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Bhimavarapu U. Retina Blood Vessels Segmentation and Classification with the Multi-featured Approach. JOURNAL OF IMAGING INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE 2024:10.1007/s10278-024-01219-2. [PMID: 39117940 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-024-01219-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Segmenting retinal blood vessels poses a significant challenge due to the irregularities inherent in small vessels. The complexity arises from the intricate task of effectively merging features at multiple levels, coupled with potential spatial information loss during successive down-sampling steps. This particularly affects the identification of small and faintly contrasting vessels. To address these challenges, we present a model tailored for automated arterial and venous (A/V) classification, complementing blood vessel segmentation. This paper presents an advanced methodology for segmenting and classifying retinal vessels using a series of sophisticated pre-processing and feature extraction techniques. The ensemble filter approach, incorporating Bilateral and Laplacian edge detectors, enhances image contrast and preserves edges. The proposed algorithm further refines the image by generating an orientation map. During the vessel extraction step, a complete convolution network processes the input image to create a detailed vessel map, enhanced by attention operations that improve modeling perception and resilience. The encoder extracts semantic features, while the Attention Module refines blood vessel depiction, resulting in highly accurate segmentation outcomes. The model was verified using the STARE dataset, which includes 400 images; the DRIVE dataset with 40 images; the HRF dataset with 45 images; and the INSPIRE-AVR dataset containing 40 images. The proposed model demonstrated superior performance across all datasets, achieving an accuracy of 97.5% on the DRIVE dataset, 99.25% on the STARE dataset, 98.33% on the INSPIREAVR dataset, and 98.67% on the HRF dataset. These results highlight the method's effectiveness in accurately segmenting and classifying retinal vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usharani Bhimavarapu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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Larionov A, Hammer CM, Fiedler K, Filgueira L. Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Diversity and Plasticity in Health and Disease. Cells 2024; 13:1276. [PMID: 39120307 PMCID: PMC11312403 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital structural units of the cardiovascular system possessing two principal distinctive properties: heterogeneity and plasticity. Endothelial heterogeneity is defined by differences in tissue-specific endothelial phenotypes and their high predisposition to modification along the length of the vascular bed. This aspect of heterogeneity is closely associated with plasticity, the ability of ECs to adapt to environmental cues through the mobilization of genetic, molecular, and structural alterations. The specific endothelial cytoarchitectonics facilitate a quick structural cell reorganization and, furthermore, easy adaptation to the extrinsic and intrinsic environmental stimuli, known as the epigenetic landscape. ECs, as universally distributed and ubiquitous cells of the human body, play a role that extends far beyond their structural function in the cardiovascular system. They play a crucial role in terms of barrier function, cell-to-cell communication, and a myriad of physiological and pathologic processes. These include development, ontogenesis, disease initiation, and progression, as well as growth, regeneration, and repair. Despite substantial progress in the understanding of endothelial cell biology, the role of ECs in healthy conditions and pathologies remains a fascinating area of exploration. This review aims to summarize knowledge and concepts in endothelial biology. It focuses on the development and functional characteristics of endothelial cells in health and pathological conditions, with a particular emphasis on endothelial phenotypic and functional heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Larionov
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Christian Manfred Hammer
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
| | - Klaus Fiedler
- Independent Researcher, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;
| | - Luis Filgueira
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (C.M.H.); (L.F.)
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Pak B, Kim M, Han O, Lee HW, Dubrac A, Choi W, Yang JM, Boyé K, Cho H, Citrin KM, Kim I, Eichmann A, Bautch VL, Jin SW. ACVR1/ALK2-p21 signaling axis modulates proliferation of the venous endothelium in the retinal vasculature. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6. [PMID: 38955953 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of the endothelium is a highly coordinated process to ensure the emergence, expansion, and homeostasis of the vasculature. While Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling fine-tunes the behaviors of endothelium in health and disease, how BMP signaling influences the proliferation of endothelium and therefore, modulates angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the role of Activin A Type I Receptor (ACVR1/ALK2), a key BMP receptor in the endothelium, in modulating the proliferation of endothelial cells. We show that ACVR1/ALK2 is a key modulator for the proliferation of endothelium in the retinal vessels. Loss of endothelial ALK2 leads to a significant reduction in endothelial proliferation and results in fewer branches/endothelial cells in the retinal vessels. Interestingly, venous endothelium appears to be more susceptible to ALK2 deletion. Mechanistically, ACVR1/ALK2 inhibits the expression of CDKN1A/p21, a critical negative regulator of cell cycle progression, in a SMAD1/5-dependent manner, thereby enabling the venous endothelium to undergo active proliferation by suppressing CDKN1A/p21. Taken together, our findings show that BMP signaling mediated by ACVR1/ALK2 provides a critical yet previously underappreciated input to modulate the proliferation of venous endothelium, thereby fine-tuning the context of angiogenesis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boryeong Pak
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Orjin Han
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, and Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Woosoung Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jee Myung Yang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kevin Boyé
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Heewon Cho
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kathryn M Citrin
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Injune Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea.
