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Larionov A, Hammer CM, Fiedler K, Filgueira L. Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Diversity and Plasticity in Health and Disease. Cells 2024; 13:1276. [PMID: 39120307 PMCID: PMC11312403 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital structural units of the cardiovascular system possessing two principal distinctive properties: heterogeneity and plasticity. Endothelial heterogeneity is defined by differences in tissue-specific endothelial phenotypes and their high predisposition to modification along the length of the vascular bed. This aspect of heterogeneity is closely associated with plasticity, the ability of ECs to adapt to environmental cues through the mobilization of genetic, molecular, and structural alterations. The specific endothelial cytoarchitectonics facilitate a quick structural cell reorganization and, furthermore, easy adaptation to the extrinsic and intrinsic environmental stimuli, known as the epigenetic landscape. ECs, as universally distributed and ubiquitous cells of the human body, play a role that extends far beyond their structural function in the cardiovascular system. They play a crucial role in terms of barrier function, cell-to-cell communication, and a myriad of physiological and pathologic processes. These include development, ontogenesis, disease initiation, and progression, as well as growth, regeneration, and repair. Despite substantial progress in the understanding of endothelial cell biology, the role of ECs in healthy conditions and pathologies remains a fascinating area of exploration. This review aims to summarize knowledge and concepts in endothelial biology. It focuses on the development and functional characteristics of endothelial cells in health and pathological conditions, with a particular emphasis on endothelial phenotypic and functional heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Larionov
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Christian Manfred Hammer
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Klaus Fiedler
- Independent Researcher, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;
| | - Luis Filgueira
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
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2
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Thomas JM, Sasankan D, Abraham M, Surendran S, Kartha CC, Rajavelu A. DNA methylation signatures on vascular differentiation genes are aberrant in vessels of human cerebral arteriovenous malformation nidus. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:127. [PMID: 36229855 PMCID: PMC9563124 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of arteries and veins, rupture of which can result in catastrophic hemorrhage in vulnerable sites such as the brain. Cerebral AVM is associated with a high mortality rate in humans. The causative factor or the stimulus at the artery-venous junction and the molecular basis of the development and progression of cerebral AVM remain unknown. While it is known that aberrant hemodynamic forces in the artery-vein junction contribute to the development of AVMs, the mechanistic pathways are unclear. Given that various environmental stimuli modulate epigenetic modifications on the chromatin of cells, we speculated that misregulated DNA methylome could lead to cerebral AVM development. To identify the aberrant epigenetic signatures, we used AVM nidus tissues and analyzed the global DNA methylome using the Infinium DNA methylome array. We observed significant alterations of DNA methylation in the genes associated with the vascular developmental pathway. Further, we validated the DNA hypermethylation by DNA bisulfite sequencing analysis of selected genes from human cerebral AVM nidus. Taken together, we provide the first experimental evidence for aberrant epigenetic signatures on the genes of vascular development pathway, in human cerebral AVM nidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Mary Thomas
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 695014
| | - Dhakshmi Sasankan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
| | - Mathew Abraham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 695011
| | - Sumi Surendran
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 695014
| | - Chandrasekharan C Kartha
- Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, Kerala, India.
