1
|
Zhao J, Sormani L, Jacquelin S, Li H, Styke C, Zhou C, Beesley J, Oon L, Kaur S, Sim SL, Wong HY, Dight J, Hashemi G, Shafiee A, Roy E, Patel J, Khosrotehrani K. Distinct roles of SOX9 in self-renewal of progenitors and mesenchymal transition of the endothelium. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:545-560. [PMID: 38733496 PMCID: PMC11303482 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09927-7] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative capabilities of the endothelium rely on vessel-resident progenitors termed endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). This study aimed to investigate if these progenitors are impacted by conditions (i.e., obesity or atherosclerosis) characterized by increased serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a known inducer of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). Our investigation focused on understanding the effects of EndMT on the self-renewal capabilities of progenitors and the associated molecular alterations. In the presence of oxLDL, ECFCs displayed classical features of EndMT, through reduced endothelial gene and protein expression, function as well as increased mesenchymal genes, contractility, and motility. Additionally, ECFCs displayed a dramatic loss in self-renewal capacity in the presence of oxLDL. RNA-sequencing analysis of ECFCs exposed to oxLDL validated gene expression changes suggesting EndMT and identified SOX9 as one of the highly differentially expressed genes. ATAC sequencing analysis identified SOX9 binding sites associated with regions of dynamic chromosome accessibility resulting from oxLDL exposure, further pointing to its importance. EndMT phenotype and gene expression changes induced by oxLDL in vitro or high fat diet (HFD) in vivo were reversed by the silencing of SOX9 in ECFCs or the endothelial-specific conditional knockout of Sox9 in murine models. Overall, our findings support that EndMT affects vessel-resident endothelial progenitor's self-renewal. SOX9 activation is an early transcriptional event that drives the mesenchymal transition of endothelial progenitor cells. The identification of the molecular network driving EndMT in vessel-resident endothelial progenitors presents a new avenue in understanding and preventing a range of condition where this process is involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jilai Zhao
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Laura Sormani
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Sebastien Jacquelin
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Macrophage Biology Laboratory, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Haiming Li
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Cassandra Styke
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jonathan Beesley
- Cancer Research Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Linus Oon
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Simranpreet Kaur
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Macrophage Biology Laboratory, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Seen-Ling Sim
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Ho Yi Wong
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - James Dight
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Ghazaleh Hashemi
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Abbas Shafiee
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Edwige Roy
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Jatin Patel
- Centre for Ageing Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Experimental Dermatology Group, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu K, Wei ZY, Zhong XH, Liu X, Chen H, Pan Y, Zeng W. The Jagged-1/Notch1 Signaling Pathway Promotes the Construction of Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves. Tissue Eng Part A 2024; 30:381-392. [PMID: 38062730 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0140] [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] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) are promising new heart valve substitutes for valvular heart disease. The Notch signaling pathway plays a critical role in the development of congenital heart valves. Objective: To investigate the role of the Notch signaling pathway in the construction of TEHVs. Methods: The induced endothelial cells, which act as seed cells, were differentiated from adipose-derived stem cells and were treated with Jagged-1 (JAG-1) protein and γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT, N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-s-phenylglycine t-butyl ester), respectively. Cell phenotypic changes, the expression of proteins relating to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and changes in paxillin expression were detected. Decellularized valve scaffolds were produced from decellularized porcine aortic valves. The seed cells were them inoculated into Matrigel-coated flap scaffolds for complex culture and characterization. Results: JAG-1 significantly reduced apoptosis and promoted the seeded cells' proliferation and migration ability, in contrast to the treatment of DAPT. In addition, the expression of EMT-related proteins, E-cadherin and N-cadherin, was significantly increased after treatment with JAG-1 and was reduced after the application of DAPT. Meanwhile, the adhesive-related expression of paxillin and fibronectin proteins was increased after the activation of Notch1 signaling and vice versa. Of interest, activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway resulted in more closely arranged cells on the valve surface after recellularization. Conclusion: Activation of the JAG-1/Notch1 signaling pathway increased seeded cells' proliferation and migratory ability and promoted the EMT and adhesion of seed cells, which was conducive to binding to the matrix, facilitating accelerated endothelialization of TEHVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Thoracic surgery, Fuyang Sixth People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Zhang-Yan Wei
- Department of ICU, Linquan County People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Xue-Hong Zhong
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yiyun Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Zhu H, Xin W, Wang J, Yan C, Ying K. GDF15 affects venous thrombosis by promoting EndMT through smad2/p-smad2 pathway. Thromb J 2023; 21:98. [PMID: 37723495 PMCID: PMC10506185 DOI: 10.1186/s12959-023-00547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a pathophysiological change in the vascular endothelium commonly seen in the cardiovascular system. Elevated serum Growth differiention factor 15 (GDF15) has been reported in VTE patients, but the relationship and mechanism between GDF15, EndMT and VTE are still unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective clinical study, and human serum GDF15 expression levels were detected. The mouse DVT model was established through subtotal ligation of the mouse inferior vena cava, and then we detected intimal changes and thrombi in the stenotic inferior vena cava by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining. The expression levels of GDF15 and SM22 were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT‒qPCR. Serum samples of mice were collected, and the expression level of GDF15 in serum was detected. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with a cytokine mixture (TGF-β1 + TNF-α + IL-1β). The role and mechanism of GDF15 in EndMT and VTE were detected in HUVECs and in a DVT mice model. RESULTS We found that serum GDF15 levels in both VTE patients and mouse DVT models were higher than those in the control group. EndMT was increased in the stenotic vascular tissue of mice. Further experiments showed that GDF15 could promote the EndMT of HUVECs and reduce their anticoagulation and antifibrinolytic ability through the smad2/p-smad2/snail pathway. Inhibition of mature GDF15 release can significantly reduce venous thrombotic fibre deposition in mice. CONCLUSIONS GDF15 positively promotes EndMT through activation of the Smad2/psmad2/snail pathway, and inhibition of GDF15 expression can alleviate the EndMT process, further improving the coagulation and fibrinolytic function of endothelial cells and thus reducing the local fibre deposition of venous thrombi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeping Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Huiqi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Wanghao Xin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Jiaoyan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Kejing Ying
