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Suppression of Pro-fibrotic Signaling Potentiates Factor-mediated Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes
Published on: June 3, 2018
FOXO1/3: Potential suppressors of fibrosis
Zhenlong Xin1, Zhiqiang Ma2, Wei Hu3
1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China.
Abstract:
Fibrosis is a universally age-related disease that involves nearly all organs. It is typically initiated by organic injury and eventually results in organ failure. There are still few effective therapeutic strategy targets for fibrogenesis. Forkhead box proteins O1 and O3 (FOXO1/3) have been shown to have favorable inhibitory effects on fibroblast activation and subsequent extracellular matrix production and can ameliorate fibrosis levels in numerous organs, including the heart, liver, lung, and kidney; they are therefore promising targets for anti-fibrosis therapy. Moreover, we can develop appropriate strategies to make the best use of FOXO1/3's anti-fibrosis properties. The information reviewed here should be significant for understanding the roles of FOXO1/3 in fibrosis and should contribute to the design of further studies related to FOXO1/3 and the fibrotic response and shed light on a potential treatment for fibrosis.
Insights
Fibrosis, a common age-related disease, impacts many organs. Forkhead box proteins O1 and O3 (FOXO1/3) show promise as therapeutic targets to inhibit fibrosis and improve organ function.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Pathology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Fibrosis is a significant age-related condition affecting multiple organs, often leading to organ failure.
- Current therapeutic strategies for fibrogenesis remain limited.
- Fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition are key drivers of fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Forkhead box proteins O1 and O3 (FOXO1/3) in mitigating fibrosis.
- To explore FOXO1/3 as potential therapeutic targets for anti-fibrosis strategies.
- To highlight the significance of FOXO1/3 in understanding and treating fibrotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on FOXO1/3 and fibrosis.
- Analysis of the inhibitory effects of FOXO1/3 on fibroblast activation.
- Examination of FOXO1/3's impact on extracellular matrix production.
Main Results:
- FOXO1/3 proteins exhibit favorable inhibitory effects on fibroblast activation.
- FOXO1/3 can reduce extracellular matrix production, a hallmark of fibrosis.
- Evidence suggests FOXO1/3 can ameliorate fibrosis in organs such as the heart, liver, lung, and kidney.
Conclusions:
- FOXO1/3 are promising molecular targets for developing novel anti-fibrosis therapies.
- Targeting FOXO1/3 pathways could offer effective strategies to combat age-related fibrotic diseases.
- Further research into FOXO1/3 mechanisms is crucial for advancing fibrosis treatment.
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