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Chakrabarti M, Chattha A, Nair A, Jiao K, Potts JD, Wang L, Branch S, Harrelson S, Khan S, Azhar M. Hippo Signaling Mediates TGFβ-Dependent Transcriptional Inputs in Cardiac Cushion Mesenchymal Cells to Regulate Extracellular Matrix Remodeling. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:483. [PMID: 38132651 PMCID: PMC10744298 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120483] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and Hippo signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved pathways that play a critical role in cardiac fibroblasts during embryonic development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. TGFβ signaling and Hippo signaling are also important for cardiac cushion remodeling and septation during embryonic development. Loss of TGFβ2 in mice causes cardiac cushion remodeling defects resulting in congenital heart disease. In this study, we used in vitro molecular and pharmacologic approaches in the cushion mesenchymal cell line (tsA58-AVM) and investigated if the Hippo pathway acts as a mediator of TGFβ2 signaling. Immunofluorescence staining showed that TGFβ2 induced nuclear translocation of activated SMAD3 in the cushion mesenchymal cells. In addition, the results indicate increased nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) following a similar treatment of TGFβ2. In collagen lattice formation assays, the TGFβ2 treatment of cushion cells resulted in an enhanced collagen contraction compared to the untreated cushion cells. Interestingly, verteporfin, a YAP1 inhibitor, significantly blocked the ability of cushion cells to contract collagen gel in the absence or presence of exogenously added TGFβ2. To confirm the molecular mechanisms of the verteporfin-induced inhibition of TGFβ2-dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization, we performed a gene expression analysis of key mesenchymal genes involved in ECM remodeling in heart development and disease. Our results confirm that verteporfin significantly decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (Acta2), collagen 1a1 (Col1a1), Ccn1 (i.e., Cyr61), and Ccn2 (i.e., Ctgf). Western blot analysis indicated that verteporfin treatment significantly blocked the TGFβ2-induced activation of SMAD2/3 in cushion mesenchymal cells. Collectively, these results indicate that TGFβ2 regulation of cushion mesenchymal cell behavior and ECM remodeling is mediated by YAP1. Thus, the TGFβ2 and Hippo pathway integration represents an important step in understanding the etiology of congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202, USA; (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Ahad Chattha
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202, USA; (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Abhijith Nair
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202, USA; (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Kai Jiao
- Center for Biotechnology & Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Jay D. Potts
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202, USA; (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Lianming Wang
- Department of Statistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Scotty Branch
- KOR Life Sciences, KOR Medical, and Vikor Scientific, Charleston, SC 29403, USA; (S.B.); (S.H.); (S.K.)
| | - Shea Harrelson
- KOR Life Sciences, KOR Medical, and Vikor Scientific, Charleston, SC 29403, USA; (S.B.); (S.H.); (S.K.)
| | - Saeed Khan
- KOR Life Sciences, KOR Medical, and Vikor Scientific, Charleston, SC 29403, USA; (S.B.); (S.H.); (S.K.)
| | - Mohamad Azhar
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29202, USA; (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (J.D.P.)
- William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29202, USA
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2
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Furdella KJ, Higuchi S, Kim K, Doetschman T, Wagner WR, Vande Geest JP. ACUTE ELUTION OF TGFβ2 AFFECTS THE SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS IN A COMPLIANCE-MATCHED VASCULAR GRAFT. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:640-650. [PMID: 35521649 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2021.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) is a pleiotropic growth factor that plays a vital role in smooth muscle cell (SMC) function. Our prior in vitro work has shown that SMC response can be modulated with TGFβ2 stimulation in a dose dependent manner. In particular, we have shown that increasing concentrations of TGFβ2 shift SMCs from a migratory to a synthetic behavior. In this work, electrospun compliance-matched and hypocompliant TGFβ2-eluting TEVGs were implanted into Sprague Dawley rats for 5 days to observe SMC population and collagen production. TEVGs were fabricated using a combined computational and experimental approach that varied the ratio of gelatin:polycaprolactone to be either compliance-matched or twice as stiff as rat aorta (hypocompliant). TGFβ2 concentrations of 0, 10, 100 ng/mg were added to both graft types (n=3 in each group) and imaged in vivo using ultrasound. Histological markers (SMC, macrophage, collagen, and elastin) were evaluated following explantation at 5 days. In vivo ultrasound showed that compliance-matched TEVGs became stiffer as TGFβ2 increased (100 ng/mg TEVGS compared to rat aorta, p<0.01) while all hypocompliant grafts remained stiffer than control rat aorta. In vivo velocity and diameter were also not significantly different than control vessels. The compliance-matched 10 ng/mg group had an elevated SMC signal (myosin heavy chain) compared to the 0 and 100 ng/mg grafts (p=0.0009 & 0.0006 ). Compliance-matched TEVGs containing 100 ng/mg TGFβ2 had an increase in collagen production (p<0.01), general immune response (p<0.05), and a decrease in SMC population to the 0 and 10 ng/mg groups. All hypocompliant groups were found to be similar, suggesting a lower rate of TGFβ2 release in these TEVGs. Our results suggest that TGFβ2 can modulate in vivo SMC phenotype over an acute implantation period, which is consistent with our prior in vitro work. To the author's knowledge, this is first in vivo rat study that evaluates a TGFβ2-eluting TEVG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth John Furdella