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Park H, Hong T, An G, Park J, Song G, Lim W. Bifenox induces hepatotoxicity and vascular toxicity in zebrafish embryos via ROS production and alterations in signaling pathways. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 281:109918. [PMID: 38583696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109918] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Existing evidence shows that currently used pesticides pose toxicological risks to exposed wildlife. Chemically, bifenox belongs to diphenyl ethers, a well-known group of herbicides. Its mechanism of action primarily involves inducing lipid peroxidation and blocking protoporphyrinogen oxidases. Toxicity of diphenyl ether herbicides has been elucidated in animal cells; however, in vivo toxicological evaluations of bifenox are required to determine its unexpected effects. This study aimed to determine the negative effects of bifenox, and its effects on higher eukaryotes. We found that early stages of zebrafish embryo exposed to bifenox demonstrated increased mortality and physiological defects, based on the LC50 value. Bifenox severely inhibited blood vessel growth by reducing key elements of complex connectivity; fluorescently tagged transgenic lines (fli1a:EGFP) showed morphological changes. Additionally, transgenic lines that selectively identified hepatocytes (fabp10a:DsRed) showed reduced fluorescence, indicating that bifenox may inhibit liver development. To evaluate the level of oxidative stress, we used 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probes in zebrafish embryos to identify the underlying mechanisms causing developmental damage. Our findings demonstrate that exposure to bifenox causes abnormalities in the hepatic and cardiovascular systems during zebrafish embryogenesis. Therefore, this study provides new information for the evaluation of toxicological risks of bifenox in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hahyun Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Garam An
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Weinstein N, Carlsen J, Schulz S, Stapleton T, Henriksen HH, Travnik E, Johansson PI. A Lifelike guided journey through the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension-from measured metabolites to the mechanism of action of drugs. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1341145. [PMID: 38845688 PMCID: PMC11153715 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1341145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition that affects approximately 1% of the population. The prognosis for many patients is poor, even after treatment. Our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause or are involved in the progression of PH is incomplete. Additionally, the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension, including sotatercept, requires elucidation. Methods Using our graph-powered knowledge mining software Lifelike in combination with a very small patient metabolite data set, we demonstrate how we derive detailed mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanisms of PH pathophysiology and clinical drugs. Results In PH patients, the concentration of hypoxanthine, 12(S)-HETE, glutamic acid, and sphingosine 1 phosphate is significantly higher, while the concentration of L-arginine and L-histidine is lower than in healthy controls. Using the graph-based data analysis, gene ontology, and semantic association capabilities of Lifelike, led us to connect the differentially expressed metabolites with G-protein signaling and SRC. Then, we associated SRC with IL6 signaling. Subsequently, we found associations that connect SRC, and IL6 to activin and BMP signaling. Lastly, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of several existing and novel pharmacological treatments for PH. Lifelike elucidated the interplay between G-protein, IL6, activin, and BMP signaling. Those pathways regulate hallmark pathophysiological processes of PH, including vasoconstriction, endothelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Discussion The results highlight the importance of SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC activity in PH. The molecular pathways affected by existing and novel treatments for PH also converge on these molecules. Importantly, sotatercept affects SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC simultaneously. The present study shows the power of mining knowledge graphs using Lifelike's diverse set of data analytics functionalities for developing knowledge-driven hypotheses on PH pathophysiological and drug mechanisms and their interactions. We believe that Lifelike and our presented approach will be valuable for future mechanistic studies of PH, other diseases, and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørn Carlsen
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sebastian Schulz
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy Stapleton
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanne H. Henriksen
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evelyn Travnik
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pär Ingemar Johansson
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bougaran P, Bautch VL. Life at the crossroads: the nuclear LINC complex and vascular mechanotransduction. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1411995. [PMID: 38831796 PMCID: PMC11144885 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1411995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells line the inner surface of all blood vessels, where they are exposed to polarized mechanical forces throughout their lifespan. Both basal substrate interactions and apical blood flow-induced shear stress regulate blood vessel development, remodeling, and maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Disruption of these interactions leads to dysfunction and vascular pathologies, although how forces are sensed and integrated to affect endothelial cell behaviors is incompletely understood. Recently the endothelial cell nucleus has emerged as a prominent force-transducing organelle that participates in vascular mechanotransduction, via communication to and from cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions. The LINC complex, composed of SUN and nesprin proteins, spans the nuclear membranes and connects the nuclear lamina, the nuclear envelope, and the cytoskeleton. Here we review LINC complex involvement in endothelial cell mechanotransduction, describe unique and overlapping functions of each LINC complex component, and consider emerging evidence that two major SUN proteins, SUN1 and SUN2, orchestrate a complex interplay that extends outward to cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions and inward to interactions within the nucleus and chromatin. We discuss these findings in relation to vascular pathologies such as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a premature aging disorder with cardiovascular impairment. More knowledge of LINC complex regulation and function will help to understand how the nucleus participates in endothelial cell force sensing and how dysfunction leads to cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Bougaran
