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Su C, Ma J, Yao X, Hao W, Gan S, Gao Y, He J, Ren Y, Gao X, Zhu Y, Yang J, Wei M. Tudor-SN promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and neonatal heart regeneration through regulating the phosphorylation of YAP. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:345. [PMID: 38943195 PMCID: PMC11212424 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neonatal mammalian heart exhibits considerable regenerative potential following injury through cardiomyocyte proliferation, whereas mature cardiomyocytes withdraw from the cell cycle and lose regenerative capacities. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms underlying neonatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration is crucial for unlocking the regenerative potential of adult mammalian heart to repair damage and restore contractile function following myocardial injury. METHODS The Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (Tudor-SN) transgenic (TG) or cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice (Myh6-Tudor-SN -/-) were generated to investigate the role of Tudor-SN in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration following apical resection (AR) surgery. Primary cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal mice were used to assess the influence of Tudor-SN on cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro. Affinity purification and mass spectrometry were employed to elucidate the underlying mechanism. H9c2 cells and mouse myocardia with either overexpression or knockout of Tudor-SN were utilized to assess its impact on the phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We previously identified Tudor-SN as a cell cycle regulator that is highly expressed in neonatal mice myocardia but downregulated in adults. Our present study demonstrates that sustained expression of Tudor-SN promotes and prolongs the proliferation of neonatal cardiomyocytes, improves cardiac function, and enhances the ability to repair the left ventricular apex resection in neonatal mice. Consistently, cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of Tudor-SN impairs cardiac function and retards recovery after injury. Tudor-SN associates with YAP, which plays important roles in heart development and regeneration, inhibiting phosphorylation at Ser 127 and Ser 397 residues by preventing the association between Large Tumor Suppressor 1 (LATS1) and YAP, correspondingly maintaining stability and promoting nuclear translocation of YAP to enhance the proliferation-related genes transcription. CONCLUSION Tudor-SN regulates the phosphorylation of YAP, consequently enhancing and prolonging neonatal cardiomyocyte proliferation under physiological conditions and promoting neonatal heart regeneration after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Su
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiac and Vascular Center, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinzheng Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuyang Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Hao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shihu Gan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixiang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinlong He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingjie Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Minxin Wei
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiac and Vascular Center, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Datta A, Istiaq A, Tamura S, Ohta K. Bacterial Ribosomes Induce Plasticity in Mouse Adult Fibroblasts. Cells 2024; 13:1116. [PMID: 38994968 PMCID: PMC11240311 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of bacterial ribosome has been reported to induce multipotency in somatic and cancer cells which leads to the conversion of cell lineages. Queried on its universality, we observed that bacterial ribosome incorporation into trypsinized mouse adult fibroblast cells (MAF) led to the formation of ribosome-induced cell clusters (RICs) that showed strong positive alkaline phosphatase staining. Under in vitro differentiation conditions, RICs-MAF were differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. In addition, RICs-MAF were able to differentiate into neural cells. Furthermore, RICs-MAF expressed early senescence markers without cell death. Strikingly, no noticeable expression of renowned stemness markers like Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, etc. was observed here. Later RNA-sequencing data revealed the expression of rare pluripotency-associated markers, i.e., Dnmt3l, Sox5, Tbx3 and Cdc73 in RICs-MAF and the enrichment of endogenous ribosomal status. These observations suggested that RICs-MAF might have experienced a non-canonical multipotent state during lineage conversion. In sum, we report a unique approach of an exo-ribosome-mediated plastic state of MAF that is amenable to multi-lineage conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Datta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
| | - Arif Istiaq
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1010, USA
| | - Shigehiko Tamura
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
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Bouhamida E, Vadakke-Madathil S, Mathiyalagan P, Ranjan AK, Sherman CD, Miller PE, Ghetti A, Abi-Gerges N, Chaudhry HW. Single nucleus transcriptomics supports a role for CCNA2-induced human adult cardiomyocyte cytokinesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.01.583057. [PMID: 38948744 PMCID: PMC11212892 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.583057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin A2 (CCNA2) is a master regulatory gene of the cell cycle that is normally silenced in postnatal mammalian cardiomyocytes. We have previously demonstrated that it can induce significant cardiac repair in both small and large animals when delivered to the heart via a viral vector. To date, whether CCNA2 gene delivery can induce cytokinesis in isolated cardiomyocytes from adult human hearts has not been investigated. Therefore, we designed a human gene therapy vector featuring a replication-deficient, E1/E3-deleted human adenovirus five encoding human CCNA2 driven by the cardiac Troponin T promoter to enable the expression of CCNA2 in freshly isolated human cardiomyocytes. Utilizing time-lapse microscopy live imaging of cultured adult human cardiomyocytes isolated from a 21-year-old male, 41-year-old female, and 55-year-old male, we now report that human adult cardiomyocytes can be induced to undergo complete cytokinesis in response to CCNA2 gene delivery with preservation of sarcomere integrity in the resulting daughter cells. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of CCNA2-dependent gene regulation in governing cardiomyocyte cytokinesis, we conducted single nucleus transcriptomics (snRNA-seq, 10X Genomics) analysis in hearts isolated from adult transgenic mice that constitutively express CCNA2 in cardiomyocytes (CCNA2-Tg) and non-transgenic mice (nTg). Remarkably, we identified a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes enriched with cytokinesis, proliferative, and reprogramming genes in hearts obtained from CCNA2-Tg mice as compared to hearts obtained from nTg mice. We also performed bulk RNA sequencing of human adult and fetal hearts, and we identified key reprogramming genes that are involved in CCNA2-induced cytokinesis. These results provide a compelling path forward for the clinical development of cardiac regenerative therapy based on strategic manipulation of the cardiomyocyte cell cycle.
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Wang X, Baksh SS, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. Modifying miRs for effective reprogramming of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102160. [PMID: 38495845 PMCID: PMC10943962 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Reprogramming scar fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes has been proposed to reverse the damage associated with myocardial infarction. However, the limited improvement in cardiac function calls for enhanced strategies. We reported enhanced efficacy of our miR reprogramming cocktail miR combo (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a, and miR-499) via RNA-sensing receptor stimulation. We hypothesized that we could combine RNA-sensing receptor activation with fibroblast reprogramming by chemically modifying miR combo. To test the hypothesis, miR combo was modified to enhance interaction with the RNA-sensing receptor Rig1 via the addition of a 5'-triphosphate (5'ppp) group. Importantly, when compared with unmodified miR combo, 5'ppp-modified miR combo markedly improved reprogramming efficacy in vitro. Enhanced reprogramming efficacy correlated with a type-I interferon immune response with strong and selective secretion of interferon β (IFNβ). Antibody blocking studies and media replacement experiments indicated that 5'ppp-miR combo utilized IFNβ to enhance fibroblast reprogramming efficacy. In conclusion, miRs can acquire powerful additional roles through chemical modification that potentially increases their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Wang
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Syeda S. Baksh
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Richard E. Pratt
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Victor J. Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Conrad P. Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Li J, Li R, Bai X, Zhang W, Nie Y, Hu S. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into functional hepatocytes via CRISPRa activation of endogenous Gata4 and Foxa3. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1351-1359. [PMID: 38721807 PMCID: PMC11191006 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to generate functional hepatocytes without relying on donor liver organs holds significant therapeutic promise in the fields of regenerative medicine and potential liver disease treatments. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) activator (CRISPRa) is a powerful tool that can conveniently and efficiently activate the expression of multiple endogenous genes simultaneously, providing a new strategy for cell fate determination. The main purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of applying CRISPRa for hepatocyte reprogramming and its application in the treatment of mouse liver fibrosis. METHOD The differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into functional induced hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) was achieved by utilizing the CRISPRa synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system, which drove the combined expression of three endogenous transcription factors- Gata4, Foxa3 , and Hnf1a -or alternatively, the expression of two transcription factors, Gata4 and Foxa3 . In vivo , we injected adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) carrying the CRISPRa SAM system into liver fibrotic Col1a1-CreER ; Cas9fl/fl mice, effectively activating the expression of endogenous Gata4 and Foxa3 in fibroblasts. The endogenous transcriptional activation of genes was confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and RNA-seq, and the morphology and characteristics of the induced hepatocytes were observed through microscopy. The level of hepatocyte reprogramming in vivo is detected by immunofluorescence staining, while the improvement of liver fibrosis is evaluated through Sirius red staining, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunofluorescence staining, and blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) examination. RESULTS Activation of only two factors, Gata4 and Foxa3 , via CRISPRa was sufficient to successfully induce the transformation of MEFs into iHeps. These iHeps could be expanded in vitro and displayed functional characteristics similar to those of mature hepatocytes, such as drug metabolism and glycogen storage. Additionally, AAV6-based delivery of the CRISPRa SAM system effectively induced the hepatic reprogramming from fibroblasts in mice with live fibrosis. After 8 weeks of induction, the reprogrammed hepatocytes comprised 0.87% of the total hepatocyte population in the mice, significantly reducing liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION CRISPRa-induced hepatocyte reprogramming may be a promising strategy for generating functional hepatocytes and treating liver fibrosis caused by hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ruopu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xue Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Shengshou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
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Umeyama T, Matsuda T, Nakashima K. Lineage Reprogramming: Genetic, Chemical, and Physical Cues for Cell Fate Conversion with a Focus on Neuronal Direct Reprogramming and Pluripotency Reprogramming. Cells 2024; 13:707. [PMID: 38667322 PMCID: PMC11049106 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although lineage reprogramming from one cell type to another is becoming a breakthrough technology for cell-based therapy, several limitations remain to be overcome, including the low conversion efficiency and subtype specificity. To address these, many studies have been conducted using genetics, chemistry, physics, and cell biology to control transcriptional networks, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications during reprogramming. Here, we summarize recent advances in cellular reprogramming and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Umeyama
