Project description:Human NK cells activity against cancer cells is deeply suppressed by TGF-β1, an immunomodulatory cytokine that is released and activated in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, our previous data showed that TGF-β1 modifies the chemokine receptor repertoire of NK cells. In particular, it decreases the expression of CX3CR1 that drives these effectors toward peripheral tissues, including tumor sites. In order to identify possible mechanisms mediating chemokine receptors modulation, we analyzed the miRNA profile of TGF-β1-treated primary NK cells. The analysis pointed out miR-27a-5p as a possible modulator of CX3CR1. We demonstrated the functional interaction of miR-27a-5p with the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of CX3CR1 mRNA by two different experimental approaches: by the use of a luciferase assay based on a reporter construct containing the CX3CR1 3’UTR and by transfection of primary NK cells with a miR-27a-5p inhibitor. We also showed that the TGF-β1-mediated increase of miR-27a-5p expression is a consequence of miR-23a-27a-24-2 cluster induction. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-27a-5p down-regulates the surface expression of CX3CR1. Finally we showed that Neuroblastoma cells induced in resting NK cells a downregulation of the CX3CR1 expression that was paralleled by a significant increase of miR-27a-5p expression. Therefore, the present study highlights miR-27a-5p as a pivotal TGF-β1-induced regulator of CX3CR1 expression.
Project description:Th17 cells are known to exert pathogenic and non-pathogenic functions. Although the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is instrumental for Th17 cell differentiation, it is dispensable for generation of pathogenic Th17 cells. Here, we examined the T cell-intrinsic role of Activin-A, a TGF-β superfamily member closely related to TGF-β1, in pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation. Activin-A expression was increased in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Stimulation with interleukin-6 and Activin-A induced a molecular program that mirrored that of pathogenic Th17 cells and was inhibited by blocking Activin-A signaling. Genetic disruption of Activin-A and its receptor ALK4 in T cells impaired pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which was essential for pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation, was suppressed by TGF-β1-ALK5 but not Activin-A-ALK4 signaling. Thus, Activin-A drives pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation, implicating the Activin-A-ALK4-ERK axis as a therapeutic target for Th17 cell-related diseases.
Project description:These data show that the genes that distinguish myofibroblasts from fibroblasts are myriad, and that some genes not traditionally associated with myofibroblast differentiation may serve as novel therapeutic targets for fibrosing disorders. Gene expression levels were assessed from total RNA on the Affymetrix U219 microarray. Here, we use transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which has recently been shown to reverse myofibroblast differentiation, to investigate the transcriptomic changes that occur during TGF-β1-induced differentiation and PGE2-induced de-differentiation of myofibroblasts.
Project description:Background: Increased Galectin 3-binding protein (Lgals3bp) serum levels have been used to assess hepatic fibrosis stages and the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Considering the crucial role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the emergence of these diseases, the present study tested the hypothesis that Lgals3bp regulates the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Methods: The expression levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 were analyzed in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HCC. Multiple omics techniques, such as RNA-sequencing, transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing assay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics, were used to identify the regulatory mechanisms for the Lgals3bp-TGF-β1 axis. Moreover, the effects of altered TGF-β1 signaling in chronic inflammatory conditions were investigated in conditional Lgals3bp-knockin and Lgals3bp-knockout mice. Results: In patients with NASH and HCC, the levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 exhibited positive correlations. Stimulation of Lgals3bp by the inflammatory cytokine interferon α in HCC cells or ectopic overexpression of Lgals3bp in hepatocytes promoted the expression levels of TGFB1. Aggravated fibrosis was observed in the livers of hepatocyte-specific Lgals3bp knock-in mice, with increased TGF-β1 levels. Lgals3bp directly bound to and assembled integrin αV, an integral mediator required for releasing active TGF-β1 from extracellular latent complex with the rearranged F-actin cytoskeleton. The released TGF-β1 activated JunB transcription factor, which in turn promoted the TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. Lgals3bp deletion in the hepatocytes downregulated TGF-β1 signaling and CCl4 induced fibrosis. Finally, Lgals3bp depletion hindered hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting the availability of fibrogenic TGF-β1. Conclusion: Lgals3bp plays a crucial role in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis by controlling the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, making it a promising therapeutic target in TGF-β1-related diseases.
Project description:Background: Increased Galectin 3-binding protein (Lgals3bp) serum levels have been used to assess hepatic fibrosis stages and the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Considering the crucial role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the emergence of these diseases, the present study tested the hypothesis that Lgals3bp regulates the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Methods: The expression levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 were analyzed in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HCC. Multiple omics techniques, such as RNA-sequencing, transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing assay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics, were used to identify the regulatory mechanisms for the Lgals3bp-TGF-β1 axis. Moreover, the effects of altered TGF-β1 signaling in chronic inflammatory conditions were investigated in conditional Lgals3bp-knockin and Lgals3bp-knockout mice. Results: In patients with NASH and HCC, the levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 exhibited positive correlations. Stimulation of Lgals3bp by the inflammatory cytokine interferon α in HCC cells or ectopic overexpression of Lgals3bp in hepatocytes promoted the expression levels of TGFB1. Aggravated fibrosis was observed in the livers of hepatocyte-specific Lgals3bp knock-in mice, with increased TGF-β1 levels. Lgals3bp directly bound to and assembled integrin αV, an integral mediator required for releasing active TGF-β1 from extracellular latent complex with the rearranged F-actin cytoskeleton. The released TGF-β1 activated JunB transcription factor, which in turn promoted the TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. Lgals3bp deletion in the hepatocytes downregulated TGF-β1 signaling and CCl4 induced fibrosis. Finally, Lgals3bp depletion hindered hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting the availability of fibrogenic TGF-β1. Conclusion: Lgals3bp plays a crucial role in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis by controlling the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, making it a promising therapeutic target in TGF-β1-related diseases.
