51
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Xi X, Li H, Chen S, Lv T, Ma T, Jiang R, Zhang P, Wong WH, Zhang X. Unfolding the genotype-to-phenotype black box of cardiovascular diseases through cross-scale modeling. iScience 2022; 25:104790. [PMID: 35992073 PMCID: PMC9386115 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex traits such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the results of complicated processes jointly affected by genetic and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified genetic variants associated with diseases but usually did not reveal the underlying mechanisms. There could be many intermediate steps at epigenetic, transcriptomic, and cellular scales inside the black box of genotype-phenotype associations. In this article, we present a machine-learning-based cross-scale framework GRPath to decipher putative causal paths (pcPaths) from genetic variants to disease phenotypes by integrating multiple omics data. Applying GRPath on CVD, we identified 646 and 549 pcPaths linking putative causal regions, variants, and gene expressions in specific cell types for two types of heart failure, respectively. The findings suggest new understandings of coronary heart disease. Our work promoted the modeling of tissue- and cell type-specific cross-scale regulation to uncover mechanisms behind disease-associated variants, and provided new findings on the molecular mechanisms of CVD. We defined one type of cross-scale genotype-to-phenotype regulation path We designed a framework GRPath to uncover putative regulation paths for diseases GRPath helped uncover molecular mechanisms for two major types of heart failure
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST / Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haochen Li
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shengquan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST / Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Tianxing Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST / Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST / Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Wing Hung Wong
- Departments of Statistics and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST / Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Corresponding author
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52
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Li T, Wang B, Ding H, Chen S, Cheng W, Li Y, Wu X, Wang L, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Teng Y, Su S, Han X, Zhao M. Effect of Extracellular Vesicles From Multiple Cells on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:857331. [PMID: 35620296 PMCID: PMC9127356 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.857331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases are still the main cause of death in clinical patients. The phenotype switching, proliferation, migration, and secretion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have a pivotal role in atherosclerosis. Although numerous research studies have elucidated the role of VSMCs in AS, their potential functional regulations continue to be explored. The formation of AS involves various cells, such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Therefore, intercellular communication of blood vessels cannot be ignored due to closely connected endothelia, media, and adventitia. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as the vectors of cell-to-cell communication, can deliver proteins and nucleic acids of parent cells to the recipient cells. EVs have emerged as being central in intercellular communication and play a vital role in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AS. This review summarizes the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from multiple cells (endothelial cells, macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells, etc.) on VSMCs in AS. The key findings of this review are as follows: 1) endothelial cell–derived EVs (EEVs) have anti- or pro-atherogenic effects on VSMCs; 2) macrophage-derived EVs (MEVs) aggravate the proliferation and migration of VSMCs; 3) mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit VSMCs; and 4) the proliferation and migration of VSMCs can be inhibited by the treatment of EVs with atherosclerosis-protective factors and promoted by noxious stimulants. These results suggested that EVs have the same functional properties as treated parent cells, which might provide vital guidance for treating AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baofu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Weiting Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Teng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Su
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowan Han
- Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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53
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Cheng P, Wirka RC, Kim JB, Kim HJ, Nguyen T, Kundu R, Zhao Q, Sharma D, Pedroza A, Nagao M, Iyer D, Fischbein MP, Quertermous T. Smad3 regulates smooth muscle cell fate and mediates adverse remodeling and calcification of the atherosclerotic plaque. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:322-333. [PMID: 36246779 PMCID: PMC9560061 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaques consist mostly of smooth muscle cells (SMC), and genes that influence SMC phenotype can modulate coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Allelic variation at 15q22.33 has been identified by genome-wide association studies to modify the risk of CAD and is associated with the expression of SMAD3 in SMC. However, the mechanism by which this gene modifies CAD risk remains poorly understood. Here we show that SMC-specific deletion of Smad3 in a murine atherosclerosis model resulted in greater plaque burden, more outward remodelling and increased vascular calcification. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses revealed that loss of Smad3 altered SMC transition cell state toward two fates: a SMC phenotype that governs both vascular remodelling and recruitment of inflammatory cells, as well as a chondromyocyte fate. Together, the findings reveal that Smad3 expression in SMC inhibits the emergence of specific SMC phenotypic transition cells that mediate adverse plaque features, including outward remodelling, monocyte recruitment, and vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Robert C. Wirka
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Juyong Brian Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hyun-Jung Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ramendra Kundu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Disha Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Albert Pedroza
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Manabu Nagao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Dharini Iyer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Michael P. Fischbein
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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54
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Pasterkamp G, den Ruijter HM, Giannarelli C. False Utopia of One Unifying Description of the Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: A Call for Recalibration That Appreciates the Diversity of Mechanisms Leading to Atherosclerotic Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:e86-e95. [PMID: 35139657 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease characterized by the formation of arterial plaques with a broad diversity of morphological phenotypic presentations. Researchers often apply one description of the vulnerable plaque as a gold standard in preclinical and clinical research that could be applied as a surrogate measure of a successful therapeutic intervention, despite the variability in lesion characteristics that may underly a thrombotic occlusion. The complex mechanistic interplay underlying progression of atherosclerotic disease is a consequence of the broad range of determinants such as sex, risk factors, hemodynamics, medications, and the genetic landscape. Currently, we are facing an overwhelming amount of data based on genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies that all point to heterogeneous molecular profiles of atherosclerotic lesions that lead to a myocardial infarction or stroke. The observed molecular diversity implies that one unifying model cannot fully recapitulate the natural history of atherosclerosis. Despite emerging data obtained from -omics studies, a description of a natural history of atherosclerotic disease in which cell-specific expression of proteins or genes are included is still lacking. This also applies to the insights provided by genome-wide association studies. This review will critically discuss the dogma that the progression of atherosclerotic disease can be captured in one unifying natural history model of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Pasterkamp
- Circulatory Health Laboratories (G.P., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Central Diagnostics Laboratories (G.P.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Circulatory Health Laboratories (G.P., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (H.M.d.R.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chiara Giannarelli
- NYU Cardiovascular Research Center (C.G.), New York University Grossman School of Medicine.,Department of Pathology (C.G.), New York University Grossman School of Medicine
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55
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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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56
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Dave JM, Chakraborty R, Ntokou A, Saito J, Saddouk FZ, Feng Z, Misra A, Tellides G, Riemer RK, Urban Z, Kinnear C, Ellis J, Mital S, Mecham R, Martin KA, Greif DM. JAGGED1/NOTCH3 activation promotes aortic hypermuscularization and stenosis in elastin deficiency. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:142338. [PMID: 34990407 PMCID: PMC8884911 DOI: 10.1172/jci142338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstructive arterial diseases, including supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), atherosclerosis, and restenosis, share 2 important features: an abnormal or disrupted elastic lamellae structure and excessive smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the relationship between these pathological features is poorly delineated. SVAS is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function, hypomorphic, or deletion mutations in the elastin gene (ELN), and SVAS patients and elastin-mutant mice display increased arterial wall cellularity and luminal obstructions. Pharmacological treatments for SVAS are lacking, as the underlying pathobiology is inadequately defined. Herein, using human aortic vascular cells, mouse models, and aortic samples and SMCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of ELN-deficient patients, we demonstrated that elastin insufficiency induced epigenetic changes, upregulating the NOTCH pathway in SMCs. Specifically, reduced elastin increased levels of γ-secretase, activated NOTCH3 intracellular domain, and downstream genes. Notch3 deletion or pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase attenuated aortic hypermuscularization and stenosis in Eln-/- mutants. Eln-/- mice expressed higher levels of NOTCH ligand JAGGED1 (JAG1) in aortic SMCs and endothelial cells (ECs). Finally, Jag1 deletion in SMCs, but not ECs, mitigated the hypermuscular and stenotic phenotype in the aorta of Eln-/- mice. Our findings reveal that NOTCH3 pathway upregulation induced pathological aortic SMC accumulation during elastin insufficiency and provide potential therapeutic targets for SVAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui M. Dave
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Pharmacology, and
| | - Aglaia Ntokou
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - Junichi Saito
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - Fatima Z. Saddouk
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - Zhonghui Feng
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - Ashish Misra
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert K. Riemer
- Congenital Division, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Zsolt Urban
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - James Ellis
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Robert Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Martin
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Pharmacology, and
| | - Daniel M. Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,,Department of Genetics
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Chatzopoulou F, Kyritsis KA, Papagiannopoulos CI, Galatou E, Mittas N, Theodoroula NF, Papazoglou AS, Karagiannidis E, Chatzidimitriou M, Papa A, Sianos G, Angelis L, Chatzidimitriou D, Vizirianakis IS. Dissecting miRNA–Gene Networks to Map Clinical Utility Roads of Pharmacogenomics-Guided Therapeutic Decisions in Cardiovascular Precision Medicine. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040607. [PMID: 35203258 PMCID: PMC8870388 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) create systems networks and gene-expression circuits through molecular signaling and cell interactions that contribute to health imbalance and the emergence of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Because the clinical phenotypes of CVD patients present a diversity in their pathophysiology and heterogeneity at the molecular level, it is essential to establish genomic signatures to delineate multifactorial correlations, and to unveil the variability seen in therapeutic intervention outcomes. The clinically validated miRNA biomarkers, along with the relevant SNPs identified, have to be suitably implemented in the clinical setting in order to enhance patient stratification capacity, to contribute to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, to guide the selection of innovative therapeutic schemes, and to identify innovative drugs and delivery systems. In this article, the miRNA–gene networks and the genomic signatures resulting from the SNPs will be analyzed as a method of highlighting specific gene-signaling circuits as sources of molecular knowledge which is relevant to CVDs. In concordance with this concept, and as a case study, the design of the clinical trial GESS (NCT03150680) is referenced. The latter is presented in a manner to provide a direction for the improvement of the implementation of pharmacogenomics and precision cardiovascular medicine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Chatzopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.C.); (A.P.); (D.C.)
- Labnet Laboratories, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 54638 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos A. Kyritsis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.K.); (C.I.P.); (N.F.T.)
| | - Christos I. Papagiannopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.K.); (C.I.P.); (N.F.T.)
| | - Eleftheria Galatou
- Department of Life & Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 1700, Cyprus;
| | - Nikolaos Mittas
- Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece;
| | - Nikoleta F. Theodoroula
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.K.); (C.I.P.); (N.F.T.)
| | - Andreas S. Papazoglou
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.P.); (E.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Efstratios Karagiannidis
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.P.); (E.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Maria Chatzidimitriou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Anna Papa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.C.); (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Georgios Sianos
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.S.P.); (E.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Lefteris Angelis
- Department of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Chatzidimitriou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.C.); (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Ioannis S. Vizirianakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.K.); (C.I.P.); (N.F.T.)