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Wang H, Yang J, Cai Y, Zhao Y. Macrophages suppress cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts in vivo via IFN-mediated intercellular self-stimulating circuit. Protein Cell 2024:pwae013. [PMID: 38530808 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Direct conversion of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to cardiomyocytes (CMs) in vivo to regenerate heart tissue is an attractive approach. After myocardial infarction (MI), heart repair proceeds with an inflammation stage initiated by monocytes infiltration of the infarct zone establishing an immune microenvironment. However, whether and how the MI microenvironment influences the reprogramming of CFs remains unclear. Here, we found that in comparison with cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) cultured in vitro, CFs that transplanted into infarct region of MI mouse models resisted to cardiac reprogramming. RNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of interferon (IFN) response genes in transplanted CFs, and subsequent inhibition of the IFN receptors increased reprogramming efficiency in vivo. Macrophage-secreted IFN-β was identified as the dominant upstream signaling factor after MI. CFs treated with macrophage-conditioned medium containing IFN-β displayed reduced reprogramming efficiency, while macrophage depletion or blocking the IFN signaling pathway after MI increased reprogramming efficiency in vivo. Co-IP, BiFC and Cut-tag assays showed that phosphorylated STAT1 downstream of IFN signaling in CFs could interact with the reprogramming factor GATA4 and inhibit the GATA4 chromatin occupancy in cardiac genes. Furthermore, upregulation of IFN-IFNAR-p-STAT1 signaling could stimulate CFs secretion of CCL2/7/12 chemokines, subsequently recruiting IFN-β-secreting macrophages. Together, these immune cells further activate STAT1 phosphorylation, enhancing CCL2/7/12 secretion and immune cell recruitment, ultimately forming a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop between CFs and macrophages via IFN-IFNAR-p-STAT1 that inhibits cardiac reprogramming in vivo. Cumulatively, our findings uncover an intercellular self-stimulating inflammatory circuit as a microenvironmental molecular barrier of in situ cardiac reprogramming that needs to be overcome for regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junbo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yihong Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Duan L, Yu X. Fibroblasts: New players in the central nervous system? FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:262-266. [PMID: 38933505 PMCID: PMC11197739 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are typically described as cells that produce extracellular matrix, contribute to the formation of connective tissue, and maintain the structural framework of tissues. Fibroblasts are the first cell type to be transdifferentiated into inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating their versatility and reprogrammability. Currently, there is relatively extensive characterization of the anatomical, molecular, and functional diversity of fibroblasts in different peripheral organs and tissues. With recent advances in single cell RNA sequencing, heterogeneity and diversity of fibroblasts in the central nervous system (CNS) have also begun to emerge. Based on their distinct anatomical locations in the meninges, perivascular space, and choroid plexus, as well as their molecular diversity, important roles for fibroblasts in the CNS have been proposed. Here, we draw inspirations from what is known about fibroblasts in peripheral tissues, in combination with their currently identified CNS locations and molecular characterizations, to propose potential functions of CNS fibroblasts in health and disease. Future studies, using a combination of technologies, will be needed to determine the bona fide in vivo functions of fibroblasts in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and Peking University McGovern Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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He X, Dutta S, Liang J, Paul C, Huang W, Xu M, Chang V, Ao I, Wang Y. Direct cellular reprogramming techniques for cardiovascular regenerative therapeutics. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 102:1-13. [PMID: 37903419 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of hospitalization affecting approximately 38 million people worldwide. While pharmacological and revascularization techniques can improve the patient's survival and quality of life, they cannot help reversing myocardial infarction injury and heart failure. Direct reprogramming of somatic cells to cardiomyocyte and cardiac progenitor cells offers a new approach to cellular reprogramming and paves the way for translational regenerative medicine. Direct reprogramming can bypass the pluripotent stage with the potential advantage of non-immunogenic cell products, reduced carcinogenic risk, and no requirement for embryonic tissue. The process of directly reprogramming cardiac cells was first achieved through the overexpression of transcription factors such as GATA4, MEF2C, and TBX5. However, over the past decade, significant work has been focused on enhancing direct reprogramming using a mixture of transcription factors, microRNAs, and small molecules to achieve cardiac cell fate. This review discusses the evolution of direct reprogramming, recent progress in achieving efficient cardiac cell fate conversion, and describes the reprogramming mechanisms at a molecular level. We also explore various viral and non-viral delivery methods currently being used to aid in the delivery of reprogramming factors to improve efficiency. However, further studies will be needed to overcome molecular and epigenetic barriers to successfully achieve translational cardiac regenerative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu He
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Suchandrima Dutta
- Department of Internal MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Jialiang Liang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Christian Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Meifeng Xu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Vivian Chang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Ian Ao
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
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Wang Q, Spurlock B, Liu J, Qian L. Fibroblast Reprogramming in Cardiac Repair. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:145-160. [PMID: 38362341 PMCID: PMC10864899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Limited proliferative capacity of adult mammalian cardiomyocytes has prompted researchers to exploit regenerative therapy after myocardial injury, such as myocardial infarction, to attenuate heart dysfunction caused by such injury. Direct cardiac reprogramming is a recently emerged promising approach to repair damaged myocardium by directly converting resident cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. The achievement of in vivo direct reprogramming of fibroblasts has been shown, by multiple laboratories independently, to improve cardiac function and mitigate fibrosis post-myocardial infarction, which holds great potential for clinical application. There have been numerous pieces of valuable work in both basic and translational research to enhance our understanding and continued refinement of direct cardiac reprogramming in recent years. However, there remain many challenges to overcome before we can truly take advantage of this technique to treat patients with ischemic cardiac diseases. Here, we review recent progress of fibroblast reprogramming in cardiac repair, including the optimization of several reprogramming strategies, mechanistic exploration, and translational efforts, and we make recommendations for future research to further understand and translate direct cardiac reprogramming from bench to bedside. Challenges relating to these efforts will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaozi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Spurlock
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Chi C, Song K. Cellular reprogramming of fibroblasts in heart regeneration. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 180:84-93. [PMID: 36965699 PMCID: PMC10347886 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction causes the loss of cardiomyocytes and the formation of cardiac fibrosis due to the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Unfortunately, current therapeutic interventions can only slow the disease progression. Furthermore, they cannot fully restore cardiac function, likely because the adult human heart lacks sufficient capacity to regenerate cardiomyocytes. Therefore, intensive efforts have focused on developing therapeutics to regenerate the damaged heart. Several strategies have been intensively investigated, including stimulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation, transplantation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and conversion of fibroblasts into cardiac cells. Resident cardiac fibroblasts are critical in the maintenance of the structure and contractility of the heart. Fibroblast plasticity makes this type of cells be reprogrammed into many cell types, including but not limited to induced pluripotent stem cells, induced cardiac progenitor cells, and induced cardiomyocytes. Fibroblasts have become a therapeutic target due to their critical roles in cardiac pathogenesis. This review summarizes the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, induced cardiac progenitor cells, and induced cardiomyocytes to repair a damaged heart, outlines recent findings in utilizing fibroblast-derived cells for heart regeneration, and discusses the limitations and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Chi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kunhua Song
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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13
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Cho S, Aakash P, Lee S, Yoon YS. Endothelial cell direct reprogramming: Past, present, and future. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 180:22-32. [PMID: 37080451 PMCID: PMC10330356 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite various medical, surgical, and interventional therapy. As such, cell therapy has emerged as an attractive option because it tackles underlying problem of the diseases by inducing neovascularization in ischemic tissue. After overall failure of adult stem or progenitor cells, studies attempted to generate endothelial cells (ECs) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). While endothelial cells (ECs) differentiated from PSCs successfully induced vascular regeneration, differentiating volatility and tumorigenic potential is a concern for their clinical applications. Alternatively, direct reprogramming strategies employ lineage-specific factors to change cell fate without achieving pluripotency. ECs have been successfully reprogrammed via ectopic expression of transcription factors (TFs) from endothelial lineage. The reprogrammed ECs induced neovascularization in vitro and in vivo and thus demonstrated their therapeutic value in animal models of vascular insufficiency. Methods of delivering reprogramming factors include lentiviral or retroviral vectors and more clinically relevant, non-integrative adenoviral and episomal vectors. Most studies made use of fibroblast as a source cell for reprogramming, but reprogrammability of other clinically relevant source cell types has to be evaluated. Specific mechanisms and small molecules that are involved in the aforementioned processes tackles challenges associated with direct reprogramming efficiency and maintenance of reprogrammed EC characteristics. After all, this review provides summary of past and contemporary methods of direct endothelial reprogramming and discusses the future direction to overcome these challenges to acquire clinically applicable reprogrammed ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonggeon Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Aakash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sangho Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Young-Sup Yoon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Aalikhani M, Alikhani M, Khajeniazi S, Khosravi A, Bazi Z, Kianmehr A. Positive effect of miR-2392 on fibroblast to cardiomyocyte-like cell fate transition: an in silico and in vitro study. Gene 2023; 879:147598. [PMID: 37393060 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatic cell fate transition is now gained great importance in tissue regeneration. Currently, research is focused on heart tissue regeneration by reprogramming diverse cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Here, we examined the possible effect of miRNAs on the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. METHODS First heart-specific miRNAs were identified by comparing the gene expression profiles of heart tissue to other body tissues using bioinformatic techniques. After identifying heart-specific miRNAs, their cellular and molecular functions were studied using the miRWalk and miRBase databases. Then the candidate miRNA was cloned into a lentiviral vector. Following, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured and treated with compounds forskolin, valproic acid, and CHIR99021. After 24 h, the lentivector harboring miRNA gene was transfected into the cells to initiate the transdifferentiation process. Finally, after a two-week treatment period, the efficiency of transdifferentiation was examined by inspecting the appearance of the cells and measuring the expression levels of cardiac genes and proteins using RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry techniques. RESULTS Nine miRNAs were identified with higher expression in the heart. The miR-2392 was nominated as the candidate miRNA due to its function and specific expression in the heart. This miRNA has a direct connection with genes involved in cell growth and differentiation; e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways. According to in vitro results cardiac genes and proteins demonstrated an increase in expression in the fibroblasts that simultaneously received the three chemicals and miR-2392. CONCLUSION Considering the ability of miR-2392 to induce the expression of cardiac genes and proteins in fibroblast cells, it can induce fibroblasts to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Therefore, miR-2392 could be further optimized for cardiomyocyte regeneration, tissue repair, and drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Aalikhani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Alikhani
