Integrin signaling in atherosclerosis

Characterization and preparation of food-derived peptides on improving osteoporosis: A review

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of the microstructure of bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures and affecting human health worldwide. Food-derived peptides are widely used in functional foods due to their low toxicity, ease of digestion and absorption, and potential to improve osteoporosis. This review summarized and discussed methods of diagnosing osteoporosis, treatment approaches, specific peptides as alternatives to conventional drugs, and the laboratory preparation and identification methods of peptides. It was found that peptides interacting with RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid)-binding active sites in integrin could alleviate osteoporosis, analyzed the interaction sites between these osteogenic peptides and integrin, and further discussed their effects on improving osteoporosis. These may provide new insights for rapid screening of osteogenic peptides, and provide a theoretical basis for their application in bone materials and functional foods.

Recent advances of mechanosensitive genes in vascular endothelial cells for the formation and treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its complications are a high-incidence disease worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that blood flow shear has a huge impact on the function of vascular endothelial cells, and it plays an important role in gene regulation of pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, pro-oxidative stress, and cell permeability. Many important endothelial cell mechanosensitive genes have been discovered, including KLK10, CCN gene family, NRP2, YAP, TAZ, HIF-1α, NF-κB, FOS, JUN, TFEB, KLF2/KLF4, NRF2, and ID1. Some of them have been intensively studied, whereas the relevant regulatory mechanism of other genes remains unclear. Focusing on these mechanosensitive genes will provide new strategies for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Thus, this article reviews the mechanosensitive genes affecting vascular endothelial cells, including classical pathways and some newly screened genes, and summarizes the latest research progress on their roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to reveal effective therapeutic targets of drugs and provide new insights for anti-atherosclerosis.

Basal endothelial glycocalyx's response to shear stress: a review of structure, function, and clinical implications

The endothelial glycocalyx encompasses the entire endothelial cell, transducing extracellular signals and regulating vascular permeability and barrier functions. The apical glycocalyx, which forms the lumen of the vessel, and the basal glycocalyx, at the smooth muscle cell interface, are often investigated separately as they are exposed to vastly different stimuli. The apical glycocalyx directly senses fluid shear forces transmitting them intracellularly through connection to the cytoskeleton of the endothelial cell. The basal glycocalyx has demonstrated sensitivity to shear due to blood flow transmitted through the cytoskeleton, promoting alternate signaling processes. In this review, we discuss current literature on the basal glycocalyx's response to shear stress in the context of mechanotransduction and remodeling. The possible implications of basal glycocalyx degradation in pathologies are also explored. Finally, this review seeks to highlight how addressing the gaps discussed would improve our wholistic understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx and its role in maintaining vascular homeostasis.

EGR1 transcriptionally regulates SVEP1 to promote proliferation and migration in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

A low-frequency variant of sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF, and pentraxin domain-containing protein 1 (SVEP1) is associated with the risk of coronary artery disease, as determined by a genome-wide association study. SVEP1 induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and an inflammatory phenotype to promote atherosclerosis. In the present study, qRT‒PCR demonstrated that the mRNA expression of SVEP1 was significantly increased in atherosclerotic plaques compared to normal tissues. Bioinformatics revealed that EGR1 was a transcription factor for SVEP1. The results of the luciferase reporter assay, siRNA interference or overexpression assay, mutational analysis and ChIP confirmed that EGR1 positively regulated the transcriptional activity of SVEP1 by directly binding to its promoter. EGR1 promoted human coronary artery smooth muscle cell (HCASMC) proliferation and migration via SVEP1 in response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) treatment. Moreover, the expression level of EGR1 was increased in atherosclerotic plaques and showed a strong linear correlation with the expression of SVEP1. Our findings indicated that EGR1 binding to the promoter region drive SVEP1 transcription to promote HCASMC proliferation and migration.

Multipathway Regulation for Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy Using Anti-miR-33-Loaded DNA Origami

Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease, combination therapy arises as a compelling approach to effectively address the complex interplay of pathogenic mechanisms for a more desired treatment outcome. Here, we present cRGD/ASOtDON, a nanoformulation based on a self-assembled DNA origami nanostructure for the targeted combination therapy of AS. cRGD/ASOtDON targets αvβ3 integrin receptors overexpressed on pro-inflammatory macrophages and activated endothelial cells in atherosclerotic lesions, alleviates the oxidative stress induced by extracellular and endogenous reactive oxygen species, facilitates the polarization of pro-inflammatory macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, and inhibits foam cell formation by promoting cholesterol efflux from macrophages by downregulating miR-33. The antiatherosclerotic efficacy and safety profile of cRGD/ASOtDON, as well as its mechanism of action, were validated in an AS mouse model. cRGD/ASOtDON treatment reversed AS progression and restored normal morphology and tissue homeostasis of the diseased artery. Compared to probucol, a clinical antiatherosclerotic drug with a similar mechanism of action, cRGD/ASOtDON enabled the desired therapeutic outcome at a notably lower dosage. This study demonstrates the benefits of targeted combination therapy in AS management and the potential of self-assembled DNA nanoformulations in addressing multifactorial inflammatory conditions.

The pathophysiological role of circulating adhesion molecules in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests an association between schizophrenia and atherosclerosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cell adhesion molecules, critically involved in early atherosclerosis, in schizophrenia.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases from inception to 11 November 2023 for case-control studies assessing vascular cell, VCAM-1, intercellular, ICAM-1, platelet endothelial cell, PECAM-1, neural cell, NCAM, and Down syndrome cell, DSCAM, adhesion molecules, selectins (E-, L-, and P-selectin), integrins, and cadherins in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the JBI checklist and GRADE, respectively.

RESULTS

In 19 eligible studies, there were non-significant between-group differences in the concentrations of cell adhesion molecules, barring higher P-selectin in patients with schizophrenia (standard mean difference, SMD = 2.05, 95 % CI 0.72 to 3.38, p = 0.003; I2 = 97.2 %, p<0.001; very low certainty of evidence). Limited or no information was available regarding PECAM-1, DSCAM, ESAM, integrins, and cadherins. In meta-regression and subgroup analysis, there were significant associations between the SMD of ICAM-1 and matrix used (plasma or serum) and pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, and between the SMD of VCAM-1 and pharmacological treatment, but not with other study and patient characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis do not support a significant role of immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules, selectins, integrins, or cadherins in mediating the associations between schizophrenia, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Further studies are warranted to investigate these associations in patients with different cardiovascular risk and the effects of antipsychotic treatments on cell adhesion molecules and surrogate markers of atherosclerosis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023463916).

An elastase-inhibiting, plaque-targeting and neutrophil-hitchhiking liposome against atherosclerosis

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a crucial role in the formation of vulnerable plaques and the development of atherosclerosis. Alleviating the pathological process of atherosclerosis by efficiently targeting neutrophils and inhibiting the activity of neutrophil elastase to inhibit NETs is relatively unexplored and is considered a novel therapeutic strategy with clinical significance. Sivelestat (SVT) is a second-generation competitive inhibitor of neutrophil elastase with high specificity. However, therapeutic effect of SVT on atherosclerosis is restricted because of the poor half-life and the lack of specific targeting. In this study, we construct a plaque-targeting and neutrophil-hitchhiking liposome (cRGD-SVT-Lipo) to improve the efficacy of SVT in vivo by modifying the cRGD peptide onto SVT loaded liposome, which was based on the interaction between cRGD peptide and integrin ανβ3 on the surface of cells in blood and plaque, including epithelial cell, macrophage and neutrophils. The cRGD-SVT-Lipo could actively tend to or hitchhike neutrophils in situ to reach atherosclerotic plaque, which resulted in enhanced atherosclerotic plaque delivery. The cRGD-SVT-Lipo could also reduce plaque area, stabilize plaque, and ultimately alleviate atherosclerosis progression through efficiently inhibiting the activity of neutrophil elastase in atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, this study provides a basis and targeting strategy for the treatment of neutrophil-related diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)-inhibiting is a prospective therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis but has received little attention. The NETs can be inhibited by elastase-restraining. In this work, an intriguing system that delivers Sivelestat (SVT), a predominantly used neutrophil elastase inhibitor with poor targeting capability, is designed to provide the drug with plaque-targeting and neutrophil-hitchhiking capability. The result suggests that this system can effectively hinder the formation of NETs and delay the progression of atherosclerosis.

