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del Campo CV, Liaw NY, Gunadasa-Rohling M, Matthaei M, Braga L, Kennedy T, Salinas G, Voigt N, Giacca M, Zimmermann WH, Riley PR. Regenerative potential of epicardium-derived extracellular vesicles mediated by conserved miRNA transfer. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:597-611. [PMID: 33599250 PMCID: PMC8803084 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS After a myocardial infarction, the adult human heart lacks sufficient regenerative capacity to restore lost tissue, leading to heart failure progression. Finding novel ways to reprogram adult cardiomyocytes into a regenerative state is a major therapeutic goal. The epicardium, the outermost layer of the heart, contributes cardiovascular cell types to the forming heart and is a source of trophic signals to promote heart muscle growth during embryonic development. The epicardium is also essential for heart regeneration in zebrafish and neonatal mice and can be reactivated after injury in adult hearts to improve outcome. A recently identified mechanism of cell-cell communication and signalling is that mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we aimed to investigate epicardial signalling via EV release in response to cardiac injury and as a means to optimize cardiac repair and regeneration. METHODS AND RESULTS We isolated epicardial EVs from mouse and human sources and targeted the cardiomyocyte population. Epicardial EVs enhanced proliferation in H9C2 cells and in primary neonatal murine cardiomyocytes in vitro and promoted cell cycle re-entry when injected into the injured area of infarcted neonatal hearts. These EVs also enhanced regeneration in cryoinjured engineered human myocardium (EHM) as a novel model of human myocardial injury. Deep RNA-sequencing of epicardial EV cargo revealed conserved microRNAs (miRs) between human and mouse epicardial-derived exosomes, and the effects on cell cycle re-entry were recapitulated by administration of cargo miR-30a, miR-100, miR-27a, and miR-30e to human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and cryoinjured EHM constructs. CONCLUSION Here, we describe the first characterization of epicardial EV secretion, which can signal to promote proliferation of cardiomyocytes in infarcted mouse hearts and in a human model of myocardial injury, resulting in enhanced contractile function. Analysis of exosome cargo in mouse and human identified conserved pro-regenerative miRs, which in combination recapitulated the therapeutic effects of promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Villa del Campo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation, Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Norman Y Liaw
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 42a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mala Gunadasa-Rohling
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation, Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Moritz Matthaei
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luca Braga
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Località Padriciano, 99, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2L, UK
| | - Tahnee Kennedy
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation, Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS- Integrative Genomics Core Unit (NIG), Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Göttingen (UMG), Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 42a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Località Padriciano, 99, 34149 Trieste TS, Italy
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2L, UK
| | - Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 42a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paul Richard Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation, Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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Owenier C, Hesse J, Alter C, Ding Z, Marzoq A, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Schrader J. Novel technique for the simultaneous isolation of cardiac fibroblasts and epicardial stromal cells from the infarcted murine heart. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:1047-1058. [PMID: 31504244 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to activation of cardiac fibroblasts (aCFs) and at the same time induces the formation of epicardium-derived cells at the heart surface. To discriminate between the two cell populations, we elaborated a fast and efficient protocol for the simultaneous isolation and characterization of aCFs and epicardial stromal cells (EpiSCs) from the infarcted mouse heart. METHODS AND RESULTS For the isolation of aCFs and EpiSCs, infarcted hearts (50 min ischaemia/reperfusion) were digested by perfusion with a collagenase-containing medium for only 8 min, while EpiSCs were enzymatically removed from the outside by applying mild shear forces via a motor driven device. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from unstressed hearts served as control. Viability of isolated cells was >90%. Purity of EpiSCs was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and qPCR of various mesenchymal markers including Wilms-tumor-protein-1. Microarray analysis of CFs, aCFs, and EpiSCs on day 5 post-MI revealed a unique gene expression pattern in the EpiSC fraction, which was enriched for epithelial markers and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related genes. Compared to aCFs, 336 significantly altered gene entities were identified in the EpiSC fraction. qPCR analysis showed high expression of Serpinb2, Cxcl13, Adora2b, and Il10 in EpiSCs relative to CFs and aCFs. Furthermore, microarray data identified Ddah1 and Cemip to be highly up-regulated in aCFs compared to CFs. Immunostaining of the infarcted heart revealed a unique distribution of Dermokine, Aquaporin-1, Cytokeratin, Lipocalin2, and Periostin within the epicardial cell layer. CONCLUSIONS We describe the simultaneous isolation of viable, purified fractions of aCFs and EpiSCs from the infarcted mouse heart. In this study, several differentially expressed markers for aCFs and EpiSCs were identified, underlining the importance of cell separation to study heterogeneity of stromal cells in the healing process after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Owenier