- Department of Life & Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 1700, Cyprus;
- Correspondence: or
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58
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Cheng P, Wirka RC, Clarke LS, Zhao Q, Kundu R, Nguyen T, Nair S, Sharma D, Kim HJ, Shi H, Assimes T, Kim JB, Kundaje A, Quertermous T. ZEB2 Shapes the Epigenetic Landscape of Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2022; 145:469-485. [PMID: 34990206 PMCID: PMC8896308 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) transition into a number of different phenotypes during atherosclerosis, including those that resemble fibroblasts and chondrocytes, and make up the majority of cells in the atherosclerotic plaque. To better understand the epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that mediate these cell state changes, and how they relate to risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), we have investigated the causality and function of transcription factors at genome-wide associated loci. METHODS We used CRISPR-Cas 9 genome and epigenome editing to identify the causal gene and cells for a complex CAD genome-wide association study signal at 2q22.3. Single-cell epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling in murine models and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells were used to understand the cellular and molecular mechanism by which this CAD risk gene exerts its function. RESULTS CRISPR-Cas 9 genome and epigenome editing showed that the complex CAD genetic signals within a genomic region at 2q22.3 lie within smooth muscle long-distance enhancers for ZEB2, a transcription factor extensively studied in the context of epithelial mesenchymal transition in development of cancer. Zeb2 regulates SMC phenotypic transition through chromatin remodeling that obviates accessibility and disrupts both Notch and transforming growth factor β signaling, thus altering the epigenetic trajectory of SMC transitions. SMC-specific loss of Zeb2 resulted in an inability of transitioning SMCs to turn off contractile programing and take on a fibroblast-like phenotype, but accelerated the formation of chondromyocytes, mirroring features of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in human coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS These studies identify ZEB2 as a new CAD genome-wide association study gene that affects features of plaque vulnerability through direct effects on the epigenome, providing a new therapeutic approach to target vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cheng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Robert C. Wirka
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology and Physiology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lee Shoa Clarke
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Ramendra Kundu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Surag Nair
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Disha Sharma
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Hyun-jung Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Huitong Shi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Themistocles Assimes
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Juyong Brian Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
| | - Anshul Kundaje
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Thomas Quertermous
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA
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59
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Yuan L, Wang D, Wu C. Protective effect of liquiritin on coronary heart disease through regulating the proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells via upregulation of sirtuin1. Bioengineered 2022; 13:2840-2850. [PMID: 35038972 PMCID: PMC8974169 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2024687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore whether liquiritin affects the development of coronary heart disease by regulating the proliferation and migration of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release detection were performed to measure the toxic effects of liquiritin on hVSMCs. An in vitro atherosclerosis model in hVSMCs was established using oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using an MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Western blotting and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect protein and mRNA expressions, respectively. Caspase3 activity and cell migration were measured using an activity detection kit and Transwell assay, respectively. The results indicated that liquiritin at doses <160 μM had no significant effect on cell viability and LDH release in hVSMCs. Ox-LDL significantly induced cell proliferation and migration, and inhibited hVSMCs apoptosis. Liquiritin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and enhanced cell apoptosis in ox-LDL induced hVSMCs. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) was lowly expressed in atherosclerotic plaque tissues in coronary heart disease patients and in ox-LDL-induced hVSMCs. Liquiritin improved SIRT1 expression in ox-LDL-induced hVSMCs, whereas the improvement was inhibited by Selisistat (EX 527, an effective SIRT1 inhibitor) treatment. EX 527 reversed the effects of liquiritin on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in ox-LDL-induced hVSMCs In conclusion, liquiritin plays a protective role in coronary heart disease by regulating the proliferation and migration of hVSMCs by increasing SIRT1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dajie Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University (Yancheng Third People's Hospital), Yancheng, China
| | - Chunyang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University (Yancheng Third People's Hospital), Yancheng, China
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60
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Mao L, Yin R, Yang L, Zhao D. Role of advanced glycation end products on vascular smooth muscle cells under diabetic atherosclerosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:983723. [PMID: 36120471 PMCID: PMC9470882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.983723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease and leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The progression of AS is a multi-step process leading to high morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inflammation and insulin resistance which strictly involved in diabetes are closely related to the pathogenesis of AS. A growing number of studies have linked AGEs to AS. As one of the risk factors of cardiac metabolic diseases, dysfunction of VSMCs plays an important role in AS pathogenesis. AGEs are increased in diabetes, participate in the occurrence and progression of AS through multiple molecular mechanisms of vascular cell injury. As the main functional cells of vascular, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play different roles in each stage of atherosclerotic lesions. The interaction between AGEs and receptor for AGEs (RAGE) accelerates AS by affecting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. In addition, increasing researches have reported that AGEs promote osteogenic transformation and macrophage-like transformation of VSMCs, and affect the progression of AS through other aspects such as autophagy and cell cycle. In this review, we summarize the effect of AGEs on VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression. We also discuss the AGEs that link AS and diabetes mellitus, including oxidative stress, inflammation, RAGE ligands, small noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dong Zhao
- *Correspondence: Longyan Yang, ; Dong Zhao,
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61
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Zhang F, Guo X, Xia Y, Mao L. An update on the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:6. [PMID: 34936041 PMCID: PMC11072026 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04079-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are involved in phenotypic switching in atherosclerosis. This switching is characterized by VSMC dedifferentiation, migration, and transdifferentiation into other cell types. VSMC phenotypic transitions have historically been considered bidirectional processes. Cells can adopt a physiological contraction phenotype or an alternative "synthetic" phenotype in response to injury. However, recent studies, including lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing studies, have shown that VSMCs downregulate contraction markers during atherosclerosis while adopting other phenotypes, including macrophage-like, foam cell, mesenchymal stem-like, myofibroblast-like, and osteochondral-like phenotypes. However, the molecular mechanism and processes regulating the switching of VSMCs at the onset of atherosclerosis are still unclear. This systematic review aims to review the critical outstanding challenges and issues that need further investigation and summarize the current knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuanpeng Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Ling Mao
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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62
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Distinct roles of KLF4 in mesenchymal cell subtypes during lung fibrogenesis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7179. [PMID: 34893592 PMCID: PMC8664937 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During lung fibrosis, the epithelium induces signaling to underlying mesenchyme to generate excess myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix; herein, we focus on signaling in the mesenchyme. Our studies indicate that platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-β+ cells are the predominant source of myofibroblasts and Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 4 is upregulated in PDGFR-β+ cells, inducing TGFβ pathway signaling and fibrosis. In fibrotic lung patches, KLF4 is down-regulated, suggesting KLF4 levels decrease as PDGFR-β+ cells transition into myofibroblasts. In contrast to PDGFR-β+ cells, KLF4 reduction in α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ cells non-cell autonomously exacerbates lung fibrosis by inducing macrophage accumulation and pro-fibrotic effects of PDGFR-β+ cells via a Forkhead box M1 to C-C chemokine ligand 2-receptor 2 pathway. Taken together, in the context of lung fibrosis, our results indicate that KLF4 plays opposing roles in PDGFR-β+ cells and SMA+ cells and highlight the importance of further studies of interactions between distinct mesenchymal cell types.
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63
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Lin CJ, Hunkins B, Roth R, Lin CY, Wagenseil JE, Mecham RP. Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Subpopulations and Neointimal Formation in Mouse Models of Elastin Insufficiency. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2890-2905. [PMID: 34587758 PMCID: PMC8612996 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using a mouse model of Eln (elastin) insufficiency that spontaneously develops neointima in the ascending aorta, we sought to understand the origin and phenotypic heterogeneity of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributing to intimal hyperplasia. We were also interested in exploring how vascular cells adapt to the absence of Eln. Approach and Results: We used single-cell sequencing together with lineage-specific cell labeling to identify neointimal cell populations in a noninjury, genetic model of neointimal formation. Inactivating Eln production in vascular SMCs results in rapid intimal hyperplasia around breaks in the ascending aorta's internal elastic lamina. Using lineage-specific Cre drivers to both lineage mark and inactivate Eln expression in the secondary heart field and neural crest aortic SMCs, we found that cells with a secondary heart field lineage are significant contributors to neointima formation. We also identified a small population of secondary heart field-derived SMCs underneath and adjacent to the internal elastic lamina. Within the neointima of SMC-Eln knockout mice, 2 unique SMC populations were identified that are transcriptionally different from other SMCs. While these cells had a distinct gene signature, they expressed several genes identified in other studies of neointimal lesions, suggesting that some mechanisms underlying neointima formation in Eln insufficiency are shared with adult vessel injury models. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the unique developmental origin and transcriptional signature of cells contributing to neointima in the ascending aorta. Our findings also show that the absence of Eln, or changes in elastic fiber integrity, influences the SMC biological niche in ways that lead to altered cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Lin
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Bridget Hunkins
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robyn Roth
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jessica E. Wagenseil
- Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert P. Mecham
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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64
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Tomas L, Prica F, Schulz C. Trafficking of Mononuclear Phagocytes in Healthy Arteries and Atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718432. [PMID: 34759917 PMCID: PMC8573388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages play essential roles in all stages of atherosclerosis – from early precursor lesions to advanced stages of the disease. Intima-resident macrophages are among the first cells to be confronted with the influx and retention of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins at the onset of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis development. In this review, we outline the trafficking of monocytes and macrophages in and out of the healthy aorta, as well as the adaptation of their migratory behaviour during hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, we discuss the functional and ontogenetic composition of the aortic pool of mononuclear phagocytes and its link to the atherosclerotic disease process. The development of mouse models of atherosclerosis regression in recent years, has enabled scientists to investigate the behaviour of monocytes and macrophages during the resolution of atherosclerosis. Herein, we describe the dynamics of these mononuclear phagocytes upon cessation of hypercholesterolemia and how they contribute to the restoration of tissue homeostasis. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the trafficking, fate and disease-relevant dynamics of monocytes and macrophages during atherosclerosis, and to highlight remaining questions. We focus on the results of rodent studies, as analysis of cellular fates requires experimental manipulations that cannot be performed in humans but point out findings that could be replicated in human tissues. Understanding of the biology of macrophages in atherosclerosis provides an important basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to limit lesion formation and promote plaque regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Tomas
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Prica
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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65
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Mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell investment and phenotypic diversification in vascular diseases. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2101-2111. [PMID: 34495326 PMCID: PMC8589433 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In contrast with the heart, the adult mammalian vasculature retains significant remodelling capacity, dysregulation of which is implicated in disease development. In particular, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play major roles in the pathological vascular remodelling characteristic of atherosclerosis, restenosis, aneurysm and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clonal lineage tracing revealed that the VSMC-contribution to disease results from the hyperproliferation of few pre-existing medial cells and suggested that VSMC-derived cells from the same clone can adopt diverse phenotypes. Studies harnessing the powerful combination of lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics have delineated the substantial diversity of VSMC-derived cells in vascular lesions, which are proposed to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on disease severity. Computational analyses further suggest that the pathway from contractile VSMCs in healthy arteries to phenotypically distinct lesional cells consists of multiple, potentially regulatable, steps. A better understanding of how individual steps are controlled could reveal effective therapeutic strategies to minimise VSMC functions that drive pathology whilst maintaining or enhancing their beneficial roles. Here we review current knowledge of VSMC plasticity and highlight important questions that should be addressed to understand how specific stages of VSMC investment and phenotypic diversification are controlled. Implications for developing therapeutic strategies in pathological vascular remodelling are discussed and we explore how cutting-edge approaches could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VSMC regulation.
