Polymer-Functionalized Mitochondrial Transplantation to Fibroblasts Counteracts a Pro-Fibrotic Phenotype.
Gherardo BaudoSuhong WuMatteo MassaroHaoran LiuHyunho LeeAijun ZhangDale J HamiltonElvin BlancoPublished in: International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) leads to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition-a well-known hallmark of fibrotic disease. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the primary cytokine driving FMT, and this phenotypic conversion is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, notably a metabolic reprogramming towards enhanced glycolysis. The objective of this study was to examine whether the establishment of favorable metabolic phenotypes in TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts could attenuate FMT. The hypothesis was that mitochondrial replenishment of TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts would counteract a shift towards glycolytic metabolism, consequently offsetting pro-fibrotic processes. Isolated mitochondria, functionalized with a dextran and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) (Dex-TPP) polymer conjugate, were administered to fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells) stimulated with TGF-β, and effects on bioenergetics and fibrotic programming were subsequently examined. Results demonstrate that TGF-β stimulation of fibroblasts led to FMT, which was associated with enhanced glycolysis. Dex-TPP-coated mitochondria (Dex-TPP/Mt) delivery to TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts abrogated a metabolic shift towards glycolysis and led to a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Importantly, TGF-β-stimulated fibroblasts treated with Dex-TPP/Mt had lessened expression of FMT markers and ECM proteins, as well as reduced migration and proliferation. Findings highlight the potential of mitochondrial transfer, as well as other strategies involving functional reinforcement of mitochondria, as viable therapeutic modalities in fibrosis.
Keyphrases
- transforming growth factor
- extracellular matrix
- epithelial mesenchymal transition
- reactive oxygen species
- oxidative stress
- cell death
- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- systemic sclerosis
- signaling pathway
- quantum dots
- induced apoptosis
- stem cells
- dna damage
- risk assessment
- endoplasmic reticulum
- physical activity
- bone marrow
- cell cycle arrest
- long non coding rna
- human health
- weight gain
- cell therapy
- liquid chromatography