- University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 110071, Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Shinichi Higuchi
- University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 110071, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Kang Kim
- University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 110071, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Tom Doetschman
- University of Arizona Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology program, 242717, Tucson, Arizona, United States;
| | - William R Wagner
- University of Pittsburgh, 6614, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Jonathan P Vande Geest
- University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, 110071, Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States;
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Cavinato C, Chen M, Weiss D, Ruiz-Rodríguez MJ, Schwartz MA, Humphrey JD. Progressive Microstructural Deterioration Dictates Evolving Biomechanical Dysfunction in the Marfan Aorta. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:800730. [PMID: 34977201 PMCID: PMC8716484 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.800730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medial deterioration leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms arises from multiple causes, chief among them mutations to the gene that encodes fibrillin-1 and leads to Marfan syndrome. Fibrillin-1 microfibrils associate with elastin to form elastic fibers, which are essential structural, functional, and instructional components of the normal aortic wall. Compromised elastic fibers adversely impact overall structural integrity and alter smooth muscle cell phenotype. Despite significant progress in characterizing clinical, histopathological, and mechanical aspects of fibrillin-1 related aortopathies, a direct correlation between the progression of microstructural defects and the associated mechanical properties that dictate aortic functionality remains wanting. In this paper, age-matched wild-type, Fbn1 C1041G/+, and Fbn1 mgR/mgR mouse models were selected to represent three stages of increasing severity of the Marfan aortic phenotype. Ex vivo multiphoton imaging and biaxial mechanical testing of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta under physiological loading conditions demonstrated that elastic fiber defects, collagen fiber remodeling, and cell reorganization increase with increasing dilatation. Three-dimensional microstructural characterization further revealed radial patterns of medial degeneration that become more uniform with increasing dilatation while correlating strongly with increased circumferential material stiffness and decreased elastic energy storage, both of which comprise aortic functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Minghao Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dar Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Maria Jesús Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin A. Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Furdella KJ, Higuchi S, Behrangzade A, Kim K, Wagner WR, Vande Geest JP. In-vivo assessment of a tissue engineered vascular graft computationally optimized for target vessel compliance. Acta Biomater 2021; 123:298-311. [PMID: 33482362 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) have the ability to be tuned to match a target vessel's compliance, diameter, wall thickness, and thereby prevent compliance mismatch. In this work, TEVG compliance was manipulated by computationally tuning its layered composition or by manipulating a crosslinking agent (genipin). In particular, these three acelluluar TEVGs were compared: a compliance matched graft (CMgel - high gelatin content); a hypocompliant PCL graft (HYPOpcl - high polycaprolactone content); and a hypocompliant genipin graft (HYPOgen - equivalent composition as CMgel but hypocompliant via increased genipin crosslinking). All constructs were implanted interpositionally into the abdominal aorta of 21 Sprague Dawley rats (n=7, males=11, females=10) for 28 days, imaged in-vivo using ultrasound, explanted, and assessed for remodeling using immunofluorescence and two photon excitation fluorescence imaging. Compliance matched grafts remained compliance-matched in-vivo compared to the hypocompliant grafts through 4 weeks (p<0.05). Construct degradation and cellular infiltration was increased in the CMgel and HYPOgen TEVGs. Contractile smooth muscle cell markers in the proximal anastomosis of the graft were increased in the CMgel group compared to the HYPOpcl (p=0.007) and HYPOgen grafts (p=0.04). Both hypocompliant grafts also had an increased pro-inflammatory response (increased ratio of CD163 to CD86 in the mid-axial location) compared to the CMgel group. Our results suggest that compliance matching using a computational optimization approach leads to the improved acute (28 day) remodeling of TEVGs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first in-vivo rat study investigating TEVGs that have been computationally optimized for target vessel compliance.
