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Zhang J, Sheng X, Ding Q, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J. Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:378-393. [PMID: 38819041 PMCID: PMC11317958 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Quanju Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People’s Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People’s Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Jeong JY, Bafor AE, Freeman BH, Chen PR, Park ES, Kim E. Pathophysiology in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunctions and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1795. [PMID: 39200259 PMCID: PMC11351371 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) substantially increase the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the treatment options for bAVMs are severely limited, primarily relying on invasive methods that carry their own risks for intraoperative hemorrhage or even death. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical agents shown to treat this condition, primarily due to a poor understanding of bAVM pathophysiology. For the last decade, bAVM research has made significant advances, including the identification of novel genetic mutations and relevant signaling in bAVM development. However, bAVM pathophysiology is still largely unclear. Further investigation is required to understand the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, which will enable the development of safer and more effective treatment options. Endothelial cells (ECs), the cells that line the vascular lumen, are integral to the pathogenesis of bAVMs. Understanding the fundamental role of ECs in pathological conditions is crucial to unraveling bAVM pathophysiology. This review focuses on the current knowledge of bAVM-relevant signaling pathways and dysfunctions in ECs, particularly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eunhee Kim
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.J.); (A.E.B.); (B.H.F.); (P.R.C.); (E.S.P.)
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Dong M, Zhang Y, Chen M, Tan Y, Min J, He X, Liu F, Gu J, Jiang H, Zheng L, Chen J, Yin Q, Li X, Chen X, Shao Y, Ji Y, Chen H. ASF1A-dependent P300-mediated histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation promotes atherosclerosis by regulating EndMT. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3027-3048. [PMID: 39027248 PMCID: PMC11252488 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a key driver of atherosclerosis. Aerobic glycolysis is increased in the endothelium of atheroprone areas, accompanied by elevated lactate levels. Histone lactylation, mediated by lactate, can regulate gene expression and participate in disease regulation. However, whether histone lactylation is involved in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Here, we report that lipid peroxidation could lead to EndMT-induced atherosclerosis by increasing lactate-dependent histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) in vitro and in vivo, as well as in atherosclerotic patients' arteries. Mechanistically, the histone chaperone ASF1A was first identified as a cofactor of P300, which precisely regulated the enrichment of H3K18la at the promoter of SNAI1, thereby activating SNAI1 transcription and promoting EndMT. We found that deletion of ASF1A inhibited EndMT and improved endothelial dysfunction. Functional analysis based on Apoe KO Asf1a ECKO mice in the atherosclerosis model confirmed the involvement of H3K18la in atherosclerosis and found that endothelium-specific ASF1A deficiency inhibited EndMT and alleviated atherosclerosis development. Inhibition of glycolysis by pharmacologic inhibition and advanced PROTAC attenuated H3K18la, SNAI1 transcription, and EndMT-induced atherosclerosis. This study illustrates precise crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics via H3K18la by the P300/ASF1A molecular complex during EndMT-induced atherogenesis, which provides emerging therapies for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdie Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, National Vaccine Innovation Platform, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yunjia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minghong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yongkang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiao Min
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fuhao Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University TIANYUAN Honors School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiaming Gu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Longbin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Quanwen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yongfeng Shao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research and Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, the Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, National Vaccine Innovation Platform, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Cardiology, Huai'an First People's Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223399, China
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Nishikiori N, Sato T, Ogawa T, Higashide M, Umetsu A, Suzuki S, Furuhashi M, Ohguro H, Watanabe M. TGF-β Isoforms and Local Environments Greatly Modulate Biological Nature of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:581. [PMID: 38927817 PMCID: PMC11201039 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To characterize transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoform (TGF-β1~3)-b's biological effects on the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, ARPE19 cells cultured by 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) conditions were subjected to various analyses, including (1) an analysis of barrier function by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements; (2) qPCR analysis of major ECM molecules including collagen 1 (COL1), COL4, and COL6; α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA); hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α); and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1α), a master regulator for mitochondrial respiration;, tight junction-related molecules, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO1) and E-cadherin; and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); (3) physical property measurements of 3D spheroids; and (4) cellular metabolic analysis. Diverse effects among TGF-β isoforms were observed, and those effects were also different between normoxia and hypoxia conditions: (1) TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 caused a marked increase in TEER values, and TGF-β2 caused a substantial increase in TEER values under normoxia conditions and hypoxia conditions, respectively; (2) the results of qPCR analysis supported data obtained by TEER; (3) 3D spheroid sizes were decreased by TGF-β isoforms, among which TGF-β1 had the most potent effect under both oxygen conditions; (4) 3D spheroid stiffness was increased by TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 or by TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 under normoxia conditions and hypoxia conditions, respectively; and (5) the TGF-β isoform altered mitochondrial and glycolytic functions differently under oxygen conditions and/or culture conditions. These collective findings indicate that the TGF-β-induced biological effects of 2D and 3D cultures of ARPE19 cells were substantially diverse depending on the three TGF-β isoforms and oxygen levels, suggesting that pathological conditions including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the RPE may be exclusively modulated by both factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Nishikiori
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Departments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.S.); (T.O.); (M.F.)
- Departments of Cellular Physiology and Signal Transduction, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Ogawa
- Departments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.S.); (T.O.); (M.F.)
- Departments of Cellular Physiology and Signal Transduction, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Megumi Higashide
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Araya Umetsu
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Soma Suzuki
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Masato Furuhashi
- Departments of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (T.S.); (T.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Hiroshi Ohguro
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Megumi Watanabe
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Sapporo Medical University, S1W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan; (N.N.); (M.H.); (A.U.); (S.S.); (H.O.)
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Lorente-Herraiz L, Cuesta AM, Recio-Poveda L, Botella LM, Albiñana V. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in an Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia-like Pediatric Case of Multiple Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6163. [PMID: 38892351 PMCID: PMC11172626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116163] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are vascular anomalies resulting in abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins. In 80% of cases, PAVMs are present from birth, but clinical manifestations are rarely seen in childhood. These congenital malformations are typically associated with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare disease that affects 1 in 5000/8000 individuals. HHT disease is frequently caused by mutations in genes involved in the TGF-β pathway. However, approximately 15% of patients do not have a genetic diagnosis and, among the genetically diagnosed, more than 33% do not meet the Curaçao criteria. This makes clinical diagnosis even more challenging in the pediatric age group. Here, we introduce an 8-year-old patient bearing a severe phenotype of multiple diffuse PAVMs caused by an unknown mutation which ended in lung transplantation. Phenotypically, the case under study follows a molecular pattern which is HHT-like. Therefore, molecular- biological and cellular-functional analyses have been performed in primary endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from the explanted lung. The findings revealed a loss of functionality in lung endothelial tissue and a stimulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Understanding the molecular basis of this transition could potentially offer new therapeutic strategies to delay lung transplantation in severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lorente-Herraiz
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.L.-H.); (L.R.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Angel M. Cuesta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Recio-Poveda
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.L.-H.); (L.R.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Luisa M. Botella
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.L.-H.); (L.R.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Virginia Albiñana
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CIB-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.L.-H.); (L.R.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
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Peng N, Zheng M, Song B, Jiao R, Wang W. Transcription Factor EGR1 Facilitates Neovascularization in Mice with Retinopathy of Prematurity by Regulating the miR-182-5p/EFNA5 Axis. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:1070-1086. [PMID: 37530910 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization is the hallmark of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Early growth response 1 (EGR1) has been reported as an angiogenic factor. This study was conducted to probe the regulatory mechanism of EGR1 in neovascularization in ROP model mice. The ROP mouse model was established, followed by determination of EGR1 expression and assessment of neovascularization [vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)]. Retinal vascular endothelial cells were cultured and treated with hypoxia, followed by the tube formation assay. The state of oxygen induction was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay to determine hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1A). The levels of microRNA (miRNA)-182-5p and ephrin-A5 (EFNA5) in tissues and cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were used to validate gene interaction. EGR1 and EFNA5 were upregulated in the retina of ROP mice while miR-182-5p was downregulated. EGR1 knockdown decreased VEGF-A and HIF-1A expression and increased PEDF expression in the retina of ROP mice. In vitro, EGR1 knockdown also reduced neovascularization. EGR1 binding to the miR-182-5p promoter inhibited miR-182-5p transcription and further promoted EFNA5 transcription. miR-182-5p downregulation or EFNA5 overexpression averted the inhibition of neovascularization caused by EGR1 downregulation. Overall, EGR1 bound to the miR-182-5p promoter to inhibit miR-182-5p transcription and further promoted EFNA5 transcription, thus promoting retinal neovascularization in ROP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Peng
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bei Song
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Rong Jiao
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 15 Jiefang Road, Fancheng District, Xiangyang City, 441000, Hubei Province, China.
