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Moreno-Domínguez A, Colinas O, Arias-Mayenco I, Cabeza JM, López-Ogayar JL, Chandel NS, Weissmann N, Sommer N, Pascual A, López-Barneo J. Hif1α-dependent mitochondrial acute O 2 sensing and signaling to myocyte Ca 2+ channels mediate arterial hypoxic vasodilation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6649. [PMID: 39103356 PMCID: PMC11300585 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51023-3] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasodilation in response to low oxygen (O2) tension (hypoxic vasodilation) is an essential homeostatic response of systemic arteries that facilitates O2 supply to tissues according to demand. However, how blood vessels react to O2 deficiency is not well understood. A common belief is that arterial myocytes are O2-sensitive. Supporting this concept, it has been shown that the activity of myocyte L-type Ca2+channels, the main ion channels responsible for vascular contractility, is reversibly inhibited by hypoxia, although the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, we show that genetic or pharmacological disruption of mitochondrial electron transport selectively abolishes O2 modulation of Ca2+ channels and hypoxic vasodilation. Mitochondria function as O2 sensors and effectors that signal myocyte Ca2+ channels due to constitutive Hif1α-mediated expression of specific electron transport subunit isoforms. These findings reveal the acute O2-sensing mechanisms of vascular cells and may guide new developments in vascular pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Moreno-Domínguez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Olalla Colinas
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arias-Mayenco
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - José M Cabeza
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan L López-Ogayar
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Natascha Sommer
- Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alberto Pascual
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - José López-Barneo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Ferguson CA, Firulli BA, Zoia M, Osterwalder M, Firulli AB. Identification and characterization of Hand2 upstream genomic enhancers active in developing stomach and limbs. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:215-232. [PMID: 37551791 PMCID: PMC11365009 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.646] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bHLH transcription factor HAND2 plays important roles in the development of the embryonic heart, face, limbs, and sympathetic and enteric nervous systems. To define how and when HAND2 regulates these developmental systems, requires understanding the transcriptional regulation of Hand2. RESULTS Remarkably, Hand2 is flanked by an extensive upstream gene desert containing a potentially diverse enhancer landscape. Here, we screened the regulatory interval 200 kb proximal to Hand2 for putative enhancers using evolutionary conservation and histone marks in Hand2-expressing tissues. H3K27ac signatures across embryonic tissues pointed to only two putative enhancer regions showing deep sequence conservation. Assessment of the transcriptional enhancer potential of these elements using transgenic reporter lines uncovered distinct in vivo enhancer activities in embryonic stomach and limb mesenchyme, respectively. Activity of the identified stomach enhancer was restricted to the developing antrum and showed expression within the smooth muscle and enteric neurons. Surprisingly, the activity pattern of the limb enhancer did not overlap Hand2 mRNA but consistently yielded a defined subectodermal anterior expression pattern within multiple transgenic lines. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results start to uncover the diverse regulatory potential inherent to the Hand2 upstream regulatory interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A. Ferguson
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
| | - Beth A. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
| | - Matteo Zoia
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Osterwalder
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anthony B. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
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3
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Lyu QR, Fu K. Tissue-specific Cre driver mice to study vascular diseases. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 153:107241. [PMID: 37923099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107241] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and abdominal aneurysms, are the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among the elderly worldwide. The life quality of patients is significantly compromised due to inadequate therapeutic approaches and limited drug targets. To expand our comprehension of vascular diseases, gene knockout (KO) mice, especially conditional knockout (cKO) mice, are widely used for investigating gene function and mechanisms of action. The Cre-loxP system is the most common method for generating cKO mice. Numerous Cre driver mice have been established to study the main cell types that compose blood vessels, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Here, we first discuss the characteristics of each layer of the arterial wall. Next, we provide an overview of the representative Cre driver mice utilized for each of the major cell types in the vessel wall and their most recent applications in vascular biology. We then go over Cre toxicity and discuss the practical methods for minimizing Cre interference in experimental outcomes. Finally, we look into the future of tissue-specific Cre drivers by introducing the revolutionary single-cell RNA sequencing and dual recombinase system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Rex Lyu
- Medical Research Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Academy of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China.
| | - Kailong Fu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China.
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4
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Barnes EA, Ito R, Che X, Alvira CM, Cornfield DN. Loss of prolyl hydroxylase 1 and 2 in SM22α-expressing cells prevents Hypoxia-Induced pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L741-L755. [PMID: 37847687 PMCID: PMC11068430 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00428.2022] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by increased vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) highly express the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), yet the role of PASMC HIF-1α in the development of PAH remains controversial. To study the role of SMC HIF-1α in the pulmonary vascular response to acute and chronic hypoxia, we used a gain-of-function strategy to stabilize HIF-1α in PASMC by generating mice lacking prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) 1 and 2 in SM22α-expressing cells. This strategy increased HIF-1α expression and transcriptional activity under conditions of normoxia and hypoxia. Acute hypoxia increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) in control, but not in SM22α-PHD1/2-/- mice. Chronic hypoxia increased RVSP and vascular remodeling more in control SM22α-PHD1/2+/+ than in SM22α-PHD1/2-/- mice. In vitro studies demonstrated increased contractility and myosin light chain phosphorylation in isolated PHD1/2+/+ compared with PHD1/2-/- PASMC under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. After chronic hypoxia, there was more p27 and less vascular remodeling in SM22α-PHD1/2-/- compared with SM22α-PHD1/2+/+ mice. Hypoxia increased p27 in PASMC isolated from control patients, but not in cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). These findings highlight an SM22α-expressing cell-specific role for HIF-1α in the inhibition of pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. Modulating HIF-1α expression in PASMC may represent a promising preventative and therapeutic strategy for patients with PAH.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a mouse model wherein hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is stabilized in vascular smooth muscle cells, we found that HIF-1α regulates vasoconstriction by limiting phosphorylation of myosin light chain and regulates vascular remodeling through p27 induction. These findings highlight a cell-specific role for HIF-1α in the inhibition of pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Reiji Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Xibing Che
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Cristina M Alvira
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
| | - David N Cornfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
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5
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Zhao Y, Zhao G, Chang Z, Zhu T, Zhao Y, Lu H, Xue C, Saunders TL, Guo Y, Chang L, Chen YE, Zhang J. Generating endogenous Myh11-driven Cre mice for sex-independent gene deletion in smooth muscle cells. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171661. [PMID: 37289544 PMCID: PMC10443793 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171661] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific and efficient smooth muscle cell-targeted (SMC-targeted) gene deletion is typically achieved by pairing SMMHC-CreERT2-Tg mice with mice carrying the loxP-flanked gene. However, the transgene, CreERT2, is not controlled by the endogenous Myh11 gene promoter, and the codon-modified iCreERT2 exhibits significant tamoxifen-independent leakage. Furthermore, because the Cre-bearing bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) is inserted onto the Y chromosome, the SMMHC-CreERT2-Tg mice strain can only exhibit gene deletions in male mice. Additionally, there is a lack of Myh11-driven constitutive Cre mice when tamoxifen usage is a concern. We used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination between a donor vector carrying the CreNLSP2A or CreERT2-P2A sequence and homologous arm surrounding the translation start site of the Myh11 gene to generate Cre-knockin mice. The P2A sequence enables the simultaneous translation of Cre and endogenous proteins. Using reporter mice, we assessed Cre-mediated recombination efficiency, specificity, tamoxifen-dependent controllability, and functionality in both sexes. Both constitutive (Myh11-CreNLSP2A) and inducible (Myh11-CreERT2-P2A) Cre mice demonstrated efficient, SMC-specific, sex-independent Cre recombinase activity without confounding endogenous gene expression. Combined with recently generated BAC transgenic Myh11-CreERT2-RAD mice and the Itga8-CreERT2 mouse models, our models will help expand the research toolbox, facilitating unbiased and comprehensive research in SMCs and SMC-dependent cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ziyi Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tianqing Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Xue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Thomas L. Saunders
- Transgenic Animal Model Core, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Zhao G, Zhao Y, Lu H, Chang Z, Liu H, Wang H, Liang W, Liu Y, Zhu T, Rom O, Guo Y, Chang L, Yang B, Garcia-Barrio MT, Lin JD, Chen YE, Zhang J. BAF60c prevents abdominal aortic aneurysm formation through epigenetic control of vascular smooth muscle cell homeostasis. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e158309. [PMID: 36066968 PMCID: PMC9621131 DOI: 10.1172/jci158309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease. BAF60c, a unique subunit of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, is critical for cardiac and skeletal myogenesis, yet little is known about its function in the vasculature and, specifically, in AAA pathogenesis. Here, we found that BAF60c was downregulated in human and mouse AAA tissues, with primary staining to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), confirmed by single-cell RNA-sequencing. In vivo studies revealed that VSMC-specific knockout of Baf60c significantly aggravated both angiotensin II- (Ang II-) and elastase-induced AAA formation in mice, with a significant increase in elastin degradation, inflammatory cell infiltration, VSMC phenotypic switch, and apoptosis. In vitro studies showed that BAF60c knockdown in VSMCs resulted in loss of contractile phenotype, increased VSMC inflammation, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that BAF60c preserved VSMC contractile phenotype by strengthening serum response factor (SRF) association with its coactivator P300 and the SWI/SNF complex and suppressing VSMC inflammation by promoting a repressive chromatin state of NF-κB target genes as well as preventing VSMC apoptosis through transcriptional activation of KLF5-dependent B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression. Our identification of the essential role of BAF60c in preserving VSMC homeostasis expands its therapeutic potential in preventing and treating AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhen Zhao
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Haocheng Lu
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ziyi Chang
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Huilun Wang
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wenying Liang
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yuhao Liu
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tianqing Zhu
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Oren Rom
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center–Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Minerva T. Garcia-Barrio
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jiandie D. Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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7