| | - Arumugam Rajavelu
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
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3
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Primikiris P, Hadjigeorgiou G, Tsamopoulou M, Biondi A, Iosif C. Review on the current treatment status of vein of Galen malformations and future directions in research and treatment. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 18:933-954. [PMID: 34424109 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1970527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) represent a rare pathologic entity with often catastrophic natural history. The advances in endovascular treatment in recent years have allowed for a paradigm shift in the treatment and outcome of these high-flow shunts, even though their pathogenetic mechanisms and evolution remain in part obscure. AREAS COVERED The overall management of VOGMs requires a tailored case-to-case approach, starting with in utero detection and reserving endovascular treatment for indicated cases. Lately, the advances in translational research with whole-genome sequencing and the coupling with cellular-level hemodynamics attempt to shed more light in the pathogenesis and evolution of these lesions. At the same time the advances in endovascular techniques allow for more safety and tailored technical strategy planning. Furthermore, the advances in MRI techniques allow a better understanding of their vascular anatomy. In view of these recent advances and by performing a PUBMED literature review of the last 15 years, we attempt a review of the evolutions in the imaging, management, endovascular treatment and understanding of underlying mechanisms for VOGMs. EXPERT OPINION The progress in the fields detailed in this review appears very promising in better understanding VOGMs and expanding the available therapeutic arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Primikiris
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besancon, France
| | | | - Maria Tsamopoulou
- School of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Alessandra Biondi
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besancon, France
| | - Christina Iosif
- School of Medicine, European University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece
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4
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Mahendra Y, He M, Rouf MA, Tjakra M, Fan L, Wang Y, Wang G. Progress and prospects of mechanotransducers in shear stress-sensitive signaling pathways in association with arteriovenous malformation. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2021; 88:105417. [PMID: 34246943 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arteriovenous malformations are congenital vascular lesions characterized by a direct and tangled connection between arteries and veins, which disrupts oxygen circulation and normal blood flow. Arteriovenous malformations often occur in the patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The attempts to elucidate the causative factors and pathogenic mechanisms of arteriovenous malformations are now still in progress. Some studies reported that shear stress in blood flow is one of the factors involved in arteriovenous malformations manifestation. Through several mechanotransducers harboring the endothelial cells membrane, the signal from shear stress is transduced towards the responsible signaling pathways in endothelial cells to maintain cell homeostasis. Any disruption in this well-established communication will give rise to abnormal endothelial cells differentiation and specification, which will later promote arteriovenous malformations. In this review, we discuss the update of several mechanotransducers that have essential roles in shear stress-induced signaling pathways, such as activin receptor-like kinase 1, Endoglin, Notch, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, Caveolin-1, Connexin37, and Connexin40. Any disruption of these signaling potentially causes arteriovenous malformations. We also present some recent insights into the fundamental analysis, which attempts to determine potential and alternative solutions to battle arteriovenous malformations, especially in a less invasive and risky way, such as gene treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoga Mahendra
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Mei He
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhammad Abdul Rouf
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Marco Tjakra
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Longling Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yeqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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5
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Giarretta I, Sturiale CL, Gatto I, Pacioni S, Gaetani E, Porfidia A, Puca A, Palucci I, Tondi P, Olivi A, Pallini R, Pola R. Sonic hedgehog is expressed in human brain arteriovenous malformations and induces arteriovenous malformations in vivo. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:324-335. [PMID: 32169015 PMCID: PMC8369994 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20912405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in arterial versus venous endothelial cell identity and dysregulation of angiogenesis are deemed important in the pathophysiology of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway is crucial for both angiogenesis and arterial versus venous differentiation of endothelial cells, through its dual role on the vascular endothelial growth factor/Notch signaling and the nuclear orphan receptor COUP-TFII. In this study, we show that Shh, Gli1 (the main transcription factor of the Shh pathway), and COUP-TFII (a target of the non-canonical Shh pathway) are aberrantly expressed in human brain AVMs. We also show that implantation of pellets containing Shh in the cornea of Efnb2/LacZ mice induces growth of distinct arteries and veins, interconnected by complex sets of arteriovenous shunts, without an interposed capillary bed, as seen in AVMs. We also demonstrate that injection in the rat brain of a plasmid containing the human Shh gene induces the growth of tangles of tortuous and dilated vessels, in part positive and in part negative for the arterial marker αSMA, with direct connections between αSMA-positive and -negative vessels. In summary, we show that the Shh pathway is active in human brain AVMs and that Shh-induced angiogenesis has characteristics reminiscent of those seen in AVMs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Giarretta
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo L Sturiale
- Division of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gatto
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pacioni
- Division of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gaetani
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Porfidia
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Puca
- Division of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Palucci
- Istitute of Microbiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Tondi
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Division of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Division of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Pola
- Department of Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Division of Cardiovascular Research, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Germline Mutation Enrichment in Pathways Controlling Endothelial Cell Homeostasis in Patients with Brain Arteriovenous Malformation: Implication for Molecular Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124321. [PMID: 32560555 PMCID: PMC7352422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124321] [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: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is a congenital defect affecting brain microvasculature, characterized by a direct shunt from arterioles to venules. Germline mutations in several genes related to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/BMP signaling are linked to both sporadic and hereditary phenotypes. However, the low incidence of inherited cases makes the genetic bases of the disease unclear. To increase this knowledge, we performed a whole exome sequencing on five patients, on DNA purified by peripheral blood. Variants were filtered based on frequency and functional class. Those selected were validated by Sanger sequencing. Genes carrying selected variants were prioritized to relate these genes with those already known to be linked to bAVM development. Most of the prioritized genes showed a correlation with the TGF-βNotch signaling and vessel morphogenesis. However, two novel pathways related to cilia morphogenesis and ion homeostasis were enriched in mutated genes. These results suggest novel insights on sporadic bAVM onset and confirm its genetic heterogeneity. The high frequency of germline variants in genes related to TGF-β signaling allows us to hypothesize bAVM as a complex trait resulting from the co-existence of low-penetrance loci. Deeper knowledge on bAVM genetics can improve personalized diagnosis and can be helpful with genotype–phenotype correlations.
