101
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Ameliorating the Fibrotic Remodeling of the Heart through Direct Cardiac Reprogramming. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070679. [PMID: 31277520 PMCID: PMC6679082 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in the loss of cardiomyocytes (CM) at the site of ischemic injury. To compensate for the loss of CMs, cardiac fibroblasts quickly respond to injury and initiate cardiac remodeling in an injured heart. In the remodeling process, cardiac fibroblasts proliferate and differentiate into myofibroblasts, which secrete extracellular matrix to support the intact structure of the heart, and eventually differentiate into matrifibrocytes to form chronic scar tissue. Discovery of direct cardiac reprogramming offers a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent/attenuate this pathologic remodeling and replace the cardiac fibrotic scar with myocardium in situ. Since the first discovery in 2010, many progresses have been made to improve the efficiency and efficacy of reprogramming by understanding the mechanisms and signaling pathways that are activated during direct cardiac reprogramming. Here, we overview the development and recent progresses of direct cardiac reprogramming and discuss future directions in order to translate this promising technology into an effective therapeutic paradigm to reverse cardiac pathological remodeling in an injured heart.
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102
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Cardiac fibrosis: potential therapeutic targets. Transl Res 2019; 209:121-137. [PMID: 30930180 PMCID: PMC6545256 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in the world and is exacerbated by the presence of cardiac fibrosis, defined by the accumulation of noncontractile extracellular matrix proteins. Cardiac fibrosis is directly linked to cardiac dysfunction and increased risk of arrhythmia. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of efficacious therapies for inhibiting or reversing cardiac fibrosis, largely due to the complexity of the cell types and signaling pathways involved. Ongoing research has aimed to understand the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and develop new therapies for treating scar formation. Major approaches include preventing the formation of scar tissue and replacing fibrous tissue with functional cardiomyocytes. While targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is currently used as the standard line of therapy for heart failure, there has been increased interest in inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway due its established role in cardiac fibrosis. Significant advances in cell transplantation therapy and biomaterials engineering have also demonstrated potential in regenerating the myocardium. Novel techniques, such as cellular direct reprogramming, and molecular targets, such as noncoding RNAs and epigenetic modifiers, are uncovering novel therapeutic options targeting fibrosis. This review provides an overview of current approaches and discuss future directions for treating cardiac fibrosis.
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103
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Ma NX, Yin JC, Chen G. Transcriptome Analysis of Small Molecule-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:82. [PMID: 31231645 PMCID: PMC6558402 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons represents a promising approach to regenerate new neurons for brain repair, but the underlying mechanisms driving this trans-differentiation process are not well understood. We have recently identified four small molecules – CHIR99021, DAPT, LDN193189, and SB431542 – that can efficiently reprogram cultured human fetal astrocytes into functional neurons. Here we employ the next generation of RNA-sequencing technology to investigate the transcriptome changes during the astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion process. We found that the four small molecules can rapidly activate the hedgehog signaling pathway while downregulating many glial genes such as FN1 and MYL9 within 24 h of treatment. Chemical reprogramming is mediated by several waves of differential gene expression, including upregulation of hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways, together with downregulation of TGF-β and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Our gene network analyses reveal many well-connected hub genes such as repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMA), neuronatin (NNAT), neurogenin 2 (NEUROG2), NPTX2, MOXD1, JAG1, and GAP43, which may coordinate the chemical reprogramming process. Together, these findings provide critical insights into the molecular cascades triggered by a combination of small molecules that eventually leads to chemical conversion of astrocytes into neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Xin Ma
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jiu-Chao Yin
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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104
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Talkhabi M. Partial reprogramming as a therapeutic approach for heart disease: A state-of-the-art review. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:14247-14261. [PMID: 31081174 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Heart disease such as myocardial infarction is the first cause of mortality in all countries. Today, cardiac cell-based therapy using de novo produced cardiac cells is considered as a novel approach for cardiac regenerative medicine. Recently, an alchemy-like approach, known as direct reprogramming or direct conversion, has been developed to directly convert somatic cells to cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo. This cellular alchemy is a short-cut and safe strategy for generating autologous cardiac cells, and it can be accomplished through activating cardiogenesis- or pluripotency-related factors in noncardiac cells. Importantly, pluripotency factors-based direct cardiac conversion, known as partial reprogramming, is shorter and more efficient for cardiomyocyte generation in vitro. Today, this strategy is achievable for direct conversion of mouse and human somatic cells to cardiac lineage cells (cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitor cells), using transgene free, chemical-based approaches. Although, heart-specific partial reprogramming seems to be challenging for in vivo conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiac cells, but whole organism-based in vivo partial reprogramming ameliorates cellular and physiological hallmarks of aging and prolongs lifespan in mouse. Notably, cardiac cells produced using partial reprogramming strategy can be a useful platform for disease modeling, drug screening and cardiac cell-based therapy, once the safety issues are overcome. Herein, we discuss about all progresses in de novo production of cardiac cells using partial reprogramming-based direct conversion, as well as give an overview about the potential applications of this strategy in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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105
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Zhou J, Sun J. A Revolution in Reprogramming: Small Molecules. Curr Mol Med 2019; 19:77-90. [DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190325113945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of reprogrammed cells from accessible sources and in vivo
reprogramming are potential therapies for regenerative medicine. During the last
decade, genetic approaches, which mostly involved transcription factors and
microRNAs, have been shown to affect cell fates. However, their potential
carcinogenicity and other unexpected effects limit their translation into clinical
applications. Recently, with the power of modern biology-oriented design and synthetic
chemistry, as well as high-throughput screening technology, small molecules have been
shown to enhance reprogramming efficiency, replace genetic factors, and help elucidate
the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular plasticity and degenerative diseases. As a
non-viral and non-integrating approach, small molecules not only show revolutionary
capacities in generating desired exogenous cell types but also have potential as drugs
that can restore tissues through repairing or reprogramming endogenous cells. Here, we
focus on the recent progress made to use small molecules in cell reprogramming along
with some related mechanisms to elucidate these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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106
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Cardiac Reprogramming Factors Synergistically Activate Genome-wide Cardiogenic Stage-Specific Enhancers. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 25:69-86.e5. [PMID: 31080136 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The cardiogenic transcription factors (TFs) Mef2c, Gata4, and Tbx5 can directly reprogram fibroblasts to induced cardiac-like myocytes (iCLMs), presenting a potential source of cells for cardiac repair. While activity of these TFs is enhanced by Hand2 and Akt1, their genomic targets and interactions during reprogramming are not well studied. We performed genome-wide analyses of cardiogenic TF binding and enhancer profiling during cardiac reprogramming. We found that these TFs synergistically activate enhancers highlighted by Mef2c binding sites and that Hand2 and Akt1 coordinately recruit other TFs to enhancer elements. Intriguingly, these enhancer landscapes collectively resemble patterns of enhancer activation during embryonic cardiogenesis. We further constructed a cardiac reprogramming gene regulatory network and found repression of EGFR signaling pathway genes. Consistently, chemical inhibition of EGFR signaling augmented reprogramming. Thus, by defining epigenetic landscapes these findings reveal synergistic transcriptional activation across a broad landscape of cardiac enhancers and key signaling pathways that govern iCLM reprogramming.