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Mahmoud M, Evans I, Wisniewski L, Tam Y, Walsh C, Walker-Samuel S, Frankel P, Scambler P, Zachary I. Bcar1/p130Cas is essential for ventricular development and neural crest cell remodelling of the cardiac outflow tract. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:1993-2005. [PMID: 34270692 PMCID: PMC9239580 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The adapter protein p130Cas, encoded by the Bcar1 gene, is a key regulator of cell movement, adhesion, and cell cycle control in diverse cell types. Bcar1 constitutive knockout mice are embryonic lethal by embryonic days (E) 11.5-12.5, but the role of Bcar1 in embryonic development remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Bcar1 specifically in cardiovascular development and defined the cellular and molecular mechanisms disrupted following targeted Bcar1 deletions. METHODS AND RESULTS We crossed Bcar1 floxed mice with Cre transgenic lines allowing for cell-specific knockout either in smooth muscle and early cardiac tissues (SM22-Cre), mature smooth muscle cells (smMHC-Cre), endothelial cells (Tie2-Cre), second heart field cells (Mef2c-Cre), or neural crest cells (NCC) (Pax3-Cre) and characterized these conditional knock outs using a combination of histological and molecular biology techniques. Conditional knockout of Bcar1 in SM22-expressing smooth muscle cells and cardiac tissues (Bcar1SM22KO) was embryonically lethal from E14.5-15.5 due to severe cardiovascular defects, including abnormal ventricular development and failure of outflow tract (OFT) septation leading to a single outflow vessel reminiscent of persistent truncus arteriosus. SM22-restricted loss of Bcar1 was associated with failure of OFT cushion cells to undergo differentiation to septal mesenchymal cells positive for SMC-specific α-actin, and disrupted expression of proteins and transcription factors involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Furthermore, knockout of Bcar1 specifically in NCC (Bcar1PAX3KO) recapitulated part of the OFT septation and aortic sac defects seen in the Bcar1SM22KO mutants, indicating a cell-specific requirement for Bcar1 in NCC essential for OFT septation. In contrast, conditional knockouts of Bcar1 in differentiated smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and second heart field cells survived to term and were phenotypically normal at birth and postnatally. CONCLUSION Our work reveals a cell-specific requirement for Bcar1 in NCC, early myogenic and cardiac cells, essential for OFT septation, myocardialization and EMT/cell cycle regulation and differentiation to myogenic lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Mahmoud
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, BHF Laboratories, UCL Division of Medicine, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Ian Evans
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, BHF Laboratories, UCL Division of Medicine, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Laura Wisniewski
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, BHF Laboratories, UCL Division of Medicine, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Yuen Tam
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, BHF Laboratories, UCL Division of Medicine, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Claire Walsh
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Simon Walker-Samuel
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Paul Frankel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Peter Scambler
- Developmental Biology of Birth Defects Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiometabolic and Vascular Science, BHF Laboratories, UCL Division of Medicine, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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8
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Sugioka S, Ikeda S, Harada M, Kishihata M, Al-Huseini I, Kimura T, Ashida N. Effects of constitutively active IKKβ on cardiac development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 614:169-174. [PMID: 35597154 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.05.019] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
NF-κB is a major transcription factor regulating cell survival, organ development and inflammation, but its role in cardiac development has been inadequately explored. To examine this function, we generated mice in which IKKβ, an essential kinase for NF-κB activation, was constitutively activated in embryonic cardiomyocytes. For this purpose, we used smooth muscle-22α (SM22α)-Cre mice, which are frequently used for gene recombination in embryonic cardiomyocytes. Embryonic hearts of SM22αCre-CA (constitutively active) IKKβflox/flox mice revealed remarkably thin, spongy and hypoplastic myocardium. In exploring the mechanism, we found that the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) and T-box transcription factor 20 (Tbx20), major regulators of cardiac development, was significantly downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in the SM22αCre-CAIKKβflox/flox mice. We also generated NK2 homeobox 5 (Nkx2.5) Cre-CAIKKβflox/wt mice since Nkx2.5 is also expressed in embryonic cardiomyocytes and confirmed that the changes in these genes were also observed. These results implicated that the activation of NF-κB affects cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Sugioka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shinya Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masayuki Harada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masako Kishihata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Isehaq Al-Huseini
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Noboru Ashida
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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9
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Misra A, Rehan R, Lin A, Patel S, Fisher EA. Emerging Concepts of Vascular Cell Clonal Expansion in Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:e74-e84. [PMID: 35109671 PMCID: PMC8988894 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clonal expansion is a process that can drive pathogenesis in human diseases, with atherosclerosis being a prominent example. Despite advances in understanding the etiology of atherosclerosis, clonality studies of vascular cells remain in an early stage. Recently, several paradigm-shifting preclinical studies have identified clonal expansion of progenitor cells in the vasculature in response to atherosclerosis. This review provides an overview of cell clonality in atherosclerotic progression, focusing particularly on smooth muscle cells and macrophages. We discuss key findings from the latest research that give insight into the mechanisms by which clonal expansion of vascular cells contributes to disease pathology. The further probing of these mechanisms will provide innovative directions for future progress in the understanding and therapy of atherosclerosis and its associated cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Misra
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rajan Rehan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Alexander Lin
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Dridi H, Santulli G, Gambardella J, Jankauskas SS, Yuan Q, Yang J, Reiken S, Wang X, Wronska A, Liu X, Lacampagne A, Marks AR. IP3 receptor orchestrates maladaptive vascular responses in heart failure. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e152859. [PMID: 35166236 PMCID: PMC8843748 DOI: 10.1172/jci152859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with heart failure (HF) have augmented vascular tone, which increases cardiac workload, impairing ventricular output and promoting further myocardial dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maladaptive vascular responses observed in HF are not fully understood. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) control vasoconstriction via a Ca2+-dependent process, in which the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays a major role. To dissect the mechanistic contribution of intracellular Ca2+ release to the increased vascular tone observed in HF, we analyzed the remodeling of IP3R1 in aortic tissues from patients with HF and from controls. VSMC IP3R1 channels from patients with HF and HF mice were hyperphosphorylated by both serine and tyrosine kinases. VSMCs isolated from IP3R1VSMC-/- mice exhibited blunted Ca2+ responses to angiotensin II (ATII) and norepinephrine compared with control VSMCs. IP3R1VSMC-/- mice displayed significantly reduced responses to ATII, both in vivo and ex vivo. HF IP3R1VSMC-/- mice developed significantly less afterload compared with HF IP3R1fl/fl mice and exhibited significantly attenuated progression toward decompensated HF and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of the MLC by MLCK activated VSMC contraction. MLC phosphorylation was markedly increased in VSMCs from patients with HF and HF mice but reduced in VSMCs from HF IP3R1VSMC-/- mice and HF WT mice treated with ML-7. Taken together, our data indicate that VSMC IP3R1 is a major effector of increased vascular tone, which contributes to increased cardiac afterload and decompensation in HF.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcium Signaling
- Heart Failure/genetics
- Heart Failure/metabolism
- Heart Failure/physiopathology
- Humans
- Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors/genetics
- Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Vasoconstriction
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikel Dridi
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, New York, New York, USA
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Stanislovas S. Jankauskas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qi Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven Reiken
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xujun Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anetta Wronska
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alain Lacampagne
- PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrew R. Marks
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Clyde and Helen Wu Center for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Song X, Zou X, Ge W, Hou C, Cao Z, Zhao H, Zhang T, Jin L, Fu Y, Kong W, Yan C, Cai J, Wang J. Blocking FcγRIIB in Smooth Muscle Cells Reduces Hypertension. Circ Res 2021; 129:308-325. [PMID: 33980031 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.318447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies/pharmacology
- Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology
- Blood Pressure/drug effects
- Case-Control Studies
- Disease Models, Animal
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Hypertension/genetics
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- Hypertension/prevention & control
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Middle Aged
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptors, IgG/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, IgG/genetics
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Song
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Weipeng Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Cuiliu Hou
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Zhujie Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Hongmei Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Department Physiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (T.Z.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Ling Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Center of Laboratory Medicine, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (L.J., J.C.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (Y.F., W.K.)
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education (Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Wei Kong
- Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China (Y.F., W.K.)
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education (Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Chen Yan
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY (C.Y.)
| | - Jun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Center of Laboratory Medicine, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (L.J., J.C.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (X.S., X.Z., W.G., C.H., Z.C., H.Z., J.W.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, China
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12
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Ruan J, Zhang L, Hu D, Qu X, Yang F, Chen F, He X, Shen J, Dong K, Sweet M, Sanchez C, Li D, Shou W, Zhou J, Cai CL. Novel Myh11 Dual Reporter Mouse Model Provides Definitive Labeling and Identification of Smooth Muscle Cells-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:815-821. [PMID: 33356387 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myh11 encodes a myosin heavy chain protein that is specifically expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and is important for maintaining vascular wall stability. The goal of this study is to generate a Myh11 dual reporter mouse line for definitive visualization of MYH11+ SMCs in vivo. Approach and Results: We generated a Myh11 knock-in mouse model by inserting LoxP-nlacZ-4XpolyA-LoxP-H2B-GFP-polyA-FRT-Neo-FRT reporter cassette into the Myh11 gene locus. The nuclear (n) lacZ-4XpolyA cassette is flanked by 2 LoxP sites followed by H2B-GFP (histone 2B fused green fluorescent protein). Upon Cre-mediated recombination, nlacZ-stop cassette is removed thereby permitting nucleus localized H2B-GFP expression. Expression of the nuclear localized lacZ or H2B-GFP is under control of the endogenous Myh11 promoter. Nuclear lacZ was expressed specifically in SMCs at embryonic and adult stages. Following germline Cre-mediated deletion of nuclear lacZ, H2B-GFP was specifically expressed in the nuclei of SMCs. Comparison of nuclear lacZ expression with Wnt1Cre and Mef2cCre mediated-H2B-GFP expression revealed heterogenous origins of SMCs from neural crest and second heart field in the great arteries and coronary vessels adjacent to aortic root. CONCLUSIONS The Myh11 knock-in dual reporter mouse model offers an exceptional genetic tool to visualize and trace the origins of SMCs in mice.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Cell Lineage
- Cell Tracking
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Genes, Reporter
- Gestational Age
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Lac Operon
- Male
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/embryology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Myosin Heavy Chains/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ruan
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, China (J.R., F.C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Donghua Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Xianghu Qu
- Division of Pediatrics Cardiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (X.Q.)
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Fuxue Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, China (J.R., F.C.)
| | - Xiangqin He
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University (X.H., J.S., K.D., J.Z.)
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University (X.H., J.S., K.D., J.Z.)
| | - Kunzhe Dong
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University (X.H., J.S., K.D., J.Z.)
| | - Megan Sweet
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Christina Sanchez
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Deqiang Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (D.L.)
| | - Weinian Shou
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
| | - Jiliang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University (X.H., J.S., K.D., J.Z.)
| | - Chen-Leng Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine (J.R., L.Z., D.H., F.Y., M.S., C.S., W.S., C.-L.C.)
