Evaluation of CHI3L-1 and CHIT-1 expression in differentiated and polarized macrophages

Inflammation. 2013 Apr;36(2):482-92. doi: 10.1007/s10753-012-9569-8.

Abstract

Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L-1) and chitotriosidase (CHIT-1) are members of the chitinase family. CHI3L-1 is a newly recognized protein that is secreted by activated macrophages and neutrophils and expressed in a broad spectrum of inflammatory conditions and cancers. In human plasma, CHIT-1 activity has been proposed as a biochemical marker of macrophage activation. Although CHI3L-1 expression in inflammation is under examination, little is known regarding its regulation during macrophages' full maturation and polarization. In this study, we compared CHI3L-1 and CHIT-1 modulation during monocyte to macrophage transition and polarization. Gene expression analysis was investigated by real-time PCR. We found that during the maturation of monocytes into macrophages, the expression of both CHI3L-1 and CHIT-1 increased exponentially over time. Additionally, we observed a different regulation of CHI3L-1 and CHIT-1 in undifferentiated monocytes under stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, interferon-γ, and interleukin-4, at the same concentration used to polarize macrophages. Our finding suggests that in the immune response, the role of CHI3L-1 and CHIT-1 is not restricted to innate immunity, but they are also protagonists in acquired immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipokines* / biosynthesis
  • Adipokines* / genetics
  • Adipokines* / metabolism
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1
  • Gene Expression
  • Hexosaminidases* / biosynthesis
  • Hexosaminidases* / genetics
  • Hexosaminidases* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • Lectins* / biosynthesis
  • Lectins* / genetics
  • Lectins* / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Macrophage Activation / immunology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Monocytes / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Adipokines
  • CHI3L1 protein, human
  • Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1
  • Lectins
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • STAT1 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Hexosaminidases
  • chitotriosidase