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Zou G, Que L, Liu Y, Lu Q. Interplay of endothelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, and autophagy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25166. [PMID: 38327444 PMCID: PMC10847601 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Assessment and validation of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the retinal endothelium of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) at the level of retinal and vitreous specimens, and preliminary discussion of its regulatory mechanisms. Methods Transcriptome sequencing profiles of CD31+ cells from 9 retinal fibrovascular mem-branes (FVMs) and 4 postmortem retinas were downloaded from GEO databases to analyze EndoMT-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, 42 PDR patients and 34 idiopathic macular holes (IMH) patients were enrolled as the PDR and control groups, respectively. Vitreous humor (VH) samples were collected, and the expression of EndoMT-related proteins was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results A total of 5845 DEGs were identified, and we subsequently focused on the analysis of 24 EndoMT-related marker genes, including the trigger of EndoMT, endothelial genes, mesenchymal genes, transcription factors, inflammatory factors, and autophagy markers. Six of these genes were selected for protein assay validation in VH, showing increased mesenchymal marker (type I collagen α 2 chain, COL1A2) and decreased endothelial marker (VE-cadherin, CDH5) accompanied by increased TGFβ, IL-1β, LC3B and P62 in PDR patients. In addition, anti-VEGF therapy could enhance EndoMT-related phenotypes. Conclusions EndoMT may underlie the pathogenesis of PDR, and the induction and regulation correlate with autophagy defects and the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaocheng Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lijuan Que
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guang-dong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Li X, Luo Y, Ji D, Zhang Z, Luo S, Ma Y, Cao W, Cao C, Saw PE, Chen H, Wei Y. Maternal exposure to nano-titanium dioxide impedes fetal development via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the placental labyrinth in mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:48. [PMID: 38072983 PMCID: PMC10712190 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00549-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive production and usage of commercially available products containing TiO2 NPs have led to accumulation in the human body. The deposition of TiO2 NPs has even been detected in the human placenta, which raises concerns regarding fetal health. Previous studies regarding developmental toxicity have frequently focused on TiO2 NPs < 50 nm, whereas the potential adverse effects of large-sized TiO2 NPs received less attention. Placental vasculature is essential for maternal-fetal circulatory exchange and ensuring fetal growth. This study explores the impacts of TiO2 NPs (100 nm in size) on the placenta and fetal development and elucidates the underlying mechanism from the perspective of placental vasculature. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs by gavage at daily dosages of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg from gestational day 0.5-16.5. RESULTS TiO2 NPs penetrated the placenta and accumulated in the fetal mice. The fetuses in the TiO2 NP-exposed groups exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in body weight and length, as well as in placental weight and diameter. In vivo imaging showed an impaired placental barrier, and pathological examinations revealed a disrupted vascular network of the labyrinth upon TiO2 NP exposure. We also found an increase in gene expression related to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -SNAIL pathway and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers, accompanied by a reduction in endothelial markers. In addition, TiO2 NPs enhanced the gene expression responsible for the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas SNAIL knockdown attenuated the induction of EndMT phenotypes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that maternal exposure to 100 nm TiO2 NPs disrupts placental vascular development and fetal mice growth through aberrant activation of EndMT in the placental labyrinth. These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms of developmental toxicity posed by NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yinger Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Di Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhuyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shili Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wulan Cao
- Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Hu Z, Wang J, Pan T, Li X, Tao C, Wu Y, Wang X, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Zhang W, Xu C, Wu X, Gu Q, Fan Y, Qian H, Mugisha A, Yuan S, Liu Q, Xie P. The Exosome-Transmitted lncRNA LOC100132249 Induces Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes 2023; 72:1307-1319. [PMID: 37347724 DOI: 10.2337/db22-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most common microangiopathic complications in diabetes, causes severe visual damage among working-age populations. Retinal vascular endothelial cells, the key cell type in DR pathogenesis, are responsible for abnormal retinal angiogenesis in advanced stages of DR. The roles of exosomes in DR have been largely unknown. In this study, we report the first evidence that exosomes derived from the vitreous humor of patients with proliferative DR (PDR-exo) promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs). We identified long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LOC100132249 enrichment in PDR-exo via high-throughput sequencing. This lncRNA, also mainly derived from HRVECs, promoted angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LOC100132249 acted as a competing endogenous sponge of miRNA-199a-5p (miR-199a-5p), thus regulating the endothelial-mesenchymal transition promoter SNAI1 via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and ultimately resulting in endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, our findings underscored the pathogenic role of endothelial-derived exosomes via the LOC100132249/miR-199a-5p/SNAI1 axis in DR angiogenesis and may shed light on new therapeutic strategies for future treatment of DR. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS This study provides the first evidence that exosomes derived from vitreous humor from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy participate in angiogenesis. The findings demonstrate an unreported long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), LOC100132249, by exosomal sequencing of vitreous humor. The newly found lncRNA LOC100132249, mainly derived from endothelial cells, promotes angiogenesis via an miRNA-199a-5p/SNAI1/Wnt/β-catenin axis in a pro-endothelial-mesenchymal transition manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingfan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xinsheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics, Department of Physics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changlin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinyuan Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiming Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aime Mugisha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Wei WF, Zhou HL, Chen PY, Huang XL, Huang L, Liang LJ, Guo CH, Zhou CF, Yu L, Fan LS, Wang W. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived PAI-1 promotes lymphatic metastasis via the induction of EndoMT in lymphatic endothelial cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:160. [PMID: 37415190 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is an emerging adaptive process that modulates lymphatic endothelial function to drive aberrant lymphatic vascularization in the tumour microenvironment (TME); however, the molecular determinants that govern the functional role of EndoMT remain unclear. Here, we show that cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived PAI-1 promoted the EndoMT of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). METHODS Immunofluorescent staining of α-SMA, LYVE-1 and DAPI were examined in primary tumour samples obtained from 57 CSCC patients. Assessment of cytokines secreted by CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) was performed using human cytokine antibody arrays. The phenotype of EndoMT in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), gene expression levels, protein secretion and activity of signaling pathways were measured by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA or western blotting. The function of lymphatic endothelial monolayers was examined by transwell, tube formation assay, transendothelial migration assay in vitro. Lymphatic metastasis was measured using popliteal lymph node metastasis model. Furthermore, association between PAI-1 expression and EndoMT in CSCC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases was used to assess the association of PAI-1 with survival rate in CSCC. RESULTS CAF-derived PAI-1 promoted the EndoMT of LECs in CSCC. LECs undergoing EndoMT could initiate tumour neolymphangiogenesis that facilitated cancer cell intravasation/extravasation, which in turn promoted lymphatic metastasis in CSCC. Mechanistically, PAI-1 activated the AKT/ERK1/2 pathways by directly interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1), thereby leading to elevated EndoMT activity in LECs. Blockade of PAI-1 or inhibition of LRP1/AKT/ERK1/2 abrogated EndoMT and consequently attenuated CAF-induced tumour neolymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, clinical data revealed that increased PAI-1 levels positively correlated with EndoMT activity and poor prognosis in CSCC patients. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that CAF-derived PAI-1 acts as an important neolymphangiogenesis-initiating molecular during CSCC progression through modulating the EndoMT of LECs, resulting in promotion of metastasis ability in primary site. PAI-1 could serve as an effective prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CSCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fei Wei
