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Scotti MM, Wilson BK, Bubenik JL, Yu F, Swanson MS, Allen JB. Spaceflight effects on human vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38548798 PMCID: PMC10979029 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is strongly impacted by the hazards of spaceflight. Astronauts spending steadily increasing lengths of time in microgravity are subject to cardiovascular deconditioning resulting in loss of vascular tone, reduced total blood volume, and diminished cardiac output. Appreciating the mechanisms by which the cells of the vasculature are altered during spaceflight will be integral to understanding and combating these deleterious effects as the human presence in space advances. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis coupled with review by QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured for 3 days in microgravity and aboard the International Space Station to assess the transcriptomic changes that occur during spaceflight. The results of our RNA-Seq analysis show that SMCs undergo a wide range of transcriptional alteration while in space, significantly affecting 4422 genes. SMCs largely down-regulate markers of the contractile, synthetic, and osteogenic phenotypes including smooth muscle alpha actin (αSMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Additionally, components of several cellular signaling pathways were strongly impacted including the STAT3, NFκB, PI3K/AKT, HIF1α, and Endothelin pathways. This study highlights the significant changes in transcriptional behavior SMCs exhibit during spaceflight and puts these changes in context to better understand vascular function in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Scotti
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon K Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jodi L Bubenik
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fahong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maurice S Swanson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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2
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Kiema M, Sarin JK, Kauhanen SP, Torniainen J, Matikka H, Luoto ES, Jaakkola P, Saari P, Liimatainen T, Vanninen R, Ylä-Herttuala S, Hedman M, Laakkonen JP. Wall Shear Stress Predicts Media Degeneration and Biomechanical Changes in Thoracic Aorta. Front Physiol 2022; 13:934941. [PMID: 35874533 PMCID: PMC9301078 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.934941] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) of the ascending aorta (AA), AA is progressively dilating due to the weakening of the aortic wall. Predicting and preventing aortic dissections and ruptures in TAA continues to be challenging, and more accurate assessment of the AA dilatation, identification of high-risk patients, and timing of repair surgery are required. We investigated whether wall shear stress (WSS) predicts pathological and biomechanical changes in the aortic wall in TAA. Methods: The study included 12 patients with bicuspid (BAV) and 20 patients with the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed a day before aortic replacement surgery. Biomechanical and histological parameters, including assessing of wall strength, media degeneration, elastin, and cell content were analyzed from the resected AA samples. Results: WSSs were greater in the outer curves of the AA compared to the inner curves in all TAA patients. WSSs correlated with media degeneration of the aortic wall (ρ = -0.48, p < 0.01), elastin content (ρ = 0.47, p < 0.01), and aortic wall strength (ρ = -0.49, p = 0.029). Subsequently, the media of the outer curves was thinner, more rigid, and tolerated lower failure strains. Failure values were shown to correlate with smooth muscle cell (SMC) density (ρ = -0.45, p < 0.02), and indicated the more MYH10+ SMCs the lower the strength of the aortic wall structure. More macrophages were detected in patients with severe media degeneration and the areas with lower WSSs. Conclusion: The findings indicate that MRI-derived WSS predicts pathological and biomechanical changes in the aortic wall in patients with TAA and could be used for identification of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miika Kiema
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaakko K. Sarin
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medical Physics, Medical Imaging Center, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - S. Petteri Kauhanen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Torniainen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Matikka
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Emma-Sofia Luoto
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Jaakkola
- Department of Heart and Thoracic Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Heart Center, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Saari
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Liimatainen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ritva Vanninen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marja Hedman
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Heart and Thoracic Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Heart Center, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P. Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Johanna P. Laakkonen,
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3
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Jensen LF, Bentzon JF, Albarrán-Juárez J. The Phenotypic Responses of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Mechanical Cues. Cells 2021; 10:2209. [PMID: 34571858 PMCID: PMC8469800 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the development of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) located in the intima and media of blood vessels shift from a contractile state towards other phenotypes that differ substantially from differentiated SMCs. In addition, these cells acquire new functions, such as the production of alternative extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and signal molecules. A similar shift in cell phenotype is observed when SMCs are removed from their native environment and placed in a culture, presumably due to the absence of the physiological signals that maintain and regulate the SMC phenotype in the vasculature. The far majority of studies describing SMC functions have been performed under standard culture conditions in which cells adhere to a rigid and static plastic plate. While these studies have contributed to discovering key molecular pathways regulating SMCs, they have a significant limitation: the ECM microenvironment and the mechanical forces transmitted through the matrix to SMCs are generally not considered. Here, we review and discuss the recent literature on how the mechanical forces and derived biochemical signals have been shown to modulate the vascular SMC phenotype and provide new perspectives about their importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Filt Jensen
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
| | - Jacob Fog Bentzon
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julian Albarrán-Juárez
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
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4
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Xie Q, Liu D, Yu M, Wu X, Zhao Y, Hu Q, Wang Q. Homeobox B9 facilitates hypertrophic scar formation via activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:1669-1676. [PMID: 28656236 PMCID: PMC5562094 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The functions and underlying mechanisms of homeobox B9 (HOXB9) in scar formation remain unclear; therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether HOXB9 is highly expressed in hypertrophic scar formation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression levels of laminin, fibronectin (FN), collagen type I (Col1) and HOXB9 in hypertrophic scar and healthy skin tissues, and in lentivirus‑constructed HOXB9‑overexpressed or ‑silenced fibroblasts (FBs). Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of HOXB9, laminin, FN, Col1, extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK), c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK), p38, p‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK), p‑ERK and p‑p38. A gel contraction assay was used to evaluate the effect of HOXB9 on FB contraction. Co‑immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the reciprocal interactions between HOXB9 and ERK, JNK and p38. It was demonstrated that HOXB9, laminin, FN and Col1 were upregulated in hypertrophic scar tissues, and HOXB9 upregulated laminin, FN, Col1, p‑ERK, p‑JNK and p38, potentially by interacting directly with p38. Furthermore, FBs overexpressing HOXB9 exhibited enhanced contractile capacity. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that HOXB9 may facilitate hypertrophic scar formation via activating the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Xie
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
| | - Mosheng Yu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Yueqiang Zhao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China
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5
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Hartman CD, Isenberg BC, Chua SG, Wong JY. Vascular smooth muscle cell durotaxis depends on extracellular matrix composition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:11190-11195. [PMID: 27647912 PMCID: PMC5056055 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1611324113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical compliance has been demonstrated to be a key determinant of cell behavior, directing processes such as spreading, migration, and differentiation. Durotaxis, directional migration from softer to more stiff regions of a substrate, has been observed for a variety of cell types. Recent stiffness mapping experiments have shown that local changes in tissue stiffness in disease are often accompanied by an altered ECM composition in vivo. However, the importance of ECM composition in durotaxis has not yet been explored. To address this question, we have developed and characterized a polyacrylamide hydrogel culture platform featuring highly tunable gradients in mechanical stiffness. This feature, together with the ability to control ECM composition, allows us to isolate the effects of mechanical and biological signals on cell migratory behavior. Using this system, we have tracked vascular smooth muscle cell migration in vitro and quantitatively analyzed differences in cell migration as a function of ECM composition. Our results show that vascular smooth muscle cells undergo durotaxis on mechanical gradients coated with fibronectin but not on those coated with laminin. These findings indicate that the composition of the adhesion ligand is a critical determinant of a cell's migratory response to mechanical gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett C Isenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Samantha G Chua