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Victoria L. Bautch
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Lang A, Benn A, Collins JM, Wolter A, Balcaen T, Kerckhofs G, Zwijsen A, Boerckel JD. Endothelial SMAD1/5 signaling couples angiogenesis to osteogenesis in juvenile bone. Commun Biol 2024; 7:315. [PMID: 38480819 PMCID: PMC10937971 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal development depends on coordinated angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Bone morphogenetic proteins direct bone formation in part by activating SMAD1/5 signaling in osteoblasts. However, the role of SMAD1/5 in skeletal endothelium is unknown. Here, we found that endothelial cell-conditional SMAD1/5 depletion in juvenile mice caused metaphyseal and diaphyseal hypervascularity, resulting in altered trabecular and cortical bone formation. SMAD1/5 depletion induced excessive sprouting and disrupting the morphology of the metaphyseal vessels, with impaired anastomotic loop formation at the chondro-osseous junction. Endothelial SMAD1/5 depletion impaired growth plate resorption and, upon long-term depletion, abrogated osteoprogenitor recruitment to the primary spongiosa. Finally, in the diaphysis, endothelial SMAD1/5 activity was necessary to maintain the sinusoidal phenotype, with SMAD1/5 depletion inducing formation of large vascular loops and elevated vascular permeability. Together, endothelial SMAD1/5 activity sustains skeletal vascular morphogenesis and function and coordinates growth plate remodeling and osteoprogenitor recruitment dynamics in juvenile mouse bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Lang
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Fetscherstrasse 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Andreas Benn
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Joseph M Collins
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Angelique Wolter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14163, Germany
| | - Tim Balcaen
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Biomechanics lab, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pole of Morphology, UCLouvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemistry, Sustainable Chemistry for Metals and Molecules, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Biomechanics lab, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pole of Morphology, UCLouvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, 3001, Belgium
- Division for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Prometheus, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Zhang W, Hu M, Yang L, Zhou Z, Chen R, Liu Z. Expression pattern of the bone morphogenetic protein-4 and its relationship with inflammation, vascular injury in patients suffered the arterial occlusive diseases. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:279-285. [PMID: 38755724 PMCID: PMC11103063 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.230264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) has been proved to be an important regulatory factor for the pathological process of atherosclerosis (AS). However, there are few related clinical studies. This study aims to investigate the levels of plasma BMP4 in patients suffering from the arterial occlusive diseases (ACD) characterized by AS, and further to test the relationship between BMP4 and inflammation and vascular injury. METHODS A total of 38 ACD patients (the ACD group) and 38 healthy people for the physical examination (the control group) were enrolled. The plasma in each subject from both groups was obtained to test the levels of BMP4, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and the relationship between BMP4 and the detected indicators above were further analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the patients in the ACD group displayed significant elevations in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR, 1.63 (1.26, 1.91) vs 3.43 (2.16, 6.61)] and platelet to lymphocyte ratio [PLR, 6.37 (5.26, 7.74) vs 15.79 (7.97, 20.53)], while decrease in the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio [LMR, 5.67 (4.41, 7.14) vs 3.43 (2.07, 3.74)] (all P<0.05). Besides, the ACD patients displayed significant elevations in plasma BMP4 [581.26 (389.85, 735.64) pg/mL vs 653.97(510.95, 890.43) pg/mL], TNF-α [254.16 (182.96, 340.70) pg/mL vs 293.29(238.90, 383.44) pg/mL], and VE-cadherin [1.54 (1.08, 2.13) ng/mL vs 1.85 (1.30, 2.54) ng/mL], and decrease in IL-10 [175.89 (118.39, 219.25) pg/mL vs 135.92 (95.80, 178.04) pg/mL] (all P<0.05). While the levels of IL-1β remained statistically comparable between the 2 groups (P=0.09). Furthermore, the plasma BMP4 levels were further revealed to be positively correlated with the levels of IL-1β (r=0.35), TNF-α (r=0.31) and VE-cadherin (r=0.47), while they were negatively correlated with the levels of IL-10 (r=-0.37; all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS After ACD occurrence, the patients' plasma concentrations of BMP4 would be upregulated, which may serve as a candidate to indicate the levels of inflammation and vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
| | - Zhifang Zhou
- Department of Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
| | - Ruohong Chen
- Department of Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Office of the CPC Committee, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
