The ERK/CREB pathway is involved in the c-Ski expression induced by low TGF-β1 concentrations during primary fibroblast proliferation

Increasing evidence has suggested that bidirectional regulation of cell proliferation is one important effect of TGF-β1 in wound healing. Increased c-Ski expression plays a role in promoting fibroblast proliferation at low TGF-β1 concentrations, but the mechanism by which low TGF-β1 concentrations regulate c-Ski levels remains unclear. In this study, the proliferation of rat primary fibroblasts was assessed with an ELISA BrdU kit. The mRNA and protein expression and phosphorylation levels of corresponding factors were measured by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry or Western blotting. We first found that low TGF-β1 concentrations not only promoted c-ski mRNA and protein expression in rat primary fibroblasts but also increased the phosphorylation levels of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERK) and cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein. An ERK kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, MEK) inhibitor significantly inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels, markedly reducing c-Ski expression and CREB phosphorylation levels and abrogating the growth-promoting effect of low TGF-β1 concentrations. At the same time, Smad2/3 phosphorylation levels were not significantly changed. Taken together, these results suggest that the increased cell proliferation induced by low TGF-β1 concentrations mediates c-Ski expression potentially through the ERK/CREB pathway rather than through the classic TGF-β1/Smad pathway.     

c-Ski inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via suppressing Smad3 signaling but stimulating p38 pathway

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays key roles in the progression of intimal hyperplasia, but the molecular mechanisms that trigger VSMC proliferation after vascular injury remain unclear. c-Ski, a co-repressor of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling, was detected to express in VSMC of rat artery. During the course of arterial VSMC proliferation induced by balloon injury in rat, the endogenous protein expressions of c-Ski decreased markedly in a time-dependent manner. In vivo c-Ski gene delivery was found to significantly suppress balloon injury-induced VSMC proliferation and neointima formation. Further investigation in A10 rat aortic smooth muscle cells demonstrated that overexpression of c-Ski gene inhibited TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml)-induced A10 cell proliferation while knockdown of c-Ski by RNAi enhanced the stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on A10 cell growth. Western blot for signaling detection showed that suppression of Smad3 phosphorylation while stimulating p38 signaling associated with upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 was responsible for the inhibitory effect of c-Ski on TGF-β1-induced VSMC proliferation. These data suggest that the decrease of endogenous c-Ski expression is implicated in the progression of VSMC proliferation after arterial injury and c-Ski administration represents a promising role for treating intimal hyperplasia via inhibiting the proliferation of VSMC.     

TGF-beta1-mediated fibroblast-myofibroblast terminal differentiation-the role of Smad proteins

It is now clear that resident myofibroblasts play a central role in the mediation of tissue fibrosis. The aim of the work outlined in this study is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms which drive the phenotypic and functional changes associated with the differentiation process. We have used an in vitro model of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-induced pulmonary fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation to examine the role of the TGF-beta1 Smad protein signaling intermediates, in alterations of fibroblast phenotype and function associated with terminal differentiation. TGF-beta1 induced marked alteration in cell phenotype, such that cells resembled "epithelioid-postmitotic fibroblasts." This was associated with marked reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and upregulation of alphaSMA gene expression. TGF-beta1 stimulation also induced alphaSMA protein expression with increased incorporation of alphaSMA into stress fibers. Following stimulation with TGF-beta1, subsequent addition of serum-free medium did not reverse TGF-beta1-induced morphological change, suggesting that TGF-beta1 induced a relatively stable alteration in fibroblast cell phenotype. Functionally, these phenotypic changes were associated with induction of type I, type III, and type IV collagen gene expression and an increase in the concentrations of the respective collagens in the cell culture supernatant. The role of Smad proteins in terminal differentiation of fibroblasts was examined by transfection of cells, with expression vectors for the TGFbeta1 receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) or the co-Smad, Smad 4. Transfection with Smad2 but not Smad3 resulted in TGF-beta1 independent alteration in fibroblast cell phenotype, up-regulation of alphaSMA mRNA and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Transfection with Smad4 also induced alteration in cell phenotype, although this was not as pronounced as the effect of overexpression of Smad2. Overexpression of the Smad2, Smad3, or Smad4 proteins was associated with increased production of all collagen types. The study suggests that the phenotypic and functional changes associated with TGF-beta1-induced fibroblast terminal differentiation are differentially regulated by Smad proteins.     

