The dependence of transforming growth factor-β-induced collagen production on autocrine factor activin A in hepatic stellate cells

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the role of activin A in the activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). HSC expressed mRNA for the βA-subunit of activin and the type I and II activin receptors. TGF-β increased the mRNA expression of the βA- subunit of activin as well as the release of the βA dimer, activin A. Exogenous activin A activated HSC and increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen. Exogenous follistatin, an antagonist of activin A, blocked not only the effect of activin A but also the effect of TGF-β on the expression of type I collagen. Similarly, follistatin inhibited TGF-β-induced secretion of collagen from HSC. Additionally, the effect of TGF-β was markedly reduced in HSC overexpressing the dominant-negative type II activin receptor. In contrast, the effect of activin A on the collagen production was not affected in HSC overexpressing the dominant-negative type II TGF-β receptor. In conclusion, an autocrine factor activin A mediates part of the action of TGF-β on the production of collagen in HSC. The results also suggest that follistatin may be useful for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.