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Hesse
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Alter
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhaoping Ding
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aseel Marzoq
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biologisch-Medizinisches-Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Genomics & Transcriptomics Labor, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biologisch-Medizinisches-Forschungszentrum (BMFZ), Genomics & Transcriptomics Labor, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schrader
- Institut für Molekulare Kardiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Dronkers E, Moerkamp AT, van Herwaarden T, Goumans MJ, Smits AM. The Isolation and Culture of Primary Epicardial Cells Derived from Human Adult and Fetal Heart Specimens. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29757271 DOI: 10.3791/57370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epicardium, an epithelial cell layer covering the myocardium, has an essential role during cardiac development, as well as in the repair response of the heart after ischemic injury. When activated, epicardial cells undergo a process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to provide cells to the regenerating myocardium. Furthermore, the epicardium contributes via secretion of essential paracrine factors. To fully appreciate the regenerative potential of the epicardium, a human cell model is required. Here we outline a novel cell culture model to derive primary epicardial derived cells (EPDCs) from human adult and fetal cardiac tissue. To isolate EPDCs, the epicardium is dissected from the outside of the heart specimen and processed into a single cell suspension. Next, EPDCs are plated and cultured in EPDC medium containing the ALK 5-kinase inhibitor SB431542 to maintain their epithelial phenotype. EMT is induced by stimulation with TGFβ. This method enables, for the first time, the study of the process of human epicardial EMT in a controlled setting, and facilitates gaining more insight in the secretome of EPDCs that may aid heart regeneration. Furthermore, this uniform approach allows for direct comparison of human adult and fetal epicardial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Dronkers
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center
| | - Asja T Moerkamp
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center
| | | | | | - Anke M Smits
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center;
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Simões FC, Riley PR. The ontogeny, activation and function of the epicardium during heart development and regeneration. Development 2018; 145:145/7/dev155994. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.155994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The epicardium plays a key role during cardiac development, homeostasis and repair, and has thus emerged as a potential target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, therapeutically manipulating the epicardium and epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) requires insights into their developmental origin and the mechanisms driving their activation, recruitment and contribution to both the embryonic and adult injured heart. In recent years, studies of various model systems have provided us with a deeper understanding of the microenvironment in which EPDCs reside and emerge into, of the crosstalk between the multitude of cardiovascular cell types that influence the epicardium, and of the genetic programmes that orchestrate epicardial cell behaviour. Here, we review these discoveries and discuss how technological advances could further enhance our knowledge of epicardium-based repair mechanisms and ultimately influence potential therapeutic outcomes in cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa C. Simões
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Paul R. Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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Dubé KN, Thomas TM, Munshaw S, Rohling M, Riley PR, Smart N. Recapitulation of developmental mechanisms to revascularize the ischemic heart. JCI Insight 2017; 2:96800. [PMID: 29202457 PMCID: PMC5752387 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.96800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoring blood flow after myocardial infarction (MI) is essential for survival of existing and newly regenerated tissue. Endogenous vascular repair processes are deployed following injury but are poorly understood. We sought to determine whether developmental mechanisms of coronary vessel formation are intrinsically reactivated in the adult mouse after MI. Using pulse-chase genetic lineage tracing, we establish that de novo vessel formation constitutes a substantial component of the neovascular response, with apparent cellular contributions from