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13
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Grootaert MOJ, Finigan A, Figg NL, Uryga AK, Bennett MR. SIRT6 Protects Smooth Muscle Cells From Senescence and Reduces Atherosclerosis. Circ Res 2020; 128:474-491. [PMID: 33353368 PMCID: PMC7899748 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.318353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence promotes atherosclerosis and features of plaque instability, in part, through lipid-mediated oxidative DNA damage and telomere dysfunction. SIRT6 (Sirtuin 6) is a nuclear deacetylase involved in DNA damage response signaling, inflammation, and metabolism; however, its role in regulating VSMC senescence and atherosclerosis is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy O J Grootaert
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Finigan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nichola L Figg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna K Uryga
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin R Bennett
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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14
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Zheng JP, He X, Liu F, Yin S, Wu S, Yang M, Zhao J, Dai X, Jiang H, Yu L, Yin Q, Ju D, Li C, Lipovich L, Xie Y, Zhang K, Li HJ, Zhou J, Li L. YY1 directly interacts with myocardin to repress the triad myocardin/SRF/CArG box-mediated smooth muscle gene transcription during smooth muscle phenotypic modulation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21781. [PMID: 33311559 PMCID: PMC7732823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yin Yang 1 (YY1) regulates gene transcription in a variety of biological processes. In this study, we aim to determine the role of YY1 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation both in vivo and in vitro. Here we show that vascular injury in rodent carotid arteries induces YY1 expression along with reduced expression of smooth muscle differentiation markers in the carotids. Consistent with this finding, YY1 expression is induced in differentiated VSMCs in response to serum stimulation. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we found that YY1 suppresses the transcription of CArG box-dependent SMC-specific genes including SM22α, SMα-actin and SMMHC. Interestingly, YY1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of the SM22α promoter by hindering the binding of serum response factor (SRF) to the proximal CArG box. YY1 also suppresses the transcription and the transactivation of myocardin (MYOCD), a master regulator for SMC-specific gene transcription by binding to SRF to form the MYOCD/SRF/CArG box triad (known as the ternary complex). Mechanistically, YY1 directly interacts with MYOCD to competitively displace MYOCD from SRF. This is the first evidence showing that YY1 inhibits SMC differentiation by directly targeting MYOCD. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the regulatory mechanisms that govern SMC phenotypic modulation in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Pu Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Xiangqin He
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Shuping Yin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Shichao Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Maozhou Yang
- Bone and Joint Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Jiawei Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Xiaohua Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Luyi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Qin Yin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Donghong Ju
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Claire Li
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Leonard Lipovich
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Youming Xie
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Kezhong Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hui J Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Jiliang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Li Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wayne State University, 421 E. Canfield Ave. #2146, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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15
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Aalkjær C, Nilsson H, De Mey JGR. Sympathetic and Sensory-Motor Nerves in Peripheral Small Arteries. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:495-544. [PMID: 33270533 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small arteries, which play important roles in controlling blood flow, blood pressure, and capillary pressure, are under nervous influence. Their innervation is predominantly sympathetic and sensory motor in nature, and while some arteries are densely innervated, others are only sparsely so. Innervation of small arteries is a key mechanism in regulating vascular resistance. In the second half of the previous century, the physiology and pharmacology of this innervation were very actively investigated. In the past 10-20 yr, the activity in this field was more limited. With this review we highlight what has been learned during recent years with respect to development of small arteries and their innervation, some aspects of excitation-release coupling, interaction between sympathetic and sensory-motor nerves, cross talk between endothelium and vascular nerves, and some aspects of their role in vascular inflammation and hypertension. We also highlight what remains to be investigated to further increase our understanding of this fundamental aspect of vascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Nilsson
- Department Physiology, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jo G R De Mey
- Deptartment Pharmacology and Personalized Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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16
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Tang Y, Shah TA, Yurkow EJ, Rogers MB. MicroRNA Profiles in Calcified and Healthy Aorta Differ: Therapeutic Impact of miR-145 and miR-378. Physiol Genomics 2020; 52:517-529. [PMID: 32956022 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00074.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our goal was to elucidate microRNAs (miRNAs) that may repress the excess bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling observed during pathological calcification in the Klotho mouse model of kidney disease. We hypothesized that restoring healthy levels of miRNAs that post-transcriptionally repress osteogenic calcific factors may decrease aortic calcification. Our relative abundance profiles of miRNAs in healthy aorta differ greatly from those in calcified mouse aorta. Many of these miRNAs are predicted to regulate proteins involved in BMP signaling and may control osteogenesis. Two differentially regulated miRNAs, miR-145 and miR-378, were selected based on three criteria: reduced levels in calcified aorta, the ability to target more than one protein in the BMP signaling pathway, and conservation of targeted sequences between humans and mice. Forced expression using a lentiviral vector demonstrated that restoring normal levels repressed the synthesis of BMP2 and other pro-osteogenic proteins and inhibited pathological aortic calcification in Klotho mice with renal insufficiency. This study identified miRNAs that may impact BMP signaling in both sexes and demonstrated the efficacy of selected miRNAs in reducing aortic calcification in vivo. Calcification of the aorta and the aortic valve resulting from abnormal osteogenesis is common in those with kidney disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Such vascular osteogenesis is a clinically significant feature. The calcification modulating miRNAs described here are candidates for biomarkers and "miRNA replacement therapies" in the context of chronic kidney disease and other pro-calcific conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Microbiology, Biochemistry, & Molecular Genetics, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Tapan A Shah
- Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Microbiology, Biochemistry, & Molecular Genetics, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Edward J Yurkow
- Rutgers University Molecular Imaging Center (RUMIC), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Melissa B Rogers
- Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Microbiology, Biochemistry, & Molecular Genetics, Newark, NJ, United States
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17
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He X, Song J, Cai Z, Chi X, Wang Z, Yang D, Xie S, Zhou J, Fu Y, Li W, Kong W, Zhan J, Zhang H. Kindlin-2 deficiency induces fatal intestinal obstruction in mice. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:6182-6200. [PMID: 32483447 PMCID: PMC7255029 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Smooth muscle-motility disorders are mainly characterized by impaired contractility and functional intestinal obstruction. Some of these cases are caused by genetic mutations of smooth muscle genes ACTA2, ACTG2, MYH11, MYLK and LMOD1. Still the etiology is complex and multifactorial and the underlying pathology is poorly understood. Integrin interaction protein Kindlin-2 is widely expressed in striated and smooth muscle cells (SMC). However, the function of Kindlin-2 in the smooth muscle remains elusive. Methods: We generated two mouse models using different cre promoter transgenic mice, Kindlin-2fl/fl SM22α-cre+ (cKO mice) and Kindlin-2fl/fl; MYH-cre+ (iKO mice). Embryos and adult tissues were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay. We investigated ultrastructure changes of mouse smooth muscle using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and measured smooth muscle contractile force in mounting aortic and intestinal rings using the multiwire myograph system (DMT 620M). In addition, cell traction force microscopy (CTFM) was applied to observe the functional change of primary SMC after Kindlin-2 depletion by RNAi. Results: Depletion of Kindlin-2 encoding gene Fermt2 in embryonic smooth muscles leads to apoptosis, downregulates the key components of SMC, impairs smooth muscle development, and finally causes embryonic death at E14.5. Tamoxifen-induced Kindlin-2-specific knockout in adult mouse smooth muscle showed decreased blood pressure, intestinal hypoperistalsis, and eventually died of intestinal obstruction. Kindlin-2 depletion also leads to downregulated Myh11, α-SMA, and CNN, shortened myofilament, broken myofibrils, and impaired contractility of the smooth muscles in iKO mice. Mechanistically, loss of Kindlin-2 decreases Ca2+ influx in primary vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMC) by downregulating the expression of calcium-binding protein S100A14 and STIM1. Conclusion: We demonstrated that Kindlin-2 is essential for maintaining the normal structure and function of smooth muscles. Loss of Kindlin-2 impairs smooth muscle formation during embryonic development by inducing apoptosis and jeopardizes the contraction of adult smooth muscle by blocking Ca2+ influx that leads to intestinal obstruction. Mice with Kindlin-2 depletion in adult smooth muscle could be a potent animal model of intestinal obstruction for disease research, drug treatment and prognosis.
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Chakraborty R, Saddouk FZ, Carrao AC, Krause DS, Greif DM, Martin KA. Promoters to Study Vascular Smooth Muscle. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 39:603-612. [PMID: 30727757 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.312449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a critical component of blood vessel walls that provide structural support, regulate vascular tone, and allow for vascular remodeling. These cells also exhibit a remarkable plasticity that contributes to vascular growth and repair but also to cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia and restenosis, aneurysm, and transplant vasculopathy. Mouse models have been an important tool for the study of SMC functions. The development of smooth muscle-expressing Cre-driver lines has allowed for exciting discoveries, including recent advances revealing the diversity of phenotypes derived from mature SMC transdifferentiation in vivo using inducible CreER T2 lines. We review SMC-targeting Cre lines driven by the Myh11, Tagln, and Acta2 promoters, including important technical considerations associated with these models. Limitations that can complicate study of the vasculature include expression in visceral SMCs leading to confounding phenotypes, and expression in multiple nonsmooth muscle cell types, such as Acta2-Cre expression in myofibroblasts. Notably, the frequently employed Tagln/ SM22α- Cre driver expresses in the embryonic heart but can also confer expression in nonmuscular cells including perivascular adipocytes and their precursors, myeloid cells, and platelets, with important implications for interpretation of cardiovascular phenotypes. With new Cre-driver lines under development and the increasing use of fate mapping methods, we are entering an exciting new era in SMC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Chakraborty
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Fatima Zahra Saddouk
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Ana Catarina Carrao
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Diane S Krause
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Cell Biology, and Pathology (D.S.K.)
| | - Daniel M Greif
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Pharmacology (K.A.M.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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19
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Shah A, Gray K, Figg N, Finigan A, Starks L, Bennett M. Defective Base Excision Repair of Oxidative DNA Damage in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2019; 138:1446-1462. [PMID: 29643057 PMCID: PMC6053042 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.033249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Atherosclerotic plaques demonstrate extensive accumulation of oxidative DNA damage, predominantly as 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG) lesions. 8oxoG is repaired by base excision repair enzymes; however, the mechanisms regulating 8oxoG accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its effects on their function and in atherosclerosis are unknown. Methods: We studied levels of 8oxoG and its regulatory enzymes in human atherosclerosis, the mechanisms regulating 8oxoG repair and the base excision repair enzyme 8oxoG DNA glycosylase I (OGG1) in VSMCs in vitro, and the effects of reducing 8oxoG in VSMCs in atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. Results: Human plaque VSMCs showed defective nuclear 8oxoG repair, associated with reduced acetylation of OGG1. OGG1 was a key regulatory enzyme of 8oxoG repair in VSMCs, and its acetylation was crucial to its repair function through regulation of protein stability and expression. p300 and sirtuin 1 were identified as the OGG1 acetyltransferase and deacetylase regulators, respectively, and both proteins interacted with OGG1 and regulated OGG1 acetylation at endogenous levels. However, p300 levels were decreased in human plaque VSMCs and in response to oxidative stress, suggesting that reactive oxygen species–induced regulation of OGG1 acetylation could be caused by reactive oxygen species–induced decrease in p300 expression. We generated mice that express VSMC-restricted OGG1 or an acetylation defective version (SM22α-OGG1 and SM22α-OGG1K-R mice) and crossed them with ApoE−/− mice. We also studied ApoE−/− mice deficient in OGG1 (OGG1−/−). OGG1−/− mice showed increased 8oxoG in vivo and increased atherosclerosis, whereas mice expressing VSMC-specific OGG1 but not the acetylation mutant OGG1K-R showed markedly reduced intracellular 8oxoG and reduced atherosclerosis. VSMC OGG1 reduced telomere 8oxoG accumulation, DNA strand breaks, cell death and senescence after oxidant stress, and activation of proinflammatory pathways. Conclusions: We identify defective 8oxoG base excision repair in human atherosclerotic plaque VSMCs, OGG1 as a major 8oxoG repair enzyme in VSMCs, and p300/sirtuin 1 as major regulators of OGG1 through acetylation/deacetylation. Reducing oxidative damage by rescuing OGG1 activity reduces plaque development, indicating the detrimental effects of 8oxoG on VSMC function.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylation
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA Damage
- DNA Glycosylases/deficiency
- DNA Glycosylases/genetics
- DNA Glycosylases/metabolism
- DNA Repair
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Guanine/analogs & derivatives
- Guanine/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Oxidative Stress
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Rats
- Sirtuin 1/genetics
- Sirtuin 1/metabolism
- p300-CBP Transcription Factors/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Shah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Gray
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nichola Figg
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Finigan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lakshi Starks
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Bennett
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, United Kingdom. Dr Gray is currently at Cardiovascular Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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20
