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Cai Z, Zhu M, Xu L, Wang Y, Xu Y, Yim WY, Cao H, Guo R, Qiu X, He X, Shi J, Qiao W, Dong N. Directed Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Heart Valve Cells. Circulation 2024; 149:1435-1456. [PMID: 38357822 PMCID: PMC11062615 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A main obstacle in current valvular heart disease research is the lack of high-quality homogeneous functional heart valve cells. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived heart valve cells may help with this dilemma. However, there are no well-established protocols to induce hiPSCs to differentiate into functional heart valve cells, and the networks that mediate the differentiation have not been fully elucidated. METHODS To generate heart valve cells from hiPSCs, we sequentially activated the Wnt, BMP4, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and NFATc1 signaling pathways using CHIR-99021, BMP4, VEGF-165, and forskolin, respectively. The transcriptional and functional similarity of hiPSC-derived heart valve cells compared with primary heart valve cells were characterized. Longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing was used to uncover the trajectory, switch genes, pathways, and transcription factors of the differentiation. RESULTS An efficient protocol was developed to induce hiPSCs to differentiate into functional hiPSC-derived valve endothelial-like cells and hiPSC-derived valve interstitial-like cells. After 6-day differentiation and CD144 magnetic bead sorting, ≈70% CD144+ cells and 30% CD144- cells were obtained. On the basis of single-cell RNA sequencing data, the CD144+ cells and CD144- cells were found to be highly similar to primary heart valve endothelial cells and primary heart valve interstitial cells in gene expression profile. Furthermore, CD144+ cells had the typical function of primary heart valve endothelial cells, including tube formation, uptake of low-density lipoprotein, generation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and response to shear stress. Meanwhile, CD144- cells could secret collagen and matrix metalloproteinases, and differentiate into osteogenic or adipogenic lineages like primary heart valve interstitial cells. Therefore, we identified CD144+ cells and CD144- cells as hiPSC-derived valve endothelial-like cells and hiPSC-derived valve interstitial-like cells, respectively. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we demonstrated that the trajectory of heart valve cell differentiation was consistent with embryonic valve development. We identified the main switch genes (NOTCH1, HEY1, and MEF2C), signaling pathways (TGF-β, Wnt, and NOTCH), and transcription factors (MSX1, SP5, and MECOM) that mediated the differentiation. Finally, we found that hiPSC-derived valve interstitial-like cells might derive from hiPSC-derived valve endothelial-like cells undergoing endocardial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this is the first study to report an efficient strategy to generate functional hiPSC-derived valve endothelial-like cells and hiPSC-derived valve interstitial-like cells from hiPSCs, as well as to elucidate the differentiation trajectory and transcriptional dynamics of hiPSCs differentiated into heart valve cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China (Z.C.)
| | - Miaomiao Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China (Z.C.)
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Hubei, China (M.Z.)
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China (Y.W.)
| | - Yin Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Wai Yen Yim
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Ruikang Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Xiang Qiu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Ximiao He
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (M.Z., X.H.)
| | - Jiawei Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Weihua Qiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
| | - Nianguo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.C., L.X., Y.X., W.Y.Y., H.C., R.G., X.Q, J.S., W.Q., N.D.)
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Chen L, Su H, Tao Z, Liang C, Liu Z, Dong Y, Zheng P, Liu Y. DUSP22 Ameliorates Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HUVECs through Smad2/3 and MAPK Signaling Pathways. Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 2024:5583961. [PMID: 38495810 PMCID: PMC10942825 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5583961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process by which endothelial cells lose their endothelial properties and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Dual-specific protein phosphatase 22 (DUSP22) inactivates various protein kinases and transcription factors by dephosphorylating serine/threonine residues: hence, it plays a key role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the functional role of DUSP22 in EndMT. In the transforming growth factor-β-induced EndMT model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we observed a downregulation of DUSP22 expression. This DUSP22 deficiency could aggravate EndMT. Conversely, the overexpression of DUSP22 could ameliorate EndMT. We used signaling pathway inhibitors to verify our results and found that DUSP22 could regulate EndMT through the smad2/3 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In summary, DUSP22 ameliorates EndMT in HUVECs in vitro through the smad2/3 and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zekai Tao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cui Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Notenboom ML, Van Hoof L, Schuermans A, Takkenberg JJM, Rega FR, Taverne YJHJ. Aortic Valve Embryology, Mechanobiology, and Second Messenger Pathways: Implications for Clinical Practice. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:49. [PMID: 38392263 PMCID: PMC10888685 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to successfully detail the anatomy of the aortic root and its adjacent structures. Ever since, novel insights into morphology, function, and their interplay have accumulated, resulting in advanced knowledge on the complex functional characteristics of the aortic valve (AV) and root. This has shifted our vision from the AV as being a static structure towards that of a dynamic interconnected apparatus within the aortic root as a functional unit, exhibiting a complex interplay with adjacent structures via both humoral and mechanical stimuli. This paradigm shift has stimulated surgical treatment strategies of valvular disease that seek to recapitulate healthy AV function, whereby AV disease can no longer be seen as an isolated morphological pathology which needs to be replaced. As prostheses still cannot reproduce the complexity of human nature, treatment of diseased AVs, whether stenotic or insufficient, has tremendously evolved, with a similar shift towards treatments options that are more hemodynamically centered, such as the Ross procedure and valve-conserving surgery. Native AV and root components allow for an efficient Venturi effect over the valve to allow for optimal opening during the cardiac cycle, while also alleviating the left ventricle. Next to that, several receptors are present on native AV leaflets, enabling messenger pathways based on their interaction with blood and other shear-stress-related stimuli. Many of these physiological and hemodynamical processes are under-acknowledged but may hold important clues for innovative treatment strategies, or as potential novel targets for therapeutic agents that halt or reverse the process of valve degeneration. A structured overview of these pathways and their implications for cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists is lacking. As such, we provide an overview on embryology, hemodynamics, and messenger pathways of the healthy and diseased AV and its implications for clinical practice, by relating this knowledge to current treatment alternatives and clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan L Notenboom
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Van Hoof
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Art Schuermans
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna J M Takkenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filip R Rega
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hussein MA, Valinezhad K, Adel E, Munirathinam G. MALAT-1 Is a Key Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:234. [PMID: 38201661 PMCID: PMC10778055 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) is a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chr11q13. It is overexpressed in several cancers and controls gene expression through chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, MALAT-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis and serves a vital role in driving the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), subsequently acquiring cancer stem cell-like properties and developing drug resistance. MALAT-1 modulates EMT by interacting with various intracellular signaling pathways, notably the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. It also behaves like a sponge for microRNAs, preventing their interaction with target genes and promoting EMT. In addition, we have used bioinformatics online tools to highlight the disparities in the expression of MALAT-1 between normal and cancer samples using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, the intricate interplay of MALAT-1 with several essential targets of cancer progression and metastasis renders it a good candidate for therapeutic interventions. Several innovative approaches have been exploited to target MALAT-1, such as short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and natural products. This review emphasizes the interplay between MALAT-1 and EMT in modulating cancer metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo 57357, Egypt;
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Kamyab Valinezhad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Eman Adel
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Gnanasekar Munirathinam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
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Kelly RG. Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Tetralogy of Fallot and Double Outlet Right Ventricle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:645-659. [PMID: 38884739 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Tetralogy of Fallot and double-outlet right ventricle are outflow tract (OFT) alignment defects situated on a continuous disease spectrum. A myriad of upstream causes can impact on ventriculoarterial alignment that can be summarized as defects in either i) OFT elongation during looping morphogenesis or ii) OFT remodeling during cardiac septation. Embryological processes underlying these two developmental steps include deployment of second heart field cardiac progenitor cells, establishment and transmission of embryonic left/right information driving OFT rotation and OFT cushion and valve morphogenesis. The formation and remodeling of pulmonary trunk infundibular myocardium is a critical component of both steps. Defects in myocardial, endocardial, or neural crest cell lineages can result in alignment defects, reflecting the complex intercellular signaling events that coordinate arterial pole development. Importantly, however, OFT alignment is mechanistically distinct from neural crest-driven OFT septation, although neural crest cells impact indirectly on alignment through their role in modulating signaling during SHF development. As yet poorly understood nongenetic causes of alignment defects that impact the above processes include hemodynamic changes, maternal exposure to environmental teratogens, and stochastic events. The heterogeneity of causes converging on alignment defects characterizes the OFT as a hotspot of congenital heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Kelly
- Aix Marseille Université, Institut de Biologie du Dévelopment de Marseille, Marseille, France.