- Department of Gynaecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Ling Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Luo-Jiao Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chu-Hong Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chen-Fei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang-Sheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gynaecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Zhou ZY, Chang TF, Lin ZB, Jing YT, Wen LS, Niu YL, Bai Q, Guo CM, Sun JX, Wang YS, Dou GR. Microglial Galectin3 enhances endothelial metabolism and promotes pathological angiogenesis via Notch inhibition by competitively binding to Jag1. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:380. [PMID: 37369647 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Microglia were considered as immune cells in inflammation until their angiogenic role was widely understood. Although the pro-inflammatory role of microglia in retinal angiogenesis has been explored, little is known about its role in pro-angiogenesis and the microglia-endothelia interaction. Here, we report that galectin-3 (Gal3) released by activated microglia functions as a communicator between microglia and endothelia and competitively binds to Jag1, thus inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway and enhancing endothelial angiogenic metabolism to promote angiogenesis. These results suggest that Gal3 may be a novel and effective target in the treatment of retinal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Tian-Fang Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu-Tong Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Li-Shi Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ya-Li Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chang-Mei Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jia-Xing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Yu-Sheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Guo-Rui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Bitaraf Sani M, Karimi O, Burger PA, Javanmard A, Roudbari Z, Mohajer M, Asadzadeh N, Zareh Harofteh J, Kazemi A, Naderi AS. A genome-wide association study of morphometric traits in dromedaries. Vet Med Sci 2023. [PMID: 37139670 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating genomic regions associated with morphometric traits in camels is valuable, because it allows a better understanding of adaptive and productive features to implement a sustainable management and a customised breeding program for dromedaries. OBJECTIVES With a genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 96 Iranian dromedaries phenotyped for 12 morphometric traits and genotyped-by-sequencing (GBS) with 14,522 SNPs, we aimed at identifying associated candidate genes. METHODS The association between SNPs and morphometric traits was investigated using a linear mixed model with principal component analysis (PCA) and kinship matrix. RESULTS With this approach, we detected 59 SNPs located in 37 candidate genes potentially associated to morphometric traits in dromedaries. The top associated SNPs were related to pin width, whither to pin length, height at whither, muzzle girth, and tail length. Interestingly, the results highlight the association between whither height, muzzle circumference, tail length, whither to pin length. The identified candidate genes were associated with growth, body size, and immune system in other species. CONCLUSIONS We identified three key hub genes in the gene network analysis including ACTB, SOCS1 and ARFGEF1. In the central position of gene network, ACTB was detected as the most important gene related to muscle function. With this initial GWAS using GBS on dromedary camels for morphometric traits, we show that this SNP panel can be effective for genetic evaluation of growth in dromedaries. However, we suggest a higher-density SNP array may greatly improve the reliability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Bitaraf Sani
- Animal Science Research Department, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran
| | - Omid Karimi
- Department of Animal Viral Diseases Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Pamela Anna Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arash Javanmard
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Roudbari
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Mokhtar Mohajer
- Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Nader Asadzadeh
- Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Javad Zareh Harofteh
- Animal Science Research Department, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Kazemi
- Animal Breeding Canter of Iran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Shafei Naderi
- Animal Science Research Department, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran
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13
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Lou X, Liu S, Shi J, Chen H, Wang Z, Le Y, Chen H, Zhu R, Yu Y. The G-Protein-Coupled Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 Promotes Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Diabetic Retinopathy. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:681-691. [PMID: 36805961 PMCID: PMC10064398 DOI: 10.1159/000529578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinal neovascularization is the essential pathogenic process that is linked to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) induced by high glucose (HG). This pathophysiological process may be regulated by a G-protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor FPR2 (mouse Fpr2), involved in inflammatory cell migration and proliferation. In the current study, we investigated the role of Fpr2 in regulating EndoMT and the underlying mechanisms during diabetic retinopathy progression. METHODS FPR2 agonist or inhibitor was added to human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) exposed to normal glucose or HG. Morphologic, phenotypic, and functional changes of HMECs as well as the formation of microvasculature related to EndoMT were assessed. EndoMT biomarkers were detected in the retinal tissues of diabetic mice and fibrovascular epiretinal membranes (FVMs) from patients with PDR. RESULTS HG upregulated FPR2 in HMECs, which triggered morphological changes, and the cells acquired mesenchymal phenotype, with enhanced cell migration, viability, and angiogenic process shown by tube formation and aortic ring sprouting. Inhibition of FPR2 attenuated HG-induced EndoMT and endothelial cell migration to form vessel-like tube structures. RNA sequence and protein analysis further revealed that inhibition of FPR2 decreased the expression of genes associated with EndoMT. ERK1/2 and P38 signaling pathway was activated in HMECs, promoting neovascularization in HG-induced EndoMT of HMECs. In vivo, increased expression of mesenchymal markers was detected in the retina of diabetic mice and FVMs from patients with PDR. FPR2 deficiency was associated with diminished EndoMT-related phenotypic changes in the retina of diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS FPR2 is actively involved in the progression of EndoMT that may contribute to the pathogenesis of PDR. Thus, FPR2 may be a potential therapeutic target for PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Lou
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Suqian First Pepple’s Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian First Pepple’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hongliang Chen
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zichen Wang
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yingying Le
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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14
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Bai Q, Wang X, Yan H, Wen L, Zhou Z, Ye Y, Jing Y, Niu Y, Wang L, Zhang Z, Su J, Chang T, Dou G, Wang Y, Sun J. Microglia-Derived Spp1 Promotes Pathological Retinal Neovascularization via Activating Endothelial Kit/Akt/mTOR Signaling. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010146. [PMID: 36675807 PMCID: PMC9866717 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV) is the main character of ischemic ocular diseases, which causes severe visual impairments. Though retinal microglia are well acknowledged to play important roles in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, the molecular mechanisms by which microglia communicates with endothelial cells (EC) remain unknown. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that the pro-inflammatory secreted protein Spp1 was the most upregulated gene in microglia in the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Bioinformatic analysis showed that the expression of Spp1 in microglia was respectively regulated via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) pathways, which was further confirmed through in vitro assays using BV2 microglia cell line. To mimic microglia-EC communication, the bEnd.3 endothelial cell line was cultured with conditional medium (CM) from BV2. We found that adding recombinant Spp1 to bEnd.3 as well as treating with hypoxic BV2 CM significantly enhanced EC proliferation and migration, while Spp1 neutralizing blocked those CM-induced effects. Moreover, RNA sequencing of BV2 CM-treated bEnd.3 revealed a significant downregulation of Kit, one of the type III tyrosine kinase receptors that plays a critical role in cell growth and activation. We further revealed that Spp1 increased phosphorylation and expression level of Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, which might account for its pro-angiogenic effects. Finally, we showed that intravitreal injection of Spp1 neutralizing antibody attenuated pathological RNV and improved visual function. Taken together, our work suggests that Spp1 mediates microglia-EC communication in RNV via activating endothelial Kit/Akt/mTOR signaling and is a potential target to treat ischemic ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- 63750 Army Hospital of Chinese PLA, Xi’an 710043, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Lintong Rehabilitation Center of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Xi’an 710600, China
| | - Hongxiang Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Lishi Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yating Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- College of Life Science, Northwestern University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Yutong Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yali Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Northern Theater Air Force Hospital, Shenyang 110041, China
| | - Zifeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jingbo Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Tianfang Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Guorui Dou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yusheng Wang
- Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (J.S.); Tel.: +029-84775371 (Y.W.); +029-84771273 (J.S.)