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Watterston C, Zeng L, Onabadejo A, Childs SJ. MicroRNA26 attenuates vascular smooth muscle maturation via endothelial BMP signalling. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008163. [PMID: 31091229 PMCID: PMC6538191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As small regulatory transcripts, microRNAs (miRs) act as genetic ‘fine tuners’ of posttranscriptional events, and as genetic switches to promote phenotypic switching. The miR miR26a targets the BMP signalling effector, smad1. We show that loss of miR26a leads to hemorrhage (a loss of vascular stability) in vivo, suggesting altered vascular differentiation. Reduction in miR26a levels increases smad1 mRNA and phospho-Smad1 (pSmad1) levels. We show that increasing BMP signalling by overexpression of smad1 also leads to hemorrhage. Normalization of Smad1 levels through double knockdown of miR26a and smad1 rescues hemorrhage, suggesting a direct relationship between miR26a, smad1 and vascular stability. Using an in vivo BMP genetic reporter and pSmad1 staining, we show that the effect of miR26a on smooth muscle differentiation is non-autonomous; BMP signalling is active in embryonic endothelial cells, but not in smooth muscle cells. Nonetheless, increased BMP signalling due to loss of miR26a results in an increase in acta2-expressing smooth muscle cell numbers and promotes a differentiated smooth muscle morphology. Similarly, forced expression of smad1 in endothelial cells leads to an increase in smooth muscle cell number and coverage. Furthermore, smooth muscle phenotypes caused by inhibition of the BMP pathway are rescued by loss of miR26a. Taken together, our data suggest that miR26a modulates BMP signalling in endothelial cells and indirectly promotes a differentiated smooth muscle phenotype. Our data highlights how crosstalk from BMP-responsive endothelium to smooth muscle is important for smooth muscle differentiation. The structural integrity of a blood vessel is critical to ensure proper vessel support and vascular tone. Vascular smooth cells (vSMCs) are a key component of the vessel wall and, in their mature state, express contractile proteins that help to constrict and relax the vessel in response to blood flow changes. vSMCs differentiate from immature vascular mural cells that lack contractile function. Here, we use a zebrafish model to identify a small microRNA that regulates vascular stabilization. We show that a small regulatory RNA, microRNA26a is enriched in the endothelial lining of the blood vessel wall and, through signalling, communicates to the smooth muscle cell to control its maturation. Providing a mechanistic insight into vSMC differentiation may help develop and produce feasible miR-based pharmaceutical to promote SMC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Watterston
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Lei Zeng
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Abidemi Onabadejo
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Sarah J. Childs
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
- * E-mail:
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21
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Sarker MAK, Aki S, Yoshioka K, Kuno K, Okamoto Y, Ishimaru K, Takuwa N, Takuwa Y. Class II PI3Ks α and β Are Required for Rho-Dependent Uterine Smooth Muscle Contraction and Parturition in Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:235-248. [PMID: 30476019 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Class II phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), PI3K-C2α and PI3K-C2β, are highly homologous and distinct from class I and class III PI3Ks in catalytic products and domain structures. In contrast to class I and class III PI3Ks, physiological roles of PI3K-C2α and PI3K-C2β are not fully understood. Because we previously demonstrated that PI3K-C2α is involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction, we studied the phenotypes of smooth muscle-specific knockout (KO) mice of PI3K-C2α and PI3K-C2β. The pup numbers born from single PI3K-C2α-KO and single PI3K-C2β-KO mothers were similar to those of control mothers, but those from double KO (DKO) mothers were smaller compared with control mice. However, the number of intrauterine fetuses in pregnant DKO mothers was similar to that in control mice. Both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contraction of isolated uterine smooth muscle (USM) strips was diminished in DKO mice but not in either of the single KO mice, compared with control mice. Furthermore, contraction of USM of DKO mice was less sensitive to a Rho kinase inhibitor. Mechanistically, the extent of oxytocin-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation was greatly reduced in USM from DKO mice compared with control mice. The oxytocin-induced rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in USM was similar in DKO and control mice. However, Rho activation in the intracellular compartment was substantially attenuated in DKO mice compared with control mice, as evaluated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging technique. These data indicate that both PI3K-C2α and PI3K-C2β are required for normal USM contraction and parturition mainly through their involvement in Rho activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sho Aki
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Yoshioka
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kouji Kuno
- Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuo Okamoto
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ishimaru
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Noriko Takuwa
- Department of Health Science, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Kahoku, Japan
| | - Yoh Takuwa
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
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22
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Schwartz SM, Virmani R, Majesky MW. An update on clonality: what smooth muscle cell type makes up the atherosclerotic plaque? F1000Res 2018; 7:F1000 Faculty Rev-1969. [PMID: 30613386 PMCID: PMC6305222 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.15994.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 50 years ago, Earl Benditt and his son John described the clonality of the atherosclerotic plaque. This led Benditt to propose that the atherosclerotic lesion was a smooth muscle neoplasm, similar to the leiomyomata seen in the uterus of most women. Although the observation of clonality has been confirmed many times, interest in the idea that atherosclerosis might be a form of neoplasia waned because of the clinical success of treatments for hyperlipemia and because animal models have made great progress in understanding how lipid accumulates in the plaque and may lead to plaque rupture. Four advances have made it important to reconsider Benditt's observations. First, we now know that clonality is a property of normal tissue development. Second, this is even true in the vessel wall, where we now know that formation of clonal patches in that wall is part of the development of smooth muscle cells that make up the tunica media of arteries. Third, we know that the intima, the "soil" for development of the human atherosclerotic lesion, develops before the fatty lesions appear. Fourth, while the cells comprising this intima have been called "smooth muscle cells", we do not have a clear definition of cell type nor do we know if the initial accumulation is clonal. As a result, Benditt's hypothesis needs to be revisited in terms of changes in how we define smooth muscle cells and the quite distinct developmental origins of the cells that comprise the muscular coats of all arterial walls. Finally, since clonality of the lesions is real, the obvious questions are do these human tumors precede the development of atherosclerosis, how do the clones develop, what cell type gives rise to the clones, and in what ways do the clones provide the soil for development and natural history of atherosclerosis?
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renu Virmani
- CV Path Institute, Gaithersberg, Maryland, 20878, USA
| | - Mark W. Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
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23
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Kovacs AM, Zimmer WE. Cell-specific transcription of the smooth muscle gamma-actin gene requires both positive- and negative-acting cis elements. Gene Expr 2018; 7:115-29. [PMID: 9699483 PMCID: PMC6190202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have characterized the function of putative regulatory sequences upon the smooth muscle transcription of the SMGA gene, using promoter deletion analyses. We demonstrate that the SMGA promoter contains four domains: a basal promoter (-1 to -100), a smooth muscle specifier sequence (-100 to -400), a negative regulator (-400 to -1000), and a smooth muscle-specific modulator (-1000 to -2000). The basal or core promoter supports equivalent transcription in both smooth and skeletal muscle cells. Addition of sequences containing a CArG motif juxtaposed to an E-box element stimulates smooth muscle transcription by five- to sixfold compared to skeletal muscle. This smooth muscle-specific segment is maintained for about 200 bp, after which is a segment of DNA that appears to inhibit the transcriptional capacity of the SMGA promoter in smooth muscle cells. Within the boundary between the smooth muscle specifier and negative regulatory sequences (-400 to -500) are three E-box elements. The smooth muscle modulator domain contains two CArG elements and multiple E-boxes. When added to the SMGA promoter it causes an additional three- to fivefold increase in smooth muscle-specific transcription over that stimulated by the smooth muscle specifier domain. Thus, our studies show that the appropriate cell-specific transcription of the SMGA gene involves complex interactions directed by multiple cis-acting elements. Moreover, our characterization of a cell culture system employing embryonic gizzard smooth muscle cells lays the foundation for further molecular analyses of factors that regulate or control SMGA and other smooth muscle genes during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne M. Kovacs
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688
| | - Warren E. Zimmer
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688
- Address correspondence to Warren E. Zimmer. Tel: (334) 460-7982; Fax: (334) 460-6771; E-mail:
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24
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Jensen AB, Joergensen HB, Dam VS, Kamaev D, Boedtkjer D, Füchtbauer EM, Aalkjaer C, Matchkov VV. Variable Contribution of TMEM16A to Tone in Murine Arterial Vasculature. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 123:30-41. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dmitrii Kamaev
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Donna Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
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25
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Hildebrand S, Stümer J, Pfeifer A. PVAT and Its Relation to Brown, Beige, and White Adipose Tissue in Development and Function. Front Physiol 2018; 9:70. [PMID: 29467675 PMCID: PMC5808192 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is commonly categorized into three types with distinct functions, phenotypes, and anatomical localizations. White adipose tissue (WAT) is the major energy store; the largest depots of WAT are found in subcutaneous or intravisceral sites. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for energy dissipation during cold-exposure (i.e., non-shivering thermogenesis) and is primarily located in the interscapular region. Beige or brite (brown-in-white) adipose tissue can be found interspersed in WAT and can attain a brown-like phenotype. These three types of tissues also have endocrine functions and play major roles in whole body metabolism especially in obesity and its co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease. Over the last years, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has emerged as an adipose organ with endocrine and paracrine functions. Pro and anti-inflammatory agents released by PVAT affect vascular health, and are implicated in the inflammatory aspects of atherosclerosis. PVAT shares several of the defining characteristics of brown adipose tissue, including its cellular morphology and expression of thermogenic genes characteristic for brown adipocytes. However, PVATs from different vessels are phenotypically different, and significant developmental differences exist between PVAT and other adipose tissues. Whether PVAT represents classical BAT, beige adipose tissue, or WAT with changing characteristics, is unclear. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on how PVAT relates to other types of adipose tissue, both in terms of functionality, developmental origins, and its role in obesity-related cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Hildebrand
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jasmin Stümer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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26
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Liao M, Zhou J, Wang F, Ali YH, Chan KL, Zou F, Offermanns S, Jiang Z, Jiang Z. An X-linked Myh11-CreER T2 mouse line resulting from Y to X chromosome-translocation of the Cre allele. Genesis 2018; 55. [PMID: 28845554 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Myh11-CreERT2 mouse line (Cre+ ) has gained increasing application because of its high lineage specificity relative to other Cre drivers targeting smooth muscle cells (SMCs). This Cre allele, however, was initially inserted into the Y chromosome (X/YCre+ ), which excluded its application in female mice. Our group established a Cre+ colony from male ancestors. Surprisingly, genotype screening identified female carriers that stably transmitted the Cre allele to the following generations. Crossbreeding experiments revealed a pattern of X-linked inheritance for the transgene (k > 1000), indicating that these female carries acquired the Cre allele through a mechanism of Y to X chromosome translocation. Further characterization demonstrated that in hemizygous X/XCre+ mice Cre activity was restricted to a subset arterial SMCs, with Cre expression in arteries decreased by 50% compared to X/YCre+ mice. This mosaicism, however, diminished in homozygous XCre+ /XCre+ mice. In a model of aortic aneurysm induced by a SMC-specific Tgfbr1 deletion, the homozygous XCre+ /XCre+ Cre driver unmasked the aortic phenotype that is otherwise subclinical when driven by the hemizygous X/XCre+ Cre line. In conclusion, the Cre allele carried by this female mouse line is located on the X chromosome and subjected to X-inactivation. The homozygous XCre+ /XCre+ mice produce uniform Cre activity in arterial SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingmei Liao
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610.,Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Junmei Zhou
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610.,Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610
| | - Yasmin H Ali
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610
| | - Kelvin L Chan
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610
| | - Fei Zou
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida College of Public Health & Health Professions College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32611
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, University of Heidelberg, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Zhisheng Jiang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, 32610
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27
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Yu H, Fellows A, Foote K, Yang Z, Figg N, Littlewood T, Bennett M. FOXO3a (Forkhead Transcription Factor O Subfamily Member 3a) Links Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis, Matrix Breakdown, Atherosclerosis, and Vascular Remodeling Through a Novel Pathway Involving MMP13 (Matrix Metalloproteinase 13). Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:555-565. [PMID: 29326312 PMCID: PMC5828387 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis accelerates atherosclerosis and promotes breakdown of the extracellular matrix, but the mechanistic links between these 2 processes are unknown. The forkhead protein FOXO3a (forkhead transcription factor O subfamily member 3a) is activated in human atherosclerosis and induces a range of proapoptotic and other transcriptional targets. We, therefore, determined the mechanisms and consequences of FOXO3a activation in atherosclerosis and arterial remodeling after injury. APPROACH AND RESULTS Expression of a conditional FOXO3a allele (FOXO3aA3ER) potently induced VSMC apoptosis, expression and activation of MMP13 (matrix metalloproteinase 13), and downregulation of endogenous TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of MMPs). mmp13 and mmp2 were direct FOXO3a transcriptional targets in VSMCs. Activation of endogenous FOXO3a also induced MMP13, extracellular matrix degradation, and apoptosis, and MMP13-specific inhibitors and fibronectin reduced FOXO3a-mediated apoptosis. FOXO3a activation in mice with VSMC-restricted FOXO3aA3ER induced MMP13 expression and activity and medial VSMC apoptosis. FOXO3a activation in FOXO3aA3ER/ApoE-/- (apolipoprotein E deficient) mice increased atherosclerosis, increased necrotic core and reduced fibrous cap areas, and induced features of medial degeneration. After carotid artery ligation, FOXO3a activation increased VSMC apoptosis, VSMC proliferation, and neointima formation, all of which were reduced by MMP13 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS FOXO3a activation induces VSMC apoptosis and extracellular matrix breakdown, in part, because of transcriptional activation of MMP13. FOXO3a activation promotes atherosclerosis and medial degeneration and increases neointima after injury that is partly dependent on MMP13. FOXO3a-induced MMP activation represents a direct mechanistic link between VSMC apoptosis and matrix breakdown in vascular disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Atherosclerosis/enzymology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/enzymology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Extracellular Matrix/enzymology
- Extracellular Matrix/pathology
- Fibrosis
- Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mutation
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Necrosis
- Rats, Wistar
- Signal Transduction
- Transcriptional Activation
- Vascular Remodeling
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Yu
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Adam Fellows
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Kirsty Foote
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Nichola Figg
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Trevor Littlewood
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.)