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hu H, Huang J, Zhang S, Zhang B, Li W, Sun K. Tumor necrosis factor-α stimulation endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition during cardiac fibrosis via endothelin-1 signaling. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23411. [PMID: 37334666 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23411] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an important pathological change after myocardial infarction (MI). High concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) contributes to cardiac fibrosis, and TNF-α has been demonstrated to be involved in transforming growth factor-β1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). However, the role and molecular mechanisms of TNF-α during cardiac fibrosis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated that TNF-α and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were upregulated in cardiac fibrosis after MI, and genes associated with EndMT were also upregulated. An in vitro model of EndMT demonstrated that TNF-α promoted EndMT by upregulation of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, and which strongly increased ET-1 expression. ET-1 promoted TNF-α-induced expression of gene program through phosphorylation levels of SMAD family member 2, while subsequent inhibition of ET-1 almost abolished the effect of TNF-α during the process of EndMT. In summary, these findings demonstrated that ET-1 is involved in the EndMT induced by TNF-α during cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihong Huang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nehl D, Goody PR, Maus K, Pfeifer A, Aikawa E, Bakthiary F, Zimmer S, Nickenig G, Jansen F, Hosen MR. Human and porcine aortic valve endothelial and interstitial cell isolation and characterization. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1151028. [PMID: 37408661 PMCID: PMC10318150 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1151028] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is defined by pathological changes in the aortic valve (AV) and their predominant cell types: valvular interstitial (VICs) and endothelial cells (VECs). Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this disease is a prerequisite to identify potential pharmacological treatment strategies. In this study, we present a unique aortic valve cell isolation technique to acquire specific human and porcine cell populations and compared VICs and VECs of these species with each other for the first time. Methods AV cells were isolated from tissue obtained from human patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or from porcine hearts. Functional analysis and in vitro experiments revealed that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) can be induced in hVECs, leading to a significant increase in mesenchymal markers. In vitro calcification experiments of VICs demonstrated pronounced expression of calcification markers and visible calcific deposits in Alizarin Red staining in both species after incubation with pro-calcific media. Results Cells isolated from patient-derived AVs showed mesenchymal and endothelial-specific gene signatures (VIC and VEC, respectively). For instance, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and platelet endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1) were upregulated in VECs, while the myofibroblastic markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin (VIM) were downregulated in VECs compared to VICs. Analysis of cell function by migration revealed that VECs are more migratory than VICs. Induction of EndMT in vitro in VECs displayed increased expression of EndMT markers and decreased expression of endothelial markers, confirming their mesenchymal transdifferentiation ability. In vitro calcification of VICs revealed upregulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), a hallmark of calcification. In addition, other calcification-related genes such as osteocalcin (BGLAP) and runt-related factor 2 (RUNX2) were upregulated. Alizarin red staining of calcified cells provided a further layer of confirmation that the isolated cells were VICs with osteoblastic differentiation capacity. Conclusion This study aims to take a first step towards standardizing a reproducible isolation technique for specific human and porcine VEC and VIC populations. A comparison of human and porcine aortic valve cells demonstrated that porcine cells may serve as an alternative cellular model system in settings where human tissue is difficult to obtain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Nehl
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - P. R. Goody
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - K. Maus
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A. Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - E. Aikawa
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - F. Bakthiary
- Heart Center Bonn, Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - S. Zimmer
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - G. Nickenig
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - F. Jansen
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M. R. Hosen
- Heart Center Bonn, Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shu L, Yuan Z, Li F, Cai Z. Oxidative stress and valvular endothelial cells in aortic valve calcification. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114775. [PMID: 37116353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114775] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common cardiovascular disease in elderly individuals. Although it was previously considered a degenerative disease, it is, in fact, a progressive disease involving multiple mechanisms. Aortic valve endothelial cells, which cover the outermost layer of the aortic valve and are directly exposed to various pathogenic factors, play a significant role in the onset and progression of CAVD. Hemodynamic changes can directly damage the structure and function of valvular endothelial cells (VECs). This leads to inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress, which promote the progression of CAVD. VECs can regulate the pathological differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) through NO and thus affect the process of CAVD. Under the influence of pathological factors, VECs can also be transformed into VICs through EndMT, and then the pathological differentiation of VICs eventually leads to the formation of calcification. This review discusses the role of VECs, especially the role of oxidative stress in VECs, in the process of aortic valve calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Shu
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhejun Cai
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mu X, Gerhard-Herman MD, Zhang YS. Building Blood Vessel Chips with Enhanced Physiological Relevance. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201778. [PMID: 37693798 PMCID: PMC10489284 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel chips are bioengineered microdevices, consisting of biomaterials, human cells, and microstructures, which recapitulate essential vascular structure and physiology and allow a well-controlled microenvironment and spatial-temporal readouts. Blood vessel chips afford promising opportunities to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a range of vascular diseases. The physiological relevance is key to these blood vessel chips that rely on bioinspired strategies and bioengineering approaches to translate vascular physiology into artificial units. Here, we discuss several critical aspects of vascular physiology, including morphology, material composition, mechanical properties, flow dynamics, and mass transport, which provide essential guidelines and a valuable source of bioinspiration for the rational design of blood vessel chips. We also review state-of-art blood vessel chips that exhibit important physiological features of the vessel and reveal crucial insights into the biological processes and disease pathogenesis, including rare diseases, with notable implications for drug screening and clinical trials. We envision that the advances in biomaterials, biofabrication, and stem cells improve the physiological relevance of blood vessel chips, which, along with the close collaborations between clinicians and bioengineers, enable their widespread utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie Denise Gerhard-Herman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bogdanova M, Zabirnyk A, Malashicheva A, Semenova D, Kvitting JPE, Kaljusto ML, Perez MDM, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Sullivan GJ, Rutkovskiy A, Vaage J. Models and Techniques to Study Aortic Valve Calcification in Vitro, ex Vivo and in Vivo. An Overview. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835825. [PMID: 35721220 PMCID: PMC9203042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835825] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis secondary to aortic valve calcification is the most common valve disease in the Western world. Calcification is a result of pathological proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of resident valve interstitial cells. To develop non-surgical treatments, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathological calcification must be revealed. In the current overview, we present methods for evaluation of calcification in different ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo situations including imaging in patients. The latter include echocardiography, scanning with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Particular emphasis is on translational studies of calcific aortic valve stenosis with a special focus on cell culture using human primary cell cultures. Such models are widely used and suitable for screening of drugs against calcification. Animal models are presented, but there is no animal model that faithfully mimics human calcific aortic valve disease. A model of experimentally induced calcification in whole porcine aortic valve leaflets ex vivo is also included. Finally, miscellaneous methods and aspects of aortic valve calcification, such as, for instance, biomarkers are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bogdanova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arsenii Zabirnyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Semenova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Mari-Liis Kaljusto
