miR-181b-induced SMAD7 downregulation controls granulosa cell apoptosis through TGF-beta signaling by interacting with the TGFBR1 promoter
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
Authors: Yao, Wang; Pan, Zengxiang; Du, Xing; Zhang, Jinbi; Li, Qifa
Abstract
SMAD7 disrupts the TGF- signaling pathway by influencing TGFBR1 stability and by blocking the binding of TGFBR1 to SMAD2/3. In this study, we showed that SMAD7 attenuated the TGF- signaling pathway in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) by regulating TGFBR1 transcriptional activity. To function as a transcription factor, SMAD7 downregulated the mRNA levels of TGFBR1 via direct binding to the SMAD-binding elements (SBEs) within the promoter region of pig TGFBR1. We also showed that SMAD7 enhanced porcine GC apoptosis by interrupting TGFBR1 and the TGF- signaling pathway. Interestingly, miR-181b, a microRNA that is downregulated during porcine follicular atresia, was identified to be directly targeting SMAD7 at its 3-UTR. By inhibiting SMAD7, miR-181b could inhibit GC apoptosis by activating the TGF- signaling pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the TGF- signaling pathway by SMAD7 and miR-181b.
Pathogenic effect of a TGFBR1 mutation in a family with Loeys-Dietz syndrome
MOLECULAR GENETICS & GENOMIC MEDICINE
Authors: Cozijnsen, Luc; Plomp, Astrid S.; Post, Jan G.; Pals, Gerard; Bogunovic, Natalija; Yeung, Kak K.; Niessen, Hans W. M.; Goumans, Marie-Jose T. H.; Barge-Schaapveld, Daniela Q. C. M.; Micha, Dimitra
Abstract
Background Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) may have a heritable cause in up to 20% of cases. We aimed to investigate the pathogenic effect of a TGFBR1 mutation in relation to TAAD. Methods Co-segregation analysis was performed followed by functional investigations, including myogenic transdifferentiation. Results The c.1043G>A TGFBR1 mutation was found in the index patient, in a deceased brother, and in five presymptomatic family members. Evidence for pathogenicity was found by the predicted damaging effect of this mutation and the co-segregation in the family. Functional analysis with myogenic transdifferentiation of dermal fibroblasts to smooth muscle-like cells, revealed increased myogenic differentiation in patient cells with the TGFBR1 mutation, shown by a higher expression of myogenic markers ACTA2, MYH11 and CNN1 compared to cells from healthy controls. Conclusion Our findings confirm the pathogenic effect of the TGFBR1 mutation in causing TAAD in Loeys-Dietz syndrome and show increased myogenic differentiation of patient fibroblasts.