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107
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Tang W, Guo R, Shen SJ, Zheng Y, Lu YT, Jiang MM, Cui X, Jiang CZ, Xie X. Chemical cocktails enable hepatic reprogramming of human urine-derived cells with a single transcription factor. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:620-629. [PMID: 30315254 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human liver or hepatocyte transplantation is limited by a severe shortage of donor organs. Direct reprogramming of other adult cells into hepatic cells may offer a solution to this problem. In a previous study, we have generated hepatocyte-like cells from mouse fibroblasts using only one transcription factor (TF) plus a chemical cocktail. Here, we show that human urine-derived epithelial-like cells (hUCs) can also be transdifferentiated into human hepatocyte-like cells (hiHeps) using one TF (Foxa3, Hnf1α, or Hnf4α) plus the same chemical cocktail CRVPTD (C, CHIR99021; R, RepSox; V, VPA; P, Parnate; T, TTNPB; and D, Dznep). These hiHeps express multiple hepatocyte-specific genes and display functions characteristic of mature hepatocytes. With the introduction of the large T antigen, these hiHeps can be expanded in vitro and can restore liver function in mice with concanavalin-A-induced acute liver failure. Our study provides a strategy to generate functional hepatocyte-like cells from hUCs by using a single TF plus a chemical cocktail.
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108
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Guo Y, Lei I, Tian S, Gao W, Hacer K, Li Y, Wang S, Liu L, Wang Z. Chemical suppression of specific C-C chemokine signaling pathways enhances cardiac reprogramming. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9134-9146. [PMID: 31023824 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) is a potentially promising strategy for regenerating a damaged heart. However, low fibroblast-cardiomyocyte conversion rates remain a major challenge in this reprogramming. To this end, here we conducted a chemical screen and identified four agents, insulin-like growth factor-1, Mll1 inhibitor MM589, transforming growth factor-β inhibitor A83-01, and Bmi1 inhibitor PTC-209, termed IMAP, which coordinately enhanced reprogramming efficiency. Using α-muscle heavy chain-GFP-tagged mouse embryo fibroblasts as a starting cell type, we observed that the IMAP treatment increases iCM formation 6-fold. IMAP stimulated higher cardiac troponin T and α-actinin expression and increased sarcomere formation, coinciding with up-regulated expression of many cardiac genes and down-regulated fibroblast gene expression. Furthermore, IMAP promoted higher spontaneous beating and calcium transient activities of iCMs derived from neonatal cardiac fibroblasts. Intriguingly, we also observed that the IMAP treatment repressed many genes involved in immune responses, particularly those in specific C-C chemokine signaling pathways. We therefore investigated the roles of C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), CCL6, and CCL17 in cardiac reprogramming and observed that they inhibited iCM formation, whereas inhibitors of C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), CCR4, and CCR5 had the opposite effect. These results indicated that the IMAP treatment directly suppresses specific C-C chemokine signaling pathways and thereby enhances cardiac reprogramming. In conclusion, a combination of four chemicals, named here IMAP, suppresses specific C-C chemokine signaling pathways and facilitates Mef2c/Gata4/Tbx5 (MGT)-induced cardiac reprogramming, providing a potential means for iCM formation in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Guo
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Spinal Surgery Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ienglam Lei
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shuo Tian
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Wenbin Gao
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Karatas Hacer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Yangbing Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Liu Liu
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109,
| | - Zhong Wang
- From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109,
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109
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Wang M, Ling W, Xiong C, Xie D, Chu X, Li Y, Qiu X, Li Y, Xiao X. Potential Strategies for Cardiac Diseases: Lineage Reprogramming of Somatic Cells into Induced Cardiomyocytes. Cell Reprogram 2019; 21:63-77. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2018.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Wang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenhui Ling
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunxia Xiong
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dengfeng Xie
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyue Chu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunxin Li
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuemin Li
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Xiao
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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110
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Keepers B, Liu J, Qian L. What's in a cardiomyocyte - And how do we make one through reprogramming? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1867:118464. [PMID: 30922868 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Substantial progress is being made in the field cardiac reprogramming, and those in the field are hopeful that the technology will be formulated for therapeutic use. Beyond the excitement around generating a revolutionary new approach for treating ischemic heart diseases, cardiac reprogramming has delivered provocative findings that challenge common notions of cell fate and cell identity. Have we really made de novo cardiomyocytes? To answer this question, the essential characteristics of this unique and important cell type must first be defined. In this review, we walk through the history of scientific inquiry into cardiomyocytes, and then we examine the core features of cardiomyocytes as detailed in modern definitions. Informed by this, we turn to cardiac reprogramming to analyze the various screening approaches and ultimate factor combinations used in each study. We follow this with a dissection of the evidence used to support the authors' claims of successfully creating cardiomyocytes, and we end by discussing what is known about the molecular mechanisms of cardiac reprogramming. Through this analysis, we find interesting differences between the study designs and their results, but it becomes clear that the field at large is generating cells that closely match the textbook definition cardiomyocyte. However, the differences noted between the results of each study are largely unexplained, reflecting the need for further research in both cardiac reprogramming and in native cardiomyocyte biology. Knowledge gained from future research will help move the field towards better reprogramming techniques and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Keepers
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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111
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Ebrahimi B. Cardiac progenitor reprogramming for heart regeneration. CELL REGENERATION 2019; 7:1-6. [PMID: 30671223 PMCID: PMC6326243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction leads to the loss of a huge number of cardiomyocytes and the reparatory response to this phenomenon is scar tissue formation, which impairs heart function. Direct reprogramming technology offers an alternative strategy for the generation of functional cardiomyocytes not only in vitro, but also in vivo in the site of injury. Results have demonstrated cardiac tissue regeneration and improvement in heart function after myocardial infarction following local injection of vectors encoding reprogramming transcription factors or miRNAs. This shows the great potential of cardiac reprogramming technology for heart regeneration. However, in addition to cardiomyocytes, other cell types, including endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are also required to be generated in the damaged area in order to achieve complete cardiac tissue regeneration. To this aim induced proliferative/expandable cardiovascular progenitor cells (iCPCs) appear to be an appropriate cell source, which is capable of differentiation into three cardiovascular lineages both in vitro and in vivo. In this regard, this study goes over in vitro and in vivo cardiac reprogramming technology and specifically deals with cardiac progenitor reprogramming and its potential for heart regeneration.
