101
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Fibroblast transition to an endothelial "trans" state improves cell reprogramming efficiency. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22605. [PMID: 34799643 PMCID: PMC8604927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast reprogramming offers the potential for myocardial regeneration via in situ cell transdifferentiation. We explored a novel strategy leveraging endothelial cell plasticity to enhance reprogramming efficiency. Rat cardiac endothelial cells and fibroblasts were treated with Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) to assess the cardio-differentiation potential of these cells. The endothelial cell transdifferentiation factor ETV2 was transiently over-expressed in fibroblasts followed by GMT treatment to assess “trans-endothelial” cardio-differentiation. Endothelial cells treated with GMT generated more cTnT+ cells than did cardiac fibroblasts (13% ± 2% vs 4% ± 0.5%, p < 0.01). Cardiac fibroblasts treated with ETV2 demonstrated increased endothelial cell markers, and when then treated with GMT yielded greater prevalence of cells expressing cardiomyocyte markers including cTnT than did fibroblasts treated with GMT or ETV2 (10.3% ± 0.2% vs 1.7% ± 0.06% and 0.6 ± 0.03, p < 0.01). Rat cardiac fibroblasts treated with GMT + ETV2 demonstrated calcium transients upon electrical stimulation and contractility synchronous with surrounding neonatal cardiomyocytes, whereas cells treated with GMT or ETV2 alone failed to contract in co-culture experiments. Human cardiac fibroblasts treated with ETV2 and then GMT likewise demonstrated greater prevalence of cTnT expression than did cells treated with GMT alone (2.8-fold increase, p < 0.05). Cardiac fibroblast transitioning through a trans-endothelial state appears to enhance cardio-differentiation by enhancing fibroblast plasticity.
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102
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Endothelial Contribution to Warfarin-Induced Arterial Media Calcification in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111615. [PMID: 34769044 PMCID: PMC8583869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial media calcification (AMC) is predominantly regulated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which transdifferentiate into pro-calcifying cells. In contrast, there is little evidence for endothelial cells playing a role in the disease. The current study investigates cellular functioning and molecular pathways underlying AMC, respectively by, an ex vivo isometric organ bath set-up to explore the interaction between VSMCs and ECs and quantitative proteomics followed by functional pathway interpretation. AMC development, which was induced in mice by dietary warfarin administration, was proved by positive Von Kossa staining and a significantly increased calcium content in the aorta compared to that of control mice. The ex vivo organ bath set-up showed calcified aortic segments to be significantly more sensitive to phenylephrine induced contraction, compared to control segments. This, together with the fact that calcified segments as compared to control segments, showed a significantly smaller contraction in the absence of extracellular calcium, argues for a reduced basal NO production in the calcified segments. Moreover, proteomic data revealed a reduced eNOS activation to be part of the vascular calcification process. In summary, this study identifies a poor endothelial function, next to classic pro-calcifying stimuli, as a possible initiator of arterial calcification.
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103
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Wang HS, Xia X, Wang Y, Lyu W, Sang M, Gu C, Liu W, Zheng F. Anti-cancer adjuvant drug screening via epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related aptamer probe. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:6951-6962. [PMID: 34676432 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03669-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in the pathological processes of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Anti-cancer drugs may also potentially lead to EMT, resulting in their reduced therapeutic effect. Therefore, the combination of these anti-cancer drugs with anti-EMT agents has been promoted in clinic. Screening anti-EMT drugs and evaluation of EMT process are highly dependent on EMT biomarkers on cell membrane. At present, the detection of EMT biomarker is mainly by Western blot method, which is time-consuming and complicated. In this work, for effectively screening anti-EMT drugs by evaluation of the EMT process, a type of aptamer probe based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was designed. The aptamer SYL3C was employed to target the EMT biomarker EpCAM on cell membrane. Two fluorophores, FAM and tetraphenylethene (TPE, an AIE dye), were modified at the two ends of SYL3C, respectively. This aptamer probe (TPE-SYL3C-FAM) can monitor the EpCAM expression, which can be recovered by anti-EMT drugs. By observation of the change in TPE emission intensity, the anti-EMT effect of drugs can be evaluated. The FAM emission was used as internal reference to reduce environmental interferences. This probe can be potentially used to screen anti-EMT agents as anti-cancer adjuvant drugs with high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Song Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingya Xia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingming Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lyu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Mangmang Sang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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104
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Oxidative Stress Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the Pathogenesis of the Fibrotic Process in Systemic Sclerosis: A Promising Therapeutic Target. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204791. [PMID: 34682914 PMCID: PMC8539594 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical and research investigations conducted during the last two decades have implicated excessive oxidative stress caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the development of the severe and frequently progressive fibrotic process in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The role of excessive oxidative stress in SSc pathogenesis has been supported by the demonstration of increased levels of numerous biomarkers, indicative of cellular and molecular oxidative damage in serum, plasma, and other biological fluids from SSc patients, and by the demonstration of elevated production of ROS by various cell types involved in the SSc fibrotic process. However, the precise mechanisms mediating oxidative stress development in SSc and its pathogenetic effects have not been fully elucidated. The participation of the NADPH oxidase NOX4, has been suggested and experimentally supported by the demonstration that SSc dermal fibroblasts display constitutively increased NOX4 expression and that reduction or abrogation of NOX4 effects decreased ROS production and the expression of genes encoding fibrotic proteins. Furthermore, NOX4-stimulated ROS production may be involved in the development of certain endothelial and vascular abnormalities and may even participate in the generation of SSc-specific autoantibodies. Collectively, these observations suggest NOX4 as a novel therapeutic target for SSc.
