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Histone demethylation and toll‐like receptor 8–dependent cross‐talk in monocytes promotes transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis via Fra‐2

Ciechomska, M.; O'Reilly, S.; Przyborski, S.; Oakley, F.; Bogunia-Kubik, K.; van Laar, J.M.

Histone demethylation and toll‐like receptor 8–dependent cross‐talk in monocytes promotes transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis via Fra‐2 Thumbnail


Authors

M. Ciechomska

S. O'Reilly

F. Oakley

K. Bogunia-Kubik

J.M. van Laar



Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether epigenetic changes can modulate monocytes to produce tissue-inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) via Fra2 (AP-1 family member), a novel downstream mediator promoting fibrogenesis. Methods: AP-1 transcription factors and TIMP-1 expression was measured in monocytes from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and healthy controls (HC). Involvement of Fra2 in the regulation of TIMP-1 following TLR8 agonist treatment was investigated using luciferase activity assay and ChIP analysis. Expression of TIMP-1 and Fra2 was determined in response to TLR8 treatment and different histone modifications including 3'deazaneplanocin (DZNep) and apicidin. HC fibroblasts were co-cultured with DZNep plus TLR8-treated HC monocytes. Results: Upregulation of Fra2 was detected in bleomycin-challenged mice and SSc skin biopsies. Enhanced expression of Fra2 and TIMP-1 was correlated in SSc monocytes (p=0.021). The expression of Fra1 was significantly (p=0.037) reduced in SSc monocytes. Inhibiting AP-1 activity reduced TIMP-1 production in TLR8 stimulated HC and SSc monocytes. ChIP experiments revealed binding of Fra-2 to the TIMP-1 promoter. Combination of DZNep plus TLR8 enhanced Fra2 and TIMP-1 expression in HC monocytes, whereas TLR8 plus apicidin repressed Fra2 and TIMP-1 expression. Finally, DZNep plus TLR8-treated HC monocytes induced strong production of α-SMA in dermal fibroblasts, which was inhibited by TIMP-1 blocking antibody. Conclusions: These data demonstrate a novel role of histone demethylation induced by DZNep on Fra2-mediated TIMP-1 production by monocytes in the presence of TLR8 agonist. This consequently orchestrates fibroblasts' trans-differentiation, a key event in the pathogenesis of SSc.

Citation

Ciechomska, M., O'Reilly, S., Przyborski, S., Oakley, F., Bogunia-Kubik, K., & van Laar, J. (2016). Histone demethylation and toll‐like receptor 8–dependent cross‐talk in monocytes promotes transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis via Fra‐2. Arthritis and Rheumatology, 68(6), 1493-1504. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.39602

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 14, 2016
Online Publication Date May 26, 2016
Publication Date Jun 1, 2016
Deposit Date Feb 9, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Arthritis and Rheumatology
Print ISSN 2326-5191
Electronic ISSN 2326-5205
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 68
Issue 6
Pages 1493-1504
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/art.39602
Keywords Systemic sclerosis, Monocytes, TLR signaling, Epigenetics, TIMP-1.

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Copyright Statement
This is the accepted version of the following article:
Ciechomska, M., O'Reilly, S., Przyborski, S., Oakley, F., Bogunia-Kubik, K. & van Laar, J.M. (2016). Histone demethylation and toll‐like receptor 8–dependent cross‐talk in monocytes promotes transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis via Fra‐2. Arthritis & Rheumatology 68(6): 1493-1504, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/art.39602. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.





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