Targeting Gremlin 1 Prevents Intestinal Fibrosis Progression by Inhibiting the Fatty Acid Oxidation of Fibroblast Cells

Yang Yang , Qi-Shan Zeng , Min Zou , Jian Zeng , Jiao Nie , DongFeng Chen , Hua-Tian Gan

Abstract

Intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of continuous inflammatory responses that negatively affect the quality of life of patients. By screening altered proteomic profiles of mouse fibrotic colon tissues, we identified that GREM1 was dramatically upregulated in comparison to that in normal tissues. Functional experiments revealed that GREM1 promoted the proliferation and activation of intestinal fibroblast cells by enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Blocking GREM1 prevented the progression of intestinal fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistic research revealed that GREM1 acted as a ligand for VEGFR2 and triggered downstream MAPK signaling. This facilitated the expression of FAO-related genes, consequently enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Taken together, our data indicated that targeting GREM1 could represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.