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Woman and Children Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vaidya KA, Donnelly MP, Mahmut A, Jang JW, Gee TW, Aibo MAI, Bossong R, Hall C, Samb S, Chen J, Butcher JT. Rac1 mediates cadherin-11 induced cellular pathogenic processes in aortic valve calcification. Cardiovasc Pathol 2022; 58:107414. [PMID: 35074515 PMCID: PMC8923944 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2022.107414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a major cause for surgical aortic valve replacement, currently lacks available pharmacological treatments. Cadherin-11 (Cad11), a promising therapeutic target, promotes aortic valve calcification in vivo, but direct Cad11 inhibition in clinical trials has been unsuccessful. Targeting of downstream Cad11 effectors instead may be clinically useful; however, the downstream effectors that mediate Cad11-induced aortic valve cellular pathogenesis have not been investigated. APPROACH AND RESULTS Immunofluorescence of calcified human aortic valves revealed that GTP-Rac1 is highly upregulated in calcified leaflets and is 2.15 times more co-localized with Cad11 in calcified valves than GTP-RhoA. Using dominant negative mutants in porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (PAVICs), we show that Cad11 predominantly regulates Runx2 nuclear localization via Rac1. Rac1-GEF inhibition via NSC23766 effectively reduces calcification in ex vivo porcine aortic valve leaflets treated with osteogenic media by 2.8-fold and also prevents Cad11-induced cell migration, compaction, and calcification in PAVICs. GTP-Rac1 and Trio, a known Cad11 binding partner and Rac1-GEF, are significantly upregulated in Nfatc1Cre; R26-Cad11Tg/Tg (Cad11 OX) mice that conditionally overexpress Cad11 in the heart valves by 3.1-fold and 6.3-fold, respectively. Finally, we found that the Trio-specific Rac1-GEF inhibitor, ITX3, effectively prevents Cad11-induced calcification and Runx2 induction in osteogenic conditions. CONCLUSION Here we show that Cad11 induces many cellular pathogenic processes via Rac1 and that Rac1 inhibition effectively prevents many Cad11-induced aortic disease phenotypes. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of blocking Rac1-GEFs in CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran A Vaidya
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matthew P Donnelly
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ablajan Mahmut
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jae Woong Jang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Terence W Gee
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Robert Bossong
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Clare Hall
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay Samb
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Albany Medical College, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Latif N, Sarathchandra P, McCormack A, Yacoub MH, Chester AH. Atypical Expression of Smooth Muscle Markers and Co-activators and Their Regulation in Rheumatic Aortic and Calcified Bicuspid Valves. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:793666. [PMID: 35369286 PMCID: PMC8968087 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.793666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We have previously reported that human calcified aortic cusps have abundant expression of smooth muscle (SM) markers and co-activators. We hypothesised that cells in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) cusps and those affected by rheumatic heart valve (RHV) disease may follow a similar phenotypic transition into smooth muscle cells, a process that could be regulated by transforming growth factors (TGFs). Aims Cusps from eight patients with BAV and seven patients with RHV were analysed for early and late SM markers and regulators of SM gene expression by immunocytochemistry and compared to healthy aortic valves from 12 unused heart valve donors. The ability of TGFs to induce these markers in valve endothelial cells (VECs) on two substrates was assessed. Results In total, 7 out of 8 BAVs and all the RHVs showed an increased and atypical expression of early and late SM markers α-SMA, calponin, SM22 and SM-myosin. The SM marker co-activators were aberrantly expressed in six of the BAV and six of the RHV, in a similar regional pattern to the expression of SM markers. Additionally, regions of VECs, and endothelial cells lining the vessels within the cusps were found to be positive for SM markers and co-activators in three BAV and six RHV. Both BAVs and RHVs were significantly thickened and HIF1α expression was prominent in four BAVs and one RHV. The ability of TGFβs to induce the expression of SM markers and myocardin was greater in VECs cultured on fibronectin than on gelatin. Fibronectin was shown to be upregulated in BAVs and RHVs, within the cusps as well as in the basement membrane. Conclusion Bicuspid aortic valves and RHVs expressed increased numbers of SM marker-positive VICs and VECs. Concomittantly, these cells expressed MRTF-A and myocardin, key regulators of SM gene expression. TGFβ1 was able to preferentially upregulate SM markers and myocardin in VECs on fibronectin, and fibronectin was found to be upregulated in BAVs and RHVs. These findings suggest a role of VEC as a source of cells that express SM cell markers in BAVs and RHVs. The similarity between SM marker expression in BAVs and RHVs with our previous study with cusps from patients with aortic stenosis suggests the existance of a common pathological pathway between these different pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najma Latif
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Najma Latif,
| | | | - Ann McCormack
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Magdi H. Yacoub
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian H. Chester
- Heart Science Centre, Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Deb N, Lacerda CMR. Valvular Endothelial Cell Response to the Mechanical Environment-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:695-709. [PMID: 34661855 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart valve leaflets are complex structures containing valve endothelial cells, interstitial cells, and extracellular matrix. Heart valve endothelial cells sense mechanical stimuli, and communicate amongst themselves and the surrounding cells and extracellular matrix to maintain tissue homeostasis. In the presence of abnormal mechanical stimuli, endothelial cell communication is triggered in defense and such processes may eventually lead to cardiac disease progression. This review focuses on the role of mechanical stimuli on heart valve endothelial surfaces-from heart valve development and maintenance of tissue integrity to disease progression with related signal pathways involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Deb N, Lacerda CMR. The Individual and Combined Effects of Shear, Tension, and Flexure on Aortic Heart Valve Endothelial Cells in Culture. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2021; 13:443-451. [PMID: 34811659 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-021-00592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The necessity of living engineered heart valves to treat patients with severe heart disease poses a challenge to tissue engineers. To reach such goal it is crucial to fully understand the role and the activities of valvular endothelial cells (VECs) when they face different types of mechanical stimuli. This study focuses on decomposing the roles of different mechanical stimuli on heart valve endothelial surfaces and the response of VECs in terms of morphology and phenotype change. METHODS This study utilizes soft hydrogel-based scaffolds to use as a substrate for cell culture to mimic heart valve tissue leaflet. VECs were cultured as a monolayer on the gel surface and different types of mechanical stimuli were applied. Finally, the response of cells was investigated in terms of morphology and protein expression changes. RESULTS Single stimuli introduces actin fibers reorganization in VECs, change in cell morphology, and higher mesenchymal protein expression. On the other hand, combined stimuli application has lower impact on actin fibers reorganization and cell morphology change, with lower mesenchymal protein expression. CONCLUSIONS When VECs face a single mechanical stimuli, they undergo transdifferentiation and transform into mesenchymal cells. However, when these cells face a combination of mechanical stimuli, the rate of transformation decreases compared to single stimuli applications. This indicates that a single stimulus induces endothelial to mesenchymal transition in VECs while the process is slower under the combination of multiple mechanical stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3121, USA
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3121, USA. .,The Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Farrar EJ, Hiriart E, Mahmut A, Jagla B, Peal DS, Milan DJ, Butcher JT, Puceat M. OCT4-mediated inflammation induces cell reprogramming at the origin of cardiac valve development and calcification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf7910. [PMID: 34739324 PMCID: PMC8570594 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf7910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell plasticity plays a key role in embryos by maintaining the differentiation potential of progenitors. Whether postnatal somatic cells revert to an embryonic-like naïve state regaining plasticity and redifferentiate into a cell type leading to a disease remains intriguing. Using genetic lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing, we reveal that Oct4 is induced by nuclear factor κB (NFκB) at embyronic day 9.5 in a subset of mouse endocardial cells originating from the anterior heart forming field at the onset of endocardial-to-mesenchymal transition. These cells acquired a chondro-osteogenic fate. OCT4 in adult valvular aortic cells leads to calcification of mouse and human valves. These calcifying cells originate from the Oct4 embryonic lineage. Genetic deletion of Pou5f1 (Pit-Oct-Unc, OCT4) in the endocardial cell lineage prevents aortic stenosis and calcification of ApoE−/− mouse valve. We established previously unidentified self-cell reprogramming NFκB- and OCT4-mediated inflammatory pathway triggering a dose-dependent mechanism of valve calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Farrar
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Emilye Hiriart
- INSERM U1251, Aix-Marseille University, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - Ablajan Mahmut
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bernd Jagla
- Pasteur Institute, Cytometry and Biomarkers Unit of Technology and Service, C2RT, & Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique–Département Biologie Computationnelle, Paris, France
| | - David S. Peal
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David J. Milan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Corresponding author. (M.P.); (J.B.)