Landscape of molecular crosstalk between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular diseases: emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and immune-inflammation

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen of COVID-19, is a worldwide threat to human health and causes a long-term burden on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and tend to have a worse prognosis. However, the relevance and pathogenic mechanisms between COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases are not yet completely comprehended.

METHODS

Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in datasets of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and myocardial tissues from heart failure patients. Further GO and KEGG pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, hub genes identification, immune microenvironment analysis, and drug candidate predication were performed. Then, an isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial hypertrophy cell model and a transverse aortic constriction-induced mouse heart failure model were employed to validate the expression of hub genes.

RESULTS

A total of 315 up-regulated and 78 down-regulated common DEGs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed mitochondrial metabolic disorders and extensive immune inflammation as the most prominent shared features of COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases. Then, hub DEGs, as well as hub immune-related and mitochondria-related DEGs, were screened. Additionally, nine potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19-related cardiovascular diseases were proposed. Furthermore, the expression patterns of most of the hub genes related to cardiovascular diseases in the validation dataset along with cellular and mouse myocardial damage models, were consistent with the findings of bioinformatics analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study unveiled the molecular networks and signaling pathways connecting COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases, which may provide novel targets for intervention of COVID-19-related cardiovascular diseases.

Ligand Presentation Inside Protein Crystal Nanopores: Tunable Interfacial Adhesion Noncovalently Modulates Cell Attachment

Protein crystals with sufficiently large solvent pores can non-covalently adsorb polymers in the pores. In principle, if these polymers contain cell adhesion ligands, the polymer-laden crystals could present ligands to cells with tunable adhesion strength. Moreover, porous protein crystals can store an internal ligand reservoir, so that the surface can be replenished. In this study, we demonstrate that poly(ethylene glycol) terminated with a cyclic cell adhesion ligand peptide (PEG-RGD) can be loaded into porous protein crystals by diffusion. Through atomic force microscopy (AFM), force-distance correlations of the mechanical interactions between activated AFM tips and protein crystals were precisely measured. The activation of AFM tips allows the tips to interact with PEG-RGD that was pre-loaded in the protein crystal nanopores, mimicking how a cell might attach to and pull on the ligand through integrin receptors. The AFM experiments also simultaneously reveal the detailed morphology of the buffer-immersed nanoporous protein crystal surface. We also show that porous protein crystals (without and with loaded PEG-RGD) serve as suitable substrates for attachment and spreading of adipose-derived stem cells. This strategy can be used to design surfaces that non-covalently present multiple different ligands to cells with tunable adhesive strength for each ligand, and with an internal reservoir to replenish the precisely defined crystalline surface.

Recent Advances in Anti-Atherosclerosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Nanomaterial-Derived Drug Formulations

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death worldwide, is responsible for ≈17.6 million deaths globally each year. Most therapeutic drugs for atherosclerosis have low delivery efficiencies and significant side effects, and this has hampered the development of effective treatment strategies. Diversified nanomaterials can improve drug properties and are considered to be key for the development of improved treatment strategies for atherosclerosis. The pathological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis is summarized, rationally designed nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic strategies, and potential future therapeutic targets for nanodelivery. The content of this study reveals the potential and challenges of nanoparticle use for the treatment of atherosclerosis and highlights new effective design ideas.

Snake venom disintegrins update: insights about new findings

Snake venom disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins rich in cysteine, present in the venom of snakes from the families Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae. This family of proteins originated in venom through the proteolytic processing of metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which, in turn, evolved from a gene encoding an A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) molecule. Disintegrins have a recognition motif for integrins in their structure, allowing interaction with these transmembrane adhesion receptors and preventing their binding to proteins in the extracellular matrix and other cells. This interaction gives disintegrins their wide range of biological functions, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and antitumor activity. As a result, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to use these natural compounds as a basis for developing therapies for the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the FDA has approved Tirofiban and Eptifibatide as antiplatelet compounds, and they are synthesized from the structure of echistatin and barbourin, respectively. In this review, we discuss some of the main functional and structural characteristics of this class of proteins and their potential for therapeutic use.

Bioinformatics analysis of lncRNA-related ceRNA networks in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Kazakh patients with essential hypertension in Xinjiang

Objective

Here, we aimed to investigate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression characteristics in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of Xinjiang Kazakh people with essential hypertension and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA).

Methods

From April 2016 to May 2019, six Kazakh patients with essential hypertension and six Kazakh healthy participants were randomly selected from the inpatient and outpatient cardiology departments of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College, Xinjiang. After detecting the expression levels of lncRNA and mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes using gene chip technology, their levels in the hypertensive group were compared with those in the control group. Six differentially expressed lncRNAs were randomly selected for real-time PCR to verify the accuracy and reliability of the gene chip results. GO functional clustering and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for differentially expressed genes. The ceRNA regulatory network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed, followed by visualization of the results. The expressions of miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 after PVT1 overexpression in 293T cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

In the test group, 396 and 511 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, were screened out. The trend of real-time PCR results was consistent with that of the microarray results. The differentially expressed mRNAs were found to be primarily involved in the adhesion spot, leukocyte migration via endothelial cells, gap junction, actin cytoskeleton regulation, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signaling pathways. By constructing the ceRNA regulatory network, we found that lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 has a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in Xinjiang Kazakh people. In 293T cells, lncRNA PVT1 overexpression inhibited miR-139-5p and DCBLD2 levels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the development of essential hypertension. lncRNA PVT1-miR-139-5p-DCBLD2 was indicated to comprise a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism involved in the development of essential hypertension in the Xinjiang Kazakh population. Thus, it may act as a novel screening marker or therapeutic target for essential hypertension in this population.

Ginsentide TP1 Protects Hypoxia-Induced Dysfunction and ER Stress-Linked Apoptosis

Hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) is a significant contributor to several severe human diseases, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer. However, current treatment options for VED are limited due to the lack of understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms and therapeutic leads. We recently discovered a heat-stable microprotein in ginseng, called ginsentide TP1, that has been shown to reduce vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular disease models. In this study, we use a combination of functional assays and quantitative pulsed SILAC proteomics to identify new proteins synthesized in hypoxia and to show that ginsentide TP1 provides protection for human endothelial cells against hypoxia and ER stress. Consistent with the reported findings, we also found that hypoxia activates various pathways related to endothelium activation and monocyte adhesion, which in turn, impairs nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, reduces the bioavailability of NO, and increases the production of reactive oxygen species that contribute to VED. Additionally, hypoxia triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress and initiates apoptotic signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular pathology. Treatment with ginsentide TP1 reduced surface adhesion molecule expression, prevented activation of the endothelium and leukocyte adhesion, restored protein hemostasis, and reduced ER stress to protect against hypoxia-induced cell death. Ginsentide TP1 also restored NO signaling and bioavailability, reduced oxidative stress, and protected endothelial cells from endothelium dysfunction. In conclusion, this study shows that the molecular pathogenesis of VED induced by hypoxia can be mitigated by treatment with ginsentide TP1, which could be one of the key bioactive compounds responsible for the "cure-all" effect of ginseng. This research may lead to the development of new therapies for cardiovascular disorders.