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Shibbani K, Nemer G. Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Tricuspid Atresia and Univentricular Heart. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:885-900. [PMID: 38884757 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The process of valve formation is a complex process that involves intricate interplay between various pathways at precise times. Although we have not completely elucidated the molecular pathways that lead to normal valve formation, we have identified a few major players in this process. We are now able to implicate TGF-ß, BMP, and NOTCH as suspects in tricuspid atresia (TA), as well as their downstream targets: NKX2-5, TBX5, NFATC1, GATA4, and SOX9. We know that the TGF-ß and the BMP pathways converge on the SMAD4 molecule, and we believe that this molecule plays a very important role to tie both pathways to TA. Similarly, we look at the NOTCH pathway and identify the HEY2 as a potential link between this pathway and TA. Another transcription factor that has been implicated in TA is NFATC1. While several mouse models exist that include part of the TA abnormality as their phenotype, no true mouse model can be said to represent TA. Bridging this gap will surely shed light on this complex molecular pathway and allow for better understanding of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Shibbani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - George Nemer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Thomson LM, Mancuso CA, Wolfe KR, Khailova L, Niemiec S, Ali E, DiMaria M, Mitchell M, Twite M, Morgan G, Frank BS, Davidson JA. The proteomic fingerprint in infants with single ventricle heart disease in the interstage period: evidence of chronic inflammation and widespread activation of biological networks. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1308700. [PMID: 38143535 PMCID: PMC10748388 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1308700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children with single ventricle heart disease (SVHD) experience significant morbidity across systems and time, with 70% of patients experiencing acute kidney injury, 33% neurodevelopmental impairment, 14% growth failure, and 5.5% of patients suffering necrotizing enterocolitis. Proteomics is a method to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms of injury in complex physiologic states. Methods Infants with SVHD in the interstage period were compared to similar-age healthy controls. Serum samples were collected, stored at -80°C, and run on a panel of 1,500 proteins in single batch analysis (Somalogic Inc., CO). Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was used to compare the proteomic profile of cases and controls and t-tests to detect differences in individual proteins (FDR <0.05). Protein network analysis with functional enrichment was performed in STRING and Cytoscape. Results PLS-DA readily discriminated between SVHD cases (n = 33) and controls (n = 24) based on their proteomic pattern alone (Accuracy = 0.96, R2 = 0.97, Q2 = 0.80). 568 proteins differed between groups (FDR <0.05). We identified 25 up-regulated functional clusters and 13 down-regulated. Active biological systems fell into six key groups: angiogenesis and cell proliferation/turnover, immune system activation and inflammation, altered metabolism, neural development, gastrointestinal system, and cardiac physiology and development. Conclusions We report a clear differentiation in the circulating proteome of patients with SVHD and healthy controls with >500 circulating proteins distinguishing the groups. These proteomic data identify widespread protein dysregulation across multiple biologic systems with promising biological plausibility as drivers of SVHD morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M. Thomson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christopher A. Mancuso
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kelly R. Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ludmila Khailova
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sierra Niemiec
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eiman Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Michael DiMaria
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Max Mitchell
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mark Twite
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Gareth Morgan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Benjamin S. Frank
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jesse A. Davidson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Lotto J, Cullum R, Drissler S, Arostegui M, Garside VC, Fuglerud BM, Clement-Ranney M, Thakur A, Underhill TM, Hoodless PA. Cell diversity and plasticity during atrioventricular heart valve EMTs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5567. [PMID: 37689753 PMCID: PMC10492828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) of both endocardium and epicardium guide atrioventricular heart valve formation, but the cellular complexity and small scale of this tissue have restricted analyses. To circumvent these issues, we analyzed over 50,000 murine single-cell transcriptomes from embryonic day (E)7.75 hearts to E12.5 atrioventricular canals. We delineate mesenchymal and endocardial bifurcation during endocardial EMT, identify a distinct, transdifferentiating epicardial population during epicardial EMT, and reveal the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity during both processes. In Sox9-deficient valves, we observe increased epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, indicating a role for SOX9 in promoting endothelial and mesenchymal cell fate decisions. Lastly, we deconvolve cell interactions guiding the initiation and progression of cardiac valve EMTs. Overall, these data reveal mechanisms of emergence of mesenchyme from endocardium or epicardium at single-cell resolution and will serve as an atlas of EMT initiation and progression with broad implications in regenerative medicine and cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lotto
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Sibyl Drissler
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Arostegui
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria C Garside
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bettina M Fuglerud
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Avinash Thakur
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - T Michael Underhill
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pamela A Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Liu H, Lu P, He S, Luo Y, Fang Y, Benkaci S, Wu B, Wang Y, Zhou B. β-Catenin regulates endocardial cushion growth by suppressing p21. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302163. [PMID: 37385754 PMCID: PMC10310929 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocardial cushion formation is essential for heart valve development and heart chamber separation. Abnormal endocardial cushion formation often causes congenital heart defects. β-Catenin is known to be essential for endocardial cushion formation; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that endothelial-specific deletion of β-catenin in mice resulted in formation of hypoplastic endocardial cushions due to reduced cell proliferation and impaired cell migration. By using a β-catenin DM allele in which the transcriptional function of β-catenin is selectively disrupted, we further reveal that β-catenin regulated cell proliferation and migration through its transcriptional and non-transcriptional function, respectively. At the molecular level, loss of β-catenin resulted in increased expression of cell cycle inhibitor p21 in cushion endocardial and mesenchymal cells in vivo. In vitro rescue experiments with HUVECs and pig aortic valve interstitial cells confirmed that β-catenin promoted cell proliferation by suppressing p21. In addition, one savvy negative observation is that β-catenin was dispensable for endocardial-to-mesenchymal fate change. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that β-catenin is essential for cell proliferation and migration but dispensable for endocardial cells to gain mesenchymal fate during endocardial cushion formation. Mechanistically, β-catenin promotes cell proliferation by suppressing p21. These findings inform the potential role of β-catenin in the etiology of congenital heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Shan He
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuru Luo
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sonia Benkaci
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yidong Wang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics (Pediatric Genetic Medicine), and Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Bobos D, Soufla G, Angouras DC, Lekakis I, Georgopoulos S, Melissari E. Investigation of the Role of BMP2 and -4 in ASD, VSD and Complex Congenital Heart Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2717. [PMID: 37627976 PMCID: PMC10453726 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart malformations (CHMs) make up between 2 and 3% of annual human births. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signalling is required for chamber myocardium development. We examined for possible molecular defects in the bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 4 (BMP2, -4) genes by sequencing analysis of all coding exons, as well as possible transcription or protein expression deregulation by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively, in 52 heart biopsies with congenital malformations (atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy ofFallot (ToF) and complex cases) compared to 10 non-congenital heart disease (CHD) hearts. No loss of function mutations was found; only synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BMP2 and BMP4 genes were found. Deregulation of the mRNA expression and co-expression profile of the two genes (BMP2/BMP4) was observed in the affected compared to the normal hearts. BMP2 and -4 protein expression levels were similar in normal and affected hearts. This is the first study assessing the role of BMP-2 and 4 in congenital heart malformations. Our analysis did not reveal molecular defects in the BMP2 and -4 genes that could support a causal relationship with the congenital defects present in our patients. Importantly, sustained mRNA and protein expression of BMP2 and -4 in CHD cases compared to controls indicates possible temporal epigenetic, microRNA or post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms governing the initial stages of cardiac malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bobos
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece;
| | - Giannoula Soufla
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios C. Angouras
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Lekakis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Attikon Hospital, Athens Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Georgopoulos
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Euthemia Melissari
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece
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Bragança J, Pinto R, Silva B, Marques N, Leitão HS, Fernandes MT. Charting the Path: Navigating Embryonic Development to Potentially Safeguard against Congenital Heart Defects. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37623513 PMCID: PMC10455635 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural or functional defects present at birth due to improper heart development. Current therapeutic approaches to treating severe CHDs are primarily palliative surgical interventions during the peri- or prenatal stages, when the heart has fully developed from faulty embryogenesis. However, earlier interventions during embryonic development have the potential for better outcomes, as demonstrated by fetal cardiac interventions performed in utero, which have shown improved neonatal and prenatal survival rates, as well as reduced lifelong morbidity. Extensive research on heart development has identified key steps, cellular players, and the intricate network of signaling pathways and transcription factors governing cardiogenesis. Additionally, some reports have indicated that certain adverse genetic and environmental conditions leading to heart malformations and embryonic death may be amendable through the activation of alternative mechanisms. This review first highlights key molecular and cellular processes involved in heart development. Subsequently, it explores the potential for future therapeutic strategies, targeting early embryonic stages, to prevent CHDs, through the delivery of biomolecules or exosomes to compensate for faulty cardiogenic mechanisms. Implementing such non-surgical interventions during early gestation may offer a prophylactic approach toward reducing the occurrence and severity of CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rute Pinto