the endocardium and coronary sinus. The adult heart reverts to its former hypertrabeculated state and repeats the process of compaction, which may facilitate endocardium-derived neovascularization. The capacity for angiogenic sprouting of the coronary sinus vein, the adult derivative of the sinus venosus, may also reflect its embryonic origin. The quiescent epicardium is reactivated and, while direct cellular contribution to new vessels is minimal, it supports the directional expansion of the neovessel network toward the infarcted myocardium. Thymosin β4, a peptide with roles in vascular development, was required for endocardial compaction, epicardial vessel expansion, and smooth muscle cell recruitment. Insight into pathways that regulate endogenous vascular repair, drawing on comparisons with development, may reveal novel targets for therapeutically enhancing neovascularization. Embryonic mechanisms are redeployed to revascularize the ischemic heart, with contributions primarily from the endocardium and coronary sinus and processes that require thymosin β4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina N Dubé
- UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tonia M Thomas
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sonali Munshaw
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mala Rohling
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Riley
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Smart
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Temme S, Friebe D, Schmidt T, Poschmann G, Hesse J, Steckel B, Stühler K, Kunz M, Dandekar T, Ding Z, Akhyari P, Lichtenberg A, Schrader J. Genetic profiling and surface proteome analysis of human atrial stromal cells and rat ventricular epicardium-derived cells reveals novel insights into their cardiogenic potential. Stem Cell Res 2017; 25:183-190. [PMID: 29156374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epicardium-derived cells (EPDC) and atrial stromal cells (ASC) display cardio-regenerative potential, but the molecular details are still unexplored. Signals which induce activation, migration and differentiation of these cells are largely unknown. Here we have isolated rat ventricular EPDC and rat/human ASC and performed genetic and proteomic profiling. EPDC and ASC expressed epicardial/mesenchymal markers (WT-1, Tbx18, CD73, CD90, CD44, CD105), cardiac markers (Gata4, Tbx5, troponin T) and also contained phosphocreatine. We used cell surface biotinylation to isolate plasma membrane proteins of rEPDC and hASC, Nano-liquid chromatography with subsequent mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis identified 396 rat and 239 human plasma membrane proteins with 149 overlapping proteins. Functional GO-term analysis revealed several significantly enriched categories related to extracellular matrix (ECM), cell migration/differentiation, immunology or angiogenesis. We identified receptors for ephrin and growth factors (IGF, PDGF, EGF, anthrax toxin) known to be involved in cardiac repair and regeneration. Functional category enrichment identified clusters around integrins, PI3K/Akt-signaling and various cardiomyopathies. Our study indicates that EPDC and ASC have a similar molecular phenotype related to cardiac healing/regeneration. The cell surface proteome repository will help to further unravel the molecular details of their cardio-regenerative potential and their role in cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Temme
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniela Friebe
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Timo Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Hesse
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bodo Steckel
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Meik Kunz
- Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Group, Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Group, Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zhaoping Ding
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schrader
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rao KS, Spees JL. Harnessing Epicardial Progenitor Cells and Their Derivatives for Rescue and Repair of Cardiac Tissue After Myocardial Infarction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:149-158. [PMID: 29057207 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ischemic heart disease and stroke lead to the greatest number of deaths worldwide. Despite decreased time to intervention and improvements in the standard of care, 1 out of 5 patients that survive a myocardial infarction (MI) still face long-term chronic heart failure and a 5-year mortality rate of about 50%. Based on their multi-potency for differentiation and paracrine activity, epicardial cells and their derivatives have potential to rescue jeopardized tissue and/or promote cardiac regeneration. Here we review the diagnosis and treatment of MI, basic epicardial cell biology, and potential treatment strategies designed to harness the reparative properties of epicardial cells. RECENT FINDINGS During cardiac development, epicardial cells covering the surface of the heart generate migratory progenitor cells that contribute to the coronary vasculature and the interstitial fibroblasts. Epicardial cells also produce paracrine signals required for myocardial expansion and cardiac growth. In adults with myocardial infarction, epicardial cells and their derivatives provide paracrine factors that affect myocardial remodeling and repair. At present, the intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic signals that regulate epicardial cell fate and paracrine activity in adults remain poorly understood. SUMMARY Human diseases that result in heart failure due to negative remodeling or extensive loss of viable cardiac tissue require new, effective treatments. Improved understanding of epicardial cell function(s) and epicardial-mediated secretion of growth factors, cytokines and hormones during cardiac growth, homeostasis and injury may lead to new ways to treat patients with myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika S Rao