Detection of Early Endothelial Dysfunction by Optoacoustic Tomography

Variations in vascular wall shear stress are often presumed to result in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions at specific arterial regions, where continuous laminar flow is disturbed. The influences of altered blood flow dynamics and oscillations on the integrity of endothelial cells and the endothelial layer have been extensively studied in vitro and in vivo. Under pathological conditions, the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif binding integrin α_vβ₃ has been identified as a relevant target, as it induces endothelial cell activation. Animal models for in vivo imaging of endothelial dysfunction (ED) mainly rely on genetically modified knockout models that develop endothelial damage and atherosclerotic plaques upon hypercholesterolemia (ApoE^-/- and LDLR^-/-), thereby depicting late-stage pathophysiology. The visualization of early ED, however, remains a challenge. Therefore, a carotid artery cuff model of low and oscillating shear stress was applied in CD-1 wild-type mice, which should be able to show the effects of altered shear stress on a healthy endothelium, thus revealing alterations in early ED. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) was assessed as a non-invasive and highly sensitive imaging technique for the detection of an intravenously injected RGD-mimetic fluorescent probe in a longitudinal (2-12 weeks) study after surgical cuff intervention of the right common carotid artery (RCCA). Images were analyzed concerning the signal distribution upstream and downstream of the implanted cuff, as well as on the contralateral side as a control. Subsequent histological analysis was applied to delineate the distribution of relevant factors within the carotid vessel walls. Analysis revealed a significantly enhanced fluorescent signal intensity in the RCCA upstream of the cuff compared to the contralateral healthy side and the downstream region at all time points post-surgery. The most obvious differences were recorded at 6 and 8 weeks after implantation. Immunohistochemistry revealed a high degree of α_v-positivity in this region of the RCCA, but not in the left common carotid artery (LCCA) or downstream of the cuff. In addition, macrophages could be detected by CD68 immunohistochemistry in the RCCA, showing ongoing inflammatory processes. In conclusion, MSOT is capable of delineating alterations in endothelial cell integrity in vivo in the applied model of early ED, where an elevated expression of integrin α_vβ₃ was detected within vascular structures.

Tff3-/- Knock-Out Mice with Altered Lipid Metabolism Exhibit a Lower Level of Inflammation following the Dietary Intake of Sodium Chloride for One Week

A high salt intake causes hemodynamic changes and promotes immune response through cell activation and cytokine production, leading to pro-inflammatory conditions. Transgenic Tff3^-/- knock-out mice (TFF3ko) (n = 20) and wild-type mice (WT) (n = 20) were each divided into the (1) low-salt (LS) group and (2) high-salt (HS) group. Ten-week-old animals were fed with standard rodent chow (0.4% NaCl) (LS) or food containing 4% NaCl (HS) for one week (7 days). Inflammatory parameters from the sera were measured by Luminex assay. The integrin expression and rates of T cell subsets of interest from the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were measured using flow cytometry. There was a significant increase in high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) only in the WT mice following the HS diet, while there were no significant changes in the serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, or IL-6 as a response to treatment in either study groups. The rates of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells from MLNs decreased, while CD3⁺γδTCR⁺ from peripheral blood increased following the HS diet only in TFF3ko. γδTCR expressing T cell rates decreased in WT following the HS diet. The CD49d/VLA-4 expression decreased in the peripheral blood leukocytes in both groups following the HS diet. CD11a/LFA-1 expression significantly increased only in the peripheral blood Ly6C^-CD11a^high monocytes in WT mice following salt loading. In conclusion, salt-loading in knock-out mice caused a lower level of inflammatory response compared with their control WT mice due to gene depletion.

Macrophage Anti-inflammatory Behaviour in a Multiphase Model of Atherosclerotic Plaque Development

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterised by the formation of plaques, which are deposits of lipids and cholesterol-laden macrophages that form in the artery wall. The inflammation is often non-resolving, due in large part to changes in normal macrophage anti-inflammatory behaviour that are induced by the toxic plaque microenvironment. These changes include higher death rates, defective efferocytic uptake of dead cells, and reduced rates of emigration. We develop a free boundary multiphase model for early atherosclerotic plaques, and we use it to investigate the effects of impaired macrophage anti-inflammatory behaviour on plaque structure and growth. We find that high rates of cell death relative to efferocytic uptake results in a plaque populated mostly by dead cells. We also find that emigration can potentially slow or halt plaque growth by allowing material to exit the plaque, but this is contingent on the availability of live macrophage foam cells in the deep plaque. Finally, we introduce an additional bead species to model macrophage tagging via microspheres, and we use the extended model to explore how high rates of cell death and low rates of efferocytosis and emigration prevent the clearance of macrophages from the plaque.

Using mass spectrometry imaging to visualize age-related subcellular disruption

Metabolic homeostasis balances the production and consumption of energetic molecules to maintain active, healthy cells. Cellular stress, which disrupts metabolism and leads to the loss of cellular homeostasis, is important in age-related diseases. We focus here on the role of organelle dysfunction in age-related diseases, including the roles of energy deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, changes in metabolic flux in aging (e.g., Ca2+ and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and alterations in the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contact sites that regulate the trafficking of metabolites. Tools for single-cell resolution of metabolite pools and metabolic flux in animal models of aging and age-related diseases are urgently needed. High-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) provides a revolutionary approach for capturing the metabolic states of individual cells and cellular interactions without the dissociation of tissues. mass spectrometry imaging can be a powerful tool to elucidate the role of stress-induced cellular dysfunction in aging.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of human serum using tandem mass tags to predict cardiovascular risks in patients with psoriasis

Although biomarker candidates associated with psoriasis have been suggested, those for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) early in patients with psoriasis are lacking. We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of CVD in psoriasis patients. We pursued quantitative proteomic analysis of serum samples composed of three groups: psoriasis patients with and those without CVD risk factors, and healthy controls. Age/Sex-matched serum samples were selected and labeled with 16-plex tandem mass tag (TMT) and analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and subsequent verification with ELISA. Of the 184 proteins that showed statistical significance (P-value < 0.05) among the three groups according to TMT-based quantitative analysis, 98 proteins showed significant differences (> 2.0-fold) between the psoriasis groups with and without CVD risk factors. Verification by ELISA revealed that caldesmon (CALD1), myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), and zyxin (ZYX) levels were significantly increased in the psoriasis group with CVD risk factors. Further network analysis identified pathways including integrin signaling, which could be related to platelet aggregation, and actin cytoskeleton signaling. Three novel candidates (MNDA, ZYX, and CALD1) could be potential biomarkers for predicting CVD risks in psoriasis patients. We expect these biomarker candidates can be used to predict CVD risk in psoriasis patients in clinical settings although further studies including large validation are needed.

Atherosclerosis and endothelial mechanotransduction: current knowledge and models for future research

Endothelium health is essential to the regulation of physiological vascular functions. Because of the critical capability of endothelial cells (ECs) to sense and transduce chemical and mechanical signals in the local vascular environment, their dysfunction is associated with a vast variety of vascular diseases and injuries, especially atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. This review describes the mechanotransduction events that are mediated through ECs, the EC subcellular components involved, and the pathways reported to be potentially involved. Up-to-date research efforts involving in vivo animal models and in vitro biomimetic models are also discussed, including their advantages and drawbacks, with recommendations on future modeling approaches to aid the development of novel therapies targeting atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.

