Abstract. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy in various cell types. It has been shown that TGF-β1-driven autophagy represents a novel mechanism of tubular decomposition, leading to renal interstitial fibrosis. However, the exact mechanism by which TGF-β1 regulates autophagy is still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of exogenous TGF-β1 on cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTEpiCs). Presence of TGF-β1 in the medium induced accumulation of autophagosomes in a time-and dose-dependent manner as seen by monitoring the marker LC3 by confocal fluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. In addition, TGF-β1 induced upregulation of autophagy-related genes, Atg5, Atg7 and Beclin1. Importantly, increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced expression of NADPH oxidases were found to be associated with the TGF-β1-induced autophagy. Conversely, treatment with inhibitors of NADPH oxidase markedly reversed the autophagic effects of TGF-β1. Apoptotic effects were evaluated by the TUNEL assay, measuring mitochondrial membrane potential and monitoring expression of the pro-and anti-apoptotic genes, Bim and Bcl-2, respectively. Transcriptional silencing of the above three autophagy-related genes in HRPTEpiCs caused attenuation of TGF-β1-mediated apoptosis. Similarly, when autophagy was prevented at an early stage by application of 3-methyladenine, the pro-apoptotic effects of TGF-β1 were attenuated. These observations suggest that in HRPTEpiCs TGF-β1 promotes autophagy through the generation of ROS, which contributes to its proapoptotic effect. IntroductionAutophagy and apoptosis are two processes, through which injured/aged cells or organelles are eliminated (1,2). Autophagy, or the 'self-eating' function, is characterized by the presence of abundant double-membraned vacuoles called autophagosomes that sequester cytoplasm and cytosolic organelles, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Subsequently, the autophagosome fuses to a lysosome and its contents and inner membrane are degraded and recycled (3). Autophagy is usually regarded as a protective mechanism for cell survival under various conditions including nutrient deprivation and hypoxia (4). However, increasing evidence suggests that in response to excessive stress autophagy may be detrimental and can lead to cell death (5). Excessive autophagic activity may lead to cellular dysfunctions and induce death by destroying a large proportion of the cytosol and organelles, especially the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (6,7). The contribution of autophagy to cell death depends on the threshold of the stimuli. It either constitutes a stress adaptation aimed at suppressing apoptosis or conversely provides an alternative pathway to cell death (2,8).Tubular injury is the major contributor to reduction of renal function. Nephron loss can initiate from the tubular decomposition, follo...
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.