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Joyce Y Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
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6
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Zhang J, Wang J, Wei Y, Gao C, Chen X, Kong W, Kong D, Zhao Q. ECM-mimetic heparin glycosamioglycan-functionalized surface favors constructing functional vascular smooth muscle tissue in vitro. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 146:280-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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7
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Kuppan P, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. Interaction of human smooth muscle cells on random and aligned nanofibrous scaffolds of PHBV and PHBV-gelatin. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2016.1163562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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8
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Ye GJC, Nesmith AP, Parker KK. The role of mechanotransduction on vascular smooth muscle myocytes' [corrected] cytoskeleton and contractile function. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 297:1758-69. [PMID: 25125187 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle (SM) exhibits a highly organized structural hierarchy that extends over multiple spatial scales to perform a wide range of functions at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Early efforts primarily focused on understanding vascular SM (VSM) function through biochemical signaling. However, accumulating evidence suggests that mechanotransduction, the process through which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical cues, is requisite for regulating contractility. Cytoskeletal proteins that comprise the extracellular, intercellular, and intracellular domains are mechanosensitive and can remodel their structure and function in response to external mechanical cues. Pathological stimuli such as malignant hypertension can act through the same mechanotransductive pathways to induce maladaptive remodeling, leading to changes in cellular shape and loss of contractile function. In both health and disease, the cytoskeletal architecture integrates the mechanical stimuli and mediates structural and functional remodeling in the VSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J C Ye
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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9
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Yao W, Gu C, Shao H, Meng G, Wang H, Jing X, Zhang W. Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside Improves TNF-α-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction: Involvement of TGFβ/Smad Pathway and Inhibition of Vimentin Expression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 43:183-98. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x15500123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis. 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an active component of the rhizome extract from Polygonum multiflorum (PM), exhibits significant anti-atherosclerotic activity. Here, we used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vitro to investigate the cytoprotective effects of TSG on TNF-α-induced endothelial injury and the related mechanisms. Pretreatment with 50 and 100 μM TSG markedly attenuated TNF-α-induced loss of cell viability and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and inhibited TNF-α-induced cell apoptosis. The inhibition of vimentin expression was involved in the cytoprotection afforded by TSG. Using inhibitors for PI3K and TGFβ or siRNA for Akt and Smad2, we found that vimentin production in HUVECs is regulated by TGFβ/Smad signaling, but not by PI3K–Akt–mTOR signaling. Meanwhile, TSG inhibited both the expression of TGFβ1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, and TSG suppressed the nuclear translocation of Smad4 induced by TNF-α. These results suggest that TSG protects HUVECs against TNF-α-induced cell damage by inhibiting vimentin expression via the interruption of the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengjing Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoran Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoliang Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Jing
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University Medical College, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Kuppan P, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. Interaction of human smooth muscle cells with nanofibrous scaffolds: Effect of fiber orientation on cell adhesion, proliferation, and functional gene expression. J Biomed Mater Res A 2014; 103:2236-50. [PMID: 25345836 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and PCL-gelatin random and aligned nanofibers with diameters in the range of 200-400 nm were developed through electrospinning. Mechanical properties of aligned PCL and PCL-gelatin nanofibers were compared, and it was found that aligned PCL nanofibers showed significantly higher tensile strength and Young's modulus than the PCL-gelatin nanofiber system (p < 0.05). The in vitro degradation of aligned nanofibers showed that PCL-gelatin nanofibers degrade faster than aligned PCL nanofibers. Further, human smooth muscle cells were cultured on the random and aligned PCL-gelatin nanofibers and evaluated for adhesion, orientation, morphology, viability, proliferation and gene expression. Our results demonstrate that PCL-gelatin promotes higher cell adhesion and proliferation than the PCL nanofibers after 3, 7, and 10 days of culture. Aligned topography favored orientation of the cells along their directions and cell stretching was better in aligned nanofibers than the random nanofibers. The upregulation of α-actin, myosin heavy chain, collagen type I, and elastin genes demonstrate good cell-matrix interactions in both random and aligned scaffolds. Therefore, the present study concludes that aligned PCL-gelatin nanofibers could serve as potential scaffolding for culture of smooth muscle cells and may promote functional regeneration of tubular organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purushothaman Kuppan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
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11
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Ye GJC, Aratyn-Schaus Y, Nesmith AP, Pasqualini FS, Alford PW, Parker KK. The contractile strength of vascular smooth muscle myocytes is shape dependent. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:152-63. [PMID: 24406783 DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40230d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells in muscular arteries are more elongated than those in elastic arteries. Previously, we reported changes in the contractility of engineered vascular smooth muscle tissue that appeared to be correlated with the shape of the constituent cells, supporting the commonly held belief that elongated muscle geometry may allow for the better contractile tone modulation required in response to changes in blood flow and pressure. To test this hypothesis more rigorously, we developed an in vitro model by engineering human vascular smooth muscle cells to take on the same shapes as those seen in elastic and muscular arteries and measured their contraction during stimulation with endothelin-1. We found that in the engineered cells, actin alignment and nuclear eccentricity increased as the shape of the cell elongated. Smooth muscle cells with elongated shapes exhibited lower contractile strength but greater percentage increase in contraction after endothelin-1 stimulation. We analysed the relationship between smooth muscle contractility and subcellular architecture and found that changes in contractility were correlated with actin alignment and nuclear shape. These results suggest that elongated smooth muscle cells facilitate muscular artery tone modulation by increasing its dynamic contractile range.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J C Ye
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St, Pierce Hall 321, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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12
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Proteomic analysis for anti-atherosclerotic effect of tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2012. [PMID: 23206751 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) extracted from Polygonum multiflorum (a traditional Chinese medicinal herb) has been proved to exhibit significant anti-atherosclerotic activity. In this study, we firstly used proteomic analyses to investigate the molecular events occurring in the atherosclerotic rats after TSG treatment. Aortic samples were collected from the atherosclerotic rat group and the TSG-treated group, and its proteome was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Proteins showing significant changes in expression were identified and analyzed by matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). As a result, 21 protein spots were found with significant differential expression after the treatment with TSG. A total of 18 spots were identified by database searching, and 17 spots matched with known proteins. Among these proteins (11 proteins up-regulated and six proteins down-regulated), five proteins were mainly involved in inflammation, cholesterol transport, cell apoptosis and adhesion. TSG treatment enhanced the expression of HSP 70, lipocortin 1 and Apo A-I, and inhibited the expression of calreticulin, vimentin. Furthermore, we randomly selected four proteins and confirmed the results of proteomic analysis by RT-PCR and western blotting. In conclusion, TSG treatment suppresses atherosclerosis by altering the expression of different proteins. Calreticulin, vimentin, HSP 70, lipocortin 1, and Apo A-I, are key proteins that may be novel molecular targets responsible for atherogenesis suppression induced by TSG treatment.