| | - Martin Bennett
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital (H.Y., A.F., K.F., N.F., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Institute of Medical Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (Z.Y.).
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28
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Dale M, Fitzgerald MP, Liu Z, Meisinger T, Karpisek A, Purcell LN, Carson JS, Harding P, Lang H, Koutakis P, Batra R, Mietus CJ, Casale G, Pipinos I, Baxter BT, Xiong W. Premature aortic smooth muscle cell differentiation contributes to matrix dysregulation in Marfan Syndrome. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186603. [PMID: 29040313 PMCID: PMC5645122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection are life-threatening complications of Marfan syndrome (MFS). Studies of human and mouse aortic samples from late stage MFS demonstrate increased TGF-β activation/signaling and diffuse matrix changes. However, the role of the aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype in early aneurysm formation in MFS has yet to be fully elucidated. As our objective, we investigated whether an altered aortic SMC phenotype plays a role in aneurysm formation in MFS. We describe previously unrecognized concordant findings in the aortas of a murine model of MFS, mgR, during a critical and dynamic phase of early development. Using Western blot, gelatin zymography, and histological analysis, we demonstrated that at postnatal day (PD) 7, before aortic TGF-β levels are increased, there is elastic fiber fragmentation/disorganization and increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Compared to wild type (WT) littermates, aortic SMCs in mgR mice express higher levels of contractile proteins suggesting a switch to a more mature contractile phenotype. In addition, tropoelastin levels are decreased in mgR mice, a finding consistent with a premature switch to a contractile phenotype. Proliferation assays indicate a decrease in the proliferation rate of mgR cultured SMCs compared to WT SMCs. KLF4, a regulator of smooth muscle cell phenotype, was decreased in aortic tissue of mgR mice. Finally, overexpression of KLF4 partially reversed this phenotypic change in the Marfan SMCs. This study indicates that an early phenotypic switch appears to be associated with initiation of important metabolic changes in SMCs that contribute to subsequent pathology in MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dale
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Zhibo Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Trevor Meisinger
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Andrew Karpisek
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Laura N. Purcell
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Carson
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Paul Harding
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Haili Lang
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Panagiotis Koutakis
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Rishi Batra
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Constance J. Mietus
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - George Casale
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Iraklis Pipinos
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - B. Timothy Baxter
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Wanfen Xiong
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Inhibits Neointima Formation by Engaging Krüppel-Like Factor 4 Signaling. Circulation 2017; 136:1412-1433. [DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.116.026046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background:
The mechanisms underlying neointima formation remain unclear. Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), which are key innate immune regulators, play important roles in cardiometabolic diseases. However, the function of IRF4 in arterial restenosis is unknown.
Methods:
IRF4 expression was first detected in human and mouse restenotic arteries. Then, the effects of IRF4 on neointima formation were evaluated with universal IRF4-deficient mouse and rat carotid artery injury models. We performed immunostaining to identify IRF4-expressing cells in the lesions. Smooth muscle cell (SMC)–specific IRF4-knockout (KO) and -transgenic (TG) mice were generated to evaluate the effects of SMC-IRF4 on neointima formation. We used microarray, bioinformatics analysis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to identify the downstream signals of IRF4 and to verify the targets in vitro. We compared SMC-IRF4-KO/Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)–TG mice with SMC-IRF4-KO mice and SMC-specific IRF4-TG/KLF4-KO mice with SMC-specific IRF4-TG mice to investigate whether the effect of IRF4 on neointima formation is KLF4-dependent. The effect of IRF4 on SMC phenotype switching was also evaluated.
Results:
IRF4 expression in both the human and mouse restenotic arteries is eventually downregulated. Universal IRF4 ablation potentiates neointima formation in both mice and rats. Immunostaining indicated that IRF4 was expressed primarily in SMCs in restenotic arteries. After injury, SMC-IRF4-KO mice developed a thicker neointima than control mice. This change was accompanied by increased SMC proliferation and migration. However, SMC-specific IRF4-TG mice exhibited the opposite phenotype, demonstrating that IRF4 exerts protective effects against neointima formation. The mechanistic study indicated that IRF4 promotes KLF4 expression by directly binding to its promoter. Genetic overexpression of KLF4 in SMCs largely reversed the neointima-promoting effect of IRF4 ablation, whereas ablation of KLF4 abolished the protective function of IRF4, indicating that the protective effects of IRF4 against neointima formation are KLF4-dependent. In addition, IRF4 promoted SMC dedifferentiation.
Conclusions:
IRF4 protects arteries against neointima formation by promoting the expression of KLF4 by directly binding to its promoter. Our findings suggest that this previously undiscovered IRF4-KLF4 axis plays a key role in vasculoproliferative pathology and may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of arterial restenosis.
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30
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Yan W, Li D, Zhou X. Pravastatin attenuates the action of the ETS domain-containing protein ELK1 to prevent atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice via modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signal pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44:344-352. [PMID: 27998006 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in atherosclerosis, a vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. The ETS domain-containing protein ELK1 is an oxidative stress-sensitive factor modulated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway. However, the role of ELK1 in the prevention of atherosclerosis by pravastatin remains unclear. In the present study, male apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-/- ) mice fed a diet containing 1.25% cholesterol (w/w) were divided into two groups, one treated with pravastatin (80 mg/kg, 2-2.4 mg/mouse per day) for 8 weeks and the other not. Male C57BL/6J mice fed with a normal diet were used as a control group. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured and treated with pravastatin (10 μmol/L) for 18 hours before testing for the presence or absence of 100 μmol/L H2 O2 (24 hours). Examination of pathological sections from mice aortas revealed that pravastatin treatment almost prevented atherosclerotic plaque formation. Pravastatin also inhibited increases in serum and aortic levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and aortic malondialdehyde levels and decreases in aortic reduced glutathione, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. H2 O2 -induced increases in reactive oxygen species in HUVECs were reversed by pravastatin by 48%. Pravastatin blocked the phosphorylation of ELK1 and ERK1/2 proteins and reduced mRNA levels of early growth response 1, a known atherogenic transcription factor upregulated by the ROS/ERK/ELK1 pathway, in mice. In conclusion, pravastatin attenuates the action of ELK1 induced by oxidative stress to prevent atherosclerosis, which is dependent partly on modulation of ERK1/2 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xiaoxu Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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31
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Beneficial Effects of Prebiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mannan on Allergic Asthma Mouse Models. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:3432701. [PMID: 28835901 PMCID: PMC5556605 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3432701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the unmet needs for asthma management is a new therapeutic agent with both anti-inflammatory and anti-smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling effects. The mannose receptor (MR) family plays an important role in allergen uptake and processing of major allergens Der p 1 and Fel d 1. We have previously reported that ASM cells express a mannose receptor (ASM-MR) and that mannan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC-MN) inhibits mannosyl-rich lysosomal hydrolase-induced bovine ASM cell proliferation. Using a humanized transgenic mouse strain (huASM-MRC2) expressing the human MRC2 receptor in a SM tissue-specific manner, we have demonstrated that ASM hyperplasia/hypertrophy can occur as early as 15 days after allergen challenge in this mouse model and this phenomenon is preventable with SC-MN treatment. This proof-of-concept study would facilitate future development of a potential asthma therapeutic agent with dual function of anti-inflammatory and anti-smooth muscle remodeling effects.