Involvement of the c-Ski oncoprotein in cell cycle arrest and transformation during nurse cell formation after Trichinella spiralis infection

The role of c-Ski, an oncoprotein encoded by the oncogene, c-ski, in Trichinella spiralis-infected muscle tissues during nurse cell formation, was investigated by following the expression kinetics and distribution of c-Ski (both protein and mRNA) in the infected muscle cell, as well as the expression kinetics of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway factor genes (TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad4) which cooperate with c-Ski. Immunohistochemical analysis using an anti-c-Ski antibody indicated that in the early stages of infection (13 and 18 days post-infection (p.i.)) the increased expression of the c-Ski protein was limited to the eosinophilic cytoplasm and not the enlarged nuclei or basophilic cytoplasm. At a later stage of infection (23 and 28 days p.i.) the c-Ski protein was limited to the enlarged nuclei in the basophilic cytoplasm, rather than the eosinophilic cytoplasm. At 48 days p.i., the c-Ski protein was barely detectable. Real-time PCR analysis showed that expression of the c-ski gene increased from 13 days p.i., reached a peak at 23-28 days p.i. and then decreased to a low level by 48 days p.i. Expression kinetics for the TGF-beta signaling pathway factor genes (TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad4) were similar to that of c-ski. These findings provide evidence that the c-Ski protein is involved in nurse cell formation through the TGF-beta signaling pathway process in the host cell nucleus.     

Modulation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling by endogenous sphingolipid mediators

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional growth factor that plays a critical role in tissue repair and fibrosis. Sphingolipid signaling has been shown to regulate a variety of cellular processes and has been implicated in collagen gene regulation. The present study was undertaken to determine whether endogenous sphingolipids are involved in the TGF-beta signaling pathway. TGF-beta treatment induced endogenous ceramide levels in a time-dependent manner within 5-15 min of cell stimulation. Using human fibroblasts transfected with a alpha2(I) collagen promoter/reporter gene construct (COL1A2), C(6)-ceramide (10 microm) exerted a stimulatory effect on basal and TGF-beta-induced activity of this promoter. Next, to define the effects of endogenous sphingolipids on TGF-beta signaling we employed ectopic expression of enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism. Sphingosine 1-phosphate phosphatase (YSR2) stimulated basal COL1A2 promoter activity and cooperated with TGF-beta in activation of this promoter. Furthermore, overexpression of YSR2 resulted in the pronounced increase of COL1A1 and COL1A2 mRNA levels. Conversely, overexpression of sphingosine kinase (SPHK1) inhibited basal and TGF-beta-stimulated COL1A2 promoter activity. These results suggest that endogenous ceramide, but not sphingosine or sphingosine 1-phosphate, is a positive regulator of collagen gene expression. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Smad3 is a target of YSR2. TGF-beta-induced Smad3 phosphorylation was elevated in the presence of YSR2. Cotransfection of YSR2 with wild-type Smad3, but not with the phosphorylation-deficient mutant of Smad3 (Smad3A), resulted in a dramatic increase of COL1A2 promoter activity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a direct role for the endogenous sphingolipid mediators in regulating the TGF-beta signaling pathway.     

Smad3 mediates TGF-beta1-induced collagen gel contraction by human lung fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a key mediator in tissue repair and fibrosis. Using small interference RNA (siRNA), the role of Smad2 and Smad3 in TGF-beta stimulation of human lung fibroblast contraction of collagenous matrix and induction of alpha-SMA and the role of alpha-SMA in contraction were assessed. HFL-1 cells were transfected with Smad2, Smad3 or control-siRNA, and cultured in floating Type I collagen gels +/- -TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 augmented gel contraction in Smad2-siRNA- and control-siRNA-treated cells, but had no effect in Smad3-siRNA-treated cells. Similarly, TGF-beta1 upregulated alpha-SMA in Smad2-siRNA- and control-siRNA-treated cells, but had no effect on Smad3-siRNA-treated cells. Alpha-SMA-siRNA-treated cells did not contact the collagen gels with or without TGF-beta1, suggesting alpha-SMA is required for gel contraction. Thus, Smad3 mediates TGF-beta1-induced contraction and alpha-SMA induction in human lung fibroblasts. Smad3, therefore, could be a target for blocking contraction of human fibrotic tissue induced by TGF-beta1.     