Molecular Modeling Insights into the Structure and Behavior of Integrins: A Review

Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins crucial to the physiology and pathology of many biological functions. As adhesion molecules, they mediate immune cell trafficking, migration, and immunological synapse formation during inflammation and cancer. The recognition of the vital roles of integrins in various diseases revealed their therapeutic potential. Despite the great effort in the last thirty years, up to now, only seven integrin-based drugs have entered the market. Recent progress in deciphering integrin functions, signaling, and interactions with ligands, along with advancement in rational drug design strategies, provide an opportunity to exploit their therapeutic potential and discover novel agents. This review will discuss the molecular modeling methods used in determining integrins' dynamic properties and in providing information toward understanding their properties and function at the atomic level. Then, we will survey the relevant contributions and the current understanding of integrin structure, activation, the binding of essential ligands, and the role of molecular modeling methods in the rational design of antagonists. We will emphasize the role played by molecular modeling methods in progress in these areas and the designing of integrin antagonists.

Targeting integrin pathways: mechanisms and advances in therapy

Integrins are considered the main cell-adhesion transmembrane receptors that play multifaceted roles as extracellular matrix (ECM)-cytoskeletal linkers and transducers in biochemical and mechanical signals between cells and their environment in a wide range of states in health and diseases. Integrin functions are dependable on a delicate balance between active and inactive status via multiple mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, conformational changes, and trafficking. Due to their exposure on the cell surface and sensitivity to the molecular blockade, integrins have been investigated as pharmacological targets for nearly 40 years, but given the complexity of integrins and sometimes opposite characteristics, targeting integrin therapeutics has been a challenge. To date, only seven drugs targeting integrins have been successfully marketed, including abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, natalizumab, vedolizumab, lifitegrast, and carotegrast. Currently, there are approximately 90 kinds of integrin-based therapeutic drugs or imaging agents in clinical studies, including small molecules, antibodies, synthetic mimic peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, imaging agents, etc. A serious lesson from past integrin drug discovery and research efforts is that successes rely on both a deep understanding of integrin-regulatory mechanisms and unmet clinical needs. Herein, we provide a systematic and complete review of all integrin family members and integrin-mediated downstream signal transduction to highlight ongoing efforts to develop new therapies/diagnoses from bench to clinic. In addition, we further discuss the trend of drug development, how to improve the success rate of clinical trials targeting integrin therapies, and the key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research.

Atherosclerosis: The Involvement of Immunity, Cytokines and Cells in Pathogenesis, and Potential Novel Therapeutics

As a leading contributor to coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, atherosclerosis has become one of the major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) negatively impacting patients worldwide. The endothelial injury is considered to be the initial step of the development of atherosclerosis, resulting in immune cell migration and activation as well as inflammatory factor secretion, which further leads to acute and chronic inflammation. In addition, the inflammation and lipid accumulation at the lesions stimulate specific responses from different types of cells, contributing to the pathological progression of atherosclerosis. As a result, recent studies have focused on using molecular biological approaches such as gene editing and nanotechnology to mediate cellular response during atherosclerotic development for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we systematically discuss inflammatory pathogenesis during the development of atherosclerosis from a cellular level with a focus on the blood cells, including all types of immune cells, together with crucial cells within the blood vessel, such as smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. In addition, the latest progression of molecular-cellular based therapy for atherosclerosis is also discussed. We hope this review article could be beneficial for the clinical management of atherosclerosis.

Mechano-Redox Control of Integrins in Thromboinflammation

Significance: How mechanical forces and biochemical cues are coupled remains a miracle for many biological processes. Integrins, well-known adhesion receptors, sense changes in mechanical forces and reduction-oxidation reactions (redox) in their environment to mediate their adhesive function. The coupling of mechanical and redox function is a new area of investigation. Disturbance of normal mechanical forces and the redox balance occurs in thromboinflammatory conditions; atherosclerotic plaques create changes to the mechanical forces in the circulation. Diabetes induces redox changes in the circulation by the production of reactive oxygen species and vascular inflammation. Recent Advances: Integrins sense changes in the blood flow shear stress at the level of focal adhesions and respond to flow and traction forces by increased signaling. Talin, the integrin-actin linker, is a traction force sensor and adaptor. Oxidation and reduction of integrin disulfide bonds regulate their adhesion. A conserved disulfide bond in integrin αlpha IIb beta 3 (αIIbβ3) is directly reduced by the thiol oxidoreductase endoplasmic reticulum protein 5 (ERp5) under shear stress. Critical Issues: The coordination of mechano-redox events between the extracellular and intracellular compartments is an active area of investigation. Another fundamental issue is to determine the spatiotemporal arrangement of key regulators of integrins' mechanical and redox interactions. How thromboinflammatory conditions lead to mechanoredox uncoupling is relatively unexplored. Future Directions: Integrated approaches, involving disulfide bond biochemistry, microfluidic assays, and dynamic force spectroscopy, will aid in showing that cell adhesion constitutes a crossroad of mechano- and redox biology, within the same molecule, the integrin. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1072-1093.

Integrated analysis and exploration of potential shared gene signatures between carotid atherosclerosis and periodontitis

Background

Increasing evidence has suggested an association between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and periodontitis (PD); however, the mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study aims to investigate the shared genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the co-pathogenesis of CAS and PD.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE100927 and GSE10334 were downloaded, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by both datasets were identified. The functional enrichment analysis of these overlapping DEGs was then conducted. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and PPI key genes were identified using the cytoHubba plugin. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on GSE100927 and GSE10334, and the gene modules most correlated with CAS and PD were identified as key modules. The genes in key modules overlapping with PPI key genes were determined to be the key crosstalk genes. Subsequently, the key crosstalk genes were validated in three independent external datasets (GSE43292 [CAS microarray dataset], GSE16134 [PD microarray dataset], and GSE28829 [CAS microarray dataset]). In addition, the immune cell patterns of PD and CAS were evaluated by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and the correlation of key crosstalk genes with each immune cell was calculated. Finally, we investigated the transcription factors (TFs) that regulate key crosstalk genes using NetworkAnalyst 3.0 platform.

Results

355 overlapping DEGs of CAS and PD were identified. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the vital role of immune and inflammatory pathways in CAS and PD. The PPI network was constructed, and eight PPI key genes were identified by cytoHubba, including CD4, FCGR2A, IL1B, ITGAM, ITGAX, LCK, PTPRC, and TNF. By WGCNA, the turquoise module was identified as the most correlated module with CAS, and the blue module was identified as the most correlated module with PD. Ultimately, ITGAM and LCK were identified as key crosstalk genes as they appeared both in key modules and PPI key genes. Expression levels of ITGAM and LCK were significantly elevated in the case groups of the test datasets (GSE100927 and GSE10334) and validation datasets (GSE43292, GSE16134, and GSE28829). In addition, the expression of multiple immune cells was significantly elevated in PD and CAS compared to controls, and the two key crosstalk genes were both significantly associated with CD4 T cells. Finally, SPI1 was identified as a potential key TF, which regulates the two key crosstalk genes.

Conclusion

This study identified the key crosstalk genes and TF in PD and CAS, which provides new insights for further studies on the co-morbidity mechanisms of CAS and PD from an immune and inflammatory perspective.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01373-y.

The synergistic mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 18 and integrin β1 in rat abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysms have a high mortality rate. While surgery is the preferred treatment method, the biological repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is being increasingly studied. We performed cellular and animal experiments to investigate the simultaneous function and mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 18 and integrin β1 in the biological repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Methods

Endothelial and smooth muscle cells of rat arteries were used for the cellular experiments. Intracellular integrin β1 expression was regulated through lentiviral transfection. Interventions with fibroblast growth factor 18 were determined according to the experimental protocol. Several methods were used to detect the expression of elastic fiber component proteins, cell proliferation, and migratory activity of endothelial and smooth muscle cells after different treatments. For animal experiments, abdominal aortic aneurysms were induced in rats by wrapping the abdominal aortae in sterile cotton balls soaked with CaCl₂ solution. Fibroblast growth factor 18 was administered through tail vein injections. The local expression of integrin β1 was regulated through lentiviral injections into the adventitia of the abdominal aortic aneurysms. The abdominal aortae were harvested for pathological examinations and tensile mechanical tests.