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Key Words
- CASD, cell-activation and signaling-directed
- Cellular reprogramming
- ECs, endothelial cells
- FGF, fibroblast growth factor
- GMT, Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5
- Heart regeneration
- Myocardial infarction
- PI3K/AKT, phosphoinositol 3-kinase pathway
- SMCs, smooth muscle cells
- TF, transcription factor
- Transdifferentiation
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- iCMs, induced cardiomyocytes
- iCPCs, induced cardiac progenitor cells
- iCSs, induced cardiospheres
- iPSC, induced pluripotent stem cell
- p38 MAPK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Ebrahimi
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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112
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Werner JH, Rosenberg JH, Um JY, Moulton MJ, Agrawal DK. Molecular discoveries and treatment strategies by direct reprogramming in cardiac regeneration. Transl Res 2019; 203:73-87. [PMID: 30142308 PMCID: PMC6289806 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue has minimal endogenous regenerative capacity in response to injury. Treatment options are limited following tissue damage after events such as myocardial infarction. Current strategies are aimed primarily at injury prevention, but attention has been increasingly targeted toward the development of regenerative therapies. This review focuses on recent developments in the field of cardiac fibroblast reprogramming into induced cardiomyocytes. Early efforts to produce cardiac regeneration centered around induced pluripotent stem cells, but clinical translation has proved elusive. Currently, techniques are being developed to directly transdifferentiate cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes. Viral vector-driven expression of a combination of transcription factors including Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 induced cardiomyocyte development in mice. Subsequent combinational modifications have extended these results to human cell lines and increased efficacy. The miRNAs including combinations of miR-1, miR-133, miR-208, and miR-499 can improve or independently drive regeneration of cardiomyocytes. Similar results could be obtained by combinations of small molecules with or without transcription factor or miRNA expression. The local tissue environment greatly impacts favorability for reprogramming. Modulation of signaling pathways, especially those mediated by VEGF and TGF-β, enhance differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Current reprogramming strategies are not ready for clinical application, but recent breakthroughs promise regenerative cardiac therapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Werner
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - John H Rosenberg
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - John Y Um
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Michael J Moulton
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
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113
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Chang Y, Lee E, Kim J, Kwon YW, Kwon Y, Kim J. Efficient in vivo direct conversion of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using a nanoparticle-based gene carrier. Biomaterials 2018; 192:500-509. [PMID: 30513475 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The reprogramming of induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) has shown potential in regenerative medicine. However, in vivo reprogramming of iCMs is significantly inefficient, and novel gene delivery systems are required to more efficiently and safely induce in vivo reprogramming of iCMs for therapeutic applications in heart injury. In this study, we show that cationic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 function as nanocarriers for cardiac reprogramming. The AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocomplexes show high reprogramming efficiency in human and mouse somatic cells with low cytotoxicity and direct conversion into iCMs without integrating factors into the genome. Importantly, AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocomplexes led to efficient in vivo conversion into cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction (MI), resulting in the effective recovery of cardiac function and scar area. Taken together, these results show that the AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocarrier can be used to develop effective therapeutics for heart regeneration in cardiac disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujung Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Euiyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyeop Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Wook Kwon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 30, Pildong-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
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114
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Zhao XX, An XL, Zhu XC, Jiang Y, Zhai YH, Zhang S, Cai NN, Tang B, Li ZY, Zhang XM. Inhibiting transforming growth factor-β signaling regulates in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2018; 330:406-416. [PMID: 30460778 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bBMSC) are potential stem cell source which can be used for multipurpose. However, their application is limited because the in vitro maintenance of these cells is usually accompanied by aging and multipotency losing. Considering transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway inhibitor Repsox is beneficial for cell reprogramming, here we investigated its impacts on the maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC. The bBMSC were enriched and characterized by morphology, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and multilineage differentiation. The impacts of Repsox on their proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, multipotency, and differentiation were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), real-time polymerase chain reaction, induced differentiation and specific staining. The results showed that highly purified cluster of diffrentiation 73+ (CD73 + )/CD90 + /CD105 + /CD34 - /CD45 - bBMSC with adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacities were enriched. Repsox treatments (5 μM, 48 hr) enhanced the messenger RNA mRNA levels of the proliferation gene (telomerase reverse transcriptase [ TERT]; basic fibroblast growth factor [ bFGF]), apoptosis-related gene ( bax and Bcl2), antiapoptosis ratio ( Bcl2/bax), and pluripotency marker gene ( Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog), instead of changing the cell cycle, in bBMSC. Repsox treatments also enhanced the osteogenic differentiation but attenuated the chondrogenic differentiation of bBMSC, concomitant with decreased Smad2 and increased Smad3/4 expressions in TGF-β pathway. Collectively, inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling by Repsox regulates the in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xing-Lan An
- State & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xian-Chun Zhu
- Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan-Hui Zhai
- State & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- State & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning-Ning Cai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Tang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zi-Yi Li
- State & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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115
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Specific Cell (Re-)Programming: Approaches and Perspectives. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 163:71-115. [PMID: 29071403 DOI: 10.1007/10_2017_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Many disorders are manifested by dysfunction of key cell types or their disturbed integration in complex organs. Thereby, adult organ systems often bear restricted self-renewal potential and are incapable of achieving functional regeneration. This underlies the need for novel strategies in the field of cell (re-)programming-based regenerative medicine as well as for drug development in vitro. The regenerative field has been hampered by restricted availability of adult stem cells and the potentially hazardous features of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Moreover, ethical concerns and legal restrictions regarding the generation and use of ESCs still exist. The establishment of direct reprogramming protocols for various therapeutically valuable somatic cell types has overcome some of these limitations. Meanwhile, new perspectives for safe and efficient generation of different specified somatic cell types have emerged from numerous approaches relying on exogenous expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, coding and noncoding RNAs, and chemical compounds.It should be of highest priority to develop protocols for the production of mature and physiologically functional cells with properties ideally matching those of their endogenous counterparts. Their availability can bring together basic research, drug screening, safety testing, and ultimately clinical trials. Here, we highlight the remarkable successes in cellular (re-)programming, which have greatly advanced the field of regenerative medicine in recent years. In particular, we review recent progress on the generation of cardiomyocyte subtypes, with a focus on cardiac pacemaker cells. Graphical Abstract.