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Marques
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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12
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Banerjee P, Rosales JE, Chau K, Nguyen MTH, Kotla S, Lin SH, Deswal A, Dantzer R, Olmsted-Davis EA, Nguyen H, Wang G, Cooke JP, Abe JI, Le NT. Possible molecular mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis in cancer survivors. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1186679. [PMID: 37332576 PMCID: PMC10272458 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1186679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivors undergone treatment face an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies have revealed that chemotherapy can drive senescent cancer cells to acquire a proliferative phenotype known as senescence-associated stemness (SAS). These SAS cells exhibit enhanced growth and resistance to cancer treatment, thereby contributing to disease progression. Endothelial cell (EC) senescence has been implicated in atherosclerosis and cancer, including among cancer survivors. Treatment modalities for cancer can induce EC senescence, leading to the development of SAS phenotype and subsequent atherosclerosis in cancer survivors. Consequently, targeting senescent ECs displaying the SAS phenotype hold promise as a therapeutic approach for managing atherosclerotic CVD in this population. This review aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of SAS induction in ECs and its contribution to atherosclerosis among cancer survivors. We delve into the mechanisms underlying EC senescence in response to disturbed flow and ionizing radiation, which play pivotal role in atherosclerosis and cancer. Key pathways, including p90RSK/TERF2IP, TGFβR1/SMAD, and BH4 signaling are explored as potential targets for cancer treatment. By comprehending the similarities and distinctions between different types of senescence and the associated pathways, we can pave the way for targeted interventions aim at enhancing the cardiovascular health of this vulnerable population. The insights gained from this review may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for managing atherosclerotic CVD in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Banerjee
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Julia Enterría Rosales
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- School of Medicine, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Khanh Chau
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Minh T. H. Nguyen
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sivareddy Kotla
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Steven H. Lin
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anita Deswal
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Olmsted-Davis
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Cancer Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John P. Cooke
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jun-ichi Abe
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nhat-Tu Le
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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Vuong S, Hollingworth A. Challenges of Managing Non-rheumatic Aortic Valve Disorder in a Genetically Susceptible Woman. Cureus 2023; 15:e37998. [PMID: 37252476 PMCID: PMC10209652 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In this case report, we investigated the potential link between SMAD3/transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway dysregulation and aortic valvular disease. We report a middle-aged female, heterozygous for the R18W novel variant of the SMAD3 gene, with a history of an aortic valve disorder and three aortic valve replacements in a span of 15 years. The patient neither has a history of congenital connective tissue disorders nor any known congenital valvular defects. The patient had genetic testing for thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD)/Marfan syndrome/related disorders. She was found to be heterozygous for the p.Arg18Trp (R18W) protein variant of the SMAD3 gene (chromosome position 15:67430416), coding DNA c.52 C>T. Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family and their downstream signaling proteins, including SMAD, are important for establishing proper embryogenic development and maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. Investigating the disturbances within the TGF-β signaling pathways may provide insightful knowledge of how genetic factors can cause structural and functional valvular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Vuong
- MSIII, Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, USA
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Identification of Gravida Serum Biomarkers for Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis Fetal Congenital Heart Disease. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2023; 16:255-266. [PMID: 36178661 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-022-10301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is well established as the most common congenital defect worldwide. Given the lack of biomarkers available, we aimed to identify new biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal CHD. This study used data-independent acquisition (DIA) to explore potential protein biomarkers that co-expressed in gravida serum (GS) and fetal amniotic fluid (AF). Next, parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and the immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to validate the potential biomarkers. Based on DIA and PRM proteomics and bioinformatics results, we identified POSTN and PAPPA in GS as candidate biomarkers. Their differential expression during ELISA and IHC were generally consistent with our proteomics results. POSTN combined with PAPPA in GS yield a good diagnose fetal CHD with sensitivity of 83.9%, specificity of 73.9%, and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.842. This is the first study showing that POSTN in GS and AF is associated with fetal CHD. POSTN and PAPPA have huge prospects for application as potential biomarkers in the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal CHD. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is well-established as the most common congenital defect worldwide. Given the lack of biomarkers available, we aimed to identify new biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal CHD. We used data independent acquisition (DIA) to explore potential protein biomarkers that co-expressed in gravida serum (GS) and fetal amniotic fluid (AF). Next, parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, and the immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to validate the potential biomarkers. Based on DIA and PRM proteomics and bioinformatics results, we identified POSTN and PAPPA in GS as candidate biomarkers. Their differential expression during ELISA and IHC were generally consistent with our proteomics results. POSTN combined with PAPPA in GS yield a good diagnose fetal CHD with sensitivity of 83.9 %, specificity of 73.9%, and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.842. This is the first study showing that POSTN in GS and AF is associated with fetal CHD. POSTN and PAPPA have huge prospects for application as potential biomarkers in the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal CHD.
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15
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Luyckx I, Verstraeten A, Goumans MJ, Loeys B. SMAD6-deficiency in human genetic disorders. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:68. [DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractSMAD6 encodes an intracellular inhibitor of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway. Until now, SMAD6-deficiency has been associated with three distinctive human congenital conditions, i.e., congenital heart diseases, including left ventricular obstruction and conotruncal defects, craniosynostosis and radioulnar synostosis. Intriguingly, a similar spectrum of heterozygous loss-of-function variants has been reported to cause these clinically distinct disorders without a genotype–phenotype correlation. Even identical nucleotide changes have been described in patients with either a cardiovascular phenotype, craniosynostosis or radioulnar synostosis. These findings suggest that the primary pathogenic variant alone cannot explain the resultant patient phenotype. In this review, we summarise clinical and (patho)genetic (dis)similarities between these three SMAD6-related conditions, compare published Madh6 mouse models, in which the importance and impact of the genetic background with respect to the observed phenotype is highlighted, and elaborate on the cellular key mechanisms orchestrated by SMAD6 in the development of these three discrete inherited disorders. In addition, we discuss future research needed to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these diseases in order to improve their molecular diagnosis, advance therapeutic strategies and facilitate counselling of patients and their families.
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16
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Halabi R, Cechmanek PB, Hehr CL, McFarlane S. Semaphorin3f as a cardiomyocyte derived regulator of heart chamber development. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:126. [PMID: 35986301 PMCID: PMC9389736 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During development a pool of precursors form a heart with atrial and ventricular chambers that exhibit distinct transcriptional and electrophysiological properties. Normal development of these chambers is essential for full term survival of the fetus, and deviations result in congenital heart defects. The large number of genes that may cause congenital heart defects when mutated, and the genetic variability and penetrance of the ensuing phenotypes, reveals a need to understand the molecular mechanisms that allow for the formation of chamber-specific cardiomyocyte differentiation. Methods We used in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and functional analyses to identify the consequences of the loss of the secreted semaphorin, Sema3fb, in the development of the zebrafish heart by using two sema3fb CRISPR mutant alleles. Results We find that in the developing zebrafish heart sema3fb mRNA is expressed by all cardiomyocytes, whereas mRNA for a known receptor Plexina3 (Plxna3) is expressed preferentially by ventricular cardiomyocytes. In sema3fb CRISPR zebrafish mutants, heart chamber development is impaired; the atria and ventricles of mutants are smaller in size than their wild type siblings, apparently because of differences in cell size and not cell numbers. Analysis of chamber differentiation indicates defects in chamber specific gene expression at the border between the ventricular and atrial chambers, with spillage of ventricular chamber genes into the atrium, and vice versa, and a failure to restrict specialized cardiomyocyte markers to the atrioventricular canal (AVC). The hypoplastic heart chambers are associated with decreased cardiac output and heart edema. Conclusions Based on our data we propose a model whereby cardiomyocytes secrete a Sema cue that, because of spatially restricted expression of the receptor, signals in a ventricular chamber-specific manner to establish a distinct border between atrial and ventricular chambers that is important to produce a fully functional heart. Video abstract
Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00874-8.