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13
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Extracellular matrix and the mechanics of large artery development. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2012; 11:1169-86. [PMID: 22584609 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-012-0405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The large, elastic arteries, as their name suggests, provide elastic distention and recoil during the cardiac cycle in vertebrate animals. The arteries are distended from the pressure of ejecting blood during the active contraction of the left ventricle (LV) during systole and recoil to their original dimensions during relaxation of the LV during diastole. The cyclic distension occurs with minimal energy loss, due to the elastic properties of one of the major structural extracellular matrix (ECM) components, elastin. The maximum distension is limited to prevent damage to the artery by another major ECM component, collagen. The mix of ECM components in the wall largely determines the passive mechanical behavior of the arteries and the subsequent load on the heart during systole. While much research has focused on initial artery formation, there has been less attention on the continuing development of the artery to produce the mature composite wall complete with endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and the necessary mix of ECM components for proper cardiovascular function. This review focuses on the physiology of large artery development, including SMC differentiation and ECM production. The effects of hemodynamic forces and ECM deposition on the evolving arterial structure and function are discussed. Human diseases and mouse models with genetic mutations in ECM proteins that affect large artery development are summarized. A review of constitutive models and growth and remodeling theories is presented, along with future directions to improve understanding of ECM and the mechanics of large artery development.
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Alford PW, Nesmith AP, Seywerd JN, Grosberg A, Parker KK. Vascular smooth muscle contractility depends on cell shape. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:1063-70. [PMID: 21993765 DOI: 10.1039/c1ib00061f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The physiologic role of smooth muscle structure in defining arterial function is poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between vascular smooth muscle architecture and functional contractile output. Using microcontact printing and muscular thin film technology, we engineered in vitro vascular tissues with strictly defined geometries and tested their contractile function. In all tissues, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were highly aligned with in vivo-like spindle architecture, and contracted physiologically in response to stimulation with endothelin-1. However, tissues wherein the VSMCs were forced into exaggerated spindle elongation exerted significantly greater contraction force per unit cross-sectional area than those with smaller aspect ratios. Moreover, this increased contraction did not occur in conjunction with an increase in traditionally measured contractile phenotype markers. These results suggest that cellular architecture within vascular tissues plays a significant role in conferring tissue function and that, in some systems, traditional phenotype characterization is not sufficient to define a functionally contractile population of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Alford
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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15
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Poduri A, Bahl A, Talwar KK, Khullar M. Proteomic analysis of circulating human monocytes in coronary artery disease. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 360:181-8. [PMID: 21938407 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Monocytes play an important role in inflammation and atherosclerosis; however, the molecular details underlying these diverse functions are not completely understood. Proteomic analysis of monocytes can provide new insights into their biological role in coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty angiographically confirmed male, CAD patients (≥50% stenosis) attending cardiology clinic of Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and who were not receiving any lipid lowering therapy and 20 TMT negative subjects who served as controls were enrolled in the study. Circulating monocytes isolated from overnight fasting blood samples were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis (pH 4-7), and differentially expressed protein spots were subjected to mass spectrometry and identification of proteins. We observed 333 ± 40 protein spots in monocytes from patients and 312 ± 20 in controls; out of which 63 protein spots showed altered intensity in CAD patients. Thirteen spots showed fivefold increased and two protein spots showed fivefold decreased expression in CAD group as compared to control group, respectively. Two proteins showing decreased expression in monocytes from CAD patients were identified as: (i) glutathione transferase and (ii) heat shock protein 70 KDa. Proteins showing increased expression in CAD patients were identified as: (i) vimentin, (ii) mannose binding lectin receptor protein, and (iii) S100A8 calcium-binding protein. The results of our study offer identification of several proteins in monocytes which can provide new perspectives in role of monocytes in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Poduri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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16
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Carotid body remodelling in l-NAME-induced hypertension in the rat. J Comp Pathol 2011; 146:348-56. [PMID: 21899859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The carotid body (CB) is a chemoreceptor organ located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. It is made up of the carotid glomus, a structure containing type 1 cells surrounded by type 2 cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes of the CB and carotid glomus in the rat model of l-NAME-induced hypertension. Male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: control untreated rats (C) and rats receiving l-NAME 40 mg/kg/day (LN) for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the systolic blood pressure was 63% higher in the LN group compared with the C group. Morphometric analysis showed that the area of the CB was 29% greater in the LN group compared with the C group. The density of nuclei in the CB was similar between groups, but it was 31% less in the carotid glomus of the LN group. Cells in the CB of the LN group displayed cytoplasmic vacuolation and expressed several biogenic amines. There were more elastic fibres, proteoglycans and collagen fibres in the LN group compared with the C group. Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of nuclear factor kB, substance P, vascular endothelial growth factor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the LN group, while expression of the protein gene product 9.5 was decreased. l-NAME alters cell morphology and the expression of extracellular matrix molecules in the CB and carotid glomus in rats with l-NAME-induced hypertension.
