Abstract

Background: Lung epithelial cells play critical roles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In the present study, we investigated whether transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was regulated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17)/ ribosomal S6 kinases 1 (RSK1)/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) signaling pathway in human lung epithelial cells (A549). Results: Our results revealed that TGF-β-induced CTGF expression was weakened by ADAM17 small interfering RNA (ADAM17 siRNA), TNF-α processing inhibitor-0 (TAPI-0, an ADAM17 inhibitor), U0126 (an ERK inhibitor), RSK1 siRNA, and C/EBPβ siRNA. TGF-β-induced ERK phosphorylation as well as ADAM17 phosphorylation was attenuated by U0126. The TGF-β-induced increase in RSK1 phosphorylation was inhibited by TAPI-0 and U0126. TGF-β-induced C/EBPβ phosphorylation was weakened by U0126, ADAM17 siRNA, and RSK1 siRNA. In addition, TGF-β increased the recruitment of C/EBPβ to the CTGF promoter. Furthermore, TGF-β enhanced fibronectin (FN), an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, and CTGF mRNA levels and reduced E-cadherin mRNA levels. Moreover, TGF-β-stimulated FN protein expression was reduced by ADAM17 siRNA and CTGF siRNA. Conclusion: The results suggested that TGF-β induces CTGF expression through the ERK/ADAM17/RSK1/C/EBPβ signaling pathway. Moreover, ADAM17 and CTGF participate in TGF-β-induced FN expression in human lung epithelial cells.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9084
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
JournalInternational journal of molecular sciences
Volume21
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2020

Keywords

  • A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17
  • Connective tissue growth factor
  • Epithelial–mesenchymal transition
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Transforming growth factor-β

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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