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17
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Shang M, Hu Y, Cao H, Lin Q, Yi N, Zhang J, Gu Y, Yang Y, He S, Lu M, Peng L, Li L. Concordant and Heterogeneity of Single-Cell Transcriptome in Cardiac Development of Human and Mouse. Front Genet 2022; 13:892766. [PMID: 35832197 PMCID: PMC9271823 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.892766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal heart development is vital for maintaining its function, and the development process is involved in complex interactions between different cell lineages. How mammalian hearts develop differently is still not fully understood. In this study, we identified several major types of cardiac cells, including cardiomyocytes (CMs), fibroblasts (FBs), endothelial cells (ECs), ECs/FBs, epicardial cells (EPs), and immune cells (macrophage/monocyte cluster, MACs/MONOs), based on single-cell transcriptome data from embryonic hearts of both human and mouse. Then, species-shared and species-specific marker genes were determined in the same cell type between the two species, and the genes with consistent and different expression patterns were also selected by constructing the developmental trajectories. Through a comparison of the development stage similarity of CMs, FBs, and ECs/FBs between humans and mice, it is revealed that CMs at e9.5 and e10.5 of mice are most similar to those of humans at 7 W and 9 W, respectively. Mouse FBs at e10.5, e13.5, and e14.5 are correspondingly more like the same human cells at 6, 7, and 9 W. Moreover, the e9.5-ECs/FBs of mice are most similar to that of humans at 10W. These results provide a resource for understudying cardiac cell types and the crucial markers able to trace developmental trajectories among the species, which is beneficial for finding suitable mouse models to detect human cardiac physiology and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Shang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaming Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Shibei Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Yi
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfang Zhang
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiong Gu
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu He
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lu
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Origin and Regulation of Heart Rhythm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Luying Peng, ; Li Li,
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Units of Origin and Regulation of Heart Rhythm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Luying Peng, ; Li Li,
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Docshin PM, Karpov AA, Mametov MV, Ivkin DY, Kostareva AA, Malashicheva AB. Mechanisms of Regenerative Potential Activation in Cardiac Mesenchymal Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061283. [PMID: 35740305 PMCID: PMC9220771 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovery of the contractile function of the heart and the regeneration of the myocardium after ischemic injury are contemporary issues in regenerative medicine and cell biology. This study aimed to analyze early transcriptional events in cardiac tissue after infarction and to explore the cell population that can be isolated from myocardial tissue. We induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery and showed a change in the expression pattern of Notch-associated genes and Bmp2/Runx2 in post-MI tissues using RNA sequencing and RT-PCR. We obtained primary cardiac mesenchymal cell (CMC) cultures from postinfarction myocardium by enzymatic dissociation of tissues, which retained part of the activation stimulus and had a pronounced proliferative potential, assessed using a “xCELLigence” real-time system. Hypoxia in vitro also causes healthy CMCs to overexpress Notch-associated genes and Bmp2/Runx2. Exogenous activation of the Notch signaling pathway by lentiviral transduction of healthy CMCs resulted in a dose-dependent activation of the Runx2 transcription factor but did not affect the activity of the Bmp2 factor. Thus, the results of this study showed that acute hypoxic stress could cause short-term activation of the embryonic signaling pathways Notch and Bmp in CMCs, and this interaction is closely related to the processes of early myocardial remodeling after a heart attack. The ability to correctly modulate and control the corresponding signals in the heart can help increase the regenerative capacity of the myocardium before the formation of fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel M. Docshin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia; (P.M.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Andrei A. Karpov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 194156 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Center of Experimental Pharmacology, Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Malik V. Mametov
- Department of Pathophysiology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Dmitry Y. Ivkin
- Center of Experimental Pharmacology, Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anna A. Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia; (P.M.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Anna B. Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia; (P.M.D.); (A.A.K.)
- Laboratory of Regenerative Biomedicine, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Cross-talk between NOTCH2 and BMP4/SMAD signaling pathways in bovine follicular granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2022; 187:74-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Pham DH, Dai CR, Lin B, Butcher JT. Local fluid shear stress operates a molecular switch to drive fetal semilunar valve extension. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:481-497. [PMID: 34535945 PMCID: PMC8891031 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While much is known about the genetic regulation of early valvular morphogenesis, mechanisms governing fetal valvular growth and remodeling remain unclear. Hemodynamic forces strongly influence morphogenesis, but it is unknown whether or how they interact with valvulogenic signaling programs. Side-specific activity of valvulogenic programs motivates the hypothesis that shear stress pattern-specific endocardial signaling controls the elongation of leaflets. RESULTS We determined that extension of the semilunar valve occurs via fibrosa sided endocardial proliferation. Low OSS was necessary and sufficient to induce canonical Wnt/β-catenin activation in fetal valve endothelium, which in turn drives BMP receptor/ligand expression, and pSmad1/5 activity essential for endocardial proliferation. In contrast, ventricularis endocardial cells expressed active Notch1 but minimal pSmad1/5. Endocardial monolayers exposed to LSS attenuate Wnt signaling in a Notch1 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Low OSS is transduced by endocardial cells into canonical Wnt signaling programs that regulate BMP signaling and endocardial proliferation. In contrast, high LSS induces Notch signaling in endocardial cells, inhibiting Wnt signaling and thereby restricting growth on the ventricular surface. Our results identify a novel mechanically regulated molecular switch, whereby fluid shear stress drives the growth of valve endothelium, orchestrating the extension of the valve in the direction of blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc H. Pham
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Charles R. Dai
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Belle Lin
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA,Corresponding author:
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21
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Identification and characterization of genetic variants of TGFB1 in patients with congenital heart disease. Meta Gene 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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22
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Gao Y, Li N, Xue Q, Fan X, Liu X, Han L. Basic fibroblast growth factor inhibits aortic valvular interstitial cells calcification via Notch1 pathway. J Investig Med 2022; 70:907-913. [PMID: 35074856 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an active pathological process mediated by abnormal activation and transdifferentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). The present study aims to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of the basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) on osteogenic differentiation of VICs. Porcine VICs cultured with osteogenic induction medium are supplemented with or without BFGF. Morphology of VICs is identified by fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled phalloidin, the cell viability is assessed by the cell counting kit-8 method, and protein and mRNA expression level of osteogenic differentiation markers, including Runx2, osteopontin, and Sp7, are verified by western blot analysis and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. RNA sequencing is used to identify changes in gene profiles. Alizarin Red S staining is used to measure calcium deposition. The results demonstrate that the content of calcium deposition and the expression level of osteogenic markers are downregulated by supplementing BFGF. Notch1 signaling pathway is extracted as a candidate target after bioinformatics analysis by RNA sequencing. The transfection of si-Notch1 abolishes the calcification inhibitory effect of BFGF. Taken together, our findings shed the light on the mechanism and potential therapeutics of BFGF for CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Xue
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinli Fan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Han
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
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23
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Garcia-Padilla C, Hernandez-Torres F, Lozano-Velasco E, Dueñas A, Muñoz-Gallardo MDM, Garcia-Valencia IS, Palencia-Vincent L, Aranega A, Franco D. The Role of Bmp- and Fgf Signaling Modulating Mouse Proepicardium Cell Fate. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:757781. [PMID: 35059396 PMCID: PMC8763981 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.757781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bmp and Fgf signaling are widely involved in multiple aspects of embryonic development. More recently non coding RNAs, such as microRNAs have also been reported to play essential roles during embryonic development. We have previously demonstrated that microRNAs, i.e., miR-130, play an essential role modulating Bmp and Fgf signaling during early stages of cardiomyogenesis. More recently, we have also demonstrated that microRNAs are capable of modulating cell fate decision during proepicardial/septum transversum (PE/ST) development, since over-expression of miR-23 blocked while miR-125, miR-146, miR-223 and miR-195 enhanced PE/ST-derived cardiomyogenesis, respectively. Importantly, regulation of these microRNAs is distinct modulated by Bmp2 and Fgf2 administration in chicken. In this study, we aim to dissect the functional role of Bmp and Fgf signaling during mouse PE/ST development, their implication regulating post-transcriptional modulators such as microRNAs and their impact on lineage determination. Mouse PE/ST explants and epicardial/endocardial cell cultures were distinctly administrated Bmp and Fgf family members. qPCR analyses of distinct microRNAs, cardiomyogenic, fibrogenic differentiation markers as well as key elements directly epithelial to mesenchymal transition were evaluated. Our data demonstrate that neither Bmp2/Bmp4 nor Fgf2/Fgf8 signaling is capable of inducing cardiomyogenesis, fibrogenesis or inducing EMT in mouse PE/ST explants, yet deregulation of several microRNAs is observed, in contrast to previous findings in chicken PE/ST. RNAseq analyses in mouse PE/ST and embryonic epicardium identified novel Bmp and Fgf family members that might be involved in such cell fate differences, however, their implication on EMT induction and cardiomyogenic and/or fibrogenic differentiation is limited. Thus our data support the notion of species-specific differences regulating PE/ST cardiomyogenic lineage commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Garcia-Padilla
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.,Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Francisco Hernandez-Torres
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.,Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Estefania Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.,Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel Dueñas
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | | | - Isabel S Garcia-Valencia
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Lledó Palencia-Vincent
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Amelia Aranega
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.,Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.,Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
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24
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Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induce CCL18 Production by Mast Cells: A Possible Link to Angiogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030353. [PMID: 35159163 PMCID: PMC8834361 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) function as a component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles depending on the tumor type and its developmental stage. Several reports indicate the involvement of MCs in angiogenesis in the TME by releasing angiogenic mediators. Tumor cells and other cells in the TME may interact by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that affect the cells in the region. We have previously shown that tumor-derived microvesicles (TMVs) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells interact with human MCs and activate them to release several cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we characterized the MC expression of other mediators after exposure to TMVs derived from NSCLC. Whole-genome expression profiling disclosed the production of several chemokines, including CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18). This chemokine is expressed in various types of cancer, and was found to be associated with extensive angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. We now show that CCL18 secreted from MCs activated by NSCLC-TMVs increased the migration of human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs), tube formation and endothelial- to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), thus promoting angiogenesis. Our findings support the conclusion that TMVs have the potential to influence MC activity and may affect angiogenesis in the TME.