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105
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Liu W, Li Y, Wu Z, Hai K, Wang Y, Zhou X, Ye Q. Heparin alleviates LPS-induced endothelial injury by regulating the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1397. [PMID: 34650645 PMCID: PMC8506914 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin is a commonly used in the clinic, however, Heparin's effect on endothelial injury remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of action underlying heparin treatment in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial injury in vitro. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were measured using ELISA. Cell proliferation was measured using a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. The number of apoptotic cells and apoptotic rate were evaluated using TUNEL assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and NF-κB (p65) gene expression was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, whilst TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB (p65) protein expression was evaluated using western blot analysis. The levels of phosphorylated NF-κB in the nucleus were evaluated using cellular immunofluorescence. Compared with those in the normal control group, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the LPS group (P<0.001). In addition, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive cells were significantly increased and apoptosis was significantly decreased (P<0.001). TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB (p65) expression was also significantly increased (P<0.001). Compared with those in the LPS group, following heparin treatment, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whilst the number of EdU-positive cells was significantly increased and the level of apoptosis was significantly decreased (P<0.05). TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB (p65) expression was also significantly decreased by heparin in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). Small interfering RNA-TLR4 transfection exerted similar effects to those mediated by heparin in alleviating endothelial injury. In conclusion, heparin suppressed LPS-induced endothelial injury through the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB (p65) signaling in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxun Liu
- Anesthesia Specialty, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China.,Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Anesthesia Specialty, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China.,Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
| | - Zhaozhao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, P.R. China
| | - Kerong Hai
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China.,Ningxia Anesthesia Clinical Medical Research Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China.,Ningxia Anesthesia Clinical Medical Research Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China.,Ningxia Anesthesia Clinical Medical Research Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
| | - Qingshan Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China.,Ningxia Anesthesia Clinical Medical Research Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750002, P.R. China
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106
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Liang X, Wu S, Geng Z, Liu L, Zhang S, Wang S, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Zhang B. LARP7 Suppresses Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Coupling With TRIM28. Circ Res 2021; 129:843-856. [PMID: 34503347 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
| | - Shuo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
| | - Zilong Geng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
| | - Shiyan Wang
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, China (S. Wang)
| | - Yan Zhang
- Renji-Med Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (Y.Z.)
| | - Yu Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Y.H.).,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Y.H.)
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (X.L., S. Wu, Z.G., L.L., S.Z., B.Z.)
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107
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Huang N, Zhu TT, Liu T, Ge XY, Wang D, Liu H, Zhu GX, Zhang Z, Hu CP. Aspirin ameliorates pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension by dampening endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174307. [PMID: 34245748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) is the pathological basis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Incomplete understanding of PVR etiology has hindered drug development for this devastating disease, which exhibits poor prognosis despite the currently available therapies. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process of cell transdifferentiation, has been recently implicated in cardiovascular diseases, including PH. But the questions of how EndMT occurs and how to pharmacologically target EndMT in vivo have yet to be further answered. Herein, by performing hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting, we found that EndMT plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PH, and importantly that aspirin, a FDA-approved widely used drug, was capable of ameliorating PVR in a preclinical rat model of hypoxia-induced PH. Moreover, aspirin exerted its inhibitory effects on EndMT in vitro and in vivo by suppressing HIF-1α/TGF-β1/Smads/Snail signaling pathway. Our data suggest that EndMT represents an intriguing drug target for the prevention and treatment of hypoxic PH and that aspirin may be repurposed to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of hypoxic PH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Tian-Tian Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453000, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, Henan, 453000, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou First Peoples Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Guang-Xuan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
| | - Chang-Ping Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
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108
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Savira F, Kompa AR, Kelly DJ, Magaye R, Xiong X, Huang L, Liew D, Reid C, Kaye D, Scullino CV, Pitson SM, Flynn BL, Wang BH. The effect of dihydroceramide desaturase 1 inhibition on endothelial impairment induced by indoxyl sulfate. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 141:106923. [PMID: 34600152 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) have adverse effects on vascular function, which is imperative in the progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases. The role of sphingolipids in PBUT-mediated vasculo-endothelial pathophysiology is unclear. This study assessed the therapeutic potential of dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (Des1) inhibition, the last enzyme involved in de novo ceramide synthesis, to mitigate the vascular effects of the PBUT indoxyl sulfate (IS). Rat aortic rings were isolated and vascular reactivity was assessed in organ bath experiments followed by immunohistochemical analyses. Furthermore, cultured human aortic endothelial cells were assessed for phenotypic and mechanistic changes. Inhibition of Des1 by a selective inhibitor CIN038 (0.1 to 0.3 μM) improved IS-induced impairment of vasorelaxation and modulated immunoreactivity of oxidative stress markers. Des1 inhibition also reversed IS-induced reduction in endothelial cell migration (1.0 μM) by promoting the expression of angiogenic cytokines and reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. These effects were associated with a reduction of TIMP1 and the restoration of Akt phosphorylation. In conclusion, Des1 inhibition improved vascular relaxation and endothelial cell migration impaired by IS overload. Therefore, Des1 may be a suitable intracellular target to mitigate PBUT-induced adverse vascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feby Savira
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew R Kompa
- Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Ruth Magaye
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xin Xiong
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Li Huang
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Liew
- Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher Reid
- Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - David Kaye
- Heart Failure Research Group, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carmen V Scullino
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Molecular Signalling Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bernard L Flynn
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Bing H Wang
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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109
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Islam S, Boström KI, Di Carlo D, Simmons CA, Tintut Y, Yao Y, Hsu JJ. The Mechanobiology of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:734215. [PMID: 34566697 PMCID: PMC8458763 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.734215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the cardiovascular system are subjected to a highly dynamic microenvironment resulting from pulsatile pressure and circulating blood flow. Endothelial cells are remarkably sensitive to these forces, which are transduced to activate signaling pathways to maintain endothelial homeostasis and respond to changes in the environment. Aberrations in these biomechanical stresses, however, can trigger changes in endothelial cell phenotype and function. One process involved in this cellular plasticity is endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). As a result of EndMT, ECs lose cell-cell adhesion, alter their cytoskeletal organization, and gain increased migratory and invasive capabilities. EndMT has long been known to occur during cardiovascular development, but there is now a growing body of evidence also implicating it in many cardiovascular diseases (CVD), often associated with alterations in the cellular mechanical environment. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of shear stress, cyclic strain, matrix stiffness, and composition associated with EndMT in CVD. We first provide an overview of EndMT and context for how ECs sense, transduce, and respond to certain mechanical stimuli. We then describe the biomechanical features of EndMT and the role of mechanically driven EndMT in CVD. Finally, we indicate areas of open investigation to further elucidate the complexity of EndMT in the cardiovascular system. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the mechanobiology of EndMT in CVD can provide insight into new opportunities for identification of novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrin Islam