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17
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Abstract
Vasospasm of the cerebrovasculature is a common manifestation of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) reported among combat casualties in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Cerebral vasospasm occurs more frequently, and with earlier onset, in bTBI patients than in patients with other TBI injury modes, such as blunt force trauma. Though vasospasm is usually associated with the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), SAH is not required for vasospasm in bTBI, which suggests that the unique mechanics of blast injury could potentiate vasospasm onset, accounting for the increased incidence. Here, using theoretical and in vitro models, we show that a single rapid mechanical insult can induce vascular hypercontractility and remodeling, indicative of vasospasm initiation. We employed high-velocity stretching of engineered arterial lamellae to simulate the mechanical forces of a blast pulse on the vasculature. An hour after a simulated blast, injured tissues displayed altered intracellular calcium dynamics leading to hypersensitivity to contractile stimulus with endothelin-1. One day after simulated blast, tissues exhibited blast force dependent prolonged hypercontraction and vascular smooth muscle phenotype switching, indicative of remodeling. These results suggest that an acute, blast-like injury is sufficient to induce a hypercontraction-induced genetic switch that potentiates vascular remodeling, and cerebral vasospasm, in bTBI patients.
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18
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Sharifpoor S, Simmons CA, Labow RS, Paul Santerre J. Functional characterization of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells under cyclic mechanical strain in a degradable polyurethane scaffold. Biomaterials 2011; 32:4816-29. [PMID: 21463894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There are few synthetic elastomeric biomaterials that simultaneously provide the required biological conditioning and the ability to translate biomechanical stimuli to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Biomechanical stresses are important physiological elements that regulate VSMC function, and polyurethane elastomers are a class of materials capable of facilitating the translation of stress induced biomechanics. In this study, human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs), which were seeded into a porous degradable polar/hydrophobic/ionic (D-PHI) polyurethane scaffold, were subjected to uniaxial cyclic mechanical strain (CMS) over a span of four weeks using a customized bioreactor. The distribution, proliferation and contractile protein expression of hCASMCs in the scaffold were then analyzed and compared to those grown under static conditions. Four weeks of CMS, applied to the elastomeric scaffold, resulted in statistically greater DNA mass, more cell area coverage and a better distribution of cells deeper within the scaffold construct. Furthermore, CMS samples demonstrated improved tensile mechanical properties following four weeks of culture, suggesting the generation of more extracellular matrix within the polyurethane constructs. The expression of smooth muscle α-actin, calponin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and the absence of Ki-67+ cells in both static and CMS cultures, throughout the 4 weeks, suggest that hCASMCs retained their contractile character on these biomaterials. The study highlights the importance of implementing physiologically-relevant biomechanical stimuli in the development of synthetic elastomeric tissue engineering scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroor Sharifpoor
- University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dentistry, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G1G6
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19
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Vascular tissue engineering: towards the next generation vascular grafts. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2011; 63:312-23. [PMID: 21421015 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The application of tissue engineering technology to cardiovascular surgery holds great promise for improving outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Currently used synthetic vascular grafts have several limitations including thrombogenicity, increased risk of infection, and lack of growth potential. We have completed the first clinical trial evaluating the feasibility of using tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVG) created by seeding autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) onto biodegradable tubular scaffolds. Despite an excellent safety profile, data from the clinical trial suggest that the primary graft related complication of the TEVG is stenosis, affecting approximately 16% of grafts within the first seven years after implantation. Continued investigation into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular neotissue formation will improve our basic understanding and provide insights that will enable the rationale design of second generation TEVG.
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20
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Beamish JA, He P, Kottke-Marchant K, Marchant RE. Molecular regulation of contractile smooth muscle cell phenotype: implications for vascular tissue engineering. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2011; 16:467-91. [PMID: 20334504 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2009.0630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) behavior is reviewed, with particular emphasis on stimuli that promote the contractile phenotype. SMCs can shift reversibly along a continuum from a quiescent, contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype, which is characterized by proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. This phenotypic plasticity can be harnessed for tissue engineering. Cultured synthetic SMCs have been used to engineer smooth muscle tissues with organized ECM and cell populations. However, returning SMCs to a contractile phenotype remains a key challenge. This review will integrate recent work on how soluble signaling factors, ECM, mechanical stimulation, and other cells contribute to the regulation of contractile SMC phenotype. The signal transduction pathways and mechanisms of gene expression induced by these stimuli are beginning to be elucidated and provide useful information for the quantitative analysis of SMC phenotype in engineered tissues. Progress in the development of tissue-engineered scaffold systems that implement biochemical, mechanical, or novel polymer fabrication approaches to promote contractile phenotype will also be reviewed. The application of an improved molecular understanding of SMC biology will facilitate the design of more potent cell-instructive scaffold systems to regulate SMC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Beamish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7207, USA
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21
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Cecchettini A, Rocchiccioli S, Boccardi C, Citti L. Vascular smooth-muscle-cell activation: proteomics point of view. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 288:43-99. [PMID: 21482410 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386041-5.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main component of the artery medial layer. Thanks to their great plasticity, when stimulated by external inputs, VSMCs react by changing morphology and functions and activating new signaling pathways while switching others off. In this way, they are able to increase the cell proliferation, migration, and synthetic capacity significantly in response to vascular injury assuming a more dedifferentiated state. In different states of differentiation, VSMCs are characterized by various repertories of activated pathways and differentially expressed proteins. In this context, great interest is addressed to proteomics technology, in particular to differential proteomics. In recent years, many authors have investigated proteomics in order to identify the molecular factors putatively involved in VSMC phenotypic modulation, focusing on metabolic networks linking the differentially expressed proteins. Some of the identified proteins may be markers of pathology and become useful tools of diagnosis. These proteins could also represent appropriately validated targets and be useful either for prevention, if related to early events of atherosclerosis, or for treatment, if specific of the acute, mid, and late phases of the pathology. RNA-dependent gene silencing, obtained against the putative targets with high selective and specific molecular tools, might be able to reverse a pathological drift and be suitable candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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22
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Wang L, Zheng J, Du Y, Huang Y, Li J, Liu B, Liu CJ, Zhu Y, Gao Y, Xu Q, Kong W, Wang X. Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Maintains the Contractile Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Interacting With α
7
β
1
Integrin. Circ Res 2010; 106:514-25. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.109.202762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rational
:
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) switching from a contractile/differentiated to a synthetic/dedifferentiated phenotype has an essential role in atherosclerosis, postangioplastic restenosis and hypertension. However, how normal VSMCs maintain the differentiated state is less understood.