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66
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Wolf AM. The tumor suppression theory of aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111583. [PMID: 34637937 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite continued increases in human life expectancy, the factors determining the rate of human biological aging remain unknown. Without understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aging, efforts to prevent aging are unlikely to succeed. The tumor suppression theory of aging introduced here proposes somatic mutation as the proximal cause of aging, but postulates that oncogenic transformation and clonal expansion, not functional impairment, are the relevant consequences of somatic mutation. Obesity and caloric restriction accelerate and decelerate aging due to their effect on cell proliferation, during which most mutations arise. Most phenotypes of aging are merely tumor-suppressive mechanisms that evolved to limit malignant growth, the dominant age-related cause of death in early and middle life. Cancer limits life span for most long-lived mammals, a phenomenon known as Peto's paradox. Its conservation across species demonstrates that mutation is a fundamental but hard limit on mammalian longevity. Cell senescence and apoptosis and differentiation induced by oncogenes, telomere shortening or DNA damage evolved as a second line of defense to limit the tumorigenic potential of clonally expanding cells, but accumulating senescent cells, senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and stem cell exhaustion eventually cause tissue dysfunction and the majority, if not most, phenotypes of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Wolf
- Laboratory for Morphological and Biomolecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi 1-1-5, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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67
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H3K4 di-methylation governs smooth muscle lineage identity and promotes vascular homeostasis by restraining plasticity. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2765-2782.e10. [PMID: 34582749 PMCID: PMC8567421 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the regulation of cell differentiation and function. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are specialized contractile cells that retain phenotypic plasticity even after differentiation. Here, by performing selective demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 di-methylation (H3K4me2) at SMC-specific genes, we uncovered that H3K4me2 governs SMC lineage identity. Removal of H3K4me2 via selective editing in cultured vascular SMCs and in murine arterial vasculature led to loss of differentiation and reduced contractility due to impaired recruitment of the DNA methylcytosine dioxygenase TET2. H3K4me2 editing altered SMC adaptative capacities during vascular remodeling due to loss of miR-145 expression. Finally, H3K4me2 editing induced a profound alteration of SMC lineage identity by redistributing H3K4me2 toward genes associated with stemness and developmental programs, thus exacerbating plasticity. Our studies identify the H3K4me2-TET2-miR145 axis as a central epigenetic memory mechanism controlling cell identity and function, whose alteration could contribute to various pathophysiological processes.
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68
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Chakraborty R, Chatterjee P, Dave JM, Ostriker AC, Greif DM, Rzucidlo EM, Martin KA. Targeting smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in vascular disease. JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:79-94. [PMID: 34617061 PMCID: PMC8489222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The phenotypic plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is central to vessel growth and remodeling, but also contributes to cardiovascular pathologies. New technologies including fate mapping, single cell transcriptomics, and genetic and pharmacologic inhibitors have provided fundamental new insights into the biology of VSMC. The goal of this review is to summarize the mechanisms underlying VSMC phenotypic modulation and how these might be targeted for therapeutic benefit. Methods We summarize findings from extensive literature searches to highlight recent discoveries in the mechanisms underlying VSMC phenotypic switching with particular relevance to intimal hyperplasia. PubMed was searched for publications between January 2001 and December 2020. Search terms included VSMCs, restenosis, intimal hyperplasia, phenotypic switching or modulation, and drug-eluting stents. We sought to highlight druggable pathways as well as recent landmark studies in phenotypic modulation. Results Lineage tracing methods have determined that a small number of mature VSMCs dedifferentiate to give rise to oligoclonal lesions in intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis and aneurysm, single cell transcriptomics reveal a striking diversity of phenotypes that can arise from these VSMCs. Mechanistic studies continue to identify new pathways that influence VSMC phenotypic plasticity. We review the mechanisms by which the current drug-eluting stent agents prevent restenosis and note remaining challenges in peripheral and diabetic revascularization for which new approaches would be beneficial. We summarize findings on new epigenetic (DNA methylation/TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2, histone deacetylation, bromodomain proteins), transcriptional (Hippo/Yes-associated protein, peroxisome proliferator-activity receptor-gamma, Notch), and β3-integrin-mediated mechanisms that influence VSMC phenotypic modulation. Pharmacologic and genetic targeting of these pathways with agents including ascorbic acid, histone deacetylase or bromodomain inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and integrin inhibitors suggests potential therapeutic value in the setting of intimal hyperplasia. Conclusions Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the remarkable plasticity of VSMCs may lead to novel approaches to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease and restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Payel Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Jui M Dave
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Allison C Ostriker
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Daniel M Greif
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Eva M Rzucidlo
- Department Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
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69
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Grootaert MOJ, Bennett MR. Vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis: time for a re-assessment. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2326-2339. [PMID: 33576407 PMCID: PMC8479803 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key participants in both early and late-stage atherosclerosis. VSMCs invade the early atherosclerotic lesion from the media, expanding lesions, but also forming a protective fibrous cap rich in extracellular matrix to cover the 'necrotic' core. Hence, VSMCs have been viewed as plaque-stabilizing, and decreased VSMC plaque content-often measured by expression of contractile markers-associated with increased plaque vulnerability. However, the emergence of lineage-tracing and transcriptomic studies has demonstrated that VSMCs comprise a much larger proportion of atherosclerotic plaques than originally thought, demonstrate multiple different phenotypes in vivo, and have roles that might be detrimental. VSMCs down-regulate contractile markers during atherosclerosis whilst adopting alternative phenotypes, including macrophage-like, foam cell-like, osteochondrogenic-like, myofibroblast-like, and mesenchymal stem cell-like. VSMC phenotypic switching can be studied in tissue culture, but also now in the media, fibrous cap and deep-core region, and markedly affects plaque formation and markers of stability. In this review, we describe the different VSMC plaque phenotypes and their presumed cellular and paracrine functions, the regulatory mechanisms that control VSMC plasticity, and their impact on atherogenesis and plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy O J Grootaert
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 110, ACCI, Addenbrookes Hospital, CB2 0QQ Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin R Bennett
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 110, ACCI, Addenbrookes Hospital, CB2 0QQ Cambridge, UK
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70
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Ni H, Haemmig S, Deng Y, Chen J, Simion V, Yang D, Sukhova G, Shvartz E, Wara AKMK, Cheng HS, Pérez-Cremades D, Assa C, Sausen G, Zhuang R, Dai Q, Feinberg MW. A Smooth Muscle Cell-Enriched Long Noncoding RNA Regulates Cell Plasticity and Atherosclerosis by Interacting With Serum Response Factor. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2399-2416. [PMID: 34289702 PMCID: PMC8387455 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in the vessel wall and impact cellular function through diverse interactors. However, the role of lncRNAs in regulating VSMCs plasticity and atherosclerosis remains unclear. Approach and Results We identified a VSMC-enriched lncRNA cardiac mesoderm enhancer-associated noncoding RNA (CARMN) that is dynamically regulated with progression of atherosclerosis. In both mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, CARMN colocalized with VSMCs and was expressed in the nucleus. Knockdown of CARMN using antisense oligonucleotides in Ldlr−/− mice significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 38% and suppressed VSMCs proliferation by 45% without affecting apoptosis. In vitro CARMN gain- and loss-of-function studies verified effects on VSMC proliferation, migration, and differentiation. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta) induced CARMN expression in a Smad2/3-dependent manner. CARMN regulated VSMC plasticity independent of the miR143/145 cluster, which is located in close proximity to the CARMN locus. Mechanistically, lncRNA pulldown in combination with mass spectrometry analysis showed that the nuclear-localized CARMN interacted with SRF (serum response factor) through a specific 600–1197 nucleotide domain. CARMN enhanced SRF occupancy on the promoter regions of its downstream VSMC targets. Finally, knockdown of SRF abolished the regulatory role of CARMN in VSMC plasticity. Conclusions The lncRNA CARMN is a critical regulator of VSMC plasticity and atherosclerosis. These findings highlight the role of a lncRNA in SRF-dependent signaling and provide implications for a range of chronic vascular occlusive disease states.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Cell Line
- Cell Movement
- Cell Plasticity
- Cell Proliferation
- Disease Models, Animal
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Serum Response Factor/genetics
- Serum Response Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaner Ni
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Stefan Haemmig
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yihuan Deng
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jingshu Chen
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Viorel Simion
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dafeng Yang
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Galina Sukhova
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eugenia Shvartz
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - AKM Khyrul Wara
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Henry S Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Pérez-Cremades
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carmel Assa
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Grasiele Sausen
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rulin Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiuyan Dai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Mark W. Feinberg
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham
and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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71
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Martos-Rodríguez CJ, Albarrán-Juárez J, Morales-Cano D, Caballero A, MacGrogan D, de la Pompa JL, Carramolino L, Bentzon JF. Fibrous Caps in Atherosclerosis Form by Notch-Dependent Mechanisms Common to Arterial Media Development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:e427-e439. [PMID: 34261328 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Atheromatous fibrous caps are produced by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that are recruited to the subendothelial space. We tested whether the recruitment mechanisms are the same as in embryonic artery development, which relies prominently on Notch signaling to form the subendothelial medial SMC layers. Approach and Results Notch elements were expressed in regions of fibrous cap in human and mouse plaques. To assess the causal role of Notch signaling in cap formation, we studied atherosclerosis in mice where the Notch pathway was inactivated in SMCs by conditional knockout of the essential effector transcription factor RBPJ (recombination signal-binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region). The recruitment of cap SMCs was significantly reduced without major effects on plaque size. Lineage tracing revealed the accumulation of SMC-derived plaque cells in the cap region was unaltered but that Notch-defective cells failed to re-acquire the SMC phenotype in the cap. Conversely, to analyze whether the loss of Notch signaling is required for SMC-derived cells to accumulate in atherogenesis, we studied atherosclerosis in mice with constitutive activation of Notch signaling in SMCs achieved by conditional expression of the Notch intracellular domain. Forced Notch signaling inhibited the ability of medial SMCs to contribute to plaque cells, including both cap SMCs and osteochondrogenic cells, and significantly reduced atherosclerosis development. Conclusions Sequential loss and gain of Notch signaling is needed to build the cap SMC population. The shared mechanisms with embryonic arterial media assembly suggest that the cap forms as a neo-media that restores the connection between endothelium and subendothelial SMCs, transiently disrupted in early atherogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Actins/metabolism
- Animals
- Arteries/metabolism
- Arteries/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Cell Lineage
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Progression
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein/genetics
- Immunoglobulin J Recombination Signal Sequence-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Jagged-1 Protein/genetics
- Jagged-1 Protein/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Rats
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tunica Media/metabolism
- Tunica Media/pathology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J Martos-Rodríguez
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.J.M.-R., D.M.-C., A.C., L.C., J.F.B.)
| | - Julián Albarrán-Juárez
- Heart Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine (J.A.-J., A.C., J.F.B.), Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Daniel Morales-Cano
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.J.M.-R., D.M.-C., A.C., L.C., J.F.B.)
| | - Ainoa Caballero
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.J.M.-R., D.M.-C., A.C., L.C., J.F.B.)