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25
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Deb N, Lacerda CMR. Valvular Endothelial Cell Response to the Mechanical Environment-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:695-709. [PMID: 34661855 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart valve leaflets are complex structures containing valve endothelial cells, interstitial cells, and extracellular matrix. Heart valve endothelial cells sense mechanical stimuli, and communicate amongst themselves and the surrounding cells and extracellular matrix to maintain tissue homeostasis. In the presence of abnormal mechanical stimuli, endothelial cell communication is triggered in defense and such processes may eventually lead to cardiac disease progression. This review focuses on the role of mechanical stimuli on heart valve endothelial surfaces-from heart valve development and maintenance of tissue integrity to disease progression with related signal pathways involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US.
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26
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Abu Nahia K, Migdał M, Quinn TA, Poon KL, Łapiński M, Sulej A, Liu J, Mondal SS, Pawlak M, Bugajski Ł, Piwocka K, Brand T, Kohl P, Korzh V, Winata C. Genomic and physiological analyses of the zebrafish atrioventricular canal reveal molecular building blocks of the secondary pacemaker region. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6669-6687. [PMID: 34557935 PMCID: PMC8558220 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The atrioventricular canal (AVC) is the site where key structures responsible for functional division between heart regions are established, most importantly, the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system and cardiac valves. To elucidate the mechanism underlying AVC development and function, we utilized transgenic zebrafish line sqet31Et expressing EGFP in the AVC to isolate this cell population and profile its transcriptome at 48 and 72 hpf. The zebrafish AVC transcriptome exhibits hallmarks of mammalian AV node, including the expression of genes implicated in its development and those encoding connexins forming low conductance gap junctions. Transcriptome analysis uncovered protein-coding and noncoding transcripts enriched in AVC, which have not been previously associated with this structure, as well as dynamic expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers and components of TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways likely reflecting ongoing AVC and valve development. Using transgenic line Tg(myl7:mermaid) encoding voltage-sensitive fluorescent protein, we show that abolishing the pacemaker-containing sinoatrial ring (SAR) through Isl1 loss of function resulted in spontaneous activation in the AVC region, suggesting that it possesses inherent automaticity although insufficient to replace the SAR. The SAR and AVC transcriptomes express partially overlapping species of ion channels and gap junction proteins, reflecting their distinct roles. Besides identifying conserved aspects between zebrafish and mammalian conduction systems, our results established molecular hallmarks of the developing AVC which underlies its role in structural and electrophysiological separation between heart chambers. This data constitutes a valuable resource for studying AVC development and function, and identification of novel candidate genes implicated in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abu Nahia
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Migdał
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kar-Lai Poon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Dr, Singapore , Singapore.,Developmental Dynamics, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maciej Łapiński
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Sulej
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Shamba S Mondal
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Pawlak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Thomas Brand
- Developmental Dynamics, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Vladimir Korzh
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Cecilia Winata
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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27
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Cheng L, Xie M, Qiao W, Song Y, Zhang Y, Geng Y, Xu W, Wang L, Wang Z, Huang K, Dong N, Sun Y. Generation and characterization of cardiac valve endothelial-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1039. [PMID: 34489520 PMCID: PMC8421482 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02571-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac valvular endothelial cells (VECs) are an ideal cell source that could be used for making the valve organoids. However, few studies have been focused on the derivation of this important cell type. Here we describe a two-step chemically defined xeno-free method for generating VEC-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). HPSCs were specified to KDR+/ISL1+ multipotent cardiac progenitors (CPCs), followed by differentiation into valve endothelial-like cells (VELs) via an intermediate endocardial cushion cell (ECC) type. Mechanistically, administration of TGFb1 and BMP4 may specify VEC fate by activating the NOTCH/WNT signaling pathways and previously unidentified targets such as ATF3 and KLF family of transcription factors. When seeded onto the surface of the de-cellularized porcine aortic valve (DCV) matrix scaffolds, hPSC-derived VELs exhibit superior proliferative and clonogenic potential than the primary VECs and human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Our results show that hPSC-derived valvular cells could be efficiently generated from hPSCs, which might be used as seed cells for construction of valve organoids or next generation tissue engineered heart valves. Cheng et al. provide a detailed characterization of the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to valve endothelial cells and their function. Their results show that the valve endothelial-like cells express key markers for valve endothelial cells, exhibiting proliferative and clonogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- LinXi Cheng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - MingHui Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - WeiHua Qiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Song
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - YanYong Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - YingChao Geng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - WeiLin Xu
- Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - NianGuo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - YuHua Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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28
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Dugina VB, Shagieva GS, Shakhov AS, Alieva IB. The Cytoplasmic Actins in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157836. [PMID: 34360602 PMCID: PMC8345992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary function of the endothelial cells (EC) lining the inner surface of all vessels is to regulate permeability of vascular walls and to control exchange between circulating blood and tissue fluids of organs. The EC actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial barrier function. Actin cytoskeleton reorganization result in EC contraction and provides a structural basis for the increase in vascular permeability, which is typical for many diseases. Actin cytoskeleton in non-muscle cells presented two actin isoforms: non-muscle β-cytoplasmic and γ-cytoplasmic actins (β-actins and γ-actins), which are encoded by ACTB and ACTG1 genes, respectively. They are ubiquitously expressed in the different cells in vivo and in vitro and the β/γ-actin ratio depends on the cell type. Both cytoplasmic actins are essential for cell survival, but they perform various functions in the interphase and cell division and play different roles in neoplastic transformation. In this review, we briefly summarize the research results of recent years and consider the features of the cytoplasmic actins: The spatial organization in close connection with their functional activity in different cell types by focusing on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera B. Dugina
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Galina S. Shagieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Anton S. Shakhov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Irina B. Alieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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29
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The BMP Pathway in Blood Vessel and Lymphatic Vessel Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126364. [PMID: 34198654 PMCID: PMC8232321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were originally identified as the active components in bone extracts that can induce ectopic bone formation. In recent decades, their key role has broadly expanded beyond bone physiology and pathology. Nowadays, the BMP pathway is considered an important player in vascular signaling. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding different components of the BMP pathway cause various severe vascular diseases. Their signaling contributes to the morphological, functional and molecular heterogeneity among endothelial cells in different vessel types such as arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries within different organs. The BMP pathway is a remarkably fine-tuned pathway. As a result, its signaling output in the vessel wall critically depends on the cellular context, which includes flow hemodynamics, interplay with other vascular signaling cascades and the interaction of endothelial cells with peri-endothelial cells and the surrounding matrix. In this review, the emerging role of BMP signaling in lymphatic vessel biology will be highlighted within the framework of BMP signaling in the circulatory vasculature.
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30
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Greenspan LJ, Weinstein BM. To be or not to be: endothelial cell plasticity in development, repair, and disease. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:251-269. [PMID: 33449300 PMCID: PMC8205957 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells display an extraordinary plasticity both during development and throughout adult life. During early development, endothelial cells assume arterial, venous, or lymphatic identity, while selected endothelial cells undergo additional fate changes to become hematopoietic progenitor, cardiac valve, and other cell types. Adult endothelial cells are some of the longest-lived cells in the body and their participation as stable components of the vascular wall is critical for the proper function of both the circulatory and lymphatic systems, yet these cells also display a remarkable capacity to undergo changes in their differentiated identity during injury, disease, and even normal physiological changes in the vasculature. Here, we discuss how endothelial cells become specified during development as arterial, venous, or lymphatic endothelial cells or convert into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or cardiac valve cells. We compare findings from in vitro and in vivo studies with a focus on the zebrafish as a valuable model for exploring the signaling pathways and environmental cues that drive these transitions. We also discuss how endothelial plasticity can aid in revascularization and repair of tissue after damage- but may have detrimental consequences under disease conditions. By better understanding endothelial plasticity and the mechanisms underlying endothelial fate transitions, we can begin to explore new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Greenspan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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31
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Martinez A, Buckley M, Scalise CB, Katre AA, Dholakia JJ, Crossman D, Birrer MJ, Berry JL, Arend RC. Understanding the effect of mechanical forces on ovarian cancer progression. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 162:154-162. [PMID: 33888338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mechanical forces including tension, compression, and shear stress are increasingly implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. Understanding the mechanisms behind epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression and metastasis is critical, and this study aimed to elucidate the effect of oscillatory and constant tension on EOC. METHODS SKOV-3 and OVCAR-8 EOC cell lines were placed under oscillatory tension for 3 days and compared to cells placed under no tension. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed while RNAseq and Western Blots helped investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the increasingly aggressive state of the experimental cells. Finally, in vivo experiments using SCID mice assisted in confirming the in vitro results. RESULTS Oscillatory tension (OT) and constant tension (CT) significantly increased SKOV-3 proliferation, while OT caused a significant increase in proliferative genes, migration, and invasion in this cell line. CT did not cause significant increases in these areas. Neither OT nor CT increased proliferation or invasion in OVCAR-8 cells, while both tension types significantly increased cellular migration. Two proteins involved in metastasis, E-cadherin and Snail, were both significantly affected by OT in both cell lines, with E-cadherin levels decreasing and Snail levels increasing. In vivo, tumor growth and weight for both cell types were significantly increased, and ascites development was significantly higher in the experimental OVCAR-8 group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study found that mechanical forces are influential in EOC progression and metastasis. Further analysis of downstream mechanisms involved in EOC metastasis will be critical for improvements in EOC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - M Buckley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - C B Scalise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - A A Katre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - J J Dholakia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - D Crossman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Genetics, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - M J Birrer
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - J L Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - R C Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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32
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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33
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Assembly of the Cardiac Pacemaking Complex: Electrogenic Principles of Sinoatrial Node Morphogenesis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8040040. [PMID: 33917972 PMCID: PMC8068396 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8040040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pacemaker cells located in the sinoatrial node initiate the electrical impulses that drive rhythmic contraction of the heart. The sinoatrial node accounts for only a small proportion of the total mass of the heart yet must produce a stimulus of sufficient strength to stimulate the entire volume of downstream cardiac tissue. This requires balancing a delicate set of electrical interactions both within the sinoatrial node and with the downstream working myocardium. Understanding the fundamental features of these interactions is critical for defining vulnerabilities that arise in human arrhythmic disease and may provide insight towards the design and implementation of the next generation of potential cellular-based cardiac therapeutics. Here, we discuss physiological conditions that influence electrical impulse generation and propagation in the sinoatrial node and describe developmental events that construct the tissue-level architecture that appears necessary for sinoatrial node function.
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Kumar R, Gulia K. The convergence of nanotechnology‐stem cell, nanotopography‐mechanobiology, and biotic‐abiotic interfaces: Nanoscale tools for tackling the top killer, arteriosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. NANO SELECT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Kumar
- NIET National Institute of Medical Science Rajasthan India
| | - Kiran Gulia
- Materials and Manufacturing School of Engineering University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton England, UK
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Qian J, Luo W, Dai C, Wang J, Guan X, Zou C, Chattipakorn N, Wu G, Huang W, Liang G. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 mediates angiotensin II-induced inflammation and mesenchymal transition in vascular endothelium. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166043. [PMID: 33338595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular inflammation and injury entails endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Recent studies have shown that Ang II engages toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the vasculature to mediate adverse effects. Here, we aimed to investigate whether myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), an extracellular molecule indispensable for TLR4 activation, mediates Ang II-induced vascular injury and EndMT. We utilized MD2 knockout mice and wildtype mice treated with a specific MD2 inhibitor to decipher its role in aortas of Ang II-challenged mice. To confirm our results and to provide mechanistic insights, we exposed cultured endothelial cells to Ang II, with or without MD2 silencing. We show that Ang II causes deleterious remodeling and EndMT in aortas of mice within two weeks. These Ang II effects were largely absent in MD2 knockout mice and in wildtype mice treated with a MD2 inhibitor. MD2 silencing in cultured endothelial cells confirmed the essential role of MD2 in Ang II-induced inflammatory factor induction, and EndMT-associated phenotypic change. We also found that Ang II-MD2-EndMT axis involves the activation of nuclear factor-κB. Our studies highlight an essential role of MD2 in Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and EndMT contributing to vascular injury. These results also imply that MD2 may be targeted to dampen inflammatory cardiovascular and EndMT-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfu Qian
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chengyi Dai
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Affiliated Cangnan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Cangnan, Zhejiang 325800, China
| | - Xinfu Guan
- Affiliated Cangnan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Cangnan, Zhejiang 325800, China
| | - Chunpeng Zou
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Affiliated Cangnan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Cangnan, Zhejiang 325800, China; Zhuji Biomedicine Institute, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhuji, Zhejiang 311800, China.
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Anbara T, Sharifi M, Aboutaleb N. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Cardiogenesis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Cardiol Rev 2021; 16:306-314. [PMID: 31393254 PMCID: PMC7903503 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190808100336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) does not only play a major role in the course of development but also contributes to several cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. EndMT is characterized by down-regulation of the endothelial proteins and highly up-regulated fibrotic specific genes and extracellular matrix-forming proteins. EndMT is also a transforming growth factor-β-driven (TGF-β) process in which endothelial cells lose their endothelial characteristics and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype with expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast-specific protein 1, etc. EndMT is a vital process during cardiac development, thus disrupted EndMT gives rise to the congenital heart diseases, namely septal defects and valve abnormalities. In this review, we have discussed the main signaling pathways and mechanisms participating in the process of EndMT such as TGF-β and Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Wnt#, and Notch signaling pathway and also studied the role of EndMT in physiological cardiovascular development and pathological conditions including myocardial infarction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, congenital heart defects, cardiac fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. As a perspective view, having a clear understanding of involving cellular and molecular mechanisms in EndMT and conducting Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a large number of samples for involving pharmacological agents may guide us into novel therapeutic approaches of congenital disorders and heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Anbara
- Department of Surgery, Erfan Specialty Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masuomeh Sharifi
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Aboutaleb
- Physiology Research Center, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Li H, Zou J, Yu XH, Ou X, Tang CK. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 and atherosclerosis: New insights and therapeutic potential. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:4216-4230. [PMID: 33275290 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor belonging to the ZEB family, plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression required for both normal physiological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence has shown that ZEB1 participates in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest that ZEB1 protects against atherosclerosis by regulation of endothelial cell angiogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, monocyte-endothelial cell interaction, macrophage lipid accumulation, macrophage polarization, monocyte-vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) interaction, VSMC proliferation and migration, and T cell proliferation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of ZEB1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.,Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiang Ou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Medical Instrument and Equipment Technology Laboratory of Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
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38
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Gao L, Zhang J, Han X, Hu W, Sun J, Tan Y, Zhao X, Hua R, Wang S, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wu Y. A rare cardiac phenotype of dextrocardia observed in a fetus with 1p36 deletion syndrome and a balanced translocation: a prenatal case report. Mol Cytogenet 2020; 13:48. [PMID: 33292381 PMCID: PMC7670715 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-020-00514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chromosome 1p36 deletion syndrome is a contiguous genetic disorder with multiple congenital anomalies and mental retardation. It has been emerging as one of the most common terminal deletion syndromes in humans with the rapid utility of microarray analysis. However, the prenatal findings of 1p36 deletion syndrome are still limited. We report a fetus with 1p36 deletion and cardiac phenotype of dextrocardia, combined with a balanced translocation between chromosome 5 and 6. The phenotype of dextrocardia is rarely reported in prenatal 1p36 deletion cases. Case presentation We present a prenatal 1p36 deletion case with congenital heart diseases and single umbilical artery. Fetal echocardiography showed dextrocardia, ventricular septal defect and pericardial effusion. Fetal karyotype revealed a de novo balanced translocation of 46,XY,t(5;6)(q11.2;q23.3). Chromosomal microarray analysis detected a pathogenic deletion in 1p36.21p36.12, with the size of 6.38 Mb. Further whole genome sequencing revealed that the balanced translocation disrupted the EYA4 and ITGA1 genes. Conclusions Although congenital heart diseases are very common clinical manifestations among patients with 1p36 deletion, dextrocardia is a quite rare cardiac phenotype. This is the second case with 1p36 deletion and dextrocardia, and the first prenatally diagnosed 1p36 deletion case with dextrocardia. Our case indicates that genes in 1p36 are associated with not only heart structural anomalies, but also cardiac laterality development. Our results also imply that the EYA4 gene disrupted by the balanced translocation might be related with the cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinling Sun
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuru Tan
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrong Zhao
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Renyi Hua
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China.