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoura Khajeniazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Khosravi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Bazi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Anvarsadat Kianmehr
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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15
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Kojima H, Sadahiro T, Muraoka N, Yamakawa H, Hashimoto H, Ishii R, Gosho M, Abe Y, Yamada Y, Nakano K, Honda S, Fujita R, Akiyama T, Sunagawa Y, Morimoto T, Tsukahara T, Hirai H, Fukuda K, Ieda M. MEF2C/p300-mediated epigenetic remodeling promotes the maturation of induced cardiomyocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1274-1283. [PMID: 37315521 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac transcription factors (TFs) directly reprogram fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs), where MEF2C acts as a pioneer factor with GATA4 and TBX5 (GT). However, the generation of functional and mature iCMs is inefficient, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the overexpression of transcriptionally activated MEF2C via fusion of the powerful MYOD transactivation domain combined with GT increased the generation of beating iCMs by 30-fold. Activated MEF2C with GT generated iCMs that were transcriptionally, structurally, and functionally more mature than those generated by native MEF2C with GT. Mechanistically, activated MEF2C recruited p300 and multiple cardiogenic TFs to cardiac loci to induce chromatin remodeling. In contrast, p300 inhibition suppressed cardiac gene expression, inhibited iCM maturation, and decreased the beating iCM numbers. Splicing isoforms of MEF2C with similar transcriptional activities did not promote functional iCM generation. Thus, MEF2C/p300-mediated epigenetic remodeling promotes iCM maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kojima
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Taketaro Sadahiro
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Naoto Muraoka
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamakawa
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hisayuki Hashimoto
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ryota Ishii
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masahiko Gosho
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuto Abe
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Koji Nakano
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Honda
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ryo Fujita
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Akiyama
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sunagawa
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morimoto
- Divison of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tsukahara
- Area of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hirai
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
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16
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Brlecic PE, Bonham CA, Rosengart TK, Mathison M. Direct cardiac reprogramming: A new technology for cardiac repair. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 178:51-58. [PMID: 36965701 PMCID: PMC10124164 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with myocardial infarctions being amongst the deadliest manifestations. Reduced blood flow to the heart can result in the death of cardiac tissue, leaving affected patients susceptible to further complications and recurrent disease. Further, contemporary management typically involves a pharmacopeia to manage the metabolic conditions contributing to atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, rather than regeneration of the damaged myocardium. With modern healthcare extending lifespan, a larger demographic will be at risk for heart disease, driving the need for novel therapeutics that surpass those currently available in efficacy. Transdifferentiation and cellular reprogramming have been looked to as potential methods for the treatment of diseases throughout the body. Specifically targeting the fibrotic cells in cardiac scar tissue as a source to be reprogrammed into induced cardiomyocytes remains an appealing option. This review aims to highlight the history of and advances in cardiac reprogramming and describe its translational potential as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige E Brlecic
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clark A Bonham
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Todd K Rosengart
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Megumi Mathison
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Perveen S, Vanni R, Lo Iacono M, Rastaldo R, Giachino C. Direct Reprogramming of Resident Non-Myocyte Cells and Its Potential for In Vivo Cardiac Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:1166. [PMID: 37190075 PMCID: PMC10136631 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac diseases are the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The heart has limited regenerative potential; therefore, lost cardiac tissue cannot be replenished after cardiac injury. Conventional therapies are unable to restore functional cardiac tissue. In recent decades, much attention has been paid to regenerative medicine to overcome this issue. Direct reprogramming is a promising therapeutic approach in regenerative cardiac medicine that has the potential to provide in situ cardiac regeneration. It consists of direct cell fate conversion of one cell type into another, avoiding transition through an intermediary pluripotent state. In injured cardiac tissue, this strategy directs transdifferentiation of resident non-myocyte cells (NMCs) into mature functional cardiac cells that help to restore the native tissue. Over the years, developments in reprogramming methods have suggested that regulation of several intrinsic factors in NMCs can help to achieve in situ direct cardiac reprogramming. Among NMCs, endogenous cardiac fibroblasts have been studied for their potential to be directly reprogrammed into both induced cardiomyocytes and induced cardiac progenitor cells, while pericytes can transdifferentiate towards endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. This strategy has been indicated to improve heart function and reduce fibrosis after cardiac injury in preclinical models. This review summarizes the recent updates and progress in direct cardiac reprogramming of resident NMCs for in situ cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Vanni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
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18
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Garry GA, Olson EN. Reprogramming of cardiac cell fate as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic heart disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 179:2-6. [PMID: 36997058 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of resident cardiac fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocytes is an attractive therapeutic strategy to restore function and remuscularize the injured heart. The cardiac transcription factors Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 have been the mainstay of direct cardiac reprogramming strategies for the past decade. Yet, recent discoveries have identified alternative epigenetic factors capable of reprogramming human cells in the absence of these canonical factors. Further, single-cell genomics evaluating cellular maturation and epigenetics in the setting of injury and heart failure models following reprogramming have continued to inform the mechanistic underpinnings of this process and point toward future areas of discovery for the field. These discoveries and others covered in this review have provided complementary approaches that further enhance the effectiveness of reprogramming as a means of promoting cardiac regeneration following myocardial infarction and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glynnis A Garry
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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19
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Kim TM, Lee RH, Kim MS, Lewis CA, Park C. ETV2/ER71, the key factor leading the paths to vascular regeneration and angiogenic reprogramming. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:41. [PMID: 36927793 PMCID: PMC10019431 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been made to achieve vascular regeneration accompanying tissue repair for treating vascular dysfunction-associated diseases. Recent advancements in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming have opened unforeseen opportunities to promote angiogenesis in vivo and generate autologous endothelial cells (ECs) for clinical use. We have, for the first time, identified a unique endothelial-specific transcription factor, ETV2/ER71, and revealed its essential role in regulating endothelial cell generation and function, along with vascular regeneration and tissue repair. Furthermore, we and other groups have demonstrated its ability to directly reprogram terminally differentiated non-ECs into functional ECs, proposing ETV2/ER71 as an effective therapeutic target for vascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date status of studies on ETV2/ER71, spanning from its molecular mechanism to vasculo-angiogenic role and direct cell reprogramming toward ECs. Furthermore, we discuss future directions to deploy the clinical potential of ETV2/ER71 as a novel and potent target for vascular disorders such as cardiovascular disease, neurovascular impairment and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Min Kim
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institutes of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, 1447 Pyeongchang-daero, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, 25354, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ra Ham Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Min Seong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Chloe A Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Changwon Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
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20
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Romero-Tejeda M, Fonoudi H, Weddle CJ, DeKeyser JM, Lenny B, Fetterman KA, Magdy T, Sapkota Y, Epting C, Burridge PW. A Novel Transcription Factor Combination for Direct Reprogramming to a Spontaneously Contracting Human Cardiomyocyte-like State. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532629. [PMID: 36993577 PMCID: PMC10055062 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The reprogramming of somatic cells to a spontaneously contracting cardiomyocyte-like state using defined transcription factors has proven successful in mouse fibroblasts. However, this process has been less successful in human cells, thus limiting the potential clinical applicability of this technology in regenerative medicine. We hypothesized that this issue is due to a lack of cross-species concordance between the required transcription factor combinations for mouse and human cells. To address this issue, we identified novel transcription factor candidates to induce cell conversion between human fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, using the network-based algorithm Mogrify. We developed an automated, high-throughput method for screening transcription factor, small molecule, and growth factor combinations, utilizing acoustic liquid handling and high-content kinetic imaging cytometry. Using this high-throughput platform, we screened the effect of 4,960 unique transcription factor combinations on direct conversion of 24 patient-specific primary human cardiac fibroblast samples to cardiomyocytes. Our screen revealed the combination of MYOCD , SMAD6 , and TBX20 (MST) as the most successful direct reprogramming combination, which consistently produced up to 40% TNNT2 + cells in just 25 days. Addition of FGF2 and XAV939 to the MST cocktail resulted in reprogrammed cells with spontaneous contraction and cardiomyocyte-like calcium transients. Gene expression profiling of the reprogrammed cells also revealed the expression of cardiomyocyte associated genes. Together, these findings indicate that cardiac direct reprogramming in human cells can be achieved at similar levels to those attained in mouse fibroblasts. This progress represents a step forward towards the clinical application of the cardiac direct reprogramming approach. HIGHLIGHTS Using network-based algorithm Mogrify, acoustic liquid handling, and high-content kinetic imaging cytometry we screened the effect of 4,960 unique transcription factor combinations. Using 24 patient-specific human fibroblast samples we identified the combination of MYOCD , SMAD6 , and TBX20 (MST) as the most successful direct reprogramming combination. MST cocktail results in reprogrammed cells with spontaneous contraction, cardiomyocyte-like calcium transients, and expression of cardiomyocyte associated genes.