- Heart Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine (J.A.-J., A.C., J.F.B.), Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Donal MacGrogan
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain (D.M., J.L.d.l.P.)
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain (D.M., J.L.d.l.P.)
| | - José Luis de la Pompa
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain (D.M., J.L.d.l.P.)
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain (D.M., J.L.d.l.P.)
| | - Laura Carramolino
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.J.M.-R., D.M.-C., A.C., L.C., J.F.B.)
| | - Jacob F Bentzon
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (C.J.M.-R., D.M.-C., A.C., L.C., J.F.B.)
- Heart Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine (J.A.-J., A.C., J.F.B.), Aarhus University, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Department of Clinical Medicine (J.F.B.), Aarhus University, Denmark
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72
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Lipid accumulation and novel insight into vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1511-1526. [PMID: 34345929 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive process. It is the most important pathological basis of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are an essential cell type in atherosclerosis. Previous studies have revealed that VSMCs undergo phenotypic transformation in atherosclerosis to participate in the retention of atherogenic lipoproteins as well as the formation of the fibrous cap and the underlying necrotic core in plaques. The emergence of lineage-tracing studies indicates that the function and number of VSMCs in plaques have been greatly underestimated. In addition, recent studies have revealed that VSMCs make up at least 50% of the foam cell population in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, understanding the formation of lipid-loaded VSMCs and their regulatory mechanisms is critical to elucidate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to explore potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, combination of many complementary technologies such as lineage tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, and mass cytometry (CyTOF) with immunostaining has been performed to further understand the complex VSMC function. Correct identification of detrimental and beneficial processes may reveal successful therapeutic treatments targeting VSMCs and their derivatives during atherosclerosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the process of lipid-loaded VSMC formation in atherosclerosis and to describe novel insight into VSMCs gained by using multiple advanced methods.
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73
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Childs BG, Zhang C, Shuja F, Sturmlechner I, Trewartha S, Fierro Velasco R, Baker D, Li H, van Deursen JM. Senescent cells suppress innate smooth muscle cell repair functions in atherosclerosis. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:698-714. [PMID: 34746803 PMCID: PMC8570576 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Senescent cells (SNCs) degenerate the fibrous cap that normally prevents atherogenic plaque rupture, a leading cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we explored the underlying mechanism using pharmacological or transgenic approaches to clear SNCs in the Ldlr -/- mouse model of atherosclerosis. SNC clearance reinforced fully deteriorated fibrous caps in highly advanced lesions, as evidenced by restored vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) numbers, elastin content, and overall cap thickness. We found that SNCs inhibit VSMC promigratory phenotype switching in the first interfiber space of the arterial wall directly beneath atherosclerotic plaque, thereby limiting lesion entry of medial VSMCs for fibrous cap assembly or reinforcement. SNCs do so by antagonizing IGF-1 through the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (Igfbp3). These data indicate that the intermittent use of senolytic agents or IGFBP-3 inhibition in combination with lipid lowering drugs may provide therapeutic benefit in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bennett G. Childs
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Fahad Shuja
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Ines Sturmlechner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
- Molecular Genetics Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shawn Trewartha
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Raul Fierro Velasco
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Darren Baker
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
| | - Jan M. van Deursen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, United States
- Correspondence:
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74
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Kabir I, Greif DM. SNCs meet SMCs in the atherosclerotic plaque. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:631-633. [PMID: 36540165 PMCID: PMC9762735 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence and smooth muscle cells are key features of the atherosclerotic plaque; however, how senescent cells regulate smooth muscle cells is largely unknown. Herein, a new study in Nature Aging illuminates this interplay, providing insights into plaque dynamics and stability with potentially profound implications for heart attack and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inamul Kabir
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Daniel M. Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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75
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Takahashi L, Ishigami T, Tomiyama H, Kato Y, Kikuchi H, Tasaki K, Yamashita J, Inoue S, Taguri M, Nagao T, Chikamori T, Ishikawa Y, Yokoyama U. Increased Plasma Levels of Myosin Heavy Chain 11 Is Associated with Atherosclerosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10143155. [PMID: 34300321 PMCID: PMC8304775 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have revealed numerous potential biomarkers for atherosclerosis, but tissue-specific biomarkers are still needed. Recent lineage-tracing studies revealed that smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute substantially to plaque formation, and the loss of SMCs causes plaque vulnerability. We investigated the association of SMC-specific myosin heavy chain 11 (myosin-11) with atherosclerosis. Forty-five patients with atherosclerosis and 34 control subjects were recruited into our study. In the atherosclerosis patients, 35 patients had either coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD), and 10 had both CAD and PAD. Coronary arteries isolated from five patients were subjected to histological study. Circulating myosin-11 levels were higher in the CAD or PAD group than in controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of myosin-11 was 0.954. Circulating myosin-11 levels in the CAD and PAD group were higher than in the CAD or PAD group, while high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations did not differ between these groups. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed a significant association of myosin-11 levels with the presence of multiple atherosclerotic regions. Myosin-11 was expressed in the medial layer of human atherosclerotic lesions where apoptosis elevated. Circulating myosin-11 levels may be useful for detecting spatial expansion of atherosclerotic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (L.T.); (H.T.); (J.Y.); (T.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-6-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan;
| | - Tomoaki Ishigami
- Department of Cardio-Renal Medicine and Medical Science, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan;
| | - Hirofumi Tomiyama
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (L.T.); (H.T.); (J.Y.); (T.C.)
| | - Yuko Kato
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-6-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Kikuchi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University, 6-6-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan; (H.K.); (S.I.)
| | - Koichiro Tasaki
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (K.T.); (T.N.)
| | - Jun Yamashita
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (L.T.); (H.T.); (J.Y.); (T.C.)
| | - Shigeru Inoue
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University, 6-6-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan; (H.K.); (S.I.)
| | - Masataka Taguri
- Department of Data Science, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan;
| | - Toshitaka Nagao
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (K.T.); (T.N.)
| | - Taishiro Chikamori
- Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (L.T.); (H.T.); (J.Y.); (T.C.)
| | - Yoshihiro Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan;
| | - Utako Yokoyama
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, 6-6-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-03-351-6141
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76
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Grijalva-Guiza RE, Jiménez-Garduño AM, Hernández LR. Potential Benefits of Flavonoids on the Progression of Atherosclerosis by Their Effect on Vascular Smooth Muscle Excitability. Molecules 2021; 26:3557. [PMID: 34200914 PMCID: PMC8230563 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites derived from plant-based foods, and they offer many health benefits in different stages of several diseases. This review will focus on their effects on ion channels expressed in vascular smooth muscle during atherosclerosis. Since ion channels can be regulated by redox potential, it is expected that during the onset of oxidative stress-related diseases, ion channels present changes in their conductive activity, impacting the progression of the disease. A typical oxidative stress-related condition is atherosclerosis, which involves the dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle. We aim to present the state of the art on how redox potential affects vascular smooth muscle ion channel function and summarize if the benefits observed in this disease by using flavonoids involve restoring the ion channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Edith Grijalva-Guiza
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
| | | | - Luis Ricardo Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula 72810, Mexico;
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77
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Wang H, Hu H, Ma J, Jiang Y, Cheng R. lncRNA ZFAS1 promotes the ox-LDL induced proliferation, invasion and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:835. [PMID: 34149881 PMCID: PMC8200810 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive inflammatory vascular disease. The dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Additionally, upregulation of the long non-coding RNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) was observed in the plaques of patients with atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to explore the functional role of ZFAS1 in atherosclerosis progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to analyze ZFAS1 mRNA expression, and western blotting was performed to determine the protein expression levels of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)2 and MMP9. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to test cell viability. Finally, wound healing and Transwell chamber assays were performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion, respectively. The current findings demonstrated that ZFAS1 expression was upregulated by ox-LDL stimulation in VSMCs. Moreover, ZFAS1 overexpression promoted the ox-LDL-induced proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMCs, and upregulated the expression levels of proteins associated with cellular proliferation (Ki67 and PCNA), migration and invasion (MMP2 and 9). By contrast, ZFAS1-knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMCs, and suppressed cell proliferation-, migration- and invasion-associated protein expression. In conclusion, ZFAS1 promoted the ox-LDL-induced proliferation, invasion and migration of VSMCs. Thus, ZFAS1 may represent a novel biomarker for dysfunction of VSMCs in the pathological condition of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linhai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Medical Community, Linhai, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Huajie Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linhai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Medical Community, Linhai, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linhai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Medical Community, Linhai, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Yafeng Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, P.R. China
| | - Ruifei Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianyungang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222004, P.R. China
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78
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Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have long been associated with phenotypic modulation/plasticity or dedifferentiation. Innovative technologies in cell lineage tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and human genomics have been integrated to gain unprecedented insights into the molecular reprogramming of VSMCs to other cell phenotypes in experimental and clinical atherosclerosis. The current thinking is that an apparently small subset of contractile VSMCs undergoes a fate switch to transitional, multipotential cells that can adopt plaque-destabilizing (inflammation, ossification) or plaque-stabilizing (collagen matrix deposition) cell states. Several candidate mediators of such VSMC fate and state changes are coming to light with intriguing implications for understanding coronary artery disease risk and the development of new treatment modalities. Here, we briefly summarize some technical and conceptual advancements derived from 2 publications in Circulation and another in Nature Medicine that, collectively, illuminate new research directions to further explore the role of VSMCs in atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Miano
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (J.M.M.)