| | - Jiaxing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (J.S.); Tel.: +029-84775371 (Y.W.); +029-84771273 (J.S.)
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15
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Zhang Y, Zhou SQ, Xie MM, Jiang QL, Yang N, Wu R, Zhou J, Xu XR. Licochalcone A alleviates laser-induced choroidal neovascularization by inhibiting the endothelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109335. [PMID: 36436569 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a hallmark of wet age-related macular degeneration, which severely impairs central vision. Studies have shown that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is involved in the pathogenesis of CNV. Licochalcone A (lico A), a flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice, shows the inhibition on EndMT, but it remains unclear whether it can suppress the formation of CNV. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of lico A on laser-induced CNV, and EndMT process in vitro and vivo. We established the model of CNV with a krypton laser in Brown-Norway rats and then intraperitoneally injected lico A. Our experimental results demonstrated that the leakage of CNV was relieved, and the area of CNV was reduced in lico A-treated rats. Cell migration and tube formation in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-stimulated HUVECs were inhibited by lico A and promoted by PI3K activator 740Y-P. The protein expressions of snai1 and α-SMA were increased, and CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased in the model rats of CNV, but partially reversed after treatment with lico A. The expression of CD31 was decreased and α-SMA was increased in OX-LDL-treated HUVECs, which was further strengthened by 740Y-P, while the expression of CD31 was up-regulated and α-SMA was down-regulated in lico A treated HUVECs. Our data revealed that EndMT process was alleviated by lico A. Meanwhile, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated in model rat of CNV and Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs, which can be suppressed with treatment of lico A. Our experimental results confirmed for the first time that lico A has the potential to alleviate CNV by inhibiting the endothelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Si-Qi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Meng-Meng Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qiu-Le Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xin-Rong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Rowton M, Perez-Cervantes C, Hur S, Jacobs-Li J, Lu E, Deng N, Guzzetta A, Hoffmann AD, Stocker M, Steimle JD, Lazarevic S, Oubaha S, Yang XH, Kim C, Yu S, Eckart H, Koska M, Hanson E, Chan SSK, Garry DJ, Kyba M, Basu A, Ikegami K, Pott S, Moskowitz IP. Hedgehog signaling activates a mammalian heterochronic gene regulatory network controlling differentiation timing across lineages. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2181-2203.e9. [PMID: 36108627 PMCID: PMC10506397 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.08.009] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Many developmental signaling pathways have been implicated in lineage-specific differentiation; however, mechanisms that explicitly control differentiation timing remain poorly defined in mammals. We report that murine Hedgehog signaling is a heterochronic pathway that determines the timing of progenitor differentiation. Hedgehog activity was necessary to prevent premature differentiation of second heart field (SHF) cardiac progenitors in mouse embryos, and the Hedgehog transcription factor GLI1 was sufficient to delay differentiation of cardiac progenitors in vitro. GLI1 directly activated a de novo progenitor-specific network in vitro, akin to that of SHF progenitors in vivo, which prevented the onset of the cardiac differentiation program. A Hedgehog signaling-dependent active-to-repressive GLI transition functioned as a differentiation timer, restricting the progenitor network to the SHF. GLI1 expression was associated with progenitor status across germ layers, and it delayed the differentiation of neural progenitors in vitro, suggesting a broad role for Hedgehog signaling as a heterochronic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowton
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos Perez-Cervantes
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzy Hur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica Jacobs-Li
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emery Lu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikita Deng
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Guzzetta
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Stocker
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Steimle
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonja Lazarevic
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sophie Oubaha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xinan H Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chul Kim
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shuhan Yu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather Eckart
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mervenaz Koska
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erika Hanson
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sunny S K Chan
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anindita Basu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kohta Ikegami
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian Pott
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ivan P Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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17
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Notch activation suppresses endothelial cell migration and sprouting via miR-223-3p targeting Fbxw7. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2022; 58:124-135. [PMID: 35194762 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-022-00649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis involves temporo-spatially coordinated endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, differentiation, migration, and sprouting. Notch signaling is essential in regulating EC behaviors during angiogenesis, but its downstream mechanisms remain incompletely defined. In the current study, we show that miR-223-3p is a downstream molecule of Notch signaling and mediates the role of Notch signaling in regulating EC migration and sprouting. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), Notch activation by immobilized Dll4, a Notch ligand, upregulated miR-223-3p, and Notch activation-mediated miR-223-3p upregulation could be blocked by a γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT). miR-223-3p overexpression apparently repressed HUVEC migration, leading to attenuated lumen formation and sprouting capacities. Transcriptome comparison and subsequent qRT-PCR validation further indicated that miR-223-3p downregulated the expression of multiple genes involved in EC migration, axon guidance, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. In addition, miR-223-3p antagonist transfection abolished Notch-mediated repression of EC migration and sprouting. By quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and reporter assay analysis, we confirmed that miR-223-3p directly targeted F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (Fbxw7). Meanwhile, Fbxw7 overexpression could efficiently rescue the impaired migration capacity of ECs under miR-223-3p overexpression. In summary, these results identify that Notch activation-induced miR-223-3p suppresses EC migration and sprouting via Fbxw7.
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18
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Cabrerizo-Granados D, Peña R, Palacios L, Carrillo-Bosch L, Lloreta-Trull J, Comerma L, Iglesias M, de Herreros AG. Snail1 expression in endothelial cells controls growth, angiogenesis and differentiation of breast tumors. Theranostics 2021; 11:7671-7684. [PMID: 34335957 PMCID: PMC8315050 DOI: 10.7150/thno.61881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Snail1 is a transcriptional factor required for epithelial to mesenchymal transition and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Apart from that, tumor endothelial cells also express Snail1. Here, we have unraveled the role of Snail1 in this tissue in a tumorigenic context. Methods: We generated transgenic mice with an endothelial-specific and inducible Snail1 depletion. This murine line was crossed with MMTV-PyMT mice that develop mammary gland tumors and the consequence of Snail1 depletion in the endothelium were investigated. We also interfere Snail1 expression in cultured endothelial cells. Results: Specific Snail1 depletion in the endothelium of adult mice does not promote an overt phenotype; however, it delays the formation of mammary gland tumors in MMTV-PyMT mice. These effects are associated to the inability of Snail1-deficient endothelial cells to undergo angiogenesis and to enhance CAF activation in a paracrine manner. Moreover, tumors generated in mice with endothelium-specific Snail1 depletion are less advanced and show a papillary phenotype. Similar changes on onset and tumor morphology are observed by pretreatment of MMTV-PyMT mice with the angiogenic inhibitor Bevacizumab. Human breast papillary carcinomas exhibit a lower angiogenesis and present lower staining of Snail1, both in endothelial and stromal cells, compared with other breast neoplasms. Furthermore, human breast tumors datasets show a strong correlation between Snail1 expression and high angiogenesis. Conclusion: These findings show a novel role for Snail1 in endothelial cell activation and demonstrate that these cells impact not only on angiogenesis, but also on tumor onset and phenotype.
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19
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Targeting RGD-binding integrins as an integrative therapy for diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 85:100966. [PMID: 33775825 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are a class of transmembrane receptors that are involved in a wide range of biological functions. Dysregulation of integrins has been implicated in many pathological processes and consequently, they are attractive therapeutic targets. In the ophthalmology arena, there is extensive evidence suggesting that integrins play an important role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, dry eye disease and retinal vein occlusion. For example, there is extensive evidence that arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (Arg-Gly-Asp; RGD)-binding integrins are involved in key disease hallmarks of DR and neovascular AMD (nvAMD), specifically inflammation, vascular leakage, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Based on such evidence, drugs that engage integrin-linked pathways have received attention for their potential to block all these vision-threatening pathways. This review focuses on the pathophysiological role that RGD-binding integrins can have in complex multifactorial retinal disorders like DR, diabetic macular edema (DME) and nvAMD, which are leading causes of blindness in developed countries. Special emphasis will be given on how RGD-binding integrins can modulate the intricate molecular pathways and regulate the underlying pathological mechanisms. For instance, the interplay between integrins and key molecular players such as growth factors, cytokines and enzymes will be summarized. In addition, recent clinical advances linked to targeting RGD-binding integrins in the context of DME and nvAMD will be discussed alongside future potential for limiting progression of these diseases.
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20
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Reddy LVK, Murugan D, Mullick M, Begum Moghal ET, Sen D. Recent Approaches for Angiogenesis in Search of Successful Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 15:111-134. [PMID: 31682212 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666191104151928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a central role in human physiology from reproduction and fetal development to wound healing and tissue repair/regeneration. Clinically relevant therapies are needed for promoting angiogenesis in order to supply oxygen and nutrients after transplantation, thus relieving the symptoms of ischemia. Increase in angiogenesis can lead to the restoration of damaged tissues, thereby leading the way for successful tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration is a broad field that has shown the convergence of various interdisciplinary fields, wherein living cells in conjugation with biomaterials have been tried and tested on to the human body. Although there is a prevalence of various approaches that hypothesize enhanced tissue regeneration via angiogenesis, none of them have been successful in gaining clinical relevance. Hence, the current review summarizes the recent cell-based and cell free (exosomes, extracellular vesicles, micro-RNAs) therapies, gene and biomaterial-based approaches that have been used for angiogenesis-mediated tissue regeneration and have been applied in treating disease models like ischemic heart, brain stroke, bone defects and corneal defects. This review also puts forward a concise report of the pre-clinical and clinical studies that have been performed so far; thereby presenting the credible impact of the development of biomaterials and their 3D concepts in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration, which would lead to the probable ways for heralding the successful future of angiogenesis-mediated approaches in the greater perspective of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekkala Vinod Kumar Reddy
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Durai Murugan
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Madhubanti Mullick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Erfath Thanjeem Begum Moghal
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dwaipayan Sen
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.,University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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21
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Zhao H, Ling J, Huang Y, Chang A, Zhuo X. The expression and clinical significance of an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition inducer, SNAI1, in head and neck carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2020; 50:145-154. [PMID: 32945534 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SNAI1 is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer, which has been indicated to play a role in the progression of cancers. We aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic roles of SNAI1 in head and neck carcinoma (HNC). METHODS The study involved two major phases. In the in silico phase, the SNAI1 expression and its association with clinical features as well as its prognostic values were assessed; then, the target genes of SNAI1 were predicted and the relationship between SNAI1 expression and immune cell infiltration was evaluated. In the validation phase, a cohort of a tissue microarray (47 cases) and a cohort of HNC patients (68 cases) were enrolled. SNAI1 was detected by using an immunochemistry assay. RESULTS The in silico analysis showed that overexpression of SNAI1 in HNC tissues may be correlated with metastatic lymph node numbers and may predict poor outcomes. Six genes, including CREB3L1, MITF, KLF9, RARA, KLF7, and ETV1, were predicted to be the target genes of SNAI1. The expression of SNAI1 was negatively correlated with tumor purity of HNC, while it was positively correlated with the infiltration of diverse immune cells, such as B cells and macrophages. In the validation phase, the relationships of SNAI1 expression with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis were verified. CONCLUSION Overexpression of SNAI1 might promote lymph node metastasis through complex molecular mechanisms and act as a prognostic indicator in HNC. SNAI1 expression may have a correlation with immune cell infiltrates. Future studies are needed to address these points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houyu Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Junjun Ling
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Aoshuang Chang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xianlu Zhuo
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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22
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Li C, Ma Q, Toan S, Wang J, Zhou H, Liang J. SERCA overexpression reduces reperfusion-mediated cardiac microvascular damage through inhibition of the calcium/MCU/mPTP/necroptosis signaling pathways. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101659. [PMID: 32738788 PMCID: PMC7395441 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells lining the microvasculature are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a susceptibility that is partially mediated by dysregulated intracellular calcium signals. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) functions to recycle calcium from the cytosol back to the endoplasmic reticulum. The purpose of this study is to explore the roles and mechanisms of SERCA in protecting microcirculation against cardiac I/R injury. Our data showed that overexpression of SERCA significantly reduced I/R-induced luminal stenosis and vascular wall edema, possibly through normalization of the ratio between eNOS and ET-1. I/R-induced erythrocyte morphological changes in micro-vessels could be reversed by SERCA overexpression through transcriptional inhibition of the expression of adhesive factors. In addition, SERCA-sustained endothelial barrier integrity reduced the likelihood of inflammatory cells infiltrating the myocardium. Furthermore, we found that SERCA overexpression attenuated intracellular calcium overload, suppressed mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) expression, and prevented the abnormal opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) in I/R-treated cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Interestingly, the administration of calcium activator or MCU agonist induced endothelial necroptosis in vitro and thus abolished the microvascular protection afforded by SERCA in reperfused heart tissue in vivo. In conclusion, by using gene delivery strategies to specifically target SERCA in vitro and in vivo, we identify a potential novel pathway by which SERCA overexpression protects microcirculation against cardiac I/R injury in a manner dependent on the calcium/MCU/necroptosis pathway. These findings should be taken into consideration in the development of pharmacological strategies for therapeutic interventions against cardiac microvascular I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Cardiology, Foshan Hospital Affiliated with Southern Medical University (The Second People's Hospital of Foshan), Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinghui Ma
