Recruitment of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) to the Fibroblast Cell Surface by Lysyl Hydroxylase 3 (LH3) Triggers Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Activation and Fibroblast Differentiation

Solid tumor growth triggers a wound healing response. Similar to wound healing, fibroblasts in the tumor stroma differentiate into myofibroblasts (also referred to as cancer-associated fibroblasts) primarily, but not exclusively, in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Myofibroblasts in turn enhance tumor progression by remodeling the stroma. Among proteases implicated in stroma remodeling, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-9, play a prominent role. Recent evidence indicates that MMP-9 recruitment to the tumor cell surface enhances tumor growth and invasion. In the present work, we addressed the potential relevance of MMP-9 recruitment to and activity at the surface of fibroblasts. We show that recruitment of MMP-9 to the fibroblast cell surface occurs through its fibronectin-like (FN) domain and that the molecule responsible for the recruitment is lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3). Functional assays suggest that both pro- and active MMP-9 trigger α-smooth muscle actin expression in cultured fibroblasts, reflecting myofibroblast differentiation, possibly as a result of TGF-β activation. Moreover, the recombinant FN domain inhibited both MMP-9-induced TGF-β activation and α-smooth muscle actin expression by displacing MMP-9 from the fibroblast cell surface. Together our results uncover LH3 as a new docking receptor of MMP-9 on the fibroblast cell surface and demonstrate that the MMP-9 FN domain is essential for the interaction. They also show that the recombinant FN domain inhibits MMP-9-induced TGF-β activation and fibroblast differentiation, providing a potentially attractive therapeutic reagent toward attenuating tumor progression where MMP-9 activity is strongly implicated.     

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor regulates joint capsule fibrosis by promoting TGF-β1 production in fibroblasts

Joint capsule fibrosis caused by excessive inflammation results in post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a key role in PTJC by regulating fibroblast functions, however, cytokine-induced TGF-β1 expression in specific cell types remains poorly characterized. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in inflammation- and fibrosis-associated pathophysiology. In this study, we investigated whether MIF can facilitate TGF-β1 production from fibroblasts and regulate joint capsule fibrosis following PTJC. Our data demonstrated that MIF and TGF-β1 significantly increased in fibroblasts of injured rat posterior joint capsules. Treatment the lesion sites with MIF inhibitor 4-Iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP) reduced TGF-β1 production and relieved joint capsule inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, MIF facilitated TGF-β1 expression in primary joint capsule fibroblasts by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (P38, ERK) signaling through coupling with membrane surface receptor CD74, which in turn affected fibroblast functions and promoted MIF production. Our results reveal a novel function of trauma-induced MIF in the occurrence and development of joint capsule fibrosis. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism may provide potential therapeutic targets for PTJC.     

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Reduces Islet Amyloid Formation by Degrading Islet Amyloid Polypeptide

Deposition of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) as amyloid is a pathological hallmark of the islet in type 2 diabetes, which is toxic to β-cells. We previously showed that the enzyme neprilysin reduces islet amyloid deposition and thereby reduces β-cell apoptosis, by inhibiting fibril formation. Two other enzymes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, are extracellular gelatinases capable of degrading another amyloidogenic peptide, Aβ, the constituent of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer disease. We therefore investigated whether MMP-2 and MMP-9 play a role in reducing islet amyloid deposition. MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were present in mouse islets but only MMP-9 activity was detectable. In an islet culture model where human IAPP (hIAPP) transgenic mouse islets develop amyloid but nontransgenic islets do not, a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM6001) and an MMP-2/9 inhibitor increased amyloid formation and the resultant β-cell apoptosis. In contrast, a specific MMP-2 inhibitor had no effect on either amyloid deposition or β-cell apoptosis. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that MMP-9 degraded amyloidogenic hIAPP but not nonamyloidogenic mouse IAPP. Thus, MMP-9 constitutes an endogenous islet protease that limits islet amyloid deposition and its toxic effects via degradation of hIAPP. Because islet MMP-9 mRNA levels are decreased in type 2 diabetic subjects, islet MMP-9 activity may also be decreased in human type 2 diabetes, thereby contributing to increased islet amyloid deposition and β-cell loss. Approaches to increase islet MMP-9 activity could reduce or prevent amyloid deposition and its toxic effects in type 2 diabetes.     