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116
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Klose K, Gossen M, Stamm C. Turning fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes: technological review of cardiac transdifferentiation strategies. FASEB J 2018; 33:49-70. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800712r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Klose
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) Berlin Germany
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin Germany
- Helmholtz‐Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG)Institute of Biomaterial Science Teltow Germany
| | - Christof Stamm
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT) Berlin Germany
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)Partner Site Berlin Berlin Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryDeutsches Herzzentrum Berlin (DHZB) Berlin Germany
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117
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Qin H, Zhao A, Fu X. Chemical modulation of cell fates: in situ regeneration. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1137-1150. [PMID: 30099708 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemical modulation of cell fates has been widely used to promote tissue and organ regeneration. Small molecules can target the self-renewal, expansion, differentiation, and survival of endogenous stem cells for enhancing their regenerative power or induce dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation of mature cells into proliferative progenitors or specialized cell types needed for regeneration. Here, we discuss current progress and potential using small molecules to promote in vivo regenerative processes by regulating the cell fate. Current studies of small molecules in regeneration will provide insights into developing safe and efficient chemical approaches for in situ tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qin
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Andong Zhao
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Cell Biology and Tissue Repair Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, China. .,College of Life Sciences, PLA General Hospital, PLA Medical College, Beijing, 100853, China.
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118
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Duran Alonso MB, Lopez Hernandez I, de la Fuente MA, Garcia-Sancho J, Giraldez F, Schimmang T. Transcription factor induced conversion of human fibroblasts towards the hair cell lineage. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200210. [PMID: 29979748 PMCID: PMC6034836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensorineural disorder, affecting over 5% of the population worldwide. Its most frequent cause is the loss of hair cells (HCs), the mechanosensory receptors of the cochlea. HCs transduce incoming sounds into electrical signals that activate auditory neurons, which in turn send this information to the brain. Although some spontaneous HC regeneration has been observed in neonatal mammals, the very small pool of putative progenitor cells that have been identified in the adult mammalian cochlea is not able to replace the damaged HCs, making any hearing impairment permanent. To date, guided differentiation of human cells to HC-like cells has only been achieved using either embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, use of such cell types suffers from a number of important disadvantages, such as the risk of tumourigenicity if transplanted into the host´s tissue. We have obtained cells expressing hair cell markers from cultures of human fibroblasts by overexpression of GFI1, Pou4f3 and ATOH1 (GPA), three genes that are known to play a critical role in the development of HCs. Immunocytochemical, qPCR and RNAseq analyses demonstrate the expression of genes typically expressed by HCs in the transdifferentiated cells. Our protocol represents a much faster approach than the methods applied to ESCs and iPSCs and validates the combination of GPA as a set of genes whose activation leads to the direct conversion of human somatic cells towards the hair cell lineage. Our observations are expected to contribute to the development of future therapies aimed at the regeneration of the auditory organ and the restoration of hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Beatriz Duran Alonso
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Iris Lopez Hernandez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel de la Fuente
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Garcia-Sancho
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Fernando Giraldez
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomédica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Schimmang
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid, Spain
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119
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Direct phenotypic conversion of human fibroblasts into functional osteoblasts triggered by a blockade of the transforming growth factor-β signal. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8463. [PMID: 29855543 PMCID: PMC5981640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26745-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A procedure to generate functional osteoblasts from human somatic cells may pave the way to a novel and effective transplantation therapy in bone disorders. Here, we report that human fibroblasts were induced to show osteoblast phenotypes by culturing with ALK5 i II, which is a specific inhibitor for activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5) (tumor growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGF-β R1)). Cells cultured with ALK5 i II expressed osteoblast-specific genes and massively produced calcified bone matrix, similar to the osteoblasts induced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-OBs). Treatment with vitamin D3 in addition to ALK5 i II induced more osteoblast-like characters, and the efficiency of the conversion reached approximately 90%. The chemical compound-mediated directly converted osteoblasts (cOBs) were similar to human primary osteoblasts in terms of expression profiles of osteoblast-related genes. The cOBs abundantly produced bone matrix in vivo and facilitated bone healing after they were transplanted into immunodeficient mice at an artificially induced defect lesion in femoral bone. The present procedure realizes a highly efficient direct conversion of human fibroblasts into transgene-free and highly functional osteoblasts, which might be applied in a novel strategy of bone regeneration therapy in bone diseases.
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120
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Small molecule-induced cellular fate reprogramming: promising road leading to Rome. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2018; 52:29-35. [PMID: 29857280 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cellular fate reprogramming holds great promise to generate functional cell types for replenishing new cells and restoring functional loss. Inspired by transcription factor-induced reprogramming, the field of cellular reprogramming has greatly advanced and developed into divergent streams of reprogramming approaches. Remarkably, increasing studies have shown the power and advantages of small molecule-based approaches for cellular fate reprogramming, which could overcome the limitations of conventional transgenic-based reprogramming. In this concise review, we discuss these findings and highlight the future potentiality with particular focus on this new trend of chemical reprogramming.
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121
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Lázár E, Sadek HA, Bergmann O. Cardiomyocyte renewal in the human heart: insights from the fall-out. Eur Heart J 2018; 38:2333-2342. [PMID: 28810672 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of the mammalian heart to regenerate cardiomyocytes has been debated over the last decades. However, limitations in existing techniques to track and identify nascent cardiomyocytes have often led to inconsistent results. Radiocarbon (14C) birth dating, in combination with other quantitative strategies, allows to establish the number and age of human cardiomyocytes, making it possible to describe their age distribution and turnover dynamics. Accurate estimates of cardiomyocyte generation in the adult heart can provide the foundation for novel regenerative strategies that aim to stimulate cardiomyocyte renewal in various cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eniko Lázár
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Berzelius väg 35, Stockholm SE 171 65, Sweden
| | - Hesham A Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olaf Bergmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Berzelius väg 35, Stockholm SE 171 65, Sweden.,DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, Dresden, D-01307, Germany
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122
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Chemical compound-based direct reprogramming for future clinical applications. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20171650. [PMID: 29739872 PMCID: PMC5938430 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that a combination of chemical compounds enables direct reprogramming from one somatic cell type into another without the use of transgenes by regulating cellular signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications. The generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells generally requires virus vector-mediated expression of multiple transcription factors, which might disrupt genomic integrity and proper cell functions. The direct reprogramming is a promising alternative to rapidly prepare different cell types by bypassing the pluripotent state. Because the strategy also depends on forced expression of exogenous lineage-specific transcription factors, the direct reprogramming in a chemical compound-based manner is an ideal approach to further reduce the risk for tumorigenesis. So far, a number of reported research efforts have revealed that combinations of chemical compounds and cell-type specific medium transdifferentiate somatic cells into desired cell types including neuronal cells, glial cells, neural stem cells, brown adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, somatic progenitor cells, and pluripotent stem cells. These desired cells rapidly converted from patient-derived autologous fibroblasts can be applied for their own transplantation therapy to avoid immune rejection. However, complete chemical compound-induced conversions remain challenging particularly in adult human-derived fibroblasts compared with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). This review summarizes up-to-date progress in each specific cell type and discusses prospects for future clinical application toward cell transplantation therapy.