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Yan Y, Liu F, Hou X, Wan J, Xiong Q, Zhou R, Liao B. [Joint regulation of Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways to promote differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2020; 34:1313-1321. [PMID: 33063499 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.201912087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the role of joint regulation of Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cardiomyocytes. Methods HiPSCs were cultured and observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expressions of hiPSCs pluripotent markers (OCT3/4, NANOG, and TRA-1-60). HiPSCs were passaged which were taken for subsequent experiments within the 35th passage. When the fusion degree of hiPSCs was close to 100%, the CHIR99021 (Wnt pathway activator) was added on the 0th day of differentiation. Different concentrations of IWP4 (inhibitor of Wnt production) were added on the 3rd day of differentiation, and the best concentration of IWP4 was added at different time points. The optimal concentration and the best effective period of IWP4 were obtained by detecting the expression of troponin T (TNNT2) mRNA by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Then, on the basis of adding CHIR99021 and IWP4, different concentrations of BMP-4 were added on the 5th day of differentiation, and the best concentration of BMP-4 was added at different time points. The optimal concentration and best effective period of BMP-4 were obtained by detecting the expression of TNNT2 mRNA. Finally, hiPSCs were divided into three groups: Wnt group, BMP group, and Wnt+BMP group. On the basis of adding CHIR99021 on the 0th day of differentiation, IWP4, BMP-4, and IWP4+BMP-4 were added into Wnt group, BMP group, and Wnt+BMP group respectively according to the screening results. Cells were collected on the 7th and the 15th days of differentiation. The expressions of myocardial precursor cell markers [ISL LIM homeobox 1 (ISL1), NK2 homeobox 5 (NKX2-5)] and cardiomyocyte specific markers [myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), myosin light chain 2 (MYL2), MYL7, and TNNT2] were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Cells were collected on the 28th day of differentiation, and the expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Results The results of cell mophology and immunoflurescence staining showed that the OCT3/4, NANOG, and TRA-1-60 were highly expressed in hiPSCs, which suggested that hiPSCs had characteristics of pluripotency. The optimal concentration of IWP4 was 10.0 μmol/L ( P<0.05) and the best effective period was the 3rd day ( P<0.05) in inducing hiPSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. The optimal concentration of BMP-4 was 20.0 ng/mL ( P<0.05) and the best effective period was the 3rd day ( P<0.05). The relative expressions of ISL1, NKX2-5, MEF2C, MYL2, MYL7, and TNNT2 mRNAs, the positive expression ratio of cTnT detected by flow cytometry, and sarcomere structure detected by immunofluorescence staining of Wnt+BMP group were superior to those of Wnt group ( P<0.05). Conclusion Joint regulation of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways can improve the differentiation efficiency of hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Clinical Medicine College of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Sichuan, 610075, P.R.China;College of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Xiaojie Hou
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Juyi Wan
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou Sichuan, 646000, P.R.China
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Lu PN, Moreland T, Christian CJ, Lund TC, Steet RA, Flanagan-Steet H. Inappropriate cathepsin K secretion promotes its enzymatic activation driving heart and valve malformation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:133019. [PMID: 33055423 PMCID: PMC7605527 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although congenital heart defects (CHDs) represent the most common birth defect, a comprehensive understanding of disease etiology remains unknown. This is further complicated since CHDs can occur in isolation or as a feature of another disorder. Analyzing disorders with associated CHDs provides a powerful platform to identify primary pathogenic mechanisms driving disease. Aberrant localization and expression of cathepsin proteases can perpetuate later-stage heart diseases, but their contribution toward CHDs is unclear. To investigate the contribution of cathepsins during cardiovascular development and congenital disease, we analyzed the pathogenesis of cardiac defects in zebrafish models of the lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis II (MLII). MLII is caused by mutations in the GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase enzyme (Gnptab) that disrupt carbohydrate-dependent sorting of lysosomal enzymes. Without Gnptab, lysosomal hydrolases, including cathepsin proteases, are inappropriately secreted. Analyses of heart development in gnptab-deficient zebrafish show cathepsin K secretion increases its activity, disrupts TGF-β–related signaling, and alters myocardial and valvular formation. Importantly, cathepsin K inhibition restored normal heart and valve development in MLII embryos. Collectively, these data identify mislocalized cathepsin K as an initiator of cardiac disease in this lysosomal disorder and establish cathepsin inhibition as a viable therapeutic strategy. Mislocalized cathepsin K promotes cardiac disease in a zebrafish model of the lysosomal disorder mucolipidosis II and can be targeted by cathespin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Nien Lu
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Trevor Moreland
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney J Christian
- Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University Laney Graduate School, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Troy C Lund
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Richard A Steet
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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Zohorsky K, Mequanint K. Designing Biomaterials to Modulate Notch Signaling in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2020; 27:383-410. [PMID: 33040694 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The design of cell-instructive biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is at a crossroads. Although the conventional tissue engineering approach is top-down (cells seeded to macroporous scaffolds and mature to form tissues), bottom-up tissue engineering strategies are becoming appealing. With such developments, we can study cell signaling events, thus enabling functional tissue assembly in physiologic and diseased models. Among many important signaling pathways, the Notch signaling pathway is the most diverse in its influence during tissue morphogenesis and repair following injury. Although Notch signaling is extensively studied in developmental biology and cancer biology, our knowledge of designing biomaterial-based Notch signaling platforms and incorporating Notch signaling components into engineered tissue systems is limited. By incorporating Notch signaling to tissue engineering scaffolds, we can direct cell-specific responses and improve engineered tissue maturation. This review will discuss recent progress in the development of Notch signaling biomaterials as a promising target to control cellular fate decisions, including the influences of ligand identity, biophysical material cues, ligand presentation strategies, and mechanotransduction. Notch signaling is consequently of interest to direct, control, and reprogram cellular behavior on a biomaterial surface. We anticipate that discussions in this article will allow for enhanced knowledge and insight into designing Notch targeted biomaterials for various tissue engineering and cell fate determinations. Impact statement Notch signaling is recognized as an important pathway in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; however, there is no systematic review on this topic. The comprehensive review and perspectives presented here provide an in-depth discussion on ligand presentation strategies both in 2D and in 3D cell culture environments involving biomaterials/scaffolds. In addition, this review article provides insight into the challenges in designing cell surrogate biomaterials capable of providing Notch signals. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first review relevant to the fields of tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Zohorsky
- School of Biomedical Engineering and The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Kibret Mequanint
- School of Biomedical Engineering and The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Xue D, Sun JL, Yang J. Early L-T4 intervention improves fetal heart development in pregnant rats with subclinical hypothyroidism rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020; 20:369. [PMID: 32795258 PMCID: PMC7427857 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-020-01646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the offspring of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) pregnant rats still have abnormal cardiac development, and whether early intervention with L-T4 can improve the abnormality of these offspring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early L-T4 intervention on the heart development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats and its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS Eighty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham group (placebo control), SCH group, LT4-E10 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 10th day of gestation), and LT4-E13 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 13th day of gestation). Each group was further divided into E16 (16th day of gestation), E18 (18th day of gestation), P5 (5th day postnatal day), and P10 (10th day postnatal day) subgroups. The levels of serum TT4 and TSH, the ratio of heart weight to body weight of offspring rats, the expression of metabolic enzymes, and the histopathology of cardiomyocytes were determined. To elucidate the effects of L-T4 on cardiac development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats, the expression levels of GATA4, Nkx2-5 and proteins involved in BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to elucidate the molecular mechanism of L-T4 regulating the heart development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats. RESULTS Compared with Sham group, serum TSH was significantly increased in SCH pregnant rats. Moreover, early L-T4 intervention significantly reduced the levels of serum TSH. Compared with the offspring in the SCH group, early L-T4 intervention significantly increased the heart weight, heart weight to body weight ratio, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, but reduced myocardial cell shrinkage and nuclear staining, hyperemia/congestion and vacuolar degeneration. In addition, early L-T4 intervention not only significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5, but also increased the protein expression involved in BMP4/Smad4 signal pathway in myocardium of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats. CONCLUSIONS Early L-T4 intervention can regulate the cardiac development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway and increasing the expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.115, Nanjing Road, HePing District, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - J L Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - J Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.115, Nanjing Road, HePing District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Clere N, Renault S, Corre I. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:747. [PMID: 32923440 PMCID: PMC7456955 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tumor cells grow in a complex microenvironment constituted of immune, stromal, and vascular cells that supports growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Endothelial cells (ECs) are major components of the vascular microenvironment. These cells have been described for their plasticity and potential to transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). This complex process is controlled by various factors, by which ECs convert into a phenotype characterized by mesenchymal protein expression and motile, contractile morphology. Initially described in normal heart development, EndMT is now identified in several pathologies, and especially in cancer. In this review, we highlight the process of EndMT in the context of cancer and we discuss it as an important adaptive process of the tumor microenvironment that favors tumor growth and dissemination but also resistance to treatment. Thus, we underline targeting of EndMT as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Clere
- Micro and Nanomédecines Translationnelles, Université d'Angers, INSERM UMR U1066, CNRS 6021, Angers, France
| | - Sarah Renault
- Sarcomes Osseux et Remodelage des Tissus Calcifiés, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR U1238, Nantes, France
| | - Isabelle Corre
- Sarcomes Osseux et Remodelage des Tissus Calcifiés, Université de Nantes, INSERM UMR U1238, Nantes, France