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) inhibits transforming growth factor-beta 2-induced increases in aqueous humor outflow resistance

Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) is highly concentrated in the aqueous humor of primary open-angle glaucoma patients. TGF-β2 causes fibrosis of outflow tissues, such as the trabecular meshwork (TM), and increases intraocular pressure by increasing resistance to aqueous humor outflow. Recently, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was investigated in fibrosis in various tissues, revealing that HDAC inhibitors suppress tissue fibrosis. However, the effect of HDAC inhibitors on fibrosis in the eye was not determined. Here, we investigated the effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an HDAC inhibitor, on TGF-β2-induced increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow. We found that SAHA suppressed TGF-β2-induced outflow resistance in perfused porcine eyes. Moreover, SAHA cotreatment suppressed TGF-β2-induced ocular hypertension in rabbits. The permeability of monkey TM (MTM) and Schlemm’s canal (MSC) cell monolayers was decreased by TGF-β2 treatment. SAHA inhibited the effects of TGF-β2 on the permeability of these cells. TGF-β2 also increased the expression of extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin and collagen type I or IV) in MTM, MSC, and human TM (HTM) cells, while SAHA inhibited TGF-β2-induced extracellular matrix protein expression in these cells. SAHA also inhibited TGF-β2-induced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, but did not inhibit Smad2/3 phosphorylation, the canonical pathway of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, SAHA induced the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, a PI3K/Akt signaling factor, as well as bone morphogenetic protein 7, an endogenous antagonist of TGF-β. These results imply that SAHA prevents TGF-β2-induced increases in outflow resistance and regulates the non-Smad pathway of TGF-β signaling in TM and MSC cells.     

Loss of α-Tubulin Acetylation Is Associated with TGF-β-induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which differentiated epithelial cells reprogram gene expression, lose their junctions and polarity, reorganize their cytoskeleton, increase cell motility and assume a mesenchymal morphology. Despite the critical functions of the microtubule (MT) in cytoskeletal organization, how it participates in EMT induction and maintenance remains poorly understood. Here we report that acetylated α-tubulin, which plays an important role in microtubule (MT) stabilization and cell morphology, can serve as a novel regulator and marker of EMT. A high level of acetylated α-tubulin was correlated with epithelial morphology and it profoundly decreased during TGF-β-induced EMT. We found that TGF-β increased the activity of HDAC6, a major deacetylase of α-tubulin, without affecting its expression levels. Treatment with HDAC6 inhibitor tubacin or TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 restored the level of acetylated α-tubulin and consequently blocked EMT. Our results demonstrate that acetylated α-tubulin can serve as a marker of EMT and that HDAC6 represents an important regulator during EMT process.     

Functional Characterization of a WWP1/Tiul1 Tumor-derived Mutant Reveals a Paradigm of Its Constitutive Activation in Human Cancer

Although E3 ubiquitin ligases are deemed to play key roles in normal cell function and homeostasis, whether their alterations contribute to cancer pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate potential mechanisms that govern WWP1/Tiul1 (WWP1) ubiquitin ligase activity, focusing on its ability to trigger degradation of TGFβ type I receptor (TβRI) in conjunction with Smad7. Our data reveal that the WWP1 protein is very stable at steady states because its autopolyubiquitination activity is silenced due to an intra-interaction between the C2 and/or WW and Hect domains that favors WWP1 monoubiquitination at the expense of its polyubiquitination or polyubiquitination of TβRI. Upon binding of WWP1 to Smad7, this functional interplay is disabled, switching its monoubiquitination activity toward a polyubiquitination activity, thereby driving its own degradation and that of TβRI as well. Intriguingly, a WWP1 point mutation found in human prostate cancer disrupts this regulatory mechanism by relieving the inhibitory effects of C2 and WW on Hect and thereby causing WWP1 hyperactivation. That cancer-driven alteration of WWP1 culminates in excessive TβRI degradation and attenuated TGFβ cytostatic signaling, a consequence that could conceivably confer tumorigenic properties to WWP1.     