Objective
:
We aimed to indentify the effect of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a normal vascular extracellular matrix, on modulation of VSMCs phenotype.
Methods and Results
:
We demonstrated that COMP was associated positively with the expression of VSMC differentiation marker genes during phenotype transition. Knockdown of COMP by small interfering (si)RNA favored dedifferentiation. Conversely, adenoviral overexpression of COMP markedly suppressed platelet-derived growth factor-BB-elicited VSMC dedifferentiation, characterized by altered VSMC morphology, actin fiber organization, focal adhesion assembly, and the expression of phenotype-dependent markers. Whereas α
7
integrin coimmunoprecipitated with COMP in normal rat VSMCs and vessels, neutralizing antibody or siRNA against α
7
integrin inhibited VSMC adhesion to COMP, which indicated that α
7
β
1
integrin is a potential receptor for COMP. As well, blocking or interference by siRNA of α
7
integrin completely abolished the effect of COMP on conserving the contractile phenotype. In accordance, ectopic adenoviral overexpression of COMP greatly retarded VSMC phenotype switching, rescued contractility of carotid artery ring, and inhibited neointima formation in balloon-injured rats.
Conclusions
:
Our data suggest that COMP is essential for maintaining a VSMC contractile phenotype and the protective effects of COMP are mainly mediated through interaction with α
7
β
1
integrin. Investigations to identify the factors affecting the expression and integrity of COMP may provide a novel therapeutic target for vascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Jingang Zheng
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Yaoyao Du
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Yaqian Huang
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Jing Li
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Bo Liu
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Chuan-ju Liu
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Yi Zhu
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Yuansheng Gao
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Qingbo Xu
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Wei Kong
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
| | - Xian Wang
- From the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (L.W., Y.D., Y.H., J.L., B.L., Y.Z., Y.G., W.K., X.W.), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Department of Cardiology (J.Z.), China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology (C.-j.L.), New York University School of Medicine; and Cardiovascular
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23
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Lee EJ, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Wang Y, Niklason LE. A biocompatible endothelial cell delivery system for in vitro tissue engineering. Cell Transplant 2009; 18:731-43. [PMID: 19500475 DOI: 10.3727/096368909x470919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineering solid tissues, including cardiac muscle, requires the inclusion of a microvasculature. Prevascularization in vitro will likely be dependent upon coculturing parenchymal cells with vascular cells, on a matrix that is sufficiently porous to allow microvessel formation. In this study, we examined the behavior and function of endothelial cells on a highly porous elastomeric 3D poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffold, to provide a flexible and biocompatible endothelial cell delivery system for developing cardiac engineered tissues with neovascularization potential. Both static and perfusion cell seeding methods were used, and the effects of surface treatment of the scaffold with various extracellular matrix components were examined. Endothelial cell adhesion and phenotype on the PGS scaffold under various flow conditions were also determined. Surface coating with laminin markedly improved the endothelial cell adhesion, survival, and proliferation. The anticoagulant phenotype of adhered endothelial cells was further regulated by the application of flow through regulation of nitric oxide expression. By providing a highly porous scaffolding that contains endothelium with anticoagulant properties, the endothelial cell-seeded PGS scaffold could provide a new basis for subsequent coculture studies with various cell types to develop complex engineered tissue constructs with vascularization capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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24
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Yazdani SK, Watts B, Machingal M, Jarajapu YP, Van Dyke ME, Christ GJ. Smooth Muscle Cell Seeding of Decellularized Scaffolds: The Importance of Bioreactor Preconditioning to Development of a More Native Architecture for Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessels. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 15:827-40. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saami K. Yazdani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Benjamin Watts
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Masood Machingal
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Yagna P.R. Jarajapu
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mark E. Van Dyke
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - George J. Christ
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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25
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Katsuyama M, Ozgur Cevik M, Arakawa N, Kakehi T, Nishinaka T, Iwata K, Ibi M, Matsuno K, Yabe-Nishimura C. Myocyte enhancer factor 2B is involved in the inducible expression of NOX1/NADPH oxidase, a vascular superoxide-producing enzyme. FEBS J 2007; 274:5128-36. [PMID: 17822438 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.06034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
NADPH oxidase is a major source of the superoxide produced in cardiovascular tissues. Expression of NOX1, a catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, is induced by various vasoactive factors, including angiotensin II, prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). To clarify the molecular basis of this transcriptional activation, we delineated the promoter region of the NOX1 gene. RT-PCR and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends-based analyses revealed a novel 5'-terminal exon of the rat NOX1 gene located approximately 28 kb upstream of the exon containing the start codon. Both PGF(2alpha) and PDGF enhanced the transcriptional activity of the - 3.6 kb 5'-flanking region of the NOX1 gene in A7r5 cells, a rat vascular smooth muscle cell line. A PGF(2alpha)-response element was located between -146 and -125 in the 5'-flanking region containing a consensus binding site for myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), to which binding of MEF2 was augmented by PGF(2alpha). Gene silencing of MEF2B by RNA interference significantly suppressed the expression of NOX1, while silencing of activating transcription factor (ATF)-1, previously implicated in up-regulation of NOX1, abolished the PGF(2alpha)- or PDGF-induced expression of MEF2B. These results indicate that superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle cells is regulated by the ATF-1-MEF2B cascade by induction of the expression of the NOX1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Katsuyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
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26
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Welser JV, Lange N, Singer CA, Elorza M, Scowen P, Keef KD, Gerthoffer WT, Burkin DJ. Loss of the alpha7 integrin promotes extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and altered vascular remodeling. Circ Res 2007; 101:672-81. [PMID: 17704212 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.107.151415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration are underlying factors in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that altered expression of vascular integrins and extracellular matrix proteins may contribute to the vascular remodeling observed after arterial injury and during disease. We have recently shown that loss of the alpha7beta1 integrin results in VSMC hyperplasia. To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenotype, we have examined changes in cell signaling pathways associated with VSMC proliferation. Several studies have demonstrated the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is activated in response to vascular injury and disease. In this study, we show that loss of the alpha7 integrin in VSMCs results in activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and translocation of the activated kinase to the nucleus. Forced expression of the alpha7 integrin or use of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 inhibitor U0126 in alpha7 integrin-deficient VSMCs suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and restored the differentiated phenotype to alpha7 integrin-null cells in a manner dependent on Ras signaling. Alpha7 integrin-null mice displayed profound vascular remodeling in response to injury with pronounced neointimal formation and reduced vascular compliance. These findings demonstrate that the alpha7beta1 integrin negatively regulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and suggests an important role for this integrin as part of a signaling complex regulating VSMC phenotype switching.