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21
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Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) repair after injury or disease remains an unresolved problem in neurobiology research and an unmet medical need. Directly reprogramming or converting astrocytes to neurons (AtN) in adult animals has been investigated as a potential strategy to facilitate brain and spinal cord recovery and advance fundamental biology. Conceptually, AtN strategies rely on forced expression or repression of lineage-specific transcription factors to make endogenous astrocytes become "induced neurons" (iNs), presumably without re-entering any pluripotent or multipotent states. The AtN-derived cells have been reported to manifest certain neuronal functions in vivo. However, this approach has raised many new questions and alternative explanations regarding the biological features of the end products (e.g., iNs versus neuron-like cells, neural functional changes, etc.), developmental biology underpinnings, and neurobiological essentials. For this paper per se, we proposed to draw an unconventional distinction between direct cell conversion and direct cell reprogramming, relative to somatic nuclear transfer, based on the experimental methods utilized to initiate the transformation process, aiming to promote a more in-depth mechanistic exploration. Moreover, we have summarized the current tactics employed for AtN induction, comparisons between the bench endeavors concerning outcome tangibility, and discussion of the issues of published AtN protocols. Lastly, the urgency to clearly define/devise the theoretical frameworks, cell biological bases, and bench specifics to experimentally validate primary data of AtN studies was highlighted.
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22
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Tani H, Sadahiro T, Yamada Y, Isomi M, Yamakawa H, Fujita R, Abe Y, Akiyama T, Nakano K, Kuze Y, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Fujisawa M, Sakata-Yanagimoto M, Chiba S, Fukuda K, Ieda M. Direct Reprogramming Improves Cardiac Function and Reverses Fibrosis in Chronic Myocardial Infarction. Circulation 2023; 147:223-238. [PMID: 36503256 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.058655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because adult cardiomyocytes have little regenerative capacity, resident cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) synthesize extracellular matrix after myocardial infarction (MI) to form fibrosis, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Therapies that can regenerate the myocardium and reverse fibrosis in chronic MI are lacking. The overexpression of cardiac transcription factors, including Mef2c/Gata4/Tbx5/Hand2 (MGTH), can directly reprogram CFs into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) and improve cardiac function under acute MI. However, the ability of in vivo cardiac reprogramming to repair chronic MI with established scars is undetermined. METHODS We generated a novel Tcf21iCre/reporter/MGTH2A transgenic mouse system in which tamoxifen treatment could induce both MGTH and reporter expression in the resident CFs for cardiac reprogramming and fibroblast lineage tracing. We first tested the efficacy of this transgenic system in vitro and in vivo for acute MI. Next, we analyzed in vivo cardiac reprogramming and fusion events under chronic MI using Tcf21iCre/Tomato/MGTH2A and Tcf21iCre/mTmG/MGTH2A mice, respectively. Microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing were performed to determine the mechanism of cardiac repair by in vivo reprogramming. RESULTS We confirmed the efficacy of transgenic in vitro and in vivo cardiac reprogramming for acute MI. In chronic MI, in vivo cardiac reprogramming converted ≈2% of resident CFs into iCMs, in which a majority of iCMs were generated by means of bona fide cardiac reprogramming rather than by fusion with cardiomyocytes. Cardiac reprogramming significantly improved myocardial contraction and reduced fibrosis in chronic MI. Microarray analyses revealed that the overexpression of MGTH activated cardiac program and concomitantly suppressed fibroblast and inflammatory signatures in chronic MI. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that resident CFs consisted of 7 subclusters, in which the profibrotic CF population increased under chronic MI. Cardiac reprogramming suppressed fibroblastic gene expression in chronic MI by means of conversion of profibrotic CFs to a quiescent antifibrotic state. MGTH overexpression induced antifibrotic effects partly by suppression of Meox1, a central regulator of fibroblast activation. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that cardiac reprogramming could repair chronic MI by means of myocardial regeneration and reduction of fibrosis. These findings present opportunities for the development of new therapies for chronic MI and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (H.T., H.Y., K.F.)
| | - Taketaro Sadahiro
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mari Isomi
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamakawa
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (H.T., H.Y., K.F.)
| | - Ryo Fujita
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, and Division of Regenerative Medicine, Transborder Medical Research Center (R.F.), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuto Abe
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Akiyama
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan.,Respiratory Medicine (T.A.), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koji Nakano
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuta Kuze
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa City, Chiba, Japan (Y.K., M.S., Y.S.)
| | - Masahide Seki
- Departments of Cardiology (T.S., Y.Y., M. Isomi, R.F., Y.A., T.A., K.N., M. Ieda), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa City, Chiba, Japan (Y.K., M.S., Y.S.)
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa City, Chiba, Japan (Y.K., M.S., Y.S.)
| | - Manabu Fujisawa
- Hematology (M.F., M.S.-Y., S.C.), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Shigeru Chiba
- Hematology (M.F., M.S.-Y., S.C.), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (H.T., H.Y., K.F.)
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (H.T., H.Y., K.F.)
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23
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Direct cardiac reprogramming: basics and future challenges. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:865-871. [PMID: 36308583 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by reduced cardiac function. Currently, cardiac transplantation therapy is applied for end-stage heart failure, but it is limited by the number of available donors. METHODS AND RESULTS Following an assessment of available literature, a narrative review was conducted to summarizes the current status and challenges of cardiac reprogramming for clinical application. Scientists have developed different regenerative treatment strategies for curing heart failure, including progenitor cell delivery and pluripotent cell delivery. Recently, a novel strategy has emerged that directly reprograms cardiac fibroblast into a functional cardiomyocyte. In this treatment, transcription factors are first identified to reprogram fibroblast into a cardiomyocyte. After that, microRNA and small molecules show great potential to optimize the reprogramming process. Some challenges regarding cell reprogramming in humans are conversion efficiency, virus utilization, immature and heterogenous induced cardiomyocytes, technical reproducibility issues, and physiological effects of depleted fibroblasts on myocardial tissue. CONCLUSION Several strategies have shown positive results in direct cardiac reprogramming. However, direct cardiac reprogramming still needs improvement if it is used as a mainstay therapy in humans, and challenges need to be overcome before cardiac reprogramming can be considered a viable therapeutic strategy. Further advances in cardiac reprogramming studies are needed in cardiac regenerative therapy.