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine (E.A.F.)
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Research Institute (M.W.M.)
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79
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Telomere damage promotes vascular smooth muscle cell senescence and immune cell recruitment after vessel injury. Commun Biol 2021; 4:611. [PMID: 34021256 PMCID: PMC8140103 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02123-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a hallmark of multiple vascular pathologies, including following neointimal formation after injury and atherosclerosis. However, human VSMCs in advanced atherosclerotic lesions show reduced cell proliferation, extensive and persistent DNA damage, and features of premature cell senescence. Here, we report that stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) and stable expression of a telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 protein mutant (TRF2T188A) induce senescence of human VSMCs, associated with persistent telomeric DNA damage. VSMC senescence is associated with formation of micronuclei, activation of cGAS-STING cytoplasmic sensing, and induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines. VSMC-specific TRF2T188A expression in a multicolor clonal VSMC-tracking mouse model shows no change in VSMC clonal patches after injury, but an increase in neointima formation, outward remodeling, senescence and immune/inflammatory cell infiltration or retention. We suggest that persistent telomere damage in VSMCs inducing cell senescence has a major role in driving persistent inflammation in vascular disease. Anna Uryga and Mandy Grootaert et al. combine cell culture and animal models to examine how senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and persistent telomere damage drive inflammation. Their results suggest that telomere injury can be the primary cause of premature senescence in VSMCs, and that DNA damage can be a major cause of persistent inflammation in vascular disease.
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80
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Conklin AC, Nishi H, Schlamp F, Örd T, Õunap K, Kaikkonen MU, Fisher EA, Romanoski CE. Meta-Analysis of Smooth Muscle Lineage Transcriptomes in Atherosclerosis and Their Relationships to In Vitro Models. IMMUNOMETABOLISM 2021; 3:e210022. [PMID: 34178388 PMCID: PMC8232871 DOI: 10.20900/immunometab20210022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit phenotypic plasticity in atherosclerotic plaques, and among other approaches, has been modeled in vitro by cholesterol loading. METHODS Meta-analysis of scRNA-seq data from VSMC lineage traced cells across five experiments of murine atherosclerosis was performed. In vivo expression profiles were compared to three in vitro datasets of VSMCs loaded with cholesterol and three datasets of polarized macrophages. RESULTS We identified 24 cell clusters in the meta-analysis of single cells from mouse atherosclerotic lesions with notable heterogeneity across studies, especially for macrophage populations. Trajectory analysis of VSMC lineage positive cells revealed several possible paths of state transitions with one traversing from contractile VSMC to macrophages by way of a proliferative cell cluster. Transcriptome comparisons between in vivo and in vitro states underscored that data from three in vitro cholesterol-treated VSMC experiments did not mirror cell state transitions observed in vivo. However, all in vitro macrophage profiles analyzed (M1, M2, and oxLDL) were more similar to in vivo profiles of macrophages than in vitro VSMCs were to in vivo profiles of VSMCs. oxLDL loaded macrophages showed the most similarity to in vivo states. In contrast to the in vitro data, comparison between mouse and human in vivo data showed many similarities. CONCLUSIONS Identification of the sources of variation across single cell datasets in atherosclerosis will be an important step towards understanding VSMC fate transitions in vivo. Also, we conclude that cholesterol-loading in vitro is insufficient to model the VSMC cell state transitions observed in vivo, which underscores the need to develop better cell models. Mouse models, however, appear to reproduce a number of the features of VSMCs in human plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C. Conklin
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Hitoo Nishi
- The Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Florencia Schlamp
- The Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tiit Örd
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Kadri Õunap
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Minna U. Kaikkonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Edward A. Fisher
- The Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Casey E. Romanoski
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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81
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Espinosa-Diez C, Mandi V, Du M, Liu M, Gomez D. Smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis: clones but not carbon copies. JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:136-148. [PMID: 34617064 PMCID: PMC8489213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of the contribution of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to atherosclerosis has greatly advanced in the previous decade with the development of techniques allowing for the unambiguous identification and phenotypic characterization of SMC populations within the diseased vascular wall. By performing fate mapping or single-cell transcriptomics studies, or a combination of both, the field has made key observations: SMCs populate atherosclerotic lesions by the selective expansion and investment of a limited number of medial SMCs, which undergo profound and diverse modifications of their original phenotype and function. Thus, if SMCs residing within atherosclerotic lesions and contributing to the disease are clones, they are not carbon copies and can play atheroprotective or atheropromoting roles, depending on the nature of their phenotypic transitions. Tremendous progress has been made in identifying the transcriptional mechanisms biasing SMC fate. In the present review, we have summarized the recent advances in characterizing SMC investment and phenotypic diversity and the molecular mechanisms controlling SMC fate in atherosclerotic lesions. We have also discussed some of the remaining questions associated with these breakthrough observations. These questions include the underlying mechanisms regulating the phenomenon of SMC oligoclonal expansion; whether single-cell transcriptomics is reliable and sufficient to ascertain SMC functions and contributions during atherosclerosis development and progression; and how SMC clonality and phenotypic plasticity affects translational research and the therapeutic approaches developed to prevent atherosclerosis complications. Finally, we have discussed the complementary approaches the field should lean toward by combining single-cell phenotypic categorization and functional studies to understand further the complex SMC behavior and contribution in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Espinosa-Diez
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Varun Mandi
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Mingyuan Du
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa,Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjun Liu
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Delphine Gomez
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa,Correspondence: Delphine Gomez, PhD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop St, Biomedical Science Tower, Rm 1723, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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82
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Jolly AJ, Lu S, Strand KA, Dubner AM, Mutryn MF, Nemenoff RA, Majesky MW, Moulton KS, Weiser-Evans MCM. Heterogeneous subpopulations of adventitial progenitor cells regulate vascular homeostasis and pathological vascular remodeling. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1452-1465. [PMID: 33989378 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are characterized by chronic vascular dysfunction and provoke pathological remodeling events such as neointima formation, atherosclerotic lesion development, and adventitial fibrosis. While lineage-tracing studies have shown that phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the major cellular component of neointimal lesions, the cellular origins and microenvironmental signaling mechanisms that underlie remodeling along the adventitial vascular layer are not fully understood. However, a growing body of evidence supports a unique population of adventitial lineage-restricted progenitor cells expressing the stem cell marker, stem cell antigen-1 (Sca1; AdvSca1 cells) as important effectors of adventitial remodeling and suggests that they are at least partially responsible for subsequent pathological changes that occur in the media and intima. AdvSca1 cells are being studied in murine models of atherosclerosis, perivascular fibrosis, and neointima formation in response to acute vascular injury. Depending on the experimental conditions, AdvSca1 cells exhibit the capacity to differentiate into SMCs, endothelial cells, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and pro-remodeling cells such as myofibroblasts and macrophages. These data indicate that AdvSca1 cells may be a targetable cell population to influence the outcomes of pathologic vascular remodeling. Important questions remain regarding the origins of AdvSca1 cells and the essential signaling mechanisms and microenvironmental factors that regulate both maintenance of their stem-like, progenitor phenotype and their differentiation into lineage-specified cell types. Adding complexity to the story, recent data indicate that the collective population of adventitial progenitor cells is likely composed of several smaller, lineage-restricted subpopulations which are not fully defined by their transcriptomic profile and differentiation capabilities. The aim of this review is to outline the heterogeneity of Sca1+ adventitial progenitor cells, summarize their role in vascular homeostasis and remodeling, and comment on their translational relevance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Keith A Strand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension.,School of Medicine,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101.,Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | | | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension.,School of Medicine,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation.,Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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83
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The Controversial Role of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency on Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5529256. [PMID: 34007401 PMCID: PMC8110402 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5529256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are highly prevalent and the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is responsible for most cases of CVD. The plaque formation and subsequent thrombosis in atherosclerosis constitute an ongoing process that is influenced by numerous risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, inflammation, and sedentary lifestyle. Among the various risk and protective factors, the role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, the most common inborn enzyme disorder across populations, is still debated. For decades, it has been considered a protective factor against the development of CVD. However, in the recent years, growing scientific evidence has suggested that this inherited condition may act as a CVD risk factor. The role of G6PD deficiency in the atherogenic process has been investigated using in vitro or ex vivo cellular models, animal models, and epidemiological studies in human cohorts of variable size and across different ethnic groups, with conflicting results. In this review, the impact of G6PD deficiency on CVD was critically reconsidered, taking into account the most recent acquisitions on molecular and biochemical mechanisms, namely, antioxidative mechanisms, glutathione recycling, and nitric oxide production, as well as their mutual interactions, which may be impaired by the enzyme defect in the context of the pentose phosphate pathway. Overall, current evidence supports the notion that G6PD downregulation may favor the onset and evolution of atheroma in subjects at risk of CVD. Given the relatively high frequency of this enzyme deficiency in several regions of the world, this finding might be of practical importance to tailor surveillance guidelines and facilitate risk stratification.