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Egea G, Jiménez-Altayó F, Campuzano V. Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Genetic Diseases of the Connective Tissue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101013. [PMID: 33086603 PMCID: PMC7603119 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue is known to provide structural and functional “glue” properties to other tissues. It contains cellular and molecular components that are arranged in several dynamic organizations. Connective tissue is the focus of numerous genetic and nongenetic diseases. Genetic diseases of the connective tissue are minority or rare, but no less important than the nongenetic diseases. Here we review the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress on the onset and/or progression of diseases that directly affect connective tissue and have a genetic origin. It is important to consider that ROS and oxidative stress are not synonymous, although they are often closely linked. In a normal range, ROS have a relevant physiological role, whose levels result from a fine balance between ROS producers and ROS scavenge enzymatic systems. However, pathology arises or worsens when such balance is lost, like when ROS production is abnormally and constantly high and/or when ROS scavenge (enzymatic) systems are impaired. These concepts apply to numerous diseases, and connective tissue is no exception. We have organized this review around the two basic structural molecular components of connective tissue: The ground substance and fibers (collagen and elastic fibers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Egea
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Nanociencies I Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934-021-909
| | - Francesc Jiménez-Altayó
- Departament of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology, Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
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Transforming Growth Factor Beta3 is Required for Cardiovascular Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7020019. [PMID: 32456345 PMCID: PMC7344558 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta3 (TGFB3) gene mutations in patients of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD1) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome-5 (LDS5)/Rienhoff syndrome are associated with cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac fibrosis, cleft palate, aortic aneurysms, and valvular heart disease. Although the developing heart of embryos express Tgfb3, its overarching role remains unclear in cardiovascular development and disease. We used histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses of Tgfb3-/- fetuses and compared them to wildtype littermate controls. The cardiovascular phenotypes were diverse with approximately two thirds of the Tgfb3-/- fetuses having one or more cardiovascular malformations, including abnormal ventricular myocardium (particularly of the right ventricle), outflow tract septal and alignment defects, abnormal aortic and pulmonary trunk walls, and thickening of semilunar and/or atrioventricular valves. Ventricular septal defects (VSD) including the perimembranous VSDs were observed in Tgfb3-/- fetuses with myocardial defects often accompanied by the muscular type VSD. In vitro studies using TGFβ3-deficient fibroblasts in 3-D collagen lattice formation assays indicated that TGFβ3 was required for collagen matrix reorganization. Biochemical studies indicated the 'paradoxically' increased activation of canonical (SMAD-dependent) and noncanonical (MAP kinase-dependent) pathways. TGFβ3 is required for cardiovascular development to maintain a balance of canonical and noncanonical TGFβ signaling pathways.
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7
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Trachet B, Ferraro M, Lovric G, Aslanidou L, Logghe G, Segers P, Stergiopulos N. Synchrotron-based visualization and segmentation of elastic lamellae in the mouse carotid artery during quasi-static pressure inflation. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20190179. [PMID: 31238834 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In computational aortic biomechanics, aortic and arterial tissue are typically modelled as a homogeneous layer, making abstraction not only of the layered structure of intima, media and adventitia but also of the microstructure that exists within these layers. Here, we present a novel method to visualize the microstructure of the tunica media along the entire circumference of the vessel. To that end, we developed a pressure-inflation device that is compatible with synchrotron-based phase-contrast imaging. Using freshly excised left common carotid arteries from n = 12 mice, we visualized how the lamellae and interlamellar layers inflate as the luminal pressure is increased from 0 to 120 mm Hg in quasi-static steps. A graph-based segmentation algorithm subsequently allowed us to automatically segment each of the three lamellae, resulting in a three-dimensional geometry that represents lamellae, interlamellar layers and adventitia at nine different pressure levels. Our results demonstrate that the three elastic lamellae unfold and stretch simultaneously as luminal pressure is increased. In the long term, we believe that the results presented in this work can be a first step towards a better understanding of the mechanics of the arterial microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Trachet
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.,2 IBiTech-bioMMeda , Ghent University, Ghent , Belgium
| | - Mauro Ferraro
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Goran Lovric
- 3 Centre d'Imagerie BioMédicale, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland.,4 Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute , Villigen , Switzerland
| | - Lydia Aslanidou
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Stergiopulos
- 1 Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
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Tamimi EA, Ardila DC, Ensley BD, Kellar RS, Vande Geest J. Computationally optimizing the compliance of multilayered biomimetic tissue engineered vascular grafts. J Biomech Eng 2019; 141:2725826. [PMID: 30778568 DOI: 10.1115/1.4042902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafts used to treat coronary artery disease often fail due to compliance mismatch. In this study, we have developed an experimental/computational approach to fabricate an acellular biomimetic hybrid tissue engineered vascular graft composed of alternating layers of electrospun porcine gelatin/polycaprolactone (PCL) and human tropoelastin/PCL blends with the goal of compliance-matching to rat abdominal aorta, while maintaining specific geometrical constraints. Polymeric blends at three different gelatin:PCL (G:PCL) and tropoelastin:PCL (T:PCL) ratios (80:20, 50:50 and 20:80) were mechanically characterized. The stress-strain data was used to develop predictive models, which were used as part of an optimization scheme that was implemented to determine the ratios of G:PCL and T:PCL and the thickness of the individual layers within a tissue engineered vascular graft that would compliance match a target compliance value. The hypocompliant, isocompliant, and hypercompliant grafts had target compliance values of 0.000256, 0.000568 and 0.000880 mmHg-1, respectively. Experimental validation of the optimization demonstrated that the hypercompliant and isocompliant grafts were not statistically significant from their respective target compliance values (p-value=0.37 and 0.89, respectively). The experimental compliance value of the hypocompliant graft was statistically significant than their target compliance value (p-value=0.047). We have successfully demonstrated a design optimization scheme that can be used to fabricate multilayered and biomimetic vascular grafts with targeted geometry and compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Akram Tamimi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Diana Catalina Ardila
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Robert S Kellar
- Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011; Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011
| | - Jonathan Vande Geest
- ASME Member, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 300 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, United State 15219
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López-Guimet J, Peña-Pérez L, Bradley RS, García-Canadilla P, Disney C, Geng H, Bodey AJ, Withers PJ, Bijnens B, Sherratt MJ, Egea G. MicroCT imaging reveals differential 3D micro-scale remodelling of the murine aorta in ageing and Marfan syndrome. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:6038-6052. [PMID: 30613281 PMCID: PMC6299435 DOI: 10.7150/thno.26598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic wall remodelling is a key feature of both ageing and genetic connective tissue diseases, which are associated with vasculopathies such as Marfan syndrome (MFS). Although the aorta is a 3D structure, little attention has been paid to volumetric assessment, primarily due to the limitations of conventional imaging techniques. Phase-contrast microCT is an emerging imaging technique, which is able to resolve the 3D micro-scale structure of large samples without the need for staining or sectioning. Methods: Here, we have used synchrotron-based phase-contrast microCT to image aortae of wild type (WT) and MFS Fbn1C1039G/+ mice aged 3, 6 and 9 months old (n=5). We have also developed a new computational approach to automatically measure key histological parameters. Results: This analysis revealed that WT mice undergo age-dependent aortic remodelling characterised by increases in ascending aorta diameter, tunica media thickness and cross-sectional area. The MFS aortic wall was subject to comparable remodelling, but the magnitudes of the changes were significantly exacerbated, particularly in 9 month-old MFS mice with ascending aorta wall dilations. Moreover, this morphological remodelling in MFS aorta included internal elastic lamina surface breaks that extended throughout the MFS ascending aorta and were already evident in animals who had not yet developed aneurysms. Conclusions: Our 3D microCT study of the sub-micron wall structure of whole, intact aorta reveals that histological remodelling of the tunica media in MFS could be viewed as an accelerated ageing process, and that phase-contrast microCT combined with computational image analysis allows the visualisation and quantification of 3D morphological remodelling in large volumes of unstained vascular tissues.
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10
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Soiberman U, Foster JW, Jun AS, Chakravarti S. Pathophysiology of Keratoconus: What Do We Know Today. Open Ophthalmol J 2017; 11:252-261. [PMID: 28932341 PMCID: PMC5585454 DOI: 10.2174/1874364101711010252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus is a common corneal ectasia that leads to progressive visual impairment. Numerous studies have shown abnormal protein expression patterns in keratoconic corneas. However, the specific mechanisms causing this disease remain ambiguous. This review aims to provide an update on morphological studies of the keratoconic cornea, relate these early studies with current findings from proteomic, biochemical and cell culture studies and to postulate possible pathogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Soiberman
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - James W Foster
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Albert S Jun
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shukti Chakravarti
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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11
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López-Guimet J, Andilla J, Loza-Alvarez P, Egea G. High-Resolution Morphological Approach to Analyse Elastic Laminae Injuries of the Ascending Aorta in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1505. [PMID: 28473723 PMCID: PMC5431420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01620-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In Marfan syndrome, the tunica media is disrupted, which leads to the formation of ascending aortic aneurysms. Marfan aortic samples are histologically characterized by the fragmentation of elastic laminae. However, conventional histological techniques using transverse sections provide limited information about the precise location, progression and 3D extension of the microstructural changes that occur in each lamina. We implemented a method using multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy and computational image processing, which provides high-resolution en-face images of segmented individual laminae from unstained whole aortic samples. We showed that internal elastic laminae and successive 2nd laminae are injured to a different extent in murine Marfan aortae; in particular, the density and size of fenestrae changed. Moreover, microstructural injuries were concentrated in the aortic proximal and convex anatomical regions. Other parameters such as the waviness and thickness of each lamina remained unaltered. In conclusion, the method reported here is a useful, unique tool for en-face laminae microstructure assessment that can obtain quantitative three-dimensional information about vascular tissue. The application of this method to murine Marfan aortae clearly shows that the microstructural damage in elastic laminae is not equal throughout the thickness of the tunica media and in the different anatomical regions of the ascending aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia López-Guimet
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Andilla
- ICFO-Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Loza-Alvarez
- ICFO-Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gustavo Egea
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institut de Recerca Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain. .,Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia IN2UB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Harrison S, Tamimi E, Uhlorn J, Leach T, Vande Geest JP. Computationally Optimizing the Compliance of a Biopolymer Based Tissue Engineered Vascular Graft. J Biomech Eng 2016; 138:2473573. [PMID: 26593773 DOI: 10.1115/1.4032060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death among Americans for which coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a standard surgical treatment. The success of CABG surgery is impaired by a compliance mismatch between vascular grafts and native vessels. Tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) have the potential to be compliance matched and thereby reduce the risk of graft failure. Glutaraldehyde (GLUT) vapor-crosslinked gelatin/fibrinogen constructs were fabricated and mechanically tested in a previous study by our research group at 2, 8, and 24 hrs of GLUT vapor exposure. The current study details a computational method that was developed to predict the material properties of our constructs for crosslinking times between 2 and 24 hrs by interpolating the 2, 8, and 24 hrs crosslinking time data. matlab and abaqus were used to determine the optimal combination of fabrication parameters to produce a compliance matched construct. The validity of the method was tested by creating a 16-hr crosslinked construct of 130 μm thickness and comparing its compliance to that predicted by the optimization algorithm. The predicted compliance of the 16-hr construct was 0.00059 mm Hg-1 while the experimentally determined compliance was 0.00065 mm Hg-1, a relative difference of 9.2%. Prior data in our laboratory has shown the compliance of the left anterior descending porcine coronary (LADC) artery to be 0.00071 ± 0.0003 mm Hg-1. Our optimization algorithm predicts that a 258-μm-thick construct that is GLUT vapor crosslinked for 8.1 hrs would match LADC compliance. This result is consistent with our previous work demonstrating that an 8-hr GLUT vapor crosslinked construct produces a compliance that is not significantly different from a porcine coronary LADC.