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Zhang L, Cai X, Ma F, Qiao X, Ji J, Ma JA, Vergnes L, Zhao Y, Yao Y, Wu X, Boström KI. Two-step regulation by matrix Gla protein in brown adipose cell differentiation. Mol Metab 2024; 80:101870. [PMID: 38184275 PMCID: PMC10832489 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is intricately involved in adipose tissue development. BMP7 together with BMP4 have been implicated in brown adipocyte differentiation but their roles during development remains poorly specified. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) inhibits BMP4 and BMP7 and is expressed in endothelial and progenitor cells. The objective was to determine the role of MGP in brown adipose tissue (BAT) development. METHODS The approach included global and cell-specific Mgp gene deletion in combination with RNA analysis, immunostaining, thermogenic activity, and in vitro studies. RESULTS The results revealed that MGP directs brown adipogenesis at two essential steps. Endothelial-derived MGP limits triggering of white adipogenic differentiation in the perivascular region, whereas MGP derived from adipose cells supports the transition of CD142-expressing progenitor cells to brown adipogenic maturity. Both steps were important to optimize the thermogenic function of BAT. Furthermore, MGP derived from both sources impacted vascular growth. Reduction of MGP in either endothelial or adipose cells expanded the endothelial cell population, suggesting that MGP is a factor in overall plasticity of adipose tissue. CONCLUSION MGP displays a dual and cell-specific function in BAT, essentially creating a "cellular shuttle" that coordinates brown adipogenic differentiation with vascular growth during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA.
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Feiyang Ma
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojing Qiao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Jaden Ji
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Ma
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Laurent Vergnes
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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10
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Ruan X, Liu Y, Wang P, Liu L, Ma T, Xue Y, Dong W, Zhao Y, E T, Lin H, Wang D, Yang C, Song J, Liu J, Deng M, An P, Lin Y, Yang J, Cui Z, Cao Y, Liu X. RBMS3-induced circHECTD1 encoded a novel protein to suppress the vasculogenic mimicry formation in glioblastoma multiforme. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:745. [PMID: 37968257 PMCID: PMC10651854 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06269-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly vascularized malignant cancer of the central nervous system, and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) severely limits the effectiveness of anti-vascular therapy. In this study, we identified downregulated circHECTD1, which acted as a key VM-suppressed factor in GBM. circHECTD1 elevation significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube-like structure formation in GBM. RIP assay was used to demonstrate that the flanking intron sequence of circHECTD1 can be specifically bound by RBMS3, thereby inducing circHECTD1 formation to regulate VM formation in GBM. circHECTD1 was confirmed to possess a strong protein-encoding capacity and the encoded functional peptide 463aa was identified by LC-MS/MS. Both circHECTD1 and 463aa significantly inhibited GBM VM formation in vivo and in vitro. Analysis of the 463aa protein sequence revealed that it contained a ubiquitination-related domain and promoted NR2F1 degradation by regulating the ubiquitination of the NR2F1 at K396. ChIP assay verified that NR2F1 could directly bind to the promoter region of MMP2, MMP9 and VE-cadherin, transcriptionally promoting the expression of VM-related proteins, which in turn enhanced VM formation in GBM. In summary, we clarified a novel pathway for RBMS3-induced circHECTD1 encoding functional peptide 463aa to mediate the ubiquitination of NR2F1, which inhibited VM formation in GBM. This study aimed to reveal new mechanisms of GBM progression in order to provide novel approaches and strategies for the anti-vascular therapy of GBM. The schematic illustration showed the inhibitory effect of circHECTD1-463aa in the VM formation in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Ruan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Libo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yixue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Weiwei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yubo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Tiange E
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Hongda Lin
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Di Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Chunqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jian Song
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jiate Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Meiqi Deng
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ping An
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zheng Cui
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiaobai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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11
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Pulkkinen HH, Kivistö-Rahnasto A, Korpela H, Heikkilä M, Järveläinen N, Siimes S, Kilpeläinen L, Laham-Karam N, Ylä-Herttuala S, Laakkonen JP. BMP2 gene transfer induces pericardial effusion and inflammatory response in the ischemic porcine myocardium. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1279613. [PMID: 38028463 PMCID: PMC10655027 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1279613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-angiogenic gene therapy is being developed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). We recently showed that bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A synergistically regulate endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. BMP2 was also shown to induce endocardial angiogenesis in neonatal mice post-myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated the potential of BMP2 gene transfer to improve cardiomyocyte function and neovessel formation in a pig chronic myocardial infarction model. Ischemia was induced in domestic pigs by placing a bottleneck stent in the proximal part of the left anterior descending artery 14 days before gene transfer. Intramyocardial gene transfers with adenovirus vectors (1 × 1012 viral particles/pig) containing either human BMP2 (AdBMP2) or beta-galactosidase (AdLacZ) control gene were performed using a needle injection catheter. BMP2 transgene expression in the myocardium was detected with immunofluorescence staining in the gene transfer area 6 days after AdBMP2 administration. BMP2 gene transfer did not induce angiogenesis or cardiomyocyte proliferation in the ischemic pig myocardium as determined by the quantitations of CD31 or Ki-67 stainings, respectively. Accordingly, no changes in heart contractility were detected in left ventricular ejection fraction and strain measurements. However, BMP2 gene transfer induced pericardial effusion (AdBMP2: 9.41 ± 3.17 mm; AdLacZ: 3.07 ± 1.33 mm) that was measured by echocardiography. Furthermore, an increase in the number of immune cells and CD3+ T cells was found in the BMP2 gene transfer area. No changes were detected in the clinical chemistry analysis of pig serum or histology of the major organs, implicating that the gene transfer did not induce general toxicity, myocardial injury, or off-target effects. Finally, the levels of fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis detected by Sirius red or caspase 3 stainings, respectively, remained unaltered between the groups. Our results demonstrate that BMP2 gene transfer causes inflammatory changes and pericardial effusion in the adult ischemic myocardium, which thus does not support its therapeutic use in chronic CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. H. Pulkkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - A. Kivistö-Rahnasto
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - H. Korpela
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M. Heikkilä
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - N. Järveläinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S. Siimes
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - L. Kilpeläinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - N. Laham-Karam
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S. Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J. P. Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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12
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial cell SMAD6 balances Alk1 function to regulate adherens junctions and hepatic vascular development. Development 2023; 150:dev201811. [PMID: 37787089 PMCID: PMC10629679 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is crucial to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here, we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo. At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. Mechanistically, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial cell junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a 'Goldilocks' pathway in vascular biology that requires a certain signaling amplitude, regulated by SMAD6, to function properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R. Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Victoria L. Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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13
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Kong D, Mourtzinos A, Heegsma J, Blokzijl H, de Meijer VE, Faber KN. Growth differentiation factor 7 autocrine signaling promotes hepatic progenitor cell expansion in liver fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:288. [PMID: 37798809 PMCID: PMC10557292 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver fibrosis is prevalent among chronic diseases of the liver and represents a major health burden worldwide. Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the TGFβ protein superfamily, has been recently investigated for its role in repair of injured organs, but its role in chronic liver diseases remains unclear. Here, we examined hepatic GDF7 expression and its association with development and progression of human liver fibrosis. Moreover, we determined the source and target cells of GDF7 in the human liver. METHODS GDF7 expression was analyzed in fibrotic and healthy human liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Cell-specific accumulation of GDF7 was examined by immunofluorescence through co-staining of cell type-specific markers on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human liver tissues. Public single cell RNA sequence databases were analyzed for cell type-specific expression of GDF7. In vitro, human liver organoids and LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were treated with recombinant human GDF7. Human liver organoids were co-cultured with activated LX-2 cells to induce an autocrine signaling circuit of GDF7 in liver organoids. RESULTS GDF7 protein levels were elevated in fibrotic liver tissue, mainly detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In line, GDF7 mRNA was mainly detected in liver parenchymal cells. Expressions of BMPR1A and BMPR2, encoding GDF7 receptors, were readily detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, recombinant GDF7 promoted liver organoid growth and enhanced expression of the progenitor cell markers (LGR5, AXIN2), but failed to activate LX-2 cells. Still, activated LX-2 cells induced GDF7 and LGR5 expression in co-cultured human liver organoids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study reveals a role of GDF7 in liver fibrosis and suggests a potential pro-regenerative function that can be utilized for amelioration of hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Apostolos Mourtzinos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Pohl L, Schiessl IM. Endothelial cell plasticity in kidney fibrosis and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14038. [PMID: 37661749 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Renal endothelial cells demonstrate an impressive remodeling potential during angiogenic sprouting, vessel repair or while transitioning into mesenchymal cells. These different processes may play important roles in both renal disease progression or regeneration while underlying signaling pathways of different endothelial cell plasticity routes partly overlap. Angiogenesis contributes to wound healing after kidney injury and pharmaceutical modulation of angiogenesis may home a great therapeutic potential. Yet, it is not clear whether any differentiated endothelial cell can proliferate or whether regenerative processes are largely controlled by resident or circulating endothelial progenitor cells. In the glomerular compartment for example, a distinct endothelial progenitor cell population may remodel the glomerular endothelium after injury. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the kidney is vastly documented and often associated with endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, and kidney disease progression. Especially the role of EndoMT in renal fibrosis is controversial. Studies on EndoMT in vivo determined possible conclusions on the pathophysiological role of EndoMT in the kidney, but whether endothelial cells really contribute to kidney fibrosis and if not what other cellular and functional outcomes derive from EndoMT in kidney disease is unclear. Sequencing data, however, suggest no participation of endothelial cells in extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, more in-depth classification of cellular markers and the fate of EndoMT cells in the kidney is needed. In this review, we describe different signaling pathways of endothelial plasticity, outline methodological approaches and evidence for functional and structural implications of angiogenesis and EndoMT in the kidney, and eventually discuss controversial aspects in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Pohl
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Jennissen HP. Camouflaged angiogenic BMP-2 functions exposed by pico-paracrine biohybrids. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1226649. [PMID: 37744249 PMCID: PMC10513495 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1226649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant release of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in the picomolar range (Pico-Stat) from PDLLA-biohybrids led to the detection of intrinsic novel pro- and anti-angiogenic functions of this cytokine. As integrant part in this perspective of previous work, first evidence for the binding of rhBMP-2, as an inverse agonist, to allosteric angiogenic receptors in cocultures of human endothelial cells is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert P. Jennissen
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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16
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Nakisli S, Lagares A, Nielsen CM, Cuervo H. Pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in central nervous system arteriovenous malformations. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1210563. [PMID: 37601628 PMCID: PMC10437819 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1210563] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously considered passive support cells, mural cells-pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells-have started to garner more attention in disease research, as more subclassifications, based on morphology, gene expression, and function, have been discovered. Central nervous system (CNS) arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent a neurovascular disorder in which mural cells have been shown to be affected, both in animal models and in human patients. To study consequences to mural cells in the context of AVMs, various animal models have been developed to mimic and predict human AVM pathologies. A key takeaway from recently published work is that AVMs and mural cells are heterogeneous in their molecular, cellular, and functional characteristics. In this review, we summarize the observed perturbations to mural cells in human CNS AVM samples and CNS AVM animal models, and we discuss various potential mechanisms relating mural cell pathologies to AVMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera Nakisli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Alfonso Lagares
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Imas12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Corinne M. Nielsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Henar Cuervo
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Darwish NHE, Hussein KA, Elmasry K, Ibrahim AS, Humble J, Moustafa M, Awadalla F, Al-Shabrawey M. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 Impairs Retinal Endothelial Cell Barrier, a Potential Role in Diabetic Retinopathy. Cells 2023; 12:1279. [PMID: 37174679 PMCID: PMC10177364 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) is a secreted growth factor of the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. The goal of this study was to test whether BMP4 contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Immunofluorescence of BMP4 and the vascular marker isolectin-B4 was conducted on retinal sections of diabetic and non-diabetic human and experimental mice. We used Akita mice as a model for type-1 diabetes. Proteins were extracted from the retina of postmortem human eyes and 6-month diabetic Akita mice and age-matched control. BMP4 levels were measured by Western blot (WB). Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were used as an in vitro model. HRECs were treated with BMP4 (50 ng/mL) for 48 h. The levels of phospho-smad 1/5/9 and phospho-p38 were measured by WB. BMP4-treated and control HRECs were also immunostained with anti-Zo-1. We also used electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) to calculate the transcellular electrical resistance (TER) under BMP4 treatment in the presence and absence of noggin (200 ng/mL), LDN193189 (200 nM), LDN212854 (200 nM) or inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2; SU5416, 10 μM), p38 (SB202190, 10 μM), ERK (U0126, 10 μM) and ER stress (Phenylbutyric acid or PBA, 30 μmol/L). The impact of BMP4 on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) was also evaluated using specific ELISA kits. Immunofluorescence of human and mouse eyes showed increased BMP4 immunoreactivity, mainly localized in the retinal vessels of diabetic humans and mice compared to the control. Western blots of retinal proteins showed a significant increase in BMP4 expression in diabetic humans and mice compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). HRECs treated with BMP4 showed a marked increase in phospho-smad 1/5/9 (p = 0.039) and phospho-p38 (p = 0.013). Immunofluorescence of Zo-1 showed that BMP4-treated cells exhibited significant barrier disruption. ECIS also showed a marked decrease in TER of HRECs by BMP4 treatment compared to vehicle-treated HRECs (p < 0.001). Noggin, LDN193189, LDN212854, and inhibitors of p38 and VEGFR2 significantly mitigated the effects of BMP4 on the TER of HRECs. Our finding provides important insights regarding the role of BMP4 as a potential player in retinal endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy and could be a novel target to preserve the blood-retinal barrier during diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureldien H. E. Darwish