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123
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Manipulating cell fate while confronting reproducibility concerns. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 151:144-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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124
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Huang C, Tu W, Fu Y, Wang J, Xie X. Chemical-induced cardiac reprogramming in vivo. Cell Res 2018; 28:686-689. [PMID: 29670223 PMCID: PMC5993815 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chenwen Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanzhi Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbin Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China. .,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China. .,Stake Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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125
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Wiraja C, Yeo DC, Tham KC, Chew SWT, Lim X, Xu C. Real-Time Imaging of Dynamic Cell Reprogramming with Nanosensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1703440. [PMID: 29611333 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201703440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular reprogramming, the process by which somatic cells regain pluripotency, is relevant in many disease modeling, therapeutic, and drug discovery applications. Molecular evaluation of reprogramming (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining) is typically disruptive, and only provides snapshots of phenotypic traits. Gene reporter constructs facilitate live-cell evaluation but is labor intensive and may risk insertional mutagenesis during viral transfection. Herein, the utilization of a non-integrative nanosensor is demonstrated to visualize key reprogramming events in situ within live cells. Principally based on sustained intracellular release of encapsulated molecular probes, nanosensors successfully monitored mesenchymal-epithelial transition, pluripotency acquisition, and transdifferentiation events. Tracking the dynamic expression of four pivotal biomarkers (i.e., THY1, E-CADHERIN, OCT4, and GATA4 mRNA), nanosensor signal showed great agreement with polymerase chain reaction and gene reporter imaging (R2 > 0.9). Overall, such facile, versatile nanosensor enables real-time monitoring of low-frequency reprogramming events, thereby useful for high-throughput assessment, optimization, and biomarker-specific cell enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wiraja
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
| | - David C Yeo
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
| | - Khek-Chian Tham
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Sharon W T Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
- NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Lim
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Chenjie Xu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
- NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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126
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Direct Cardiac Reprogramming: Progress and Promise. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:1435746. [PMID: 29731772 PMCID: PMC5872587 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1435746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human adult heart lacks a robust endogenous repair mechanism to fully restore cardiac function after insult; thus, the ability to regenerate and repair the injured myocardium remains a top priority in treating heart failure. The ability to efficiently generate a large number of functioning cardiomyocytes capable of functional integration within the injured heart has been difficult. However, the ability to directly convert fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo offers great promise in overcoming this problem. In this review, we describe the insights and progress that have been gained from the investigation of direct cardiac reprogramming. We focus on the use of key transcription factors and cardiogenic genes as well as on the use of other biological molecules such as small molecules, cytokines, noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic modifiers to improve the efficiency of cardiac reprogramming. Finally, we discuss the development of safer reprogramming approaches for future clinical application.
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127
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Chang Y, Li C, Jia Y, Chen P, Guo Y, Li A, Guo Z. CD90 + cardiac fibroblasts reduce fibrosis of acute myocardial injury in rats. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:20-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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128
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Wu R, Hu X, Wang J. Concise Review: Optimized Strategies for Stem Cell-Based Therapy in Myocardial Repair: Clinical Translatability and Potential Limitation. Stem Cells 2018; 36:482-500. [PMID: 29330880 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) remain major public health problems with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite significant advances, current therapeutic approaches are unable to rescue the extensive and irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes caused by severe ischemia. Over the past 16 years, stem cell-based therapy has been recognized as an innovative strategy for cardiac repair/regeneration and functional recovery after IHDs. Although substantial preclinical animal studies using a variety of stem/progenitor cells have shown promising results, there is a tremendous degree of skepticism in the clinical community as many stem cell trials do not confer any beneficial effects. How to accelerate stem cell-based therapy toward successful clinical application attracts considerate attention. However, many important issues need to be fully addressed. In this Review, we have described and compared the effects of different types of stem cells with their dose, delivery routes, and timing that have been routinely tested in recent preclinical and clinical findings. We have also discussed the potential mechanisms of action of stem cells, and explored the role and underlying regulatory components of stem cell-derived secretomes/exosomes in myocardial repair. Furthermore, we have critically reviewed the different strategies for optimizing both donor stem cells and the target cardiac microenvironments to enhance the engraftment and efficacy of stem cells, highlighting their clinical translatability and potential limitation. Stem Cells 2018;36:482-500.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian'an Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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129
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Marotta P, Cianflone E, Aquila I, Vicinanza C, Scalise M, Marino F, Mancuso T, Torella M, Indolfi C, Torella D. Combining cell and gene therapy to advance cardiac regeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:409-423. [PMID: 29347847 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1430762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The characterization of multipotent endogenous cardiac stem cells (eCSCs) and the breakthroughs of somatic cell reprogramming to boost cardiomyocyte replacement have fostered the prospect of achieving functional heart repair/regeneration. AREAS COVERED Allogeneic CSC therapy through its paracrine stimulation of the endogenous resident reparative/regenerative process produces functional meaningful myocardial regeneration in pre-clinical porcine myocardial infarction models and is currently tested in the first-in-man human trial. The in vivo test of somatic reprogramming and cardioregenerative non-coding RNAs revived the interest in gene therapy for myocardial regeneration. The latter, together with the advent of genome editing, has prompted most recent efforts to produce genetically-modified allogeneic CSCs that secrete cardioregenerative factors to optimize effective myocardial repair. EXPERT OPINION The current war against heart failure epidemics in western countries seeks to find effective treatments to set back the failing hearts prolonging human lifespan. Off-the-shelf allogeneic-genetically-modified CSCs producing regenerative agents are a novel and evolving therapy set to be affordable, safe, effective and available at all times for myocardial regeneration to either prevent or treat heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pina Marotta
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Eleonora Cianflone
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Iolanda Aquila
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Carla Vicinanza
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Mariangela Scalise
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Fabiola Marino
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Teresa Mancuso
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Michele Torella
- b Department of Cardiothoracic Sciences , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Ciro Indolfi
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Daniele Torella
- a Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , Magna Graecia University , Catanzaro , Italy
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130
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Nanotechnology-Based Cardiac Targeting and Direct Cardiac Reprogramming: The Betrothed. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:4940397. [PMID: 29375623 PMCID: PMC5742458 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4940397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases represent the first cause of morbidity in Western countries, and chronic heart failure features a significant health care burden in developed countries. Efforts in the attempt of finding new possible strategies for the treatment of CHF yielded several approaches based on the use of stem cells. The discovery of direct cardiac reprogramming has unveiled a new approach to heart regeneration, allowing, at least in principle, the conversion of one differentiated cell type into another without proceeding through a pluripotent intermediate. First developed for cancer treatment, nanotechnology-based approaches have opened new perspectives in many fields of medical research, including cardiovascular research. Nanotechnology could allow the delivery of molecules with specific biological activity at a sustained and controlled rate in heart tissue, in a cell-specific manner. Potentially, all the mediators and structural molecules involved in the fibrotic process could be selectively targeted by nanocarriers, but to date, only few experiences have been made in cardiac research. This review highlights the most prominent concepts that characterize both the field of cardiac reprogramming and a nanomedicine-based approach to cardiovascular diseases, hypothesizing a possible synergy between these two very promising fields of research in the treatment of heart failure.
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131
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Abstract
Somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells or transdifferentiate to another lineage cell type. Much efforts have been made to unravel the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the cell fate conversion. Histone modifications as the major epigenetic regulator are implicated in various aspects of reprogramming and transdifferentiation. Here, we discuss the roles of histone modifications on reprogramming and transdifferentiation and hopefully provide new insights into induction and promotion of the cell fate conversion by modulating histone modifications.
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132
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Ghiroldi A, Piccoli M, Ciconte G, Pappone C, Anastasia L. Regenerating the human heart: direct reprogramming strategies and their current limitations. Basic Res Cardiol 2017; 112:68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-017-0655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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133
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Qin H, Zhao A, Fu X. Small molecules for reprogramming and transdifferentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3553-3575. [PMID: 28698932 PMCID: PMC11107793 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotency reprogramming and transdifferentiation induced by transcription factors can generate induced pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells or specialized cells. However, the induction efficiency and the reintroduction of exogenous genes limit their translation into clinical applications. Small molecules that target signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, or metabolic processes can regulate cell development, cell fate, and function. In the recent decade, small molecules have been widely used in reprogramming and transdifferentiation fields, which can promote the induction efficiency, replace exogenous genes, or even induce cell fate conversion alone. Small molecules are expected as novel approaches to generate new cells from somatic cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we will discuss the recent progress, new insights, and future challenges about the use of small molecules in cell fate conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qin
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Andong Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, The First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, 51 Fu Cheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, China.
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134
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(Re-)programming of subtype specific cardiomyocytes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 120:142-167. [PMID: 28916499 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) possess a highly restricted intrinsic regenerative potential - a major barrier to the effective treatment of a range of chronic degenerative cardiac disorders characterized by cellular loss and/or irreversible dysfunction and which underlies the majority of deaths in developed countries. Both stem cell programming and direct cell reprogramming hold promise as novel, potentially curative approaches to address this therapeutic challenge. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has introduced a second pluripotent stem cell source besides embryonic stem cells (ESCs), enabling even autologous cardiomyocyte production. In addition, the recent achievement of directly reprogramming somatic cells into cardiomyocytes is likely to become of great importance. In either case, different clinical scenarios will require the generation of highly pure, specific cardiac cellular-subtypes. In this review, we discuss these themes as related to the cardiovascular stem cell and programming field, including a focus on the emergent topic of pacemaker cell generation for the development of biological pacemakers and in vitro drug testing.
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135
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Liu L, Lei I, Wang Z. Improving cardiac reprogramming for heart regeneration. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2017; 21:588-594. [PMID: 27755167 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world today, and the death rate has remained virtually unchanged in the last 20 years (American Heart Association). This severe life-threatening disease underscores a critical need for developing novel therapeutic strategies to effectively treat this devastating disease. Cell-based therapy represents an extremely promising approach. Generation of induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) directly from fibroblasts offers an attractive novel strategy for in-situ heart regeneration. Major challenges of iCM reprogramming include the low conversion rate and heterogeneity of the iCMs. This review will summarize the major advancements in improving the iCM reprogramming efficiency and iCM maturation. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous studies have been published in the past 18 months to describe various strategies for achieving more efficient iCM reprogramming. These strategies are based on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cardiogenesis, which include transcriptional networks, signaling pathways and epigenetic cell fate change. SUMMARY Novel strategies for highly efficient iCM reprogramming will be required for applying iCM reprogramming to patients. Creative and combined methods based on our understanding of cardiogenesis will continue to contribute heavily in the advancement of iCM reprogramming. We are highly optimistic that iCM reprogramming-based heart therapy will restore the pumping function of damaged patient hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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136
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Akbari B, Wee P, Yaqubi M, Mohammadnia A. Comprehensive transcriptome mining of the direct conversion of mesodermal cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10427. [PMID: 28874788 PMCID: PMC5585404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10903-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The direct reprogramming of somatic cells is a promising approach for regenerative medicine, especially in the production of mesoderm layer-derived cells. Meta-analysis studies provide precise insight into the undergoing processes and help increase the efficiency of reprogramming. Here, using 27 high-throughput expression data sets, we analyzed the direct reprogramming of mesodermal cells in humans and mice. Fibroblast-derived cells showed a common expression pattern of up- and down-regulated genes that were mainly involved in the suppression of the fibroblast-specific gene expression program, and may be used as markers of the initiation of reprogramming. Furthermore, we found a specific gene expression profile for each fibroblast-derived cell studied, and each gene set appeared to play specific functional roles in its cell type, suggesting their use as markers for their mature state. Furthermore, using data from protein-DNA interactions, we identified the main transcription factors (TFs) involved in the conversion process and ranked them based on their importance in their gene regulatory networks. In summary, our meta-analysis approach provides new insights on the direct conversion of mesodermal somatic cells, introduces a list of genes as markers for initiation and maturation, and identifies TFs for which manipulating their expression may increase the efficiency of direct conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Akbari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ping Wee
- Department of Medical Genetics and Signal Transduction Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Moein Yaqubi
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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137
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Liu C, Himmati F, Sayed N. Paying the Toll in Nuclear Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:70. [PMID: 28861413 PMCID: PMC5562677 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to reverse lineage-committed cells toward pluripotent stem cells or to another cell type is one of the ultimate goals in regenerative medicine. We recently discovered that activation of innate immunity, through Toll-like receptor 3, is required during this conversion of cell fate by causing global changes in the expression and activity of epigenetic modifiers. Here we discuss, in a comprehensive manner, the recent studies on the role of innate immunity in nuclear reprogramming and transdifferentiation, the underlying mechanisms, and its role in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Liu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, United States
| | - Farhan Himmati
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, United States
| | - Nazish Sayed
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, United States
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138
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Kolanowski TJ, Antos CL, Guan K. Making human cardiomyocytes up to date: Derivation, maturation state and perspectives. Int J Cardiol 2017; 241:379-386. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.03.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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139
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Guo R, Tang W, Yuan Q, Hui L, Wang X, Xie X. Chemical Cocktails Enable Hepatic Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts with a Single Transcription Factor. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:499-512. [PMID: 28757167 PMCID: PMC5550014 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver or hepatocytes transplantation is limited by the availability of donor organs. Functional hepatocytes independent of the donor sources may have wide applications in regenerative medicine and the drug industry. Recent studies have demonstrated that chemical cocktails may induce reprogramming of fibroblasts into a range of functional somatic cells. Here, we show that mouse fibroblasts can be transdifferentiated into the hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) using only one transcription factor (TF) (Foxa1, Foxa2, or Foxa3) plus a chemical cocktail. These iHeps show typical epithelial morphology, express multiple hepatocyte-specific genes, and acquire hepatocyte functions. Genetic lineage tracing confirms the fibroblast origin of these iHeps. More interestingly, these iHeps are expandable in vitro and can reconstitute the damaged hepatic tissues of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase-deficient (Fah−/−) mice. Our study provides a strategy to generate functional hepatocyte-like cells by using a single TF plus a chemical cocktail and is one step closer to generate the full-chemical iHeps. Fibroblasts are converted to iHeps using only one TF plus a chemical cocktail Genetic lineage tracing confirms the fibroblast origin of these iHeps The iHeps are expendable and functional both in vitro and in vivo
