Gα12 and Gα13 proteins are required for transforming growth factor-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation

Myofibroblast differentiation, characterized by accumulation of cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix proteins by fibroblasts, is a key process in wound healing and pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the most powerful known driver of myofibroblast differentiation. TGF-β signals through transmembrane receptor serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate Smad transcription factors (Smad2/3) leading to activation of transcription of target genes. Heterotrimeric G proteins mediate distinct signaling from seven-transmembrane G protein coupled receptors, which are not known to be linked to Smad activation. We tested whether G protein signaling plays any role in TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation, using primary cultured human lung fibroblasts. Activation of Gαs by cholera toxin blocked TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation without affecting Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Neither inhibition of Gαi by pertussis toxin nor siRNA-mediated combined knockdown of Gαq and Gα11 had a significant effect on TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation. In contrast, combined knockdown of Gα12 and Gα13 significantly inhibited TGF-β-stimulated expression of myofibroblast marker proteins (collagen-1, fibronectin, smooth-muscle α-actin), with siGα12 being significantly more potent than siGα13. Mechanistically, combined knockdown of Gα12 and Gα13 resulted in substantially reduced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in response to TGF-β, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of TGF-β receptors (TGFBR1, TGFBR2) and of Smad3. Thus, our study uncovers a novel role of Gα12/13 proteins in the control of TGF-β signaling and myofibroblast differentiation.