1
|
Zhang S, Zhang Q, Lu Y, Chen J, Liu J, Li Z, Xie Z. Roles of Integrin in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4096. [PMID: 38612904 PMCID: PMC11012347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074096] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health threat due to their complex pathogenesis and high incidence, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrins, a group of heterodimers consisting of α and β subunits that are located on the cell membrane, have emerged as key players in mediating the occurrence and progression of CVDs by regulating the physiological activities of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, and various immune cells. The crucial role of integrins in the progression of CVDs has valuable implications for targeted therapies. In this context, the development and application of various integrin antibodies and antagonists have been explored for antiplatelet therapy and anti-inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. Additionally, the rise of nanomedicine has enhanced the specificity and bioavailability of precision therapy targeting integrins. Nevertheless, the complexity of the pathogenesis of CVDs presents tremendous challenges for monoclonal targeted treatment. This paper reviews the mechanisms of integrins in the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, hypertension, and arrhythmias, which may pave the way for future innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Qingfang Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yutong Lu
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jianrui Chen
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jinkai Liu
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhuohan Li
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xie
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (S.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.C.); (J.L.); (Z.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jung IH, Elenbaas JS, Burks KH, Amrute JM, Xiangyu Z, Alisio A, Stitziel NO. Vascular smooth muscle- and myeloid cell-derived integrin α9β1 does not directly mediate the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Atherosclerosis 2022; 360:15-20. [PMID: 36215801 PMCID: PMC9615102 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF pentraxin domain-containing 1 (SVEP1), an extracellular matrix protein, is a human coronary artery disease locus that promotes atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that SVEP1 induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and an inflammatory phenotype in the arterial wall to enhance the development of atherosclerotic plaque. The only receptor known to interact with SVEP1 is integrin α9β1, a cell surface receptor that is expressed by VSMCs and myeloid lineage-derived monocytes and macrophages. Our previous in vitro studies suggested that integrin α9β1 was necessary for SVEP1-induced VSMC proliferation and inflammation; however, the underlying mechanisms mediated by integrin α9β1 in these cell types during the development of atherosclerosis remain poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, using cell-specific gene targeting, we investigated the effects of the integrin α9β1 receptor on VSMCs and myeloid cells in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Interestingly, we found that depleting integrin α9β1 in either VSMCs or myeloid cells did not affect the formation or complexity of atherosclerotic plaque in vessels after either 8 or 16 weeks of high fat diet feeding. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that integrin α9β1 in these two cell types does not mediate the in vivo effect of SVEP1 in the development of atherosclerosis. Instead, our results suggest either the presence of other potential receptor(s) or alternative integrin α9β1-expressing cell types responsible for SVEP1 induced signaling in the development of atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In-Hyuk Jung
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jared S Elenbaas
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kendall H Burks
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Junedh M Amrute
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Zhang Xiangyu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Arturo Alisio
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nathan O Stitziel
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA; McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63108, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Role of Integrins in Modulating Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Vascular Remodeling: From Expression to Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040646. [PMID: 35203297 PMCID: PMC8870356 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs), present in the media layer of blood vessels, are crucial in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Upon vascular injury, SMCs show a high degree of plasticity, undergo a change from a “contractile” to a “synthetic” phenotype, and play an essential role in the pathophysiology of diseases including atherosclerosis and restenosis. Integrins are cell surface receptors, which are involved in cell-to-cell binding and cell-to-extracellular-matrix interactions. By binding to extracellular matrix components, integrins trigger intracellular signaling and regulate several of the SMC function, including proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Although pharmacological approaches, including antibodies and synthetic peptides, have been effectively utilized to target integrins to limit atherosclerosis and restenosis, none has been commercialized yet. A clear understanding of how integrins modulate SMC biology is essential to facilitate the development of integrin-based interventions to combat atherosclerosis and restenosis. Herein, we highlight the importance of integrins in modulating functional properties of SMCs and their implications for vascular pathology.
Collapse
|
4
|
Marek I, Canu M, Cordasic N, Rauh M, Volkert G, Fahlbusch FB, Rascher W, Hilgers KF, Hartner A, Menendez-Castro C. Sex differences in the development of vascular and renal lesions in mice with a simultaneous deficiency of Apoe and the integrin chain Itga8. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:19. [PMID: 28572914 PMCID: PMC5450388 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice develop progressive atherosclerotic lesions with age but no severe renal pathology in the absence of additional challenges. We recently described accelerated atherosclerosis as well as marked renal injury in Apoe−/− mice deficient in the mesenchymal integrin chain Itga8 (Itga8−/−). Here, we used this Apoe−/−, Itga8−/− mouse model to investigate the sex differences in the development of atherosclerosis and concomitant renal injury. We hypothesized that aging female mice are protected from vascular and renal damage in this mouse model. Methods Apoe−/− mice were backcrossed with Itga8−/− mice. Mice were kept on a normal diet. At the age of 12 months, the aortae and kidneys of male and female Apoe−/−Itga8+/+ mice or Apoe−/−Itga8−/− mice were studied. En face preparations of the aorta were stained with Sudan IV (lipid deposition) or von Kossa (calcification). In kidney tissue, immunostaining for collagen IV, CD3, F4/80, and PCNA and real-time PCR analyses for Il6, Vegfa, Col1a1 (collagen I), and Ssp1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1, synonym osteopontin) as well as ER stress markers were performed. Results When compared to male mice, Apoe−/−Itga8+/+ female mice had a lower body weight, equal serum cholesterol levels, and lower triglyceride levels. However, female mice had increased aortic lipid deposition and more aortic calcifications than males. Male Apoe−/− mice with the additional deficiency of Itga8 developed increased serum urea, glomerulosclerosis, renal immune cell infiltration, and reduced glomerular cell proliferation. In females of the same genotype, these renal changes were less pronounced and were accompanied by lower expression of interleukin-6 and collagen I, while osteopontin expression was higher and markers of ER stress were not different. Conclusions In this model of atherosclerosis, the female sex is a risk factor to develop more severe atherosclerotic lesions, even though serum fat levels are higher in males. In contrast, female mice are protected from renal damage, which is accompanied by attenuated inflammation and matrix deposition. Thus, sex affects vascular and renal injury in a differential manner. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-017-0141-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Marek
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maurizio Canu
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nada Cordasic
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Volkert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian B Fahlbusch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl F Hilgers
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlos Menendez-Castro
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Integrin signaling in atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2263-2282. [PMID: 28246700 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic lipid-driven inflammatory disease affecting large arteries, represents the primary cause of cardiovascular disease in the world. The local remodeling of the vessel intima during atherosclerosis involves the modulation of vascular cell phenotype, alteration of cell migration and proliferation, and propagation of local extracellular matrix remodeling. All of these responses represent targets of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors. As such, alterations in integrin signaling affect multiple aspects of atherosclerosis, from the earliest induction of inflammation to the development of advanced fibrotic plaques. Integrin signaling has been shown to regulate endothelial phenotype, facilitate leukocyte homing, affect leukocyte function, and drive smooth muscle fibroproliferative remodeling. In addition, integrin signaling in platelets contributes to the thrombotic complications that typically drive the clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we examine the current literature on integrin regulation of atherosclerotic plaque development and the suitability of integrins as potential therapeutic targets to limit cardiovascular disease and its complications.
Collapse
|
6
|
Herdl S, Huebner H, Volkert G, Marek I, Menendez-Castro C, Noegel SC, Ruebner M, Rascher W, Hartner A, Fahlbusch FB. Integrin α8 Is Abundant in Human, Rat, and Mouse Trophoblasts. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1426-1437. [PMID: 28136130 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116689597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Integrins exert regulatory functions in placentogenesis. Null mutation of certain integrin α subunits leads to placental defects with subsequent fetal growth restriction or embryonic lethality in mice. So far, the placental role of α8 integrin remains to be determined. METHODS Localization of α8 integrin and its ligands, fibronectin (FN) and osteopontin (OPN), was studied by immunohistochemistry in human, rat, and mouse placenta. The vascularization of the placental labyrinth layer of α8 integrin-deficient mice was determined by CD31 staining. In humans, α8 integrin expression was assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction in healthy placentas, in the placental pathologies such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and HELLP-syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count), as well as in primary extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and villous trophoblasts. RESULTS In humans, α8 integrin was detected in first and third trimester syncytiotrophoblast and EVT. Although OPN showed the same localization, FN was observed in EVT only. No expressional changes in α8 integrin were detected in the placental pathologies studied. Rodent placenta showed α8 integrin expression in giant cells and in the labyrinth layer. The localization of OPN and FN, however, showed species-specific differences. Knockout of α8 integrin in mice did not cause IUGR, despite some reduction in labyrinth layer vascularization. CONCLUSION α8 Integrin is expressed in functional placental compartments among its ligands, OPN and/or FN, across species. Although this may point to a regulatory role in trophoblast function, our data from α8 integrin-deficient mice indicated only mild placental pathology. Thus, the lack of placental α8 integrin seems to be largely compensated for.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Herdl
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- 2 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Volkert
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ines Marek
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlos Menendez-Castro
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Noegel
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Ruebner
- 2 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rascher
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartner
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian B Fahlbusch
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khalifeh-Soltani A, Ha A, Podolsky MJ, McCarthy DA, McKleroy W, Azary S, Sakuma S, Tharp KM, Wu N, Yokosaki Y, Hart D, Stahl A, Atabai K. α8β1 integrin regulates nutrient absorption through an Mfge8-PTEN dependent mechanism. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27092791 PMCID: PMC4868538 DOI: 10.7554/elife.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction is critical for proper nutrient absorption and is altered in a number of medical disorders. In this work, we demonstrate a critical role for the RGD-binding integrin α8β1 in promoting nutrient absorption through regulation of gastrointestinal motility. Smooth muscle-specific deletion and antibody blockade of α8 in mice result in enhanced gastric antral smooth muscle contraction, more rapid gastric emptying, and more rapid transit of food through the small intestine leading to malabsorption of dietary fats and carbohydrates as well as protection from weight gain in a diet-induced model of obesity. Mechanistically, ligation of α8β1 by the milk protein Mfge8 reduces antral smooth muscle contractile force by preventing RhoA activation through a PTEN-dependent mechanism. Collectively, our results identify a role for α8β1 in regulating gastrointestinal motility and identify α8 as a potential target for disorders characterized by hypo- or hyper-motility. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13063.001 Animals absorb nutrients from the food they eat in a complicated process that involves multiple steps. In the mouth, teeth break down the food into smaller chunks. Then the food passes through the stomach and small intestine, where enzymes break it down into individual molecules that are small enough to be absorbed by cells that line the small intestine. These cells then package the molecules and release them into the bloodstream so that they can be distributed to the rest of the body. Muscles in the wall of the small intestine control how quickly food travels through this part of the gut. If food moves too quickly, the cells that line the intestine have less time to absorb the food molecules and may fail to absorb enough nutrients. If the food moves too slowly, an individual may experience nausea or vomiting, or the contents of their stomach may spill into their lungs. In 2014, researchers reported that a protein in breast milk called Mfge8 helps to boost the number of fat molecules absorbed from food. Now, Khalifeh-Soltani et al. – including some of the same researchers involved in the earlier work – show that Mfge8 also slows the rate at which food travels through the small intestine in mice. Mfge8 binds to another protein called integrin α8β1 to control how often the intestine muscles contract. Genetically engineered mice that lacked integrin α8β1 developed diarrhea and food passed through their intestines more quickly than in normal mice. Furthermore, these mice did not gain as much weight as normal mice when they were fed a high-fat diet. Khalifeh-Soltani et al.’s findings show that Mfge8 has a dual role in controlling the absorption of food molecules in the small intestine. The next challenge is to find out whether drugs that alter the activity of integrin α8β1 could be used to help treat patients with diseases in which food moves too quickly, or too slowly, through the gut. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13063.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Khalifeh-Soltani
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Arnold Ha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Michael J Podolsky
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Donald A McCarthy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - William McKleroy
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Saeedeh Azary
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Stephen Sakuma
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Kevin M Tharp
- Metabolic Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Nanyan Wu
- Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Yasuyuki Yokosaki
- Cell-Matrix Frontier Laboratory, Biomedical Research Unit, Health Administration Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daniel Hart
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Metabolic Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Kamran Atabai
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| |
Collapse
|