ACS Omega
·
2025
·
IF 4.3
Mingmin Li,Liang Qi,Jin Huang,Haonan Li,Wei Cheng,Zihan Shi,Xianxing Jiang,Yifeng Zhou,Wanxiang Jiang
Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there is no effective drug for liver fibrosis. The peptide 6 (T6) is an endogenous peptide derived from human intrauterine adhesion tissues and has antifibrotic potential. Here, to improve the long-term efficacy and activity of T6, we conducted the rational modified of T6 through studying structure–activity, and synthesized a series of analogues. Among them, S6 and S6-FA exhibited optimal antihepatic fibrosis activity, and S6-FA had a stronger long-acting effect than T6 and S6. The two analogues inhibited the expression of α-SMA and Collagen 1 in TGF-β-induced LX2 cells model and CCl4-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis. Besides, we discovered that S6 and S6-FA remarkably reduced the AST and ALT serum levels. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that analogues inhibited liver fibrosis through inhibiting Erk, Smad and P65 pathways. This study provided that the novel peptide S6 and S6-FA is potential candidate compounds for treating liver fibrosis.
研究领域:
医学
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药理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B
·
2025
·
IF 14.6
Xuewen Yang,Yanwei Zhang,Xiaoping Leng,Yanying Wang,Manyu Gong,Dongping Liu,Haodong Li,Zhiyuan Du,Zhuo Wang,Lina Xuan,Ting Zhang,Han Sun,Xiyang Zhang,Jie Liu,Tong Liu,Tiantian Gong,Zhengyang Li,Shengqi Liang,Lihua Sun,Lei Jiao,Baofeng Yang,Ying Zhang
Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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分子生物学
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病理学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
·
2022
·
IF 4.271
Shuhong Guan,Hui Liu,Jun Zhou,Qiudi Zhang,Hui Bi
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced fibrotic changes in alveolar epithelium is a critical event in pulmonary fibrosis . Herein, we recognized that lncRNA mir-100-let-7a-2-mir-125b-1 cluster host gene (MIR100HG) was abnormally upregulated within human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue, bleomycin (BLM)-caused pulmonary fibrotic model mice and TGF-β1-stimulated mice type II alveolar epithelial cells. In vivo , MIR100HG knockdown attenuated BLM-caused lung fibrogenesis in mice; in vitro , MIR100HG knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic changes in mice type II alveolar epithelial cells. Through direct binding, MIR100HG knockdown upregulated microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) expression; through serving as competing endogenous RNA for miR-29a-3p, MIR100HG knockdown downregulated TGF-beta activated kinase 1/MAP3K7 binding protein 1 (Tab1) expression. Finally, under TGF-β1 stimulation, Tab1 knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic changes and partially attenuated the effects of miR-29a-3p inhibition. In conclusion, we demonstrated the aberrant upregulation of lncRNA MIR100HG in BLM-caused lung fibrogenesis and TGF-β1-stimulated MLE 12 cells. The MIR100HG/miR-29a-3p/Tab1 axis could modulate TGF-β1-induced fibrotic changes in type II alveolar epithelial cells and, thus, might be promising targets for pulmonary fibrosis therapy.