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MESH Headings
- Active Transport, Cell Nucleus/genetics
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/physiology
- Blood Vessels/metabolism
- Blood Vessels/pathology
- Blood Vessels/physiopathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Enzyme Activation/genetics
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Integrin alpha Chains/deficiency
- Integrin alpha Chains/genetics
- Integrin alpha Chains/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer V Welser
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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27
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Hong H, McCullough CM, Stegemann JP. The role of ERK signaling in protein hydrogel remodeling by vascular smooth muscle cells. Biomaterials 2007; 28:3824-33. [PMID: 17544501 PMCID: PMC2001258 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2007] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Collagen type I and fibrin hydrogels have been used for cell-based therapies and tissue engineering. These matrices can be broken down and remodeled by cells, but the effects that these proteins have on cell function are not completely understood. We examined activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in response to 2D and 3D matrices of type I collagen, fibrin, or a 1:1 composite mixture of these proteins. After 3 days of culture, ERK phosphorylation, osteopontin secretion, and MMP-2 activation were all markedly increased in 3D matrices, compared with 2D substrates. A strong positive correlation existed between these protein markers of the synthetic phenotype and phosphorylated ERK levels, and this relationship persisted across matrix geometries and compositions. Cell proliferation in 3D matrices was inversely correlated to ERK activation, while on 2D substrates a modest positive correlation was observed. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK signaling confirmed that this pathway was involved in the observed phenotype shifts. This study suggests that contextual activation of the ERK pathway results in different effects on cell phenotype, depending on the geometry and composition of the ECM. These findings add to our understanding of cell function and remodeling in protein-based hydrogel biomaterials.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Culture Techniques/methods
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen Type I/pharmacology
- Drug Combinations
- Fibrin/pharmacology
- Hydrogels/chemistry
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Tissue Engineering/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
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28
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Arakawa N, Katsuyama M, Matsuno K, Urao N, Tabuchi Y, Okigaki M, Matsubara H, Yabe-Nishimura C. Novel transcripts of Nox1 are regulated by alternative promoters and expressed under phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem J 2006; 398:303-10. [PMID: 16724959 PMCID: PMC1550311 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
NADPH oxidase is implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), expression of NOX1 (NADPH oxidase 1), a catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, is low and is induced upon stimulation by vasoactive factors, while it is abundantly expressed in colon epithelial cells. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms underlying such cell-specific expression, the upstream regions directing transcription of the NOX1 gene were explored. In P53LMACO1 cells, a cell line originated from mouse VSMCs, two novel Nox1 mRNA species, the c- and f-type, were isolated. These transcripts contained 5'-untranslated regions that differed from the colon type mRNA (a-type) and encoded an additional N-terminal peptide of 28 amino acids. When these transcripts were fused to the c-myc tag and expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, a fraction of translated proteins demonstrated the size containing the additional peptide. Proteins encoded by the c- and f-type mRNAs exhibited superoxide-producing activities equivalent to the activity of the a-type form. The a-type mRNA was expressed in the colon and in the intact aorta, whereas the c-type mRNA was detected in the primary cultured VSMCs migrated from aortic explants, in vascular tissue of a wire-injury model and in the thoracic aorta of mice infused with angiotensin II. The promoter region of the c-type mRNA exhibited transcriptional activity in P53LMACO1 cells, but not in MCE301 cells, a mouse colon epithelial cell line. These results suggest that expression of the Nox1 gene is regulated by alternative promoters and that the novel c-type transcript is induced under phenotypic modulation of VSMCs.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/genetics
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Exons/genetics
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/blood supply
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases/genetics
- NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases/metabolism
- NADPH Oxidase 1
- Phenotype
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Arakawa
- *Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masato Katsuyama
- *Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kuniharu Matsuno
- *Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Norifumi Urao
- †Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tabuchi
- ‡Division for Molecular Genetics Research, Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Okigaki
- †Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsubara
- †Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yabe-Nishimura
- *Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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29
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Rodríguez LV, Alfonso Z, Zhang R, Leung J, Wu B, Ignarro LJ. Clonogenic multipotent stem cells in human adipose tissue differentiate into functional smooth muscle cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:12167-72. [PMID: 16880387 PMCID: PMC1567713 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0604850103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle is a major component of human tissues and is essential for the normal function of a multitude of organs including the intestine, urinary tract and the vascular system. The use of stem cells for cell-based tissue engineering and regeneration strategies represents a promising alternative for smooth muscle repair. For such strategies to succeed, a reliable source of smooth muscle precursor cells must be identified. Adipose tissue provides an abundant source of multipotent cells. In this study, the capacity of processed lipoaspirate (PLA) and adipose-derived stem cells to differentiate into phenotypic and functional smooth muscle cells was evaluated. To induce differentiation, PLA cells were cultured in smooth muscle differentiation medium. Smooth muscle differentiation of PLA cells induced genetic expression of all smooth muscle markers and further confirmed by increased protein expression of smooth muscle cell-specific alpha actin (ASMA), calponin, caldesmon, SM22, myosin heavy chain (MHC), and smoothelin. Clonal studies of adipose derived multipotent cells demonstrated differentiation of these cells into smooth muscle cells in addition to trilineage differentiation capacity. Importantly, smooth muscle-differentiated cells, but not their precursors, exhibit the functional ability to contract and relax in direct response to pharmacologic agents. In conclusion, adipose-derived cells have the potential to differentiate into functional smooth muscle cells and, thus, adipose tissue can be a useful source of cells for treatment of injured tissues where smooth muscle plays an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa V. Rodríguez
- *Department of Urology, University of California School of Medicine, 924 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 520, Los Angeles, CA 90024
| | - Zeni Alfonso
- *Department of Urology, University of California School of Medicine, 924 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 520, Los Angeles, CA 90024
| | - Rong Zhang
- *Department of Urology, University of California School of Medicine, 924 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 520, Los Angeles, CA 90024
| | - Joanne Leung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Box 951600, 7523 Boelter Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600; and
| | - Benjamin Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Box 951600, 7523 Boelter Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600; and
| | - Louis J. Ignarro
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California School of Medicine, Box 951735, 23-305A CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1735
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30
