CTRP6 inhibits fibrogenesis in TGF-β1-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2016-07, Vol.475 (4), p.356-360
• Main Authors: Fan, Rong-hui, Zhu, Xiu-mei, Sun, Yao-wen, Peng, Hui-zi, Wu, Hang-li, Gao, Wen-jie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES; Actins - metabolism; ANIMAL TISSUES; C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6); CELL PROLIFERATION; Cells, Cultured; COLLAGEN; Collagen - genetics; Collagen - metabolism; Collagen Type I - metabolism; Dermal fibroblast; Down-Regulation; Extracellular matrix (ECM); FIBROBLASTS; Fibroblasts - cytology; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Fibroblasts - pathology; FIBROSIS; GROWTH FACTORS; Humans; NECROSIS; NEOPLASMS; PHOSPHORYLATION; Signal Transduction; SKIN; Skin fibrosis; Smad3 Protein - metabolism; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 - metabolism
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.013

Skin fibrosis is characterized by excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM). C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6), a member of CTRPs, has been involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis. However, the function and detailed regulatory mechanism of CTRP6 in skin fibrosis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CTRP6 on the activation of human dermal fibroblasts. Our results showed that CTRP6 was lowly expressed in scar tissues and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated dermal fibroblasts. CTRP6 overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, as well as suppressed the expression of ECM in TGF-β1-treated dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, CTRP6 overexpression markedly inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 in dermal fibroblasts. In conclusion, the data reported here demonstrate that CTRP6 is able to inhibit the proliferation and ECM expression in human dermal fibroblasts through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that CTRP6 may be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of skin fibrosis. •CTRP6 expression was decreased in scar tissues and TGF-β1-treated dermal fibroblasts.•CTRP6 inhibits TGF-β1-induced the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts.•CTRP6 inhibits expression of collagen type I and α-SMA.•CTRP6 inhibits the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in dermal fibroblasts.