Thymosin β4 inhibits PDGF-BB induced activation, proliferation, and migration of human hepatic stellate cells via its actin-binding domain.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) trans-differentiation is central to the development of liver fibrosis, marked by the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes and the proliferation and migration of activated HSC. Therefore, preventing and/or reverting the activation, proliferation, and migration of HSC may lead to new therapies for treating fibrosis/cirrhosis. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) inhibits PDGF-BB-induced fibrogenesis, proliferation and migration of HSC by blocking Akt phosphorylation. Here, we utilized Tβ4-derived peptides: amino-terminal-Ac-SDKPDMAEIEKFDKS (1-15aa) and actin-binding-LKKTETQ (17-23aa) to investigate the molecular mechanisms in the anti-fibrogenic actions of Tβ4.

Methods

We used RT-PCR, Western blot, and proliferation and migration assays in early passages of

SUBMITTER: Shah R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6748868 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature