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The Functional Role of Zinc Finger E Box-Binding Homeobox 2 (Zeb2) in Promoting Cardiac Fibroblast Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103207. [PMID: 30336567 PMCID: PMC6214125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Following cardiac injury, fibroblasts are activated and are termed as myofibroblasts, and these cells are key players in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and fibrosis, itself a primary contributor to heart failure. Nutraceuticals have been shown to blunt cardiac fibrosis in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. However, nutraceuticals have had conflicting results in clinical trials, and there are no effective therapies currently available to specifically target cardiac fibrosis. We have previously shown that expression of the zinc finger E box-binding homeobox 2 (Zeb2) transcription factor increases as fibroblasts are activated. We now show that Zeb2 plays a critical role in fibroblast activation. Zeb2 overexpression in primary rat cardiac fibroblasts is associated with significantly increased expression of embryonic smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMemb), ED-A fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). We found that Zeb2 was highly expressed in activated myofibroblast nuclei but not in the nuclei of inactive fibroblasts. Moreover, ectopic Zeb2 expression in myofibroblasts resulted in a significantly less migratory phenotype with elevated contractility, which are characteristics of mature myofibroblasts. Knockdown of Zeb2 with siRNA in primary myofibroblasts did not alter the expression of myofibroblast markers, which may indicate that Zeb2 is functionally redundant with other profibrotic transcription factors. These findings add to our understanding of the contribution of Zeb2 to the mechanisms controlling cardiac fibroblast activation.
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Peña C, Vargas R, Hernandez-Fonseca JP, Mosquera J. Cardiac myofibroblast induces decreased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (Ia) on rat monocyte/macrophages. Tissue Cell 2018; 54:72-79. [PMID: 30309513 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The up-regulation of HLA antigens is important during heart inflammatory events and myofibroblasts may modulate the expression of this molecule in tissues. To test this possibility, the effect of cardiac myofibroblast:macrophage contact and the production of myofibroblast inhibitor factor(s) on the macrophage HLA (Ia) expression were studied. Listeria monocytogenes-elicited Ia + peritoneal macrophages (high Ia expression) were co-cultured with cardiac myofibroblasts for 3 and 7 days (myofibroblast contact). Proteosa peptone-elicited macrophages (low Ia expression) were cultured for 3 days with interferon gamma (INF-γ) and myofibroblast conditioned medium (FCM). Ia expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence and by radioimmune assay. Myofibroblast contact induced decreased expression of Ia molecule on macrophages (p < 0.001). This was confirmed by the radioimmune analysis in macrophage: myofibroblast co-cultures (p < 0.001). Double staining for Ia and CD14 showed that only CD14 positive cells (macrophages) expressed Ia molecule. FCM was capable of diminishing Ia expression induced by INF-γ on macrophages (p < 0.001). Decreased Ia macrophage expression induced by myofibroblasts could be important in the heart inflammation's resolution, probably involving Ia redistribution on cell: cell contact and myofibroblast inhibitor factor production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Peña
- Cátedra de Genética, Escuela de Bioanálisis, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
| | - Renata Vargas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas "Dr. Américo Negrette", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
| | - Juan Pablo Hernandez-Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas "Dr. Américo Negrette", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
| | - Jesús Mosquera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas "Dr. Américo Negrette", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
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103
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Effect of transforming growth factor -β1 on α-smooth muscle actin and collagen expression in equine endometrial fibroblasts. Theriogenology 2018; 124:9-17. [PMID: 30321755 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 not only regulates cell growth, development, and tissue remodeling, but it also participates in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. In the equine endometrium, the concentration of TGF-β1 is correlated with endometrosis (equine endometrial fibrosis). In other tissues, TGF-β1 induces differentiation of many cell types into myofibroblasts. These cells are characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and an ability to deposit excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The aim of the study was to determine whether TGF-β1 plays a role in the development of equine endometrosis. In Exp. 1, endometrial expression of α-SMA in different stages of endometrosis was determined. In endometrial tissues from the mid luteal phase (n = 6 for each stages of endometrosis) and the follicular phase of the estrous cycle (n = 5 for each stages of endometrosis), mRNA transcription and protein expression of α-Sma were evaluated by Real-time PCR and Western-blot, respectively. The α-Sma mRNA transcription and protein expression levels were correlated with the severity of endometrosis (P < 0.05). In both phases of the estrous cycle, α-SMA protein expression was up-regulated in final stage of endometrosis compared to initial stage (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, the dose- and time-dependent effects of TGF-β1 on expression of α-SMA and ECM components were determined, as well as cell proliferation of equine fibroblasts. Equine endometrial fibroblasts (n = 6, Kenney and Doig category I) were stimulated with vehicle or TGF-β1 (1, 5, 10 ng/ml) for 24, 48 or 72 h. Then, mRNA transcription of α-Sma, collagen type I (Col1a1), collagen type III (Col3a1) and fibronectin 1 (Fn1) were determined by Real-time PCR. The production of ECM components was determined by ELISA. Transforming growth factor-β1 increased the mRNA transcription of α-Sma and ECM components in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured endometrial fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Additionally, TGF-β1 at a dose of 10 ng/ml increased α-SMA protein expression and COL1, COL3, FN production after 72 h of stimulation (P < 0.05). The data showed a positive linkage between the presence of myofibroblasts and severity of endometrosis. We conclude that TGF-β1 may participate in pathological fibrotic changes in equine endometrial tissue by induction of myofibroblast differentiation, increased production of ECM components and fibroblast proliferation.
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104
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Soppert J, Kraemer S, Beckers C, Averdunk L, Möllmann J, Denecke B, Goetzenich A, Marx G, Bernhagen J, Stoppe C. Soluble CD74 Reroutes MIF/CXCR4/AKT-Mediated Survival of Cardiac Myofibroblasts to Necroptosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e009384. [PMID: 30371153 PMCID: PMC6201423 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.009384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Although macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( MIF ) has been demonstrated to mediate cardioprotection in ischemia/reperfusion injury and antagonize fibrotic effects through its receptor, CD 74, the function of the soluble CD 74 receptor ectodomain ( sCD 74) and its interaction with circulating MIF have not been explored in cardiac disease. Methods and Results Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from hearts of neonatal mice and differentiated into myofibroblasts. Co-treatment with recombinant MIF and sCD 74 induced cell death ( P<0.001), which was mediated by receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase ( RIP) 1/ RIP 3-dependent necroptosis ( P=0.0376). This effect was specific for cardiac fibroblasts and did not affect cardiomyocytes. Gene expression analyses using microarray and RT - qPCR technology revealed a 4-fold upregulation of several interferon-induced genes upon co-treatment of myofibroblasts with sCD 74 and MIF (Ifi44: P=0.011; Irg1: P=0.022; Clec4e: P=0.011). Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed the role of sCD 74 as a modulator of MIF signaling by diminishing MIF -mediated protein kinase B ( AKT) activation ( P=0.0197) and triggering p38 activation ( P=0.0641). We obtained evidence that sCD 74 inhibits MIF -mediated survival pathway through the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4/ AKT axis, enabling the induction of CD 74-dependent necroptotic processes in cardiac myofibroblasts. Preliminary clinical data revealed a lowered sCD 74/ MIF ratio in heart failure patients (17.47±10.09 versus 1.413±0.6244). Conclusions These findings suggest that treatment of cardiac myofibroblasts with sCD 74 and MIF induces necroptosis, offering new insights into the mechanism of myofibroblast depletion during scar maturation. Preliminary clinical data provided first evidence about a clinical relevance of the sCD 74/ MIF axis in heart failure, suggesting that these proteins may be a promising target to modulate cardiac remodeling and disease progression in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Soppert
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular SurgeryUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Sandra Kraemer
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular SurgeryUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Christian Beckers
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular SurgeryUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Luisa Averdunk
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Julia Möllmann
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology, Angiology and Internal Intensive CareUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Bernd Denecke
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF)University HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Andreas Goetzenich
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular SurgeryUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Gernot Marx
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
| | - Jürgen Bernhagen
- Department of Vascular BiologyInstitute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD)Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University (LMU) MunichMunichGermany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)partner site Munich Heart AllianceMunichGermany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (EXC 1010 SyNergy)MunichGermany
| | - Christian Stoppe
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineUniversity HospitalRWTH AachenAachenGermany
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105
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NLRP1 promotes TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. J Mol Histol 2018; 49:509-518. [PMID: 30120609 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear localization leucine-rich-repeat protein 1 (NLRP1) is a member of Nod-like receptors (NLRs) family. Recent studies have reported that NLRP1 is involved in various diseases, especially in cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of NLRP1 on cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, NLRP1 overexpression and NLRP1 silencing constructs were transfected into neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1 for 48 h to investigate the effect of NLRP1 in cardiac fibrosis and its molecular mechanisms. Cardiac fibroblasts were transfected with NLRP1 and then cultured in the presence and absence of TGF-β1and Smad3 inhibitor (SIS3). Our data indicated that NLRP1 not only promoted fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation, but also upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA in the TGF-β1-treated neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. Overexpressing NLRP1 in TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblasts upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, and connective tissue growth factor. Moreover, NLRP1 upregulated the protein levels of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 in nuclei of fibroblasts, and attenuated levels of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. In addition, the increase in fibrotic genes and Smad proteins was significantly reduced in the presence of SIS3. Our findings illustrated that NLRP1 promoted myofibroblast differentiation and excessive ECM production in TGF-β1-induced neonatal cardiac fibroblasts through directly targeting TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathways.
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106
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Frangogiannis NG. Cardiac fibrosis: Cell biological mechanisms, molecular pathways and therapeutic opportunities. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 65:70-99. [PMID: 30056242 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiologic companion of most myocardial diseases, and is associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmogenesis, and adverse outcome. Because the adult mammalian heart has negligible regenerative capacity, death of a large number of cardiomyocytes results in reparative fibrosis, a process that is critical for preservation of the structural integrity of the infarcted ventricle. On the other hand, pathophysiologic stimuli, such as pressure overload, volume overload, metabolic dysfunction, and aging may cause interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the absence of infarction. Activated myofibroblasts are the main effector cells in cardiac fibrosis; their expansion following myocardial injury is primarily driven through activation of resident interstitial cell populations. Several other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells may contribute to the fibrotic process, by producing proteases that participate in matrix metabolism, by secreting fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins, or by exerting contact-dependent actions on fibroblast phenotype. The mechanisms of induction of fibrogenic signals are dependent on the type of primary myocardial injury. Activation of neurohumoral pathways stimulates fibroblasts both directly, and through effects on immune cell populations. Cytokines and growth factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, chemokines, members of the Transforming Growth Factor-β family, IL-11, and Platelet-Derived Growth Factors are secreted in the cardiac interstitium and play distinct roles in activating specific aspects of the fibrotic response. Secreted fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins bind to cell surface receptors in fibroblasts, such as cytokine receptors, integrins, syndecans and CD44, and transduce intracellular signaling cascades that regulate genes involved in synthesis, processing and metabolism of the extracellular matrix. Endogenous pathways involved in negative regulation of fibrosis are critical for cardiac repair and may protect the myocardium from excessive fibrogenic responses. Due to the reparative nature of many forms of cardiac fibrosis, targeting fibrotic remodeling following myocardial injury poses major challenges. Development of effective therapies will require careful dissection of the cell biological mechanisms, study of the functional consequences of fibrotic changes on the myocardium, and identification of heart failure patient subsets with overactive fibrotic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer G46B, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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107
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Rizvi F, Siddiqui R, DeFranco A, Homar P, Emelyanova L, Holmuhamedov E, Ross G, Tajik AJ, Jahangir A. Simvastatin reduces TGF-β1-induced SMAD2/3-dependent human ventricular fibroblasts differentiation: Role of protein phosphatase activation. Int J Cardiol 2018; 270:228-236. [PMID: 30220377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive cardiac fibrosis due to maladaptive remodeling leads to progression of cardiac dysfunction and is modulated by TGF-β1-activated intracellular phospho-SMAD signaling effectors and transcription regulators. SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, regulated by protein-phosphatases, has been studied in different cell types, but its role in human ventricular fibroblasts (hVFs) is not defined as a target to reduce cytokine-mediated excessive fibrotic response and adverse cardiac remodeling. Statins are a class of drugs reported to reduce cardiac fibrosis, although underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. We aimed to assess whether simvastatin-mediated reduction in TGF-β1-augmented profibrotic response involves reduction in phospho-SMAD2/3 owing to activation of protein-phosphatase in hVFs. METHODS AND RESULTS Cultures of hVFs were used. Effect of simvastatin on TGF-β1-treated hVF proliferation, cytotoxicity, myofibroblast differentiation/activation, profibrotic gene expression and protein-phosphatase activity was assessed. Simvastatin (1 μM) reduced effect of TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) on hVF proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation (reduced α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA-expression]) and activation (decreased procollagen-peptide release). Simvastatin also reduced TGF-β1-stimulated time-dependent increases in SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, mediated through catalytic activation of protein-phosphatases PPM1A and PP2A, which physically interact with SMAD2/3, thereby promoting their dephosphorylation. Effect of simvastatin on TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation was annulled by okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein-phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study using an in vitro experimental cell culture model identifies the protective role of simvastatin against TGF-β1-induced hVF transformation into activated myofibroblasts through activation of protein phosphatase, a novel target that can be therapeutically modulated to curb excessive cardiac fibrosis associated with maladaptive cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Rizvi
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Ramail Siddiqui
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alessandra DeFranco
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Peter Homar
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Larisa Emelyanova
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ekhson Holmuhamedov
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gracious Ross
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - A Jamil Tajik
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Arshad Jahangir
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging (CIRCA), Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health Care, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2801 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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108
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Efficient differentiation of cardiomyocytes and generation of calcium-sensor reporter lines from nonhuman primate iPSCs. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5907. [PMID: 29651156 PMCID: PMC5897327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primate (NHP) models are more predictive than rodent models for developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based cell therapy, but robust and reproducible NHP iPSC-cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols are lacking for cardiomyopathies research. We developed a method to differentiate integration-free rhesus macaque iPSCs (RhiPSCs) into cardiomyocytes with >85% purity in 10 days, using fully chemically defined conditions. To enable visualization of intracellular calcium flux in beating cardiomyocytes, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to stably knock-in genetically encoded calcium indicators at the rhesus AAVS1 safe harbor locus. Rhesus cardiomyocytes derived by our stepwise differentiation method express signature cardiac markers and show normal electrochemical coupling. They are responsive to cardiorelevant drugs and can be successfully engrafted in a mouse myocardial infarction model. Our approach provides a powerful tool for generation of NHP iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes amenable to utilization in basic research and preclinical studies, including in vivo tissue regeneration models and drug screening.
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109
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Russell‐Hallinan A, Watson CJ, Baugh JA. Epigenetics of Aberrant Cardiac Wound Healing. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:451-491. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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110
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Subramanian V, Borchard S, Azimzadeh O, Sievert W, Merl-Pham J, Mancuso M, Pasquali E, Multhoff G, Popper B, Zischka H, Atkinson MJ, Tapio S. PPARα Is Necessary for Radiation-Induced Activation of Noncanonical TGFβ Signaling in the Heart. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:1677-1689. [PMID: 29560722 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
High-dose ionizing radiation is known to induce adverse effects such as inflammation and fibrosis in the heart. Transcriptional regulators PPARα and TGFβ are known to be involved in this radiation response. PPARα, an anti-inflammatory transcription factor controlling cardiac energy metabolism, is inactivated by irradiation. The pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic TGFβ is activated by irradiation via SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent pathways. The goal of this study was to investigate how altering the level of PPARα influences the radiation response of these signaling pathways. For this purpose, we used genetically modified C57Bl/6 mice with wild type (+/+), heterozygous (+/-) or homozygous (-/-) PPARα genotype. Mice were locally irradiated to the heart using doses of 8 or 16 Gy; the controls were sham-irradiated. The heart tissue was investigated using label-free proteomics 20 weeks after the irradiation and the predicted pathways were validated using immunoblotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The heterozygous PPARα mice showed most radiation-induced changes in the cardiac proteome, whereas the homozygous PPARα mice showed the least changes. Irradiation induced SMAD-dependent TGFβ signaling independently of the PPARα status, but the presence of PPARα was necessary for the activation of the SMAD-independent pathway. These data indicate a central role of PPARα in cardiac response to ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Sievert
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Radiation Immuno Oncology Group , Campus Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich , Munich 81675 , Germany
| | | | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Biomedicine , Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA) , Rome 00196 , Italy
| | - Emanuela Pasquali
- Laboratory of Radiation Biology and Biomedicine , Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA) , Rome 00196 , Italy
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Radiation Immuno Oncology Group , Campus Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich , Munich 81675 , Germany
| | - Bastian Popper
- Department of Cell Biology and Core Facility Animal Models (CAM), Biomedical Center , Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich , Planegg 80539 , Germany
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111
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Gupta SS, Zeglinski MR, Rattan SG, Landry NM, Ghavami S, Wigle JT, Klonisch T, Halayko AJ, Dixon IMC. Inhibition of autophagy inhibits the conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiac myofibroblasts. Oncotarget 2018; 7:78516-78531. [PMID: 27705938 PMCID: PMC5346657 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of heart failure with concomitant cardiac fibrosis is very high in developed countries. Fibroblast activation in heart is causal to cardiac fibrosis as they convert to hypersynthetic cardiac myofibroblasts. There is no known treatment for cardiac fibrosis. Myofibroblasts contribute to the inappropriate remodeling of the myocardial interstitium, which leads to reduced cardiac function and ultimately heart failure. Elevated levels of autophagy have been linked to stress-induced ventricular remodeling and other cardiac diseases. Previously, we had shown that TGF-β1 treatment of human atrial fibroblasts both induced autophagy and enhanced the fibrogenic response supporting a linkage between the myofibroblast phenotype and autophagy. We now demonstrate that with in vitro culture of primary rat cardiac fibroblasts, inhibition of autophagy represses fibroblast to myofibroblast phenoconversion. Culturing unpassaged cardiac fibroblasts for 72 hours on plastic tissue culture plates is associated with elevated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. This activation parallels increased microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC-3β II) protein expression. Inhibition of autophagy with bafilomycin-A1 (Baf-A1) and chloroquine (CQ) in cardiac fibroblasts significantly reduces α-SMA and extracellular domain A fibronectin (ED-A FN) protein vs untreated controls. Myofibroblast cell migration and contractility were significantly reduced following inhibition of autophagy. These data support the possibility of a causal link between cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast phenoconversion and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivika S Gupta
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Matthew R Zeglinski
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sunil G Rattan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Natalie M Landry
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J Halayko
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Child Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ian M C Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Amphiregulin enhances cardiac fibrosis and aggravates cardiac dysfunction in mice with experimental myocardial infarction partly through activating EGFR-dependent pathway. Basic Res Cardiol 2018; 113:12. [PMID: 29349588 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-018-0669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis (CF), a main process of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) post-MI. It is known that amphiregulin (AR) is involved in fibrosis of several organs. However, the expression of AR and its role post-MI are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AR on CF post-MI and related mechanisms. Significantly upregulated AR expression was evidenced in the infarct border zone of MI mice in vivo and the AR secretion was enhanced in macrophages, but not in cardiac fibroblasts. In vitro, treatment with AR increased cardiac fibroblast migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis, and upregulated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the downstream genes such as Akt, ERK1/2 and Samd2/3 on cardiac fibroblasts. All these effects could be abrogated by pretreatment with a specific EGFR inhibitor. To verify the functions of AR in MI hearts, lentivirus-AR-shRNA and negative control vectors were delivered into the infarct border zone. After 28 days, knock-down of AR increased the survival rate and improved cardiac function, while decreasing the extent of myocardial fibrosis of MI mice. Moreover, EGFR and the downstream genes were significantly downregulated in lentivirus-AR-shRNA treated MI mice. Our results thus indicate that AR plays an important role in promoting CF after MI partly though activating the EGFR pathway. Targeting AR might be a novel therapeutic option for attenuating CF and improve cardiac function after MI.
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113
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Kim P, Chu N, Davis J, Kim DH. Mechanoregulation of Myofibroblast Fate and Cardiac Fibrosis. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 2:1700172. [PMID: 31406913 PMCID: PMC6690497 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During myocardial infarction, myocytes die and are replaced by a specialized fibrotic extracellular matrix, otherwise known as scarring. Fibrotic scarring presents a tremendous hemodynamic burden on the heart, as it creates a stiff substrate, which resists diastolic filling. Fibrotic mechanisms result in permanent scarring which often leads to hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and a rapid progression to failure. Despite the deep understanding of fibrosis in other tissues, acquired through previous investigations, the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that biochemical cues as well as mechanical cues regulate cells in myocardium. However, the steps in myofibroblast transdifferentiation, as well as the molecular mechanisms of such transdifferentiation in vivo, are poorly understood. This review is focused on defining myofibroblast physiology, scar mechanics, and examining current findings of myofibroblast regulation by mechanical stress, stiffness, and topography for understanding fibrotic disease dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nick Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrite has been shown to reduce right ventricle (RV) remodeling in experimental pulmonary hypertension. However, whether this effect is due to a reduction in RV afterload (ie, reduction in pulmonary artery pressure) or a direct effect on the RV itself remains unanswered. We hypothesize that nitrite has direct effects on RV remodeling and studied its effects in mice with pulmonary artery banding (PAB). METHODS AND RESULTS PAB decreased exercise tolerance and reduced RV systolic and diastolic function. Nitrite treatment attenuated the decrease in RV systolic function and improved the RV diastolic function. Nitrite-treated mice with PAB had similar exercise tolerance compared with a control group. PAB induced RV hypertrophy and fibrosis which were associated with increased expression of phospho-Akt. Interestingly, nitrite treatment attenuated PAB-induced RV hypertrophy and reduced the expression of phospho-Akt in RV tissue from mice with PAB. In neonatal rat cardiac fibroblast, nitrite also attenuated hypoxia-induced increase in expression of phospho-Akt. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that nitrite treatment has direct beneficial effects on RV and improves function and attenuates remodeling in RV exposed to chronic pressure overload. These beneficial effects, at least in part, could be due to the inhibition of the phospho-Akt (p-Akt) pathway activation.
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115
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Wu XP, Wang HJ, Wang YL, Shen HR, Tan YZ. Serelaxin inhibits differentiation and fibrotic behaviors of cardiac fibroblasts by suppressing ALK-5/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2017; 362:17-27. [PMID: 28987540 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Serelaxin, a recombinant form of human relaxin-2, is currently regarded as a novel drug for treatment of acute heart failure. However, whether therapeutic effects of serelaxin are achieved by inhibiting cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigate effects of serelaxin on inhibiting cardiac fibrosis. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated from the hearts of adult rats. Effects of serelaxin on differentiation of CFs towards myofibroblasts (MFs) and their fibrotic behaviors after induction with TGF-β1 were examined. Synthesis and degradation of collagens, secretion of IL-10, and expression of ALK-5 and p-Smad2/3 of TGF-β1-induced cells were assessed after treatment with serelaxin. Serelaxin inhibited differentiation of TGF-β1-induced CFs towards MFs, and reduced proliferation and migration of the induced cells. Moreover, serelaxin down-regulated expression of collagen I/III and TIMP-2, and up-regulated expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the cells. After treatment with serelaxin, activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and secretion of IL-10 increased, expression of ALK-5 and the level of Smad2/3 phosphorylation was reduced significantly. These results suggest that serelaxin can inhibit differentiation of TGF-β1-induced CFs towards MFs, reduce production of collagens by suppressing ALK-5/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, and enhance extracellular matrix degradation by increasing MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and IL-10 secretion. Serelaxin may be a potential therapeutic drug for inhibiting cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ping Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical School of Fudan University, 277# 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hai-Jie Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical School of Fudan University, 277# 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong-Li Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical School of Fudan University, 277# 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao-Ran Shen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical School of Fudan University, 277# 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Zhen Tan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical School of Fudan University, 277# 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Li Y, Tang CB, Kilian KA. Matrix Mechanics Influence Fibroblast-Myofibroblast Transition by Directing the Localization of Histone Deacetylase 4. Cell Mol Bioeng 2017; 10:405-415. [PMID: 31719870 PMCID: PMC6816600 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-017-0493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The propagation of mechanochemical signals from the extracellular matrix to the cell nucleus has emerged as a central feature in regulating cellular differentiation and de-differentiation. This process of outside-in signaling and the associated mechanotransduction pathways have been well described in numerous developmental and pathological contexts. However, it remains less clear how mechanotransduction influences the activity of chromatin modifying enzymes that direct gene expression programs. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to explore how matrix mechanics and geometric confinement influence histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in fibroblast culture. METHODS Polyacrylamide hydrogels were formed and functionalized with fibronectin patterns using soft lithography. Primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were cultured on the islands until confluent, fixed, and immunolabeled for microscopy. RESULTS After 24 h MEFs cultured on soft hydrogels (0.5 kPa) show increased expression of class I HDACs relative to MEFs cultured on stiff hydrogels (100 kPa). A member of the class II family, HDAC4 shows a similar trend; however, there is a pronounced cytoplasmic localization on soft hydrogels suggesting a role in outside-in cytoplasmic signaling. Pharmacological inhibitor studies suggest that the opposing activities of extracellular related kinase 1/2 (ERK) and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2a) influence the localization of HDAC4. MEFs cultured on the soft hydrogels show enhanced expression of markers associated with a fibroblast-myofibroblast transition (Paxillin, αSMA). CONCLUSIONS We show that the phosphorylation state and cellular localization of HDAC4 is influenced by matrix mechanics, with evidence for a role in mechanotransduction and the regulation of gene expression associated with fibroblast-myofibroblast transitions. This work establishes a link between outside-in signaling and epigenetic regulation, which will assist efforts aimed at controlling gene regulation in engineered extracellular matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - Claire B. Tang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - Kristopher A. Kilian
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
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Johnston CM, Rog-Zielinska EA, Wülfers EM, Houwaart T, Siedlecka U, Naumann A, Nitschke R, Knöpfel T, Kohl P, Schneider-Warme F. Optogenetic targeting of cardiac myocytes and non-myocytes: Tools, challenges and utility. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 130:140-149. [PMID: 28919131 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In optogenetics, light-activated proteins are used to monitor and modulate cellular behaviour with light. Combining genetic targeting of distinct cellular populations with defined patterns of optical stimulation enables one to study specific cell classes in complex biological tissues. In the current study we attempted to investigate the functional relevance of heterocellular electrotonic coupling in cardiac tissue in situ. In order to do that, we used a Cre-Lox approach to express the light-gated cation channel Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) specifically in either cardiac myocytes or non-myocytes. Despite high specificity when using the same Cre driver lines in a previous study in combination with a different optogenetic probe, we found patchy off-target ChR2 expression in cryo-sections and extended z-stack imaging through the ventricular wall of hearts cleared using CLARITY. Based on immunohistochemical analysis, single-cell electrophysiological recordings and whole-genome sequencing, we reason that non-specificity is caused on the Cre recombination level. Our study highlights the importance of careful design and validation of the Cre recombination targets for reliable cell class specific expression of optogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum M Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Eike M Wülfers
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Houwaart
- Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Urszula Siedlecka
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Naumann
- Life Imaging Center, Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Nitschke
- Life Imaging Center, Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Medical Faculty of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Harefield, United Kingdom.
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Granato G, Ruocco MR, Iaccarino A, Masone S, Calì G, Avagliano A, Russo V, Bellevicine C, Di Spigna G, Fiume G, Montagnani S, Arcucci A. Generation and analysis of spheroids from human primary skin myofibroblasts: an experimental system to study myofibroblasts deactivation. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17038. [PMID: 28725488 PMCID: PMC5511858 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are activated fibroblasts involved in tissue repair and cancer. They are characterized by de novo expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), immunoregulatory phenotype and paracrine interaction with normal and tumorigenic cells leading to cell proliferation. At the end of wound-healing myofibroblasts undergo apoptotic cell death, whereas in vitro-activated fibroblasts are also subjected to a programmed necrosis-like cell death, termed nemosis, associated with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression induction and inflammatory response. Furthermore, myofibroblasts form clusters during wound healing, fibrotic states and tumorigenesis. In this study, we generated and analysed clusters such as spheroids from human primary cutaneous myofibroblasts, which represent a part of stromal microenvironment better than established cell lines. Therefore, we evaluated apoptotic or necrotic cell death, inflammation and activation markers during myofibroblasts clustering. The spheroids formation did not trigger apoptosis, necrotic cell death and COX-2 protein induction. The significant decrease of α-SMA in protein extracts of spheroids, the cytostatic effect exerted by spheroids conditioned medium on both normal and cancer cell lines and the absence of proliferation marker Ki-67 after 72 h of three-dimensional culture indicated that myofibroblasts have undergone a deactivation process within spheroids. The cells of spheroids reverted to adhesion growth preserved their proliferation capability and can re-acquire a myofibroblastic phenotype. Moreover, the spontaneous formation of clusters on plastic and glass substrates suggests that aggregates formation could be a physiological feature of cutaneous myofibroblasts. This study represents an experimental model to analyse myofibroblasts deactivation and suggests that fibroblast clusters could be a cell reservoir regulating tissues turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Granato
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria R Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Antonino Iaccarino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gaetano Calì
- IEOS Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale 'G. Salvatore', National Council of Research, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gaetano Di Spigna
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
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Cosme J, Guo H, Hadipour-Lakmehsari S, Emili A, Gramolini AO. Hypoxia-Induced Changes in the Fibroblast Secretome, Exosome, and Whole-Cell Proteome Using Cultured, Cardiac-Derived Cells Isolated from Neonatal Mice. J Proteome Res 2017. [PMID: 28641008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) represent a major subpopulation of cells in the developing and adult heart. Cardiomyocyte (CM) and CF intercellular communication occurs through paracrine interactions and modulate myocyte development and stress response. Detailed proteomic analysis of the CF secretome in normal and stressed conditions may offer insights into the role of CF in heart development and disease. Primary neonatal mouse CFs were isolated and cultured for 24 h in 21% (normoxic) or 2% (hypoxic) O2. Conditioned medium was separated to obtain exosomes (EXO) and EXO-depleted secretome fractions. Multidimensional protein identification technology was performed on secreted fractions. Whole cell lysate data were also generated to provide subcellular context to the secretome. Proteomic analysis identified 6163 unique proteins in total. Statistical (QSpec) analysis identified 494 proteins differentially expressed between fractions and oxygen conditions. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed hypoxic conditions selectively increase expression of proteins with extracellular matrix and signaling annotations. Finally, we subjected CM pretreated with CF secreted factors to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Viability assays suggested altered viability due to CF-derived factors. CF secretome proteomics revealed differential expression based on mode of secretion and oxygen levels in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Cosme
- Department of Physiology and Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP), University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Hongbo Guo
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Sina Hadipour-Lakmehsari
- Department of Physiology and Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP), University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Andrew Emili
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Anthony O Gramolini
- Department of Physiology and Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP), University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
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Zhou Y, Richards AM, Wang P. Characterization and Standardization of Cultured Cardiac Fibroblasts for Ex Vivo Models of Heart Fibrosis and Heart Ischemia. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2017; 23:422-433. [PMID: 28514938 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A full understanding of cardiac fibroblast (cFB) biology is essential to study the adverse cardiac remodeling and recovery of myocardium infarction. However, compared to cardiac myocytes, cFBs are less well characterized. Important questions, including the variability introduced by cell age (neonatal vs. adult), culture conditions (passage, plate coating, and culture medium), and responses to stimuli (e.g., hypoxia and drug treatments), have not been well addressed and standardization of techniques is lacking. This variability invites inconsistency and the confounding of study conclusions. Thus, we here focus on characterizing cell responses and standardizing procedures for cFB isolation and culture conditions to provide reliable platforms to address important questions about cFB proliferation, activation, collagen matrix formation, and responses to relevant stimuli. Thirty litters of 1-3-day pups and 30 female (240-330 g) Sprague-Dawley rats were used to isolate neonatal and adult cFBs. We detail and validate procedures to isolate cFBs for the use of culture or direct analysis. We characterize the differences between neonatal and adult cFBs, define the changes of cFBs during serial passage, and identify the response of cFBs to different culture conditions. We have also established models for the functional screening of profibrotic and antifibrotic drugs based on cFB proliferation, myofibroblast activation, and pericellular collagen matrix formation, and models of hypoxia/reoxygenation with appropriate time course and media conditions to achieve consistent cell injury. Our standardized procedures will ensure consistency in assessing cFB function. This original contribution provides a valid platform for the ex vivo investigation of the role of cFBs in cardiac ischemia and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- 1 Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System , Singapore, Singapore .,2 Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- 1 Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System , Singapore, Singapore .,2 Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore .,3 Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch , Christchurch, New Zealand .,4 Cardiac Department, National University Health System , Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peipei Wang
- 1 Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System , Singapore, Singapore .,2 Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore
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121
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Sadeghi AH, Shin SR, Deddens JC, Fratta G, Mandla S, Yazdi IK, Prakash G, Antona S, Demarchi D, Buijsrogge MP, Sluijter JPG, Hjortnaes J, Khademhosseini A. Engineered 3D Cardiac Fibrotic Tissue to Study Fibrotic Remodeling. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6:10.1002/adhm.201601434. [PMID: 28498548 PMCID: PMC5545804 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201601434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is considered to play an essential role in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. A limiting factor in studying this process is the spontaneous activation of cardiac fibroblasts when cultured on two-dimensional (2D) culture plates. In this study, a simplified three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel platform of contractile cardiac tissue, stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), is presented to recapitulate a fibrogenic microenvironment. It is hypothesized that the quiescent state of cardiac fibroblasts can be maintained by mimicking the mechanical stiffness of native heart tissue. To test this hypothesis, a 3D cell culture model consisting of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts encapsulated within a mechanically engineered gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel, is developed. The study shows that cardiac fibroblasts maintain their quiescent phenotype in mechanically tuned hydrogels. Additionally, treatment with a beta-adrenergic agonist increases beating frequency, demonstrating physiologic-like behavior of the heart constructs. Subsequently, quiescent cardiac fibroblasts within the constructs are activated by the exogenous addition of TGF-β1. The expression of fibrotic protein markers (and the functional changes in mechanical stiffness) in the fibrotic-like tissues are analyzed to validate the model. Overall, this 3D engineered culture model of contractile cardiac tissue enables controlled activation of cardiac fibroblasts, demonstrating the usability of this platform to study fibrotic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Sadeghi
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, The Netherlands
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Janine C Deddens
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute (ICIN), 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Fratta
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Serena Mandla
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Iman K Yazdi
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gyan Prakash
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Silvia Antona
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Danilo Demarchi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Marc P Buijsrogge
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute (ICIN), 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Physics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21569, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, 130-701, Hwayang-dong, Kwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Prabhu SD, Frangogiannis NG. The Biological Basis for Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction: From Inflammation to Fibrosis. Circ Res 2017; 119:91-112. [PMID: 27340270 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.116.303577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1365] [Impact Index Per Article: 195.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In adult mammals, massive sudden loss of cardiomyocytes after infarction overwhelms the limited regenerative capacity of the myocardium, resulting in the formation of a collagen-based scar. Necrotic cells release danger signals, activating innate immune pathways and triggering an intense inflammatory response. Stimulation of toll-like receptor signaling and complement activation induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and chemokines (such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/ chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 [CCL2]). Inflammatory signals promote adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells, leading to extravasation of neutrophils and monocytes. As infiltrating leukocytes clear the infarct from dead cells, mediators repressing inflammation are released, and anti-inflammatory mononuclear cell subsets predominate. Suppression of the inflammatory response is associated with activation of reparative cells. Fibroblasts proliferate, undergo myofibroblast transdifferentiation, and deposit large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins maintaining the structural integrity of the infarcted ventricle. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and members of the transforming growth factor-β family play an important role in activation of infarct myofibroblasts. Maturation of the scar follows, as a network of cross-linked collagenous matrix is formed and granulation tissue cells become apoptotic. This review discusses the cellular effectors and molecular signals regulating the inflammatory and reparative response after myocardial infarction. Dysregulation of immune pathways, impaired suppression of postinfarction inflammation, perturbed spatial containment of the inflammatory response, and overactive fibrosis may cause adverse remodeling in patients with infarction contributing to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Therapeutic modulation of the inflammatory and reparative response may hold promise for the prevention of postinfarction heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanth D Prabhu
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical Service, Birmingham VAMC (S.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (N.G.F.)
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical Service, Birmingham VAMC (S.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (N.G.F.).
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Ugolini GS, Pavesi A, Rasponi M, Fiore GB, Kamm R, Soncini M. Human cardiac fibroblasts adaptive responses to controlled combined mechanical strain and oxygen changes in vitro. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28315522 PMCID: PMC5407858 DOI: 10.7554/elife.22847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon cardiac pathological conditions such as ischemia, microenvironmental changes instruct a series of cellular responses that trigger cardiac fibroblasts-mediated tissue adaptation and inflammation. A comprehensive model of how early environmental changes may induce cardiac fibroblasts (CF) pathological responses is far from being elucidated, partly due to the lack of approaches involving complex and simultaneous environmental stimulation. Here, we provide a first analysis of human primary CF behavior by means of a multi-stimulus microdevice for combined application of cyclic mechanical strain and controlled oxygen tension. Our findings elucidate differential human CFs responses to different combinations of the above stimuli. Individual stimuli cause proliferative effects (PHH3+ mitotic cells, YAP translocation, PDGF secretion) or increase collagen presence. Interestingly, only the combination of hypoxia and a simulated loss of contractility (2% strain) is able to additionally induce increased CF release of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22847.001 When the supply of oxygen to the heart is reduced, its cells start to die within hours, the heart muscle becomes less able to contract, and the area becomes inflamed. This inflammation is accompanied by an influx of immune cells. It also activates other cells known as cardiac fibroblasts that help to break down the framework of molecules that supported the damaged heart tissue and replace it with a scar. This response is part of the normal repair process, but it can lead to the formation of scar tissue in non-damaged areas of the heart. Excess scar tissue makes the heart muscle less able to contract and increases the affected individual’s chance of dying. Understanding how this repair process works is an important step in developing strategies to minimise the damage caused by coronary artery disease or heart attacks. However, existing laboratory models are only partly able to recreate the conditions seen in real heart tissue. To properly understand the response at the level of living cells, a more complete model is needed. Ugolini et al. now report improvements to a small device, referred to as a lab-on-chip, that can subject cells to mechanical strain. The improvements mean the device could also recreate other conditions seen early on in damaged heart tissue, specifically the reduced supply of oxygen. Replicating combinations of mechanical changes and oxygen supplies meant that the impact of these conditions on human cardiac fibroblasts could be directly observed in the laboratory for the first time. Ugolini et al. found that a lack of contraction and low oxygen levels triggered the cardiac fibroblasts to produce inflammatory molecules and molecules associated with the formation of scar tissue. This resembles the response seen in living hearts. The next step is to improve the lab-on-chip device further by adding other cell types, including heart muscle cells and immune cells. A more complete model may aid future research into how our hearts operate in both health and disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22847.002
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Biosym IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roger Kamm
- Biosym IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Monica Soncini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant global health problem that is closely associated with multiple forms of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. Fibrosis increases myocardial wall stiffness due to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, causing impaired systolic and diastolic function, and facilitating arrhythmogenesis. As a result, patient morbidity and mortality are often dramatically elevated compared with those with cardiovascular disease but without overt fibrosis, demonstrating that fibrosis itself is both a pathologic response to existing disease and a significant risk factor for exacerbation of the underlying condition. The lack of any specific treatment for cardiac fibrosis in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease is a critical gap in our ability to care for these individuals. Here we provide an overview of the development of cardiac fibrosis, and discuss new research directions that have recently emerged and that may lead to the creation of novel treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Such treatments would, ideally, complement existing therapy by specifically focusing on amelioration of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah Al Hattab
- a Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada.,b Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- a Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada.,b Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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125
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Xiao L, Dudley AC. Fine-tuning vascular fate during endothelial-mesenchymal transition. J Pathol 2017; 241:25-35. [PMID: 27701751 PMCID: PMC5164846 DOI: 10.1002/path.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the heart and other organs, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as an important developmental process that involves coordinated migration, differentiation, and proliferation of the endothelium. In multiple disease states including cancer angiogenesis and cardiovascular disease, the processes that regulate EndMT are recapitulated, albeit in an uncoordinated and dysregulated manner. Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily are well known to impart cellular plasticity during EndMT by the timely activation (or repression) of transcription factors and miRNAs in addition to epigenetic regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are reported to augment or oppose TGFβ-driven EndMT in specific contexts. Here, we have synthesized the currently understood roles of TGFβ and FGF signalling during EndMT and have provided a new, comprehensive paradigm that delineates how an autocrine and paracrine TGFβ/FGF axis coordinates endothelial cell specification and plasticity. We also provide new guidelines and nomenclature that considers factors such as endothelial cell heterogeneity to better define EndMT across different vascular beds. This perspective should therefore help to clarify why TGFβ and FGF can both cooperate with or oppose one another during the complex process of EndMT in both health and disease. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew C. Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Emily Couric Cancer Center, The University of Virginia
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Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an important health concern, but the study of fibroblast biology has been hindered by a lack of effective means for identifying and tracking fibroblasts. Recent advances in fibroblast-specific lineage tags and reporters have permitted a better understanding of these cells. After injury, multiple cell types have been implicated as the source for extracellular matrix-producing cells, but emerging studies suggest that resident cardiac fibroblasts contribute substantially to the remodeling process. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding cardiac fibroblast origin and identity. Our understanding of cardiac fibroblast biology and fibrosis is still developing and will expand profoundly in the next few years, with many of the recent findings regarding fibroblast gene expression and behavior laying down the groundwork for interpreting the purpose and utility of these cells before and after injury. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2269-2276).
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Affiliation(s)
- Malina J Ivey
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Hawaii
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127
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Cencioni C, Atlante S, Savoia M, Martelli F, Farsetti A, Capogrossi MC, Zeiher AM, Gaetano C, Spallotta F. The double life of cardiac mesenchymal cells: Epimetabolic sensors and therapeutic assets for heart regeneration. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 171:43-55. [PMID: 27742569 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Organ-specific mesenchymal cells naturally reside in the stroma, where they are exposed to some environmental variables affecting their biology and functions. Risk factors such as diabetes or aging influence their adaptive response. In these cases, permanent epigenetic modifications may be introduced in the cells with important consequences on their local homeostatic activity and therapeutic potential. Numerous results suggest that mesenchymal cells, virtually present in every organ, may contribute to tissue regeneration mostly by paracrine mechanisms. Intriguingly, the heart is emerging as a source of different cells, including pericytes, cardiac progenitors, and cardiac fibroblasts. According to phenotypic, functional, and molecular criteria, these should be classified as mesenchymal cells. Not surprisingly, in recent years, the attention on these cells as therapeutic tools has grown exponentially, although only very preliminary data have been obtained in clinical trials to date. In this review, we summarized the state of the art about the phenotypic features, functions, regenerative properties, and clinical applicability of mesenchymal cells, with a particular focus on those of cardiac origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cencioni
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Sandra Atlante
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Matteo Savoia
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany; Universitá Cattolica, Institute of Medical Pathology, 00138 Rome, Italy; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy.
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biologia Cellulare e Neurobiologia, Roma, Italy; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Maurizio C Capogrossi
- Laboratorio di Patologia Vascolare, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Roma, Italy.
| | - Andreas M Zeiher
- Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
| | - Francesco Spallotta
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany; Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany.
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Paracrine Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Matrix Stiffness-Induced Cardiac Myofibroblast Differentiation via Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor and Smad7. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33067. [PMID: 27703175 PMCID: PMC5050447 DOI: 10.1038/srep33067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) hold great promise in cardiac fibrosis therapy, due to their potential ability of inhibiting cardiac myofibroblast differentiation (a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis). However, the mechanism involved in their effects remains elusive. To explore this, it is necessary to develop an in vitro cardiac fibrosis model that incorporates pore size and native tissue-mimicking matrix stiffness, which may regulate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. In the present study, collagen coated polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates were fabricated, in which the pore size was adjusted without altering the matrix stiffness. Stiffness is shown to regulate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation independently of pore size. Substrate at a stiffness of 30 kPa, which mimics the stiffness of native fibrotic cardiac tissue, was found to induce cardiac myofibroblast differentiation to create in vitro cardiac fibrosis model. Conditioned medium of hMSCs was applied to the model to determine its role and inhibitory mechanism on cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. It was found that hMSCs secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to inhibit cardiac myofibroblast differentiation via downregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and upregulation of Smad7. These findings would aid in establishment of the therapeutic use of hMSCs in cardiac fibrosis therapy in future.
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Liu X, Chen Y, McCoy CW, Zhao T, Quarles DL, Pi M, Bhattacharya SK, King G, Sun Y. Differential Regulatory Role of Soluble Klothos on Cardiac Fibrogenesis in Hypertension. Am J Hypertens 2016; 29:1140-7. [PMID: 27543985 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpw062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble Klotho functions as an endocrine factor that plays important roles in a variety of pathophysiological processes. Soluble Klotho contains 130 KDa and 65 KDa isoforms. However, their distinct individual functional heterogeneity remains uncertain. Herein, we investigated the regulatory role of two soluble Klothos on cardiac fibrogenic responses. METHODS AND RESULTS The effect of soluble Klothos on myofibroblast differentiation, proliferation, and collagen synthesis/degradation were examined in cultured mouse cardiac myofibroblasts. The role of 130 KDa Klotho on fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease were examined in wild type (WT) and Klotho transgenic (Tg/+) mice receiving chronic angiotensin (Ang)II infusion. Our in vitro studies revealed that addition of 130 KDa soluble Klotho isoform increased collagen synthesis in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, 130 KDa Klotho significantly stimulated myofibroblast differentiation, proliferation, and ERK phosphorylation, which were abolished by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor antagonist (SU5402). In contrast, 65 KDa soluble Klotho treatment significantly suppressed myofibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In vivo study further demonstrated that chronic AngII infusion lead to cardiac fibrosis in both WT and Tg/+ mice. However, cardiac collagen, TGF-β1, TIMP-2, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) levels were markedly upregulated in Tg/+ mice compared to WT cohort. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings implicate that 130 KDa soluble Klotho plays a stimulatory role in cardiac myofibroblast growth and activity through FGF pathway, whereas 65 KDa soluble Klotho exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in cardiac myofibroblasts. Thus, two distinct isoforms of soluble Klotho appear to play the counter-regulatory roles in cardiac fibrogenic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanjian Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Cody W McCoy
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Tieqiang Zhao
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Darryl L Quarles
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Min Pi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Syamal K Bhattacharya
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Gwendalyn King
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Yao Sun
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN;
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Roche PL, Nagalingam RS, Bagchi RA, Aroutiounova N, Belisle BMJ, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP. Role of scleraxis in mechanical stretch-mediated regulation of cardiac myofibroblast phenotype. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C297-307. [PMID: 27357547 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00333.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The phenotype conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Numerous triggers of this conversion process have been identified, including plating of cells on solid substrates, cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β, and mechanical stretch; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Recent studies from our laboratory revealed that the transcription factor scleraxis is a key regulator of cardiac fibroblast phenotype and extracellular matrix expression. Here we report that mechanical stretch induces type I collagen expression and morphological changes indicative of cardiac myofibroblast conversion, as well as scleraxis expression via activation of the scleraxis promoter. Scleraxis causes phenotypic changes similar to stretch, and the effect of stretch is attenuated in scleraxis null cells. Scleraxis was also sufficient to upregulate expression of vinculin and F-actin, to induce stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, and to attenuate both cell migration and proliferation, further evidence of scleraxis-mediated regulation of fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion. Together, these data confirm that scleraxis is sufficient to promote the myofibroblast phenotype and is a required effector of stretch-mediated conversion. Scleraxis may thus represent a potential target for the development of novel antifibrotic therapies aimed at inhibiting myofibroblast formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Roche
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Raghu S Nagalingam
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Nina Aroutiounova
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Breanna M J Belisle
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
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131
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Rizvi F, DeFranco A, Siddiqui R, Negmadjanov U, Emelyanova L, Holmuhamedov A, Ross G, Shi Y, Holmuhamedov E, Kress D, Tajik AJ, Jahangir A. Chamber-specific differences in human cardiac fibroblast proliferation and responsiveness toward simvastatin. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C330-9. [PMID: 27335167 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00056.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts, the most abundant cells in the heart, contribute to cardiac fibrosis, the substrate for the development of arrythmogenesis, and therefore are potential targets for preventing arrhythmic cardiac remodeling. A chamber-specific difference in the responsiveness of fibroblasts from the atria and ventricles toward cytokine and growth factors has been described in animal models, but it is unclear whether similar differences exist in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) and whether drugs affect their proliferation differentially. Using cardiac fibroblasts from humans, differences between atrial and ventricular fibroblasts in serum-induced proliferation, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, cyclin gene expression, and their inhibition by simvastatin were determined. The serum-induced proliferation rate of human atrial fibroblasts was more than threefold greater than ventricular fibroblasts with faster DNA synthesis and higher mRNA levels of cyclin genes. Simvastatin predominantly decreased the rate of proliferation of atrial fibroblasts, with inhibition of cell cycle progression and an increase in the G0/G1 phase in atrial fibroblasts with a higher sensitivity toward inhibition compared with ventricular fibroblasts. The DNA synthesis and mRNA levels of cyclin A, D, and E were significantly reduced by simvastatin in atrial but not in ventricular fibroblasts. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on atrial fibroblasts was abrogated by mevalonic acid (500 μM) that bypasses 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibition. Chamber-specific differences exist in the human heart because atrial fibroblasts have a higher proliferative capacity and are more sensitive to simvastatin-mediated inhibition through HMG-CoA reductase pathway. This mechanism may be useful in selectively preventing excessive atrial fibrosis without inhibiting adaptive ventricular remodeling during cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Rizvi
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Alessandra DeFranco
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Ramail Siddiqui
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Ulugbek Negmadjanov
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Larisa Emelyanova
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Alisher Holmuhamedov
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Gracious Ross
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Yang Shi
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Ekhson Holmuhamedov
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - David Kress
- Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - A Jamil Tajik
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Arshad Jahangir
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Quintana MT, Parry TL, He J, Yates CC, Sidorova TN, Murray KT, Bain JR, Newgard CB, Muehlbauer MJ, Eaton SC, Hishiya A, Takayama S, Willis MS. Cardiomyocyte-Specific Human Bcl2-Associated Anthanogene 3 P209L Expression Induces Mitochondrial Fragmentation, Bcl2-Associated Anthanogene 3 Haploinsufficiency, and Activates p38 Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1989-2007. [PMID: 27321750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Bcl2-associated anthanogene (BAG) 3 protein is a member of the BAG family of cochaperones, which supports multiple critical cellular processes, including critical structural roles supporting desmin and interactions with heat shock proteins and ubiquitin ligases intimately involved in protein quality control. The missense mutation P209L in exon 3 results in a primarily cardiac phenotype leading to skeletal muscle and cardiac complications. At least 10 other Bag3 mutations have been reported, nine resulting in a dilated cardiomyopathy for which no specific therapy is available. We generated αMHC-human Bag3 P209L transgenic mice and characterized the progressive cardiac phenotype in vivo to investigate its utility in modeling human disease, understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, and identify potential therapeutic targets. We identified a progressive heart failure by echocardiography and Doppler analysis and the presence of pre-amyloid oligomers at 1 year. Paralleling the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (eg, Parkinson disease), pre-amyloid oligomers-associated alterations in cardiac mitochondrial dynamics, haploinsufficiency of wild-type BAG3, and activation of p38 signaling were identified. Unexpectedly, increased numbers of activated cardiac fibroblasts were identified in Bag3 P209L Tg+ hearts without increased fibrosis. Together, these findings point to a previously undescribed therapeutic target that may have application to mutation-induced myofibrillar myopathies as well as other common causes of heart failure that commonly harbor misfolded proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan T Quintana
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Traci L Parry
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jun He
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Cecelia C Yates
- Department of Health Promotions and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tatiana N Sidorova
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Katherine T Murray
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James R Bain
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher B Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael J Muehlbauer
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Samuel C Eaton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Shin Takayama
- Department of Pathology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Monte S Willis
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Ranganath SH, Tong Z, Levy O, Martyn K, Karp JM, Inamdar MS. Controlled Inhibition of the Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Pro-inflammatory Secretome via Microparticle Engineering. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 6:926-939. [PMID: 27264972 PMCID: PMC4911501 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutic candidates given their potent immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory secretome. However, controlling the MSC secretome post-transplantation is considered a major challenge that hinders their clinical efficacy. To address this, we used a microparticle-based engineering approach to non-genetically modulate pro-inflammatory pathways in human MSCs (hMSCs) under simulated inflammatory conditions. Here we show that microparticles loaded with TPCA-1, a small-molecule NF-κB inhibitor, when delivered to hMSCs can attenuate secretion of pro-inflammatory factors for at least 6 days in vitro. Conditioned medium (CM) derived from TPCA-1-loaded hMSCs also showed reduced ability to attract human monocytes and prevented differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, compared with CM from untreated or TPCA-1-preconditioned hMSCs. Thus, we provide a broadly applicable bioengineering solution to facilitate intracellular sustained release of agents that modulate signaling. We propose that this approach could be harnessed to improve control over MSC secretome post-transplantation, especially to prevent adverse remodeling post-myocardial infarction. Soluble TPCA-1 attenuates pro-inflammatory secretome in TNF-α-stimulated hMSCs TPCA preconditioning fails to inhibit pro-inflammatory secretome in TNF-hMSCs TPCA-μP-hMSCs demonstrate sustained inhibition of pro-inflammatory secretome Engineered hMSCs inhibit α-SMA expression and collagen deposition in cardiac fibroblasts
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir H Ranganath
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India; Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, B.H. Road, Tumkur 572103, India
| | - Zhixiang Tong
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Oren Levy
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Keir Martyn
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Karp
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Maneesha S Inamdar
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India.
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134
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Husarek KE, Zhang X, McCallinhart PE, Lucchesi PA, Trask AJ. Isolation of Murine Coronary Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27285607 DOI: 10.3791/53983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
While the isolation and culture of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from large vessels is well established, we sought to isolate and culture VSMCs from the coronary circulation. Hearts with intact aortic arches were removed and perfused via retrograde Langendorff with digestion solution containing 300 Units/ml of collagenase type II, 0.1 mg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor and 1 M CaCl2. The perfusates were collected at 15 min intervals for 90 min, pelleted by centrifugation, resuspended in plating media, and plated on tissue culture dishes. VSMCs were characterized by presence of SM22α, α-SMA, and vimentin. One of the main advantages of using this technique is the ability to isolate VSMCs from the coronary circulation of mice. Although the small number of cells obtained can limit some of the applications for which the cells can be utilized, isolated coronary VSMCs can be used in a variety of well-established cell culture techniques and assays. Studies investigating VSMCs from genetically modified mice can provide further information about structure-function and signaling processes associated with vascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Husarek
- School of Biomedical Science, The Ohio State University College of Medicine; Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Patricia E McCallinhart
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Pamela A Lucchesi
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
| | - Aaron J Trask
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine;
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135
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Ongstad EL, Gourdie RG. Can heart function lost to disease be regenerated by therapeutic targeting of cardiac scar tissue? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 58:41-54. [PMID: 27234380 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction results in scar tissue that cannot actively contribute to heart mechanical function and frequently causes lethal arrhythmias. The healing response after infarction involves inflammation, biochemical signaling, changes in cellular phenotype, activity, and organization, and alterations in electrical conduction due to variations in cell and tissue geometry and alterations in protein expression, organization, and function - particularly in membrane channels. The intensive research focus on regeneration of myocardial tissues has, as of yet, only met with modest success, with no near-term prospect of improving standard-of-care for patients with heart disease. An alternative concept for novel therapeutic approach is the rejuvenation of cardiac electrical and mechanical properties through the modification of scar tissue. Several peptide therapeutics, locally applied genetic therapies, or delivery of genetically modified cells have shown promise in improving the characteristics of the fibrous scar and post-myocardial infarction prognosis in experimental models. This review highlights several factors that contribute to arrhythmogenesis in scar formation and how these might be targeted to regenerate some of the electrical and mechanical function of the post-MI scar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Ongstad
- Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, 317 Kelly Hall, Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Carilion Clinic, 1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke VA 24014, USA.
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136
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137
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Pellman J, Zhang J, Sheikh F. Myocyte-fibroblast communication in cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias: Mechanisms and model systems. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 94:22-31. [PMID: 26996756 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Development of cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias is controlled by the activity of and communication between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in the heart. Myocyte-fibroblast interactions occur via both direct and indirect means including paracrine mediators, extracellular matrix interactions, electrical modulators, mechanical junctions, and membrane nanotubes. In the diseased heart, cardiomyocyte and fibroblast ratios and activity, and thus myocyte-fibroblast interactions, change and are thought to contribute to the course of disease including development of fibrosis and arrhythmogenic activity. Fibroblasts have a developing role in modulating cardiomyocyte electrical and hypertrophic activity, however gaps in knowledge regarding these interactions still exist. Research in this field has necessitated the development of unique approaches to isolate and control myocyte-fibroblast interactions. Numerous methods for 2D and 3D co-culture systems have been developed, while a growing part of this field is in the use of better tools for in vivo systems including cardiomyocyte and fibroblast specific Cre mouse lines for cell type specific genetic ablation. This review will focus on (i) mechanisms of myocyte-fibroblast communication and their effects on disease features such as cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias as well as (ii) methods being used and currently developed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pellman
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Farah Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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138
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Bagchi RA, Roche P, Aroutiounova N, Espira L, Abrenica B, Schweitzer R, Czubryt MP. The transcription factor scleraxis is a critical regulator of cardiac fibroblast phenotype. BMC Biol 2016; 14:21. [PMID: 26988708 PMCID: PMC4794909 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resident fibroblasts synthesize the cardiac extracellular matrix, and can undergo phenotype conversion to myofibroblasts to augment matrix production, impairing function and contributing to organ failure. A significant gap in our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of these processes exists. Given the key role of this phenotype conversion in fibrotic disease, the identification of such novel transcriptional regulators may yield new targets for therapies for fibrosis. Results Using explanted primary cardiac fibroblasts in gain- and loss-of-function studies, we found that scleraxis critically controls cardiac fibroblast/myofibroblast phenotype by direct transcriptional regulation of myriad genes that effectively define these cells, including extracellular matrix components and α-smooth muscle actin. Scleraxis furthermore potentiated the TGFβ/Smad3 signaling pathway, a key regulator of myofibroblast conversion, by facilitating transcription complex formation. While scleraxis promoted fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion, loss of scleraxis attenuated myofibroblast function and gene expression. These results were confirmed in scleraxis knockout mice, which were cardiac matrix-deficient and lost ~50 % of their complement of cardiac fibroblasts, with evidence of impaired epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Scleraxis directly transactivated several EMT marker genes, and was sufficient to induce mesenchymal/fibroblast phenotype conversion of A549 epithelial cells. Conversely, loss of scleraxis attenuated TGFβ-induced EMT marker expression. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that scleraxis is a novel and potent regulator of cellular progression along the continuum culminating in the cardiac myofibroblast phenotype. Scleraxis was both sufficient to drive conversion, and required for full conversion to occur. Scleraxis fulfills this role by direct transcriptional regulation of key target genes, and by facilitating TGFβ/Smad signaling. Given the key role of fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion in fibrotic diseases in the heart and other tissue types, scleraxis may be an important target for therapeutic development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0243-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushita A Bagchi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Patricia Roche
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Nina Aroutiounova
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Leon Espira
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Bernard Abrenica
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Research Division and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada.
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139
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Stratton MS, McKinsey TA. Epigenetic regulation of cardiac fibrosis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 92:206-13. [PMID: 26876451 PMCID: PMC4987078 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is defined as excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. In the heart, fibrosis may be reparative, replacing areas of myocyte loss with a structural scar following infarction, or reactive, which is triggered in the absence of cell death and involves interstitial ECM deposition in response to long-lasting stress. Interstitial fibrosis can increase the passive stiffness of the myocardium, resulting in impaired relaxation and diastolic dysfunction. Additionally, fibrosis can lead to disruption of electrical conduction in the heart, causing arrhythmias, and can limit myocyte oxygen availability and thus exacerbate myocardial ischemia. Here, we review recent studies that have illustrated key roles for epigenetic events in the control of pro-fibrotic gene expression, and highlight the potential of small molecules that target epigenetic regulators as a means of treating fibrotic cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Stratton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology and Center for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Denver, 12700 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045-0508, United States
| | - Timothy A McKinsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology and Center for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Denver, 12700 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045-0508, United States.
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140
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Systemic injection of AAV9 carrying a periostin promoter targets gene expression to a myofibroblast-like lineage in mouse hearts after reperfused myocardial infarction. Gene Ther 2016; 23:469-78. [PMID: 26926804 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been used to direct gene transfer to a variety of tissues, including heart, liver, skeletal muscle, brain, kidney and lung, but it has not previously been shown to effectively target fibroblasts in vivo, including cardiac fibroblasts. We constructed expression cassettes using a modified periostin promoter to drive gene expression in a cardiac myofibroblast-like lineage, with only occasional spillover into cardiomyocyte-like cells. We compared AAV serotypes 6 and 9 and found robust gene expression when the vectors were delivered by systemic injection after myocardial infarction (MI), with little expression in healthy, non-infarcted mice. AAV9 provided expression in a greater number of cells than AAV6, with reporter gene expression visible in the cardiac infarct and border zones from 5 to 62 days post MI, as assessed by luciferase and Cre-activated green fluorescent protein expression. Although common myofibroblast markers were expressed in low abundance, most of the targeted cells expressed myosin IIb, an embryonic form of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain that has previously been associated with myofibroblasts after reperfused MI. This study is the first to demonstrate AAV-mediated expression in a potentially novel myofibroblast-like lineage in mouse hearts post MI and may open new avenues of gene therapy to treat patients surviving MI.
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141
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Zeglinski MR, Roche P, Hnatowich M, Jassal DS, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP, Dixon IMC. TGFβ1 regulates Scleraxis expression in primary cardiac myofibroblasts by a Smad-independent mechanism. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H239-49. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00584.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In cardiac wound healing following myocardial infarction (MI), relatively inactive resident cardiac fibroblasts phenoconvert to hypersynthetic/secretory myofibroblasts that produce large quantities of extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrillar collagen proteins. Our laboratory and others have identified TGFβ1 as being a persistent stimulus in the chronic and inappropriate wound healing phase that is marked by hypertrophic scarring and eventual stiffening of the entire myocardium, ultimately leading to the pathogenesis of heart failure following MI. Ski is a potent negative regulator of TGFβ/Smad signaling with known antifibrotic effects. Conversely, Scleraxis is a potent profibrotic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that stimulates fibrillar collagen expression. We hypothesize that TGFβ1 induces Scleraxis expression by a novel Smad-independent pathway. Our data support the hypothesis that Scleraxis expression is induced by TGFβ1 through a Smad-independent pathway in the cardiac myofibroblast. Specifically, we demonstrate that TGFβ1 stimulates p42/44 (Erk1/2) kinases, which leads to increased Scleraxis expression. Inhibition of MEK1/2 using U0126 led to a sequential temporal reduction of phospho-p42/44 and subsequent Scleraxis expression. We also found that adenoviral Ski expression in primary myofibroblasts caused a significant repression of endogenous Scleraxis expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Thus we have identified a novel TGFβ1-driven, Smad-independent, signaling cascade that may play an important role in regulating the fibrotic response in activated cardiac myofibroblasts following cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Zeglinski
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Patricia Roche
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mark Hnatowich
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Davinder S. Jassal
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Michael P. Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ian M. C. Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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142
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Ongstad E, Kohl P. Fibroblast-myocyte coupling in the heart: Potential relevance for therapeutic interventions. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 91:238-46. [PMID: 26774702 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac myocyte-fibroblast electrotonic coupling is a well-established fact in vitro. Indirect evidence of its presence in vivo exists, but few functional studies have been published. This review describes the current knowledge of fibroblast-myocyte electrical signaling in the heart. Further research is needed to understand the frequency and extent of heterocellular interactions in vivo in order to gain a better understanding of their relevance in healthy and diseased myocardium. It is hoped that associated insight into myocyte-fibroblast coupling in the heart may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and the development of agents for improving outcomes of myocardial scarring and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ongstad
- Clemson University, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson, SC, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, USA.
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University Freiburg, Germany; Cardiac Biophysics and Systems Biology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
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143
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Vascular endothelial growth factor-D mediates fibrogenic response in myofibroblasts. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 413:127-35. [PMID: 26724950 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D is a crucial mediator of angiogenesis. Following myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac VEGF-D and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 are significantly upregulated. In addition to endothelial cells, myofibroblasts at the site of MI highly express VEGFR-3, implicating the involvement of VEGF-D in cardiac fibrogenesis that promotes repair and remodeling. The aim of the current study was to further explore the critical role of VEGF-D in fibrogenic response in myofibroblasts. Myofibroblast proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis, and degradation were investigated in cultured cardiac myofibroblasts subjected to VEGF-D with/without VEGFR antagonist or ERK inhibitor. Vehicle-treated cells served as controls. Myofibroblast proliferation and migration were detected by BrdU assay and Boyden Chamber method, respectively. Expression of type I collagen, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1/-2, and ERK phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blot analyses. Our results revealed that compared to controls, (1) VEGF-D significantly increased myofibroblast proliferation and migration; (2) VEGF-D significantly upregulated type I collagen synthesis in a dose- and time-dependent manner; (3) VEGFR antagonist abolished VEGF-D-induced myofibroblast proliferation and type I collagen release; (4) VEGF-D stimulated MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 synthesis; (5) VEGF-D activated ERK phosphorylation; and (6) ERK inhibitor abolished VEGF-D-induced myofibroblast proliferation and type I collagen synthesis. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated that VEGF-D serves as a crucial profibrogenic mediator by stimulating myofibroblast growth, migration and collagen synthesis. Further studies are underway to determine the role of VEGF-D in fibrous tissue formation during cardiac repair following MI.
