Work

Osteoprotegerin is induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 and regulates pro-fibrotic responses in human dermal fibroblasts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is known to play a key role in the progression of organ fibrosis. Here, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 induces osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) at both protein and mRNA levels. OPG neutralization has led to attenuation of TGF-β1-mediated profibrotic effects in HDFs. Further, we found that recombinant OPG induced fibronectin (FN) production and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Interestingly, the OPG-mediated effect was significantly attenuated by αvβ3-integrin inhibitors (cyclo(RGDfK) and cilengitide) suggesting that OPG exerts profibrotic responses in human dermal fibroblasts by regulating αvβ3-integrin activation. Taken together, our data suggest that OPG expression is stimulated by TGF-β1 and contributes to dermal fibroblast activation. • TGF-β1 induces OPG in human dermal fibroblasts. • OPG regulates profibrotic responses in activated dermal fibroblasts. • αvβ3-integrin plays an important role in OPG-mediated profibrotic effect.

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151524

Authors: Aaron K. McDowell-Sanchez, Alan R. Waich Cohen, Santiago Sanchez, Konstantin Tsoyi

Institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Language: English

Topic: TGF-β signaling in diseases

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,110