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32
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Furuya Y, Denda M, Sakane K, Ogusu T, Takahashi S, Magari M, Kanayama N, Morishita R, Tokumitsu H. Identification of striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) as a novel calmodulin target by a newly developed genome-wide screen. Cell Calcium 2016; 60:32-40. [PMID: 27132186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To search for novel target(s) of the Ca(2+)-signaling transducer, calmodulin (CaM), we performed a newly developed genome-wide CaM interaction screening of 19,676 GST-fused proteins expressed in human. We identified striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) as a novel CaM target and characterized its CaM binding ability and found that the Ca(2+)/CaM complex interacted stoichiometrically with the N-terminal region (Ala13-Gln35) of STARS in vitro as well as in living cells. Mutagenesis studies identified Ile20 and Trp33 as the essential hydrophobic residues in CaM anchoring. Furthermore, the CaM binding deficient mutant (Ile20Ala, Trp33Ala) of STARS further enhanced its stimulatory effect on SRF-dependent transcriptional activation. These results suggest a connection between Ca(2+)-signaling via excitation-contraction coupling and the regulation of STARS-mediated gene expression in muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusui Furuya
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Miwako Denda
- CellFree Sciences Co., Ltd., Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kyohei Sakane
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ogusu
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Sumio Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Masaki Magari
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Naoki Kanayama
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryo Morishita
- CellFree Sciences Co., Ltd., Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tokumitsu
- Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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33
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Jean-Charles PY, Zhang L, Wu JH, Han SO, Brian L, Freedman NJ, Shenoy SK. Ubiquitin-specific Protease 20 Regulates the Reciprocal Functions of β-Arrestin2 in Toll-like Receptor 4-promoted Nuclear Factor κB (NFκB) Activation. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7450-64. [PMID: 26839314 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.687129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) promotes vascular inflammatory disorders such as neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. TLR4 triggers NFκB signaling through the ubiquitin ligase TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6). TRAF6 activity can be impeded by deubiquitinating enzymes like ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20), which can reverse TRAF6 autoubiquitination, and by association with the multifunctional adaptor protein β-arrestin2. Although β-arrestin2 effects on TRAF6 suggest an anti-inflammatory role, physiologic β-arrestin2 promotes inflammation in atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. We hypothesized that anti- and proinflammatory dimensions of β-arrestin2 activity could be dictated by β-arrestin2's ubiquitination status, which has been linked with its ability to scaffold and localize activated ERK1/2 to signalosomes. With purified proteins and in intact cells, our protein interaction studies showed that TRAF6/USP20 association and subsequent USP20-mediated TRAF6 deubiquitination were β-arrestin2-dependent. Generation of transgenic mice with smooth muscle cell-specific expression of either USP20 or its catalytically inactive mutant revealed anti-inflammatory effects of USP20in vivoandin vitro Carotid endothelial denudation showed that antagonizing smooth muscle cell USP20 activity increased NFκB activation and neointimal hyperplasia. We found that β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was promoted by TLR4 and reversed by USP20. The association of USP20 with β-arrestin2 was augmented when β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was prevented and reduced when β-arrestin2 ubiquitination was rendered constitutive. Constitutive β-arrestin2 ubiquitination also augmented NFκB activation. We infer that pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of β-arrestin2 are determined by β-arrestin2 ubiquitination and that changes in USP20 expression and/or activity can therefore regulate inflammatory responses, at least in part, by defining the ubiquitination status of β-arrestin2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiao-Hui Wu
- From the Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and
| | - Sang-Oh Han
- From the Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and
| | - Leigh Brian
- From the Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and
| | - Neil J Freedman
- From the Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Sudha K Shenoy
- From the Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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34
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Wang J, Uryga AK, Reinhold J, Figg N, Baker L, Finigan A, Gray K, Kumar S, Clarke M, Bennett M. Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence Promotes Atherosclerosis and Features of Plaque Vulnerability. Circulation 2015; 132:1909-19. [DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.115.016457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Although vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is implicated in atherogenesis, VSMCs in advanced plaques and cultured from plaques show evidence of VSMC senescence and DNA damage. In particular, plaque VSMCs show shortening of telomeres, which can directly induce senescence. Senescence can have multiple effects on plaque development and morphology; however, the consequences of VSMC senescence or the mechanisms underlying VSMC senescence in atherosclerosis are mostly unknown.
Methods and Results—
We examined the expression of proteins that protect telomeres in VSMCs derived from human plaques and normal vessels. Plaque VSMCs showed reduced expression and telomere binding of telomeric repeat-binding factor-2 (TRF2), associated with increased DNA damage. TRF2 expression was regulated by p53-dependent degradation of the TRF2 protein. To examine the functional consequences of loss of TRF2, we expressed TRF2 or a TRF2 functional mutant (T188A) as either gain- or loss-of-function studies in vitro and in apolipoprotein E
–/–
mice. TRF2 overexpression bypassed senescence, reduced DNA damage, and accelerated DNA repair, whereas TRF2
188A
showed opposite effects. Transgenic mice expressing VSMC-specific TRF2
T188A
showed increased atherosclerosis and necrotic core formation in vivo, whereas VSMC-specific TRF2 increased the relative fibrous cap and decreased necrotic core areas. TRF2 protected against atherosclerosis independent of secretion of senescence-associated cytokines.
Conclusions—
We conclude that plaque VSMC senescence in atherosclerosis is associated with loss of TRF2. VSMC senes cence promotes both atherosclerosis and features of plaque vulnerability, identifying prevention of senescence as a potential target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Wang
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna K. Uryga
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Reinhold
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nichola Figg
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Baker
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Finigan
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Gray
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sheetal Kumar
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Murray Clarke
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Bennett
- From Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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35
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Park C, Lee MY, Park PJ, Ha SE, Berent RM, Fuchs R, Miano JM, Becker LS, Sanders KM, Ro S. Serum Response Factor Is Essential for Prenatal Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle Development and Maintenance of Differentiated Phenotype. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 21:589-602. [PMID: 26424044 PMCID: PMC4622142 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) characteristically express serum response factor (SRF), which regulates their development. The role of SRF in SMC plasticity in the pathophysiological conditions of gastrointestinal (GI) tract is less characterized. Methods We generated SMC-specific Srf knockout mice and characterized the prenatally lethal phenotype using ultrasound biomicroscopy and histological analysis. We used small bowel partial obstruction surgeries and primary cell culture using cell-specific enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mouse lines to study phenotypic and molecular changes of SMCs by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally we examined SRF change in human rectal prolapse tissue by immunofluorescence. Results Congenital SMC-specific Srf knockout mice died before birth and displayed severe GI and cardiac defects. Partial obstruction resulted in an overall increase in SRF protein expression. However, individual SMCs appeared to gradually lose SRF in the hypertrophic muscle. Cells expressing low levels of SRF also expressed low levels of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRαlow) and Ki67. SMCs grown in culture recaptured the phenotypic switch from differentiated SMCs to proliferative PDGFRαlow cells. The immediate and dramatic reduction of Srf and Myh11 mRNA expression confirmed the phenotypic change. Human rectal prolapse tissue also demonstrated significant loss of SRF expression. Conclusions SRF expression in SMCs is essential for prenatal development of the GI tract and heart. Following partial obstruction, SMCs down-regulate SRF to transition into proliferative PDGFRαlow cells that may represent a phenotype responsible for their plasticity. These findings demonstrate that SRF also plays a critical role in the remodeling process following GI injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjae Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Paul J Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Se Eun Ha
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Robyn M Berent
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Robert Fuchs
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Laren S Becker
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kenton M Sanders
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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Raaz U, Schellinger IN, Chernogubova E, Warnecke C, Kayama Y, Penov K, Hennigs JK, Salomons F, Eken S, Emrich FC, Zheng WH, Adam M, Jagger A, Nakagami F, Toh R, Toyama K, Deng A, Buerke M, Maegdefessel L, Hasenfuß G, Spin JM, Tsao PS. Transcription Factor Runx2 Promotes Aortic Fibrosis and Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Circ Res 2015. [PMID: 26208651 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.306341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Accelerated arterial stiffening is a major complication of diabetes mellitus with no specific therapy available to date. OBJECTIVE The present study investigates the role of the osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) as a potential mediator and therapeutic target of aortic fibrosis and aortic stiffening in diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (db/db mice), we identify progressive structural aortic stiffening that precedes the onset of arterial hypertension. At the same time, Runx2 is aberrantly upregulated in the medial layer of db/db aortae, as well as in thoracic aortic samples from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific overexpression of Runx2 in transgenic mice increases expression of its target genes, Col1a1 and Col1a2, leading to medial fibrosis and aortic stiffening. Interestingly, increased Runx2 expression per se is not sufficient to induce aortic calcification. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we further demonstrate that expression of Runx2 in diabetes mellitus is regulated via a redox-sensitive pathway that involves a direct interaction of NF-κB with the Runx2 promoter. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study highlights Runx2 as a previously unrecognized inducer of vascular fibrosis in the setting of diabetes mellitus, promoting arterial stiffness irrespective of calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Raaz
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Isabel N Schellinger
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Ekaterina Chernogubova
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Christina Warnecke
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Yosuke Kayama
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Kiril Penov
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Jan K Hennigs
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Florian Salomons
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Suzanne Eken
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Fabian C Emrich
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Wei H Zheng
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Matti Adam
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Ann Jagger
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Futoshi Nakagami
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Ryuji Toh
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Kensuke Toyama
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Alicia Deng
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Michael Buerke
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Gerd Hasenfuß
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Joshua M Spin
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.)
| | - Philip S Tsao
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., F.N., R.T., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.), and Cardiovascular Institute (U.R., Y.K., K.P., J.K.H., F.C.E., M.A., A.J., F.N., K.T., J.M.S., P.S.T.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA (U.R., I.N.S., Y.K., W.H.Z., M.A., A.J., K.T., A.D., J.M.S., P.S.T.); Heart Center, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany (U.R., G.H.); Departments of Medicine (E.C., S.E., L.M.) and Cell and Molecular Biology (F.S.), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany (C.W.); and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Siegen, Germany (M.B.).
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Smooth muscle CaMKIIδ promotes allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Pflugers Arch 2015; 467:2541-54. [PMID: 26089028 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a key target cell in allergen-induced asthma known to contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and chronic airway remodeling. Changes in ASM calcium homeostasis have been shown to contribute to AHR although the mechanisms and Ca(2+) signal effectors are incompletely understood. In the present study, we tested the function of ASM multifunctional protein kinase Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) isoforms CaMKIIδ and CaMKIIγ in allergen-induced AHR and airway remodeling in vivo. Using a murine model of atopic asthma, we demonstrate that CaMKIIδ protein is upregulated in ASM derived from ovalbumin (OVA)-treated animals compared to controls. A genetic approach to conditionally knock out smooth muscle CaMKIIδ and CaMKIIγ in separate Cre-loxp systems was validated, and using this loss-of-function approach, the function of these CaMKII isoforms was tested in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway remodeling and AHR. OVA treatment in control mice had no effect on ASM remodeling in this model of AHR, and CaMKIIδ knockouts had no independent effects on ASM content. However, at 1 day post-final OVA challenge, OVA-induced AHR was eliminated in the CaMKIIδ knockouts. OVA-induced peribronchial inflammation and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-13 were significantly decreased in the CaMKIIδ knockouts. Unexpectedly, we found increased peribronchial eosinophils in the smooth muscle CaMKIIδ knockouts compared to control animals at 1 day post-final challenge, suggesting that lack of ASM CaMKIIδ delays the progression of AHR rather than inhibiting it. Indeed, when AHR was determined at 7 days post-final OVA challenge, CaMKIIδ knockouts showed robust AHR while AHR was fully resolved in OVA-challenged control mice. These in vivo studies demonstrate a role for smooth muscle CaMKIIδ in promoting airway inflammation and AHR and suggest a complex signaling role for CaMKIIδ in regulating ASM function. These studies confirm the diverse roles of ASM cells as immune effectors that control AHR and call for further studies into CaMKIIδ-mediated signaling in ASM cells during disease.
