Localization of ανβ6 integrin-TGF-β1/Smad3, mTOR and PPARγ in experimental colorectal fibrosis

Eur J Histochem. 2013 Dec 4;57(4):e40. doi: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e40.

Abstract

A simultaneous action of several pro-fibrotic mediators appears relevant in the development of fibrosis. There are evidences that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad3 pathway forms with αvβ6 integrin, mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) a complex signalling network with extensive crosstalk and strong effects on fibrosis development. The present study evaluated the expression of TGFβ, Smad3, αvβ6 integrin, mTOR and PPARγ in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colorectal fibrosis in Smad3 wild-type (WT) and null mice. Smad3 WT mice treated with TNBS developed a marked colorectal fibrosis and showed a concomitant up-regulation of TGFβ, Smad3, αvβ6 and mTOR and a reduction of PPARγ expression. On the other hand, Smad3 Null mice similarly treated with TNBS did not develop fibrosis and showed a very low or even absent expression of TGFβ, Smad3, αvβ6 and mTOR and a marked over-expression of PPARγ. At the same time the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (a marker of activated myofibroblasts), collagen I-III and connective tissue growth factor (a downstream effector of TGFβ/Smad3-induced extracellular matrix proteins) were up-regulated in Smad3 WT mice treated with TNBS compared to Null TNBS-treated mice. These preliminary results suggest a possible interaction between these pro-fibrotic molecules in the development of intestinal fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Colon / drug effects
  • Colon / pathology*
  • Fibrosis
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • PPAR gamma / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smad3 Protein / genetics
  • Smad3 Protein / metabolism*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism*
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Substances

  • Actins
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Integrins
  • PPAR gamma
  • Smad3 Protein
  • Smad3 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • integrin alphavbeta6
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid
  • mTOR protein, mouse
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases