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Benz PM, Frömel T, Laban H, Zink J, Ulrich L, Groneberg D, Boon RA, Poley P, Renne T, de Wit C, Fleming I. Cardiovascular Functions of Ena/VASP Proteins: Past, Present and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:1740. [PMID: 37443774 PMCID: PMC10340426 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Actin binding proteins are of crucial importance for the spatiotemporal regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, thereby mediating a tremendous range of cellular processes. Since their initial discovery more than 30 years ago, the enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) family has evolved as one of the most fascinating and versatile family of actin regulating proteins. The proteins directly enhance actin filament assembly, but they also organize higher order actin networks and link kinase signaling pathways to actin filament assembly. Thereby, Ena/VASP proteins regulate dynamic cellular processes ranging from membrane protrusions and trafficking, and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions, to the generation of mechanical tension and contractile force. Important insights have been gained into the physiological functions of Ena/VASP proteins in platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarize the unique and redundant functions of Ena/VASP proteins in cardiovascular cells and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Benz
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Timo Frömel
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hebatullah Laban
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joana Zink
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lea Ulrich
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Groneberg
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Reinier A. Boon
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Centre of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU University Medical Centre, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Poley
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Renne
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 VN51 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ingrid Fleming
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Toral M, de la Fuente-Alonso A, Campanero MR, Redondo JM. The NO signalling pathway in aortic aneurysm and dissection. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1287-1303. [PMID: 34599830 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that NO is a central mediator in diseases associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm, such as Marfan syndrome. The progressive dilation of the aorta in thoracic aortic aneurysm ultimately leads to aortic dissection. Unfortunately, current medical treatments have neither halt aortic enlargement nor prevented rupture, leaving surgical repair as the only effective treatment. There is therefore a pressing need for effective therapies to delay or even avoid the need for surgical repair in thoracic aortic aneurysm patients. Here, we summarize the mechanisms through which NO signalling dysregulation causes thoracic aortic aneurysm, particularly in Marfan syndrome. We discuss recent advances based on the identification of new Marfan syndrome mediators related to pathway overactivation that represent potential disease biomarkers. Likewise, we propose iNOS, sGC and PRKG1, whose pharmacological inhibition reverses aortopathy in Marfan syndrome mice, as targets for therapeutic intervention in thoracic aortic aneurysm and are candidates for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Toral
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea de la Fuente-Alonso
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel R Campanero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Redondo
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Rachubik P, Szrejder M, Audzeyenka I, Rogacka D, Rychłowski M, Angielski S, Piwkowska A. The PKGIα/VASP pathway is involved in insulin- and high glucose-dependent regulation of albumin permeability in cultured rat podocytes. J Biochem 2021; 168:575-588. [PMID: 32484874 PMCID: PMC7763511 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocytes, the principal component of the glomerular filtration barrier, regulate glomerular permeability to albumin via their contractile properties. Both insulin- and high glucose (HG)-dependent activation of protein kinase G type Iα (PKGIα) cause reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and podocyte disruption. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is a substrate for PKGIα and involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. We investigated the role of the PKGIα/VASP pathway in the regulation of podocyte permeability to albumin. We evaluated changes in high insulin- and/or HG-induced transepithelial albumin flux in cultured rat podocyte monolayers. Expression of PKGIα and downstream proteins was confirmed by western blot and immunofluorescence. We demonstrate that insulin and HG induce changes in the podocyte contractile apparatus via PKGIα-dependent regulation of the VASP phosphorylation state, increase VASP colocalization with PKGIα, and alter the subcellular localization of these proteins in podocytes. Moreover, VASP was implicated in the insulin- and HG-dependent dynamic remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton and, consequently, increased podocyte permeability to albumin under hyperinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions. These results indicate that insulin- and HG-dependent regulation of albumin permeability is mediated by the PKGIα/VASP pathway in cultured rat podocytes. This molecular mechanism may explain podocytopathy and albuminuria in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Rachubik
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maria Szrejder
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irena Audzeyenka
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.,Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dorota Rogacka
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.,Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Rychłowski
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk, Medical University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Stefan Angielski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Piwkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.,Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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4
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Abstract
Smooth muscle contraction requires both myosin activation and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Actin cytoskeletal reorganization facilitates smooth muscle contraction by promoting force transmission between the contractile unit and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and by enhancing intercellular mechanical transduction. Myosin may be viewed to serve as an "engine" for smooth muscle contraction whereas the actin cytoskeleton may function as a "transmission system" in smooth muscle. The actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle also undergoes restructuring upon activation with growth factors or the ECM, which controls smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Abnormal smooth muscle contraction, cell proliferation, and motility contribute to the development of vascular and pulmonary diseases. A number of actin-regulatory proteins including protein kinases have been discovered to orchestrate actin dynamics in smooth muscle. In particular, Abelson tyrosine kinase (c-Abl) is an important molecule that controls actin dynamics, contraction, growth, and motility in smooth muscle. Moreover, c-Abl coordinates the regulation of blood pressure and contributes to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness and vascular/airway remodeling in vivo. Thus, c-Abl may be a novel pharmacological target for the development of new therapy to treat smooth muscle diseases such as hypertension and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale D Tang
- Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States.
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5
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Tang DD, Gerlach BD. The roles and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, intermediate filaments and microtubules in smooth muscle cell migration. Respir Res 2017; 18:54. [PMID: 28390425 PMCID: PMC5385055 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-017-0544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cell migration has been implicated in the development of respiratory and cardiovascular systems; and airway/vascular remodeling. Cell migration is a polarized cellular process involving a protrusive cell front and a retracting trailing rear. There are three cytoskeletal systems in mammalian cells: the actin cytoskeleton, the intermediate filament network, and microtubules; all of which regulate all or part of the migrated process. The dynamic actin cytoskeleton spatially and temporally regulates protrusion, adhesions, contraction, and retraction from the cell front to the rear. c-Abl tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in regulating actin dynamics and migration of airway smooth muscle cells and nonmuscle cells. Recent studies suggest that intermediate filaments undergo reorganization during migration, which coordinates focal adhesion dynamics, cell contraction, and nucleus rigidity. In particular, vimentin intermediate filaments undergo phosphorylation and reorientation in smooth muscle cells, which may regulate cell contraction and focal adhesion assembly/disassembly. Motile cells are characterized by a front-rear polarization of the microtubule framework, which regulates all essential processes leading to cell migration through its role in cell mechanics, intracellular trafficking, and signaling. This review recapitulates our current knowledge how the three cytoskeletal systems spatially and temporally modulate the migratory properties of cells. We also summarize the potential role of migration-associated biomolecules in lung and vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale D Tang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-8, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - Brennan D Gerlach
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-8, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
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6
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Colonne PM, Winchell CG, Graham JG, Onyilagha FI, MacDonald LJ, Doeppler HR, Storz P, Kurten RC, Beare PA, Heinzen RA, Voth DE. Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Activity Is Required for Coxiella burnetii Growth in Human Macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005915. [PMID: 27711191 PMCID: PMC5053435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes human Q fever, an acute flu-like illness that can progress to chronic endocarditis and liver and bone infections. Humans are typically infected by aerosol-mediated transmission, and C. burnetii initially targets alveolar macrophages wherein the pathogen replicates in a phagolysosome-like niche known as the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). C. burnetii manipulates host cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling to promote PV formation, cell survival, and bacterial replication. In this study, we identified the actin regulatory protein vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) as a PKA substrate that is increasingly phosphorylated at S157 and S239 during C. burnetii infection. Avirulent and virulent C. burnetii triggered increased levels of phosphorylated VASP in macrophage-like THP-1 cells and primary human alveolar macrophages, and this event required the Cα subunit of PKA. VASP phosphorylation also required bacterial protein synthesis and secretion of effector proteins via a type IV secretion system, indicating the pathogen actively triggers prolonged VASP phosphorylation. Optimal PV formation and intracellular bacterial replication required VASP activity, as siRNA-mediated depletion of VASP reduced PV size and bacterial growth. Interestingly, ectopic expression of a phospho-mimetic VASP (S239E) mutant protein prevented optimal PV formation, whereas VASP (S157E) mutant expression had no effect. VASP (S239E) expression also prevented trafficking of bead-containing phagosomes to the PV, indicating proper VASP activity is critical for heterotypic fusion events that control PV expansion in macrophages. Finally, expression of dominant negative VASP (S157A) in C. burnetii-infected cells impaired PV formation, confirming importance of the protein for proper infection. This study provides the first evidence of VASP manipulation by an intravacuolar bacterial pathogen via activation of PKA in human macrophages. Q fever, caused by the intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii, is an aerosol-transmitted infection that can develop into life-threatening chronic infections such as endocarditis. The pathogen preferentially grows within alveolar macrophages in a phagolysosome-like compartment termed the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). C. burnetii actively manipulates host cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling to promote PV formation and cell survival. Identification of bacterial effector proteins that manipulate PKA and downstream target proteins is critical to fully understand pathogen-mediated signaling circuits and develop new therapeutic strategies. Here, we found that PKA controls vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) activity to promote PV formation and bacterial replication. VASP regulates actin-based motility used by a subset of intracellular bacteria for propulsion through the host cell cytosol and into bystander cells. However, C. burnetii does not use actin-based motility and replicates throughout its life cycle within a membrane bound vacuole. Thus, this study provides the first evidence of VASP manipulation by an intravacuolar bacterial pathogen. Characterization of VASP function in PV formation and identification of additional PKA substrates that promote infection will provide new insight into host-pathogen interactions during Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punsiri M. Colonne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Caylin G. Winchell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Joseph G. Graham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Frances I. Onyilagha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Laura J. MacDonald
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Heike R. Doeppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Richard C. Kurten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Beare
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Heinzen
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Voth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Döppler H, Bastea L, Borges S, Geiger X, Storz P. The phosphorylation status of VASP at serine 322 can be predictive for aggressiveness of invasive ductal carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:29740-52. [PMID: 26336132 PMCID: PMC4745759 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) signaling is critical for dynamic actin reorganization processes that define the motile phenotype of cells. Here we show that VASP is generally highly expressed in normal breast tissue and breast cancer. We also show that the phosphorylation status of VASP at S322 can be predictive for breast cancer progression to an aggressive phenotype. Our data indicate that phosphorylation at S322 is gradually decreased from normal breast to DCIS, luminal/ER+, HER2+ and basal-like/TN phenotypes. Similarly, the expression levels of PKD2, the kinase that phosphorylates VASP at this site, are decreased in invasive ductal carcinoma samples of all three groups. Overall, the phosphorylation status of this residue may serve as an indicator of aggressiveness of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Döppler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ligia Bastea
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Sahra Borges
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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8
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Soluble guanylyl cyclase-activated cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell migration independent of VASP-serine 239 phosphorylation. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1364-1379. [PMID: 27302407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Uncontrolled arterial smooth muscle (ASM) cell migration is a major component of CAD pathogenesis and efforts aimed at attenuating its progression are clinically essential. Cyclic nucleotide signaling has long been studied for its growth-mitigating properties in the setting of CAD and other vascular disorders. Heme-containing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and maintains vascular homeostasis predominantly through cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interfere with appropriate sGC signaling by oxidizing the cyclase heme moiety and so are associated with several CVD pathologies, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that heme-independent sGC activation by BAY 60-2770 (BAY60) maintains cGMP levels despite heme oxidation and inhibits ASM cell migration through phosphorylation of the PKG target and actin-binding vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). First, using the heme oxidant ODQ, cGMP content was potentiated in the presence of BAY60. Using a rat model of arterial growth, BAY60 significantly reduced neointima formation and luminal narrowing compared to vehicle (VEH)-treated controls. In rat ASM cells BAY60 significantly attenuated cell migration, reduced G:F actin, and increased PKG activity and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation (pVASP·S239) compared to VEH controls. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to generate overexpressing full-length wild type VASP (FL-VASP/WT), VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-mimetic (FL-VASP/239D) and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-resistant (FL-VASP/239A) ASM cell mutants. Surprisingly, FL-VASP/239D negated the inhibitory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on migration. Furthermore, when FL-VASP mutants were treated with BAY60, only the FL-VASP/239D group showed reduced migration compared to its VEH controls. Intriguingly, FL-VASP/239D abrogated the stimulatory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on PKG activity. In turn, pharmacologic blockade of PKG in the presence of BAY60 reversed the inhibitory effect of BAY60 on naïve ASM cell migration. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that BAY60 inhibits ASM cell migration through cGMP/PKG/VASP signaling yet through mechanisms independent of pVASP·S239 and that FL-VASP overexpression regulates PKG activity in rat ASM cells. These findings implicate BAY60 as a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent against aberrant ASM growth disorders such as CAD and also establish a unique mechanism through which VASP controls PKG activity.
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9
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Nitric oxide regulates multiple functions and fate of adult progenitor and stem cells. J Physiol Biochem 2014; 71:141-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s13105-014-0373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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10
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Specific inhibitory effects of the NO donor MAHMA/NONOate on human platelets. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 735:169-76. [PMID: 24780647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a physiological inhibitor of platelet function and has vaso-dilating effects. Therefore, synthesized NO releasing agents are used e.g. in cardiovascular medicine. The aim of this study was to characterise specific effects of the short living agent MAHMA/NONOate, a NO donor of the diazeniumdiolate class, on human platelets. Whole blood was obtained from healthy volunteers. In washed human platelets, the MAHMA/NONOate induced phosphorylation of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and cyclic nucleotide production were studied by Western Blot and by enzyme immunoassay kits. Agonist induced aggregation was measured in platelet rich plasma. Paired Student׳s t-test was used for statistical analysis. MAHMA/NONOate significantly stimulated platelet VASP phosphorylation in a concentration dependent manner and increased intracellular cGMP, but not cAMP levels, transiently. ODQ, a specific inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase, completely prevented VASP phosphorylation induced by low MAHMA/NONOate concentrations (5nM-15nM). The effects of higher concentrations (30-200nM) were only partially inhibited by ODQ. MAHMA/NONOate reduced platelet aggregation induced by low doses of agonists (2µM ADP, 0.5µg/mL collagen, 5µM TRAP-6) in a concentration dependent manner. MAHMA/NONOate leads to a rapid and transient activation of platelet inhibitory systems, accompanied by decreased platelet aggregation induced by low dose agonists. At low MAHMA/NONOate concentrations, the effects are cGMP dependent and at higher concentrations additionally cGMP independent. The substance could be of interest for clinical situations requiring transient and subtotal inhibition of platelet function.
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11
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Dismuke WM, Liang J, Overby DR, Stamer WD. Concentration-related effects of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 on human trabecular meshwork cell contractility. Exp Eye Res 2013; 120:28-35. [PMID: 24374036 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The contractility status of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells influences aqueous humor outflow resistance and intraocular pressure. Using human TM cells as a model, the goal of the present study was to examine concentration-response relationships of two prototypical molecules, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), known to differentially influence vascular smooth muscle contractility. Efficacy of ET-1, two NO donors (DETA-NO and SNP) and a cGMP analog (8-Br-cGMP) were assessed using two complementary methods: functionally in a gel contraction assay and biochemically using a myosin light chain phosphorylation assay. The NO donors DETA-NO and SNP dose dependently relaxed cultured human TM cells (EC50 for DETA-NO = 6.0 ± 2.4 μM, SNP = 12.6 ± 8.8 μM), with maximum effects at 100 μM. Interestingly, at concentrations of NO donors above 100 μM, the relaxing effect was lost. Relaxation caused by DETA-NO (100 μM) was dose dependently blocked by the soluble guanylate cyclase specific inhibitor ODQ (IC50 = 460 ± 190 nM). In contrast to the NO donors, treatment of cells with the cGMP analog, 8-Br-cGMP produced the largest relaxation (109.4%) that persisted at high concentrations (EC50 = 110 ± 40 μM). ET-1 caused a dose-dependent contraction of human TM cells (EC50 = 1.5 ± 0.5 pM), with maximum effect at 100 pM (56.1%) and this contraction was reversed by DETA-NO (100 μM). Consistent with functional data, phosphorylation status of myosin light chain was dose dependently reduced with DETA-NO, and increased with ET-1. Together, data show that TM cells rapidly change their contractility status over a wide dynamic range, well suited for the regulation of outflow resistance and intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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12
