Follistatin-like protein 1 modulates IL-17 signaling via IL-17RC regulation in stromal cells

Immunol Cell Biol. 2017 Sep;95(8):656-665. doi: 10.1038/icb.2017.26. Epub 2017 Apr 5.

Abstract

Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) possesses several newly identified roles in mammalian biology, including interleukin (IL)-17-driven inflammation, though the mechanism underlying FSTL-1 influence on IL-17-mediated cytokine production is unknown. Using parallel in vitro bone marrow stromal cell models of FSTL-1 suppression, we employed unbiased microarray analysis to identify FSTL-1-regulated genes and pathways that could influence IL-17-dependent production of IL-6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. We discovered that FSTL-1 modulates Il17rc gene expression. Specifically, FSTL-1 was necessary for Il17rc gene transcription, IL-17RC surface protein expression and IL-17-dependent cytokine production. This work identifies a mechanism by which FSTL-1 influences IL-17-driven inflammatory signaling in vitro and reveals a novel function for FSTL-1, as a modulator of gene expression. Thus enhanced understanding of the interplay between FSTL-1 and IL-17-mediated inflammation may provide insight into potential therapeutic targets of IL-17-mediated diseases and warrants ongoing study of in vivo models and clinical scenarios of FSTL-1-influenced diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo Culture Techniques
  • Follistatin-Related Proteins / genetics*
  • Follistatin-Related Proteins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Follistatin-Related Proteins
  • Fstl1 protein, mouse
  • Il17rc protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-17
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Interleukin