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yin Tintut
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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110
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Wang H, Feng Z, Han X, Xing Y, Zhang X. Downregulation of acylglycerol kinase suppresses high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition in HRECs through regulating the LPAR1/TGF-β/Notch signaling pathway. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 100:142-150. [PMID: 34559978 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) participates in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but cell-intrinsic factors modulating this process remain elusive. In this study, we explored the role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-producing enzyme, acylglycerol kinase (AGK) in the EndMT of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) under high glucose (HG) conditions. We found that AGK was significantly elevated in HG-treated cells. In addition, AGK knockdown reversed the HG-induced EndMT in HRECs, which was evidenced by the increased epithelial markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and decreased mesenchymal markers (FSP1 and α-SMA). Furthermore, downregulation of AGK inhibited the HG-induced activation of TGF-β/Notch pathways, whereas exogenous TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) impeded the inhibitory effects of AGK knockdown on HG-induced EndMT in HRECs. Additionally, the silence of AGK abolished the HG-induced upregulation of LPA and its receptor LPAR1, and overexpression of LPAR1 further rescued the AGK knockdown-mediated inhibition of the EndMT process. In conclusion, we demonstrate that downregulation of acylglycerol kinase suppresses high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition in HRECs through regulating the LPAR1/TGF-β/Notch signaling pathway, indicating that AGK might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Zhuolei Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Xue Han
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Yue Xing
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
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111
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Mao Y, Jiang L. MiR-200c-3p promotes ox-LDL-induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through SMAD7/YAP pathway. J Physiol Sci 2021; 71:30. [PMID: 34525946 PMCID: PMC10717414 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-021-00815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) participates in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). MiR-200c-3p has been implicated in EndMT. However, the functional role of miR-200c-3p in AS remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated the critical role of miR-200c-3p in regulating EndMT in AS. METHODS ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS mouse model, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic AS cell model. The expression of miR-200c-3p, SMAD7 and YAP in ApoE-/- mice and HUVECs was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Rhodamine phalloidin staining and Western blot were performed to observe cell morphology and EndMT marker expression of HUVECs. Luciferase reporter assay and Co-Immunoprecipitation were performed to verify the relationship among miR-200c-3p, SMAD7, and YAP. RESULTS MiR-200c-3p was highly expressed, and SMAD7 and YAP were down-regulated in the aortic tissues of ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p overexpression promoted the transformation of ox-LDL-treated HUVECs from cobblestone-like epithelial phenotype to a spindle-like mesenchymal phenotype. Meanwhile, miR-200c-3p up-regulation repressed the expression of endothelial markers CD31 and vWF and promoted the expression of mesenchymal markers α-SMA and vimentin in the ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p inhibited SMAD7 and YAP expression by interacting with 3' untranslated region of SMAD7. Moreover, miR-200c-3p promoted EndMT in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs by inhibiting SMAD7/YAP pathway. CONCLUSION This work demonstrated that MiR-200c-3p promoted ox-LDL-induced EndMT in HUVECs through SMAD7/YAP pathway, which may be important for the onset of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhong Mao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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Lupieri A, Nagata Y, Passos LSA, Beker-Greene D, Kirkwood KA, Wylie-Sears J, Alvandi Z, Higashi H, Hung JW, Singh SA, Bischoff J, Levine RA, Aikawa E. Integration of Functional Imaging, Cytometry, and Unbiased Proteomics Reveals New Features of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Ischemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Human Patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:688396. [PMID: 34458332 PMCID: PMC8387660 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.688396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Following myocardial infarction, mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication. Previous animal studies demonstrated the association of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) with mitral valve (MV) remodeling. Nevertheless, little is known about how MV tissue responds to ischemic heart changes in humans. Methods: MVs were obtained by the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network from 17 patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Echo-doppler imaging assessed MV function at time of resection. Cryosections of MVs were analyzed using a multi-faceted histology and immunofluorescence examination of cell populations. MVs were further analyzed using unbiased label-free proteomics. Echo-Doppler imaging, histo-cytometry measures and proteomic analysis were then integrated. Results: MVs from patients with greater MR exhibited proteomic changes associated with proteolysis-, inflammatory- and oxidative stress-related processes compared to MVs with less MR. Cryosections of MVs from patients with IMR displayed activated valvular interstitial cells (aVICs) and double positive CD31+ αSMA+ cells, a hallmark of EndMT. Univariable and multivariable association with echocardiography measures revealed a positive correlation of MR severity with both cellular and geometric changes (e.g., aVICs, EndMT, leaflet thickness, leaflet tenting). Finally, proteomic changes associated with EndMT showed gene-ontology enrichment in vesicle-, inflammatory- and oxidative stress-related processes. This discovery approach indicated new candidate proteins associated with EndMT regulation in IMR. Conclusion: We describe an atypical cellular composition and distinctive proteome of human MVs from patients with IMR, which highlighted new candidate proteins implicated in EndMT-related processes, associated with maladaptive MV fibrotic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Lupieri
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yasufumi Nagata
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Livia S A Passos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dakota Beker-Greene
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katherine A Kirkwood
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine, International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovation Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jill Wylie-Sears
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zahra Alvandi
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hideyuki Higashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Judy W Hung
- Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Cardiology and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sasha A Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert A Levine
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Human Pathology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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113
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Huang Y, Han X, Tang J, Long X, Wang X. Salidroside inhibits endothelial‑mesenchymal transition via the KLF4/eNOS signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:692. [PMID: 34368873 PMCID: PMC8365603 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) was discovered to be an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Moreover, endothelial‑mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was found to be one of main mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of AS. Salidroside (SAL) has diverse pharmacological activities, including anti‑inflammatory, anti‑cancer, anti‑oxidative and anti‑fibrosis properties. However, whether SAL serves a beneficial role in Hcy‑induced EndMT remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether SAL exerted its effects on Hcy‑induced EndMT via the Kruppel‑like factor 4 (KLF4)/endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway. HUVECs were pretreated with high and low doses (10 or 50 µmol/l) of SAL for 2 h, followed by 1 mmol/l Hcy for 48 h to induce EndMT. Western blotting was used to analyze the protein expression levels of the endothelial marker, VE‑cadherin, the mesenchymal cell marker, α‑smooth muscle actin (SMA), and the nuclear transcription factors, KLF4 and eNOS. Wound healing assays were used to determine the cell migratory ability, and the levels of NO in the cell culture supernatants were measured using a nitrate reductase assay. Cellular immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression and localization of KLF4. Small interfering (si)RNA targeting KLF4 (siKLF4) was used to knock down KLF4 expression in HUVECs. The results of the present study revealed that treatment with SAL upregulated the expression levels of VE‑cadherin, downregulated the expression levels of α‑SMA, reduced cell migration and activated the eNOS/NO signaling axis, as well as downregulated KLF4 expression and translocation to the nucleus. Compared with the SAL + siKLF4 co‑administration group, no significant differences were observed in the expression levels of the phenotypic markers in the SAL or siKLF4 groups. In conclusion, the findings of the present study revealed that SAL may inhibit Hcy‑induced EndMT via regulation of the KLF4/eNOS signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongpan Huang
- Department of Clinic, Medicine School, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan 410004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Department of Anesthesia, Medical College, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shanxi 716000, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Xian Long
- Department of Clinic, Medicine School, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha, Hunan 410004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoye Wang
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
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114