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Döppler H, Storz P. Regulation of VASP by phosphorylation: consequences for cell migration. Cell Adh Migr 2013; 7:482-6. [PMID: 24401601 DOI: 10.4161/cam.27351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylations control all aspects of vasodilator-stimulated phospho-protein (VASP) function. Mapped phosphorylation sites include Y39, S157, S239, T278, and S322, and multiple kinases have been shown to mediate their phosphorylation. Recently, Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1) as a direct kinase for S157 and S322 joined this group. While S157 phosphorylation generally seems to serve as a signal for membrane localization, phosphorylations at S322 or at S239 and T278 have opposite effects on F-actin accumulation. In migrating cells, S322 phosphorylation increases filopodia numbers and length, while S239/T278 phosphorylations decrease these and also disrupt formation of focal adhesions. Therefore, the kinases mediating these phosphorylations can be seen as switches needed to facilitate cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Döppler
- Department of Cancer Biology; Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center; Mayo Clinic; Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology; Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center; Mayo Clinic; Jacksonville, FL USA
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13
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Fuseler JW, Valarmathi MT. Modulation of the migration and differentiation potential of adult bone marrow stromal stem cells by nitric oxide. Biomaterials 2011; 33:1032-43. [PMID: 22071099 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible free radical, which serves as a pluripotent intracellular messenger in numerous cell systems. NO has been demonstrated to regulate actin dependent cellular functions and functions as a putative inductive agent in directing stem cells differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous NO on the kinetics of movement and morphological changes in adult bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in a wound healing model of cellular migration. Cellular migration and morphological changes were determined by measurement of changes in the area and fractal dimension of BMSCs monolayer as a function of time in the presence of an NO donor (S-Nitroso-N-Acetyl-D,L-Penicillamine, SNAP) compared to untreated BMSCs. Response of the BMSCs' actin cytoskeleton and desmin to NO was assessed by determining changes in their integrated optical density (IOD) and fractal dimension at 24 h and 7 days. NO suppressed BMSCs' migration accompanied by a reduction in cell size, with maintenance of their stellate to polygonal morphology. In response to NO, the actin cytoskeleton expressed an increase in randomness but maintained a constant amount of F-actin relative to the cell size. The presence of NO also induced an increase in randomly organized cytoplasmic desmin. These data suggest that NO has an apparent inductive effect on adult BMSCs and is capable of initiating phenotypic change at the gross cellular, cytoskeletal and molecular levels. It is apparent, however, that additional factors or conditions are required to further drive the differentiation of adult BMSCs into specific phenotypes, such as cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Fuseler
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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Abstract
Signaling by nitric oxide (NO) determines several cardiovascular functions including blood pressure regulation, cardiac and smooth muscle hypertrophy, and platelet function. NO stimulates the synthesis of cGMP by soluble guanylyl cyclases and thereby activates cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), mediating most of the cGMP functions. Hence, an elucidation of the PKG signaling cascade is essential for the understanding of the (patho)physiological aspects of NO. Several PKG signaling pathways were identified, meanwhile regulating the intracellular calcium concentration, mediating calcium desensitization or cytoskeletal rearrangement. During the last decade it emerged that the inositol trisphosphate receptor-associated cGMP-kinase substrate (IRAG), an endoplasmic reticulum-anchored 125-kDa membrane protein, is a main signal transducer of PKG activity in the cardiovascular system. IRAG interacts specifically in a trimeric complex with the PKG1β isoform and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor I and, upon phosphorylation, reduces the intracellular calcium release from the intracellular stores. IRAG motifs for phosphorylation and for targeting to PKG1β and 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor I were identified by several approaches. The (patho)physiological functions for the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and the inhibition of platelet activation were perceived. In this review, the IRAG recognition, targeting, and function are summarized compared with PKG and several PKG substrates in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Schlossmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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