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Tamimi E, Ardila DC, Haskett DG, Doetschman T, Slepian MJ, Kellar RS, Vande Geest JP. Biomechanical Comparison of Glutaraldehyde-Crosslinked Gelatin Fibrinogen Electrospun Scaffolds to Porcine Coronary Arteries. J Biomech Eng 2016; 138:2466198. [PMID: 26501189 DOI: 10.1115/1.4031847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for Americans. As coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) remains a mainstay of therapy for CVD and native vein grafts are limited by issues of supply and lifespan, an effective readily available tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) for use in CABG would provide drastic improvements in patient care. Biomechanical mismatch between vascular grafts and native vasculature has been shown to be the major cause of graft failure, and therefore, there is need for compliance-matched biocompatible TEVGs for clinical implantation. The current study investigates the biaxial mechanical characterization of acellular electrospun glutaraldehyde (GLUT) vapor-crosslinked gelatin/fibrinogen cylindrical constructs, using a custom-made microbiaxial optomechanical device (MOD). Constructs crosslinked for 2, 8, and 24 hrs are compared to mechanically characterized porcine left anterior descending coronary (LADC) artery. The mechanical response data were used for constitutive modeling using a modified Fung strain energy equation. The results showed that constructs crosslinked for 2 and 8 hrs exhibited circumferential and axial tangential moduli (ATM) similar to that of the LADC. Furthermore, the 8-hrs experimental group was the only one to compliance-match the LADC, with compliance values of 0.0006±0.00018 mm Hg-1 and 0.00071±0.00027 mm Hg-1, respectively. The results of this study show the feasibility of meeting mechanical specifications expected of native arteries through manipulating GLUT vapor crosslinking time. The comprehensive mechanical characterization of cylindrical biopolymer constructs in this study is an important first step to successfully develop a biopolymer compliance-matched TEVG.
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Bellini C, Korneva A, Zilberberg L, Ramirez F, Rifkin D, Humphrey J. Differential ascending and descending aortic mechanics parallel aneurysmal propensity in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome. J Biomech 2016; 49:2383-2389. [PMID: 26755343 PMCID: PMC4917480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multi-system connective tissue disorder that results from mutations to the gene that codes the elastin-associated glycoprotein fibrillin-1. Although elastic fibers are compromised throughout the arterial tree, the most severe phenotype manifests in the ascending aorta. By comparing biaxial mechanics of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta in a mouse model of MFS, we show that aneurysmal propensity correlates well with both a marked increase in circumferential material stiffness and an increase in intramural shear stress despite a near maintenance of circumferential stress. This finding is corroborated via a comparison of the present results with previously reported findings for both the carotid artery from the same mouse model of MFS and for the thoracic aorta from another model of elastin-associated glycoprotein deficiency that does not predispose to thoracic aortic aneurysms. We submit that the unique biaxial loading of the ascending thoracic aorta conspires with fibrillin-1 deficiency to render this aortic segment vulnerable to aneurysm and rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Bellini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - A. Korneva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - L. Zilberberg
- Departments of Cell Biology and Medicine New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - F. Ramirez
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - D.B. Rifkin
- Departments of Cell Biology and Medicine New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J.D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Loss of Elastic Fiber Integrity Compromises Common Carotid Artery Function: Implications for Vascular Aging. Artery Res 2016; 14:41-52. [PMID: 27570569 DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Competent elastic fibers endow central arteries with the compliance and resilience that are fundamental to their primary mechanical function in vertebrates. That is, by enabling elastic energy to be stored in the arterial wall during systole and then to be used to work on the blood during diastole, elastic fibers decrease ventricular workload and augment blood flow in pulsatile systems. Indeed, because elastic fibers are formed during development and stretched during somatic growth, their continual tendency to recoil contributes to the undulation of the stiffer collagen fibers, which facilitates further the overall compliance of the wall under physiologic pressures while allowing the collagen to limit over-distension during acute increases in blood pressure. In this paper, we use consistent methods of measurement and quantification to compare the biaxial material stiffness, structural stiffness, and energy storage capacity of murine common carotid arteries having graded degrees of elastic fiber integrity - normal, elastin-deficient, fibrillin-1 deficient, fibulin-5 null, and elastase-treated. The finding that the intrinsic material stiffness tends to be maintained nearly constant suggests that intramural cells seek to maintain a favorable micromechanical environment in which to function. Nevertheless, a loss of elastic energy storage capability due to the loss of elastic fiber integrity severely compromises the primary function of these central arteries.