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24
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Jin Y, Kim H, Min S, Choi YS, Seo SJ, Jeong E, Kim SK, Lee HA, Jo SH, Park JH, Park BW, Sim WS, Kim JJ, Ban K, Kim YG, Park HJ, Cho SW. Three-dimensional heart extracellular matrix enhances chemically induced direct cardiac reprogramming. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn5768. [PMID: 36516259 PMCID: PMC9750148 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Direct cardiac reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for cardiac regeneration. Full chemical reprogramming with small molecules to generate cardiomyocytes may be more amenable than genetic reprogramming for clinical applications as it avoids safety concerns associated with genetic manipulations. However, challenges remain regarding low conversion efficiency and incomplete cardiomyocyte maturation. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of chemically induced cardiomyocytes (CiCMs) has not been investigated. Here, we report that a three-dimensional microenvironment reconstituted with decellularized heart extracellular matrix can enhance chemical reprogramming and cardiac maturation of fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes. The resultant CiCMs exhibit elevated cardiac marker expression, sarcomeric organization, and improved electrophysiological features and drug responses. We investigated the therapeutic potential of CiCMs reprogrammed in three-dimensional heart extracellular matrix in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Our platform can facilitate the use of CiCMs for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Kim
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Sun Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ju Seo
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseon Jeong
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Kyeom Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Ae Lee
- Korea Institute of Toxicology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Jo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyun Park
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Woo Park
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sup Sim
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiwon Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Yun-Gon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Jun Park
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Center for Nanomedicine, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Nano Biomedical Engineering (NanoBME), Advanced Science Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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25
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He X, Liang J, Paul C, Huang W, Dutta S, Wang Y. Advances in Cellular Reprogramming-Based Approaches for Heart Regenerative Repair. Cells 2022; 11:3914. [PMID: 36497171 PMCID: PMC9740402 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs) is one of the fundamental characteristics of many heart diseases, which eventually can lead to heart failure. Due to the limited proliferation ability of human adult CMs, treatment efficacy has been limited in terms of fully repairing damaged hearts. It has been shown that cell lineage conversion can be achieved by using cell reprogramming approaches, including human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), providing a promising therapeutic for regenerative heart medicine. Recent studies using advanced cellular reprogramming-based techniques have also contributed some new strategies for regenerative heart repair. In this review, hiPSC-derived cell therapeutic methods are introduced, and the clinical setting challenges (maturation, engraftment, immune response, scalability, and tumorigenicity), with potential solutions, are discussed. Inspired by the iPSC reprogramming, the approaches of direct cell lineage conversion are merging, such as induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) and induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs) derived from fibroblasts, without induction of pluripotency. The studies of cellular and molecular pathways also reveal that epigenetic resetting is the essential mechanism of reprogramming and lineage conversion. Therefore, CRISPR techniques that can be repurposed for genomic or epigenetic editing become attractive approaches for cellular reprogramming. In addition, viral and non-viral delivery strategies that are utilized to achieve CM reprogramming will be introduced, and the therapeutic effects of iCMs or iCPCs on myocardial infarction will be compared. After the improvement of reprogramming efficiency by developing new techniques, reprogrammed iCPCs or iCMs will provide an alternative to hiPSC-based approaches for regenerative heart therapies, heart disease modeling, and new drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu He
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Jialiang Liang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Christian Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Suchandrima Dutta
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
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26
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Liu M, Liu J, Zhang T, Wang L. Direct cardiac reprogramming: Toward the era of multi-omics analysis. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100058. [PMID: 37193352 PMCID: PMC10120284 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Limited regenerative capacity of adult cardiomyocytes precludes heart repair and regeneration after cardiac injury. Direct cardiac reprograming that converts scar-forming cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into functional induced-cardiomyocytes (iCMs) offers promising potential to restore heart structure and heart function. Significant advances have been achieved in iCM reprogramming using genetic and epigenetic regulators, small molecules, and delivery strategies. Recent researches on the heterogeneity and reprogramming trajectories elucidated novel mechanisms of iCM reprogramming at single cell level. Here, we review recent progress in iCM reprogramming with a focus on multi-omics (transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic) researches to investigate the cellular and molecular machinery governing cell fate conversion. We also highlight the future potential using multi-omics approaches to dissect iCMs conversion for clinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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27
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Ricketts SN, Qian L. The heart of cardiac reprogramming: The cardiac fibroblasts. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 172:90-99. [PMID: 36007393 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, outpacing pulmonary disease, infectious disease, and all forms of cancer. Myocardial infarction (MI) dominates cardiovascular disease, contributing to four out of five cardiovascular related deaths. Following MI, patients suffer adverse and irreversible myocardial remodeling associated with cardiomyocyte loss and infiltration of fibrotic scar tissue. Current therapies following MI only mitigate the cardiac physiological decline rather than restore damaged myocardium function. Direct cardiac reprogramming is one strategy that has promise in repairing injured cardiac tissue by generating new, functional cardiomyocytes from cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). With the ectopic expression of transcription factors, microRNAs, and small molecules, CFs can be reprogrammed into cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) that display molecular signatures, structures, and contraction abilities similar to endogenous cardiomyocytes. The in vivo induction of iCMs following MI leads to significant reduction in fibrotic cardiac remodeling and improved heart function, indicating reprogramming is a viable option for repairing damaged heart tissue. Recent work has illustrated different methods to understand the mechanisms driving reprogramming, in an effort to improve the efficiency of iCM generation and create an approach translational into clinic. This review will provide an overview of CFs and describe different in vivo reprogramming methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shea N Ricketts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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28
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Kim J, Chang Y, Hwang Y, Kim S, Oh YK, Kim J. Graphene Nanosheets Mediate Efficient Direct Reprogramming into Induced Cardiomyocytes. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In vivo cardiac reprogramming is a potential therapeutic strategy to replace cardiomyocytes in patients with myocardial infarction. However, low conversion efficiency is a limitation of In vivo cardiac reprogramming for heart failure. In this study, we showed that graphene
nanosheets mediated efficient direct reprogramming into induced cardiomyocytes In vivo. We observed that the administration of graphene nanosheets led to the accumulation of H3K4me3, which resulted in direct cardiac reprogramming. Importantly, the administration of graphene nanosheets
combined with cardiac reprogramming factors in a mouse model of myocardial infarction enhanced the effectiveness of directly reprogrammed cell-based cardiac repair. Collectively, our findings suggest that graphene nanosheets can be used as an excellent biomaterial to promote cardiac cell fate
conversion and provide a robust reprogramming platform for cardiac regeneration in ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeop Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujung Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerim Hwang
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
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29
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Lyra-Leite DM, Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Ó, Wang M, Zhou Y, Cyganek L, Burridge PW. A review of protocols for human iPSC culture, cardiac differentiation, subtype-specification, maturation, and direct reprogramming. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101560. [PMID: 36035804 PMCID: PMC9405110 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The methods for the culture and cardiomyocyte differentiation of human embryonic stem cells, and later human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), have moved from a complex and uncontrolled systems to simplified and relatively robust protocols, using the knowledge and cues gathered at each step. HiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes have proven to be a useful tool in human disease modelling, drug discovery, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine. In this protocol review, we will highlight the evolution of protocols associated with hPSC culture, cardiomyocyte differentiation, sub-type specification, and cardiomyocyte maturation. We also discuss protocols for somatic cell direct reprogramming to cardiomyocyte-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi M Lyra-Leite
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Óscar Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Meimei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lukas Cyganek
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paul W Burridge
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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30
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Talbott HE, Mascharak S, Griffin M, Wan DC, Longaker MT. Wound healing, fibroblast heterogeneity, and fibrosis. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1161-1180. [PMID: 35931028 PMCID: PMC9357250 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are highly dynamic cells that play a central role in tissue repair and fibrosis. However, the mechanisms by which they contribute to both physiologic and pathologic states of extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling are just starting to be understood. In this review article, we discuss the current state of knowledge in fibroblast biology and heterogeneity, with a primary focus on the role of fibroblasts in skin wound repair. We also consider emerging techniques in the field, which enable an increasingly nuanced and contextualized understanding of these complex systems, and evaluate limitations of existing methodologies and knowledge. Collectively, this review spotlights a diverse body of research examining an often-overlooked cell type-the fibroblast-and its critical functions in wound repair and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Talbott
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shamik Mascharak
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle Griffin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Derrick C Wan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Michael T Longaker
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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31
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Soltani Dehnavi S, Eivazi Zadeh Z, Harvey AR, Voelcker NH, Parish CL, Williams RJ, Elnathan R, Nisbet DR. Changing Fate: Reprogramming Cells via Engineered Nanoscale Delivery Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108757. [PMID: 35396884 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine is at the nexus of fundamental innovations and early-stage breakthroughs, enabling exciting biomedical advances. One of the most exciting recent developments is the use of nanoscale constructs to influence the fate of cells, which are the basic building blocks of healthy function. Appropriate cell types can be effectively manipulated by direct cell reprogramming; a robust technique to manipulate cellular function and fate, underpinning burgeoning advances in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and disease remodeling. Individual transcription factors, or combinations thereof, can be introduced into cells using both viral and nonviral delivery systems. Existing approaches have inherent limitations. Viral-based tools include issues of viral integration into the genome of the cells, the propensity for uncontrollable silencing, reduced copy potential and cell specificity, and neutralization via the immune response. Current nonviral cell reprogramming tools generally suffer from inferior expression efficiency. Nanomaterials are increasingly being explored to address these challenges and improve the efficacy of both viral and nonviral delivery because of their unique properties such as small size and high surface area. This review presents the state-of-the-art research in cell reprogramming, focused on recent breakthroughs in the deployment of nanomaterials as cell reprogramming delivery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Soltani Dehnavi
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU College of Health & Medicine, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Zahra Eivazi Zadeh
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15875-4413, Iran
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- iMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Roey Elnathan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- iMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU College of Health & Medicine, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, ANU College of Science, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Ko T, Nomura S. Manipulating Cardiomyocyte Plasticity for Heart Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929256. [PMID: 35898398 PMCID: PMC9309349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological heart injuries such as myocardial infarction induce adverse ventricular remodeling and progression to heart failure owing to widespread cardiomyocyte death. The adult mammalian heart is terminally differentiated unlike those of lower vertebrates. Therefore, the proliferative capacity of adult cardiomyocytes is limited and insufficient to restore an injured heart. Although current therapeutic approaches can delay progressive remodeling and heart failure, difficulties with the direct replenishment of lost cardiomyocytes results in a poor long-term prognosis for patients with heart failure. However, it has been revealed that cardiac function can be improved by regulating the cell cycle or changing the cell state of cardiomyocytes by delivering specific genes or small molecules. Therefore, manipulation of cardiomyocyte plasticity can be an effective treatment for heart disease. This review summarizes the recent studies that control heart regeneration by manipulating cardiomyocyte plasticity with various approaches including differentiating pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes, reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, and reactivating the proliferation of cardiomyocytes.