| | - Michel Puceat
- INSERM U1251, Aix-Marseille University, MMG, Marseille, France
- Corresponding author. (M.P.); (J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Parra-Izquierdo I, Sánchez-Bayuela T, López J, Gómez C, Pérez-Riesgo E, San Román JA, Sánchez Crespo M, Yacoub M, Chester AH, García-Rodríguez C. Interferons Are Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Sheared-Stressed Human Aortic Valve Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910605. [PMID: 34638942 PMCID: PMC8508640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an athero-inflammatory process. Growing evidence supports the inflammation-driven calcification model, mediated by cytokines such as interferons (IFNs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Our goal was investigating IFNs' effects in human aortic valve endothelial cells (VEC) and the potential differences between aortic (aVEC) and ventricular (vVEC) side cells. The endothelial phenotype was analyzed by Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, monocyte adhesion, and migration assays. In mixed VEC populations, IFNs promoted the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-1 and nuclear factor-κB, and the subsequent up-regulation of pro-inflammatory molecules. Side-specific VEC were activated with IFN-γ and TNF-α in an orbital shaker flow system. TNF-α, but not IFN-γ, induced hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α stabilization or endothelial nitric oxide synthase downregulation. Additionally, IFN-γ inhibited TNF-α-induced migration of aVEC. Also, IFN-γ triggered cytokine secretion and adhesion molecule expression in aVEC and vVEC. Finally, aVEC were more prone to cytokine-mediated monocyte adhesion under multiaxial flow conditions as compared with uniaxial flow. In conclusion, IFNs promote inflammation and reduce TNF-α-mediated migration in human VEC. Moreover, monocyte adhesion was higher in inflamed aVEC sheared under multiaxial flow, which may be relevant to understanding the initial stages of CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Parra-Izquierdo
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
| | - Tania Sánchez-Bayuela
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
| | - Javier López
- ICICOR, Hospital Clínico Universitario, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (J.L.); (J.A.S.R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Gómez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
| | - Enrique Pérez-Riesgo
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
| | - J. Alberto San Román
- ICICOR, Hospital Clínico Universitario, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; (J.L.); (J.A.S.R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Sánchez Crespo
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
| | - Magdi Yacoub
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LR, UK;
- Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield UB9 6JH, UK
| | - Adrian H. Chester
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LR, UK;
- Magdi Yacoub Institute, Harefield UB9 6JH, UK
- Correspondence: (A.H.C.); (C.G.-R.); Tel.: +44-(0)1895-760732 (A.H.C.); +34-983-184841 (C.G.-R.)
| | - Carmen García-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (I.P.-I.); (T.S.-B.); (C.G.); (E.P.-R.); (M.S.C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.H.C.); (C.G.-R.); Tel.: +44-(0)1895-760732 (A.H.C.); +34-983-184841 (C.G.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Islam S, Boström KI, Di Carlo D, Simmons CA, Tintut Y, Yao Y, Hsu JJ. The Mechanobiology of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease. Front Physiol 2021; 12:734215. [PMID: 34566697 PMCID: PMC8458763 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.734215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the cardiovascular system are subjected to a highly dynamic microenvironment resulting from pulsatile pressure and circulating blood flow. Endothelial cells are remarkably sensitive to these forces, which are transduced to activate signaling pathways to maintain endothelial homeostasis and respond to changes in the environment. Aberrations in these biomechanical stresses, however, can trigger changes in endothelial cell phenotype and function. One process involved in this cellular plasticity is endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). As a result of EndMT, ECs lose cell-cell adhesion, alter their cytoskeletal organization, and gain increased migratory and invasive capabilities. EndMT has long been known to occur during cardiovascular development, but there is now a growing body of evidence also implicating it in many cardiovascular diseases (CVD), often associated with alterations in the cellular mechanical environment. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of shear stress, cyclic strain, matrix stiffness, and composition associated with EndMT in CVD. We first provide an overview of EndMT and context for how ECs sense, transduce, and respond to certain mechanical stimuli. We then describe the biomechanical features of EndMT and the role of mechanically driven EndMT in CVD. Finally, we indicate areas of open investigation to further elucidate the complexity of EndMT in the cardiovascular system. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the mechanobiology of EndMT in CVD can provide insight into new opportunities for identification of novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahrin Islam
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yin Tintut
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Deb N, Ali MS, Mathews A, Chang YW, Lacerda CM. Shear type and magnitude affect aortic valve endothelial cell morphology, orientation, and differentiation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2278-2289. [PMID: 34260291 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211023359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Valvular endothelial cells line the outer layer of heart valves and can withstand shear forces caused by blood flow. In contrast to vascular endothelial cells, there is limited amount of research over valvular endothelial cells. For this reason, the exact physiologic behavior of valvular endothelial cells is unclear. Prior studies have concluded that valvular endothelial cells align perpendicularly to the direction of blood flow, while vascular endothelial cells align parallel to blood flow. Other studies have suggested that different ranges of shear stress uniquely impact the behavior of valvular endothelial cells. The goal of this study was to characterize the response of valvular endothelial cell under different types, magnitudes, and durations of shear stress. In this work, the results demonstrated that with increased shear rate and duration of exposure, valvular endothelial cells no longer possessed the traditional cuboidal morphology. Instead through the change in cell circularity and aspect ratio, valvular endothelial cells aligned in an organized manner. In addition, different forms of shear exposure caused the area and circularity of valvular endothelial cells to decrease while inducing mesenchymal transformation validated through αSMA and TGFβ1 expression. This is the first investigation showing that valvular endothelial cells alignment is not as straightforward as once thought (perpendicular to flow). Different types and magnitudes of shear induce different local behaviors. This is also the first demonstration of valvular endothelial cells undergoing EndMT without chemical inducers on a soft surface in vitro. Findings from this study provide insights to understanding the pathophysiology of valvular endothelial cells which can potentially propel future artificial engineered heart valves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Mir S Ali
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ashley Mathews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Carla Mr Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Driscoll K, Cruz AD, Butcher JT. Inflammatory and Biomechanical Drivers of Endothelial-Interstitial Interactions in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Circ Res 2021; 128:1344-1370. [PMID: 33914601 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease is dramatically increasing in global burden, yet no therapy exists outside of prosthetic replacement. The increasing proportion of younger and more active patients mandates alternative therapies. Studies suggest a window of opportunity for biologically based diagnostics and therapeutics to alleviate or delay calcific aortic valve disease progression. Advancement, however, has been hampered by limited understanding of the complex mechanisms driving calcific aortic valve disease initiation and progression towards clinically relevant interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander D Cruz
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Weber A, Pfaff M, Schöttler F, Schmidt V, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Reproducible In Vitro Tissue Culture Model to Study Basic Mechanisms of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Comparative Analysis to Valvular Interstitials Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050474. [PMID: 33925890 PMCID: PMC8146785 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hallmarks of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), an active and regulated process involving the creation of calcium nodules, lipoprotein accumulation, and chronic inflammation, are the significant changes that occur in the composition, organization, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the aortic valve (AV). Most research regarding CAVD is based on experiments using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture or artificially created three-dimensional (3D) environments of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Because the valvular ECM has a powerful influence in regulating pathological events, we developed an in vitro AV tissue culture model, which is more closely able to mimic natural conditions to study cellular responses underlying CAVD. AV leaflets, isolated from the hearts of 6-8-month-old sheep, were fixed with needles on silicon rubber rings to achieve passive tension and treated in vitro under pro-degenerative and pro-calcifying conditions. The degeneration of AV leaflets progressed over time, commencing with the first visible calcified domains after 14 d and winding up with the distinct formation of calcium nodules, heightened stiffness, and clear disruption of the ECM after 56 d. Both the expression of pro-degenerative genes and the myofibroblastic differentiation of VICs were altered in AV leaflets compared to that in VIC cultures. In this study, we have established an easily applicable, reproducible, and cost-effective in vitro AV tissue culture model to study pathological mechanisms underlying CAVD. The valvular ECM and realistic VIC-VEC interactions mimic natural conditions more closely than VIC cultures or 3D environments. The application of various culture conditions enables the examination of different pathological mechanisms underlying CAVD and could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to VIC degeneration and AS. Our model provides a valuable tool to study the complex pathobiology of CAVD and can be used to identify potential therapeutic targets for slowing disease progression.