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Deb N, Ali MS, Mathews A, Chang YW, Lacerda CM. Shear type and magnitude affect aortic valve endothelial cell morphology, orientation, and differentiation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2278-2289. [PMID: 34260291 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211023359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Valvular endothelial cells line the outer layer of heart valves and can withstand shear forces caused by blood flow. In contrast to vascular endothelial cells, there is limited amount of research over valvular endothelial cells. For this reason, the exact physiologic behavior of valvular endothelial cells is unclear. Prior studies have concluded that valvular endothelial cells align perpendicularly to the direction of blood flow, while vascular endothelial cells align parallel to blood flow. Other studies have suggested that different ranges of shear stress uniquely impact the behavior of valvular endothelial cells. The goal of this study was to characterize the response of valvular endothelial cell under different types, magnitudes, and durations of shear stress. In this work, the results demonstrated that with increased shear rate and duration of exposure, valvular endothelial cells no longer possessed the traditional cuboidal morphology. Instead through the change in cell circularity and aspect ratio, valvular endothelial cells aligned in an organized manner. In addition, different forms of shear exposure caused the area and circularity of valvular endothelial cells to decrease while inducing mesenchymal transformation validated through αSMA and TGFβ1 expression. This is the first investigation showing that valvular endothelial cells alignment is not as straightforward as once thought (perpendicular to flow). Different types and magnitudes of shear induce different local behaviors. This is also the first demonstration of valvular endothelial cells undergoing EndMT without chemical inducers on a soft surface in vitro. Findings from this study provide insights to understanding the pathophysiology of valvular endothelial cells which can potentially propel future artificial engineered heart valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Mir S Ali
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ashley Mathews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Carla Mr Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
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115
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Role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4045-4059. [PMID: 34244974 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04219-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is considered as a severe health problem worldwide, while cardiac fibrosis is one of the main driving factors for the progress of HF. Cardiac fibrosis was characterized by changes in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, ratio of collagen (COL) I/III, and the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), thus forming a scar tissue, which leads to pathological process of cardiac structural changes and systolic as well as diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological change of many advanced cardiovascular diseases including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and HF. Accumulated studies have proven that phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is involved in regulating the occurrence, progression and pathological formation of cardiac fibrosis via regulating cell survival, apoptosis, growth, cardiac contractility and even the transcription of related genes through a series of molecules including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), forkhead box proteins O1/3 (FoxO1/3), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Thus, the review focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the cardiac fibrosis. The information reviewed here should be significant in understanding the role of PI3K/Akt in cardiac fibrosis and contribute to the design of further studies related to PI3K/Akt and the cardiac fibrotic response, as well as sought to shed light on a potential treatment for cardiac fibrosis.
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116
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Cao W, Zhang Y, Li A, Yu P, Song L, Liang J, Cao N, Gao J, Xu R, Ma Y, Tang X. Curcumin reverses hepatic epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by trichloroethylene by inhibiting IL-6R/STAT3. Toxicol Mech Methods 2021; 31:589-599. [PMID: 34233590 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1941463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation have been identified as carcinogenic agents. This study aims to investigate whether inhibition of trichloroethylene (TCE) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by curcumin is associated with inflammation and EMT. METHODS In the current study, TCE sub-chronic cell model was induced in vitro, and the effects of TCE on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of functional proteins were verified by Western blot, MTT, clone formation, wound healing, Transwell. The detoxification effect of curcumin on TCE was explored by a mouse tumor-bearing experiment. RESULTS TCE induces hepatocyte migration, colony formation, and EMT in vitro. In vivo studies have shown that curcumin significantly reduces the mortality of mice and control the occurrence and size of liver tumors by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vitro, curcumin inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 cells as determined by MTT assay. In addition, curcumin significantly inhibited the protein expression of IL-6R, STAT3, snail, survivin, and cyclin D1 in THLE-2 and HepG2 cells induced by IL-6. CONCLUSION Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, and inhibits the development of HCC induced by TCE by reversing IL-6/STAT3 mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Li Song
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Niandie Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiafeng Gao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Ruyue Xu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Institute of Environment-friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, China
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Liu D, Liu Y, Qi B, Gu C, Huo S, Zhao B. Trichostatin A promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell migration and EMT through BRD4/ERK1/2-dependent pathway. Cancer Med 2021; 10:5235-5245. [PMID: 34160902 PMCID: PMC8335841 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been demonstrated to be aberrantly activated in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Thus, HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) are considered to be promising anti‐cancer therapeutics. However, recent studies have shown that HDACIs promote the migration of many cancer cells. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HDACIs on cancer cell migration to establish a combination therapy that overcomes HDACI‐induced cell migration. Methods KYSE‐150 and EC9706 cells were treated differently. Effects of drugs and siRNA treatment on tumor cell migration and cell signaling pathways were investigated by transwell migration assy. Gene expression for SNAI2 was tested by RT‐qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the level of E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, vimentin,Slug,ERK1/2, H3, PAI‐1 and BRD4. The effect of drugs on cell morphology was evaluated through phase‐contrast microscopic images. Results TSA promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ESCC cells by downregulating the epithelial marker E‐cadherin and upregulating mesenchymal markers β‐catenin, vimentin, Slug, and PAI‐1. Knockdown of Slug by siRNA or inhibition of PAI‐1 clearly suppressed TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration and resulted in the reversal of TSA‐triggered E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and vimentin expression. However, no crosstalk between Slug and PAI‐1 was observed in TSA‐treated ESCC cells. Blocking ERK1/2 activation also inhibited TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration, EMT, and upregulation of Slug and PAI‐1 levels in ESCC cells. Interestingly, inhibition of BRD4 suppressed TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration and attenuated TSA‐induced ERK1/2 activation and upregulation of Slug and PAI‐1 levels. Conclusions Our data indicate the existence of at least two separable ERK1/2‐dependent signaling pathways in TSA‐mediated ESCC cell migration: an ERK1/2–Slug branch and an ERK1/2‐PAI‐1 branch. Both branches of TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration appear to favor the EMT process, while BRD4 is responsible for two separable ERK1/2‐dependent signaling pathways in TSA‐mediated ESCC cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhui Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Yuzhen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Bo Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Chengwei Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Shuhua Huo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Baosheng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China.,Esophageal Cancer Institute of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
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Bannerman D, Pascual-Gil S, Floryan M, Radisic M. Bioengineering strategies to control epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition for studies of cardiac development and disease. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:021504. [PMID: 33948525 PMCID: PMC8068500 DOI: 10.1063/5.0033710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that occurs in a wide range of tissues and environments, in response to numerous factors and conditions, and plays a critical role in development, disease, and regeneration. The process involves epithelia transitioning into a mobile state and becoming mesenchymal cells. The investigation of EMT processes has been important for understanding developmental biology and disease progression, enabling the advancement of treatment approaches for a variety of disorders such as cancer and myocardial infarction. More recently, tissue engineering efforts have also recognized the importance of controlling the EMT process. In this review, we provide an overview of the EMT process and the signaling pathways and factors that control it, followed by a discussion of bioengineering strategies to control EMT. Important biological, biomaterial, biochemical, and physical factors and properties that have been utilized to control EMT are described, as well as the studies that have investigated the modulation of EMT in tissue engineering and regenerative approaches in vivo, with a specific focus on the heart. Novel tools that can be used to characterize and assess EMT are discussed and finally, we close with a perspective on new bioengineering methods that have the potential to transform our ability to control EMT, ultimately leading to new therapies.