- Department of Oncology Hematology, Foshan Hospital Affiliated with Southern Medical University (The Second People's Hospital of Foshan), Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Sam Toan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jianqiu Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Foshan Hospital Affiliated with Southern Medical University (The Second People's Hospital of Foshan), Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Zhu H, Zhao M, Chen Y, Li D. Bcl-2-associated athanogene 5 overexpression attenuates catecholamine-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:946-957. [PMID: 32583430 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bcl-2 associated athanogene 5 (Bag5) is a novel endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulator. However, its role in catecholamine-induced endothelial cells damage has not been fully understood. In our study, catecholamine was used to mimic hypertension-related endothelial cell damage. Then, western blots, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and pathway analysis were conducted to analyze the role of Bag5 in endothelial cell damage in response to catecholamine. Our results indicated that the endothelial cell viability was impaired by catecholamine. Interestingly, Bag5 overexpression significantly reversed endothelial cell viability. Mechanistically, Bag5 overexpression inhibited ER stress, attenuated oxidative stress and repressed inflammation in catecholamine-treated endothelial cells. These beneficial effects finally contributed to endothelial cell survival under catecholamine treatment. Pathway analysis demonstrated that Bag5 was under the control of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Reactivation of the MAPK-ERK pathway could upregulate Bag5 expression and thus promote endothelial cell survival through inhibiting oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation. Altogether, our results illustrate that Bag5 overexpression sustains endothelial cell survival in response to catecholamine treatment. This finding identifies Bag5 downregulation and the inactivated MAPK-ERK pathway as potential mechanisms underlying catecholamine-induced endothelial cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maoxiang Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yundai Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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24
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EMT and EndMT: Emerging Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124271. [PMID: 32560057 PMCID: PMC7349630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are physiological processes required for normal embryogenesis. However, these processes can be hijacked in pathological conditions to facilitate tissue fibrosis and cancer metastasis. In the eye, EMT and EndMT play key roles in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, the end-stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to profound and permanent vision loss. Predominant in subretinal fibrotic lesions are matrix-producing mesenchymal cells believed to originate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) through EMT and EndMT, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that EMT of RPE may also be implicated during the early stages of AMD. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a key cytokine orchestrating both EMT and EndMT. Investigations in the molecular mechanisms underpinning EMT and EndMT in AMD have implicated a myriad of contributing factors including signaling pathways, extracellular matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. Questions arise as to differences in the mesenchymal cells derived from these two processes and their distinct mechanistic contributions to the pathogenesis of AMD. Detailed discussion on the AMD microenvironment highlights the synergistic interactions between RPE and CECs that may augment the EMT and EndMT processes in vivo. Understanding the differential regulatory networks of EMT and EndMT and their contributions to both the dry and wet forms of AMD can aid the development of therapeutic strategies targeting both RPE and CECs to potentially reverse the aberrant cellular transdifferentiation processes, regenerate the retina and thus restore vision.
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25
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Lovisa S, Fletcher-Sananikone E, Sugimoto H, Hensel J, Lahiri S, Hertig A, Taduri G, Lawson E, Dewar R, Revuelta I, Kato N, Wu CJ, Bassett RL, Putluri N, Zeisberg M, Zeisberg EM, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition compromises vascular integrity to induce Myc-mediated metabolic reprogramming in kidney fibrosis. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/635/eaaz2597. [PMID: 32518142 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaz2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a cellular transdifferentiation program in which endothelial cells partially lose their endothelial identity and acquire mesenchymal-like features. Renal capillary endothelial cells can undergo EndMT in association with persistent damage of the renal parenchyma. The functional consequence(s) of EndMT in kidney fibrosis remains unexplored. Here, we studied the effect of Twist or Snail deficiency in endothelial cells on EndMT in kidney fibrosis. Conditional deletion of Twist1 (which encodes Twist) or Snai1 (which encodes Snail) in VE-cadherin+ or Tie1+ endothelial cells inhibited the emergence of EndMT and improved kidney fibrosis in two different kidney injury/fibrosis mouse models. Suppression of EndMT limited peritubular vascular leakage, reduced tissue hypoxia, and preserved tubular epithelial health and function. Hypoxia, which was exacerbated by EndMT, resulted in increased Myc abundance in tubular epithelial cells, enhanced glycolysis, and suppression of fatty acid oxidation. Pharmacological suppression or epithelial-specific genetic ablation of Myc in tubular epithelial cells ameliorated fibrosis and restored renal parenchymal function and metabolic homeostasis. Together, these findings demonstrate a functional role for EndMT in the response to kidney capillary endothelial injury and highlight the contribution of endothelial-epithelial cross-talk in the development of kidney fibrosis with a potential for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lovisa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Eliot Fletcher-Sananikone
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.,Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Janine Hensel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Sharmistha Lahiri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Alexandre Hertig
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gangadhar Taduri
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica Lawson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Rajan Dewar
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ignacio Revuelta
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Noritoshi Kato
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Roland L Bassett
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael Zeisberg
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth M Zeisberg
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.,Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA. .,Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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26
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Zheng N, Li H, Wang X, Zhao Z, Shan D. Oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is associated with dysregulated Akt/p53 signaling pathway. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 40:599-604. [PMID: 32460597 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1772297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress may play a crucial role in cardiac and vascular abnormalities in different types of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we explored the mechanism underlying oxidative stress-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis with a focus on the Akt-p53 signaling pathway. In vitro, cardiomyocyte was cultured with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Then, cardiomyocyte viability, apoptosis rate and signaling pathway were analyzed through ELISA, immunofluorescence, qPCR and western blots. The results indicated that oxidative stress caused cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, oxidative stress inhibited cardiomyocyte glucose metabolism and promoted lactic acid accumulation. Besides, oxidative stress triggered calcium overload in cardiomyocyte. Finally, we found that oxidative stress inhibited the activity of Akt pathway while activated p53 signaling pathway. Genetic knockdown of p53 abolished oxidative stress-mediated cardiomyocyte injury and death through regulating the expressions and activities of caspase-3 and Bax. Altogether, our results illustrate that oxidative stress is associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis through a mechanism involving dysregulated Akt/p53 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Han Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zaixian Zhao
- First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongkai Shan
- Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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27
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Ma J, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Goumans MJ, ten Dijke P. TGF-β-Induced Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Disease and Tissue Engineering. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:260. [PMID: 32373613 PMCID: PMC7187792 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process that gives rise to cells with multipotent potential. EndMT is essential for the formation of the cardiovascular system during embryonic development. Emerging results link EndMT to the postnatal onset and progression of fibrotic diseases and cancer. Moreover, recent reports have emphasized the potential for EndMT in tissue engineering and regenerative applications by regulating the differentiation status of cells. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) engages in many important physiological processes and is a potent inducer of EndMT. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway as it relates to EndMT. Thereafter, we discuss the pivotal role of TGF-β-induced EndMT in the development of cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis, and cancer, as well as the potential application of TGF-β-induced EndMT in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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28