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Low R, Léguillette R, Lauzon AM. (+)Insert smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-B): From single molecule to human. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2006; 38:1862-74. [PMID: 16716643 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2006.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2005] [Revised: 03/22/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In smooth muscle, alternative mRNA splicing of a single gene produces four myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) isoforms. Two of these isoforms differ by the presence [(+)insert] or absence [(-)insert] of a seven amino acid insert in the motor domain. This insert enhances the kinetic properties of myosin at the molecular level but its exact role at the cell and tissue levels still has to be elucidated. This review focuses on the expression and biological functions of the (+)insert isoform. Current knowledge is summarized regarding its tissue distribution in animals and humans. Studies at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels that aimed at understanding the contribution of this isoform to smooth muscle mechanical function are presented with a particular focus on velocity of shortening. In addition, the altered expression of the (+)insert isoform in diseases and models of diseases and the compensatory mechanisms that occur when the (+)insert is knocked out are discussed. The need for additional studies on the relationship of this isoform to contractile performance and how expression of this isoform is regulated are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Low
- University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
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31
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Stegemann JP, Hong H, Nerem RM. Mechanical, biochemical, and extracellular matrix effects on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2005; 98:2321-7. [PMID: 15894540 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01114.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) is surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix that provides and modulates a variety of biochemical and mechanical cues that guide cell function. Conventional two-dimensional monolayer culture systems recreate only a portion of the cellular environment, and therefore there is increasing interest in developing more physiologically relevant three-dimensional culture systems. This review brings together recent studies on how mechanical, biochemical, and extracellular matrix stimulation can be applied to study VSMC function and how the combination of these factors leads to changes in phenotype. Particular emphasis is placed on in vitro experimental studies in which multiple stimuli are combined, especially in three-dimensional culture systems and in vascular tissue engineering applications. These studies have provided new insight into how VSMC phenotype is controlled, and they have underscored the interdependence of biochemical and mechanical signaling. Future improvements in creating more complex in vitro culture environments will lead to a better understanding of VSMC biology, new treatments for vascular disease, as well as improved blood vessel substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan P Stegemann
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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32
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Horta PP, de Carvalho JJ, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA. Exercise training attenuates blood pressure elevation and adverse remodeling in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 2005; 77:3336-43. [PMID: 15964024 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2004] [Accepted: 05/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the extracellular matrix modifications and quantify the structural alterations of the aortic wall in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) submitted to an aerobic physical activity (PA) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three groups of five rats each were studied: sedentary normotensive Wistar rats (SED-Wistar) and SHR (divided in SHR that underwent a 1 h/day 5 days/week PA for 20 weeks (EX-SHR) and those that were restricted to cage-bound activity (SED-SHR). RESULTS BP was lower in EX-SHRs and SED-Wistar rats (-35%) than in SED-SHRs. This difference became significant from the 3rd week of PA. The wall thickness was smaller in the EX-SHR and SED-Wistar (-45%) than in the SED-SHR (p<0.0001). In EX-SHR group, oxytalan and elaunin fibers were more pronounced than in the other groups, while SED-SHR and SED-Wistar rats showed an equivalent appearance of aortic elaunin fibers. EX-SHR and SED-Wistar rats showed more than 65% greater smooth muscle nuclei numerical density per unit area than SED-SHRs while SED-SHRs showed more than 45% smaller surface density of lamellae than both EX-SHR and SED-Wistar rats. However, no quantitative differences were found in the aortic wall comparing EX-SHR and SED-Wistar rats. CONCLUSION PA might alter the aortic wall remodeling to adapt the artery to a hyperkinetic blood flow resulting in alterations of the extracellular matrix modulation and vascular resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paulo Horta
- Laboratory of Morphometry and Cardiovascular Morphology, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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33
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Mauro M, Zlatopolskiy A, Raife TJ, Laurence J. Thienopyridine-linked thrombotic microangiopathy: association with endothelial cell apoptosis and activation of MAP kinase signalling cascades. Br J Haematol 2004; 124:200-10. [PMID: 14687031 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The thienopyridine platelet antagonist ticlopidine is associated with development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but the pathophysiology of this link is unclear. Severe deficiency of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif-13 (ADAMTS13), described in familial cases and a significant fraction of idiopathic TTP, has been reported in only a few ticlopidine-linked cases. As ticlopidine can disrupt production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components critical to microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) integrity in vitro, we explored the hypotheses that ticlopidine and ticlopidine-linked TTP plasmas induce MVEC apoptosis in a manner similar to that of idiopathic TTP plasmas, and that ECM components and related mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascades may be involved in this process. Replicating the activity of plasmas from patients with idiopathic TTP, plasma from five ticlopidine-linked TTP patients induced apoptosis of primary human dermal, glomerular and hepatic MVEC, but had no effect on pulmonary MVEC or large vessel endothelial cells (EC). Pharmacological levels of ticlopidine initiated apoptosis with similar EC lineage restriction. In parallel, ticlopidine and plasmas from idiopathic and ticlopidine-TTP patients decreased transcripts for the ECM component thrombospondin-1 in MVEC, but not in large vessel EC. These changes were accompanied by prolonged induction of MAPKs extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-1/2 and p38 only in TTP susceptible MVEC. Induction of apoptosis by ticlopidine and TTP plasma was abrogated by inhibitors of ERK-1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. In conclusion, MVEC apoptosis related to altered ECM-MVEC interactions may be a key part of the pathology of ticlopidine-linked and idiopathic TTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mauro
- Laboratory for AIDS Virus Research, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 411 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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34