Hyaluronan facilitates transforming growth factor-beta1-mediated fibroblast proliferation

This study aims to understand the role of the matrix polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) in influencing fibroblast proliferation and thereby affecting wound healing outcomes. To determine mechanisms that underlie scarred versus scar-free healing, patient-matched dermal and oral mucosal fibroblasts were used as models of scarring and non-scarring fibroblast phenotypes. Specifically, differences in HA generation between these distinct fibroblast populations have been examined and related to differences in transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1))-dependent proliferative responses and Smad signaling. There was a differential growth response to TGF-beta(1), with it inducing proliferation in dermal fibroblasts but an anti-proliferative response in oral fibroblasts. Both responses were Smad3-dependent. Furthermore, the two fibroblast populations also demonstrated differences in their HA regulation, with dermal fibroblasts generating increased levels of HA, compared with oral fibroblasts. Inhibition of HA synthesis in dermal fibroblasts was shown to abrogate the TGF-beta(1)-mediated induction of proliferation. Inhibition of HA synthesis also led to an attenuation of Smad3 signaling in dermal fibroblasts. Microarray analysis demonstrated no difference in the genes involved in TGF-beta(1) signaling between dermal and oral fibroblasts, whereas there was a distinct difference in the pattern of genes involved in HA regulation. In conclusion, these two distinct fibroblast populations demonstrate a differential proliferative response to TGF-beta(1), which is associated with differences in HA generation. TGF-beta(1) regulates proliferation through Smad3 signaling in both fibroblast populations; however, it is the levels of HA generated by the cells that influence the outcome of this response.     

Distinct roles of Smad2-, Smad3-, and ERK-dependent pathways in transforming growth factor-beta1 regulation of pancreatic stellate cellular functions

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) regulates PSC activation and proliferation in an autocrine manner. The intracellular signaling pathways of the regulation were examined in this study. Immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry revealed that Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 were functionally expressed in PSCs. Adenovirus-mediated expression of Smad2, Smad3, or dominant-negative Smad2/3 did not alter TGF-beta(1) mRNA expression level or the amount of autocrine TGF-beta(1) peptide. However, expression of dominant-negative Smad2/3 inhibited PSC activation and enhanced their proliferation. Co-expression of Smad2 with dominant-negative Smad2/3 restored PSC activation inhibited by dominant-negative Smad2/3 expression without changing their proliferation. By contrast, co-expression of Smad3 with dominant-negative Smad2/3 attenuated PSC proliferation enhanced by dominant-negative Smad2/3 expression without altering their activation. Exogenous TGF-beta(1) increased TGFbeta(1) mRNA expression in PSCs. However, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1), inhibited ERK activation by TGF-beta(1), and consequently attenuated TGF-beta(1) enhancement of its own mRNA expression in PSCs. We propose that TGF-beta(1) differentially regulates PSC activation, proliferation, and TGF-beta(1) mRNA expression through Smad2-, Smad3-, and ERK-dependent pathways, respectively.     

Platelet-derived growth factor BB modulates PCNA protein synthesis partially through the transforming growth factor beta signalling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells.

PDGF-BB (Platelet-derived growth factor BB) and TGF-beta1(transforming growth factor beta1) are important growth factors in the modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression in VSMCs. PCNA expresses at a high level in proliferating cells. The present study aims to assess the effects of PDGF-BB-induced overexpression of TGF-beta1 on PCNA in VSMCs. The downstream proteins of the TGF-beta signalling system in VSMCs, including TGF-beta type I receptor (ALK-5 in VSMCs), Smurf2, Smad2, pSmad2/3, Smad4, and Smad7, were also investigated. Our results revealed that PDGF-BB significantly increased the expressions of TGF-beta1 and PCNA, and the increase in PCNA can be partially inhibited by neutralizing anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. Furthermore, PDGF-BB increased the expression of ALK-5, Smurf2, pSmad2/3, and Smad4, but lowered the levels of Smad2 and Smad7; these alterations were partially restored by neutralizing anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. These findings suggest that PDGF-BB promotes PCNA expression in VSMCs partially through TGF-beta1 overexpression, and that the TGF-beta signalling system involves the molecular mechanism of PDGF-BB in VSMCs.     