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Hulshoff MS, Del Monte-Nieto G, Kovacic J, Krenning G. Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:1716-1731. [PMID: 31504268 PMCID: PMC6755356 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process wherein endothelial cells lose their typical endothelial cell markers and functions and adopt a mesenchymal-like phenotype. EndMT is required for development of the cardiac valves, the pulmonary and dorsal aorta, and arterial maturation, but activation of the EndMT programme during adulthood is believed to contribute to several pathologies including organ fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, modulate EndMT during development and disease. Here, we review the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs facilitate or inhibit EndMT during development and disease and provide a perspective on the therapeutic application of non-coding RNAs to treat fibroproliferative cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S Hulshoff
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jason Kovacic
- Dept. Cardiology, Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guido Krenning
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1 (EA11), Groningen, The Netherlands
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45
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Ribatti D, Tamma R, Annese T. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: A Historical Overview. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100773. [PMID: 32334405 PMCID: PMC7182759 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), the acquisition of mesenchymal features from epithelial cells, occur during some biological processes and are classified into three types: the first type occurs during embryonic development, the second type is associated with adult tissue regeneration, and the third type occurs in cancer progression. EMT occurring during embryonic development in gastrulation, renal development, and the origin and fate of the neural crest is a highly regulated process, while EMT occurring during tumor progression is highly deregulated. EMT allows the solid tumors to become more malignant, increasing their invasiveness and metastatic activity. Secondary tumors frequently maintain the typical histologic characteristics of the primary tumor. These histologic features connecting the secondary metastatic tumors to the primary is due to a process called mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). MET has been demonstrated in different mesenchymal tumors and is the expression of the reversibility of EMT. EMT modulation could constitute an approach to avoid metastasis. Some of the targeted small molecules utilized as antiproliferative agents have revealed to inhibit EMT initiation or maintenance because EMT is regulated through signaling pathways for which these molecules have been designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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46
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Takebayashi-Suzuki K, Suzuki A. Intracellular Communication among Morphogen Signaling Pathways during Vertebrate Body Plan Formation. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E341. [PMID: 32213808 PMCID: PMC7141137 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development in vertebrates, morphogens play an important role in cell fate determination and morphogenesis. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family control the dorsal-ventral (DV) patterning of embryos, whereas other morphogens such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Wnt family members, and retinoic acid (RA) regulate the formation of the anterior-posterior (AP) axis. Activation of morphogen signaling results in changes in the expression of target genes including transcription factors that direct cell fate along the body axes. To ensure the correct establishment of the body plan, the processes of DV and AP axis formation must be linked and coordinately regulated by a fine-tuning of morphogen signaling. In this review, we focus on the interplay of various intracellular regulatory mechanisms and discuss how communication among morphogen signaling pathways modulates body axis formation in vertebrate embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiko Takebayashi-Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
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47
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Follow Me! A Tale of Avian Heart Development with Comparisons to Mammal Heart Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7010008. [PMID: 32156044 PMCID: PMC7151090 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian embryos have been used for centuries to study development due to the ease of access. Because the embryos are sheltered inside the eggshell, a small window in the shell is ideal for visualizing the embryos and performing different interventions. The window can then be covered, and the embryo returned to the incubator for the desired amount of time, and observed during further development. Up to about 4 days of chicken development (out of 21 days of incubation), when the egg is opened the embryo is on top of the yolk, and its heart is on top of its body. This allows easy imaging of heart formation and heart development using non-invasive techniques, including regular optical microscopy. After day 4, the embryo starts sinking into the yolk, but still imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, can tomographically image the embryo and its heart in vivo. Importantly, because like the human heart the avian heart develops into a four-chambered heart with valves, heart malformations and pathologies that human babies suffer can be replicated in avian embryos, allowing a unique developmental window into human congenital heart disease. Here, we review avian heart formation and provide comparisons to the mammalian heart.
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48
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Urban JD, Wikoff DS, Chappell GA, Harris C, Haws LC. Systematic evaluation of mechanistic data in assessing in utero exposures to trichloroethylene and development of congenital heart defects. Toxicology 2020; 436:152427. [PMID: 32145346 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that in utero exposures to low levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) may increase the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring remains a subject of substantial controversy within the scientific community due primarily to the reliance on an inconsistent and unreproducible experimental study in rats. To build on previous assessments that have primarily focused on epidemiological and experimental animal studies in developing conclusions, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic evaluation of mechanistic data related to in utero exposures to TCE and the development of CHDs. The evidence base was heterogeneous; 79 mechanistic datasets were identified, characterizing endpoints which ranged from molecular to organismal responses in seven species, involving both in vivo and in vitro study designs in mammalian and non-mammalian models. Of these, 24 datasets were considered reliable following critical appraisal using a study quality tool that employs metrics specific to the study type. Subsequent synthesis and integration demonstrated that the available mechanistic data: 1) did not support the potential for CHD hazard in humans, 2) did not support the biological plausibility of a response in humans based on organization via a putative adverse outcome pathway for valvulo-septal cardiac defects, and 3) were not suitable for serving as candidate studies in risk assessment. Findings supportive of an association were generally limited to in ovo chicken studies, in which TCE was administered in high concentration solutions via direct injection. Results of these in ovo studies were difficult to interpret for human health risk assessment given the lack of generalizability of the study models (including dose relevance, species-specific biological differences, variations in the construct of the study design, etc.). When the mechanistic data are integrated with findings from previous evaluations of human and animal evidence streams, the totality of evidence does not support CHDs as a critical effect in TCE human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Urban
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 9390 Research Blvd, Ste. 100, Austin, TX, 78759, USA.
| | - Daniele S Wikoff
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 31 College Place, Ste. B118, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
| | - Grace A Chappell
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 31 College Place, Ste. B118, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
| | - Craig Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Laurie C Haws
- ToxStrategies, Inc., 9390 Research Blvd, Ste. 100, Austin, TX, 78759, USA
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Buijtendijk MF, Barnett P, van den Hoff MJ. Development of the human heart. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:7-22. [PMID: 32048790 PMCID: PMC7078965 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2014, an extensive review discussing the major steps of cardiac development focusing on growth, formation of primary and chamber myocardium and the development of the cardiac electrical system, was published. Molecular genetic lineage analyses have since furthered our insight in the developmental origin of the various component parts of the heart, which currently can be unambiguously identified by their unique molecular phenotype. Moreover, genetic, molecular and cell biological analyses have driven insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of the different cardiac components. Here, we build on our previous review and provide an insight into the molecular mechanistic revelations that have forwarded the field of cardiac development. Despite the enormous advances in our knowledge over the last decade, the development of congenital cardiac malformations remains poorly understood. The challenge for the next decade will be to evaluate the different developmental processes using newly developed molecular genetic techniques to further unveil the gene regulatory networks operational during normal and abnormal cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical BiologyAmsterdamUMC location AMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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50
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Congenital heart diseases: genetics, non-inherited risk factors, and signaling pathways. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are the most common congenital anomalies with an estimated prevalence of 8 in 1000 live births. CHDs occur as a result of abnormal embryogenesis of the heart. Congenital heart diseases are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The damage of the heart is irreversible due to a lack of regeneration potential, and usually, the patients may require surgical intervention. Studying the developmental biology of the heart is essential not only in understanding the mechanisms and pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases but also in providing us with insight towards developing new preventive and treatment methods.
Main body
The etiology of congenital heart diseases is still elusive. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis of the diseases. Recently, cardiac transcription factors, cardiac-specific genes, and signaling pathways, which are responsible for early cardiac morphogenesis have been extensively studied in both human and animal experiments but leave much to be desired. The discovery of novel genetic methods such as next generation sequencing and chromosomal microarrays have led to further study the genes, non-coding RNAs and subtle chromosomal changes, elucidating their implications to the etiology of congenital heart diseases. Studies have also implicated non-hereditary risk factors such as rubella infection, teratogens, maternal age, diabetes mellitus, and abnormal hemodynamics in causing CHDs.
These etiological factors raise questions on multifactorial etiology of CHDs. It is therefore important to endeavor in research based on finding the causes of CHDs. Finding causative factors will enable us to plan intervention strategies and mitigate the consequences associated with CHDs. This review, therefore, puts forward the genetic and non-genetic causes of congenital heart diseases. Besides, it discusses crucial signaling pathways which are involved in early cardiac morphogenesis. Consequently, we aim to consolidate our knowledge on multifactorial causes of CHDs so as to pave a way for further research regarding CHDs.
Conclusion
The multifactorial etiology of congenital heart diseases gives us a challenge to explicitly establishing specific causative factors and therefore plan intervention strategies. More well-designed studies and the use of novel genetic technologies could be the way through the discovery of etiological factors implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases.
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