白差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。与模型组相比,大黄素组下调α-SMA蛋白表达水平,而上调E-Cadherin蛋白表达,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。RT-PCR结果表明,与模型组相比,大黄素组降低α-SMA mRNA的含量,大黄素组与模型组α-SMA mRNA含量差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:大黄素可通过抑制TGF-β1诱导的HK-2细胞间质转分化,从而发挥延缓肾间质纤维化的过程。     

湿生扁蕾总口山酮对NCM460细胞间质转化的影响

该研究探究了湿生扁蕾总口山酮对人结肠上皮细胞(normal colon mucosa cell,NCM460)间质转化的影响。采用2.5 μg/mL脂多糖(LPS)诱导NCM460细胞14天建立间质转化模型,分别以湿生扁蕾总口山酮(GPX)及吡菲尼酮(PFD)进行干预,以免疫荧光(IF)和蛋白免疫印迹技术(WB)以及实时荧光定量转录聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)分别检测E-cadherin和Vimentin蛋白和mRNA的表达。结果显示,与正常对照组相比,模型对照组细胞中上皮细胞标志物E-cadherin蛋白和mRNA表达明显下调(P<0.01),间质细胞标志物Vimentin蛋白和mRNA表达明显上调(P<0.01),与模型组相比,E-cadherin的荧光强度与GPX剂量呈正相关,Vimentin荧光强度呈剂量依赖性降低。GPX中、高剂量组E-cadherin蛋白和mRNA表达上调,Vimentin蛋白和mRNA表达下调(P<0.01),以高剂量最为明显。研究表明,湿生扁蕾总口山酮能够有效抑制结肠上皮–间质转化,这为其进一步研究开发提供理论依据。     

Inhibition of mTORC1 induces loss of E-cadherin through AKT/GSK-3β signaling-mediated upregulation of E-cadherin repressor complexes in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Background

mTOR, which can form mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1) or mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) depending on its binding partners, is frequently deregulated in the pulmonary neoplastic conditions and interstitial lung diseases of the patients treated with rapalogs. In this study, we investigated the relationship between mTOR signaling and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) by dissecting mTOR pathways.

Methods

Components of mTOR signaling pathway were silenced by shRNA in a panel of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and protein expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers were evaluated by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. mRNA level of the E-cadherin repressor complexes were evaluated by qRT-PCR.

Results

IGF-1 treatment decreased expression of the E-cadherin and rapamycin increased its expression, suggesting hyperactivation of mTOR signaling relates to the loss of E-cadherin. Genetic ablation of rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (Rictor), a component of mTORC2, did not influence E-cadherin expression, whereas genetic ablation of regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (Raptor), a component of mTORC1, led to a decrease in E-cadherin expression at the mRNA level. Increased phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473 and GSK-3β at Ser9 were observed in the Raptor-silenced NSCLC cells. Of the E-cadherin repressor complexes tested, Snail, Zeb2, and Twist1 mRNAs were elevated in raptor-silenced A549 cells, and Zeb2 and Twist1 mRNAs were elevated in Raptor-silenced H2009 cells. These findings were recapitulated by treatment with the GSK-3β inhibitor, LiCl. Raptor knockdown A549 cells showed increased expression of N-cadherin and vimentin with mesenchymal phenotypic changes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, selective inhibition of mTORC1 leads to hyperactivation of the AKT/GSK-3β pathway, inducing E-cadherin repressor complexes and EMT. These findings imply the existence of a feedback inhibition loop of mTORC1 onto mTORC2 that plays a role in the homeostasis of E-cadherin expression and EMT, requiring caution in the clinical use of rapalog and selective mTORC1 inhibitors.     

