Open AccessEmerging role of HMGB 1 in fibrotic diseases
Author(s) -
Li LiuCheng,
Gao Jian,
Li Jun
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.12419
Subject(s) - hmgb1 , fibrosis , inflammation , signal transduction , cytokine , immune system , pulmonary fibrosis , pathogenesis , biology , immunology , receptor , extracellular , somatic cell , transforming growth factor , damp , cancer research , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , pathology , gene , biochemistry , physics , meteorology
High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is originally identified as a DNA‐binding protein that functions as a structural co‐factor critical for proper transcriptional regulation in somatic cells. Recent studies indicate that HMGB1 can be passively released from necrotic cells or actively secreted into the extracellular milieu under appropriate signal stimulation. Extracellular HMGB1 is a multifunctional cytokine that contributes to the process of infection, injury, inflammation, apoptosis, and immune responses by binding to specific cell‐surface receptors. Recently, emerging studies indicate that HMGB1 is closely involved in fibrotic disorders including cystic fibrosis, liver fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis, while HMGB1 signal inhibitions protect against the experimental models of fibrotic diseases. From a clinical perspective, HMGB1 represents a current challenge that can be exploited orchestrate reparative responses. This review focuses on the crucial role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and inhibition of which may represent a promising clinical approach for treating tissue fibrosis.