Synergism between fibronectin and transforming growth factor-β1 in the production of substance P in monocytes of patients with myelofibrosis

Leuk Lymphoma. 2013 Mar;54(3):631-8. doi: 10.3109/10428194.2012.722218. Epub 2012 Sep 11.

Abstract

Substance P (SP), also considered a proinflammatory cytokine, as well as others such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), and the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN) have been associated with the pathophysiology of myelofibrosis. SP is encoded by the TAC1 gene. The relationships among SP, TGF-β1, IL-1 and FN are poorly understood. This study determined the mechanisms for concomitant production of IL-1, TGF-β1 and SP and also determined the synergistic role of FN in SP release. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated increased levels of SP and TGF-β1 in the blood of patients with myelofibrosis. Monocytes, shown to be activated in patients with bone marrow (BM) fibrosis, expressed the TAC1 gene for SP release, in a nuclear factor-κB (NFκB)-dependent manner. Reporter gene assay with the 5' regulatory region of TAC1 indicated its expression by high levels of FN and TGF-β1. Immunohistochemical studies of paraffin-embedded BM biopsies from patients with myelofibrosis, and age-matched controls without fibrosis, indicated co-localization of SP and its receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1). In summary, myelofibrotic monocytes have autocrine loops that stimulate the release of SP and TGF-β1, and that are potentiated by fibronectin. The FN-mediated induction of SP in turn stimulates monocytes through autostimulation by NK1 receptors. These findings, combined with those of previous studies, demonstrate an adhesion-mediated NFκB/IL-1/TGF-β1 axis that can be initiated by increased FN in patients with myelofibrosis for the production of SP. These findings show how TGF-β1 and SP production are coupled, and suggest new therapeutic targets to reverse immune-mediated fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Drug Synergism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fibronectins / pharmacology*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interleukin-1alpha / pharmacology
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / cytology
  • Monocytes / drug effects*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / blood
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / genetics
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / metabolism
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / metabolism
  • Substance P / blood
  • Substance P / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factor RelA / genetics
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / blood
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / pharmacology*
  • U937 Cells
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Fibronectins
  • Interleukin-1alpha
  • RELA protein, human
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Substance P