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Pinnamaneni JP, Singh VP, Kim MB, Ryan CT, Pugazenthi A, Sanagasetti D, Mathison M, Yang J, Rosengart TK. p63 silencing induces epigenetic modulation to enhance human cardiac fibroblast to cardiomyocyte-like differentiation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11416. [PMID: 35794145 PMCID: PMC9259667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct cell reprogramming represents a promising new myocardial regeneration strategy involving in situ transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes. Adult human cells are relatively resistant to reprogramming, however, likely because of epigenetic restraints on reprogramming gene activation. We hypothesized that modulation of the epigenetic regulator gene p63 could improve the efficiency of human cell cardio-differentiation. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated significantly increased expression of a panel of cardiomyocyte marker genes in neonatal rat and adult rat and human cardiac fibroblasts treated with p63 shRNA (shp63) and the cardio-differentiation factors Hand2/Myocardin (H/M) versus treatment with Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 (GMT) with or without shp63 (p < 0.001). FACS analysis demonstrated that shp63+ H/M treatment of human cardiac fibroblasts significantly increased the percentage of cells expressing the cardiomyocyte marker cTnT compared to GMT treatment with or without shp63 (14.8% ± 1.4% versus 4.3% ± 1.1% and 3.1% ± 0.98%, respectively; p < 0.001). We further demonstrated that overexpression of the p63-transactivation inhibitory domain (TID) interferes with the physical interaction of p63 with the epigenetic regulator HDAC1 and that human cardiac fibroblasts treated with p63-TID+ H/M demonstrate increased cardiomyocyte marker gene expression compared to cells treated with shp63+ H/M (p < 0.05). Whereas human cardiac fibroblasts treated with GMT alone failed to contract in co-culture experiments, human cardiac fibroblasts treated with shp63+ HM or p63-TID+ H/M demonstrated calcium transients upon electrical stimulation and contractility synchronous with surrounding neonatal cardiomyocytes. These findings demonstrate that p63 silencing provides enhanced rat and human cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation into induced cardiomyocytes compared to a standard reprogramming strategy. p63-TID overexpression may be a useful reprogramming strategy for overcoming epigenetic barriers to human fibroblast cardio-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Pratap Pinnamaneni
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Vivek P. Singh
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Mary B. Kim
- grid.416167.30000 0004 0442 1996Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Christopher T. Ryan
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Aarthi Pugazenthi
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Deepthi Sanagasetti
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Megumi Mathison
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Jianchang Yang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
| | - Todd K. Rosengart
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XMichael E. De Bakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Moursund St, Houston, TX-77030 USA
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Metabolic Determinants in Cardiomyocyte Function and Heart Regenerative Strategies. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060500. [PMID: 35736435 PMCID: PMC9227827 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. The associated pathology is characterized by a loss of cardiomyocytes that leads, eventually, to heart failure. In this context, several cardiac regenerative strategies have been developed, but they still lack clinical effectiveness. The mammalian neonatal heart is capable of substantial regeneration following injury, but this capacity is lost at postnatal stages when cardiomyocytes become terminally differentiated and transit to the fetal metabolic switch. Cardiomyocytes are metabolically versatile cells capable of using an array of fuel sources, and the metabolism of cardiomyocytes suffers extended reprogramming after injury. Apart from energetic sources, metabolites are emerging regulators of epigenetic programs driving cell pluripotency and differentiation. Thus, understanding the metabolic determinants that regulate cardiomyocyte maturation and function is key for unlocking future metabolic interventions for cardiac regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the emerging role of metabolism and nutrient signaling in cardiomyocyte function and repair, as well as whether exploiting this axis could potentiate current cellular regenerative strategies for the mammalian heart.
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Ji SF, Zhou LX, Sun ZF, Xiang JB, Cui SY, Li Y, Chen HT, Liu YQ, Gao HH, Fu XB, Sun XY. Small molecules facilitate single factor-mediated sweat gland cell reprogramming. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:13. [PMID: 35351192 PMCID: PMC8962256 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large skin defects severely disrupt the overall skin structure and can irreversibly damage sweat glands (SG), thus impairing the skin's physiological function. This study aims to develop a stepwise reprogramming strategy to convert fibroblasts into SG lineages, which may provide a promising method to obtain desirable cell types for the functional repair and regeneration of damaged skin. METHODS The expression of the SG markers cytokeratin 5 (CK5), cytokeratin 10 (CK10), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was assessed with quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Calcium activity analysis was conducted to test the function of induced SG-like cells (iSGCs). Mouse xenograft models were also used to evaluate the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a normal group, SGM treatment group and iSGC transplantation group. Immunocytochemical analyses and starch-iodine sweat tests were used to confirm the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. RESULTS EDA overexpression drove HDF conversion into iSGCs in SG culture medium (SGM). qPCR indicated significantly increased mRNA levels of the SG markers CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, and flow cytometry data demonstrated (4.18 ± 0.04)% of iSGCs were CK5 positive and (4.36 ± 0.25)% of iSGCs were CK18 positive. The addition of chemical cocktails greatly accelerated the SG fate program. qPCR results revealed significantly increased mRNA expression of CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, as well as activation of the duct marker CK10 and luminal functional marker AQP5. Flow cytometry indicated, after the treatment of chemical cocktails, (23.05 ± 2.49)% of iSGCs expressed CK5+ and (55.79 ± 3.18)% of iSGCs expressed CK18+, respectively. Calcium activity analysis indicated that the reactivity of iSGCs to acetylcholine was close to that of primary SG cells [(60.79 ± 7.71)% vs. (70.59 ± 0.34)%, ns]. In vivo transplantation experiments showed approximately (5.2 ± 1.1)% of the mice were sweat test positive, and the histological analysis results indicated that regenerated SG structures were present in iSGCs-treated mice. CONCLUSION We developed a SG reprogramming strategy to generate functional iSGCs from HDFs by using the single factor EDA in combination with SGM and small molecules. The generation of iSGCs has important implications for future in situ skin regeneration with SG restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Fei Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Lai-Xian Zhou
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Sun
- Department of Respiratory, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Jiang-Bing Xiang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.,Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shao-Yuan Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yan Li
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Hua-Ting Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yi-Qiong Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Huan-Huan Gao
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Pascale E, Caiazza C, Paladino M, Parisi S, Passaro F, Caiazzo M. MicroRNA Roles in Cell Reprogramming Mechanisms. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060940. [PMID: 35326391 PMCID: PMC8946776 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell reprogramming is a groundbreaking technology that, in few decades, generated a new paradigm in biomedical science. To date we can use cell reprogramming to potentially generate every cell type by converting somatic cells and suitably modulating the expression of key transcription factors. This approach can be used to convert skin fibroblasts into pluripotent stem cells as well as into a variety of differentiated and medically relevant cell types, including cardiomyocytes and neural cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying such striking cell phenotypes are still largely unknown, but in the last decade it has been proven that cell reprogramming approaches are significantly influenced by non-coding RNAs. Specifically, this review will focus on the role of microRNAs in the reprogramming processes that lead to the generation of pluripotent stem cells, neurons, and cardiomyocytes. As highlighted here, non-coding RNA-forced expression can be sufficient to support some cell reprogramming processes, and, therefore, we will also discuss how these molecular determinants could be used in the future for biomedical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Pascale
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Martina Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Parisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Fabiana Passaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (S.P.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (M.C.)