β-cell Smad2 null mice have improved β-cell function and are protected from diet-induced hyperglycemia

Understanding signaling pathways that regulate pancreatic β-cell function to produce, store, and release insulin, as well as pathways that control β-cell proliferation, is vital to find new treatments for diabetes mellitus. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is involved in a broad range of β-cell functions. The canonical TGF-β signaling pathway functions through intracellular smads, including smad2 and smad3, to regulate cell development, proliferation, differentiation, and function in many organs. Here, we demonstrate the role of TGF-β/smad2 signaling in regulating mature β-cell proliferation and function using β-cell-specific smad2 null mutant mice. β-cell-specific smad2-deficient mice exhibited improved glucose clearance as demonstrated by glucose tolerance testing, enhanced in vivo and ex vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and increased β-cell mass and proliferation. Furthermore, when these mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce hyperglycemia, they again showed improved glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. In addition, ex vivo analysis of smad2-deficient islets showed that they displayed increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and upregulation of genes involved in insulin synthesis and insulin secretion. Thus, we conclude that smad2 could represent an attractive therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Cumulin,an Oocyte-secreted Heterodimer of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Family,Is a Potent Activator of Granulosa Cells and Improves Oocyte Quality

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are oocyte-specific growth factors with central roles in mammalian reproduction, regulating species-specific fecundity, ovarian follicular somatic cell differentiation, and oocyte quality. In the human, GDF9 is produced in a latent form, the mechanism of activation being an open question. Here, we produced a range of recombinant GDF9 and BMP15 variants, examined their in silico and physical interactions and their effects on ovarian granulosa cells (GC) and oocytes. We found that the potent synergistic actions of GDF9 and BMP15 on GC can be attributed to the formation of a heterodimer, which we have termed cumulin. Structural modeling of cumulin revealed a dimerization interface identical to homodimeric GDF9 and BMP15, indicating likely formation of a stable complex. This was confirmed by generation of recombinant heterodimeric complexes of pro/mature domains (pro-cumulin) and covalent mature domains (cumulin). Both pro-cumulin and cumulin exhibited highly potent bioactivity on GC, activating both SMAD2/3 and SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways and promoting proliferation and expression of a set of genes associated with oocyte-regulated GC differentiation. Cumulin was more potent than pro-cumulin, pro-GDF9, pro-BMP15, or the two combined on GC. However, on cumulus-oocyte complexes, pro-cumulin was more effective than all other growth factors at notably improving oocyte quality as assessed by subsequent day 7 embryo development. Our results support a model of activation for human GDF9 dependent on cumulin formation through heterodimerization with BMP15. Oocyte-secreted cumulin is likely to be a central regulator of fertility in mono-ovular mammals.     

Rapid Activation of Bone Morphogenic Protein 9 by Receptor-mediated Displacement of Pro-domains

By non-covalent association after proteolytic cleavage, the pro-domains modulate the activities of the mature growth factor domains across the transforming growth factor-β family. In the case of bone morphogenic protein 9 (BMP9), however, the pro-domains do not inhibit the bioactivity of the growth factor, and the BMP9·pro-domain complexes have equivalent biological activities as the BMP9 mature ligand dimers. By using real-time surface plasmon resonance, we could demonstrate that either binding of pro-domain-complexed BMP9 to type I receptor activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), type II receptors, co-receptor endoglin, or to mature BMP9 domain targeting antibodies leads to immediate and complete displacement of the pro-domains from the complex. Vice versa, pro-domain binding by an anti-pro-domain antibody results in release of the mature BMP9 growth factor. Based on these findings, we adjusted ELISA assays to measure the protein levels of different BMP9 variants. Although mature BMP9 and inactive precursor BMP9 protein were directly detectable by ELISA, BMP9·pro-domain complex could only be measured indirectly as dissociated fragments due to displacement of mature growth factor and pro-domains after antibody binding. Our studies provide a model in which BMP9 can be readily activated upon getting into contact with its receptors. This increases the understanding of the underlying biology of BMP9 activation and also provides guidance for ELISA development for the detection of circulating BMP9 variants.     