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Runx2 Expression in Smooth Muscle Cells Is Required for Arterial Medial Calcification in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:1958-69. [PMID: 25987250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is a hallmark of aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) transition to an osteogenic phenotype is a common feature of AMC, and is preceded by expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a master regulator of bone development. Whether SMC-specific Runx2 expression is required for osteogenic phenotype change and AMC remains unknown. We therefore created an improved targeting construct to generate mice with floxed Runx2 alleles (Runx2(f/f)) that do not produce truncated Runx2 proteins after Cre recombination, thereby preventing potential off-target effects. SMC-specific deletion using SM22-recombinase transgenic allele mice (Runx2(ΔSM)) led to viable mice with normal bone and arterial morphology. After vitamin D overload, arterial SMCs in Runx2(f/f) mice expressed Runx2, underwent osteogenic phenotype change, and developed severe AMC. In contrast, vitamin D-treated Runx2(ΔSM) mice had no Runx2 in blood vessels, maintained SMC phenotype, and did not develop AMC. Runx2 deletion did not affect serum calcium, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor-23, or alkaline phosphatase levels. In vitro, Runx2(f/f) SMCs calcified to a much greater extent than those derived from Runx2(ΔSM) mice. These data indicate a critical role of Runx2 in SMC osteogenic phenotype change and mineral deposition in a mouse model of AMC, suggesting that Runx2 and downstream osteogenic pathways in SMCs may be useful therapeutic targets for treating or preventing AMC in high-risk patients.
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Endothelin-1 critically influences cardiac function via superoxide-MMP9 cascade. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:5141-6. [PMID: 25848038 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504557112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have generated low-expressing and high-expressing endothelin-1 genes (L and H) and have bred mice with four levels of expression: L/L, ∼20%; L/+, ∼65%; +/+ (wild type), 100%; and H/+, ∼350%. The hypomorphic L allele can be spatiotemporally switched to the hypermorphic H allele by Cre-loxP recombination. Young adult L/L and L/+ mice have dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and increased plasma volumes, together with increased ventricular superoxide levels, increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) expression, and reduced ventricular stiffness. H/+ mice have decreased plasma volumes and significantly heavy stiff hearts. Global or cardiomyocyte-specific switching expression from L to H normalized the abnormalities already present in young adult L/L mice. An epithelial sodium channel antagonist normalized plasma volume and blood pressure, but only partially corrected the cardiomyopathy. A superoxide dismutase mimetic made superoxide levels subnormal, reduced Mmp9 overexpression, and substantially improved cardiac function. Genetic absence of Mmp9 also improved cardiac function, but increased superoxide remained. We conclude that endothelin-1 is critical for maintaining normal contractile function, for controlling superoxide and Mmp9 levels, and for ensuring that the myocardium has sufficient collagen to prevent overstretching. Even a modest (∼35%) decrease in endothelin-1 gene (Edn1) expression is sufficient to cause cardiac dysfunction.
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Gray K, Kumar S, Figg N, Harrison J, Baker L, Mercer J, Littlewood T, Bennett M. Effects of DNA damage in smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. Circ Res 2014; 116:816-26. [PMID: 25524056 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.116.304921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE DNA damage and the DNA damage response have been identified in human atherosclerosis, including in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, although double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are hypothesized to promote plaque progression and instability, in part, by promoting cell senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation, the direct effects of DSBs in VSMCs seen in atherogenesis are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the presence and effect of endogenous levels of DSBs in VSMCs on atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Human atherosclerotic plaque VSMCs showed increased expression of multiple DNA damage response proteins in vitro and in vivo, particularly the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 complex that senses DSB repair. Oxidative stress-induced DSBs were increased in plaque VSMCs, but DSB repair was maintained. To determine the effect of DSBs on atherosclerosis, we generated 2 novel transgenic mice lines expressing NBS1 or C-terminal deleted NBS1 only in VSMCs, and crossed them with apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice. SM22α-NBS1/apolipoprotein E(-/-) VSMCs showed enhanced DSB repair and decreased growth arrest and apoptosis, whereas SM22α-(ΔC)NBS1/apolipoprotein E(-/-) VSMCs showed reduced DSB repair and increased growth arrest and apoptosis. Accelerating or retarding DSB repair did not affect atherosclerosis extent or composition. However, VSMC DNA damage reduced relative fibrous cap areas, whereas accelerating DSB repair increased cap area and VSMC content. CONCLUSIONS Human atherosclerotic plaque VSMCs show increased DNA damage, including DSBs and DNA damage response activation. VSMC DNA damage has minimal effects on atherogenesis, but alters plaque phenotype inhibiting fibrous cap areas in advanced lesions. Inhibiting DNA damage in atherosclerosis may be a novel target to promote plaque stability.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta/cytology
- Aorta/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Apolipoproteins E/deficiency
- Brachiocephalic Trunk/pathology
- Carotid Arteries/cytology
- Cell Cycle Proteins/biosynthesis
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Comet Assay
- DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
- DNA Damage
- DNA Repair Enzymes/biosynthesis
- DNA Repair Enzymes/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microfilament Proteins/biosynthesis
- Microfilament Proteins/genetics
- Muscle Proteins/biosynthesis
- Muscle Proteins/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Nuclear Proteins/biosynthesis
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Gray
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sheetal Kumar
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nichola Figg
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Harrison
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Baker
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Mercer
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Littlewood
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Bennett
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (K.G., S.K., N.F., J.H., L.B., J.M., M.B.) and Department of Biochemistry (T.L.), Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Thunemann M, Schmidt K, de Wit C, Han X, Jain RK, Fukumura D, Feil R. Correlative intravital imaging of cGMP signals and vasodilation in mice. Front Physiol 2014; 5:394. [PMID: 25352809 PMCID: PMC4196583 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an important signaling molecule and drug target in the cardiovascular system. It is well known that stimulation of the vascular nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway results in vasodilation. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of cGMP signals themselves and the cGMP concentrations within specific cardiovascular cell types in health, disease, and during pharmacotherapy with cGMP-elevating drugs are largely unknown. To facilitate the analysis of cGMP signaling in vivo, we have generated transgenic mice that express fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cGMP sensor proteins. Here, we describe two models of intravital FRET/cGMP imaging in the vasculature of cGMP sensor mice: (1) epifluorescence-based ratio imaging in resistance-type vessels of the cremaster muscle and (2) ratio imaging by multiphoton microscopy within the walls of subcutaneous blood vessels accessed through a dorsal skinfold chamber. Both methods allow simultaneous monitoring of NO-induced cGMP transients and vasodilation in living mice. Detailed protocols of all steps necessary to perform and evaluate intravital imaging experiments of the vasculature of anesthetized mice including surgery, imaging, and data evaluation are provided. An image segmentation approach is described to estimate FRET/cGMP changes within moving structures such as the vessel wall during vasodilation. The methods presented herein should be useful to visualize cGMP or other biochemical signals that are detectable with FRET-based biosensors, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate or Ca2+, and to correlate them with respective vascular responses. With further refinement and combination of transgenic mouse models and intravital imaging technologies, we envision an exciting future, in which we are able to “watch” biochemistry, (patho-)physiology, and pharmacotherapy in the context of a living mammalian organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thunemann
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck Lübeck, Germany
| | - Xiaoxing Han
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
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Viceconte N, McKenna T, Eriksson M. Low levels of the reverse transactivator fail to induce target transgene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104098. [PMID: 25090270 PMCID: PMC4121313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a genetic disease with multiple features that are suggestive of premature aging. Most patients with HGPS carry a mutation on one of their copies of the LMNA gene. The LMNA gene encodes the lamin A and lamin C proteins, which are the major proteins of the nuclear lamina. The organs of the cardiovascular system are amongst those that are most severely affected in HGPS, undergoing a progressive depletion of vascular smooth muscle cells, and most children with HGPS die in their early teens from cardio-vascular disease and other complications from atherosclerosis. In this study, we developed a transgenic mouse model based on the tet-ON system to increase the understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to the most lethal aspect of HGPS. To induce the expression of the most common HGPS mutation, LMNA c.1824C>T; p.G608G, in the vascular smooth muscle cells of the aortic arch and thoracic aorta, we used the previously described reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator, sm22α-rtTA. However, the expression of the reverse sm22α-transactivator was barely detectable in the arteries, and this low level of expression was not sufficient to induce the expression of the target human lamin A minigene. The results from this study are important because they suggest caution during the use of previously functional transgenic animal models and emphasize the importance of assessing transgene expression over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikenza Viceconte
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Biosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Tomás McKenna
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Biosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Biosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
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Orriols M, Guadall A, Galán M, Martí-Pàmies I, Varona S, Rodríguez-Calvo R, Briones AM, Navarro MA, de Diego A, Osada J, Martínez-González J, Rodríguez C. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) in vascular remodelling. Insight from a new animal model. Thromb Haemost 2014; 112:812-24. [PMID: 24990180 DOI: 10.1160/th14-01-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme that seems to play a critical role in vascular remodelling. However, the lack of viable LOX-deficient animal models has been an obstacle to deep in LOX biology. In this study we have developed a transgenic mouse model that over-expresses LOX in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to clarify whether LOX could regulate VSMC phenotype and vascular remodelling. The SM22α proximal promoter drove the expression of a transgene containing the human LOX cDNA. Two stable transgenic lines, phenotypically indistinguishable, were generated by conventional methods (TgLOX). Transgene expression followed the expected SMC-specific pattern. In TgLOX mice, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry evidenced a strong expression of LOX in the media from aorta and carotid arteries, coincident with a higher proportion of mature collagen. VSMC isolated from TgLOX mice expressed high levels of LOX pro-enzyme, which was properly secreted and processed into mature and bioactive LOX. Interestingly, cell proliferation was significantly reduced in cells from TgLOX mice. Transgenic VSMC also exhibited low levels of Myh10 (marker of SMC phenotypic switching), PCNA (marker of cell proliferation) and MCP-1, and a weak activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in response to mitogenic stimuli. Accordingly, neointimal thickening induced by carotid artery ligation was attenuated in TgLOX mice that also displayed a reduction in PCNA and MCP-1 immunostaining. Our results give evidence that LOX plays a critical role in vascular remodelling. We have developed a new animal model to study the role of LOX in vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Rodríguez
- José Martínez-González or Cristina Rodríguez, Centro de Investigación Cardiovascular (CSIC-ICCC), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (pabellón Nº 11), Avda. Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain, Tel.: +34 93 5565897, Fax: +34 93 5565559, E-mail: ;
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Yoshida T, Hayashi M. Role of Krüppel-like factor 4 and its binding proteins in vascular disease. J Atheroscler Thromb 2014; 21:402-13. [PMID: 24573018 DOI: 10.5551/jat.23044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4(KLF4) is a zinc-finger transcription factor that plays a key role in cellular differentiation and proliferation during normal development and in various diseases, such as cancer. The results of recent studies have revealed that KLF4 is expressed in multiple vascular cell types, including phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells(SMCs), endothelial cells and monocytes/macrophages and contributes to the progression of vascular diseases by activating or repressing the transcription of multiple genes via its associations with a variety of partner proteins. For example, KLF4 decreases the expression of markers of SMC differentiation by interacting with serum response factor, ELK1 and histone deacetylases. KLF4 also suppresses SMC proliferation by associating with p53. In addition, KLF4 enhances arterial medial calcification in concert with RUNX2. Furthermore, endothelial KLF4 represses arterial inflammation by binding to nuclear factor-κB. This article summarizes the role of KLF4 in vascular disease with a particular focus on in vivo studies and reviews recent progress in our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in KLF4- mediated gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yoshida