Polarity of response to transforming growth factor-beta1 in proximal tubular epithelial cells is regulated by beta-catenin

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-mediated loss of proximal tubular epithelial cell-cell interaction is regulated in a polarized fashion. The aim of this study was to further explore the polarity of the TGF-beta1 response and to determine the significance of R-Smad-beta-catenin association previously demonstrated to accompany adherens junction disassembly. Smad3 signaling response to TGF-beta1 was assessed by activity of the Smad3-responsive reporter gene construct (SBE)(4)-Lux and by immunoblotting for phospho-Smad proteins. Similar results were obtained with both methods. Apical application of TGF-beta1 led to increased Smad3 signaling compared with basolateral stimulation. Association of Smad proteins with beta-catenin was greater following basolateral TGFbeta-1 stimulation, as was the expression of cytoplasmic Triton-soluble beta-catenin. Inhibition of beta-catenin expression by small interfering RNA augmented Smad3 signaling. Lithium chloride, a GSK-3 inhibitor, increased expression of beta-catenin and attenuated TGF-beta1-dependent Smad3 signaling. Lithium chloride did not influence degradation of Smad3 but resulted in decreased nuclear translocation. Smad2 activation as assessed by Western blot analysis and activity of the Smad2-responsive reporter constructs ARE/MF1 was also greater following apical as compared with basolateral TGFbeta-1 stimulation, suggesting that this is a generally applicable mechanism for the regulation of TGF-beta1-dependent R-Smads. Caco-2 cells are a colonic carcinoma cell line, with known resistance to the anti-proliferative effects of TGF-beta1 and increased expression of beta-catenin. We used this cell line to address the general applicability of our observations. Inhibition of beta-catenin in this cell line by small interfering RNA resulted in increased TGF-beta1-dependent Smad3 phosphorylation and restoration of TGF-beta1 anti-proliferative effects.     

Adipocytes recognize and degrade oxidized low density lipoprotein through CD36

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in controlling critical cellular activities including proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix production, and apoptosis. TGF-beta signals are mediated by a family of Smad proteins, of which Smad2 and Smad3 are downstream intracellular targets of serine/threonine kinase receptors of TGF-beta. Although Smad2 and Smad3 are crucial for TGF-beta signaling, little is known about the regulation of their expression. In this study, we investigated the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 in an in vivo animal model of lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin. We found that the expression of Smad3 was regulated in lungs during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The decline of Smad3 mRNA was evident at day three of post-bleomycin instillation and the expression of Smad3 continually decreased during the reparative phase of lung injury (days 8 and 12), whereas the expression of Smad2 showed little change after bleomycin administration. We further investigated whether the expression of Smad3 was regulated by TGF-beta in an in vitro lung fibroblast culture system. Our results show an immediate translocation of Smad3 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and a delayed down-regulation of Smad3 mRNA by TGF-beta in lung fibroblasts. These studies provide direct evidence for a differential regulation of Smad3 expression that is distinct from that of Smad2 during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and suggest a ligand-induced negative feedback loop that modulates cellular TGF-beta signaling.     

Accelerated re-epithelialization in beta3-integrin-deficient- mice is associated with enhanced TGF-beta1 signaling

The upregulation of TGF-beta1 and integrin expression during wound healing has implicated these molecules in this process, but their precise regulation and roles remain unclear. Here we report that, notably, mice lacking beta(3)-integrins show enhanced wound healing with re-epithelialization complete several days earlier than in wild-type mice. We show that this effect is the result of an increase in TGF-beta1 and enhanced dermal fibroblast infiltration into wounds of beta(3)-null mice. Specifically, beta(3)-integrin deficiency is associated with elevated TGF-beta receptor I and receptor II expression, reduced Smad3 levels, sustained Smad2 and Smad4 nuclear localization and enhanced TGF-beta1-mediated dermal fibroblast migration. These data indicate that alpha(v)beta(3)-integrin can suppress TGF-beta1-mediated signaling, thereby controlling the rate of wound healing, and highlight a new mechanism for TGF-beta1 regulation by beta(3)-integrins.