研究领域:
肺科学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
·
2018
·Vol. 46
·期 3
·1078-1090
·
IF 5.5
Zeng Xinliu,Yue Zhang,Gao Ying,Jiang Guosong,Zeng Fuqing,Shao Ying,Huang Jiayu,Yin Minuo,Li Yajie
Background/Aims: Excess fibrosis may lead to chronic pain, scarring, and infertility as endometriosis develops and progresses. The pathogenesis of endometriosis has been linked to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), the most potent promoter of fibrosis. Methods: Levels of NR4A1 and P-NR4A1 protein in human endometrial and endometriotic tissue were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of fibrotic markers in stromal cells were evaluated by real-time PCR. The degree of fibrosis in mouse endometriotic lesions was detected by Masson trichrome and Sirius red staining. Results: The level of phosphorylated-NR4A1 was higher in ovarian endometriotic tissue than in normal endometrium, and long-term TGF-β1 stimulation phosphorylated NR4A1 in an AKT-dependent manner and then promoted the expression of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, inhibition of NR4A1 in stromal cells increased the TGF-β1-dependent elevated expression of fibrotic markers, and loss of NR4A1 stimulated fibrogenesis in mice with endometriosis. Additionally, Cytosporone B (Csn-B), an NR4A1 agonist, effectively decreased the TGF-β1-dependent elevated expression of fibrotic markers in vitro and significantly inhibited fibrogenesis in vivo. Conclusion: NR4A1 can regulate fibrosis in endometriosis and may serve as a new target for the treatment of endometriosis
研究领域:
妇科学
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分子生物学
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病理生理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
·
2023
·
IF 6.7
Hewen Qian,Yuanqing Ding,Xingyu Deng,Weiwei Huang,Zhenzhen Li,Fengling Liu,Jie Zhang,Lihui Wang,Junping Liu,Yaxia Yuan,Shurong Hou,Xiabin Chen,Lei Ma
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe and progressive lung disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The c -Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 (JNK1), a key component of the MAPK pathway, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IPF and represents a potential therapeutic target. However, the development of JNK1 inhibitors has been slowed, partly due to synthetic complexity in medicinal chemistry modification. Here, we report a synthesis-accessibility-oriented strategy for designing JNK1 inhibitors based on computational prediction of synthetic feasibility and fragment-based molecule generation. This strategy led to the discovery of several potent JNK1 inhibitors, such as compound C6 (IC 50 = 33.5 nM), which exhibited comparable activity to the clinical candidate CC-90001 (IC 50 = 24.4 nM). The anti-fibrotic effect of C6 was further confirmed in animal model of pulmonary fibrosis . Moreover, compound C6 could be synthesized in only two steps, compared to nine steps for CC-90001 . Our findings suggest that compound C6 is a promising lead for further optimization and development as a novel anti-fibrotic agent targeting JNK1. In addition, the discovery of C6 also demonstrates the feasibility of synthesis-accessibility-oriented strategy in lead discovery.
研究领域:
药理学
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药物化学
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肺科学
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PubMed
高影响因子
FASEB JOURNAL
·
2021
·Vol. 35
·期 7
·e21497
·
IF 5.192
Sha Tu,Yanzhi Jiang,Haihua Cheng,Xiangning Yuan,Ying He,Yu Peng,Xiongqun Peng,Zhangzhe Peng,Lijian Tao,Huixiang Yang
Despite the increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis, the therapies to combat it remain inadequate. Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone agent able to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis in an experimental hepatic fibrosis model induced by dimethylnitrosamine. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be further elucidated. In light of the critical role of the NF-κB pathway in inflammation and hepatic fibrosis, together with the preliminary finding that AKF-PD decreases the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the endotoxemia and unilateral ureteral occlusion model, the aim of this study was to explore whether AKF-PD exerts an antifibrotic effect in hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. To test this possibility, the effect of AKF-PD on hepatic fibrosis models induced by both carbon tetrachloride (CCL 4 ) and porcine serum (PS) was investigated. Our results showed that AKF-PD treatment ameliorated hepatic injury and fibrosis in both models. Furthermore, the administration of AKF-PD induced a robust anti-inflammatory reaction revealed by the downregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines as well as the suppression of the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the fibrotic liver. The analysis of the mechanism of action demonstrated that the attenuation of the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines mediated by AKF-PD in vivo and in vitro were accompanied by the suppression in the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, AKF-PD might be considered as an antifibrotic agent attenuating hepatic inflammation and fibrosis potentially through the suppression of the NF-κB pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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肝病学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2022
·
IF 5.714
Xin Chen,Sai Zhu,Si-Yu Chen,Jia-Nan Wang,Li-Jiao Sun,Shan-Min Tao,Xiao-Feng Li,Hai-Di Li,Ying-Yin Sun,Chuan-Hui Xu,Xiao-Guo Suo,Ming-Lu Ji,Cheng Huang,Xiao-Ming Meng,Jun Li