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16
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Haskett DG, Maestas D, Howerton SJ, Smith T, Ardila DC, Doetschman T, Utzinger U, McGrath D, McIntyre JO, Vande Geest JP. 2-Photon Characterization of Optical Proteolytic Beacons for Imaging Changes in Matrix-Metalloprotease Activity in a Mouse Model of Aneurysm. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2016; 22:349-360. [PMID: 26903264 PMCID: PMC4823162 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927616000088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a multifactorial disease that is a leading cause of death in developed countries. Matrix-metalloproteases (MMPs) are part of the disease process, however, assessing their role in disease initiation and progression has been difficult and animal models have become essential. Combining Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) proteolytic beacons activated in the presence of MMPs with 2-photon microscopy allows for a novel method of evaluating MMP activity within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Single and 2-photon spectra for proteolytic beacons were determined in vitro. Ex vivo experiments using the apolipoprotein E knockout angiotensin II-infused mouse model of aneurysm imaged ECM architecture simultaneously with the MMP-activated FRET beacons. 2-photon spectra of the two-color proteolytic beacons showed peaks for the individual fluorophores that enable imaging of MMP activity through proteolytic cleavage. Ex vivo imaging of the beacons within the ECM revealed both microstructure and MMP activity. 2-photon imaging of the beacons in aneurysmal tissue showed an increase in proteolytic cleavage within the ECM (p<0.001), thus indicating an increase in MMP activity. Our data suggest that FRET-based proteolytic beacons show promise in assessing MMP activity within the ECM and will therefore allow future studies to identify the heterogeneous distribution of simultaneous ECM remodeling and protease activity in aneurysmal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren G. Haskett
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - David Maestas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Stephen J. Howerton
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Tyler Smith
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - D. Catalina Ardila
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Tom Doetschman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Urs Utzinger
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Dominic McGrath
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - J. Oliver McIntyre
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Vande Geest
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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17
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Doyle JJ, Doyle AJ, Wilson NK, Habashi JP, Bedja D, Whitworth RE, Lindsay ME, Schoenhoff F, Myers L, Huso N, Bachir S, Squires O, Rusholme B, Ehsan H, Huso D, Thomas CJ, Caulfield MJ, Van Eyk JE, Judge DP, Dietz HC. A deleterious gene-by-environment interaction imposed by calcium channel blockers in Marfan syndrome. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26506064 PMCID: PMC4621743 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are prescribed to patients with Marfan syndrome for prophylaxis against aortic aneurysm progression, despite limited evidence for their efficacy and safety in the disorder. Unexpectedly, Marfan mice treated with CCBs show accelerated aneurysm expansion, rupture, and premature lethality. This effect is both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) dependent and angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1R) dependent. We have identified protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) as a critical mediator of this pathway and demonstrate that the PKCβ inhibitor enzastaurin, and the clinically available anti-hypertensive agent hydralazine, both normalize aortic growth in Marfan mice, in association with reduced PKCβ and ERK1/2 activation. Furthermore, patients with Marfan syndrome and other forms of inherited thoracic aortic aneurysm taking CCBs display increased risk of aortic dissection and need for aortic surgery, compared to patients on other antihypertensive agents. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08648.001 Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects the body's connective tissues, which maintain the structure of the body and support organs and other tissues. People with Marfan syndrome have connective tissues that can stretch more than those of other people, which put them at increased risk of a life-threatening tear in their aorta (the main artery in the body), muscle weakness and other problems. A cell communication pathway called TGFβ signaling is involved in cell growth and many other important processes. TGFβ signaling is more active in patients with Marfan syndrome due to mutations in a gene called FBN1. Drugs that block TGFβ signaling—which are also used to treat high blood pressure—can reduce the symptoms of the disorder. Unfortunately, not all people with Marfan disease can tolerate these drugs and other medications called calcium channel blockers, which also lower blood pressure, are often used as an alternative. It is thought that calcium channel blockers help reduce stress on blood vessels, but there is little data to show whether these drugs are safe and helpful for patients with Marfan syndrome. Now, Doyle, Doyle et al. studied the effect of two different calcium channel blockers on mice that have a mutation in Fbn1—the mouse equivalent of FBN1—that is similar to those found in humans with Marfan syndrome. The experiments show that the aortas of these mice grew more quickly and were more likely to tear when compared to mice that did not receive these drugs. Many of these aortic tears were fatal. The calcium channel blockers increased the activity of two signaling molecules that are regulated by TGFβ signaling. Treating the Marfan mice with other drugs that lower the activity of these signaling molecules protected the aorta, even if they were also treated with the calcium channel blockers. Doyle, Doyle et al. examined a registry of human patients. This revealed preliminary evidence that aortic tears and aortic repair surgery were more common in patients with Marfan syndrome who had received calcium channel blockers than patients who had been treated with other drugs. Together, these findings suggest that it may be dangerous to treat patients with Marfan syndrome with calcium channel blockers. Additional work will be needed to confirm this risk, to find out if it extends to other similar conditions, and to explore the therapeutic potential of drugs that target the two enzymes. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08648.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson J Doyle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Alexander J Doyle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole K Wilson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jennifer P Habashi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Djahida Bedja
- Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ryan E Whitworth
- Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, United States
| | - Mark E Lindsay
- Thoracic Aortic Center, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Florian Schoenhoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.,Proteomics Innovation Center in Heart Failure, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Loretha Myers
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Nick Huso
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Suha Bachir
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Oliver Squires
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Benjamin Rusholme
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Hamid Ehsan
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - David Huso
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mark J Caulfield
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer E Van Eyk
- Proteomics Innovation Center in Heart Failure, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Daniel P Judge
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Harry C Dietz
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
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18
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Le VP, Cheng JK, Kim J, Staiculescu MC, Ficker SW, Sheth SC, Bhayani SA, Mecham RP, Yanagisawa H, Wagenseil JE. Mechanical factors direct mouse aortic remodelling during early maturation. J R Soc Interface 2015; 12:20141350. [PMID: 25652465 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous diseases have been linked to genetic mutations that lead to reduced amounts or disorganization of arterial elastic fibres. Previous work has shown that mice with reduced amounts of elastin (Eln+/-) are able to live a normal lifespan through cardiovascular adaptations, including changes in haemodynamic stresses, arterial geometry and arterial wall mechanics. It is not known if the timeline and presence of these adaptations are consistent in other mouse models of elastic fibre disease, such as those caused by the absence of fibulin-5 expression (Fbln5-/-). Adult Fbln5-/- mice have disorganized elastic fibres, decreased arterial compliance and high blood pressure. We examined mechanical behaviour of the aorta in Fbln5-/- mice through early maturation when the elastic fibres are being assembled. We found that the physiologic circumferential stretch, stress and modulus of Fbln5-/- aorta are maintained near wild-type levels. Constitutive modelling suggests that elastin contributions to the total stress are decreased, whereas collagen contributions are increased. Understanding how collagen fibre structure and mechanics compensate for defective elastic fibres to meet the mechanical requirements of the maturing aorta may help to better understand arterial remodelling in human elastinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria P Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jungsil Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marius C Staiculescu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawn W Ficker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saahil C Sheth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Siddharth A Bhayani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hiromi Yanagisawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
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19
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Bersi MR, Ferruzzi J, Eberth JF, Gleason RL, Humphrey JD. Consistent Biomechanical Phenotyping of Common Carotid Arteries from Seven Genetic, Pharmacological, and Surgical Mouse Models. Ann Biomed Eng 2014; 42:1207-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-014-0988-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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20
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Morissette R, Merke DP, McDonnell NB. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway abnormalities in tenascin-X deficiency associated with CAH-X syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2013; 57:95-102. [PMID: 24380766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with tenascin-X deficiency (CAH-X syndrome) have both endocrine imbalances and characteristic Ehlers Danlos syndrome phenotypes. Unlike other subtypes, tenascin-X-related Ehlers Danlos syndrome is caused by an extracellular matrix protein deficiency rather than a defect in fibrillar collagen or a collagen-modifying enzyme, and the understanding of the disease mechanisms is limited. We hypothesized that transforming growth factor-β pathway dysregulation may, in part, be responsible for connective tissue phenotypes observed in CAH-X, due to this pathway's known role in connective tissue disorders. Fibroblasts and direct tissue from human skin biopsies from CAH-X probands and age- and sex-matched controls were screened for transforming growth factor-β biomarkers known to be dysregulated in other hereditary disorders of connective tissue. In CAH-X fibroblast lines and dermal tissue, pSmad1/5/8 was significantly upregulated compared to controls, suggesting involvement of the bone morphogenetic protein pathway. Additionally, CAH-X samples compared to controls exhibited significant increases in fibroblast-secreted TGF-β3, a cytokine important in secondary palatal development, and in plasma TGF-β2, a cytokine involved in cardiac function and development, as well as palatogenesis. Finally, MMP-13, a matrix metalloproteinase important in secondary palate formation and tissue remodeling, had significantly increased mRNA and protein expression in CAH-X fibroblasts and direct tissue. Collectively, these results demonstrate that patients with CAH-X syndrome exhibit increased expression of several transforming growth factor-β biomarkers and provide a novel link between this signaling pathway and the connective tissue dysplasia phenotypes associated with tenascin-X deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Morissette
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, NIA Clinical Unit, 5th Floor, 3001 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA; The National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Deborah P Merke
- The National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nazli B McDonnell
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, NIA Clinical Unit, 5th Floor, 3001 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225, USA.