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Abstract
Cellular identity is established through complex layers of genetic regulation, forged over a developmental lifetime. An expanding molecular toolbox is allowing us to manipulate these gene regulatory networks in specific cell types in vivo. In principle, if we found the right molecular tricks, we could rewrite cell identity and harness the rich repertoire of possible cellular functions and attributes. Recent work suggests that this rewriting of cell identity is not only possible, but that newly induced cells can mitigate disease phenotypes in animal models of major human diseases. So, is the sky the limit, or do we need to keep our feet on the ground? This Spotlight synthesises key concepts emerging from recent efforts to reprogramme cellular identity in vivo. We provide our perspectives on recent controversies in the field of glia-to-neuron reprogramming and identify important gaps in our understanding that present barriers to progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Leaman
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Nicolás Marichal
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.,Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany.,The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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Nam YJ. Translational perspectives on cardiac reprogramming. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 122:14-20. [PMID: 34210578 PMCID: PMC8712611 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Loss of cardiac muscle after cardiac injury is replaced by cardiac fibrosis, due to very limited regenerative capacity of the heart. Although initially beneficial, persistent cardiac fibrosis leads to pump failure and conduction abnormalities, common modes of death following cardiac injury. Thus, directly reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) by forced expression of cardiogenic factors (referred to as cardiac reprogramming) is particularly attractive in that it targets cardiac fibroblasts, a major source of cardiac fibrosis, to induce new cardiac muscle. Over the last decade, remarkable progresses have been made on cardiac reprogramming, particularly focusing on how to enhance conversion of fibroblasts to iCMs in vitro. However, it still remains elusive whether this new regenerative approach can be translated into clinical practice. This review discusses progresses and challenges of cardiac reprogramming in the translational context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jae Nam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,To whom correspondence may be addressed: Young-Jae Nam, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville , Tennessee 37232, USA, Phone: 615-936-5436,
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Xie Y, Liu J, Qian L. Direct cardiac reprogramming comes of age: Recent advance and remaining challenges. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 122:37-43. [PMID: 34304993 PMCID: PMC8782931 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The adult human heart has limited regenerative capacity. As such, the massive cardiomyocyte loss due to myocardial infarction leads to scar formation and adverse cardiac remodeling, which ultimately results in chronic heart failure. Direct cardiac reprogramming that converts cardiac fibroblast into functional cardiomyocyte-like cells (also called iCMs) holds great promise for heart regeneration. Cardiac reprogramming has been achieved both in vitro and in vivo by using a variety of cocktails that comprise transcription factors, microRNAs, or small molecules. During the past several years, great progress has been made in improving reprogramming efficiency and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we summarize the direct cardiac reprogramming methods, review the current advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac reprogramming, and highlight the novel insights gained from single-cell omics studies. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and future directions for the field.
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Garry GA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Direct reprogramming as a route to cardiac repair. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 122:3-13. [PMID: 34246567 PMCID: PMC8738780 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure worldwide due to an inability of the heart to regenerate following injury. Thus, novel heart failure therapies aimed at promoting cardiomyocyte regeneration are desperately needed. In recent years, direct reprogramming of resident cardiac fibroblasts to induced cardiac-like myocytes (iCMs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to repurpose the fibrotic response of the injured heart toward a functional myocardium. Direct cardiac reprogramming was initially achieved through the overexpression of the transcription factors (TFs) Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT). However, this combination of TFs and other subsequent cocktails demonstrated limited success in reprogramming adult human and mouse fibroblasts, constraining the clinical translation of this therapy. Over the past decade, significant effort has been dedicated to optimizing reprogramming cocktails comprised of cardiac TFs, epigenetic factors, microRNAs, or small molecules to yield efficient cardiac cell fate conversion. Yet, efficient reprogramming of adult human fibroblasts remains a significant challenge. Underlying mechanisms identified to accelerate this process have been centered on epigenetic remodeling at cardiac gene regulatory regions. Further studies to achieve a refined understanding and directed means of overcoming epigenetic barriers are merited to more rapidly translate these promising therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glynnis A. Garry
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Correspondence: Eric N. Olson, Ph.D. 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9148, Tel: 214-648-1187,
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Evers MJW, Du W, Yang Q, Kooijmans SAA, Vink A, van Steenbergen M, Vader P, de Jager SCA, Fuchs SA, Mastrobattista E, Sluijter JPG, Lei Z, Schiffelers R. Delivery of modified mRNA to damaged myocardium by systemic administration of lipid nanoparticles. J Control Release 2022; 343:207-216. [PMID: 35077739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising drug delivery vehicle for clinical siRNA delivery. Modified mRNA (modRNA) has recently gained great attention as a therapeutic molecule in cardiac regeneration. However, for mRNA to be functional, it must first reach the diseased myocardium, enter the target cell, escape from the endosomal compartment into the cytosol and be translated into a functional protein. However, it is unknown if LNPs can effectively deliver mRNA, which is much larger than siRNA, to the ischemic myocardium. Here, we evaluated the ability of LNPs to deliver mRNA to the myocardium upon ischemia-reperfusion injury functionally. By exploring the bio-distribution of fluorescently labeled LNPs, we observed that, upon reperfusion, LNPs accumulated in the infarct area of the heart. Subsequently, the functional delivery of modRNA was evaluated by the administration of firefly luciferase encoding modRNA. Concomitantly, a significant increase in firefly luciferase expression was observed in the heart upon myocardial reperfusion when compared to sham-operated animals. To characterize the targeted cells within the myocardium, we injected LNPs loaded with Cre modRNA into Cre-reporter mice. Upon LNP infusion, Tdtomato+ cells, derived from Cre mediated recombination, were observed in the infarct region as well as the epicardial layer upon LNP infusion. Within the infarct area, most targeted cells were cardiac fibroblasts but also some cardiomyocytes and macrophages were found. Although the expression levels were low compared to LNP-modRNA delivery into the liver, our data show the ability of LNPs to functionally deliver modRNA therapeutics to the damaged myocardium, which holds great promise for modRNA-based cardiac therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjuan Du
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | | | | | - Aryan Vink
- Department of Pathology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mies van Steenbergen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter Vader
- CDL Research, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia C A de Jager
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine A Fuchs
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative medicine Centre, UMC Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Zhiyong Lei
- CDL Research, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Hsu Y, Huang K, Cheng K. Resuscitating the Field of Cardiac Regeneration: Seeking Answers from Basic Biology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 6:e2101133. [PMID: 34939372 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes for hospital admissions worldwide. HF patients are classified based on the chronic changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as preserved (LVEF ≥ 50%), reduced (LVEF ≤ 40%), or mid-ranged (40% < LVEF < 50%) HFs. Treatments nowadays can prevent HFrEF progress, whereas only a few of the treatments have been proven to be effective in improving the survival of HFpEF. In this review, numerous mediators involved in the pathogenesis of HF are summarized. The regional upstream signaling and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential are also discussed. Additionally, the recent challenges and development in cardiac regenerative therapy that hold opportunities for future research and clinical translation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaching Hsu
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
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43
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Singh VP, Pinnamaneni JP, Pugazenthi A, Sanagasetti D, Mathison M, Martin JF, Yang J, Rosengart TK. Hippo Pathway Effector Tead1 Induces Cardiac Fibroblast to Cardiomyocyte Reprogramming. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e022659. [PMID: 34889103 PMCID: PMC9075224 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.022659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background The conversion of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes may regenerate myocardial tissue from cardiac scar through in situ cell transdifferentiation. The efficiency transdifferentiation is low, especially for human cells. We explored the leveraging of Hippo pathway intermediates to enhance induced cardiomyocyte generation. Methods and Results We screened Hippo effectors Yap (yes‐associated protein), Taz (transcriptional activator binding domain), and Tead1 (TEA domain transcription factor 1; Td) for their reprogramming efficacy with cardio‐differentiating factors Gata4, Mef2C, and Tbx5 (GMT). Td induced nearly 3‐fold increased expression of cardiomyocyte marker cTnT (cardiac troponin T) by mouse embryonic and adult rat fibroblasts versus GMT administration alone (P<0.0001), while Yap and Taz failed to enhance cTnT expression. Serial substitution demonstrated that Td replacement of TBX5 induced the greatest cTnT expression enhancement and sarcomere organization in rat fibroblasts treated with all GMT substitutions (GMTd versus GMT: 17±1.2% versus 5.4±0.3%, P<0.0001). Cell contractility (beating) was seen in 6% of GMTd‐treated cells by 4 weeks after treatment, whereas no beating GMT‐treated cells were observed. Human cardiac fibroblasts likewise demonstrated increased cTnT expression with GMTd versus GMT treatment (7.5±0.3% versus 3.0±0.3%, P<0.01). Mechanistically, GMTd administration increased expression of the trimethylated lysine 4 of histone 3 (H3K4me3) mark at the promoter regions of cardio‐differentiation genes and mitochondrial biogenesis regulator genes in rat and human fibroblast, compared with GMT. Conclusions These data suggest that the Hippo pathway intermediate Tead1 is an important regulator of cardiac reprogramming that increases the efficiency of maturate induced cardiomyocytes generation and may be a vital component of human cardiodifferentiation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P Singh
- Department of Surgery Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX
| | | | | | | | | | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX
| | - Jianchang Yang
- Department of Surgery Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX
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44
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Park H, Kim D, Cho B, Byun J, Kim YS, Ahn Y, Hur J, Oh YK, Kim J. In vivo therapeutic genome editing via CRISPR/Cas9 magnetoplexes for myocardial infarction. Biomaterials 2021; 281:121327. [PMID: 34952262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-editing technology has gained attention as a new therapeutic method for intractable diseases. However, the use of CRISPR/Cas9 for cardiac conditions such as myocardial infarction remains challenging due to technical and biological barriers, particularly difficulties in delivering the system and targeting genes in the heart. In the present study, we demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 magnetoplexes system for therapeutic genome editing in myocardial infarction. First, we developed CRISPR/Cas9 magnetoplexes that magnetically guided CRISPR/Cas9 system to the heart for efficient in vivo therapeutic gene targeting during heart failures. We then demonstrated that the in vivo gene targeting of miR34a via these CRISPR/Cas9 magnetoplexes in a mouse model of myocardial infarction significantly improved cardiac repair and regeneration to facilitate improvements in cardiac function. These results indicated that CRISPR/Cas9 magnetoplexes represent an effective in vivo therapeutic gene-targeting platform in the myocardial infarction of heart, and that this strategy may be applicable for the treatment of a broad range of cardiac failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanseul Park
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell Reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, 100715, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Kwanak-ro, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byounggook Cho
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell Reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, 100715, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Byun
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Kwanak-ro, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sook Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hur
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Kwanak-ro, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell Reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, 100715, Republic of Korea.