- Eye Research Center, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
| | - Khaled A. Hussein
- Oral and Dental Research Insitute, Department of Oral Medicine and Surgery, National Research Center, Cairo 11553, Egypt
| | - Khaled Elmasry
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Science, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S. Ibrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Julia Humble
- Eye Research Center, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Mohamed Moustafa
- Eye Research Center, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Fatma Awadalla
- Eye Research Center, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Eye Research Center, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt
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18
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial Cell SMAD6 Balances ACVRL1/Alk1 Function to Regulate Adherens Junctions and Hepatic Vascular Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.534007. [PMID: 36993438 PMCID: PMC10055411 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.534007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is critical to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1/ACVRL1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo . At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. At the mechanistic level, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a "Goldilocks" pathway in vascular biology regulated by SMAD6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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19
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Vliora M, Ravelli C, Grillo E, Corsini M, Flouris AD, Mitola S. The impact of adipokines on vascular networks in adipose tissue. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:61-72. [PMID: 35953434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) is a highly active and plastic endocrine organ. It secretes numerous soluble molecules known as adipokines, which act locally to AT control the remodel and homeostasis or exert pleiotropic functions in different peripheral organs. Aberrant production or loss of certain adipokines contributes to AT dysfunction associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity. The AT plasticity is strictly related to tissue vascularization. Angiogenesis supports the AT expansion, while regression of blood vessels is associated with AT hypoxia, which in turn mediates tissue inflammation, fibrosis and metabolic dysfunction. Several adipokines can regulate endothelial cell functions and are endowed with either pro- or anti-angiogenic properties. Here we address the role of adipokines in the regulation of angiogenesis. A better understanding of the link between adipokines and angiogenesis will open the way for novel therapeutic approaches to treat obesity and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vliora
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andreas D Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia, Italy.
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20
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Lang A, Benn A, Wolter A, Balcaen T, Collins J, Kerckhofs G, Zwijsen A, Boerckel JD. Endothelial SMAD1/5 signaling couples angiogenesis to osteogenesis during long bone growth. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.07.522994. [PMID: 36712097 PMCID: PMC9881901 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.07.522994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal development depends on coordinated angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Bone morphogenetic proteins direct bone development by activating SMAD1/5 signaling in osteoblasts. However, the role of SMAD1/5 in skeletal endothelium is unknown. Here, we found that endothelial cell-conditional SMAD1/5 depletion in juvenile mice caused metaphyseal and diaphyseal hypervascularity, resulting in altered cancellous and cortical bone formation. SMAD1/5 depletion induced excessive sprouting, disrupting the columnar structure of the metaphyseal vessels and impaired anastomotic loop morphogenesis at the chondro-osseous junction. Endothelial SMAD1/5 depletion impaired growth plate resorption and, upon long term depletion, abrogated osteoprogenitor recruitment to the primary spongiosa. Finally, in the diaphysis, endothelial SMAD1/5 activity was necessary to maintain the sinusoidal phenotype, with SMAD1/5 depletion inducing formation of large vascular loops, featuring elevated endomucin expression, ectopic tip cell formation, and hyperpermeability. Together, endothelial SMAD1/5 activity sustains skeletal vascular morphogenesis and function and coordinates growth plate remodeling and osteoprogenitor recruitment dynamics during bone growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Lang
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Benn
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angelique Wolter
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Balcaen
- Biomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joseph Collins
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics lab, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Pole of Morphology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joel D. Boerckel
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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21