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Metformin Attenuates Hypoxia-induced Endothelial Cell Injury by Activating the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 77:862-874. [PMID: 33929389 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Metformin reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and potential underlying mechanisms of action have been suggested. Here, we investigated the role of metformin in endothelial cell injury and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by hypoxia. All experiments were performed in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs). HCMECs were exposed to hypoxic conditions for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, and we assessed the cell viability by cell counting kit 8; metformin (2, 5, 10, and 20 mmol/L) was added to the cells after exposure to the hypoxic conditions for 48 hours. The cells were randomly divided into the control group, hypoxia group, hypoxia + metformin group, hypoxia + control small interfering RNA group, hypoxia + small interfering Prkaa1 (siPrkaa1) group, and hypoxia + siPrkaa1 + metformin group. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit 8 were used to monitor apoptosis and assess cell viability. Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the CD31+/alpha smooth muscle actin+ double-positive cells. Quantitative real-time-PCR and Western blot were used for mRNA and protein expression analyses, respectively. Hypoxia contributed to endothelial injuries and EndMT of HCMECs in a time-dependent manner, which was mainly manifested as decreases in cell viability, increases in apoptotic rate, and changes in expression of apoptosis-related and EndMT-related mRNAs and proteins. Furthermore, metformin could attenuate the injuries and EndMT caused by hypoxia. After metformin treatment, phosphorylated-AMPK (pAMPK) and p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression increased, whereas p-mammalian target of rapamycin expression decreased. However, results obtained after transfection with siPrkaa1 were in contrast to the results of metformin treatment. In conclusion, metformin can attenuate endothelial injuries and suppress EndMT of HCMECs under hypoxic conditions because of its ability to activate the AMPK pathway, increase p-AMPK/AMP-activated protein kinase, and inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin.
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Zhang L, He J, Wang J, Liu J, Chen Z, Deng B, Wei L, Wu H, Liang B, Li H, Huang Y, Lu L, Yang Z, Xian S, Wang L. Knockout RAGE alleviates cardiac fibrosis through repressing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) mediated by autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:470. [PMID: 33976108 PMCID: PMC8113558 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been shown to contribute to cardiac fibrosis and heart failure (HF). Recent studies have demonstrated that EndMT is regulated by autophagy, and we previously showed suppression of excessive autophagy and alleviation of cardiac fibrosis in HF mice with inactivated receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Thus, we investigated whether reduced cardiac fibrosis due to RAGE knockout occurred by inhibiting EndMT mediated by excessive autophagy. We found a decrease in endothelial cells (CD31+/VE-Cadherin+) and an increase in cells co-expressing CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, myofibroblast marker) at 8 weeks in heart tissue of mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), which implied EndMT. Knockout RAGE decreased EndMT accompanied by decreased expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC3BII/I and Beclin 1), and alleviated cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in TAC mice. Moreover, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), inhibitors of autophagy, attenuated EndMT, and cardiac fibrosis in TAC mice. Importantly, EndMT induced by AGEs could be blocked by autophagy inhibitor in vivo and in vitro. These results suggested that AGEs/RAGE-autophagy-EndMT axis involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis and knockout RAGE ameliorated cardiac fibrosis through decreasing EndMT regulated by autophagy, which could be a promising therapeutic strategy for HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jiaqi He
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Zixin Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Bo Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Lan Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Hanqin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Birong Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Huan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Yusheng Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Lu Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Zhongqi Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Shaoxiang Xian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
- National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
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Melero-Martin JM, Dudley AC, Griffioen AW. Adieu to parting Editor in Chief and pioneering scientist Dr. Joyce Bischoff. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:191-193. [PMID: 33843032 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09786-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Melero-Martin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, & The Emily Couric Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ge X, Tang P, Rong Y, Jiang D, Lu X, Ji C, Wang J, Huang C, Duan A, Liu Y, Chen X, Chen X, Xu Z, Wang F, Wang Z, Li X, Zhao W, Fan J, Liu W, Yin G, Cai W. Exosomal miR-155 from M1-polarized macrophages promotes EndoMT and impairs mitochondrial function via activating NF-κB signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells after traumatic spinal cord injury. Redox Biol 2021; 41:101932. [PMID: 33714739 PMCID: PMC7967037 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologically, blood-spinal-cord-barrier (BSCB) disruption after spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to infiltration of numerous peripheral macrophages into injured areas and accumulation around newborn vessels. Among the leaked macrophages, M1-polarized macrophages are dominant and play a crucial role throughout the whole SCI process. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of M1-polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDMs) on vascular endothelial cells and their underlying mechanism. Microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 cells were treated with conditioned medium or exosomes derived from M1-BMDMs, followed by evaluations of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and mitochondrial function. After administration, we found conditioned medium or exosomes from M1-BMDMs significantly promoted EndoMT of vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo, which aggravated BSCB disruption after SCI. In addition, significant dysfunction of mitochondria and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also detected. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that miR-155 is upregulated in both M1-polarized macrophages and microglia. Experimentally, exosomal transfer of miR-155 participated in M1-BMDMs-induced EndoMT and mitochondrial ROS generation in bEnd.3 cells, and subsequently activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting downstream suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS6), and suppressing SOCS6-mediated p65 ubiquitination and degradation. Finally, a series of rescue assay further verified that exosomal miR155/SOCS6/p65 axis regulated the EndoMT process and mitochondrial function in vascular endothelial cells. In summary, our work revealed a potential mechanism describing the communications between macrophages and vascular endothelial cells after SCI which could benefit for future research and aid in the development of potential therapies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengyu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuluo Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongdong Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongtai Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Yancheng, 224200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengyue Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenyu Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ao Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinglin Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xichen Chen
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyang Xu
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zibin Wang
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wene Zhao