Collapse
|
19
|
AGEs-RAGE axis causes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in early calcific aortic valve disease via TGF-β1 and BMPR2 signaling. Exp Gerontol 2020; 141:111088. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
20
|
Xu K, Xie S, Huang Y, Zhou T, Liu M, Zhu P, Wang C, Shi J, Li F, Sellke FW, Dong N. Cell-Type Transcriptome Atlas of Human Aortic Valves Reveal Cell Heterogeneity and Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition Involved in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:2910-2921. [PMID: 33086873 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Leaflet thickening, fibrosis, and hardening are early pathological features of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). An inadequate understanding of the resident aortic valve cells involved in the pathological process may compromise the development of therapeutic strategies. We aim to construct a pattern of the human aortic valve cell atlas in healthy and CAVD clinical specimens, providing insight into the cellular origins of CAVD and the complex cytopathological differentiation process. Approach and Results: We used unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing for the high-throughput evaluation of cell heterogeneity in 34 632 cells isolated from 6 different human aortic valve leaflets. Cellular experiments, in situ localization, and bulk sequencing were performed to verify the differences between normal, healthy valves and those with CAVD. By comparing healthy and CAVD specimens, we identified 14 cell subtypes, including 3 heterogeneous subpopulations of resident valve interstitial cells, 3 types of immune-derived cells, 2 types of valve endothelial cells, and 6 novel valve-derived stromal cells found particularly in CAVD leaflets. Combining additional verification experiments with single-cell transcriptome profiling provided evidence of endothelial to mesenchymal transition involved in lesion thickening of the aortic valve leaflet. CONCLUSIONS Our findings deconstructed the aortic valve cell atlas and suggested novel functional interactions among resident cell subpopulations. Our findings may provide insight into future targeted therapies to prevent CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Shangbo Xie
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (S.X.)
| | - Yuming Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Tingwen Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Chunli Wang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents "111" base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, China (C.W.)
| | - Jiawei Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| | - Frank W Sellke
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (F.W.S.)
| | - Nianguo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (K.X., Y.H., T.Z., M.L., P.Z., J.S., F.L., N.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ravalli F, Kossar AP, Takayama H, Grau JB, Ferrari G. Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and Implications for Surgical Intervention in the Era of TAVR. STRUCTURAL HEART : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEART TEAM 2020; 4:87-98. [PMID: 32529168 PMCID: PMC7288848 DOI: 10.1080/24748706.2020.1719446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aortic insufficiency (AI) or regurgitation is caused by the malcoaptation of the aortic valve (AV) cusps due to intrinsic abnormalities of the valve itself, a dilatation or geometric distortion of the aortic root, or by some combination thereof. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies suggesting that AI is an active disease process caused by a combination of factors including but not limited to alteration of specific molecular pathways, genetic predisposition, and changes in the mechanotransductive properties of the AV apparatus. As the surgical management of AV disease continues to evolve, increasingly sophisticated surgical and percutaneous techniques for AV repair and replacement, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), have become more commonplace and will likely continue to expand as new devices are introduced. However, these techniques necessitate frequent reappraisal of the biological and mechanobiological mechanisms underlying AV regurgitation to better understand the risk factors for AI development and recurrence following surgical intervention as well as expand our limited knowledge on patient selection for such procedures. The aim of this review is to describe some of the putative mechanisms implicated in the development of AI, dissect some of the cross-talk among known and possible signaling pathways leading to valve remodeling, identify association between these pathways and pharmacological approaches, and discuss the implications for surgical and percutaneous approaches to AV repair in replacement in the TAVR era.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gee T, Farrar E, Wang Y, Wu B, Hsu K, Zhou B, Butcher J. NFκB (Nuclear Factor κ-Light-Chain Enhancer of Activated B Cells) Activity Regulates Cell-Type-Specific and Context-Specific Susceptibility to Calcification in the Aortic Valve. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:638-655. [PMID: 31893948 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although often studied independently, little is known about how aortic valve endothelial cells and valve interstitial cells interact collaborate to maintain tissue homeostasis or drive valve calcific pathogenesis. Inflammatory signaling is a recognized initiator of valve calcification, but the cell-type-specific downstream mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we test how inflammatory signaling via NFκB (nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells) activity coordinates unique and shared mechanisms of valve endothelial cells and valve interstitial cells differentiation during calcific progression. Approach and Results: Activated NFκB was present throughout the calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) process in both endothelial and interstitial cell populations in an established mouse model of hypercholesterolemia-induced CAVD and in human CAVD. NFκB activity induces endothelial to mesenchymal transformation in 3-dimensional cultured aortic valve endothelial cells and subsequent osteogenic calcification of transformed cells. Similarly, 3-dimensional cultured valve interstitial cells calcified via NFκB-mediated osteogenic differentiation. NFκB-mediated endothelial to mesenchymal transformation was directly demonstrated in vivo during CAVD via genetic lineage tracking. Genetic deletion of NFκB in either whole valves or valve endothelium only was sufficient to prevent valve-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of CAVD in vivo despite the persistence of a CAVD inducing environment. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify NFκB signaling as an essential molecular regulator for both valve endothelial and interstitial participation in CAVD pathogenesis. Direct demonstration of valve endothelial cell endothelial to mesenchymal transformation transmigration in vivo during CAVD highlights a new cellular population for further investigation in CAVD morbidity. The efficacy of valve-specific NFκB modulation in inhibiting hypercholesterolemic CAVD suggests potential benefits of multicell type integrated investigation for biological therapeutic development and evaluation for CAVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terence Gee
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (T.G., E.F., K.H., J.B.)
| | - Emily Farrar
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (T.G., E.F., K.H., J.B.)
| | - Yidong Wang
- Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (Y.W., B.W., B.Z.)
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (Y.W., B.W., B.Z.)
| | - Kevin Hsu
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (T.G., E.F., K.H., J.B.)
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (Y.W., B.W., B.Z.)