Results

The expression of integrin β1 in endothelial and smooth muscle cells could be regulated effectively through lentiviral transfection. Animal and cellular experiments showed that fibroblast growth factor 18 + integrin β1 could improve the expression of elastic fiber component proteins and enhance the migratory and proliferative activities of smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Moreover, animal experiments showed that fibroblast growth factor 18 + integrin β1 could enhance the aortic integrity to withstand stretch of aortic aneurysm tissue.

Conclusion

Fibroblast growth factor 18 + integrin β1 improved the biological repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in rats by increasing the expression of elastic proteins, improving the migratory and proliferative abilities of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and improving aortic remodeling.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02851-y.

Modulation of integrin receptor by polyphenols: Downstream Nrf2-Keap1/ARE and associated cross-talk mediators in cardiovascular diseases

As a group of heterodimeric and transmembrane glycoproteins, integrin receptors are widely expressed in various cell types overall the body. During cardiovascular dysfunction, integrin receptors apply inhibitory effects on the antioxidative pathways, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and interconnected mediators. As such, dysregulation in integrin signaling pathways influences several aspects of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart failure, arrhythmia, angina, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, platelet aggregation and coagulation. So, modulation of integrin pathway could trigger the downstream antioxidant pathways toward cardioprotection. Regarding the involvement of multiple aforementioned mediators in the pathogenesis of CVDs, as well as the side effects of conventional drugs, seeking for novel alternative drugs is of great importance. Accordingly, the plant kingdom could pave the road in the treatment of CVDs. Of natural entities, polyphenols are multi-target and accessible phytochemicals with promising potency and low levels of toxicity. The present study aims at providing the cardioprotective roles of integrin receptors and downstream antioxidant pathways in heart failure, arrhythmia, angina, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, platelet aggregation and coagulation. The potential role of polyphenols has been also revealed in targeting the aforementioned dysregulated signaling mediators in those CVDs.

Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in atherosclerosis: A review

Atherosclerosis is the onset of endothelial cell damage and is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fibrinogen and lipid in large and middle arteries. Recent researches indicate that traditional Chinese medicine including Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Fructus Crataegi, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Fructus Lycii, and Coptidis Rhizoma have therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the pharmacological roles of these kinds of traditional Chinese medicine in atherosclerosis refer to endothelial function influences, cell proliferation and migration, platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, lipid metabolism, and the gut microbiome. Traditional Chinese medicine may serve as potential and effective anti-atherosclerosis drugs. However, a critical study has shown that Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma may also have toxic effects including pustules, fever, and elevate circulating neutrophil count. Further high-quality studies are still required to determine the clinical safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients.

Network pharmacology and experimental analysis to reveal the mechanism of Dan-Shen-Yin against endothelial to mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of plaque and endothelial dysfunction. Under pro-inflammatory conditions, endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype by a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanism whereby DSY mitigates atherosclerosis remains unknown. Therefore, we employed a network pharmacology-based strategy in this study to determine the therapeutic targets of DSY, and in vitro experiments to understand the molecular pharmacology mechanism. The targets of the active ingredients of DSY related to EndMT and atherosclerosis were obtained and used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network followed by network topology and functional enrichment analysis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway was the principal signaling pathway of DSY against EndMT in atherosclerosis. Molecular docking simulations indicated strong binding capabilities of DSY’s bioactive ingredients toward PI3K/AKT pathway molecules. Experimentally, DSY could efficiently modify expression of signature EndMT genes and decrease expression of PI3K/AKT pathway signals including integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, and AKT1 in TGF-β2-treated HUVECs. LASP1, which is upstream of the PI3K/AKT pathway, had strong binding affinity to the majority of DSY’s bioactive ingredients, was induced by EndMT-promoting stimuli involving IL-1β, TGF-β2, and hypoxia, and was downregulated by DSY. Knock-down of LASP1 attenuated the expression of integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, AKT1 and EndMT-related genes induced by TGF-β2, and minimized the effect of DSY. Thus, our study showed that DSY potentially exerted anti-EndMT activity through the LASP1/PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a possible new therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis.

Deletion of Mechanosensory β1-integrin From Bladder Smooth Muscle Results in Voiding Dysfunction and Tissue Remodeling

The bladder undergoes large shape changes as it fills and empties and experiences complex mechanical forces. These forces become abnormal in diseases of the lower urinary tract such as overactive bladder, neurogenic bladder, and urinary retention. As the primary mechanosensors linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM), integrins are likely to play vital roles in maintaining bladder smooth muscle (BSM) homeostasis. In a tamoxifen-inducible smooth muscle conditional knockout of β1-integrin, there was concomitant loss of α1- and α3-integrins from BSM and upregulation of αV- and β3-integrins. Masson's staining showed a reduction in smooth muscle with an increase in collagenous ECM. Functionally, mice exhibited a changing pattern of urination by voiding spot assay up to 8 wk after tamoxifen. By 8 wk, there was increased frequency with reductions in voided volume, consistent with overactivity. Cystometrograms confirmed that there was a significant reduction in intercontractile interval with reduced maximal bladder pressure. Muscle strip myography revealed a loss of contraction force in response to electrical field stimulation, that was entirely due to the loss of muscarinic contractility. Quantitative western blotting showed a loss of M3 receptor and no change in P2X1. qPCR on ECM and interstitial genes revealed loss of Ntpd2, a marker of an interstitial cell subpopulation; and an upregulation of S100A4, which is often associated with fibroblasts. Collectively, the data show that the loss of appropriate mechanosensation through integrins results in cellular and extracellular remodeling, and concomitant bladder dysfunction that resembles lower urinary tract symptoms seen in older people.

The Hippo-YAP pathway in various cardiovascular diseases: Focusing on the inflammatory response

The Hippo pathway was initially discovered in Drosophila melanogaster and mammals as a key regulator of tissue growth both in physiological and pathological states. Numerous studies depict the vital role of the Hippo pathway in cardiovascular development, heart regeneration, organ size and vascular remodeling through the regulation of YAP (yes-associated protein) translocation. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the Hippo-YAP pathway in inflammation and immunology. Although the Hippo-YAP pathway has been revealed to play controversial roles in different contexts and cell types in the cardiovascular system, the mechanisms regulating tissue inflammation and the immune response remain to be clarified. In this review, we summarize findings from the past decade on the function and mechanism of the Hippo-YAP pathway in CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) such as myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis. In particular, we emphasize the role of the Hippo-YAP pathway in regulating inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine activation.

A dual-targeting peptide facilitates targeting anti-inflammation to attenuate atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

We report a peptidic dual-targeting drug delivery platform (integrins targeting and self-assembly instructed by matrix metalloproteinases) towards inflamed endothelial cells, which improved the anti-inflammatory ability of the loaded drug (i.e., puerarin) in vitro and thus improved the antiatherogenic effect of the loaded drug (i.e., puerarin) in vivo.