Hepatic fibrosis is an essential pathology of multiple chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-301a-3p in hepatic fibrosis. We found that miR-301a-3p was upregulated in hepatic fibrosis patients and in culture-activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Interestingly, miR-301a-3p expression was increased in hepatic fibrosis progression mice while decreased in hepatic fibrosis recovery mice, indicating that miR-301a-3p may participate in the hepatic fibrosis pathology. Functionally, the effects of miR-301a-3p both on hepatic fibrosis progression and regression were assessed in vivo . Inhibiting miR-301a-3p ameliorated mouse liver fibrogenesis and collagen deposition and suppressed HSC activation and fibrogenic factor expression. Whereas, in hepatic fibrosis regression, upregulating miR-301a-3p impaired mouse hepatic fibrosis recovery by inducing HSC activation and triggering inflammation. Consistently, gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis of miR-301a-3p were performed to evaluate its effects on human HSCs LX-2 cell. We found that suppressing miR-301a-3p inhibited LX-2 cell activation and proliferation, and induced LX-2 cell apoptosis, accompanied by decreased fibrotic mediators expression. Collectively, these findings suggest miR-301a-3p drives liver fibrogenesis and HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated miR-301a-3p binds directly to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) by luciferase reporter analysis, pull-down, and RIP assay. Indicating that miR-301a-3p plays a critical role in promoting liver fibrogenesis via modulating the PTEN/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGFR-β) pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-301a-3p expression is closely correlated with hepatic fibrosis pathology, and that enhancing miR-301a-3p maintains the HSC profibrogenic phenotype, triggers inflammatory responses, promotes fibrogenic factor production, and further exacerbates liver fibrogenesis. These findings suggest that miR-301a-3p may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognosis biomarker for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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肝病学
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细胞生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Communication and Signaling
·
2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·1-17
·
IF 8.9
Wang Jing,Li Zuo-Lin,Zhou Yan,Li Zhong-Tang,Tu Yan,Hu Xin-Hui,Zhu Jin-Hua,Liu Bi-Cheng,Liu Hong
Background Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) represents a novel therapeutic approach for renal anemia, a prevalent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the effects of HIF-PHI on renal functional outcomes remain poorly characterized. Here, the potential effects of FG-4592, an orally administered HIF-PHI, on renal fibrosis were explored systematically. Methods In this study, a CKD rat model was established through subtotal 5/6 nephrectomy. Rats were administered either FG-4592 or vehicle control via oral gavage three times weekly for 12 consecutive weeks. Additionally, recombinant FGF23 was continuously delivered via subcutaneously implanted Alzet osmotic minipumps for 28 days. Results Interestingly, we found that CKD-induced anemia was significantly ameliorated in CKD rats with FG-4592 treatment. Meanwhile, markedly alleviated histopathological changes and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) were observed in rats with FG-4592 administration. Notably, serum levels of intact FGF23 (iFGF23) were significantly reduced following FG-4592 administration in CKD rats. This finding was subsequently validated in CKD patients receiving Roxadustat therapy. Mechanistically, we illustrated that inhibition of the iFGF23-WNT5A pathway was the exact mechanism by which FG-4592 ameliorated TIF. Further, we also demonstrated that transcriptional activation of Furin enzyme was the exact molecular mechanism for FG-4592-mediated iFGF23 cleavage. Conclusions FG-4592 attenuates TIF through Furin-mediated proteolytic cleavage of iFGF23. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into HIF-PHI-mediated renal protection and establish a theoretical framework for clinical translation.
研究领域:
肾脏病学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 3.2
Zihan Wei,Ying Lu,Cheng Qian,Jing Li
Background Atrial fibrosis is associated with the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to discuss the function of circ_0079480 in atrial fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. Methods In vitro and in vivo models of atrial fibrosis were established by using angiotensin II (Ang II) to treat human atrial fibroblasts (HAFs) and C57/B6J mice. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression levels. CCK-8, EdU, cell strach, and transwell assays were performed to determine the proliferation and migration of HAFs. Dual-luciferase reporter and RIP/RNA pull-down assays were explored to identify the interaction of miR-338-3p and circ_0079480/THBS1. HE and Masson's trichrome staining experiments were performed to analyze the histopathological change in mice atrial tissues. Results Circ_0079480 expression was increased in AF patients' atrial tissues and Ang II-treated HAFs. Silencing circ_0079480 inhibited cell proliferation and migration and reduced fibrosis-associated gene expression in Ang II-treated HAFs. Circ_0079480 could target miR-338-3p to repress its expression. MiR-338-3p inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effects of circ_0079480 knockdown on HAFs proliferation, migration, and fibrosis. Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) was confirmed as a downstream target of miR-338-3p, and circ_0079480 could sponge miR-338-3p to upregulate THBS1 expression. Moreover, silencing THBS1 suppressed Ang II-induced proliferation, migration, and fibrosis in HAFs. More importantly, depletion of circ_0079480 inactivated the THBS1/TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling by upregulating miR-338-3p. Mice experiments also confirmed the suppression of circ_0079480 knockdown on atrial fibrosis. Conclusion Circ_0079480 acts as a sponge of miR-338-3p to upregulate THBS1 expression and activate the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, finally promoting Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