- Department of Analytical & Testing Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guoyong Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Hemanthakumar KA, Fang S, Anisimov A, Mäyränpää MI, Mervaala E, Kivelä R. Cardiovascular disease risk factors induce mesenchymal features and senescence in mouse cardiac endothelial cells. eLife 2021; 10:62678. [PMID: 33661096 PMCID: PMC8043751 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging, obesity, hypertension, and physical inactivity are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We applied fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic methods to investigate the common effects of CVD risk factors in mouse cardiac endothelial cells (ECs). Aging, obesity, and pressure overload all upregulated pathways related to TGF-β signaling and mesenchymal gene expression, inflammation, vascular permeability, oxidative stress, collagen synthesis, and cellular senescence, whereas exercise training attenuated most of the same pathways. We identified collagen chaperone Serpinh1 (also called as Hsp47) to be significantly increased by aging and obesity and repressed by exercise training. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that increased SERPINH1 in human ECs induced mesenchymal properties, while its silencing inhibited collagen deposition. Our data demonstrate that CVD risk factors significantly remodel the transcriptomic landscape of cardiac ECs inducing inflammatory, senescence, and mesenchymal features. SERPINH1 was identified as a potential therapeutic target in ECs. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the western world. Endothelial cells that line the blood vessels of the heart play a central role in the development of these diseases. In addition to helping transport blood, these cells support the normal running of the heart, and help it to grow and regenerate. Over time as the body ages and experiences stress, endothelial cells start to deteriorate. This can cause the cells to undergo senescence and stop dividing, and lay down scar-like tissue via a process called fibrosis. As a result, the blood vessels start to stiffen and become less susceptible to repair. Ageing, obesity, high blood pressure, and inactivity all increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, whereas regular exercise has a protective effect. But it was unclear how these different factors affect endothelial cells. To investigate this, Hemanthakumar et al. compared the gene activity of different sets of mice: old vs young, obese vs lean, heart problems vs healthy, and fit vs sedentary. All these risk factors – age, weight, inactivity and heart defects – caused the mice’s endothelial cells to activate mechanisms that lead to stress, senescence and fibrosis. Whereas exercise training had the opposite effect, and turned off the same genes and pathways. All of the at-risk groups also had high levels of a gene called SerpinH1, which helps produce tissue fiber and collagen. Experiments increasing the levels of SerpinH1 in human endothelial cells grown in the laboratory recreated the effects seen in mice, and switched on markers of stress, senescence and fibrosis. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease now accounts for 10% of the disease burden worldwide. Revealing the affects it has on gene activity could help identify new targets for drug development, such as SerpinH1. Understanding the molecular effects of exercise on blood vessels could also aid in the design of treatments that mimic exercise. This could help people who are unable to follow training programs to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Stem cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shentong Fang
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrey Anisimov
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko I Mäyränpää
- Pathology, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Mervaala
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.,Stem cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Wang H, Ramshekar A, Kunz E, Hartnett ME. 7-ketocholesterol induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes fibrosis: implications in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and treatment. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:583-595. [PMID: 33646466 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09770-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidized cholesterols and lipids accumulate in Bruch's membrane in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It remains unknown what causal relationship exists between these substances and AMD pathophysiology. We addressed the hypothesis that a prevalent form, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), promotes choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) migration and macular neovascularization in AMD. Compared to control, 7KC injection caused 40% larger lectin-stained lesions, but 70% larger lesions measured by optical coherence tomography one week after laser-injury. At two weeks, 7KC-injected eyes had 86% larger alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-labeled lesions and more collagen-labeling than control. There was no difference in cell death. 7KC-treated RPE/choroids had increased αSMA but decreased VE-cadherin. Compared to control-treated CECs, 7KC unexpectedly reduced endothelial VE-cadherin, CD31 and VEGFR2 and increased αSMA, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Inhibition of TGFβ receptor-mediated signaling by SB431542 abrogated 7KC-induced loss of endothelial and increase in mesenchymal proteins in association with decreased transcription factor, SMAD3. Knockdown of SMAD3 partially inhibited 7KC-mediated loss of endothelial proteins and increase in αSMA and FAP. Compared to control, 7KC-treatment of CECs increased Rac1GTP and migration, and both were inhibited by the Rac1 inhibitor; however, CECs treated with 7KC had reduced tube formation. These findings suggest that 7KC, which increases in AMD and with age, induces mesenchymal transition in CECs making them invasive and migratory, and causing fibrosis in macular neovascularization. Further studies to interfere with this process may reduce fibrosis and improve responsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment in non-responsive macular neovascularization in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Wang
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aniket Ramshekar
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eric Kunz
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Hartnett
- The John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Cao X, Xue LD, Di Y, Li T, Tian YJ, Song Y. MSC-derived exosomal lncRNA SNHG7 suppresses endothelial-mesenchymal transition and tube formation in diabetic retinopathy via miR-34a-5p/XBP1 axis. Life Sci 2021; 272:119232. [PMID: 33600866 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which could result in visual impairment. Accumulating studies have shown the implication of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DR. Our aims are to investigate whether lncRNA SNHG7 plays a role during DR pathogenesis. MAIN METHODS Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were treated with high glucose (HG) to build cell model. Relative expression of RNAs were examined using qPCR, and western blot or immunofluorescence analysis was adopted to detect the protein expression. Cell viability, migration and angiogenic capacity of HRMECs were estimated through CCK-8, transwell and tube formation experiments, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull down assays were employed to verify the interplay between miR-34a-5p and SNHG7 or XBP1. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were identified by examining typical surface makers using flow cytometry and the differentiation abilities via Alizarin red, Oil red O and Alcian blue staining. MSC-derived exosomes were verified by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. KEY FINDINGS LncRNA SNHG7 sponged to and negatively regulated miR-34a-5p. SNHG7 overexpression repressed HG induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and tube formation of HRMECs, while miR-34a-5p overexpression could reverse this effect. miR-34a-5p targeted and negative regulated XBP1. Knockdown of miR-34a-5p repressed HG induced EndMT and tube formation, which were partially blocked by XBP1 inhibition. MSC-derived exosomes could transfer SNHG7 to HRMECs and modulated EndMT and tube formation. SIGNIFICANCE The MSC-derived exosomal lncRNA SNHG7 suppresses EndMT and tube formation in HRMECs via miR-34a-5p/XBP1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Li-Dan Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yue Di
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ya-Jing Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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Abstract
