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RUNX2 Promotes Fibrotic Activation in Skin Fibroblasts and Is Targetable by Small-Molecule Inhibition

ABSTRACT: Fibrosis is driven by activated fibroblasts, but key transcriptional regulators remain unclear. We investigated the role of RUNX2 using three human skin fibroblast lines with RUNX2 knockdown (shRUNX2) and matched controls (shControl), treated with or without TGF-β, followed by bulk RNA sequencing. RUNX2 depletion attenuated TGF-β–induced pro-fibrotic gene programs, including extracellular matrix organization and myofibroblast differentiation. In primary fibroblasts, the small molecule F0565-0303 reduced TGF-β–induced fibrotic signatures and decreased RUNX2 expression, partially mimicking RUNX2 knockdown, while showing minimal effects under basal conditions. These results identify RUNX2 as a key driver of fibroblast activation and support its pharmacological targeting as an anti-fibrotic strategy.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE330910 | GEO | 2026/06/10

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Rationale: Expansion and activation of cardiac fibroblasts contributes to adverse remodeling, fibrosis and dysfunction in the pressure-overloaded heart. Although early fibroblast TGF-β/Smad3 activation protects the pressure overloaded heart by preserving the matrix, sustained TGF-β activation may be deleterious, accentuating fibrosis and dysfunction. Thus, endogenous mechanisms that negatively regulate the TGF- response in fibroblasts may be required to protect from progressive fibrosis and adverse remodeling. Objective: To study the role of fibroblast-specific induction of Smad7, an inhibitory Smad that restrains TGF-β signaling, in regulation of fibrosis, remodeling and dysfunction of the pressure-overloaded heart. Methods and Results: In a mouse model of pressure overload induced through transverse aortic constriction (TAC), Smad7 was upregulated in cardiac myofibroblasts. Mice with myofibroblast-specific loss of Smad7 (MFS7KO) had increased mortality, accentuated systolic dysfunction and dilative remodeling, and accelerated diastolic dysfunction in response to TAC. Increased dysfunction in MFS7KO hearts was associated with accentuated fibrosis and increased collagen denaturation, in the absence of effects on cardiomyocyte death. Secretomic analysis showed that Smad7 loss accentuates secretion of structural collagens and matricellular proteins, and markedly increases secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2). In a 3D model of fibroblasts populating collagen lattices the effects of Smad7 on fibroblast-induced collagen denaturation and pad contraction were partly mediated via MMP2 downregulation. Surprisingly, MFS7KO mice also exhibited significant macrophage expansion caused by paracrine actions of Smad7 null fibroblasts that stimulate macrophage proliferation and fibrogenic activation. Secretomic analysis and in vitro experiments suggested that macrophage activation involves the combined effects of the fibroblast-derived matricellular proteins CD5L, SPARC, CTGF, ECM1 and TGFBI. Conclusions: The anti-fibrotic effects of Smad7 in the pressure-overloaded heart protect from dysfunction and involve not only reduction in collagen deposition, but also suppression of MMP2-mediated matrix denaturation and paracrine effects that suppress macrophage activation through inhibition of matricellular proteins.

Project description:Rationale: Expansion and activation of cardiac fibroblasts contributes to adverse remodeling, fibrosis and dysfunction in the pressure-overloaded heart. Although early fibroblast TGF-β/Smad3 activation protects the pressure overloaded heart by preserving the matrix, sustained TGF-β activation may be deleterious, accentuating fibrosis and dysfunction. Thus, endogenous mechanisms that negatively regulate the TGF- response in fibroblasts may be required to protect from progressive fibrosis and adverse remodeling. Objective: To study the role of fibroblast-specific induction of Smad7, an inhibitory Smad that restrains TGF-β signaling, in regulation of fibrosis, remodeling and dysfunction of the pressure-overloaded heart. Methods and Results: In a mouse model of pressure overload induced through transverse aortic constriction (TAC), Smad7 was upregulated in cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Mice with myofibroblast-specific loss of Smad7 (MFS7KO) had increased mortality, accentuated systolic dysfunction and dilative remodeling, and accelerated diastolic dysfunction in response to TAC. Increased dysfunction in MFS7KO hearts was associated with accentuated fibrosis and increased collagen denaturation, in the absence of effects on cardiomyocyte death. Secretomic analysis showed that Smad7 loss accentuates secretion of structural collagens and matricellular proteins, and markedly increases secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2). In a 3D model of fibroblasts populating collagen lattices the effects of Smad7 on fibroblast-induced collagen denaturation and pad contraction were partly mediated via MMP2 downregulation. Surprisingly, MFS7KO mice also exhibited significant macrophage expansion caused by paracrine actions of Smad7 null fibroblasts that stimulate macrophage proliferation and fibrogenic activation. Secretomic analysis and in vitro experiments suggested that macrophage activation involves the combined effects of the fibroblast-derived matricellular proteins CD5L, SPARC, CTGF, ECM1 and TGFBI. Conclusions: The anti-fibrotic effects of Smad7 in the pressure-overloaded heart protect from dysfunction and involve not only reduction in collagen deposition, but also suppression of MMP2-mediated matrix denaturation and paracrine effects that suppress macrophage activation through inhibition of matricellular proteins.

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RUNX2 Promotes Fibrotic Activation in Skin Fibroblasts and Is Targetable by Small-Molecule Inhibition

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