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144
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Scofield SLC, Amin P, Singh M, Singh K. Extracellular Ubiquitin: Role in Myocyte Apoptosis and Myocardial Remodeling. Compr Physiol 2015; 6:527-60. [PMID: 26756642 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin (UB) is a highly conserved low molecular weight (8.5 kDa) protein. It consists of 76 amino acid residues and is found in all eukaryotic cells. The covalent linkage of UB to a variety of cellular proteins (ubiquitination) is one of the most common posttranslational modifications in eukaryotic cells. This modification generally regulates protein turnover and protects the cells from damaged or misfolded proteins. The polyubiquitination of proteins serves as a signal for degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway. UB is present in trace amounts in body fluids. Elevated levels of UB are described in the serum or plasma of patients under a variety of conditions. Extracellular UB is proposed to have pleiotropic roles including regulation of immune response, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. CXCR4 is identified as receptor for extracellular UB in hematopoietic cells. Heart failure represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western society. Cardiac remodeling is a determinant of the clinical course of heart failure. The components involved in myocardial remodeling include-myocytes, fibroblasts, interstitium, and coronary vasculature. Increased sympathetic nerve activity in the form of norepinephrine is a common feature during heart failure. Acting via β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR), norepinephrine is shown to induce myocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. β-AR stimulation increases extracellular levels of UB in myocytes, and UB inhibits β-AR-stimulated increases in myocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. This review summarizes intracellular and extracellular functions of UB with particular emphasis on the role of extracellular UB in cardiac myocyte apoptosis and myocardial remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L C Scofield
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Parthiv Amin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mahipal Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Krishna Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA; Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA; James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.,Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, New York, USA
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145
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Gaining myocytes or losing fibroblasts: Challenges in cardiac fibroblast reprogramming for infarct repair. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 93:108-14. [PMID: 26640115 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Unlike most somatic tissues, the heart possesses a very limited inherent ability to repair itself following damage. Attempts to therapeutically salvage the myocardium after infarction, either by sparing surviving myocytes or by injection of exogenous cells of varied provenance, have met with limited success. Cardiac fibroblasts are numerous, resistant to hypoxia, and amenable to phenotype reprogramming to cardiomyocytes - a potential panacea to an intractable problem. However, the long-term effects of mass conversion of fibroblasts are as-yet unknown. Since fibroblasts play key roles in normal cardiac function, treating these cells as a ready source of replacements for myocytes may have the effect of swapping one problem for another. This review briefly examines the roles of cardiac fibroblasts, recaps the strides made so far in their reprogramming to cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo, and discusses the potential ramifications of large-scale cellular identity swapping. While such therapy offers great promise, the potential repercussions require consideration and careful study.
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146
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MOUBARAK M, MAGAUD C, SALIBA Y, CHATELIER A, BOIS P, FAIVRE JF, FARÈS N. Effects of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide on Rat Ventricular Fibroblasts During Differentiation Into Myofibroblasts. Physiol Res 2015; 64:495-503. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide antifibrotic properties are mainly described in cardiac myocytes or in induced cardiac myofibroblasts (Angiotensin II or TGF-β induced differentiation). In the present work, we investigate the effects of ANP/NPRA/cGMP system in modulating rat cardiac fibroblasts function. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from adult Wistar male rats and cultured in the presence of serum in order to induce fibroblasts differentiation. Cultures were then treated with ANP (1 µM), 8-Br-cGMP (100 µM) or IBMX (100 µM), a non-specific phosphodiesterases inhibitor. ANP significantly decreased proliferation rate and collagen secretion. Its effect was mimicked by the cGMP analog, while combining ANP with 8-Br-cGMP did not lead to additional effects. Moreover intracellular cGMP levels were elevated when cells were incubated with ANP confirming that ANP intracellular pathway is mediated by cGMP. Additionally, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were used to confirm the presence of guanylyl cyclase specific natriuretic peptide receptors A and B. Finally we scanned specific cGMP dependent PDEs via RT-qPCR, and noticed that inhibiting all PDEs led to an important decrease in proliferation rate. Effect of ANP became more prominent after 10 culture days, confirming the importance of ANP in fibroblasts to myofibroblasts differentiation. Uncovering cellular aspects of ANP/NPRA/cGMP signaling system provided more elements to help understand cardiac fibrotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - N. FARÈS
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Physiologie et Physiopathologie, Pôle Technologie Santé, Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint Joseph, Beyrouth, Liban
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147
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Li X, Zhao H, Qi C, Zeng Y, Xu F, Du Y. Direct intercellular communications dominate the interaction between adipose-derived MSCs and myofibroblasts against cardiac fibrosis. Protein Cell 2015; 6:735-45. [PMID: 26271509 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-015-0196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of cardiac fibrosis post myocardial infarction greatly impairs the function of heart. Recent advances of cell transplantation showed great benefits to restore myocardial function, among which the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has gained much attention. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of MSC therapy are still not fully understood. Although paracrine effects of MSCs on residual cardiomyocytes have been discussed, the amelioration of fibrosis was rarely studied as the hostile environment cannot support the survival of most cell populations and impairs the diffusion of soluble factors. Here in order to decipher the potential mechanism of MSC therapy for cardiac fibrosis, we investigated the interplay between MSCs and cardiac myofibroblasts (mFBs) using interactive co-culture method, with comparison to paracrine approaches, namely treatment by MSC conditioned medium and gap co-culture method. Various fibrotic features of mFBs were analyzed and the most prominent anti-fibrosis effects were always obtained using direct co-culture that allowed cell-to-cell contacts. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a well-known anti-fibrosis factor, was demonstrated to be a major contributor for MSCs' anti-fibrosis function. Moreover, physical contacts and tube-like structures between MSCs and mFBs were observed by live cell imaging and TEM which demonstrate the direct cellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treament of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treament of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chunxiao Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treament of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treament of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Feng Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treament of Infectious Diseases, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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148
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Der Sarkissian S, Cailhier JF, Borie M, Stevens LM, Gaboury L, Mansour S, Hamet P, Noiseux N. Celastrol protects ischaemic myocardium through a heat shock response with up-regulation of haeme oxygenase-1. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5265-79. [PMID: 25041185 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Celastrol, a triterpene from plants, has been used in traditional oriental medicine to treat various diseases. Here, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of celastrol against ischaemia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Protective pathways induced by celastrol were investigated in hypoxic cultures of H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts and in a rat model of myocardial infarction, assessed with echocardiographic and histological analysis. KEY RESULTS In H9c2 cells, celastrol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation within minutes, induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) resulting in a heat shock response (HSR) leading to increased expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine reduced expression of HSP70 and HSP32 (haeme oxygenase-1, HO-1). Celastrol improved H9c2 survival under hypoxic stress, and functional analysis revealed HSF1 and HO-1 as key effectors of the HSR, induced by celastrol, in promoting cytoprotection. In the rat ischaemic myocardium, celastrol treatment improved cardiac function and reduced adverse left ventricular remodelling at 14 days. Celastrol triggered expression of cardioprotective HO-1 and inhibited fibrosis and infarct size. In the peri-infarct area, celastrol reduced myofibroblast and macrophage infiltration, while attenuating up-regulation of TGF-β and collagen genes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Celastrol treatment induced an HSR through activation of HSF1 with up-regulation of HO-1 as the key effector, promoting cardiomyocyte survival, reduction of injury and adverse remodelling with preservation of cardiac function. Celastrol may represent a novel potent pharmacological cardioprotective agent mimicking ischaemic conditioning that could have a valuable impact in the treatment of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Der Sarkissian
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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149
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Yong KW, Li Y, Huang G, Lu TJ, Safwani WKZW, Pingguan-Murphy B, Xu F. Mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation: implications for cardiac fibrosis and therapy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H532-42. [PMID: 26092987 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00299.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac myofibroblast differentiation, as one of the most important cellular responses to heart injury, plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling and failure. While biochemical cues for this have been extensively investigated, the role of mechanical cues, e.g., extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanical strain, has also been found to mediate cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. Cardiac fibroblasts in vivo are typically subjected to a specific spatiotemporally changed mechanical microenvironment. When exposed to abnormal mechanical conditions (e.g., increased extracellular matrix stiffness or strain), cardiac fibroblasts can undergo myofibroblast differentiation. To date, the impact of mechanical cues on cardiac myofibroblast differentiation has been studied both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the related in vitro research into this has been mainly undertaken in two-dimensional cell culture systems, although a few three-dimensional studies that exist revealed an important role of dimensionality. However, despite remarkable advances, the comprehensive mechanisms for mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation remain elusive. In this review, we introduce important parameters for evaluating cardiac myofibroblast differentiation and then discuss the development of both in vitro (two and three dimensional) and in vivo studies on mechanoregulation of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation. An understanding of the development of cardiac myofibroblast differentiation in response to changing mechanical microenvironment will underlie potential targets for future therapy of cardiac fibrosis and failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar Wey Yong
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and
| | - YuHui Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - GuoYou Huang
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Belinda Pingguan-Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
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150
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Abstract
Fibrotic cardiac disease, a leading cause of death worldwide, manifests as substantial loss of function following maladaptive tissue remodeling. Fibrosis can affect both the heart valves and the myocardium and is characterized by the activation of fibroblasts and accumulation of extracellular matrix. Valvular interstitial cells and cardiac fibroblasts, the cell types responsible for maintenance of cardiac extracellular matrix, are sensitive to changing mechanical environments, and their ability to sense and respond to mechanical forces determines both normal development and the progression of disease. Recent studies have uncovered specific adhesion proteins and mechano-sensitive signaling pathways that contribute to the progression of fibrosis. Integrins form adhesions with the extracellular matrix, and respond to changes in substrate stiffness and extracellular matrix composition. Cadherins mechanically link neighboring cells and are likely to contribute to fibrotic disease propagation. Finally, transition to the active myofibroblast phenotype leads to maladaptive tissue remodeling and enhanced mechanotransductive signaling, forming a positive feedback loop that contributes to heart failure. This Commentary summarizes recent findings on the role of mechanotransduction through integrins and cadherins to perpetuate mechanically induced differentiation and fibrosis in the context of cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Schroer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - W David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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