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Weinstein N, Mendoza L, Álvarez-Buylla ER. A Computational Model of the Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Genet 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32226439 PMCID: PMC7080988 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) form the lining of lymph and blood vessels. Changes in tissue requirements or wounds may cause ECs to behave as tip or stalk cells. Alternatively, they may differentiate into mesenchymal cells (MCs). These processes are known as EC activation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), respectively. EndMT, Tip, and Stalk EC behaviors all require SNAI1, SNAI2, and Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) function. However, only EndMT inhibits the expression of VE-cadherin, PECAM1, and VEGFR2, and also leads to EC detachment. Physiologically, EndMT is involved in heart valve development, while a defective EndMT regulation is involved in the physiopathology of cardiovascular malformations, congenital heart disease, systemic and organ fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the control of EndMT has many promising potential applications in regenerative medicine. Despite the fact that many molecular components involved in EC activation and EndMT have been characterized, the system-level molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. Toward this end, hereby we present Boolean network model of the molecular involved in the regulation of EC activation and EndMT. The simulated dynamic behavior of our model reaches fixed and cyclic patterns of activation that correspond to the expected EC and MC cell types and behaviors, recovering most of the specific effects of simple gain and loss-of-function mutations as well as the conditions associated with the progression of several diseases. Therefore, our model constitutes a theoretical framework that can be used to generate hypotheses and guide experimental inquiry to comprehend the regulatory mechanisms behind EndMT. Our main findings include that both the extracellular microevironment and the pattern of molecular activity within the cell regulate EndMT. EndMT requires a lack of VEGFA and sufficient oxygen in the extracellular microenvironment as well as no FLI1 and GATA2 activity within the cell. Additionally Tip cells cannot undergo EndMT directly. Furthermore, the specific conditions that are sufficient to trigger EndMT depend on the specific pattern of molecular activation within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Mendoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena R Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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29
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Lu K, Zhao J, Liu W. Macrophage stimulating 1-induced inflammation response promotes aortic aneurysm formation through triggering endothelial cells death and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 40:374-382. [PMID: 32156191 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1738484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm formation is associated with endothelial cells dysfunction through an undefined mechanism. Macrophage stimulating 1 (Mst1) and NF-κB signaling pathway have been found to be related to inflammation response in endothelial cell damage. The goal of our study is to explore the role of Mst1 in regulating endothelial cell viability with a focus on NF-κB signaling pathway and inflammation response. Endothelial cell viability and death were determined via immunofluorescence and ELISA. Agonist of NF-κB signaling pathway and siRNA against Mst1 were used. The results in our study demonstrated that Mst1 transcription and expression were significantly elevated after exposure to oxidative stress in endothelial cells. Once loss of Mst1 through transfection of siRNA (si-Mst1), endothelial cell viability and survival rate were rapidly increased in response to oxidative stress. In addition, we also found that Mst1 controlled inflammation response and mitochondrial function in endothelial cells. Re-activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was followed by an activation of inflammation response and mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by increased expression of inflammation factors and decreased ATP synthesis. Altogether, our results identify Mst1 as the primary factors responsible for endothelial cells dysfunction in aneurysms formation through inducing inflammation response, endothelial apoptosis, and NF-κB signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, P. R. China
| | - Jianfei Zhao
- Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, P. R. China
| | - Weili Liu
- Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, P. R. China
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30
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Zhang P, Yue K, Liu X, Yan X, Yang Z, Duan J, Xia C, Xu X, Zhang M, Liang L, Wang L, Han H. Endothelial Notch activation promotes neutrophil transmigration via downregulating endomucin to aggravate hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:375-387. [PMID: 32048161 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory leukocytes infiltration is orchestrated by mechanisms involving chemokines, selectins, addressins and other adhesion molecules derived from endothelial cells (ECs), but how they respond to inflammatory cues and coordinate leukocyte transmigration remain elusive. In this study, using hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) as a model, we identified that endothelial Notch activation was rapidly and dynamically induced in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in acute inflammation. In mice with EC-specific Notch activation (NICeCA), HIRI induced exacerbated liver damage. Consistently, endothelial Notch activation enhanced neutrophil infiltration and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in HIRI. Transcriptome analysis and further qRT-PCR as well as immunofluorescence indicated that endomucin (EMCN), a negative regulator of leukocyte adhesion, was downregulated in LSECs from NICeCA mice. EMCN was downregulated during HIRI in wild-type mice and in vitro cultured ECs insulted by hypoxia/re-oxygenation injury. Notch activation in ECs led to increased neutrophil adhesion and transendothelial migration, which was abrogated by EMCN overexpression in vitro. In mice deficient of RBPj, the integrative transcription factor of canonical Notch signaling, although overwhelming sinusoidal malformation aggravated HIRI, the expression of EMCN was upregulated; and pharmaceutical Notch blockade in vitro also upregulated EMCN and inhibited transendothelial migration of neutrophils. The Notch activation-exaggerated HIRI was compromised by blocking LFA-1, which mediated leukocyte adherence by associating with EMCN. Therefore, endothelial Notch signaling controls neutrophil transmigration via EMCN to modulate acute inflammation in HIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Kangyi Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xianchun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ziyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Juanli Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Congcong Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Liang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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31
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Torres A, Bidarra S, Vasconcelos D, Barbosa J, Silva E, Nascimento D, Barrias C. Microvascular engineering: Dynamic changes in microgel-entrapped vascular cells correlates with higher vasculogenic/angiogenic potential. Biomaterials 2020; 228:119554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Bochenek ML, Leidinger C, Rosinus NS, Gogiraju R, Guth S, Hobohm L, Jurk K, Mayer E, Münzel T, Lankeit M, Bosmann M, Konstantinides S, Schäfer K. Activated Endothelial TGFβ1 Signaling Promotes Venous Thrombus Nonresolution in Mice Via Endothelin-1: Potential Role for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Circ Res 2019; 126:162-181. [PMID: 31747868 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.315259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by defective thrombus resolution, pulmonary artery obstruction, and vasculopathy. TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling mutations have been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension, whereas the role of TGFβ in the pathophysiology of CTEPH is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether defective TGFβ signaling in endothelial cells contributes to thrombus nonresolution and fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Venous thrombosis was induced by inferior vena cava ligation in mice with genetic deletion of TGFβ1 in platelets (Plt.TGFβ-KO) or TGFβ type II receptors in endothelial cells (End.TGFβRII-KO). Pulmonary endarterectomy specimens from CTEPH patients were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Primary human and mouse endothelial cells were studied using confocal microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. Absence of TGFβ1 in platelets did not alter platelet number or function but was associated with faster venous thrombus resolution, whereas endothelial TGFβRII deletion resulted in larger, more fibrotic and higher vascularized venous thrombi. Increased circulating active TGFβ1 levels, endothelial TGFβRI/ALK1 (activin receptor-like kinase), and TGFβRI/ALK5 expression were detected in End.TGFβRII-KO mice, and activated TGFβ signaling was present in vessel-rich areas of CTEPH specimens. CTEPH-endothelial cells and murine endothelial cells lacking TGFβRII simultaneously expressed endothelial and mesenchymal markers and transcription factors regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, similar to TGFβ1-stimulated endothelial cells. Mechanistically, increased endothelin-1 levels were detected in TGFβRII-KO endothelial cells, murine venous thrombi, or endarterectomy specimens and plasma of CTEPH patients, and endothelin-1 overexpression was prevented by inhibition of ALK5, and to a lesser extent of ALK1. ALK5 inhibition and endothelin receptor antagonization inhibited mesenchymal lineage conversion in TGFβ1-exposed human and murine endothelial cells and improved venous thrombus resolution and pulmonary vaso-occlusions in End.TGFβRII-KO mice. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial TGFβ1 signaling via type I receptors and endothelin-1 contribute to mesenchymal lineage transition and thrombofibrosis, which were prevented by blocking endothelin receptors. Our findings may have relevant implications for the prevention and management of CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena L Bochenek
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
| | - Christiane Leidinger
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Nico S Rosinus
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
| | - Rajinikanth Gogiraju
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
| | - Stefan Guth
- Thoracic Surgery, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany (S.G., E.M.)