The myocardium consists of different cell types, of which endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and fibroblasts are the most abundant. Communication between these different cell types, also called paracrine signaling, is essential for normal cardiac function, but also important in cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Systematic studies on the expression of ligands and their corresponding receptors in different cell types showed that for 60% of the expressed ligands in a particular cell, the receptor is also expressed. The fact that many ligand-receptor pairs are present in most cells, including the major cell types in the heart, indicates that autocrine signaling is a widespread phenomenon. Autocrine signaling in cardiac remodeling and heart failure is involved in all pathophysiological mechanisms generally observed: hypertrophy, fibrosis, angiogenesis, cell survival, and inflammation. Herein, we review ligand-receptor pairs present in the major cardiac cell types based on RNA-sequencing expression databases, and we review current literature on extracellular signaling proteins with an autocrine function in the heart; these include C-type natriuretic peptide, fibroblast growth factors 2, F21, and 23, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, heparin binding-epidermal growth factor, angiopoietin-like protein 2, leptin, adiponectin, follistatin-like 1, apelin, neuregulin 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β, wingless-type integration site family, member 1-induced secreted protein-1, interleukin 11, connective tissue growth factor/cellular communication network factor, and calcitonin gene‒related peptide. The large number of autocrine signaling factors that have been studied in the literature supports the concept that autocrine signaling is an essential part of myocardial biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent F. M. Segers
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpBelgium
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Hospital AntwerpEdegemBelgium
| | - Gilles W. De Keulenaer
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpBelgium
- Department of CardiologyZNA HospitalAntwerpBelgium
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Li AF, Tan L, Zhang S, Tao J, Wang Z, Wei D. Low shear stress-induced endothelial mesenchymal transformation via the down-regulation of TET2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 545:20-26. [PMID: 33535102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Low shear stress plays key roles on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (As). However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the effect of low shear stress on endothelial mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) and its underlying mechanism were explored. Results showed that in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, low shear stress down-regulated the expression of TET2 and promoted EndMT. Loss of TET2 promoted EndMT with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The enhancement in EndMT induced by low shear stress was attenuated by TET2 overexpression. In apoE-/- mice subjected to carotid artery local ligation, the EndMT and atherosclerotic lesions induced by low shear stress was attenuated by TET2 overexpression. Taken together, low shear stress promoted EndMT through the down-regulation of TET2, indicating that intervention with EndMT or the up-regulation of TET2 might be an alternative strategy for preventing As.
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Affiliation(s)
- AFang Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Nursing, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - LiLan Tan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - ShuLei Zhang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jun Tao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Dangheng Wei
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Zhang H, Hao LZ, Pan JA, Gao Q, Zhang JF, Kankala RK, Wang SB, Chen AZ, Zhang HL. Microfluidic fabrication of inhalable large porous microspheres loaded with H2S-releasing aspirin derivative for pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy. J Control Release 2021; 329:286-298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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129
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Lin K, Luo W, Yan J, Shen S, Shen Q, Wang J, Guan X, Wu G, Huang W, Liang G. TLR2 regulates angiotensin II-induced vascular remodeling and EndMT through NF-κB signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2553-2574. [PMID: 33318302 PMCID: PMC7880316 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Excessive vascular remodeling has been shown in hypertensive patients. In experimental models of hypertensive vascular injury, such as angiotensin II (Ang II) challenged mice, toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) initiates inflammatory responses. More recently, studies have reported atypical endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in vascular injuries and inflammatory conditions. Here, we aimed to investigate whether TLR2 mediates Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and initiates EndMT. In a mouse model of angiotensin II-induced hypertension, we show that aortas exhibit increased medial thickening, fibrosis, and features of EndMT. These alterations were not observed in TLR2 knockout mice in response to Ang II. TLR2 silencing in cultured endothelial cells confirmed the essential role of TLR2 in Ang II-induced inflammatory factor induction, and EndMT-associated phenotypic change. Mechanistically, we found Ang II activates nuclear factor-κB signaling, inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and mediates EndMT in both cultured endothelial cells and in mice. These studies illustrate a novel role of TLR2 in regulating Ang II-induced deleterious vascular remodeling through the induction of EndMT. The studies also suggest that TLR2 may be targeted to alleviate hypertension-associated vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Lin
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jueqian Yan
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyuan Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qirui Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Wenzhou Central Hospital and Affiliated Dingli Clinical Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinfu Guan
- Affiliated Cangnan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Cangnan 325800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China.,Affiliated Cangnan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Cangnan 325800, Zhejiang, China
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Xian S, Chen A, Wu X, Lu C, Wu Y, Huang F, Zeng Z. Activation of activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway and the potential involvement of endothelial‑mesenchymal transition in the valvular damage due to rheumatic heart disease. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:10. [PMID: 33179113 PMCID: PMC7673319 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an autoimmune disease caused by rheumatic fever following group A hemolytic streptococcal infection and primarily affects the mitral valve. RHD is currently a major global health problem. However, the exact pathological mechanisms associated with RHD-induced cardiac valve damage remain to be elucidated. The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) serves a key role in a number of diseases with an important role in cardiac fibrosis and the activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway is involved in regulating the EndMT. Nevertheless, there are no studies to date, to the best of the authors' knowledge, investigating the association between RHD and EndMT. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the potential role of EndMT in cardiac valve damage and assess whether activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling was activated during RHD-induced valvular injury in a rat model of RHD induced by inactivated Group A streptococci and complete Freund's adjuvant. Inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. Serum cytokine and rheumatoid factor levels were measured using ELISA kits. Expression levels of activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway-related factors [activin A, Smad2, Smad3, phosphorylated (p-)Smad2 and p-Smad3], EndMT-related factors [lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1), Snail1, TWIST, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB)1, ZEB2, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen α 1 (COL1A1)], apoptosis-related markers (BAX and cleaved caspase-3) and valvular inflammation markers (NF-κB and p-NF-κB) were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Compared with the control group, the degree of valvular inflammation and fibrosis, serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α and expression of apoptosis-related markers (BAX and cleaved caspase-3) and valvular inflammation marker (p-NF-κB), activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway-related factors (activin A, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3), EndMT-related factors (LEF-1, Snail1, TWIST, ZEB 1, ZEB2, α-SMA and COL1A1) were significantly increased in the RHD group. These results suggested that the activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway was activated during the development of valvular damage caused by RHD and that the EndMT is involved in RHD-induced cardiac valve damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglin Xian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chuanghong Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yunjiao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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131