Modification of Fibronectin by Non-Enzymatic Glycation Impairs K+ Channel Function in Rat Cerebral Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Fibronectin (FN) enhances K+ channel activity by integrin-mediated mechanisms. As vascular smooth muscle (VSM) K+ channels mediate vasodilation, we hypothesized that modification of fibronectin, via advanced non-enzymatic glycation, would alter signaling of this extracellular matrix protein through these channels. Bovine FN (1 mg/ml) was glycated (gFN) for 5 days using methylglyoxal (50 mM), and albumin was similarly glycated as a non-matrix protein control. VSM cells were isolated from rat cerebral arteries for measurement of macroscopic K+ channel activity using whole cell patch clamp methodology. Pharmacological inhibitors, iberiotoxin (0.1 μM) and 4-aminopyridine (0.1 mM), were used to identify contributions of large-conductance, Ca2+-activated, K+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels, respectively. Compared with baseline, native FN enhanced whole cell K+ current in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas gFN inhibited basal current. Furthermore, native albumin did not enhance basal K+ current, but the glycated form (gAlb) caused inhibition. gFN was shown to impair both the Kv and BKCa components of total macroscopic K+ current. Anti-integrin α5 and β1 antibodies attenuated the effects of both FN and gFN on macroscopic K+ current at +70 mV. Consistent with an action on BKCa activity, FN increased, whereas gFN decreased the frequency of spontaneous transient outward current (STOCs). In contrast, gAlb inhibited whole cell K+ current predominantly through Kv, showing little effect on STOCs. A function-blocking, anti-RAGE antibody partially reversed the inhibitory effects of gFN, suggesting involvement of this receptor. Further, gFN caused production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by isolated VSMCs as revealed by the fluorescent indicator, DHE. Evoked ROS production was attenuated by the RAGE blocking antibody. Collectively, these studies identify ion channel-related mechanisms (integrin and ROS-mediated) by which protein glycation may modify VSMC function.

HCMV-miR-US33-5p promotes apoptosis of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting EPAS1/SLC3A2 pathway

Background

In patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD), increased vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis has been found. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-miR-US33-5p was significantly increased in the plasma of patients with AAD. However, the roles of miR-US33-5p in human aortic VSMC (HA-VSMC) apoptosis remain to be elucidated.

Methods

In the current study, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, cell proliferation by CCK-8 assay, and differentially expressed genes by RNA sequencing. Luciferase reporter assay was used for binding analysis between miR-US33-5p and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1), and EPAS1 and amino acid transporter heavy chain, member 2 (SLC3A2). The enrichment degree of SLC3A2 promoter DNA was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting were performed for measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, respectively.

Results

It was found that HCMV infection inhibited proliferation but promoted HA-VSMC apoptosis by upregulating HCMV-miR-US33-5p. Transfection of HCMV-miR-US33-5p mimics the significant effect on several signaling pathways including integrin signaling as shown in the RNA sequencing data. Western blotting analysis confirmed that HCMV-miR-US33-5p mimics suppression of the activity of key factors of the integrin signal pathway including FAK, AKT, CAS, and Rac. Mechanistic study showed that HCMV-miR-US33-5p bound to the 3′-untranslated region of EPAS1 to suppress its expression, leading to suppression of SLC3A2 expression, which ultimately promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. This was confirmed by the findings that silencing EPAS1 significantly reduced the SLC3A2 expression and inhibited proliferation and key factors of integrin signal pathway.

Conclusions

HCMV-miR-US33-5p suppressed proliferation, key factors of integrin signal pathway, and EPAS1/SLC3A2 expression, but promoted HA-VSMC apoptosis. These findings highlighted the importance of HCMV-miR-US33-5p/EPAS1/SCL3A2 signaling and may provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for AAD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00340-w.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00518 contributes to proliferation and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma via the miR-335-3p/CTHRC1 Axis

Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 518 (LINC00518) is recognized to impart cancer proliferation and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the study about the relationship between LINC00518 and LUAD is shallow so far. In our work, LINC00518 was predicted to be a negative regulator in LUAD based on the TCGA database. It was further verified that the cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of LUAD could be obviously inhibited by the knockdown of LINC00518. Moreover, miR-335-3p/CTHRC1 axis was intensively possible to be a critical regulator in the effect of LINC00518 on LUAD via visual ceRNA network. Importantly the progress of LUAD was relevant to the active CTHRC1 which was realized by the target of LINC00518 to miR-335-3p. Furthermore, the knockdown of LINC00518 exhibited a synergistic effect with VS6063, an inhibitor of FAK protein, in the suppression of LUAD indicating that miR-335-3p/CTHRC1 axis was potentially exploitable as a targeted intervention to integrin β3/FAK signal pathway in LUAD. All the collective results demonstrated that LINC00518 could be a promising biomarker of the prognosis of LUAD and possibly a therapeutic target via miR-335-3p/CTHRC1 axis.

Network analysis of atherosclerotic genes elucidates druggable targets

Background

Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in arteries under the influence of inflammatory responses, proliferation of smooth muscle cell, accumulation of modified low density lipoprotein. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis involves the interplay of a number of genes and metabolic pathways. In traditional translation method, only a limited number of genes and pathways can be studied at once. However, the new paradigm of network medicine can be explored to study the interaction of a large array of genes and their functional partners and their connections with the concerned disease pathogenesis. Thus, in our study we employed a branch of network medicine, gene network analysis as a tool to identify the most crucial genes and the miRNAs that regulate these genes at the post transcriptional level responsible for pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Result

From NCBI database 988 atherosclerotic genes were retrieved. The protein–protein interaction using STRING database resulted in 22,693 PPI interactions among 872 nodes (genes) at different confidence score. The cluster analysis of the 872 genes using MCODE, a plug-in of Cytoscape software revealed a total of 18 clusters, the topological parameter and gene ontology analysis facilitated in the selection of four influential genes viz., AGT, LPL, ITGB2, IRS1 from cluster 3. Further, the miRNAs (miR-26, miR-27, and miR-29 families) targeting these genes were obtained by employing MIENTURNET webtool.

Conclusion

Gene network analysis assisted in filtering out the 4 probable influential genes and 3 miRNA families in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These genes, miRNAs can be targeted to restrict the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Given the importance of atherosclerosis, any approach in the understanding the genes involved in its pathogenesis can substantially enhance the health care system.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01195-y.

Endothelial Cell Plasma Membrane Biomechanics Mediates Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Factors on Endothelial Mechanosensors: Vicious Circle Formation in Atherogenic Inflammation

Chronic low-grade vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In endothelial cells (ECs), anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory signaling can be induced by different patterns of the fluid shear stress (SS) exerted by blood flow on ECs. Laminar blood flow with high magnitude is anti-inflammatory, while disturbed flow and laminar flow with low magnitude is pro-inflammatory. Endothelial mechanosensors are the key upstream signaling proteins in SS-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Being transmembrane proteins, mechanosensors, not only experience fluid SS but also become regulated by the biomechanical properties of the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton. We review the apparent effects of pro-inflammatory factors (hypoxia, oxidative stress, hypercholesterolemia, and cytokines) on the biomechanics of the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton. An analysis of the available data suggests that the formation of a vicious circle may occur, in which pro-inflammatory cytokines enhance and attenuate SS-induced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling, respectively.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Contacts: A Potential Therapy Target for Cardiovascular Remodeling-Associated Diseases

Cardiovascular remodeling occurs in cardiomyocytes, collagen meshes, and vascular beds in the progress of cardiac insufficiency caused by a variety of cardiac diseases such as chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic overload heart disease, myocarditis, and myocardial infarction. The morphological changes that occur as a result of remodeling are the critical pathological basis for the occurrence and development of serious diseases and also determine morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the inhibition of remodeling is an important approach to prevent and treat heart failure and other related diseases. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are tightly linked by ER-mitochondria contacts (ERMCs). ERMCs play a vital role in different signaling pathways and provide a satisfactory structural platform for the ER and mitochondria to interact and maintain the normal function of cells, mainly by involving various cellular life processes such as lipid metabolism, calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, ER stress, and autophagy. Studies have shown that abnormal ERMCs may promote the occurrence and development of remodeling and participate in the formation of a variety of cardiovascular remodeling-associated diseases. This review focuses on the structure and function of the ERMCs, and the potential mechanism of ERMCs involved in cardiovascular remodeling, indicating that ERMCs may be a potential target for new therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular remodeling-induced diseases.