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45
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Liu L, Guo Y, Li Z, Wang Z. Improving Cardiac Reprogramming for Heart Regeneration in Translational Medicine. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123297. [PMID: 34943805 PMCID: PMC8699771 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into CM-like cells has emerged as an attractive strategy to generate induced CMs (iCMs) in heart regeneration. However, low conversion rate, poor purity, and the lack of precise conversion of iCMs are still present as significant challenges. In this review, we summarize the recent development in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiac reprogramming with various strategies to achieve more efficient iCMs. reprogramming. Specifically, we focus on the identified critical roles of transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, signaling pathways from the cellular microenvironment, and cell cycling regulation in cardiac reprogramming. We also discuss the progress in delivery system optimization and cardiac reprogramming in human cells related to preclinical applications. We anticipate that this will translate cardiac reprogramming-based heart therapy into clinical applications. In addition to optimizing the cardiogenesis related transcriptional regulation and signaling pathways, an important strategy is to modulate the pathological microenvironment associated with heart injury, including inflammation, pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, and the mechanical properties of the damaged myocardium. We are optimistic that cardiac reprogramming will provide a powerful therapy in heart regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (L.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yijing Guo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (L.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.)
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zhaokai Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (L.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (L.L.); (Y.G.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence:
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46
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Fibroblast transition to an endothelial "trans" state improves cell reprogramming efficiency. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22605. [PMID: 34799643 PMCID: PMC8604927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast reprogramming offers the potential for myocardial regeneration via in situ cell transdifferentiation. We explored a novel strategy leveraging endothelial cell plasticity to enhance reprogramming efficiency. Rat cardiac endothelial cells and fibroblasts were treated with Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) to assess the cardio-differentiation potential of these cells. The endothelial cell transdifferentiation factor ETV2 was transiently over-expressed in fibroblasts followed by GMT treatment to assess “trans-endothelial” cardio-differentiation. Endothelial cells treated with GMT generated more cTnT+ cells than did cardiac fibroblasts (13% ± 2% vs 4% ± 0.5%, p < 0.01). Cardiac fibroblasts treated with ETV2 demonstrated increased endothelial cell markers, and when then treated with GMT yielded greater prevalence of cells expressing cardiomyocyte markers including cTnT than did fibroblasts treated with GMT or ETV2 (10.3% ± 0.2% vs 1.7% ± 0.06% and 0.6 ± 0.03, p < 0.01). Rat cardiac fibroblasts treated with GMT + ETV2 demonstrated calcium transients upon electrical stimulation and contractility synchronous with surrounding neonatal cardiomyocytes, whereas cells treated with GMT or ETV2 alone failed to contract in co-culture experiments. Human cardiac fibroblasts treated with ETV2 and then GMT likewise demonstrated greater prevalence of cTnT expression than did cells treated with GMT alone (2.8-fold increase, p < 0.05). Cardiac fibroblast transitioning through a trans-endothelial state appears to enhance cardio-differentiation by enhancing fibroblast plasticity.
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47
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Ryan CT, Patel V, Rosengart TK. Clinical potential of angiogenic therapy and cellular reprogramming. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 6:108-115. [PMID: 34746874 PMCID: PMC8570572 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2020.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Ryan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Vivek Patel
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Todd K Rosengart
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
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48
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Ohira M, Kikuchi E, Mizuta S, Yoshida N, Onodera M, Nakanishi M, Okuyama T, Mashima R. Production of therapeutic iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme with a novel single-stranded RNA virus vector. Genes Cells 2021; 26:891-904. [PMID: 34480399 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Sendai virus vector has received a lot of attention due to its broad tropism for mammalian cells. As a result of efforts for genetic studies based on a mutant virus, we can now express more than 10 genes of up to 13.5 kilo nucleotides in a single vector with high protein expression efficiency. To prove this benefit, we examined the efficacy of the novel ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus vector harboring the human iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene with 1,653 base pairs, a causative gene for mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as a disorder of lysosomal storage disorders. As expected, this novel RNA vector with the human IDS gene exhibited its marked expression as determined by the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein and IDS enzyme activity. While these cells exhibited a normal growth rate, the BHK-21 transformant cells stably expressing the human IDS gene persistently generated an active human IDS enzyme extracellularly. The human IDS protein produced failed to be incorporated into the lysosome when cells were pretreated with mannose-6-phosphate, demonstrating that this human IDS enzyme has potential for therapeutic use by cross-correction. These results suggest that our novel RNA vector may be applicable for further clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Ohira
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emika Kikuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Masafumi Onodera
- Department of Human Genetics, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Torayuki Okuyama
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Mashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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49
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Testa G, Di Benedetto G, Passaro F. Advanced Technologies to Target Cardiac Cell Fate Plasticity for Heart Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179517. [PMID: 34502423 PMCID: PMC8431232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult human heart can only adapt to heart diseases by starting a myocardial remodeling process to compensate for the loss of functional cardiomyocytes, which ultimately develop into heart failure. In recent decades, the evolution of new strategies to regenerate the injured myocardium based on cellular reprogramming represents a revolutionary new paradigm for cardiac repair by targeting some key signaling molecules governing cardiac cell fate plasticity. While the indirect reprogramming routes require an in vitro engineered 3D tissue to be transplanted in vivo, the direct cardiac reprogramming would allow the administration of reprogramming factors directly in situ, thus holding great potential as in vivo treatment for clinical applications. In this framework, cellular reprogramming in partnership with nanotechnologies and bioengineering will offer new perspectives in the field of cardiovascular research for disease modeling, drug screening, and tissue engineering applications. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in developing innovative therapeutic strategies based on manipulating cardiac cell fate plasticity in combination with bioengineering and nanotechnology-based approaches for targeting the failing heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Testa
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Nanotechnology Research—NanoBem, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Benedetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fabiana Passaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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50
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Bär C, Chatterjee S, Falcão Pires I, Rodrigues P, Sluijter JPG, Boon RA, Nevado RM, Andrés V, Sansonetti M, de Windt L, Ciccarelli M, Hamdani N, Heymans S, Figuinha Videira R, Tocchetti CG, Giacca M, Zacchigna S, Engelhardt S, Dimmeler S, Madonna R, Thum T. Non-coding RNAs: update on mechanisms and therapeutic targets from the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 116:1805-1819. [PMID: 32638021 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vast parts of mammalian genomes are actively transcribed, predominantly giving rise to non-coding RNA (ncRNA) transcripts including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs among others. Contrary to previous opinions that most of these RNAs are non-functional molecules, they are now recognized as critical regulators of many physiological and pathological processes including those of the cardiovascular system. The discovery of functional ncRNAs has opened up new research avenues aiming at understanding ncRNA-related disease mechanisms as well as exploiting them as novel therapeutics in cardiovascular therapy. In this review, we give an update on the current progress in ncRNA research, particularly focusing on cardiovascular physiological and disease processes, which are under current investigation at the ESC Working Groups of Myocardial Function and Cellular Biology of the Heart. This includes a range of topics such as extracellular vesicle-mediated communication, neurohormonal regulation, inflammation, cardiac remodelling, cardio-oncology as well as cardiac development and regeneration, collectively highlighting the wide-spread involvement and importance of ncRNAs in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bär
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shambhabi Chatterjee
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Inês Falcão Pires
- Cardiovascular Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Rodrigues
- Cardiovascular Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier A Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Partner site Rhein/Main, German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rosa M Nevado
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Vicente Andrés
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Marida Sansonetti
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon de Windt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Ciccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Nazha Hamdani
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Center for Heart Failure Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raquel Figuinha Videira
- Cardiovascular Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo G Tocchetti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Interdepartmental Center of Clinical and Translational Research (CIRCET), Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Str. 29, Munich 80802, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Biedersteiner Str. 29, Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Frankfurt, Germany.,Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Institute of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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