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianting Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lijian Hui
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy for Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of National Education, Ministry for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Xin Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 189 Guo Shou Jing Road, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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140
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Xie X, Fu Y, Liu J. Chemical reprogramming and transdifferentiation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 46:104-113. [PMID: 28755566 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The revolutionizing somatic cell reprogramming/transdifferentiation technologies provide a new path for cell replacement therapies and drug screening. The original method for reprogramming involves the delivery of exogenous transcription factors, leading to the safety concerns about the possible genome integration. Many efforts have been taken to avoid genetic alteration in somatic cell reprogramming/transdifferentiation by using non-integrating gene delivery approaches, cell membrane permeable proteins, and small molecule compounds. Compared to other methods, small-molecule compounds have several unique advantages, such as structural versatility and being easy to control in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent way. More importantly, small molecules have been used as drugs to treat human diseases for thousands of years. So the small molecule approach to reprogramming might be more acceptable in clinical-related uses. In the past few years, small molecule approaches have made significant progresses in inducing pluripotent or functional differentiated cells from somatic cells. Here we review the recent achievements of chemical reprogramming/transdifferentiation and discuss the advantages and challenges facing this strategy in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yanbin Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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141
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Rao KS, Spees JL. Harnessing Epicardial Progenitor Cells and Their Derivatives for Rescue and Repair of Cardiac Tissue After Myocardial Infarction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:149-158. [PMID: 29057207 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ischemic heart disease and stroke lead to the greatest number of deaths worldwide. Despite decreased time to intervention and improvements in the standard of care, 1 out of 5 patients that survive a myocardial infarction (MI) still face long-term chronic heart failure and a 5-year mortality rate of about 50%. Based on their multi-potency for differentiation and paracrine activity, epicardial cells and their derivatives have potential to rescue jeopardized tissue and/or promote cardiac regeneration. Here we review the diagnosis and treatment of MI, basic epicardial cell biology, and potential treatment strategies designed to harness the reparative properties of epicardial cells. RECENT FINDINGS During cardiac development, epicardial cells covering the surface of the heart generate migratory progenitor cells that contribute to the coronary vasculature and the interstitial fibroblasts. Epicardial cells also produce paracrine signals required for myocardial expansion and cardiac growth. In adults with myocardial infarction, epicardial cells and their derivatives provide paracrine factors that affect myocardial remodeling and repair. At present, the intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic signals that regulate epicardial cell fate and paracrine activity in adults remain poorly understood. SUMMARY Human diseases that result in heart failure due to negative remodeling or extensive loss of viable cardiac tissue require new, effective treatments. Improved understanding of epicardial cell function(s) and epicardial-mediated secretion of growth factors, cytokines and hormones during cardiac growth, homeostasis and injury may lead to new ways to treat patients with myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika S Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
| | - Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
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142
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Takeda Y, Harada Y, Yoshikawa T, Dai P. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts to brown adipocytes by small chemical compounds. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4304. [PMID: 28655922 PMCID: PMC5487346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Brown adipocytes play an important role in human energy metabolism and prevention of obesity and diabetes. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a promising source for brown adipocytes; however, exogenous gene induction is generally required for iPSCs generation, which might cause undesired effects particularly in long-term treatment after transplantation. We have previously reported a cocktail of six small chemical compounds that enables a conversion of human fibroblasts into chemical compound-induced neuronal cells (CiNCs). Here, we report that modified combinations of the chemical compounds and rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, afforded direct conversion of human fibroblasts into brown adipocytes. The chemical compound-induced brown adipocytes (ciBAs) exhibit induction of human brown adipocyte-specific genes such as Ucp1, Ckmt1, Cited1 and other adipocyte-specific genes such as Fabp4, AdipoQ, and Pparγ. Treatment with either isoproterenol or Forskolin further induced the expression of Ucp1, suggesting that β adrenergic receptor signalling in ciBAs could be functional for induction of thermogenic genes. Moreover, oxygen consumption rates were elevated in ciBAs along with increase of cellular mitochondria. Our findings might provide an easily accessible approach for generating human brown adipocytes from fibroblasts and offer therapeutic potential for the management of obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukimasa Takeda
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Harada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Ping Dai
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
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143
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Kojima H, Ieda M. Discovery and progress of direct cardiac reprogramming. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2203-2215. [PMID: 28197667 PMCID: PMC11107684 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac disease remains a major cause of death worldwide. Direct cardiac reprogramming has emerged as a promising approach for cardiac regenerative therapy. After the discovery of MyoD, a master regulator for skeletal muscle, other single cardiac reprogramming factors (master regulators) have been sought. Discovery of cardiac reprogramming factors was inspired by the finding that multiple, but not single, transcription factors were needed to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from fibroblasts. We first reported a combination of cardiac-specific transcription factors, Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT), that could convert mouse fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells, which were designated as induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs). Following our first report of cardiac reprogramming, many researchers, including ourselves, demonstrated an improvement in cardiac reprogramming efficiency, in vivo direct cardiac reprogramming for heart regeneration, and cardiac reprogramming in human cells. However, cardiac reprogramming in human cells and adult fibroblasts remains inefficient, and further efforts are needed. We believe that future research elucidating epigenetic barriers and molecular mechanisms of direct cardiac reprogramming will improve the reprogramming efficiency, and that this new technology has great potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kojima
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- AMED-PRIME, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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144
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Martin U, Haverich A. Myokardiales Tissue-Engineering. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR HERZ THORAX UND GEFASSCHIRURGIE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00398-016-0119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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145
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the world. The limited regenerative capacity of adult cardiomyocytes is the major barrier for heart regeneration. After myocardial infarction, myofibroblasts are the dominant cell type in the infarct zone. Therefore, it is a good idea to reprogram terminally differentiated myofibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells directly, providing a good strategy to simultaneously reduce scar tissue and increase functional cardiomyocytes. Transcription factors were first identified to reprogram myofibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Thereafter, microRNAs and/or small molecules showed great potential to optimize the reprogramming process. Here, we systemically summarize and compare the major progress in directed cardiac reprogramming including transcription factors and miRNAs, especially the small molecules. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges needed to be overcome to apply this strategy clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqiu Chen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science & Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Road, Building 1, Room 1628, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China.,Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China
| | - Ziying Yang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science & Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Road, Building 1, Room 1628, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China
| | - Zhen-Ao Zhao
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science & Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Road, Building 1, Room 1628, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China.