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Shoemaker LD, McCormick AK, Allen BM, Chang SD. Evidence for endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human brain arteriovenous malformations. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e99. [PMID: 32564509 PMCID: PMC7403663 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.99] [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] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, potentially devastating cerebrovascular lesions that can occur in both children and adults. AVMs are largely sporadic and the basic disease biology remains unclear, limiting advances in both detection and treatment. This study aimed to investigate human brain AVMs for endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process recently implicated in cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). METHODS We used 29 paraffin-embedded and 13 fresh/frozen human brain AVM samples to profile expression of panels of EndMT-associated proteins and RNAs. CCMs, a cerebrovascular disease also characterized by abnormal vasculature, were used as a primary comparison, given that EndMT specifically contributes to CCM disease biology. AVM-derived cell lines were isolated from three fresh, surgical AVM samples and characterized by protein expression. RESULTS We observed high collagen deposition, high PAI-1 expression, and expression of EndMT-associated transcription factors such as KLF4, SNAI1, and SNAI2 and mesenchymal-associated markers such as VIM, ACTA2, and S100A4. SMAD-dependent TGF-β signaling was not strongly activated in AVMs and this pathway may be only partially involved in mediating EndMT. Using serum-free culture conditions, we isolated myofibroblast-like cell populations from AVMs that expressed a unique range of proteins associated with mature cell types and with EndMT. Conditioned medium from these cells led to increased proliferation of HUVECs and SMCs. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results suggest a role for EndMT in AVM disease. This may lead to new avenues for disease models to further our understanding of disease mechanisms, and to the development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorelei D. Shoemaker
- Stanford Neuromolecular Innovation ProgramDepartment of NeurosurgeryStanford UniversityStanfordCalifornia
| | - Aaron K. McCormick
- Stanford Neuromolecular Innovation ProgramDepartment of NeurosurgeryStanford UniversityStanfordCalifornia
| | - Breanna M. Allen
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Steven D. Chang
- Stanford Neuromolecular Innovation ProgramDepartment of NeurosurgeryStanford UniversityStanfordCalifornia
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Scimone C, Donato L, Alafaci C, Granata F, Rinaldi C, Longo M, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. High-Throughput Sequencing to Detect Novel Likely Gene-Disrupting Variants in Pathogenesis of Sporadic Brain Arteriovenous Malformations. Front Genet 2020; 11:146. [PMID: 32184807 PMCID: PMC7059193 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular signaling that leads to brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is to date elusive and this is firstly due to the low frequency of familial cases. Conversely, sporadic bAVM is the most diffuse condition and represents the main source to characterize the genetic basis of the disease. Several studies were conducted in order to detect both germ-line and somatic mutations linked to bAVM development and, in this context, next generation sequencing technologies offer a pivotal resource for the amount of outputted information. We performed whole exome sequencing on a young boy affected by sporadic bAVM. Paired-end sequencing was conducted on an Illumina platform and filtered variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. We detected 20 likely gene-disrupting variants affecting as many loci. Of these variants, 11 are inherited novel variants and one is a de novo nonsense variant, affecting STK4 gene. Moreover, we also considered rare known variants affecting loci involved in vascular differentiation. In order to explain their possible involvement in bAVM pathogenesis, we analyzed molecular networks at Cytoscape platform. In this study we focus on some genetic point variations detected in a child affected by bAVM. Therefore, we suggest these novel affected loci as prioritized for further investigation on pathogenesis of bAVM lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Concetta Alafaci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Granata
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marcello Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Vanguard Medicine and Therapies, Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, Italy
