Department of Biotechnology
inStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine)

TANGO1 inhibitors reduce collagen secretion and limit tissue scarring.

Publication Type

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Date of Publication

April 24, 2024

Journal

Nature communications

Volume/Issue

15/1

ISSN

2041-1723

Uncontrolled secretion of ECM proteins, such as collagen, can lead to excessive scarring and fibrosis and compromise tissue function. Despite the widespread occurrence of fibrotic diseases and scarring, effective therapies are lacking. A promising approach would be to limit the amount of collagen released from hyperactive fibroblasts. We have designed membrane permeant peptide inhibitors that specifically target the primary interface between TANGO1 and cTAGE5, an interaction that is required for collagen export from endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES). Application of the peptide inhibitors leads to reduced TANGO1 and cTAGE5 protein levels and a corresponding inhibition in the secretion of several ECM components, including collagens. Peptide inhibitor treatment in zebrafish results in altered tissue architecture and reduced granulation tissue formation during cutaneous wound healing. The inhibitors reduce secretion of several ECM proteins, including collagens, fibrillin and fibronectin in human dermal fibroblasts and in cells obtained from patients with a generalized fibrotic disease (scleroderma). Taken together, targeted interference of the TANGO1-cTAGE5 binding interface could enable therapeutic modulation of ERES function in ECM hypersecretion, during wound healing and fibrotic processes.

Alternate Journal

Nat Commun

PubMed ID

38658535

PubMed Central ID

PMC11043333

Authors

Ishier Raote
Ann-Helen Rosendahl
Hanna-Maria Häkkinen
Carina Vibe
Ismail Küçükaylak
Mugdha Sawant
Lena Keufgens
Pia Frommelt
Kai Halwas
Katrina Broadbent
Marina Cunquero
Gustavo Castro
Marie Villemeur
Julian Nüchel
Anna Bornikoel
Binita Dam
Ravindra K Zirmire
Ravi Kiran
Carlo Carolis
Jordi Andilla
Pablo Loza-Alvarez
Verena Ruprecht
Colin Jamora
Felix Campelo
Marcus Krüger
Matthias Hammerschmidt
Beate Eckes
Ines Neundorf
Thomas Krieg
Vivek Malhotra

Keywords

Extracellular Matrix
Wound Healing
Peptides
Animals
Scleroderma, Systemic
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Humans
Cicatrix
Collagen
Zebrafish
Fibroblasts
Fibrosis
Skin