PAF enhances MMP-2 production in rat aortic VSMCs via a β-arrestin2-dependent ERK signaling pathway

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, is a potent phospholipid mediator and has been reported to be localized in atherosclerotic plaque. However, its role in the progression of atherosclerosis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of PAF in the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). When rat aortic primary VSMCs were stimulated with PAF (1 nmol/l), the expressions of MMP-2 mRNA and protein, but not of MMP-9, were significantly increased, and these upregulations were markedly attenuated by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) using molecular and pharmacological inhibitors, but not by using inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase or c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Likewise, ERK phosphorylation was markedly enhanced in PAF-stimulated VSMCs, and this was attenuated by WEB2086, but not by EGF receptor inhibitor, demonstrating the specificity of PAF receptor (PAFR) in PAF-induced ERK phosphorylation. In immunofluorescence studies, β-arrestin2 in PAF-stimulated VSMCs colocalized with PAFR and phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK). Coimmunoprecipitation results suggest that β-arrestin2-bound PAFRs existed as a complex with P-ERK. In addition, PAF-induced ERK phosphorylation and MMP-2 production were significantly attenuated by β-arrestin2 depletion. Taken together, the study shows that PAF enhances MMP-2 production in VSMCs via a β-arrestin2-dependent ERK signaling pathway.     

The Prodomain-bound Form of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 10 Is Biologically Active on Endothelial Cells

BMP10 is highly expressed in the developing heart and plays essential roles in cardiogenesis. BMP10 deletion in mice results in embryonic lethality because of impaired cardiac development. In adults, BMP10 expression is restricted to the right atrium, though ventricular hypertrophy is accompanied by increased BMP10 expression in a rat hypertension model. However, reports of BMP10 activity in the circulation are inconclusive. In particular, it is not known whether in vivo secreted BMP10 is active or whether additional factors are required to achieve its bioactivity. It has been shown that high-affinity binding of the BMP10 prodomain to the mature ligand inhibits BMP10 signaling activity in C2C12 cells, and it was proposed that prodomain-bound BMP10 (pBMP10) complex is latent. In this study, we demonstrated that the BMP10 prodomain did not inhibit BMP10 signaling activity in multiple endothelial cells, and that recombinant human pBMP10 complex, expressed in mammalian cells and purified under native conditions, was fully active. In addition, both BMP10 in human plasma and BMP10 secreted from the mouse right atrium were fully active. Finally, we confirmed that active BMP10 secreted from mouse right atrium was in the prodomain-bound form. Our data suggest that circulating BMP10 in adults is fully active and that the reported vascular quiescence function of BMP10 in vivo is due to the direct activity of pBMP10 and does not require an additional activation step. Moreover, being an active ligand, recombinant pBMP10 may have therapeutic potential as an endothelial-selective BMP ligand, in conditions characterized by loss of BMP9/10 signaling.     