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Polvani S, Pepe S, Milani S, Galli A. COUP-TFII in Health and Disease. Cells 2019; 9:E101. [PMID: 31906104 PMCID: PMC7016888 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptors (NRs) belong to a vast family of evolutionary conserved proteins acting as ligand-activated transcription factors. Functionally, NRs are essential in embryogenesis and organogenesis and in adulthood they are involved in almost every physiological and pathological process. Our knowledge of NRs action has greatly improved in recent years, demonstrating that both their expression and activity are tightly regulated by a network of signaling pathways, miRNA and reciprocal interactions. The Chicken Ovalbumin Upstream Promoter Transcription Factor II (COUP-TFII, NR2F2) is a NR classified as an orphan due to the lack of a known natural ligand. Although its expression peaks during development, and then decreases considerably, in adult tissues, COUP-TFII is an important regulator of differentiation and it is variably implicated in tissues homeostasis. As such, alterations of its expression or its transcriptional activity have been studied and linked to a spectrum of diseases in organs and tissues of different origins. Indeed, an altered COUP-TFII expression and activity may cause infertility, abnormality in the vascular system and metabolic diseases like diabetes. Moreover, COUP-TFII is actively investigated in cancer research but its role in tumor progression is yet to be fully understood. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of COUP-TFII in healthy and pathological conditions, proposing an updated and critical view of the many functions of this NR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Polvani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, largo Brambilla 50, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Sara Pepe
- Istituto per la Ricerca, la Prevenzione e la rete Oncologica (ISPRO), viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, via M. Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Milani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Andrea Galli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (S.M.)
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Abstract
The systemic circulation depends upon a highly organized, hierarchal blood vascular network that requires the successful specification of arterial and venous endothelial cells during development. This process is driven by a cascade of signaling events (including Hedgehog, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Notch, connexin (Cx), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- β), and COUP transcription factor 2 (COUP-TFII)) to influence endothelial cell cycle status and expression of arterial or venous genes and is further regulated by hemodynamic flow. Failure of endothelial cells to properly undergo arteriovenous specification may contribute to vascular malformation and dysfunction, such as in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) where abnormal vessel structures, such as large shunts lacking clear arteriovenous identity and function, form and compromise peripheral blood flow. This review provides an overview of recent findings in the field of arteriovenous specification and highlights key regulators of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Fang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Karen Hirschi
- 2Departments of Medicine, Genetics, and Biomedical Engineering, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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11
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Davis RB, Pahl K, Datto NC, Smith SV, Shawber C, Caron KM, Blatt J. Notch signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for extracranial vascular malformations. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17987. [PMID: 30573741 PMCID: PMC6302123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36628-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch expression has been shown to be aberrant in brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), and targeting Notch has been suggested as an approach to their treatment. It is unclear whether extracranial vascular malformations follow the same patterning and Notch pathway defects. In this study, we examined human extracranial venous (VM) (n = 3), lymphatic (LM) (n = 10), and AV (n = 6) malformations, as well as sporadic brain AVMs (n = 3). In addition to showing that extracranial AVMs demonstrate interrupted elastin and that AVMs and LMs demonstrate abnormal α-smooth muscle actin just as brain AVMS do, our results demonstrate that NOTCH1, 2, 3 and 4 proteins are overexpressed to varying degrees in both the endothelial and mural lining of the malformed vessels in all types of malformations. We further show that two gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), DAPT (GSI-IX) and RO4929097, cause dose-dependent inhibition of Notch target gene expression (Hey1) and rate of migration of monolayer cultures of lymphatic endothelial cells (hLECs) and blood endothelial cells (HUVEC). GSIs also inhibit HUVEC network formation. hLECs are more sensitive to GSIs compared to HUVEC. GSIs have been found to be safe in clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or cancer. Our results provide further rationale to support testing of Notch inhibitors in patients with extracranial vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema B Davis
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kristy Pahl
- Pediatrics (Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas C Datto
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott V Smith
- Surgical Pathology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Translational Pathology Laboratory), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrie Shawber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M Caron