| | - Lukas Hobohm
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Kerstin Jurk
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mayer
- Thoracic Surgery, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany (S.G., E.M.).,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
| | - Thomas Münzel
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
| | - Mareike Lankeit
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité -University Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA (M.B.)
| | - Stavros Konstantinides
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (M.L.B., L.H., K.J., M.L., M.B., S.K.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece (S.K.)
| | - Katrin Schäfer
- From the Center for Cardiology, Cardiology I (M.L.B., C.L., N.S.R., R.G., L.H., T.M., K.S.), University Medical Center Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.; RheinMain) (M.L.B., N.S.R., R.G., E.M., T.M., K.S.)
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Role of HIF-1α-miR30a-Snai1 Axis in Neonatal Hyperoxic Lung Injury. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:8327486. [PMID: 31772711 PMCID: PMC6854945 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8327486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by a severe impairment in lung alveolarization and vascular development. We have previously shown that pulmonary angiogenesis is preserved in hyperoxia-exposed female mice accompanied by increased miR-30a expression, which is a proangiogenic miRNA. Also, miR-30a expression is decreased in human BPD. HIF-1α plays an essential role in postnatal lung development, especially in recovery from hyperoxic injury. Snai1 activation promotes pathological fibrosis through many mechanisms including Endo-MT, which may in turn adversely impact lung vascular development. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that higher miR-30a expression through HIF-1α decreases Snai1 expression in females and attenuates injury in the developing lung. Neonatal male and female mice (C57BL/6) were exposed to hyperoxia (P1-5, 0.95 FiO2) and euthanized on P21. Neonatal human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs; 18-24-week gestation donors; 3/group either sex) were subjected to hyperoxia (95% O2 and 5% CO2) or normoxia (air and 5% CO2) up to 72 h. Snai1 expression was measured in HPMECs in vitro and in neonatal mouse lungs in vivo. Also, Snai1 expression was measured in HPMECs after miR-30a mimic and miR-30a inhibitor treatment. To further establish the potential regulation of miR-30a by Hif-1α, miR-30a expression after Hif-1α inhibition was measured in HPMECs. In vivo, Snai1 expression was decreased in neonatal female lungs compared to males at P7. Increased Snai1 expression was seen in male HPMECs upon exposure to hyperoxia in vitro. Treatment with the miR-30a mimic decreased Snai1 expression in HPMECs, while miR-30a inhibition significantly increased Snai1 expression in HPMECs. siRNA-mediated loss of Hif-1α expression in HPMECs decreased miR-30a expression. Hif-1α may lead to differential sex-specific miR-30a expression and may contribute to protection from hyperoxic lung injury in female neonatal mice through decreased Snai1 expression.
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Fan L, Wang J, Ma C. Pretreatment of bone mesenchymal stem cells with miR181-c facilitates craniofacial defect reconstruction via activating AMPK-Mfn1 signaling pathways. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2019; 39:199-207. [PMID: 31466503 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2019.1652649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Context: Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)-based regenerative therapy is critical for the craniofacial defect reconstruction. However, oxidative stress micro-environment after transplantation limits the therapeutic efficiency of BMSC. The miR-181c has been found to be associated with cell survival and proliferation. Objective: Herein, we investigated whether prior miR-181c treatment promoted BMSC proliferation and survival under oxidative stress injury. Materials and methods: Cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and then cell viability was determined via MTT assay, TUNEL staining and ELISA. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect those alterations of mitochondrial function. Results: H2O2 treatment reduced BMSC viability and this effect could be reversed via additional supplementation of miR181-c. Mechanistically, oxidative stress increased cell apoptosis, augmented caspase-3 activity, promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis, impaired mitochondrial potential, and induced mitochondrial dynamics imbalance. However, miR-181c pretreatment reversed these effects of oxidative stress on BMSC. Moreover, miR-181c treatment improved BMSC proliferation, migration and paracrine, which are very important for craniofacial reconstruction. In addition, we identified that AMPK-Mfn1 axis was the direct targets of miR-181c in BMSC. Mfn1 silencing impaired the protective effects miR-181c on BMSC viability and proliferation under oxidative stress environment. Conclusions: Collectively, our results indicate that miR-181c participates in oxidative stress-mediated BMSC damage by modulating the AMPK-Mfn1 signaling pathway, suggesting miR-181c-AMPK-Mfn1 axis may serves as novel therapeutic targets to facilitate craniofacial defect reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longkun Fan
- Department of Medical Plastic Surgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital , Cangzhou , China
| | - Jingxian Wang
- Department of Medical Plastic Surgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital , Cangzhou , China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Medical Plastic Surgery, Cangzhou Central Hospital , Cangzhou , China
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35
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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36
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Abstract
Each day, the retina converts an immense number of photons into chemical signals that are then transported to higher order neural centers for interpretation. This process of photo transduction requires large quantities of cellular energy and anabolic precursors, making the retina one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. With such a large metabolic demand, the retina is understandably sensitive to perturbations in perfusion and hypoxia. Indeed, retinal ischemia underlies many prevalent retinal disorders including diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Retinal ischemia leads to the expression of growth factors, cytokines, and other cellular mediators which promote inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and ultimately, vision loss. This review aims to highlight the most recent and compelling findings that have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal ischemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Fortmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Maria B Grant
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
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37
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Myofibroblasts in macular fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration - the potential sources and molecular cues for their recruitment and activation. EBioMedicine 2018; 38:283-291. [PMID: 30473378 PMCID: PMC6306402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in developed countries. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) accounts for 90% of AMD-related vision loss. Although intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors can improve vision in nAMD, approximately 1/3 of patients do not benefit from the therapy due to macular fibrosis. The molecular mechanism underlying the transition of the neovascular lesion to a fibrovascular phenotype remains unknown. Here we discussed the clinical features and risk factors of macular fibrosis secondary to nAMD. Myofibroblasts are key cells in fibrosis development. However, fibroblasts do not exist in the macula. Potential sources of myofibroblast precursors, the molecular cues in the macular microenvironment that recruit them and the pathways that control their differentiation and activation in macular fibrosis were also discussed. Furthermore, we highlighted the challenges in macular fibrosis research and the urgent need for better animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
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