TMEM16A inhibits angiotensin II-induced basilar artery smooth muscle cell migration in a WNK1-dependent manner

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. We recently showed that TMEM16A is involved in hypertension-induced cerebrovascular remodeling. However, it is unclear whether this effect is related to the regulation of VSMC migration. Here, we investigated whether and how TMEM16A contributes to migration in basilar artery smooth muscle cells (BASMCs). We observed that AngII increased the migration of cultured BASMCs, which was markedly inhibited by overexpression of TMEM16A. TMEM16A overexpression inhibited AngII-induced RhoA/ROCK2 activation, and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) and myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation. But AngII-induced myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activation was not affected by TMEM16A. Furthermore, a suppressed activation of integrinβ3/FAK pathway, determined by reduced integrinβ3 expression, FAK phosphorylation and F-actin rearrangement, was observed in TMEM16A-overexpressing BASMCs upon AngII stimulation. Contrary to the results of TMEM16A overexpression, silencing of TMEM16A showed the opposite effects. These in vitro results were further demonstrated in vivo in basilar arteries from VSMC-specific TMEM16A transgenic mice during AngII-induced hypertension. Moreover, we observed that the inhibitory effect of TMEM16A on BASMC migration was mediated by decreasing the activation of WNK1, a Cl--sensitive serine/threonine kinase. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that TMEM16A suppressed AngII-induced BASMC migration, thus contributing to the protection against cerebrovascular remodeling during AngII-infused hypertension. TMEM16A may exert this effect by suppressing the RhoA/ROCK2/MLCP/MLC20 and integrinβ3/FAK signaling pathways via inhibiting WNK1. Our results suggest that TMEM16A may serve as a novel therapeutic target for VSMC migration-related diseases, such as vascular remodeling.

Omentin-1 Modulates Macrophage Function via Integrin Receptors αvβ3 and αvβ5 and Reverses Plaque Vulnerability in Animal Models of Atherosclerosis

Backgrounds: Omentin-1 is a novel cytokine that is primarily released by the epicardial adipose tissue. Molecular structure analysis revealed that it contained a fibrinogen-like domain. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the expression of omentin-1 is tightly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, but the receptor by which omentin-1 modulates macrophage function has not been identified yet. Objective: This study sought to investigate the effect of omentin-1 on already-established atherosclerosis (AS) lesions in both ApoE-/- and Ldlr^-/- mice and further, study its underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results: We investigated the effect of omentin-1 on the plaque phenotype by implanting a minipump in ApoE-/- and Ldlr^-/- mice. In vivo studies showed that the infusion of omentin-1 increased the collagen content and mitigated the formation of the necrotic core in both animal models. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that omentin-1 suppressed inflammatory cytokines expression, macrophage infiltration, and apoptosis within the plaque. An immunoprecipitation experiment and confocal microscopy analysis confirmed the binding of omentin-1 to the integrin receptors αvβ3 and αvβ5. The cell studies demonstrated that omentin-1 suppressed the apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines expression induced by the oxidized low-density lipoprotein in the macrophage. In addition, omentin-1 promoted the phosphorylation of the integrin-relevant signaling pathway as well as the Akt and AMPK in the macrophage. The addition of the inhibitor of the integrin receptor or interfering with the expression of the integrin subunit αv (ITGAV) both significantly abrogated the bioeffects induced by omentin-1. A flow cytometry analysis indicated that the antibodies against αvβ3 and αvβ5 had a competitive effect on the omentin-1 binding to the cell membrane. Conclusions: The administration of adipokine omentin-1 can inhibit the necrotic cores formation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression within the AS lesion. The mechanisms may include the suppression of apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the macrophage by binding to the integrin receptors αvβ3 and αvβ5.

Integrin-based mechanosensing through conformational deformation

Conversion of integrins from low to high affinity states, termed activation, is important in biological processes, including immunity, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and embryonic development. Integrin activation is regulated by large-scale conformational transitions from closed, low affinity states to open, high affinity states. Although it has been suggested that substrate stiffness shifts the conformational equilibrium of integrin and governs its unbinding, here, we address the role of integrin conformational activation in cellular mechanosensing. Comparison of wild-type versus activating mutants of integrin αVβ3 show that activating mutants shift cell spreading, focal adhesion kinase activation, traction stress, and force on talin toward high stiffness values at lower stiffness. Although all activated integrin mutants showed equivalent binding affinity for soluble ligands, the β3 S243E mutant showed the strongest shift in mechanical responses. To understand this behavior, we used coarse-grained computational models derived from molecular level information. The models predicted that wild-type integrin αVβ3 displaces under force and that activating mutations shift the required force toward lower values, with S243E showing the strongest effect. Cellular stiffness sensing thus correlates with computed effects of force on integrin conformation. Together, these data identify a role for force-induced integrin conformational deformation in cellular mechanosensing.

The role of caveolae in endothelial dysfunction

Caveolae, the specialized cell-surface plasma membrane invaginations which are abundant in endothelial cells, play critical roles in regulating various cellular processes, including cholesterol homeostasis, nitric oxide production, and signal transduction. Endothelial caveolae serve as a membrane platform for compartmentalization, modulation, and integration of signal events associated with endothelial nitric oxide synthase, ATP synthase β, and integrins, which are involved in the regulation of endothelial dysfunction and related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Furthermore, these dynamic microdomains on cell membrane are modulated by various extracellular stimuli, including cholesterol and flow shear stress. In this brief review, we summarize the critical roles of caveolae in the orchestration of endothelial function based on recent findings as well as our work over the past two decades.

EphA2 signaling within integrin adhesions regulates fibrillar adhesion elongation and fibronectin deposition

The multifunctional glycoprotein fibronectin influences several crucial cellular processes and contributes to multiple pathologies. While a link exists between fibronectin-associated pathologies and the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2, the mechanism by which EphA2 promotes fibronectin matrix remodeling remains unknown. We previously demonstrated that EphA2 deletion reduces smooth muscle fibronectin deposition and blunts fibronectin deposition in atherosclerosis without influencing fibronectin expression. We now show that EphA2 expression is required for contractility-dependent elongation of tensin- and α5β1 integrin-rich fibrillar adhesions that drive fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Mechanistically, EphA2 localizes to integrin adhesions where focal adhesion kinase mediates ligand-independent Y772 phosphorylation, and mutation of this site significantly blunts fibrillar adhesion length. EphA2 deficiency decreases smooth muscle cell contractility by enhancing p190RhoGAP activation and reducing RhoA activity, whereas stimulating RhoA signaling in EphA2 deficient cells rescues fibrillar adhesion elongation. Together, these data identify EphA2 as a novel regulator of fibrillar adhesion elongation and provide the first data identifying a role for EphA2 signaling in integrin adhesions.

Hippo/yes-associated protein signaling functions as a mechanotransducer in regulating vascular homeostasis

Cells are constantly exposed to various mechanical forces, including hydrostatic pressure, cyclic stretch, fluid shear stress, and extracellular matrix stiffness. Mechanical cues can be translated into the cell-specific transcriptional process by a cellular mechanic-transducer. Evidence suggests that mechanical signals assist activated intracellular signal transduction pathways and the relative phenotypic adaptation to coordinate cell behavior and disease appropriately. The Hippo/yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway is regulated in response to numerous mechanical stimuli. It plays an important role in the mechanotransduction mechanism, which converts mechanical forces to cascades of molecular signaling to modulate gene expression. This review summarizes the recent findings relevant to the Hippo/YAP pathway-based mechanotransduction in cell behavior and maintaining blood vessels, as well as cardiovascular disease.