Project description:Background: Increased Galectin 3-binding protein (Lgals3bp) serum levels have been used to assess hepatic fibrosis stages and the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Considering the crucial role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the emergence of these diseases, the present study tested the hypothesis that Lgals3bp regulates the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Methods: The expression levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 were analyzed in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HCC. Multiple omics techniques, such as RNA-sequencing, transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing assay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics, were used to identify the regulatory mechanisms for the Lgals3bp-TGF-β1 axis. Moreover, the effects of altered TGF-β1 signaling in chronic inflammatory conditions were investigated in conditional Lgals3bp-knockin and Lgals3bp-knockout mice. Results: In patients with NASH and HCC, the levels of Lgals3bp and TGF-β1 exhibited positive correlations. Stimulation of Lgals3bp by the inflammatory cytokine interferon α in HCC cells or ectopic overexpression of Lgals3bp in hepatocytes promoted the expression levels of TGFB1. Aggravated fibrosis was observed in the livers of hepatocyte-specific Lgals3bp knock-in mice, with increased TGF-β1 levels. Lgals3bp directly bound to and assembled integrin αV, an integral mediator required for releasing active TGF-β1 from extracellular latent complex with the rearranged F-actin cytoskeleton. The released TGF-β1 activated JunB transcription factor, which in turn promoted the TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. Lgals3bp deletion in the hepatocytes downregulated TGF-β1 signaling and CCl4 induced fibrosis. Finally, Lgals3bp depletion hindered hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting the availability of fibrogenic TGF-β1. Conclusion: Lgals3bp plays a crucial role in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis by controlling the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, making it a promising therapeutic target in TGF-β1-related diseases.
Project description:Fibrotic diseases have significant health impact and have been associated with differentiation of the resident fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. In particular, stiffened extracellular matrix and TGF-β1 in fibrotic lesions have been shown to promote pathogenic myofibroblast activation and progression of fibrosis in various tissues. To better understand the roles of mechanical and chemical cues on myofibroblast differentiation and how they may crosstalk, we cultured primary valvular interstitial cells (VICs) isolated from porcine aortic valves and studied how traditional TCPS culture, which presents a non-physiologically stiff environment, and TGF-β1 affect native VIC phenotypes. We carried out gene expression profiling using porcine genome microarrays from Affymetrix and found that traditional TCPS culture induces major changes in gene expression of native VICs, rendering these cells more activated and similar to cells treated with TGF-β1. We also monitored time-dependent effects induced by TGF-β1 by examining gene expression changes induced by TGF-β1 at 8 hours and 24 hours. Porcine aortic VICs were isolated and cultured with or without TGF-β1 treatment for RNA extraction and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays. We included 3 biological replicates for each condition. P0 VICs were freshly isolated cells which had not been cultured. P2 VICs were cells that had been passaged 2 times and cultured on plastic plates in low serum media. Some of the P2 VICs were treated with TGF-β1 at 5ng/ml for 8 hours or 24 hours. All the control and TGF-β1-treated conditions were collected at the same time on day 3 of culture.
Project description:We report a novel licensing strategy to improve the immunosuppressive capacity of MSCs. Licensing murine MSCs with TGF-β1 (TGF-β MSC) significantly improved their ability to modulate both the phenotype and secretome of inflammatory bone marrow-derived macrophages and significantly increased the numbers of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) following co-culture assays. These TGF-β MSC-expanded Tregs also expressed significantly higher levels of PD-L1 and CD73, indicating enhanced suppressive potential. Detailed analysis of T lymphocyte co-cultures revealed modulation of secreted factors, most notably, elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, TGF-β MSCs could significantly prolong rejection-free survival (69.2% acceptance rate compared to 21.4% for un-licensed MSC treated recipients) in a murine corneal allograft model. Mechanistic studies revealed that (i) therapeutic efficacy of TGF-β MSCs is Smad2/3-dependent; (ii) TGF-β MSC’s enhanced immunosuppressive capacity is contact-dependent and (iii) enhanced secretion of PGE2 (via prostaglandin EP4 receptor) by TGF-β MSCs is the predominant mediator of Treg expansion and T cell activation and is associated with corneal allograft survival. Collectively, we provide compelling evidence for the use of TGF-β1 licensing as an unconventional strategy for enhancing MSC immunosuppressive capacity.
Project description:TGF-β1 is involved in various biological processes through downstream signals including SMAD, Akt, Erk, etc. TGF-β1 overexpressed by harmful stimuli can act as a causative factor in diseases such as accumulation of extracellular matrix and development of cancerous characteristics. Therefore, we sought to compare changes in expression of intracellular miRNAs to study diseases caused by TGF-β1. In our study, we aimed to discover therapeutic targets for TGF-β1-induced disease by investigating changes in miRNA expression and identifying the correlation between genes that can be regulated by miRNA.