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84
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Sun G, Chen J, Ding Y, Wren JD, Xu F, Lu L, Wang Y, Wang DW, Zhang XA. A Bioinformatics Perspective on the Links Between Tetraspanin-Enriched Microdomains and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:630471. [PMID: 33860000 PMCID: PMC8042132 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.630471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tetraspanins and integrins are integral membrane proteins. Tetraspanins interact with integrins to modulate the dynamics of adhesion, migration, proliferation, and signaling in the form of membrane domains called tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). TEMs also contain other cell adhesion proteins like immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins and claudins. Cardiovascular functions of these TEM proteins have emerged and remain to be further revealed. Objectives: The aims of this study are to explore the roles of these TEM proteins in the cardiovascular system using bioinformatics tools and databases and to highlight the TEM proteins that may functionally associate with cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Methods: For human samples, three databases-GTEx, NCBI-dbGaP, and NCBI-GEO-were used for the analyses. The dbGaP database was used for GWAS analysis to determine the association between target genes and human phenotypes. GEO is an NCBI public repository that archives genomics data. GTEx was used for the analyses of tissue-specific mRNA expression levels and eQTL. For murine samples, GeneNetwork was used to find gene-phenotype correlations and gene-gene correlations of expression levels in mice. The analysis of cardiovascular data was the focus of this study. Results: Some integrins and tetraspanins, such as ITGA8 and Cd151, are highly expressed in the human cardiovascular system. TEM components are associated with multiple cardiovascular pathophysiological events in humans. GWAS and GEO analyses showed that human Cd82 and ITGA9 are associated with blood pressure. Data from mice also suggest that various cardiovascular phenotypes are correlated with integrins and tetraspanins. For instance, Cd82 and ITGA9, again, have correlations with blood pressure in mice. Conclusion: ITGA9 is related to blood pressure in both species. KEGG analysis also linked ITGA9 to metabolism and MAPK signaling pathway. This work provides an example of using integrated bioinformatics approaches across different species to identify the connections of structurally and/or functionally related molecules to certain categories of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Sun
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Junxiong Chen
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Yingjun Ding
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Wren
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Fuyi Xu
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dao-wen Wang
- Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin A. Zhang
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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85
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Jung IH, Elenbaas JS, Alisio A, Santana K, Young EP, Kang CJ, Kachroo P, Lavine KJ, Razani B, Mecham RP, Stitziel NO. SVEP1 is a human coronary artery disease locus that promotes atherosclerosis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/586/eabe0357. [PMID: 33762433 PMCID: PMC8109261 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A low-frequency variant of sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF, and pentraxin domain-containing protein 1 (SVEP1), an extracellular matrix protein, is associated with risk of coronary disease in humans independent of plasma lipids. Despite a robust statistical association, if and how SVEP1 might contribute to atherosclerosis remained unclear. Here, using Mendelian randomization and complementary mouse models, we provide evidence that SVEP1 promotes atherosclerosis in humans and mice and is expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within the atherosclerotic plaque. VSMCs also interact with SVEP1, causing proliferation and dysregulation of key differentiation pathways, including integrin and Notch signaling. Fibroblast growth factor receptor transcription increases in VSMCs interacting with SVEP1 and is further increased by the coronary disease-associated SVEP1 variant p.D2702G. These effects ultimately drive inflammation and promote atherosclerosis. Together, our results suggest that VSMC-derived SVEP1 is a proatherogenic factor and support the concept that pharmacological inhibition of SVEP1 should protect against atherosclerosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Hyuk Jung
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jared S. Elenbaas
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Arturo Alisio
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Katherine Santana
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Erica P. Young
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.,McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Chul Joo Kang
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Puja Kachroo
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kory J. Lavine
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Babak Razani
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.,John Cochran VA Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO 63106, USA
| | - Robert P. Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nathan O. Stitziel
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.,McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.,Corresponding author.
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86
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Ntokou A, Dave JM, Kauffman AC, Sauler M, Ryu C, Hwa J, Herzog EL, Singh I, Saltzman WM, Greif DM. Macrophage-derived PDGF-B induces muscularization in murine and human pulmonary hypertension. JCI Insight 2021; 6:139067. [PMID: 33591958 PMCID: PMC8026182 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) characterize many cardiovascular diseases, but crosstalk between these cell types is poorly defined. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lethal disease in which lung arteriole SMCs proliferate and migrate, coating the normally unmuscularized distal arteriole. We hypothesized that increased macrophage platelet-derived growth factor–B (PDGF-B) induces pathological SMC burden in PH. Our results indicate that clodronate attenuates hypoxia-induced macrophage accumulation, distal muscularization, PH, and right ventricle hypertrophy (RVH). With hypoxia exposure, macrophage Pdgfb mRNA was upregulated in mice, and LysM‑Cre mice carrying floxed alleles for hypoxia-inducible factor 1a, hypoxia-inducible factor 2a, or Pdgfb had reduced macrophage Pdgfb and were protected against distal muscularization and PH. Conversely, LysM‑Cre von-Hippel Lindaufl/fl mice had increased macrophage Hifa and Pdgfb and developed distal muscularization, PH, and RVH in normoxia. Similarly, Pdgfb was upregulated in macrophages from human idiopathic or systemic sclerosis–induced pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, and macrophage-conditioned medium from these patients increased SMC proliferation and migration via PDGF-B. Finally, in mice, orotracheal administration of nanoparticles loaded with Pdgfb siRNA specifically reduced lung macrophage Pdgfb and prevented hypoxia-induced distal muscularization, PH, and RVH. Thus, macrophage-derived PDGF-B is critical for pathological SMC expansion in PH, and nanoparticle-mediated inhibition of lung macrophage PDGF-B has profound implications as an interventional strategy for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia Ntokou
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine.,Department of Genetics
| | - Jui M Dave
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine.,Department of Genetics
| | | | - Maor Sauler
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Changwan Ryu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - John Hwa
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine
| | - Erica L Herzog
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and.,Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | | | - Daniel M Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine.,Department of Genetics
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87
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c-Kit expression in smooth muscle cells reduces atherosclerosis burden in hyperlipidemic mice. Atherosclerosis 2021; 324:133-140. [PMID: 33781566 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increased receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity has been historically linked to atherosclerosis. Paradoxically, we recently found that global deficiency in c-Kit function increased atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. This study aimed to investigate if such unusual atheroprotective phenotype depends upon c-Kit's function in smooth muscle cells (SMC). METHODS We studied atherosclerosis in a SMC-specific conditional knockout mice (KitSMC) and control littermate. Tamoxifen (TAM) and vehicle treated mice were fed high fat diet for 16 weeks before atherosclerosis assessment in the whole aorta using oil red staining. Smooth muscle cells were traced within the aortic sinus of conditional c-Kit tracing mice (KitSMC eYFP) and their control littermates (KitWT eYFP) by immunofluorescent confocal microscopy. We then performed RNA sequencing on primary SMC from c-Kit deficient and control mice, and identified significantly altered genes and pathways as a result of c-Kit deficiency in SMC. RESULTS Atherosclerosis significantly increased in KitSMC mice with respect to control groups. In addition, the loss of c-Kit in SMC increased plaque size and necrotic core area in the aortic sinus of hyperlipidemic mice. Smooth muscle cells from KitSMC eYFP mice were more prone to migrate and express foam cell markers (e.g., Mac2 and MCAM) than those from control littermate animals. RNAseq analysis showed a significant upregulation in genes associated with cell proliferation, migration, lipid metabolism, and inflammation secondary to the loss of Kit function in primary SMCs. CONCLUSIONS Loss of c-Kit increases SMC migration, proliferation, and expression of foam cell markers in atherosclerotic plaques from hyperlipidemic mice.
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88
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Lin A, Peiris NJ, Dhaliwal H, Hakim M, Li W, Ganesh S, Ramaswamy Y, Patel S, Misra A. Mural Cells: Potential Therapeutic Targets to Bridge Cardiovascular Disease and Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030593. [PMID: 33800271 PMCID: PMC7999039 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mural cells collectively refer to the smooth muscle cells and pericytes of the vasculature. This heterogenous population of cells play a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure, distribution, and the structural integrity of the vascular wall. As such, dysfunction of mural cells can lead to the pathogenesis and progression of a number of diseases pertaining to the vascular system. Cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are perhaps the most well-described mural cell-centric case. For instance, atherosclerotic plaques are most often described as being composed of a proliferative smooth muscle cap accompanied by a necrotic core. More recently, the role of dysfunctional mural cells in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, is being recognized. In this review, we begin with an exploration of the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases, such as mural cell plasticity. Next, we highlight a selection of signaling pathways (PDGF, Notch and inflammatory signaling) that are conserved across both diseases. We propose that conserved mural cell signaling mechanisms can be exploited for the identification or development of dual-pronged therapeutics that impart both cardio- and neuroprotective qualities.
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MESH Headings
- Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy
- Alzheimer Disease/genetics
- Alzheimer Disease/metabolism
- Alzheimer Disease/pathology
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Mice
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Parkinson Disease/drug therapy
- Parkinson Disease/genetics
- Parkinson Disease/metabolism
- Parkinson Disease/pathology
- Pericytes/drug effects
- Pericytes/metabolism
- Pericytes/pathology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/drug therapy
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/genetics
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lin
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Niridu Jude Peiris
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Harkirat Dhaliwal
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Hakim
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Weizhen Li
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Subramaniam Ganesh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India;
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Yogambha Ramaswamy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ashish Misra
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; (A.L.); (N.J.P.); (H.D.); (M.H.); (W.L.); (S.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-18-0065-1373
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89
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Targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis - from experimental insights to the clinic. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:589-610. [PMID: 33976384 PMCID: PMC8112476 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a dominant and growing cause of death and disability worldwide, involves inflammation from its inception to the emergence of complications. Targeting inflammatory pathways could therefore provide a promising new avenue to prevent and treat atherosclerosis. Indeed, clinical studies have now demonstrated unequivocally that modulation of inflammation can forestall the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. This progress pinpoints the need for preclinical investigations to refine strategies for combatting inflammation in the human disease. In this Review, we consider a gamut of attractive possibilities for modifying inflammation in atherosclerosis, including targeting pivotal inflammatory pathways such as the inflammasomes, inhibiting cytokines, manipulating adaptive immunity and promoting pro-resolution mechanisms. Along with lifestyle measures, pharmacological interventions to mute inflammation could complement traditional targets, such as lipids and hypertension, to make new inroads into the management of atherosclerotic risk.
