The overall goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie pathologic manifestations of scleroderma (SSc). Our studies have focused on delineating the role of a transcription factor, Fli-1, in SSc fibrosis. These studies have led to important new findings that not only established a key role for Fli-1 in regulating collagen homeostasis in healthy tissues, but also provided the evidence for the contribution of Fli-1 in deregulating matrix production in SSc. We demonstrated that Fli-1 is a potent repressor of interstitial collagen and other matrix protein genes, both in cultured human fibroblasts and in the mouse skin in vivo. Importantly, we found that Fli-1 functions as an antagonist of TGF-2 signaling and, therefore, a reduction of Fli-1 expression levels mimics TGF-2-induced gene program. We uncovered a novel mechanism whereby TGF-2 abrogates inhibitory effects of Fli-1 through PCAF-mediated acetylation. Fli-1 is consistently downregulated in SSc skin fibroblasts, supporting the notion that its absence may directly contribute to activation of SSc fibroblasts and uncontrolled matrix deposition in SSc skin in vivo. Fli-1 is also prominently expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes in healthy skin, whereas it is significantly reduced in SSc vessels even in the early stages of the disease. The specific role of Fli1 in normal adult vessels is currently unknown;however, our preliminary results suggest that Fli-1 regulates a subset of genes that are involved in maintaining vessel homeostasis. On the other hand, downregulation of Fli-1 correlates with vascular remodeling. Furthermore, these studies suggest that Fli-1 is involved in vessel stabilization by regulating recruitment and/or maintaince of pericytes. We hypothesize that downregulation of Fli-1 is a critical pathogenic event that leads to EC dysfunction concurrent with deregulated collagen production by fibroblasts. Specifically, we hypothesize that Fli-1 is involved in regulating proper interactions between endothelial cells and perivascular cells. Persistent downregulation of Fli-1 in microvascular endothelial cells and/or pericytes leads to detachment of perivascular cells and subsequent EC dysfunction, leading to deterioration of the vessel. To test these hypotheses we propose to use unique genetic mouse models with tissue specific deletion of Fli1 in fibroblasts or/and endothelial cells.
In Aim 1, we will determine the functional consequences of Fli1 reduction in fibroblasts on ECM production and vessel regeneration.
In Aim 2, we will determine the functional consequences of Fli-1 reduction in ECs on skin vasculature and fibroblast activation.
In Aim 3, we will determine the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating Fli-1 function in fibroblasts and ECs.

Public Health Relevance

The pathogenesis of SSc is still poorly understood and there are no effective anti-fibrotic treatments. The proposed studies of the molecular basis of SSc may provide a unifying mechanism for microangiopathy and fibrosis, two main features of this disease. Furthermore, these studies will demonstrate the utility of a unique mouse model for SSc supporting future mechanistic as well as effective translational studies utilizing this model. The new knowledge generated by these studies may ultimately provide a logical target for therapeutic intervention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR042334-17
Application #
7792241
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MOSS-C (02))
Program Officer
Tseng, Hung H
Project Start
1994-08-10
Project End
2013-03-31
Budget Start
2010-04-01
Budget End
2011-03-31
Support Year
17
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$353,925
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Stawski, Lukasz; Marden, Grace; Trojanowska, Maria (2018) The Activation of Human Dermal Microvascular Cells by Poly(I:C), Lipopolysaccharide, Imiquimod, and ODN2395 Is Mediated by the Fli1/FOXO3A Pathway. J Immunol 200:248-259
Toyama, Tetsuo; Looney, Agnieszka P; Baker, Brendon M et al. (2018) Therapeutic Targeting of TAZ and YAP by Dimethyl Fumarate in Systemic Sclerosis Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 138:78-88
Stawski, Lukasz; Trojanowska, Maria (2018) Oncostatin M and its role in fibrosis. Connect Tissue Res :1-10
Makino, Katsunari; Makino, Tomoko; Stawski, Lukasz et al. (2017) Anti-connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) monoclonal antibody attenuates skin fibrosis in mice models of systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 19:134
Takahashi, Takehiro; Asano, Yoshihide; Sugawara, Koji et al. (2017) Epithelial Fli1 deficiency drives systemic autoimmunity and fibrosis: Possible roles in scleroderma. J Exp Med 214:1129-1151
Farina, Antonella; Peruzzi, Giovanna; Lacconi, Valentina et al. (2017) Epstein-Barr virus lytic infection promotes activation of Toll-like receptor 8 innate immune response in systemic sclerosis monocytes. Arthritis Res Ther 19:39
Yamashita, Takashi; Asano, Yoshihide; Taniguchi, Takashi et al. (2017) Glycyrrhizin Ameliorates Fibrosis, Vasculopathy, and Inflammation in Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 137:631-640
Grzegorzewska, Agnieszka P; Seta, Francesca; Han, Rong et al. (2017) Dimethyl Fumarate ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension and lung fibrosis by targeting multiple pathways. Sci Rep 7:41605
Looney, Agnieszka P; Han, Rong; Stawski, Lukasz et al. (2017) Synergistic Role of Endothelial ERG and FLI1 in Mediating Pulmonary Vascular Homeostasis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 57:121-131
Makino, Katsunari; Makino, Tomoko; Stawski, Lukasz et al. (2017) Blockade of PDGF Receptors by Crenolanib Has Therapeutic Effect in Patient Fibroblasts and in Preclinical Models of Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 137:1671-1681

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