Critical Role of LMCD1 in Promoting Profibrotic Characteristics of Lung Myofibroblasts in Experimental and Scleroderma-Associated Lung Fibrosis.

objectiveInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious complication and leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we explored the role of LIM and cysteine-rich domains protein 1 (LMCD1) as a novel factor in the pathogenesis of SSc-related ILD (SSc-ILD).

methodsThe expression and effects of LMCD1 were studied in lung tissue samples and fibroblasts from SSc-ILD patients and control subjects as well as in lung tissue samples from animal models.

resultsLMCD1 was consistently elevated in lung tissue samples and in fibroblasts isolated from SSc-ILD patients as compared to controls. Additionally, LMCD1 was found to be highly expressed in the lung in the fibroblast-specific protein (FSP)-driven, constitutively active transforming growth factor β receptor type I (TGFβR1) transgenic mouse model of ILD and the bleomycin-induced mouse model of ILD. In lung fibroblasts from SSc-ILD patients, LMCD1 is an essential factor for the TGFβ-induced generation of type I collagen, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Depletion of LMCD1 by small interfering RNA reduced the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and lowered transcriptional activity and expression of α-SMA, as well as decreased the proliferation and contractile activity of SSc-ILD lung fibroblasts. In dense fibrotic areas of affected lung tissue, lung LMCD1 colocalized with α-SMA. In cultured scleroderma lung fibroblasts, LMCD1 colocalized and interacted with serum response factor which mediates LMCD1-induced contractile activity of lung fibroblasts.

conclusionOur study identifies LMCD1 as a profibrotic molecule contributing to the activation of myofibroblasts and the persistent fibroproliferation observed in SSc-ILD. Thus, LMCD1 may be a potential novel therapeutic target for patients with SSc-ILD.