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90
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Ricard N, Bailly S, Guignabert C, Simons M. The quiescent endothelium: signalling pathways regulating organ-specific endothelial normalcy. Nat Rev Cardiol 2021; 18:565-580. [PMID: 33627876 PMCID: PMC7903932 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-021-00517-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are at the interface between circulating blood and tissues. This position confers on them a crucial role in controlling oxygen and nutrient exchange and cellular trafficking between blood and the perfused organs. The endothelium adopts a structure that is specific to the needs and function of each tissue and organ and is subject to tissue-specific signalling input. In adults, endothelial cells are quiescent, meaning that they are not proliferating. Quiescence was considered to be a state in which endothelial cells are not stimulated but are instead slumbering and awaiting activating signals. However, new evidence shows that quiescent endothelium is fully awake, that it constantly receives and initiates functionally important signalling inputs and that this state is actively regulated. Signalling pathways involved in the maintenance of functionally quiescent endothelia are starting to be identified and are a combination of endocrine, autocrine, paracrine and mechanical inputs. The paracrine pathways confer a microenvironment on the endothelial cells that is specific to the perfused organs and tissues. In this Review, we present the current knowledge of organ-specific signalling pathways involved in the maintenance of endothelial quiescence and the pathologies associated with their disruption. Linking organ-specific pathways and human vascular pathologies will pave the way towards the development of innovative preventive strategies and the identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Ricard
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Sabine Bailly
- grid.457348.9Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, BIG-Biologie du Cancer et de l’Infection, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- grid.414221.0INSERM UMR_S 999, Pulmonary Hypertension: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France ,grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Simons
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
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91
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Bulut GB, Alencar GF, Owsiany KM, Nguyen AT, Karnewar S, Haskins RM, Waller LK, Cherepanova OA, Deaton RA, Shankman LS, Keller SR, Owens GK. KLF4 (Kruppel-Like Factor 4)-Dependent Perivascular Plasticity Contributes to Adipose Tissue inflammation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:284-301. [PMID: 33054397 PMCID: PMC7769966 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smooth muscle cells and pericytes display remarkable plasticity during injury and disease progression. Here, we tested the hypothesis that perivascular cells give rise to Klf4-dependent macrophage-like cells that augment adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and metabolic dysfunction associated with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Approach and Results: Using Myh11-CreERT2 eYFP (enhanced yellow fluorescent protein) mice and flow cytometry of the stromovascular fraction of epididymal AT, we observed a large fraction of smooth muscle cells and pericytes lineage traced eYFP+ cells expressing macrophage markers. Subsequent single-cell RNA sequencing, however, showed that the majority of these cells had no detectable eYFP transcript. Further exploration revealed that intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen in peanut oil, used for generating conditional knockout or reporter mice in thousands of previous studies, resulted in large increase in the autofluorescence and false identification of macrophages within epididymal AT as being eYFP+; and unintended proinflammatory consequences. Using newly generated Myh11-DreERT2tdTomato mice given oral tamoxifen, we virtually eliminated the problem with autofluorescence and identified 8 perivascular cell dominated clusters, half of which were altered upon DIO. Given that perivascular cell KLF4 (kruppel-like factor 4) can have beneficial or detrimental effects, we tested its role in obesity-associated AT inflammation. While smooth muscle cells and pericytes-specific Klf4 knockout (smooth muscle cells and pericytes Klf4Δ/Δ) mice were not protected from DIO, they displayed improved glucose tolerance upon DIO, and showed marked decreases in proinflammatory macrophages and increases in LYVE1+ lymphatic endothelial cells in the epididymal AT. CONCLUSIONS Perivascular cells within the AT microvasculature dynamically respond to DIO and modulate tissue inflammation and metabolism in a KLF4-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze B. Bulut
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Gabriel F. Alencar
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | | | - Anh T. Nguyen
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Ryan M. Haskins
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Lillian K. Waller
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Olga A. Cherepanova
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic
| | - Rebecca A. Deaton
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Laura S. Shankman
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
| | - Susanna R. Keller
- Department of Medicine-Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia
| | - Gary K. Owens
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
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92
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Amengual J, Ogando Y, Nikain C, Quezada A, Qian K, Vaisar T, Fisher EA. Short-Term Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Inhibition, Combined with Apoprotein A1 Overexpression, Promotes Atherosclerosis Inflammation Resolution in Mice. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:175-183. [PMID: 33384285 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) mediates cellular cholesterol esterification. In atherosclerotic plaque macrophages, ACAT promotes cholesteryl ester accumulation, resulting in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis progression. Its complete inactivation in mice, however, showed toxic effects because of an excess of free cholesterol (FC) in macrophages, which can cause endoplasmic reticulum stress, cholesterol crystal formation, and inflammasome activation. Our previous studies showed that long-term partial ACAT inhibition, achieved by dietary supplementation with Fujirebio F1394, delays atherosclerosis progression in apoprotein E-deficient (Apoe -/-) mice by reducing plaque foam cell formation without inflammatory or toxic effects. Here, we determined whether short-term partial inhibition of ACAT, in combination with an enhanced systemic FC acceptor capacity, has synergistic benefits. Thus, we crossbred Apoe -/- with human apoprotein A1-transgenic (APOA1 tg/tg) mice, which have elevated cholesterol-effluxing high-density lipoprotein particles, and subjected Apoe -/- and APOA1 tg/tg/Apoe -/- mice to an atherogenic diet to develop advanced plaques. Then mice were either euthanized (baseline) or fed purified standard diet with or without F1394 for 4 more weeks. Plaques of APOA1 tg/tg/Apoe -/- mice fed F1394 showed a 60% reduction of macrophages accompanied by multiple other benefits, such as reduced inflammation and favorable changes in extracellular composition, in comparison with Apoe -/- baseline mice. In addition, there was no accumulation of cholesterol crystals or signs of toxicity. Overall, these results show that short-term partial ACAT inhibition, coupled to increased cholesterol efflux capacity, favorably remodels atherosclerosis lesions, supporting the potential of these combined therapies in the treatment of advanced atherosclerosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Short-term pharmacological inhibition of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-mediated cholesterol esterification, in combination with increased free cholesterol efflux acceptors, has positive effects in mice by 1) reducing the inflammatory state of the plaque macrophages and 2) favoring compositional changes associated with plaque stabilization. These effects occur without toxicity, showing the potential of these combined therapies in the treatment of advanced atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Amengual
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Yoscar Ogando
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Cyrus Nikain
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Alexandra Quezada
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Kun Qian
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Tomas Vaisar
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (J.A., Y.O, C.N., A.Q., K.Q., E.A.F); Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (.J.A.); Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (T.V.); and Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York (K.Q.)
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93
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Wang L, Tang C. Targeting Platelet in Atherosclerosis Plaque Formation: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249760. [PMID: 33371312 PMCID: PMC7767086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, it has become increasingly clear that platelets are also involved in many other pathological processes of the vascular system, such as atherosclerotic plaque formation. Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease, which preferentially develops at sites under disturbed blood flow with low speeds and chaotic directions. Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are all risk factors for atherosclerosis. When the vascular microenvironment changes, platelets can respond quickly to interact with endothelial cells and leukocytes, participating in atherosclerosis. This review discusses the important roles of platelets in the plaque formation under pro-atherogenic factors. Specifically, we discussed the platelet behaviors under disturbed flow, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia conditions. We also summarized the molecular mechanisms involved in vascular inflammation during atherogenesis based on platelet receptors and secretion of inflammatory factors. Finally, we highlighted the studies of platelet migration in atherogenesis. In general, we elaborated an atherogenic role of platelets and the aspects that should be further studied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
| | - Chaojun Tang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology of Jiangsu Province, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-512-6588-0899
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94
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He Z, Wang Y, He Q, Chen M. microRNA-491-5p protects against atherosclerosis by targeting matrix metallopeptidase-9. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:492-500. [PMID: 33313408 PMCID: PMC7706122 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical processes that are involved in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-491-5p (miR-491-5p) in the progression of atherosclerosis by regulating the growth and migration of VSMCs. In this study, we showed that the expression of miR-491-5p was downregulated in the atherosclerotic plaque tissues and plasma samples of the patients with atherosclerosis. The bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay identified that matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) was a target gene of miR-491-5p. The results showed a significant upregulation of MMP-9 in the atherosclerotic plaque tissues and plasma samples. Subsequently, the results also showed that downregulation of miR-491-5p significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and inhibited the apoptosis in VSMCs. Furthermore, we detected the effects of miR-491-5p mimic on the growth and migration of VSMCs, and the results illustrated that miR-491-5p mimic could inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and promote the apoptosis of VSMCs. Notably, MMP-9 plasmid could reverse all the effects of miR-491-5p mimic on VSMCs. Collectively, our study provides the first evidence that miR-491-5p inhibited the growth and migration of VSMCs by targeting MMP-9, which might provide new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghan He
- Department of Cardiology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yayun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Cardiology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Manhua Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26 Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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95
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Lu S, Jolly AJ, Strand KA, Dubner AM, Mutryn MF, Moulton KS, Nemenoff RA, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MC. Smooth muscle-derived progenitor cell myofibroblast differentiation through KLF4 downregulation promotes arterial remodeling and fibrosis. JCI Insight 2020; 5:139445. [PMID: 33119549 PMCID: PMC7714399 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139445] [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: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident vascular adventitial SCA1+ progenitor (AdvSca1) cells are essential in vascular development and injury. However, the heterogeneity of AdvSca1 cells presents a unique challenge in understanding signaling pathways orchestrating their behavior in homeostasis and injury responses. Using smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage-tracing models, we identified a subpopulation of AdvSca1 cells (AdvSca1-SM) originating from mature SMCs that undergo reprogramming in situ and exhibit a multipotent phenotype. Here we employed lineage tracing and RNA-sequencing to define the signaling pathways regulating SMC-to-AdvSca1-SM cell reprogramming and AdvSca1-SM progenitor cell phenotype. Unbiased hierarchical clustering revealed that genes related to hedgehog/WNT/beta-catenin signaling were significantly enriched in AdvSca1-SM cells, emphasizing the importance of this signaling axis in the reprogramming event. Leveraging AdvSca1-SM–specific expression of GLI-Kruppel family member GLI1 (Gli1), we generated Gli1-CreERT2-ROSA26-YFP reporter mice to selectively track AdvSca1-SM cells. We demonstrated that physiologically relevant vascular injury or AdvSca1-SM cell–specific Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) depletion facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of AdvSca1-SM cells to a profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype rather than macrophages. Surprisingly, AdvSca1-SM cells selectively contributed to adventitial remodeling and fibrosis but little to neointima formation. Together, these findings strongly support therapeutics aimed at preserving the AdvSca1-SM cell phenotype as a viable antifibrotic approach. Smooth muscle cell–derived resident vascular adventitial progenitor cells adopt a myofibroblast phenotype in response to vascular injury and play a dominant role in vascular fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhao Lu
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Austin J Jolly
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Keith A Strand
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Allison M Dubner
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and.,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary Cm Weiser-Evans
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and.,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Cardio Vascular Pulmonary Research Lab, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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96
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Bruijn LE, van den Akker BEWM, van Rhijn CM, Hamming JF, Lindeman JHN. Extreme Diversity of the Human Vascular Mesenchymal Cell Landscape. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017094. [PMID: 33190596 PMCID: PMC7763765 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Human mesenchymal cells are culprit factors in vascular (patho)physiology and are hallmarked by phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. At present, they are subdivided by classic umbrella terms, such as "fibroblasts," "myofibroblasts," "smooth muscle cells," "fibrocytes," "mesangial cells," and "pericytes." However, a discriminative marker-based subclassification has to date not been established. Methods and Results As a first effort toward a classification scheme, a systematic literature search was performed to identify the most commonly used phenotypical and functional protein markers for characterizing and classifying vascular mesenchymal cell subpopulation(s). We next applied immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to inventory the expression pattern of identified markers on human aorta specimens representing early, intermediate, and end stages of human atherosclerotic disease. Included markers comprise markers for mesenchymal lineage (vimentin, FSP-1 [fibroblast-specific protein-1]/S100A4, cluster of differentiation (CD) 90/thymocyte differentiation antigen 1, and FAP [fibroblast activation protein]), contractile/non-contractile phenotype (α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain), and auxiliary contractile markers (h1-Calponin, h-Caldesmon, Desmin, SM22α [smooth muscle protein 22α], non-muscle myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, Smoothelin-B, α-Tropomyosin, and Telokin) or adhesion proteins (Paxillin and Vinculin). Vimentin classified as the most inclusive lineage marker. Subset markers did not separate along classic lines of smooth muscle cell, myofibroblast, or fibroblast, but showed clear temporal and spatial diversity. Strong indications were found for presence of stem cells/Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal cell Transition and fibrocytes in specific aspects of the human atherosclerotic process. Conclusions This systematic evaluation shows a highly diverse and dynamic landscape for the human vascular mesenchymal cell population that is not captured by the classic nomenclature. Our observations stress the need for a consensus multiparameter subclass designation along the lines of the cluster of differentiation classification for leucocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Bruijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Connie M. van Rhijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jaap F. Hamming
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jan H. N. Lindeman
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
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97
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Steffes LC, Froistad AA, Andruska A, Boehm M, McGlynn M, Zhang F, Zhang W, Hou D, Tian X, Miquerol L, Nadeau K, Metzger RJ, Spiekerkoetter E, Kumar ME. A Notch3-Marked Subpopulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Is the Cell of Origin for Occlusive Pulmonary Vascular Lesions. Circulation 2020; 142:1545-1561. [PMID: 32794408 PMCID: PMC7578108 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.045750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by profound vascular remodeling in which pulmonary arteries narrow because of medial thickening and occlusion by neointimal lesions, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure. Therapies targeting the neointima would represent a significant advance in PAH treatment; however, our understanding of the cellular events driving neointima formation, and the molecular pathways that control them, remains limited. METHODS We comprehensively map the stepwise remodeling of pulmonary arteries in a robust, chronic inflammatory mouse model of pulmonary hypertension. This model demonstrates pathological features of the human disease, including increased right ventricular pressures, medial thickening, neointimal lesion formation, elastin breakdown, increased anastomosis within the bronchial circulation, and perivascular inflammation. Using genetic lineage tracing, clonal analysis, multiplexed in situ hybridization, immunostaining, deep confocal imaging, and staged pharmacological inhibition, we define the cell behaviors underlying each stage of vascular remodeling and identify a pathway required for neointima formation. RESULTS Neointima arises from smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and not endothelium. Medial SMCs proliferate broadly to thicken the media, after which a small number of SMCs are selected to establish the neointima. These neointimal founder cells subsequently undergoing massive clonal expansion to form occlusive neointimal lesions. The normal pulmonary artery SMC population is heterogeneous, and we identify a Notch3-marked minority subset of SMCs as the major neointimal cell of origin. Notch signaling is specifically required for the selection of neointimal founder cells, and Notch inhibition significantly improves pulmonary artery pressure in animals with pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS This work describes the first nongenetically driven murine model of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that generates robust and diffuse occlusive neointimal lesions across the pulmonary vascular bed and does so in a stereotyped timeframe. We uncover distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying medial thickening and neointima formation and highlight novel transcriptional, behavioral, and pathogenic heterogeneity within pulmonary artery SMCs. In this model, inflammation is sufficient to generate characteristic vascular pathologies and physiological measures of human PAH. We hope that identifying the molecular cues regulating each stage of vascular remodeling will open new avenues for therapeutic advancements in the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea C Steffes
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (L.C.S., R.J.M., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Research (L.C.S., F.Z., R.J.M., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Alexis A Froistad
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Adam Andruska
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Mario Boehm
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research (M.B.)
| | - Madeleine McGlynn
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Research (L.C.S., F.Z., R.J.M., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Wenming Zhang
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - David Hou
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Xuefei Tian
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Lucile Miquerol
- Aix-Marseille University, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Developpement de Marseille, Marseille, France (L.M.)
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Ross J Metzger
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Edda Spiekerkoetter
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Research (L.C.S., F.Z., R.J.M., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Maya E Kumar
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (L.C.S., R.J.M., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Research (L.C.S., F.Z., R.J.M., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Sean N. Parker Center for Asthma and Allergy Research (A.A.F., M.M., W.Z., D.H., K.N., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (A.A.F., A.A., M.B., M.M., D.H., X.T., K.N., E.S., M.E.K.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
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98
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Alencar GF, Owsiany KM, Karnewar S, Sukhavasi K, Mocci G, Nguyen AT, Williams CM, Shamsuzzaman S, Mokry M, Henderson CA, Haskins R, Baylis RA, Finn AV, McNamara CA, Zunder ER, Venkata V, Pasterkamp G, Björkegren J, Bekiranov S, Owens GK. Stem Cell Pluripotency Genes Klf4 and Oct4 Regulate Complex SMC Phenotypic Changes Critical in Late-Stage Atherosclerotic Lesion Pathogenesis. Circulation 2020; 142:2045-2059. [PMID: 32674599 PMCID: PMC7682794 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.046672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Rupture and erosion of advanced atherosclerotic lesions with a resultant myocardial infarction or stroke are the leading worldwide cause of death. However, we have a limited understanding of the identity, origin, and function of many cells that make up late-stage atherosclerotic lesions, as well as the mechanisms by which they control plaque stability. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing of advanced human carotid endarterectomy samples and compared these with single-cell RNA sequencing from murine microdissected advanced atherosclerotic lesions with smooth muscle cell (SMC) and endothelial lineage tracing to survey all plaque cell types and rigorously determine their origin. We further used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), bulk RNA sequencing, and an innovative dual lineage tracing mouse to understand the mechanism by which SMC phenotypic transitions affect lesion pathogenesis. Results: We provide evidence that SMC-specific Klf4- versus Oct4-knockout showed virtually opposite genomic signatures, and their putative target genes play an important role regulating SMC phenotypic changes. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed remarkable similarity of transcriptomic clusters between mouse and human lesions and extensive plasticity of SMC- and endothelial cell-derived cells including 7 distinct clusters, most negative for traditional markers. In particular, SMC contributed to a Myh11-, Lgals3+ population with a chondrocyte-like gene signature that was markedly reduced with SMC-Klf4 knockout. We observed that SMCs that activate Lgals3 compose up to two thirds of all SMC in lesions. However, initial activation of Lgals3 in these cells does not represent conversion to a terminally differentiated state, but rather represents transition of these cells to a unique stem cell marker gene–positive, extracellular matrix-remodeling, “pioneer” cell phenotype that is the first to invest within lesions and subsequently gives rise to at least 3 other SMC phenotypes within advanced lesions, including Klf4-dependent osteogenic phenotypes likely to contribute to plaque calcification and plaque destabilization. Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide evidence that SMC-derived cells within advanced mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions exhibit far greater phenotypic plasticity than generally believed, with Klf4 regulating transition to multiple phenotypes including Lgals3+ osteogenic cells likely to be detrimental for late-stage atherosclerosis plaque pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel F Alencar
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (G.F.A., K.M.O., C.A.H., R.A.B., S.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Katherine M Owsiany
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (G.F.A., K.M.O., C.A.H., R.A.B., S.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | | | - Giuseppe Mocci
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden (G.M., V.V., J.B.)
| | - Anh T Nguyen
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Corey M Williams
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (C.M.W., E.R.Z.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Sohel Shamsuzzaman
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Division Laboratories and Pharmacy (M.M., G.P.), University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology (M.M.), University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher A Henderson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (G.F.A., K.M.O., C.A.H., R.A.B., S.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Ryan Haskins
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Richard A Baylis
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (G.F.A., K.M.O., C.A.H., R.A.B., S.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Aloke V Finn
- CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (A.V.F.)
| | - Coleen A McNamara
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,School of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (C.A.M.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Eli R Zunder
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (C.M.W., E.R.Z.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Vamsidhar Venkata
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden (G.M., V.V., J.B.)
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Division Laboratories and Pharmacy (M.M., G.P.), University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Björkegren
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden (G.M., V.V., J.B.).,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences (J.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.,Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology (J.B.), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Stefan Bekiranov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (G.F.A., K.M.O., C.A.H., R.A.B., S.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (G.F.A., K.M.O, S.K., A.N., C.M.W., S.S., C.A.H., R.H., R.A.B., C.A.M., E.R.Z., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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99
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Wang Y, Nanda V, Direnzo D, Ye J, Xiao S, Kojima Y, Howe KL, Jarr KU, Flores AM, Tsantilas P, Tsao N, Rao A, Newman AAC, Eberhard AV, Priest JR, Ruusalepp A, Pasterkamp G, Maegdefessel L, Miller CL, Lind L, Koplev S, Björkegren JLM, Owens GK, Ingelsson E, Weissman IL, Leeper NJ. Clonally expanding smooth muscle cells promote atherosclerosis by escaping efferocytosis and activating the complement cascade. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15818-15826. [PMID: 32541024 PMCID: PMC7354942 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006348117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the process underlying heart attack and stroke. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Dogma suggests that atherosclerotic plaques expand primarily via the accumulation of cholesterol and inflammatory cells. However, recent evidence suggests that a substantial portion of the plaque may arise from a subset of "dedifferentiated" vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) which proliferate in a clonal fashion. Herein we use multicolor lineage-tracing models to confirm that the mature SMC can give rise to a hyperproliferative cell which appears to promote inflammation via elaboration of complement-dependent anaphylatoxins. Despite being extensively opsonized with prophagocytic complement fragments, we find that this cell also escapes immune surveillance by neighboring macrophages, thereby exacerbating its relative survival advantage. Mechanistic studies indicate this phenomenon results from a generalized opsonin-sensing defect acquired by macrophages during polarization. This defect coincides with the noncanonical up-regulation of so-called don't eat me molecules on inflamed phagocytes, which reduces their capacity for programmed cell removal (PrCR). Knockdown or knockout of the key antiphagocytic molecule CD47 restores the ability of macrophages to sense and clear opsonized targets in vitro, allowing for potent and targeted suppression of clonal SMC expansion in the plaque in vivo. Because integrated clinical and genomic analyses indicate that similar pathways are active in humans with cardiovascular disease, these studies suggest that the clonally expanding SMC may represent a translational target for treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Vivek Nanda
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Daniel Direnzo
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jianqin Ye
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Sophia Xiao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yoko Kojima
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kathryn L Howe
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kai-Uwe Jarr
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alyssa M Flores
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Pavlos Tsantilas
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Noah Tsao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Abhiram Rao
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Alexandra A C Newman
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Anne V Eberhard
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - James R Priest
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Arno Ruusalepp
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia 50406
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK partner site), 10785 Munich, Germany
| | - Clint L Miller
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Simon Koplev
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574
| | - Johan L M Björkegren
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029-6574
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
| | - Erik Ingelsson
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Irving L Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Nicholas J Leeper
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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100
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Abstract
Many type 2 diabetes patients develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) while some are protected. Toyohara et al. (2020) find that elevated arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (dVSMCs) differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells is associated with cardioprotection. AADAC overexpression alters multiple dVSMC properties and decreases murine CVD.
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