| | - Jonathan Butcher
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (T.G., E.F., K.H., J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lu X, Gong J, Dennery PA, Yao H. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: Pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for chronic pulmonary and vascular diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:100-107. [PMID: 31251941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a process of transdifferentiation where endothelial cells gradually adopt the phenotypic characteristics of mesenchymal cells. This phenomenon was first discovered in embryonic heart development. The mechanisms underlying EndoMT are due to the activation of transforming growth factor-β, bone morphogenetic protein, Wingless/Integrated, or Notch signaling pathways. The EndoMT can be modulated by pathological processes, including inflammation, disturbed shear stress, vascular stiffness, and metabolic dysregulation. Recent studies have shown that EndoMT is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases, including pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis. Lung pathology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia can be mimicked in rodents exposed to hyperoxia as neonates. Although hyperoxic exposure reduces an endothelial cell marker platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule but increases a mesenchymal cell biomarker α-smooth muscle actin in vitro in human pulmonary endothelial cells, there is no direct evidence showing EndoMT in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Both pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis occur in long-term survivors with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this review, we discuss the EndoMT and its modulation by pathological processes. We then focus on the role of EndoMT in the pathogenesis of these chronic lung diseases, and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting the EndoMT using its negative regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Lu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jiannan Gong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Phyllis A Dennery
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Hongwei Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lee J, Estlack Z, Somaweera H, Wang X, Lacerda CMR, Kim J. A microfluidic cardiac flow profile generator for studying the effect of shear stress on valvular endothelial cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2946-2954. [PMID: 30123895 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00545a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To precisely investigate the mechanobiological responses of valvular endothelial cells, we developed a microfluidic flow profile generator using a pneumatically-actuated micropump consisting of microvalves of various sizes. By controlling the closing pressures and the actuation times of these microvalves, we modulated the magnitude and frequency of the shear stress to mimic mitral and aortic inflow profiles with frequencies in the range of 0.8-2 Hz and shear stresses up to 20 dyn cm-2. To demonstrate this flow profile generator, aortic inflow with an average of 5.9 dyn cm-2 shear stress at a frequency of 1.2 Hz with a Reynolds number of 2.75, a Womersley number of 0.27, and an oscillatory shear index (OSI) value of 0.2 was applied to porcine aortic valvular endothelial cells (PAVECs) for mechanobiological studies. The cell alignment, cell elongation, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression of PAVECs under perfusion, steady flow, and aortic inflow conditions were analyzed to determine their shear-induced cell migration and trans-differentiation. In this morphological and immunocytochemical study, we found that the PAVECs elongated and aligned themselves perpendicular to the directions of the steady flow and the aortic inflow. In contrast, under perfusion with a fluidic shear stress of 0.47 dyn cm-2, the PAVECs elongated and aligned themselves parallel to the direction of flow. The PAVECs exposed to the aortic inflow upregulated their αSMA-protein expression to a greater degree than those exposed to perfusion and steady flow. By comparing these results to those of previous studies of pulsatile flow, we also found that the ratio of positive to negative shear stress plays an important role in determining PAVECs' trans-differentiation and adaptation to flow. This microfluidic cardiac flow profile generator will enable future valvular mechanobiological studies to determine the roles of magnitude and frequency of shear stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joohyung Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Roles of Matrix Stiffness and ß-Catenin Signaling in Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Aortic Valve Endothelial Cells. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2018; 9:158-167. [PMID: 29761409 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-018-0363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Valve stiffening is a hallmark of aortic valve stenosis caused by excess extracellular matrix accumulation by myofibroblasts. We aimed to elucidate whether matrix stiffness regulates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of adult valvular endothelial cells (VECs) to myofibroblasts as a mechanism to further promote valve fibrosis. In addition, we specifically examined the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the development of myofibroblasts during EndMT, as Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in EndMT during heart development, is reactivated in valve disease, and is required for mechanically-regulated myofibrogenesis of valve interstitial cells. Clonally derived porcine VECs were cultured on soft (5 kPa) or stiff (50 kPa) silicone Sylgard 527 substrates and treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to induce EndMT. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that TGF-β1 preferentially promoted EndMT in VECs on stiffer substrates, evidenced by a decrease in the endothelial marker VE-cadherin and an increase in the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). These changes were accompanied by β-catenin nuclear localization both in vitro and in vivo, assessed by immunostaining. Degradation of β-catenin with endostatin reduced VEC myofibroblast transition, as indicated by decreased α-SMA fiber expression. We conclude that TGF-β1-induced EndMT in aortic VECs is dependent on matrix stiffness and Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes myofibrogenesis during EndMT.
Collapse
|
26
|
Richards JM, Kunitake JA, Hunt HB, Wnorowski AN, Lin DW, Boskey AL, Donnelly E, Estroff LA, Butcher JT. Crystallinity of hydroxyapatite drives myofibroblastic activation and calcification in aortic valves. Acta Biomater 2018; 71:24-36. [PMID: 29505892 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an inexorably degenerative pathology characterized by progressive calcific lesion formation on the valve leaflets. The interaction of valvular cells in advanced lesion environments is not well understood yet highly relevant as clinically detectable CAVD exhibits calcifications composed of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA). In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging was used to spatially analyze mineral properties as a function of disease progression. Crystallinity (size and perfection) increased with increased valve calcification. To study the relationship between crystallinity and cellular behavior in CAVD, valve cells were seeded into 3D mineral-rich collagen gels containing synthetic HA particles, which had varying crystallinities. Lower crystallinity HA drove myofibroblastic activation in both valve interstitial and endothelial cells, as well as osteoblastic differentiation in interstitial cells. Additionally, calcium accumulation within gels depended on crystallinity, and apoptosis was insufficient to explain differences in HA-driven cellular activity. The protective nature of endothelial cells against interstitial cell activation and calcium accumulation was completely inhibited in the presence of less crystalline HA particles. Elucidating valve cellular behavior post-calcification is of vital importance to better predict and treat clinical pathogenesis, and mineral-containing hydrogel models provide a unique 3D platform to evaluate valve cell responses to a later stage of valve disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE We implement a 3D in vitro platform with embedded hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles to investigate the interaction between valve interstitial cells, valve endothelial cells, and a mineral-rich extracellular environment. HA nanoparticles were synthesized based on analysis of the mineral properties of calcific regions of diseased human aortic valves. Our findings indicate that crystallinity of HA drives activation and differentiation in interstitial and endothelial cells. We also show that a mineralized environment blocks endothelial protection against interstitial cell calcification. Our HA-containing hydrogel model provides a unique 3D platform to evaluate valve cell responses to a mineralized ECM. This study additionally lays the groundwork to capture the diversity of mineral properties in calcified valves, and link these properties to progression of the disease.
