The dependence of transforming growth factor-beta-induced collagen production on autocrine factor activin A in hepatic stellate cells |
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Authors: | Wada Wataru Kuwano Hiroyuki Hasegawa Yoshihisa Kojima Itaru |
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Affiliation: | Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan. |
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Abstract: | The present study was conducted to examine the role of activin A in the activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). HSC expressed mRNA for the beta(A)-subunit of activin and the type I and II activin receptors. TGF-beta increased the mRNA expression of the beta(A)-subunit of activin as well as the release of the beta(A) dimer, activin A. Exogenous activin A activated HSC and increased the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen. Exogenous follistatin, an antagonist of activin A, blocked not only the effect of activin A but also the effect of TGF-beta on the expression of type I collagen. Similarly, follistatin inhibited TGF-beta-induced secretion of collagen from HSC. Additionally, the effect of TGF-beta was markedly reduced in HSC overexpressing the dominant-negative type II activin receptor. In contrast, the effect of activin A on the collagen production was not affected in HSC overexpressing the dominant-negative type II TGF-beta receptor. In conclusion, an autocrine factor activin A mediates part of the action of TGF-beta on the production of collagen in HSC. The results also suggest that follistatin may be useful for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. |
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