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
| | - Jeffrey L Spees
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Core, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446
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Abstract
Adipose tissue has been shown to be particularly advantageous as source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), because of its easy accessibility, and the possibility of obtaining stem cells in high yields. MSCs are obtained from the so-called Stromal Vascular Fraction, (SVF), exploiting their property of adhering to plastic surfaces and can be further purified by positive or negative immunomagnetic selection with appropriately chosen antibodies. These cells (Stromal Stem Cells, SSCs) can then be directly analyzed, frozen in liquid nitrogen, or expanded for further applications, e.g., for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The methodology described here in detail for SSCs isolated from mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue can be applied to human tissues, such as epicardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Prat
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A.Avogadro", Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Francesca Oltolina
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A.Avogadro", Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Antonini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A.Avogadro", Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Zamperone
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A.Avogadro", Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
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9
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Moerkamp AT, Lodder K, van Herwaarden T, Dronkers E, Dingenouts CKE, Tengström FC, van Brakel TJ, Goumans MJ, Smits AM. Human fetal and adult epicardial-derived cells: a novel model to study their activation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:174. [PMID: 27899163 PMCID: PMC5129650 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epicardium, a cell layer covering the heart, plays an important role during cardiogenesis providing cardiovascular cell types and instructive signals, but becomes quiescent during adulthood. Upon cardiac injury the epicardium is activated, which includes induction of a developmental gene program, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration. However, the response of the adult epicardium is suboptimal compared to the active contribution of the fetal epicardium to heart development. To understand the therapeutic value of epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs), a direct comparison of fetal and adult sources is paramount. Such analysis has been hampered by the lack of appropriate culture systems. Methods Human fetal and adult EPDCs were isolated from cardiac specimens obtained after informed consent. EPDCs were cultured in the presence of an inhibitor of the TGFβ receptor ALK5. EMT was induced by stimulation with 1 ng/ml TGFβ. PCR, immunofluorescent staining, scratch assay, tube formation assay and RT2-PCR for human EMT genes were performed to functionally characterize and compare fetal and adult EPDCs. Results In this study, a novel protocol is presented that allows efficient isolation of human EPDCs from fetal and adult heart tissue. In vitro, EPDCs maintain epithelial characteristics and undergo EMT upon TGFβ stimulation. Although similar in several aspects, we observed important differences between fetal and adult EPDCs. Fetal and adult cells display equal migration abilities in their epithelial state. However, while TGFβ stimulation enhanced adult EPDC migration, it resulted in a reduced migration in fetal EPDCs. Matrigel assays revealed the ability of adult EPDCs to form tube-like structures, which was absent in fetal cells. Furthermore, we observed that fetal cells progress through EMT faster and undergo spontaneous EMT when TGFβ signaling is not suppressed, indicating that fetal EPDCs more rapidly respond to environmental changes. Conclusions Our data suggest that fetal and adult EPDCs are in a different state of activation and that their phenotypic plasticity is determined by this activation state. This culture system allows us to establish the cues that determine epicardial activation, behavior, and plasticity and thereby optimize the adult response post-injury. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0434-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja T Moerkamp
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Lodder
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa van Herwaarden
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Dronkers
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Calinda K E Dingenouts
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fredrik C Tengström
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas J van Brakel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Anke M Smits
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O Box 9600, Postzone S-1-P, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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