Collapse
|
27
|
Cho JG, Lee A, Chang W, Lee MS, Kim J. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition Represents a Key Link in the Interaction between Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29515588 PMCID: PMC5826197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells that line the inner walls of blood vessels are in direct contact with blood and display remarkable heterogeneity in their response to exogenous stimuli. These ECs have unique location-dependent properties determined by the corresponding vascular beds and play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the vascular system. Evidence suggests that vascular endothelial cells exposed to various environments undergo dynamic phenotypic switching, a key biological program in the context of endothelial heterogeneity, but that might result in EC dysfunction and, in turn, cause a variety of human diseases. Emerging studies show the importance of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endothelial dysfunction during inflammation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which ECs lose their endothelial characteristics, acquire mesenchymal phenotypes, and express mesenchymal cell markers, such as alpha smooth muscle actin and fibroblast-specific protein 1. EndMT is induced by inflammatory responses, leading to pathological states, including tissue fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis, via dysfunction of the vascular system. Although the mechanisms associated with inflammation-induced EndMT have been identified, unraveling the specific role of this phenotypic switching in vascular dysfunction remains a challenge. Here, we review the current understanding on the interactions between inflammatory processes, EndMT, and endothelial dysfunction, with a focus on the mechanisms that regulate essential signaling pathways. Identification of such mechanisms will guide future research and could provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gu Cho
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aram Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sánchez-Duffhues G, García de Vinuesa A, Ten Dijke P. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases: Developmental signaling pathways gone awry. Dev Dyn 2017; 247:492-508. [PMID: 28891150 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The process named endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was observed for the first time during the development of the chicken embryo several decades ago. Of interest, accumulating evidence suggests that EndMT plays a critical role in the onset and progression of multiple postnatal cardiovascular diseases. EndMT is controlled by a set of developmental signaling pathways, very similar to the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which determine the activity of several EndMT transcriptional effectors. Once activated, these EndMT effectors regulate the expression of endothelial- and mesenchymal-specific genes, in part by interacting with specific motifs in promoter regions, eventually leading to the down-regulation of endothelial-specific features and acquisition of a fibroblast-like phenotype. Important technical advances in lineage tracing methods combined with experimental mouse models demonstrated the pathophysiological importance of EndMT for human diseases. In this review, we discuss the major signal transduction pathways involved in the activation and regulation of the EndMT program. Furthermore, we will review the latest discoveries on EndMT, focusing on cardiovascular diseases, and in particular on its role in vascular calcification, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and organ fibrosis. Developmental Dynamics 247:492-508, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sánchez-Duffhues
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Amaya García de Vinuesa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rutkovskiy A, Malashicheva A, Sullivan G, Bogdanova M, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Fiane A, Vaage J. Valve Interstitial Cells: The Key to Understanding the Pathophysiology of Heart Valve Calcification. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:e006339. [PMID: 28912209 PMCID: PMC5634284 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.006339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gareth Sullivan
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Bogdanova
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnt Fiane
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang X, Lee J, Ali M, Kim J, Lacerda CMR. Phenotype Transformation of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells Due to Applied Shear Stresses Within a Microfluidic Chip. Ann Biomed Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
31
|
Pérez L, Muñoz-Durango N, Riedel CA, Echeverría C, Kalergis AM, Cabello-Verrugio C, Simon F. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: Cytokine-mediated pathways that determine endothelial fibrosis under inflammatory conditions. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2016; 33:41-54. [PMID: 27692608 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) process has attracted considerable attention due to associations with the onset of certain diseases, such as organ fibrosis and cancer. Several studies have assessed the mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate endothelial fibrosis in the context of human pathologies. A number of inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, oxidative stress, and toxins, induce the conversion of endothelial cells into mesenchymal fibroblast-like cells that promote disease progression. This review is separated into five chapters that critically present current knowledge on EndMT in the context of pathology. First, the main characteristics of EndMT are summarized, with a focus on the endothelial protein pattern changes that modulate the expressions of endothelial/fibrotic markers and extracellular matrix proteins. These expressions could serve as mechanisms for explaining potential EndMT contributions to human pathologies in adults. Second, the main findings supporting a connection between EndMT-mediated endothelial fibrosis and inflammatory conditions are presented. These connections could be linked to the onset and progression of pathological conditions. Third, EndMT inducers are described in detail. This includes considerations on the actions of the first and most well-known EndMT inducer, TGF-β; of the most prominent pro-inflammatory cytokines released during inflammation, such as IL 1-β and TNF-α; and of the NF-κB transcription factor, a common player during inflammation-induced EndMT. Furthermore, thorough attention is given to EndMT induction by endotoxins in the context of bacterial infectious diseases. Additionally, the participation of the inflammatory oxidative stress environment in the EndMT induction was also reviewed. Fourth, the pathophysiological findings of inflammation-induced EndMT are presented, and, fifth, special focus is placed on associations with cancer onset and development. Altogether, this review highlights the important role of EndMT-mediated endothelial fibrosis during inflammation in human pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Ave. Republica 239, 8370134, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Natalia Muñoz-Durango
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A Riedel
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Ave. Republica 239, 8370134, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cesar Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Bionanotecnologia, Universidad Bernardo O Higgins, General Gana 1780, 8370854, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Reumatología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Ave. Republica 239, 8370134, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Ave. Republica 239, 8370134, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Ave. Alameda 340, 8331150, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Madhu MN, Aguiar C, Hassan A, Brunt KR. Translating calcified aortic valve disease to the bench - Use of 3D matrices in the development of future treatment strategies. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 98:58-61. [PMID: 27338001 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malav N Madhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Canada
| | - Christie Aguiar
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Saint John Regional Hospital, Canada
| | - Ansar Hassan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Saint John Regional Hospital, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Canada
| | - Keith R Brunt
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sung DC, Bowen CJ, Vaidya KA, Zhou J, Chapurin N, Recknagel A, Zhou B, Chen J, Kotlikoff M, Butcher JT. Cadherin-11 Overexpression Induces Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Calcification in Mature Aortic Valves. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2016; 36:1627-37. [PMID: 27312222 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.307812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Calcific aortic valve (AoV) disease is a significant clinical problem for which the regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Enhanced cell-cell adhesion is a common mechanism of cellular aggregation, but its role in calcific lesion formation is not known. Cadherin-11 (Cad-11) has been associated with lesion formation in vitro, but its function during adult valve homeostasis and pathogenesis is not known. This study aims to elucidate the specific functions of Cad-11 and its downstream targets, RhoA and Sox9, in extracellular matrix remodeling and AoV calcification. APPROACH AND RESULTS We conditionally overexpressed Cad-11 in murine heart valves using a novel double-transgenic Nfatc1(Cre);R26-Cad11(TglTg) mouse model. These mice developed hemodynamically significant aortic stenosis with prominent calcific lesions in the AoV leaflets. Cad-11 overexpression upregulated downstream targets, RhoA and Sox9, in the valve interstitial cells, causing calcification and extensive pathogenic extracellular matrix remodeling. AoV interstitial cells overexpressing Cad-11 in an osteogenic environment in vitro rapidly form calcific nodules analogous to in vivo lesions. Molecular analyses revealed upregulation of osteoblastic and myofibroblastic markers. Treatment with a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor attenuated nodule formation, further supporting that Cad-11-driven calcification acts through the small GTPase RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies one of the underlying molecular mechanisms of heart valve calcification and demonstrates that overexpression of Cad-11 upregulates RhoA and Sox9 to induce calcification and extracellular matrix remodeling in adult AoV pathogenesis. The findings provide a potential molecular target for clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek C Sung
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Caitlin J Bowen
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Kiran A Vaidya
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Nikita Chapurin
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Andrew Recknagel
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Bin Zhou
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Jonathan Chen
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Michael Kotlikoff
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.)
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- From the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering (D.C.S., C.J.B., K.A.V., J.Z., N.C., A.R., J.T.B.) and Department of Biomedical Sciences (M.K.), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York (B.Z.); and Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, WA (J.C.).
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Blancas AA, Balaoing LR, Acosta FM, Grande-Allen KJ. Identifying Behavioral Phenotypes and Heterogeneity in Heart Valve Surface Endothelium. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 201:268-76. [PMID: 27144771 DOI: 10.1159/000444446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart valvular endothelial cells (VECs) are distinct from vascular endothelial cells (ECs), but have an uncertain context within the spectrum of known endothelial phenotypes, including lymphatic ECs (LECs). Profiling the phenotypes of the heart valve surface VECs would facilitate identification of a proper seeding population for tissue-engineered valves, as well as elucidate mechanisms of valvular disease. Porcine VECs and porcine aortic ECs (AECs) were isolated from pig hearts and characterized to assess known EC and LEC markers. A transwell migration assay determined their propensity to migrate toward vascular endothelial growth factor, an angiogenic stimulus, over 24 h. Compared to AECs, Flt-1 was expressed on almost double the percentage of VECs, measured as 74 versus 38%. The expression of angiogenic EC markers CXCR4 and DLL4 was >90% on AECs, whereas VECs showed only 35% CXCR4+ and 47% DLL4+. AECs demonstrated greater migration (71.5 ± 11.0 cells per image field) than the VECs with 30.0 ± 15.3 cells per image field (p = 0.032). In total, 30% of VECs were positive for LYVE1+/Prox1+, while these markers were absent in AECs. In conclusion, the population of cells on the surface of heart valves is heterogeneous, consisting largely of nonangiogenic VECs and a subset of LECs. Previous studies have indicated the presence of LECs within the interior of the valves; however, this is the first study to demonstrate their presence on the surface. Identification of this unique endothelial mixture is a step forward in the development of engineered valve replacements as a uniform EC seeding population may not be the best option to maximize transplant success.