- Apheresis and Dialysis Center, School of Medicine, Keio University
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45
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Toshner M, Dunmore BJ, McKinney EF, Southwood M, Caruso P, Upton PD, Waters JP, Ormiston ML, Skepper JN, Nash G, Rana AA, Morrell NW. Transcript analysis reveals a specific HOX signature associated with positional identity of human endothelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 1:430-5. [PMID: 23213434 PMCID: PMC3507213 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2012039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinct topographic Hox expression patterns observed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the adult cardiovascular system suggest that these transcriptional regulators are critical for maintaining region-specific physiological properties of blood vessels. To test this proposition, we expanded the vascular Hoxc11 expression domain normally restricted to the lower limbs by utilizing an innovative integrated tetracycline regulatory system and Transgelin promoter elements to induce Hoxc11 expression universally in VSMCs of transgenic mice. Ectopic Hoxc11 expression in carotid arteries, aortic arch and descending aorta resulted in drastic vessel wall remodeling involving elastic laminae fragmentation, medial smooth muscle cell loss, and intimal lesion formation. None of these alterations were observed upon induction of Hoxc11 transgene expression in the femoral artery, i.e. the natural Hoxc11 activity domain, although this vessel was greatly enlarged, comparable to the topographically restricted vascular changes seen in Hoxc11−/− mice. To begin defining Hoxc11-controlled pathways of vascular remodeling, we performed immunolabeling studies in conjunction with co-transfection and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays using mouse vascular smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells. The results suggest direct transcriptional control of two members of the matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) family, including Mmp2 and Mmp9 that are known as key players in the inception and progression of vascular remodeling events. In summary, the severe vascular abnormalities resulting from the induced dysregulated expression of a Hox gene with regional vascular patterning functions suggest that proper Hox function and regulation is critical for maintaining vascular functional integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Toshner
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J Dunmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eoin F McKinney
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paola Caruso
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D Upton
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John P Waters
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy N Skepper
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Nash
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Birmingham University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amer A Rana
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Zhao C, Guo H, Li J, Myint T, Pittman W, Yang L, Zhong W, Schwartz RJ, Schwarz JJ, Singer HA, Tallquist MD, Wu M. Numb family proteins are essential for cardiac morphogenesis and progenitor differentiation. Development 2013; 141:281-95. [PMID: 24335256 DOI: 10.1242/dev.093690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Numb family proteins (NFPs), including Numb and numb-like (Numbl), are cell fate determinants for multiple progenitor cell types. Their functions in cardiac progenitor differentiation and cardiac morphogenesis are unknown. To avoid early embryonic lethality and study NFP function in later cardiac development, Numb and Numbl were deleted specifically in heart to generate myocardial double-knockout (MDKO) mice. MDKOs were embryonic lethal and displayed a variety of defects in cardiac progenitor differentiation, cardiomyocyte proliferation, outflow tract (OFT) and atrioventricular septation, and OFT alignment. By ablating NFPs in different cardiac populations followed by lineage tracing, we determined that NFPs in the second heart field (SHF) are required for OFT and atrioventricular septation and OFT alignment. MDKOs displayed an SHF progenitor cell differentiation defect, as revealed by a variety of methods including mRNA deep sequencing. Numb regulated cardiac progenitor cell differentiation in an endocytosis-dependent manner. Studies including the use of a transgenic Notch reporter line showed that Notch signaling was upregulated in the MDKO. Suppression of Notch1 signaling in MDKOs rescued defects in p57 expression, proliferation and trabecular thickness. Further studies showed that Numb inhibits Notch1 signaling by promoting the degradation of the Notch1 intracellular domain in cardiomyocytes. This study reveals that NFPs regulate trabecular thickness by inhibiting Notch1 signaling, control cardiac morphogenesis in a Notch1-independent manner, and regulate cardiac progenitor cell differentiation in an endocytosis-dependent manner. The function of NFPs in cardiac progenitor differentiation and cardiac morphogenesis suggests that NFPs might be potential therapeutic candidates for cardiac regeneration and congenital heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- Cardiovascular Science Center, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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Tian XX, Kang J, Yan CH, Xu K, Tao J, Yang GT, Han YL. Purification and functional assessment of smooth muscle cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC CARDIOLOGY : JGC 2013; 10:272-80. [PMID: 24133516 PMCID: PMC3796702 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To obtain a pure population of smooth muscle cells (SMC) derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and further assess their functions. METHODS A vector, expressing both puromycin resistance gene (puro(r) ) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) promoter, named pSM22α-puro(r)-IRES2-EGFP was constructed and used to transfect ESC. Transgenic ESC (Tg-ESC) clones were selected by G418 and identified by PCR amplification of puro(r) gene. The characteristics of Tg-ESC were detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, SSEA-1 immunofluorescence and teratoma formation test in vivo. After induction of SMC differentiation by all-trans retinoic acid, differentiated Tg-ESC were treated with 10 µg/mL puromycin for three days to obtain purified SMC (P-SMC). Percentage of EGFP(+) cells in P-SMC was assessed by flow cytometer. Expressions of smooth muscle specific markers were detected by immunostaining and Western blotting. Proliferation, migration and contractility of P-SMC were analyzed by growth curve, trans-well migration assay, and carbachol treatment, respectively. Finally, both P-SMC and unpurified SMC (unP-SMC) were injected into syngeneic mouse to see teratoma development. RESULTS Tg-ESC clone was successfully established and confirmed by PCR detection of puro(r) gene in its genomic DNA. The Tg-ESC was positive for ALP staining, SSEA-1 staining and formed teratoma containing tissues derived from three germ layers. After retinoic acid induction, large amount of EGFP positive cells outgrew from differentiated Tg-ESC. Three days of puromycin treatment produced a population of P-SMC with an EGFP(+) percentage as high as 98.2% in contrast to 29.47% of unP-SMC. Compared with primary mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), P-SMC displayed positive, but lowered expression of SMC-specific markers including SM α-actin and myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) detected either, by immunostaining, or immunoblotting, accelerated proliferation, improved migration (99.33 ± 2.04 vs. 44.00 ± 2.08 migrated cells/field, P < 0.05), and decreased contractility in response to carbachol (7.75 ± 1.19 % vs. 16.50 ± 3.76 % in cell area reduction, P < 0.05). In vivo injection of unP-SMC developed apparent teratoma while P-SMC did not. CONCLUSIONS We obtained a pure population of ESC derived SMC with less mature (differentiated) phenotypes, which will be of great use in research of vascular diseases and in bio-engineered vascular grafts for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiang Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA Cardiovascular Research Institute, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, China
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Meng H, Zhang X, Lee SJ, Wang MM. Von Willebrand factor inhibits mature smooth muscle gene expression through impairment of Notch signaling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75808. [PMID: 24086636 PMCID: PMC3781053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a hemostatic protein normally synthesized and stored by endothelial cells and platelets, has been localized beyond the endothelium in vascular disease states. Previous studies have implicated potential non-hemostatic functions of vWF, but signaling mechanisms underlying its effects are currently undefined. We present evidence that vWF breaches the endothelium and is expressed in a transmural distribution pattern in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). To determine the potential molecular consequences of vWF permeation into the vessel wall, we also tested whether vWF impairs Notch regulation of key smooth muscle marker genes. In a co-culture system using Notch ligand expressing cells to stimulate Notch in A7R5 cells, vWF strongly inhibited both the Notch pathway and the activation of mature smooth muscle gene promoters. Similar repressive effects were observed in primary human cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells. Expression of the intracellular domain of NOTCH3 allowed cells to bypass the inhibitory effects of vWF. Moreover, vWF forms molecular complexes with all four mammalian Notch ectodomains, suggesting a novel function of vWF as an extracellular inhibitor of Notch signaling. In sum, these studies demonstrate vWF in the vessel wall as a common feature of cerebral SVD; furthermore, we provide a plausible mechanism by which non-hemostatic vWF may play a novel role in the promotion of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Meng
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael M. Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Neurology Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Turner EC, Huang CL, Govindarajan K, Caplice NM. Identification of a Klf4-dependent upstream repressor region mediating transcriptional regulation of the myocardin gene in human smooth muscle cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2013; 1829:1191-201. [PMID: 24060351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a central role in the development of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. However, the factors regulating expression of the human myocardin (Myocd) gene, the master gene regulator of SMC differentiation, have yet to be identified. In this study, we sought to identify the critical factors regulating Myocd expression in human SMCs. Using deletion/genetic reporter analyses, an upstream repressor region (URR) was localised within the Myocd promoter, herein termed PrmM. Bioinformatic analysis revealed three evolutionary conserved Klf4 sites within the URR and disruption of those elements led to substantial increases in PrmM-directed gene expression. Furthermore, ectopic expression established that Klf4 significantly decreased Myocd mRNA levels and PrmM-directed gene expression while electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed specific binding of endogenous Klf4, and not Klf5 or Klf2, to the URR of PrmM. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), a potent inhibitor of SMC differentiation, reduced Myocd mRNA levels and PrmM-directed gene expression in SMCs. A PDGF-BB-responsive region (PRR) was also identified within PrmM, overlapping with the previously identified URR, where either siRNA knockdown of Klf4 or the combined disruption of the Klf4 elements completely abolished PDGF-BB-mediated repression of PrmM-directed gene expression in SMCs. Moreover, ChIP analysis established that PDGF-BB-induced repression of Myocd gene expression is most likely regulated by enhanced binding of Klf4 and Klf5 to a lesser extent, to the PRR of PrmM. Taken together, these data provide critical insights into the transcriptional regulation of the Myocd gene in vascular SMCs, including during SMC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizebeth C Turner
- Centre for Research in Vascular Biology (CRVB), Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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50
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Xie WB, Li Z, Shi N, Guo X, Tang J, Ju W, Han J, Liu T, Bottinger EP, Chai Y, Jose PA, Chen SY. Smad2 and myocardin-related transcription factor B cooperatively regulate vascular smooth muscle differentiation from neural crest cells. Circ Res 2013; 113:e76-86. [PMID: 23817199 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.113.301921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation from neural crest cells (NCCs) is critical for cardiovascular development, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) function in VSMC differentiation from NCCs is controversial. Therefore, we determined the role and mechanism of a TGF-β downstream signaling intermediate Smad2 in NCC differentiation to VSMCs. METHODS AND RESULTS By using Cre/loxP system, we generated a NCC tissue-specific Smad2 knockout mouse model and found that Smad2 deletion resulted in defective NCC differentiation to VSMCs in aortic arch arteries during embryonic development and caused vessel wall abnormality in adult carotid arteries where the VSMCs are derived from NCCs. The abnormalities included 1 layer of VSMCs missing in the media of the arteries with distorted and thinner elastic lamina, leading to a thinner vessel wall compared with wild-type vessel. Mechanistically, Smad2 interacted with myocardin-related transcription factor B (MRTFB) to regulate VSMC marker gene expression. Smad2 was required for TGF-β-induced MRTFB nuclear translocation, whereas MRTFB enhanced Smad2 binding to VSMC marker promoter. Furthermore, we found that Smad2, but not Smad3, was a progenitor-specific transcription factor mediating TGF-β-induced VSMC differentiation from NCCs. Smad2 also seemed to be involved in determining the physiological differences between NCC-derived and mesoderm-derived VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS Smad2 is an important factor in regulating progenitor-specific VSMC development and physiological differences between NCC-derived and mesoderm-derived VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Bing Xie
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuguo Li
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Xia Guo
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Junming Tang
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Wenjun Ju
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Jun Han
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry
| | - Tengfei Liu
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erwin P Bottinger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029
| | - Yang Chai
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
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