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Al-Shammari H, Latif N, Sarathchandra P, McCormack A, Rog-Zielinska EA, Raja S, Kohl P, Yacoub MH, Peyronnet R, Chester AH. Expression and function of mechanosensitive ion channels in human valve interstitial cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240532. [PMID: 33057457 PMCID: PMC7561104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of heart valve cells to respond to their mechanical environment represents a key mechanism by which the integrity and function of valve cusps is maintained. A number of different mechanotransduction pathways have been implicated in the response of valve cells to mechanical stimulation. In this study, we explore the expression pattern of several mechanosensitive ion channels (MSC) and their potential to mediate mechanosensitive responses of human valve interstitial cells (VIC). Methods MSC presence and function were probed using the patch clamp technique. Protein abundance of key MSC was evaluated by Western blotting in isolated fibroblastic VIC (VICFB) and in VIC differentiated towards myofibroblastic (VICMB) or osteoblastic (VICOB) phenotypes. Expression was compared in non-calcified and calcified human aortic valves. MSC contributions to stretch-induced collagen gene expression and to VIC migration were assessed by pharmacological inhibition of specific channels. Results Two MSC types were recorded in VICFB: potassium selective and cation non-selective channels. In keeping with functional data, the presence of both TREK-1 and Kir6.1 (potassium selective), as well as TRPM4, TRPV4 and TRPC6 (cationic non-selective) channels was confirmed in VIC at the protein level. Differentiation of VICFB into VICMB or VICOB phenotypes was associated with a lower expression of TREK-1 and Kir6.1, and a higher expression of TRPV4 and TRPC6. Differences in MSC expression were also seen in non-calcified vs calcified aortic valves where TREK-1, TRPM4 and TRPV4 expression were higher in calcified compared to control tissues. Cyclic stretch-induced expression of COL I mRNA in cultured VICFB was blocked by RN-9893, a selective inhibitor of TRPV4 channels while having no effect on the stretch-induced expression of COL III. VICFB migration was blocked with the non-specific MSC blocker streptomycin and by GSK417651A an inhibitor of TRPC6/3. Conclusion Aortic VIC express a range of MSC that play a role in functional responses of these cells to mechanical stimulation. MSC expression levels differ in calcified and non-calcified valves in ways that are in part compatible with the change in expression seen between VIC phenotypes. These changes in MSC expression, and associated alterations in the ability of VIC to respond to their mechanical environment, may form novel targets for intervention during aortic valvulopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hessah Al-Shammari
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Najma Latif
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ann McCormack
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Eva A. Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shahzad Raja
- Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Magdi H. Yacoub
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adrian H. Chester
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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132
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Chen D, Li L, Wang Y, Xu R, Peng S, Zhou L, Deng Z. Ischemia-reperfusion injury of brain induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition and vascular fibrosis via activating let-7i/TGF-βR1 double-negative feedback loop. FASEB J 2020; 34:7178-7191. [PMID: 32274860 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000201r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Let-7i modulates the physical function and inflammation in endothelial cells (ECs). However, whether the let-7i of ECs involves in brain vasculature and ischemic stroke is unknown. Using inducible Cadherin5-Cre lineage-tracking mice, a loxp-RNA-sponge conditional knockdown of let-7 in ECs- induced increase of transforming growth factor-β receptor type 1 (TGF-βR1), endothelial-mesenchymal transition (endMT), vascular fibrosis, and opening of the brain-blood barrier (BBB). By this lineage-tracking mice, we found that ECs underwent endMT after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Through specifically overexpressed let-7i in ECs, we found that it reduced TGF-βR1, endMT, and vascular fibrosis. Furthermore, this overexpression reduced the infarct volume and leakage of the BBB, and improved the neurological function. Further, the expression of let-7i decreased after MCAO, but was reversed by antagonist of TGF-βR1 or inhibition of Mek phosphorylation. And the inhibition of Mek attenuated the vascular fibrosis after MCAO. In summary, we concluded that ischemic stroke activates a let-7i/TGF-βR1 double-negative feedback loop, thereby inducing endMT and vascular fibrosis. These results suggest that endMT is a potential target for the treatment of cerebral vascular fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The First Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruoting Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunli Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Weinstein N, Mendoza L, Álvarez-Buylla ER. A Computational Model of the Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Genet 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32226439 PMCID: PMC7080988 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) form the lining of lymph and blood vessels. Changes in tissue requirements or wounds may cause ECs to behave as tip or stalk cells. Alternatively, they may differentiate into mesenchymal cells (MCs). These processes are known as EC activation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), respectively. EndMT, Tip, and Stalk EC behaviors all require SNAI1, SNAI2, and Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) function. However, only EndMT inhibits the expression of VE-cadherin, PECAM1, and VEGFR2, and also leads to EC detachment. Physiologically, EndMT is involved in heart valve development, while a defective EndMT regulation is involved in the physiopathology of cardiovascular malformations, congenital heart disease, systemic and organ fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the control of EndMT has many promising potential applications in regenerative medicine. Despite the fact that many molecular components involved in EC activation and EndMT have been characterized, the system-level molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. Toward this end, hereby we present Boolean network model of the molecular involved in the regulation of EC activation and EndMT. The simulated dynamic behavior of our model reaches fixed and cyclic patterns of activation that correspond to the expected EC and MC cell types and behaviors, recovering most of the specific effects of simple gain and loss-of-function mutations as well as the conditions associated with the progression of several diseases. Therefore, our model constitutes a theoretical framework that can be used to generate hypotheses and guide experimental inquiry to comprehend the regulatory mechanisms behind EndMT. Our main findings include that both the extracellular microevironment and the pattern of molecular activity within the cell regulate EndMT. EndMT requires a lack of VEGFA and sufficient oxygen in the extracellular microenvironment as well as no FLI1 and GATA2 activity within the cell. Additionally Tip cells cannot undergo EndMT directly. Furthermore, the specific conditions that are sufficient to trigger EndMT depend on the specific pattern of molecular activation within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena R Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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134
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Cellular cross-talks in the diseased and aging heart. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 138:136-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.11.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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