Fibronectin-Mediated Inflammatory Signaling Through Integrin α5 in Vascular Remodeling

Background

Adhesion of vascular endothelial cells to the underlying basement membrane potently modulates endothelial cells to cells' inflammatory activation. The normal basement membrane proteins laminin and collagen IV attenuate inflammatory signaling in part through integrin α2β1. In contrast, fibronectin, the provisional matrix protein found in injured, remodeling or inflamed vessels, sensitizes endothelial cells to inflammatory stimuli through integrins α5β1and and αvβ3. A chimeric integrin in which the cytoplasmic domain of α5 is replaced with that of α2 pairs with β1 and binds fibronectin but signals like α2β1.

Methods and Results

Here, we examined mice in which integrin α5 is replaced with the α5/2 chimera, using the transverse aortic constriction and partial carotid ligation models of vessel remodeling. Following transverse aortic constriction and partial carotid ligation surgery, wild‐type mice showed increased fibronectin deposition and expression of inflammatory markers, which were strongly attenuated in a5/2 mice. α5/2 mice also showed reduced artery wall hypertrophy in the transverse aortic constriction model and diminished inward remodeling in the partial carotid ligation model. Acute atherosclerosis after partial carotid ligation in hyperlipidemic ApoE^−/− mice on a high fat diet was dramatically decreased in α5/2 mice.

Conclusions

Fibronectin and integrin α5 signaling is a key element of pathological vascular remodeling in acute models of both hypertension and disturbed flow. These results underscore the key role for integrin α5 signaling in pathological vascular remodeling associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis and support its potential as a therapeutic target.

Extracellular matrix-mediated remodeling and mechanotransduction in large vessels during development and disease

The vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) is synthesized and secreted during embryogenesis and facilitates the growth and remodeling of large vessels. Proper interactions between the ECM and vascular cells are pivotal for building the vasculature required for postnatal dynamic circulation. The ECM serves as a structural component by maintaining the integrity of the vessel wall while also regulating intercellular signaling, which involves cytokines and growth factors. The major ECM component in large vessels is elastic fibers, which include elastin and microfibrils. Elastin is predominantly synthesized by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and uses microfibrils as a scaffold to lay down and assemble cross-linked elastin. The absence of elastin causes developmental defects that result in the subendothelial proliferation of SMCs and inward remodeling of the vessel wall. Notably, elastic fiber formation is attenuated in the ductus arteriosus and umbilical arteries. These two vessels function during embryogenesis and close after birth via cellular proliferation, migration, and matrix accumulation. In dynamic postnatal mechano-environments, the elastic fibers in large vessels also serve an essential role in proper signal transduction as a component of elastin-contractile units. Disrupted mechanotransduction in SMCs leads to pathological conditions such as aortic aneurysms that exhibit outward remodeling. This review discusses the importance of the ECM-mainly the elastic fiber matrix-in large vessels during developmental remodeling and under pathological conditions. By dissecting the role of the ECM in large vessels, we aim to provide insights into the role of ECM-mediated signal transduction that can provide a basis for seeking new targets for intervention in vascular diseases.

Vascular Mechanobiology: Homeostasis, Adaptation, and Disease

Cells of the vascular wall are exquisitely sensitive to changes in their mechanical environment. In healthy vessels, mechanical forces regulate signaling and gene expression to direct the remodeling needed for the vessel wall to maintain optimal function. Major diseases of arteries involve maladaptive remodeling with compromised or lost homeostatic mechanisms. Whereas homeostasis invokes negative feedback loops at multiple scales to mediate mechanobiological stability, disease progression often occurs via positive feedback that generates mechanobiological instabilities. In this review, we focus on the cell biology, wall mechanics, and regulatory pathways associated with arterial health and how changes in these processes lead to disease. We discuss how positive feedback loops arise via biomechanical and biochemical means. We conclude that inflammation plays a central role in overriding homeostatic pathways and suggest future directions for addressing therapeutic needs.

Mechanistic Insight Into the Roles of Integrins in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common degenerative diseases, is characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone, as well as the synovium. Integrins, comprising a family of heterodimeric transmembrane proteins containing α subunit and β subunit, play essential roles in various physiological functions of cells, such as cell attachment, movement, growth, differentiation, and mechanical signal conduction. Previous studies have shown that integrin dysfunction is involved in OA pathogenesis. This review article focuses on the roles of integrins in OA, especially in OA cartilage, subchondral bone and the synovium. A clear understanding of these roles may influence the future development of treatments for OA.

The Innate Immune System and Cardiovascular Disease in ESKD: Monocytes and Natural Killer Cells

Adverse innate immune responses have been implicated in several disease processes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The monocyte subsets natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in innate immunity. Monocytes subsets are key in atherogenesis and the inflammatory cascade occurring in heart failure. Upregulated activity and counts of proinflammatory CD16+ monocyte subsets are associated with clinical indices of atherosclerosis, heart failure syndromes and CKD. Advanced CKD is a complex state of persistent systemic inflammation characterized by elevated expression of proinflammatory and pro-atherogenic CD14++CD16+ monocytes, which are associated with cardiovascular events and death both in the general population and among patients with CKD. Diminished NK cells and NKT cells counts and aberrant activity are observed in both coronary artery disease and end-stage kidney disease. However, evidence of the roles of NK cells and NKT cells in atherogenesis in advanced CKD is circumstantial and remains to be clarified. This review describes the available evidence regarding the roles of specific immune cell subsets in the pathogenesis of CVD in patients with CKD. Future research is expected to further uncover the links between CKD associated innate immune system dysregulation and accelerated CVD and will ideally be translated into therapeutic targets.

Sinner or Saint?: Nck Adaptor Proteins in Vascular Biology

The Nck family of modular adaptor proteins, including Nck1 and Nck2, link phosphotyrosine signaling to changes in cytoskeletal dynamics and gene expression that critically modulate cellular phenotype. The Nck SH2 domain interacts with phosphotyrosine at dynamic signaling hubs, such as activated growth factor receptors and sites of cell adhesion. The Nck SH3 domains interact with signaling effectors containing proline-rich regions that mediate their activation by upstream kinases. In vascular biology, Nck1 and Nck2 play redundant roles in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis. However, recent studies suggest that Nck1 and Nck2 differentially regulate cell phenotype in the adult vasculature. Domain-specific interactions likely mediate these isoform-selective effects, and these isolated domains may serve as therapeutic targets to limit specific protein-protein interactions. In this review, we highlight the function of the Nck adaptor proteins, the known differences in domain-selective interactions, and discuss the role of individual Nck isoforms in vascular remodeling and function.

Endothelial connexin-integrin crosstalk in vascular inflammation

Cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel disorders represent a major cause of death globally. The essential roles played by local and systemic vascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases have been increasingly recognized. Vascular inflammation triggers the aberrant activation of endothelial cells, which leads to the functional and structural abnormalities in vascular vessels. In addition to humoral mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, the alteration of physical and mechanical microenvironment - including vascular stiffness and shear stress - modify the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of endothelial cells via mechano-transduction pathways, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of vessel disorders. Notably, connexins and integrins crosstalk each other in response to the mechanical stress, and, thereby, play an important role in regulating the mechano-transduction of endothelial cells. Here, we provide an overview on how the inter-play between connexins and integrins in endothelial cells unfold during the mechano-transduction in vascular inflammation.