Pentraxin 3 Activates JNK Signaling and Regulates the Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Fibrosis

Background/Aims: Tubulointerstitial fibrosis can lead to end-stage renal disease. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute phase protein produced by resident and innate immunity cells. We investigated the effect of PTX3 on cultured human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and a rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of renal fibrosis. Methods: Gain-of-function experiments were used to examine the effect of recombinant human PTX3 (Rh-PTX3) on HK-2 cells. Cell proliferation (MTT assay) and in vitro cell migration were measured. The levels of PTX3, p-JNK, and EMT markers were measured using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and western blotting in UUO rats and HK-2 cells. Results: HK-2 cells treated with Rh PTX3 did not affect cell viability, but significantly increased cell migration. Moreover, Rh-PTX3 increased the expression of snail, slug, N-cadherin, and vimentin, decreased the expression of E-cadherin, and increased the phosphorylation of JNK. SP600126 (a specific JNK inhibitor) enhanced the effects of Rh-PTX3. Rats with UUO exhibited time-dependent increased levels of PTX3, p-JNK, and vimentin, and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTX3 induces cell migration via upregulation of EMT in a JNK-dependent mechanism, and highlight the role of PTX3 in the pathogenesis renal fibrosis.