| | - Zhenya Shen
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science & Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Road, Building 1, Room 1628, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China.
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146
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Ebrahimi B. In vivo reprogramming for heart regeneration: A glance at efficiency, environmental impacts, challenges and future directions. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2017; 108:61-72. [PMID: 28502796 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Replacing dying or diseased cells of a tissue with new ones that are converted from patient's own cells is an attractive strategy in regenerative medicine. In vivo reprogramming is a novel strategy that can circumvent the hurdles of autologous/allogeneic cell injection therapies. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that direct injection of cardiac transcription factors or specific miRNAs into the infarct border zone of murine hearts following myocardial infarction converts resident cardiac fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes. Moreover, in vivo cardiac reprogramming not only drives cardiac tissue regeneration, but also improves cardiac function and survival rate after myocardial infarction. Thanks to the influence of cardiac microenvironment and the same developmental origin, cardiac fibroblasts seem to be more amenable to reprogramming toward cardiomyocyte fate than other cell sources (e.g. skin fibroblasts). Thus, reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts to functional induced cardiomyocytes in the cardiac environment holds great promises for induced regeneration and potential clinical purposes. Application of small molecules in future studies may represent a major advancement in this arena and pharmacological reprogramming would convey reprogramming technology to the translational medicine paradigm. This study reviews accomplishments in the field of in vitro and in vivo mouse cardiac reprogramming and then deals with strategies for the enhancement of the efficiency and quality of the process. Furthermore, it discusses challenges ahead and provides suggestions for future research. Human cardiac reprogramming is also addressed as a foundation for possible application of in vivo cardiac reprogramming for human heart regeneration in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Ebrahimi
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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147
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Kawamata M, Suzuki A. Cell fate modification toward the hepatic lineage by extrinsic factors. J Biochem 2017; 162:11-16. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvx028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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148
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Abstract
Myocardial infarction afflicts close to three quarters of a million Americans annually, resulting in reduced heart function, arrhythmia, and frequently death. Cardiomyocyte death reduces the heart’s pump capacity while the deposition of a non-conductive scar incurs the risk of arrhythmia. Direct cardiac reprogramming emerged as a novel technology to simultaneously reduce scar tissue and generate new cardiomyocytes to restore cardiac function. This technology converts endogenous cardiac fibroblasts directly into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells using a variety of cocktails including transcription factors, microRNAs, and small molecules. Although promising, direct cardiac reprogramming is still in its fledging phase, and numerous barriers have to be overcome prior to its clinical application. This review discusses current findings to optimize reprogramming efficiency, including reprogramming factor cocktails and stoichiometry, epigenetic barriers to cell fate reprogramming, incomplete conversion and residual fibroblast identity, requisite growth factors, and environmental cues. Finally, we address the current challenges and future directions for the field.
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149
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Targeting KDM1A attenuates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to eliminate sorafenib-resistant stem-like cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 398:12-21. [PMID: 28377178 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often hindered by the development of resistance, which has been recently shown to be associated with the emergence of a cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation. However, it remains largely unknown whether epigenetic mechanisms, especially histone posttranslational modifications, are causally linked to the maintenance of stem-like properties in sorafenib-resistant HCC. In this study, we report that the activity of lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A or LSD1) is required for the emergence of cancer stem cells following prolonged sorafenib treatment. As such, KDM1A inhibitors, such as pargyline and GSK2879552, dramatically suppress stem-like properties of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Mechanistically, KDM1A inhibitors derepress the expression of multiple upstream negative regulators of the Wnt signaling pathway to downregulate the β-catenin pathway. More importantly, KDM1A inhibition resensitizes sorafenib-resistant HCC cells to sorafenib in vivo, at least in part through reducing a CSC pool, suggesting a promising opportunity for this therapeutic combination. Together, these findings suggest that KDM1A inhibitors may be utilized to alleviate acquired resistance to sorafenib, thus increasing the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib in HCC patients.
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150
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Rastegar-Pouyani S, Khazaei N, Wee P, Yaqubi M, Mohammadnia A. Meta-Analysis of Transcriptome Regulation During Induction to Cardiac Myocyte Fate From Mouse and Human Fibroblasts. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2053-2062. [PMID: 27579918 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic expression of a defined set of transcription factors (TFs) can directly convert fibroblasts into a cardiac myocyte cell fate. Beside inefficiency in generating induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs), the molecular mechanisms that regulate this process remained to be well defined. The main purpose of this study was to provide better insight on the transcriptome regulation and to introduce a new strategy for candidating TFs for the transdifferentiation process. Eight mouse and three human high quality microarray data sets were analyzed to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which we integrated with TF-binding sites and protein-protein interactions to construct gene regulatory and protein-protein interaction networks. Topological and biological analyses of constructed gene networks revealed the main regulators and most affected biological processes. The DEGs could be categorized into two distinct groups, first, up-regulated genes that are mainly involved in cardiac-specific processes and second, down-regulated genes that are mainly involved in fibroblast-specific functions. Gata4, Mef2a, Tbx5, Tead4 TFs were identified as main regulators of cardiac-specific gene expression program; and Trp53, E2f1, Myc, Sfpi1, Lmo2, and Meis1 were identified as TFs which mainly regulate the expression of fibroblast-specific genes. Furthermore, we compared gene expression profiles and identified TFs between mouse and human to find the similarities and differences. In summary, our strategy of meta-analyzing the data of high-throughput techniques by computational approaches, besides revealing the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the gene expression program, also suggests a new approach for increasing the efficiency of the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iCMs. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2053-2062, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Rastegar-Pouyani
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Niusha Khazaei
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ping Wee
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics and Signal Transduction Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Moein Yaqubi
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abdulshakour Mohammadnia
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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