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Zhao B, Huang J, Lou X, Yao K, Ye M, Mou Q, Wen Z, Duan Q, Zhang H, Zhao Y. Endothelial CYP2J2 overexpression restores the BRB via METTL3-mediated ANXA1 upregulation. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22619. [PMID: 36269280 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201061rr] [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] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown is responsible for multiple ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular occlusive diseases. Increased vascular permeability contributes to vasogenic edema and tissue damage, with consequent adverse effects on vision. Herein, we found that endothelial CYP2J2 overexpression maintained BRB integrity after ischemia-reperfusion injury and consequently protected against retinal ganglion cell loss. Oxidative stress repressed endothelial ANXA1 expression in vivo and in vitro. CYP2J2 upregulated methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression and hence promoted ANXA1 translation via ANXA1 m6 A modification in endothelium under oxidative stress. CYP2J2 maintained the distribution of endothelial tight junctions and adherens junctions in an ANXA1-dependent manner. Endothelial ANXA1 plays an indispensable role in vascular homeostasis and stabilization during development. Endothelial ANXA1 deletion disrupted retinal vascular perfusion as well as BRB integrity. CYP2J2 metabolites restored BRB integrity in the presence of ANXA1. Our findings identified the CYP2J2-METTL3-ANXA1 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for relieving BRB impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingqiu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotong Lou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianxue Mou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiming Duan
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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22
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Guo J, Yu X, Liu Y, Lu L, Zhu D, Zhang Y, Li L, Zhang P, Gao Q, Lu X, Sun M. Prenatal hypothyroidism diminished exogenous NO-mediated diastolic effects in fetal rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle via increased oxidative stress. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:52-61. [PMID: 35970333 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.009] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hypothyroidism is an important problem of modern healthcare and is reported to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the offspring later in life. However, it is unclear whether hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes vascular damage in the fetal period. We established the prenatal hypothyroidism rat model and collected the fetuses at the 21th day of gestation (GD21). Thyroid hormone concentrations in maternal and offspring blood serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The thoracic aortas of the fetuses were isolated for microvessel functional testing and histochemical stainings. qPCR and Western blot were performed to access mRNA and protein expression. We found that the concentrations of thyroid hormones in the serum of pregnant rats and fetuses were significantly suppressed at GD21. The responses of the fetal thoracic aortas to SNP were significantly attenuated in the PTU group. However, no statistical difference was found between the two groups when treated with either inhibitor (ODQ) or activator (BAY58-2667) of sGC. The production of O2-• in the arterial wall was significantly increased in hypothyroid fetuses. Moreover, the level of NADPH oxidase (NOX) was increased, while superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) was down-regulated in the PTU group, ultimately contributing to the increased production of superoxide. Additionally, decreased SNP-mediated vasodilation found in fetal vessels was improved by either NOX inhibitor (Apocynin) or SOD mimic (Tempol). These results indicate that increased oxidative stress is probably the cause of the diminished diastolic effect of exogenous NO in the thoracic artery of prenatal hypothyroidism exposed fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Likui Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Pengjie Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xiyuan Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China.
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China.
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23
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Small Vessel Disease: Ancient Description, Novel Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073508. [PMID: 35408867 PMCID: PMC8998274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small vessel disease (SVD) is one of the most frequent pathological conditions which lead to dementia. Biochemical and neuroimaging might help correctly identify the clinical diagnosis of this relevant brain disease. The microvascular alterations which underlie SVD have common origins, similar cognitive outcomes, and common vascular risk factors. Nevertheless, the arteriolosclerosis process, which underlines SVD development, is based on different mechanisms, not all completely understood, which start from a chronic hypoperfusion state and pass through a chronic brain inflammatory condition, inducing a significant endothelium activation and a consequent tissue remodeling action. In a recent review, we focused on the pathophysiology of SVD, which is complex, involving genetic conditions and different co-morbidities (i.e., diabetes, chronic hypoxia condition, and obesity). Currently, many points still remain unclear and discordant. In this paper, we wanted to focus on new biomarkers, which can be the expression of the endothelial dysfunction, or of the oxidative damage, which could be employed as markers of disease progression or for future targets of therapies. Therefore, we described the altered response to the endothelium-derived nitric oxide-vasodilators (ENOV), prostacyclin, C-reactive proteins, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF). At the same time, due to the concomitant endothelial activation and chronic neuroinflammatory status, we described hypoxia-endothelial-related markers, such as HIF 1 alpha, VEGFR2, and neuroglobin, and MMPs. We also described blood–brain barrier disruption biomarkers and imaging techniques, which can also describe perivascular spaces enlargement and dysfunction. More studies should be necessary, in order to implement these results and give them a clinical benefit.
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