Collapse
|
35
|
Lee YU, de Dios Ruiz-Rosado J, Mahler N, Best CA, Tara S, Yi T, Shoji T, Sugiura T, Lee AY, Robledo-Avila F, Hibino N, Pober JS, Shinoka T, Partida-Sanchez S, Breuer CK. TGF-β receptor 1 inhibition prevents stenosis of tissue-engineered vascular grafts by reducing host mononuclear phagocyte activation. FASEB J 2016; 30:2627-36. [PMID: 27059717 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500179r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Stenosis is a critical problem in the long-term efficacy of tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). We previously showed that host monocyte infiltration and activation within the graft drives stenosis and that TGF-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) inhibition can prevent it, but the latter effect was attributed primarily to inhibition of mesenchymal cell expansion. In this study, we assessed the effects of TGF-βR1 inhibition on the host monocytes. Biodegradable TEVGs were implanted as inferior vena cava interposition conduits in 2 groups of C57BL/6 mice (n = 25/group): unseeded grafts and unseeded grafts with TGF-βR1 inhibitor systemic treatment for the first 2 wk. The TGF-βR1 inhibitor treatment effectively improved TEVG patency at 6 mo compared to the untreated control group (91.7 vs. 48%, P < 0.001), which is associated with a reduction in classic activation of mononuclear phagocytes. Consistent with these findings, the addition of rTGF-β to LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated monocytes enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-6; this effect was blocked by TGF-βR1 inhibition (P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that the TGF-β signaling pathway contributes to TEVG stenosis by inducing classic activation of host monocytes. Furthermore, blocking monocyte activation by TGF-βR1 inhibition provides a viable strategy for preventing TEVG stenosis while maintaining neotissue formation.-Lee, Y.-U., de Dios Ruiz-Rosado, J., Mahler, N., Best, C. A., Tara, S., Yi, T., Shoji, T., Sugiura, T., Lee, A. Y., Robledo-Avila, F., Hibino, N., Pober, J. S., Shinoka, T., Partida-Sanchez, S., Breuer, C. K. TGF-β receptor 1 inhibition prevents stenosis of tissue-engineered vascular grafts by reducing host mononuclear phagocyte activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ung Lee
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nathan Mahler
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cameron A Best
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuhei Tara
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tai Yi
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Toshihiro Shoji
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tadahisa Sugiura
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Avione Y Lee
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Frank Robledo-Avila
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Narutoshi Hibino
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery-The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; and
| | - Jordan S Pober
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Toshiharu Shinoka
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery-The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA; and
| | | | - Christopher K Breuer
- Tissue Engineering Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Valvular endothelial cells: guardians or destroyers of aortic valve integrity? Atherosclerosis 2015; 242:396-8. [PMID: 26277631 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
37
|
Bowen CJ, Zhou J, Sung DC, Butcher JT. Cadherin-11 coordinates cellular migration and extracellular matrix remodeling during aortic valve maturation. Dev Biol 2015; 407:145-57. [PMID: 26188246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Proper remodeling of the endocardial cushions into thin fibrous valves is essential for gestational progression and long-term function. This process involves dynamic interactions between resident cells and their local environment, much of which is not understood. In this study, we show that deficiency of the cell-cell adhesion protein cadherin-11 (Cad-11) results in significant embryonic and perinatal lethality primarily due to valve related cardiac dysfunction. While endocardial to mesenchymal transformation is not abrogated, mesenchymal cells do not homogeneously cellularize the cushions. These cushions remain thickened with disorganized ECM, resulting in pronounced aortic valve insufficiency. Mice that survive to adulthood maintain thickened and stenotic semilunar valves, but interestingly do not develop calcification. Cad-11 (-/-) aortic valve leaflets contained reduced Sox9 activity, β1 integrin expression, and RhoA-GTP activity, suggesting that remodeling defects are due to improper migration and/or cellular contraction. Cad-11 deletion or siRNA knockdown reduced migration, eliminated collective migration, and impaired 3D matrix compaction by aortic valve interstitial cells (VIC). Cad-11 depleted cells in culture contained few filopodia, stress fibers, or contact inhibited locomotion. Transfection of Cad-11 depleted cells with constitutively active RhoA restored cell phenotypes. Together, these results identify cadherin-11 mediated adhesive signaling for proper remodeling of the embryonic semilunar valves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, United States
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, United States
| | - Derek C Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, United States
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Farrar EJ, Huntley GD, Butcher J. Endothelial-derived oxidative stress drives myofibroblastic activation and calcification of the aortic valve. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123257. [PMID: 25874717 PMCID: PMC4395382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Oxidative stress is present in and contributes to calcification of the aortic valve, but the driving factors behind the initiation of valve oxidative stress are not well understood. We tested whether the valve endothelium acts as an initiator and propagator of oxidative stress in aortic valve disease. Methods and Results Calcified human aortic valves showed side-specific elevation of superoxide in the endothelium, co-localized with high VCAM1 expression, linking oxidative stress, inflammation, and valve degeneration. Treatment with inflammatory cytokine TNFα increased superoxide and oxidative stress and decreased eNOS and VE-cadherin acutely over 48 hours in aortic valve endothelial cells (VEC) and chronically over 21 days in ex vivo AV leaflets. Co-treatment of VEC with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) but not apocynin mitigated TNFα-driven VEC oxidative stress. Co-treatment of ex vivo AV leaflets with TNFα+BH4 or TNFα+peg-SOD rescued endothelial function and mitigated inflammatory responses. Both BH4 and peg-SOD rescued valve leaflets from the pro-osteogenic effects of TNFα treatment, but only peg-SOD was able to mitigate the fibrogenic effects, including increased collagen and αSMA expression. Conclusions Aortic valve endothelial cells are a novel source of oxidative stress in aortic valve disease. TNFα-driven VEC oxidative stress causes loss of endothelial protective function, chronic inflammation, and fibrogenic and osteogenic activation, mitigated differentially by BH4 and peg-SOD. These mechanisms identify new targets for tailored antioxidant therapy focused on mitigation of oxidative stress and restoration of endothelial protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Farrar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey D. Huntley
- Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Butcher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ruiz JL, Hutcheson JD, Aikawa E. Cardiovascular calcification: current controversies and novel concepts. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 24:207-12. [PMID: 25797772 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular calcification is a commonly observed but incompletely understood mechanism of increased atherosclerotic plaque instability and accelerated aortic valve stenosis. Traditional histological staining and imaging techniques are nonspecific for the type of mineral present in calcified tissues, information that is critical for proper validation of in vitro and in vivo models. This review highlights current gaps in our understanding of the biophysical implications and the cellular mechanisms of valvular and vascular calcification and how they may differ between the two tissue types. We also address the hindrances of current cell culture systems, discussing novel platforms and important considerations for future studies of cardiovascular calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ruiz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|