Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-OR106

DOT1L Inhibition Attenuates Renal Fibrosis through Suppressing Multiple Profibrotic Signaling Pathways and Preserving Expression of Smad7 and Klotho

Session Information

• Signaling in CKD Progression
  October 26, 2018 | Location: 23A, San Diego Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 05:18 PM - 05:30 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 1903 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Mechanisms

Authors

• Liu, Lirong, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Lirong Liu, MD, PhD



Lirong Liu, MD, PhD Email:liliya8568@sina.com Address: School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China Research Interests: Pathogenic Mechanism of Acute and Chronic Renal Damage Pathogenesis of Renal Fibrosis Education: Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China Ph.D. in Pathophysiology（2014） M.s. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2006) B.s. in Clinical Laboratory Medicine (2001) Work Experiences: Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, America Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Mar. 2016 ~ Apr. 2018) Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China Professor (2017 ~ Present) Associate Professo r(2011 ~ 2017) Lecturer (2006 ~ 2011) Teaching Assistant (2001 ~ 2006)

• Zhou, Xiaoxu, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Xiaoxu Zhou,

• Xiong, Chongxiang, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Chongxiang Xiong,

• Zhuang, Shougang, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

Shougang Zhuang,

Background

Disruptor of telomeric silencing-1 like (DOT1L) protein specifically catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 on lysine-79 and is implicated in leukemia and some solid tumors, but its role in tissue fibrosis remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we examined the role of DOT1L in renal fibroblast activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis development in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We demonstrated that injury to the kidney increased DOT1L expression and H3K79 dimethylation (H3K79me2) in renal tubules and myofibroblasts in a murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Administration of EZP5676, a highly selective inhibitor of DOT1L, attenuated renal fibrosis as evidenced by decreased activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and reduced deposition of extracellular components. Treatment with EZP5676 or DOT1L siRNA also inhibited transforming growth factor β1 and serum -induced activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Moreover, blocking DOT1L abrogated injury-induced epithelial G2/M arrest; reduced expression of Snail and Twist, two transcription factors that drive EMT; downregulated Notch1, a transmembrane receptor protein associated with renal fibrosis; and inactivated several profibrotic signaling molecules, including Smad3, epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet growth factor receptor, STAT3, AKT as well as NF-κB in the injured kidney. Conversely, DOT1L inhibition increased expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, a protein associated with dephosphorylation of tyrosine kinase receptors, and prevented decline in levels of klotho and Smad7, two renoprotective factors.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that targeting DOT1L inhibits activation of renal fibroblasts, EMT and renal fibrosis by suppressing activation of multiple profibrotic signaling pathways and retaining expression of renoprotective factors. DOT1L could be a novel therapeutic target for treatment of fibrotic renal diseases.

Funding

• NIDDK Support