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Johansson R, Persson K. Phenotypic modulation of cultured bladder smooth muscle cells and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2003; 286:R642-8. [PMID: 14656765 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00443.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle is associated with various pathological conditions, including bladder dysfunction. Cytoskeletal dynamics modulate the cell phenotype and were recently shown to be involved in regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We tested the hypothesis that the cell differentiation status affects iNOS expression, and that iNOS is preferentially expressed in immature dedifferentiated bladder smooth muscle cells (BSMC). Isolated at BSMC were put into different stages of differentiation by serum deprivation on laminin-coated plates in the presence of IGF-I and by interaction with Rho signaling and actin polymerization. iNOS and smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) protein expression were investigated with Western blot analysis. Our results showed iNOS protein in BSMC exposed to interleukin-1 beta (2 ng/ml) + TNF-alpha (50 ng/ml). Growth of BSMC in serum-free medium on laminin in the presence of IGF-I increased SM-MHC expression, whereas cytokine-induced iNOS was inhibited. Disruption of F-actin with latrunculin B (0.5 microM) potentiated iNOS expression and decreased SM-MHC expression. Rho inhibition with C3 (2.5 microg/ml) increased iNOS expression, whereas SM-MHC expression was slightly decreased. Rho-kinase inhibition with Y-27632 (10 microM) mediated a decrease in iNOS and a slight increase in SM-MHC expression. In conclusion, the capacity of BSMC to express iNOS was negatively correlated to differentiation status measured as SM-MHC expression. Actin cytoskeletal dynamics and Rho signaling are involved in regulation of cytokine-induced iNOS expression in BSMC. Phenotypic changes and impairment in actin cytoskeleton formation may potentiate cytokine activation and in turn increase nitric oxide production in the bladder during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Johansson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden. Rebecka.Johansson@klinfa m.lu.se
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35
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Stegemann JP, Nerem RM. Altered response of vascular smooth muscle cells to exogenous biochemical stimulation in two- and three-dimensional culture. Exp Cell Res 2003; 283:146-55. [PMID: 12581735 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4827(02)00041-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Removal of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) from their native environment alters the biochemical and mechanical signals responsible for maintaining normal cell function, causing a shift from a quiescent, contractile phenotype to a more proliferative, synthetic state. We examined the effect on SMC function of culture on two-dimensional (2D) substrates and in three-dimensional (3D) collagen Type I gels, including the effect of exogenous biochemical stimulation on gel compaction, cell proliferation, and expression of the contractile protein smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMA) in these systems. Embedding of SMC in 3D collagen matrices caused a marked decrease in both cell proliferation and expression of SMA. The presence of the extracellular matrix modulated cellular responses to platelet-derived growth factor BB, heparin, transforming growth factor-beta1, and endothelial cell-conditioned medium. Cell proliferation and SMA expression were shown to be inversely related, while gel compaction and SMA expression were not correlated. Taken together, these results show that SMC phenotype and function can be modulated using biochemical stimulation in vitro, but that the effects produced are dependent on the nature of the extracellular matrix. These findings have implications for the study of vascular biology in vitro, as well as for the development of engineered vascular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan P Stegemann
- Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0363, USA
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36
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Smith-Mungo L, Kagan HM. PKC-MEK-MAPK-dependent signal transduction pathway mediates the stimulation of lysyl oxidase expression by serum and PDGF in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. J Cell Biochem 2002; 85:775-84. [PMID: 11968017 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.10181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase (LO) plays a critical role in the stabilization and insolubilization of fibrous structural proteins of the extracellular matrix and has been implicated in the suppression of Ras-induced tumorigenesis. Several prior reports demonstrate that the expression of this catalyst is strongly influenced by a variety of effectors of cell function and is responsive to the growth state of fibrogenic cells. Using specific inhibitors of components of signal transduction pathways, the present study reveals that a PKC-MEK-MAPK-dependent pathway is critical to the enhanced expression of the LO gene in response to variations in the levels of the serum component of the growth medium and in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). PDGF is shown to be the major component of fetal bovine serum, which stimulates the activity of a LO promoter construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Smith-Mungo
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
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37
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Qin H, Ishiwata T, Asano G. Effects of the extracellular matrix on lumican expression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro. J Pathol 2001; 195:604-8. [PMID: 11745697 DOI: 10.1002/path.994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lumican is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), which contributes to cell migration, proliferation, tissue hydration, and collagen fibrillogenesis. Whether lumican is localized in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and what its relationships might be to other extracellular matrix components have not yet been elucidated. In this study, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), competitive RT-PCR, and western blot, lumican messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was expressed in cultured rat aortic SMCs. SMCs cultured in serum-free medium showed four bands at 68, 62, 50, and 37 kD. The 68 and 62 kD bands corresponded to proteoglycan, the 50 kD band to glycoprotein, and the 37 kD band to the core protein form of lumican. The relationships of lumican to fibronectin and laminin were also investigated. The lumican mRNA level in SMCs cultured on fibronectin was highest at day 1, but it increased at day 3 in SMCs cultured on laminin. On the fibronectin or laminin-coated plates, SMCs expressed only the 68 and 62 kD bands, corresponding to proteoglycan. Pretreatment with anti-beta1 integrin receptor antibody revealed a decrease in the proteoglycan forms of lumican protein and an additional two bands at 50 and 37 kD, indicating glycoprotein and the core protein of lumican. These results show that lumican was synthesized in cultured rat aortic SMCs as proteoglycan, glycoprotein, and core protein. The extracellular matrix (ECM) affected lumican protein production and restricted the lumican protein form to proteoglycan via the beta1 integrin receptor in SMCs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/cytology
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans/biosynthesis
- Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans/genetics
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins/pharmacology
- Fibronectins/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Integrin beta1/physiology
- Keratan Sulfate/biosynthesis
- Keratan Sulfate/genetics
- Laminin/pharmacology
- Lumican
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- H Qin
- Department of Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
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38
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Baba H, Ishiwata T, Takashi E, Xu G, Asano G. Expression and Localization of Lumican in the Ischemic and Reperfused Rat Heart. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001; 65:445-50. [PMID: 11348051 DOI: 10.1253/jcj.65.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lumican belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family and has an important role in the regulation of corneal and dermal collagen fiber assembly. Recently, lumican mRNA was found in the heart and its high expression was reported during wound healing of the cornea. In the present study, the expression and role of lumican in fibrosis of an ischemic and reperfused rat heart were examined. The expression level of lumican mRNA increased in the ischemic and reperfused rat heart and was highest on the fourth week. Lumican protein existed in the forms of core protein and proteoglycan in the control rat heart. The amount of lumican in the form of proteoglycan increased, and that as the form glycoprotein was newly detected in the ischemic and reperfused rat heart on the fourth week. In the control heart, lumican was weakly expressed in the collagen fibers of the perivascular area, but it was expressed strongly in many capillary endothelial cells in the ischemic lesion on day 1. After 3 days, lumican was localized in collagen fibers and in the fibroblasts of fibrotic lesions. A few myocardial cells close to the ischemic lesion expressed lumican mRNA. Lumican is considered to play an important role in the fibrillogenesis of the ischemic and reperfused rat heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Baba
- Department of Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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