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21
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Franken R, den Hartog AW, de Waard V, Engele L, Radonic T, Lutter R, Timmermans J, Scholte AJ, van den Berg MP, Zwinderman AH, Groenink M, Mulder BJM. Circulating transforming growth factor-β as a prognostic biomarker in Marfan syndrome. Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:2441-6. [PMID: 23582687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Marfan associated mutations in the FBN1 gene lead to increased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of plasma TGF-β as a biomarker for progressive aortic root dilatation and dissection. METHODS Plasma TGF-β level and aortic root diameter by means of echocardiography were assessed in 99 MFS patients. After 38 months of follow-up measurement of the aortic root was repeated and individual aortic root growth curves were constructed. Clinical events were evaluated. The primary composite endpoint was defined as aortic dissection and prophylactic aortic root replacement. RESULTS TGF-β levels were higher in MFS patients as compared to healthy controls (109 pg/ml versus 54 pg/ml, p<0.001). Higher plasma TGF-β levels correlated with larger aortic root dimensions (r=0.26, p=0.027), previous aortic root surgery (161 pg/ml versus 88 pg/ml, p=0.007) and faster aortic root growth rate (r=0.42, p<0.001). During 38 months of follow-up, 17 events were observed (four type B dissections and 13 aortic root replacements). Patients with TGF-β levels above 140 pg/ml had a 6.5 times higher risk of experiencing the composite endpoint compared to patients with TGF-β levels below 140 pg/ml (95% CI: 2.1 to 20.1, p=0.001) with 65% sensitivity and 78% specificity. CONCLUSION Elevated TGF-β level in patients with Marfan syndrome is correlated with larger aortic root diameters and faster aortic root growth. Level of plasma TGF-β predicts cardiovascular events and might serve as a prognostic biomarker in MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Franken
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands, The Netherlands
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22
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Ferruzzi J, Bersi MR, Humphrey JD. Biomechanical phenotyping of central arteries in health and disease: advantages of and methods for murine models. Ann Biomed Eng 2013; 41:1311-30. [PMID: 23549898 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-013-0799-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The stiffness and structural integrity of the arterial wall depends primarily on the organization of the extracellular matrix and the cells that fashion and maintain this matrix. Fundamental to the latter is a delicate balance in the continuous production and removal of structural constituents and the mechanical state in which such turnover occurs. Perturbations in this balance due to genetic mutations, altered hemodynamics, or pathological processes result in diverse vascular phenotypes, many of which have yet to be well characterized biomechanically. In this paper, we emphasize the particular need to understand regional variations in the biaxial biomechanical properties of central arteries in health and disease and, in addition, the need for standardization in the associated biaxial testing and quantification. As an example of possible experimental methods, we summarize testing protocols that have evolved in our laboratory over the past 8 years. Moreover, we note advantages of a four fiber family stress-stretch relation for quantifying passive biaxial behaviors, the use of stored energy as a convenient scalar metric of the associated material stiffness, and the utility of appropriate linearizations of the nonlinear, anisotropic relations both for purposes of comparison across laboratories and to inform computational fluid-solid-interaction models. We conclude that, notwithstanding prior advances, there remain many opportunities to advance our understanding of arterial mechanics and mechanobiology, particularly via the diverse genetic, pharmacological, and surgical models that are, or soon will be, available in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ferruzzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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23
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Cardiol 2012; 27:682-95. [PMID: 23075824 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0b013e32835a0ad8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Pediatr 2012; 24:547-53. [PMID: 22790103 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e3283566807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Doyle JJ, Gerber EE, Dietz HC. Matrix-dependent perturbation of TGFβ signaling and disease. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:2003-15. [PMID: 22641039 PMCID: PMC3426037 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a multipotent cytokine that is sequestered in the extracellular matrix (ECM) through interactions with a number of ECM proteins. The ECM serves to concentrate latent TGFβ at sites of intended function, to influence the bioavailability and/or function of TGFβ activators, and perhaps to regulate the intrinsic performance of cell surface effectors of TGFβ signal propagation. The downstream consequences of TGFβ signaling cascades in turn provide feedback modulation of the ECM. This review covers recent examples of how genetic mutations in constituents of the ECM or TGFβ signaling cascade result in altered ECM homeostasis, cellular performance and ultimately disease, with an emphasis on emerging therapeutic strategies that seek to capitalize on this refined mechanistic understanding.
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Krieglstein K, Miyazono K, ten Dijke P, Unsicker K. TGF-β in aging and disease. Cell Tissue Res 2011; 347:5-9. [PMID: 22183203 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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