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie Blatt
- Pediatrics (Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Thomas JM, Surendran S, Abraham M, Sasankan D, Bhaadri S, Rajavelu A, Kartha CC. Gene expression analysis of nidus of cerebral arteriovenous malformations reveals vascular structures with deficient differentiation and maturation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198617. [PMID: 29897969 PMCID: PMC5999265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are characterised by tangles of dysplastic blood vessels which shunt blood from arteries to veins with no intervening capillary bed. It is not known at what stage of development and differentiation, AVM vessels became aberrant. To address this, we have analysed the expression of vascular differentiation, vascular maturation and brain capillary specific genes in AVM nidus. Methodology We performed immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis of vascular differentiation (HEY2, DLL4, EFNB2, and COUP-TFII), vascular maturation (ENG and KLF2) and brain capillary specific genes (GGTP and GLUT1) on ten surgically excised human brain AVMs and ten normal human brain tissues. Results Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AVM vessels co-express both artery and vein differentiation genes. H-score analysis revealed that there is statistically significant (P < 0.0001) increase in expression of these proteins in AVM vessels compared to control vessels. These findings were further confirmed by western blot analysis and found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001) for all proteins except Hey2. Both immunostaining and western blot analysis revealed that AVM vessels express GGTP and GLUT1, markers specific to brain capillaries. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that expression of KLF2, a vascular maturation marker is significantly (P <0.001) decreased in AVM vessels and was further confirmed by western blot analysis (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical and western blot analysis demonstrated that another vascular maturation protein Endoglin had high expression in AVM vessels compared to control vessels. The results were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Summary Our findings suggest that vascular structures of AVMs co-express markers specific for arteries, veins and capillaries. We conclude that AVM nidus constitutes of aberrant vessels which are not terminally differentiated and inadequately matured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Mary Thomas
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sumi Surendran
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Mathew Abraham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Dhakshmi Sasankan
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sridutt Bhaadri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Arumugam Rajavelu
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Tropical Disease Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- * E-mail: (AR); (CCK)
| | - Chandrasekharan C. Kartha
- Cardio Vascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojapura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- * E-mail: (AR); (CCK)
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Spielman LJ, Estaki M, Ghosh S, Gibson DL, Klegeris A. The effects of voluntary wheel running on neuroinflammatory status: Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 79:93-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Li L, Yu J, Duan Z, Dang HX. The effect of NFATc1 on vascular generation and the possible underlying mechanism in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1457-66. [PMID: 26820075 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) on the growth and vascular generation of human ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cell-transplanted tumors in nude mice and explored the possible underlying mechanism. NFATc1 siRNA was transfected into the SKOV3 cells, which were then subjected to immunofluorescence tests and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the transfection-induced inhibition rate. The tumor volumes in the nude mice in all groups were measured to determine the in vivo antitumor effect of NFATc1 siRNA. Immunohistochemical (IHC) methods were employed to detect NFATc1 expression in tumor tissue, combined with cytokeratin (CK) staining to label the epithelial origin of the tumor tissue. CD34 and podoplanin were used as markers for labeling microvessels and microlymphatic vessels, respectively. The densities of microvessels and microlymphatic vessels in each group were calculated and statistically analyzed. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of NFATc1, the ELR+ CXC chemokine interleukin (IL)-8, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) in xenografted tumor tissue in all groups. NFATc1 was highly expressed in tumor tissue in the control groups. The intervention group exhibited a tumor growth inhibition rate of 57.08% and presented a lower tumor weight and volume compared with the two control groups. In the control groups, the microvessel densities were 12.00 ± 1.65 and 11.47 ± 0.32, respectively, and the microlymphatic vessel densities were 10.03 ± 0.96 and 9.95 ± 1.12; these values were significantly higher than in the intervention group. RT-PCR and western blot shows that NFATc1 siRNA could markedly suppress the expression of IL-8, FGF-2 and PDGF BB at the mRNA and the protein level. In conclusion, it was shown that NFATc1 siRNA significantly suppresses the growth and vascular generation of SKOV3 human ovarian carcinoma cell-transplanted tumors subcutaneously xenografted into nude mice. The downregulation of the expression of IL-8, FGF-2 and PDGF BB may be one of the mechanisms underlying the above inhibitory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- Department of Physical Examination, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jihui Yu
