A novel small compound that promotes nuclear translocation of YB-1 ameliorates experimental hepatic fibrosis in mice

J Biol Chem. 2011 Feb 11;286(6):4485-92. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.151936. Epub 2010 Nov 28.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is considered to be a major factor contributing to liver fibrosis. We have previously shown that nuclear translocation of YB-1 antagonizes the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in regulating collagen gene expression. More recently, we have demonstrated that the novel small compound HSc025 promotes nuclear translocation of YB-1, resulting in the improvement of skin and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we presented evidence as to the mechanism by which HSc025 stimulates nuclear translocation of YB-1 and the pharmacological effects of HSc025 on a murine model of hepatic fibrosis. A proteomics approach and binding assays using HSc025-immobilized resin showed that HSc025 binds to the amino acid sequence within the C-tail region of YB-1. In addition, immunoprecipitation experiments and glutathione S-transferase pulldown assays identified poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) as one of the cytoplasmic anchor proteins of YB-1. HSc025 directly binds to YB-1 and interrupts its interaction with PABP, resulting in accelerated nuclear translocation of YB-1. Transfection of cells with PABP siRNA promoted nuclear translocation of YB-1 and subsequently inhibited basal and TGF-β-stimulated collagen gene expression. Moreover, HSc025 significantly suppressed collagen gene expression in cultured activated hepatic stellate cells. Oral administration of HSc025 to mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis improved liver injury as well as the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Altogether, the results provide a novel insight into therapy for organ fibrosis using YB-1 modulators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / drug effects
  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Alkadienes / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / toxicity
  • Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / drug therapy
  • Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / genetics
  • Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Collagen / biosynthesis*
  • Collagen / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / genetics
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Smad3 Protein / genetics
  • Smad3 Protein / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Y-Box-Binding Protein 1

Substances

  • Alkadienes
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HSc025
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • SMAD3 protein, human
  • Smad3 Protein
  • Smad3 protein, mouse
  • Smad3 protein, rat
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Y-Box-Binding Protein 1
  • YB-1 protein, mouse
  • YBX1 protein, human
  • Collagen
  • Carbon Tetrachloride