·
2025
·Vol. 26
·期 5
·2193
·
IF 4.9
Yangyang Cheng,Haoyang Yu,Sitong Yang,Xiaolian Tian,Mengyu Zhao,Ling Ren,Xiuping Guo,Chujuan Hu,Jiandong Jiang,Lulu Wang
Liver fibrosis, caused by chronic hepatic injury, is a major threat to human health worldwide, as there are no specific drugs available for its treatment. Natural compounds, such as berberine (BBR) and quercetin (QR), have shown the ability to regulate energy metabolism and protect the liver without significant adverse effects. Additionally, combination therapy (the cocktail therapy approach), using multiple drugs, has shown promise in treating complicated conditions, including liver injury. In this study, we prepared a salt formulation of BBR and QR (BQS) to enhance their combined effect on liver fibrosis. The formation of BQS was confirmed using various analytical techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the dissolution efficiency and bioavailability of QR significantly increased in the BQS form, aligning with that of BBR, compared to the physically mixed (BQP) form. Moreover, BQS exhibited a superior inhibitory effect on fibrosis compared to BQP in the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 by modulating lipid accumulation, inflammation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. Furthermore, in a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis induced by methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diets, BQS demonstrated enhanced anti-fibrotic activities compared to BQP. These findings suggest that BQS holds promise as a potential alternative treatment for liver fibrosis. Importantly, this study provides novel insights into achieving a cocktail effect through the salt formation of two or more drugs. The results highlight the potential of salt formulations in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and consistent biological processes of drug combinations.
研究领域:
药理学
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肝病学
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药物开发
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Hepatology International
·
2019
·Vol. 14
·期 1
·145-160
·
IF 5.49
Zhao Jing,Han Ming,Zhou Li,Liang Pu,Wang Yun,Feng Shenghu,Lu Hongping,Yuan Xiaoxue,Han Kai,Chen Xiaofan,Liu Shunai,Cheng Jun
Background This study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating liver fibrosis. Methods The effects of TAF/TDF on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 wild-type or nonstructural protein 5A transactivated protein 9 (NS5ATP9) knockout mice were studied. The differentiation, activation, and proliferation of LX-2 cells after TAF/TDF treatment were tested in vitro. The expression of NS5ATP9 and activities of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)/Sekelsky mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and NF-κB/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were detected in TAF/TDF-treated mice and LX-2 cells. The genes related to extracellular matrix accumulation were detected in vivo and in vitro after NS5ATP9 silencing or knockout. Results TAF/TDF significantly inhibited CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis in mice, and regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, TAF/TDF suppressed the activities of TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. NS5ATP9 inhibited liver fibrosis through TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. TAF/TDF upregulated the expression of NS5ATP9 in vivo and in vitro. Finally, TAF/TDF could only show marginal therapeutic effects when NS5ATP9 was silenced and knocked out in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions TAF/TDF prevented progression and promoted reversion of liver fibrosis through assembling TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways via upregulating the expression of NS5ATP9. TAF/TDF also regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of HSCs. The findings provided strong evidence for the role of TAF/TDF as a new promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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肝病学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 41
·期 1
·1-17
·
IF 5.9
Mao Shitao,Yu Na,Wang Wei,Mao Yikai,Du Ying,Zhao Qihe,Gu Xiu,Kang Jian
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by fibroblast activation and collagen deposition, is a progressive lung disease that lacks effective interventions. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) acts as a multifunctional player in inflammatory response and progression of cancers, the effect on pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. Here, we demonstrated downregulated expression of USP10 in fibrotic lung tissues of IPF patients. In the current study, lung tissues were collected at the end of weeks 1, 2, or 3 post bleomycin (BLM)-intratracheal delivery. Consistently, USP10 expression levels were reduced after BLM challenge in a time-dependent manner. Mice treated with lentivirus overexpressing USP10 exhibited mitigative lung injury and reduced collagen deposition. USP10 overexpression enhanced autophagy in BLM-treated mouse lungs. Interestingly, the protective effect of USP10 was attenuated as the pulmonary autophagy flux was blocked by autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Primary human and mouse lung fibroblasts were treated with pro-fibrotic TGF-β1 to verify the role of USP10 in vitro. Mechanically, the deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 interacted with Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) and inhibited its degradation. Furthermore, USP10 overexpression inhibited the activation of Sirt6-mediated AKT/mTOR pathway in both lung tissues and fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that USP10 might attenuate pulmonary fibrosis through the promotion of Sirt6/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy. These data prioritize USP10 as a therapeutic target for treating IPF. Graphical
研究领域:
医学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子