Asbestos exposure induces alveolar epithelial cell plasticity through MAPK/Erk signaling

The inhalation of asbestos fibers is considered to be highly harmful, and lead to fibrotic and/or malignant disease. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a common pathogenic mechanism in asbestos associated fibrotic (asbestosis) and malignant lung diseases. The characterization of molecular pathways contributing to EMT may provide new possibilities for prognostic and therapeutic applications. The role of asbestos as an inducer of EMT has not been previously characterized. We exposed cultured human lung epithelial cells to crocidolite asbestos and analyzed alterations in the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal marker proteins and cell morphology. Asbestos was found to induce downregulation of E-cadherin protein levels in A549 lung carcinoma cells in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D cultures. Similar findings were made in primary small airway epithelial cells cultured in 3D conditions where the cells retained alveolar type II cell phenotype. A549 cells also exhibited loss of cell-cell contacts, actin reorganization and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in 2D cultures. These phenotypic changes were not associated with increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling activity. MAPK/Erk signaling pathway was found to mediate asbestos-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and alterations in cell morphology. Our results suggest that asbestos can induce epithelial plasticity, which can be interfered by blocking the MAPK/Erk kinase activity.     

Delphinidin inhibits epidermal growth factor-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), important cellular process in metastasis of primary tumors, is characterized by loss of their cell polarity, disruption of cell-cell adhesion, and gain certain properties of mesenchymal phenotype that enable migration and invasion. Delphinidin is a member of anthocyanidin belong to flavonoid groups, known as having pharmacological and physiological effects including anti-tumorigenic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic effects. However, the effects of delphinidin on EMT is rarely investigated. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known as a crucial inducer of EMT in various cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To determine whether delphinidin inhibits EGF-induced EMT in HCC cells, antiproliferative effect of delphinidin on Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. As a result, delphinidin inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Based on the result of proliferation, to measure the effects of delphinidin on EGF-induced EMT, we designated a proper concentration of delphinidin, which is not affected to cell proliferation. We found that delphinidin inhibits morphological changes from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype by EGF. Moreover, delphinidin increased the messenger RNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and decreased those of Vimentin and Snail in EGF-induced HCC cells. Also, delphinidin prevented motility and invasiveness of EGF-induced HCC cells through suppressing activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2, EGF receptor (EGFR), AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, our findings demonstrate that delphinidin inhibits EGF-induced EMT by inhibiting EGFR/AKT/ERK signaling pathway in HCC cells.     

Blockade of Hedgehog Signaling Synergistically Increases Sensitivity to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem-like cell (CSC) maintenance; both processes can result in tumor progression and treatment resistance in several types of human cancer. Hh cooperates with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in embryogenesis. We found that the Hh signaling pathway was silenced in EGFR-TKI-sensitive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, while it was inappropriately activated in EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells, accompanied by EMT induction and ABCG2 overexpression. Upregulation of Hh signaling through extrinsic SHH exposure downregulated E-cadherin expression and elevated Snail and ABCG2 expression, resulting in gefitinib tolerance (P < 0.001) in EGFR-TKI-sensitive cells. Blockade of the Hh signaling pathway using the SMO antagonist SANT-1 restored E-cadherin expression and downregulate Snail and ABCG2 in EGFR-TKI-resistant cells. A combination of SANT-1 and gefitinib markedly inhibited tumorigenesis and proliferation in EGFR-TKI-resistant cells (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that hyperactivity of Hh signaling resulted in EGFR-TKI resistance, by EMT introduction and ABCG2 upregulation, and blockade of Hh signaling synergistically increased sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs in primary and secondary resistant NSCLC cells. E-cadherin expression may be a potential biomarker of the suitability of the combined application of an Hh inhibitor and EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLCs.     

Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibition of inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Silicosis is a devastating occupational disease caused by long-term inhalation of silica particles, inducing irreversible lung damage and affecting lung function, without effective treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous subset of adult stem cells that exhibit excellent self-renewal capacity, multi-lineage differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a silica-induced rat model of pulmonary fibrosis. The rats were treated with BMSCs on days 14, 28 and 42 after perfusion with silica. Histological examination and hydroxyproline assays showed that BMSCs alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Results from ELISA and qRT-PCR indicated that BMSCs inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of rats exposed to silica particles. We also performed qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry to examine epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)–related indicators and demonstrated that BMSCs up-regulate E-cadherin and down-regulate vimentin and extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ. Additionally, BMSCs inhibited the silica-induced increase in TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 and decrease in Smad7. These results suggested that BMSCs can inhibit inflammation and reverse EMT through the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway to exhibit an anti-fibrotic effect in the rat silicosis model. Our study provides a new and meaningful perspective for silicosis treatment strategies.