- Department of Physical Examination, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoning Duan
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Xing Dang
- Department of PICU, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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Hermanto Y, Takagi Y, Ishii A, Yoshida K, Kikuchi T, Funaki T, Mineharu Y, Miyamoto S. Immunohistochemical Analysis of Sox17 Associated Pathway in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations. World Neurosurg 2015; 87:573-83.e1-2. [PMID: 26463399 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sox17 has emerged as an important factor in vascular remodeling because of the potential linkage with Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and the inflammatory pathway. Brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM), as an angiogenic and inflammatory disorder, might possess an aberrant regulation of the Sox17 associated pathway. We sought to investigate the expression of the Sox17 associated pathway in BAVMs. METHODS Using immunohistochemical methods, 16 paraffin specimens of BAVM nidus were analyzed. Specimens were obtained from patients during surgical procedures. RESULTS Expression of Sox17, Hey1, and β-catenin was observed in all specimens. Large veins possessed a distinct pattern of expression; thick-walled veins had a stronger intensity, whereas thin-walled veins had a weaker intensity, of Sox17, Hey1, and β-catenin (P < 0.001). Thick-walled veins also had a higher expression of Sox17, Hey1, and β-catenin compared with large arteries (P < 0.05). Hey1 and β-catenin expression was also higher in thick-walled veins compared with brain microvessels (P < 0.01). In addition, the difference in expression of the Sox17 associated pathway (Hey1 and β-catenin) was observed in medium and small arteries compared with large arteries in BAVM nidus and brain microvessels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The Sox17 associated pathway was activated in the BAVM nidus. Our results indicate that arterial identity is gained in thick-walled veins; this might reflect the process of arterialization of the veins as a result of hemodynamic stress. In addition, high expression of the Sox17 associated pathway in medium and small arteries indicates that BAVM vessels are intrinsically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulius Hermanto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Akira Ishii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Yoshida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kikuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Funaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yohei Mineharu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Susumu Miyamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Abstract
An arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of dysplastic vessels (nidus) fed by arteries and drained by veins without intervening capillaries, forming a high-flow, low-resistance shunt between the arterial and venous systems. Arteriovenous malformations in the brain have a low estimated prevalence but are an important cause of intracerebral haemorrhage in young adults. For previously unruptured malformations, bleeding rates are approximately 1% per year. Once ruptured, the subsequent risk increases fivefold, depending on associated aneurysms, deep locations, deep drainage and increasing age. Recent findings from novel animal models and genetic studies suggest that arteriovenous malformations, which were long considered congenital, arise from aberrant vasculogenesis, genetic mutations and/or angiogenesis after injury. The phenotypical characteristics of arteriovenous malformations differ among age groups, with fistulous lesions in children and nidal lesions in adults. Diagnosis mainly involves imaging techniques, including CT, MRI and angiography. Management includes observation, microsurgical resection, endovascular embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery, alone or in any combination. There is little consensus on how to manage patients with unruptured malformations; recent studies have shown that patients managed medically fared better than those with intervention at short-term follow-up. By contrast, interventional treatment is preferred following a ruptured malformation to prevent rehaemorrhage. Management continues to evolve as new mechanistic discoveries and reliable animal models raise the possibility of developing drugs that might prevent the formation of arteriovenous malformations, induce obliteration and/or stabilize vessels to reduce rupture risk. For an illustrated summary of this Primer, visit: http://go.nature.com/TMoAdn.
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