Suppression of ADAM8 attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is involved in cardiac fibrosis induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8), a member of ADAMs family, participates in cell adhesion, proteolysis and various signaling. However, its effects on the development of cardiac fibrosis remain completely unknown. This study aimed to reveal whether ADAM8 aggravates cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II in vivo and in vitro. The C57BL/6J mice or cardiac endothelial cells were subjected to Ang II infusion to induce fibrosis. The results showed that systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly increased under Ang II infusion, and ADAM8 was up-regulated. ADAM8 inhibition attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction. ADAM8 knockdown suppressed Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis as evidenced by the down-regulation of CTGF, collagen I, and collagen III. In addition, the endothelial marker (VE-cadherin) was decreased, whilst mesenchymal markers (α-SMA and FSP1) were increased following Ang II infusion. However, ADAM8 repression inhibited Ang II-induced EndMT. Moreover, ADAM8 silencing repressed the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways. Consistent with the results in vivo, we also found the inhibitory effects of ADAM8 inhibition on EndMT in vitro. All data suggest that ADAM8 promotes Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis and EndMT via activating TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways.     

Overexpression of transforming growth factor type?III receptor restores TGF-β1 sensitivity in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells

The transforming growth factor type III receptor (TβRIII), also known as β-glycan, is a multi-functional sensor that regulates growth, migration and apoptosis in most cancer cells. We hereby investigated the expression of TβRIII in clinical specimens of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the underlying mechanism that TβRIII inhibits the growth of CAL-27 human oral squamous cells. The TSCC tissues showed a significant decrease in TβRIII protein expression as detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analysis. Transfection of TβRIII-containing plasmid DNA dramatically promoted TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml)-induced decrease in cell viability, apoptosis and cell arrest at the G₀-/G₁-phase. Moreover, transient overexpression of TβRIII enhanced the TGF-β1-induced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2b (CDKN2b) and p38 protein activity, but did not affect the activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) in CAL-27 cells. These results suggest overexpression of TβRIII receptor restored TGF-β1 sensitivity in CAL-27 cells, which may provide some new insights on exploiting this molecule therapeutically.     

TGF-β对肿瘤微环境中免疫监视及细胞外基质的调控作用

转化生长因子β(transforming growth factorβ,TGF-β)是一种多功能的细胞因子,能够调控细胞增殖、分化、黏附、迁移及凋亡等行为,在胚胎发育过程和成体组织稳态维持中发挥重要的作用。而在许多疾病状态下,特别是在癌症中,TGF-β不仅能够影响肿瘤细胞的增殖与转移,其对于肿瘤微环境的调控与塑造也受到越来越多的关注。肿瘤微环境是指肿瘤在发生和发展过程中所处的内环境,由肿瘤细胞本身、相邻正常组织中的间质细胞,以及这些细胞所释放的众多细胞因子等共同组成。肿瘤微环境是肿瘤发展的重要机制,也是肿瘤临床治疗领域亟待探索的关键问题。TGF-β是调节肿瘤微环境组成和功能的主要参与者之一。在本综述中,将着重讨论TGF-β对于肿瘤微环境中的免疫监视机制及肿瘤细胞外基质的主要影响。即TGF-β对于构成先天性和获得性抗肿瘤免疫应答的各种类群的免疫细胞具有广泛的调控作用,从而削弱宿主的肿瘤免疫监视功能。同时,TGF-β通过促进肿瘤相关成纤维细胞的产生,以及肿瘤细胞外基质的纤维化,有助于肿瘤的恶变和转移。此外,还介绍了通过阻断肿瘤微环境中TGF-β信号通路进行肿瘤治疗的主要策略及独特优势。而未来进一步解析TGF-β信号在肿瘤微环境中的复杂调控作用,并建立有效的靶向干预方法对于开发高效的抗肿瘤药物具有重要的意义。     

TGF-β1 expression is associated with invasion and metastasis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is involved in many physiologic processes, it often promotes metastasis, and its high expression is correlated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we analyzed the correlation between transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Results

We examined the expression of TGF-β1 in 78 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry and correlated the expression with clinicopathological parameters. TGF-β1 was expressed in 37 of 78 (47.4 %) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. The expression of TGF-β1 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumour recurrence. Patients with TGF-β1-positive tumours had significantly shorter survival time. In a multivariant analysis, the expression of TGF-β1 and the tumour stage were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that expression of TGF-β1 is a novel prognostic marker for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.