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Altmann N, Bowlby C, Coughlin H, Belacic Z, Sullivan S, Durgam S. Interleukin-6 upregulates extracellular matrix gene expression and transforming growth factor β1 activity of tendon progenitor cells. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:907. [PMID: 37993850 PMCID: PMC10664499 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-07047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged inflammation during tendon healing and poor intrinsic healing capacity of tendon are causal factors associated with tendon structural and functional degeneration. Tendon cells, consisting of mature tenocytes and tendon progenitor cells (TPC) function to maintain tendon structure via extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Tendon cells can succumb to tissue cytokine/chemokine alterations during healing and consequently contribute to tendon degeneration. Interleukin-(IL-)1β, IL-6 and TNFα are key cytokines upregulated in injured tendons; the specific effects of IL-6 on flexor tendon-derived TPC have not been discerned. METHODS Passage 3 equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)-derived TPC were isolated from 6 horses. IL-6 impact on the viability (MMT assay with 0, 1, 5 and 10 ng/mL concentrations), migration (scratch motility assay at 0, 10ng/mL concentration) of TPC in monolayer culture were assessed. IL-6 effect on tendon ECM and chondrogenic gene expression (qRT-PCR), TGFβ1 gene expression and activity (ELISA), and MMP-1, -3 and - 13 gene expression of TPC was evaluated. RESULTS IL-6 decreased TPC viability and migration. IL-6 treatment at 10 ng/mL significantly up-regulated TGFβ1 gene expression (6.3-fold; p = 0.01) in TPC, and significantly increased the TGFβ1 concentration in cell culture supernates. IL-6 (at 10 ng/mL) significantly up-regulated both tendon ECM (COL1A1:5.3-fold, COL3A1:5.4-fold, COMP 5.5-fold) and chondrogenic (COL2A1:3.9-fold, ACAN:6.2-fold, SOX9:4.8-fold) mRNA expression in TPC. Addition of SB431542, a TGFβ1 receptor inhibitor, to TPC in the presence of IL-6, attenuated the up-regulated tendon ECM and chondrogenic genes. CONCLUSION IL-6 alters TPC phenotype during in vitro monolayer culture. Pro- and anti-inflammatory roles of IL-6 have been implicated on tendon healing. Our findings demonstrate that IL-6 induces TGFβ1 activity in TPC and affects the basal TPC phenotype (as evidenced via increased tendon ECM and chondrogenic gene expressions). Further investigation of this biological link may serve as a foundation for therapeutic strategies that modulate IL-6 to enhance tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Altmann
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles Bowlby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haley Coughlin
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zarah Belacic
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stasia Sullivan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sushmitha Durgam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Nagalingam RS, Chattopadhyaya S, Al-Hattab DS, Cheung DYC, Schwartz LY, Jana S, Aroutiounova N, Ledingham DA, Moffatt TL, Landry NM, Bagchi RA, Dixon IMC, Wigle JT, Oudit GY, Kassiri Z, Jassal DS, Czubryt MP. Scleraxis and fibrosis in the pressure-overloaded heart. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:4739-4750. [PMID: 36200607 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS In response to pro-fibrotic signals, scleraxis regulates cardiac fibroblast activation in vitro via transcriptional control of key fibrosis genes such as collagen and fibronectin; however, its role in vivo is unknown. The present study assessed the impact of scleraxis loss on fibroblast activation, cardiac fibrosis, and dysfunction in pressure overload-induced heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS Scleraxis expression was upregulated in the hearts of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients, and in mice subjected to pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Tamoxifen-inducible fibroblast-specific scleraxis knockout (Scx-fKO) completely attenuated cardiac fibrosis, and significantly improved cardiac systolic function and ventricular remodelling, following TAC compared to Scx+/+ TAC mice, concomitant with attenuation of fibroblast activation. Scleraxis deletion, after the establishment of cardiac fibrosis, attenuated the further functional decline observed in Scx+/+ mice, with a reduction in cardiac myofibroblasts. Notably, scleraxis knockout reduced pressure overload-induced mortality from 33% to zero, without affecting the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. Scleraxis directly regulated transcription of the myofibroblast marker periostin, and cardiac fibroblasts lacking scleraxis failed to upregulate periostin synthesis and secretion in response to pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor β. CONCLUSION Scleraxis governs fibroblast activation in pressure overload-induced heart failure, and scleraxis knockout attenuated fibrosis and improved cardiac function and survival. These findings identify scleraxis as a viable target for the development of novel anti-fibrotic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S Nagalingam
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sikta Chattopadhyaya
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Danah S Al-Hattab
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - David Y C Cheung
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Leah Y Schwartz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sayantan Jana
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Nina Aroutiounova
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - D Allison Ledingham
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Teri L Moffatt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Natalie M Landry
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA
| | - Ian M C Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Davinder S Jassal
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
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3
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Inguito KL, Schofield MM, Faghri AD, Bloom ET, Heino M, West VC, Ebron KMM, Elliott DM, Parreno J. Stress deprivation of tendon explants or Tpm3.1 inhibition in tendon cells reduces F-actin to promote a tendinosis-like phenotype. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar141. [PMID: 36129771 PMCID: PMC9727789 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-02-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Actin is a central mediator between mechanical force and cellular phenotype. In tendons, it is speculated that mechanical stress deprivation regulates gene expression by reducing filamentous (F)-actin. However, the mechanisms regulating tenocyte F-actin remain unclear. Tropomyosins (Tpms) are master regulators of F-actin. There are more than 40 Tpm isoforms, each having the unique capability to stabilize F-actin subpopulations. We investigated F-actin polymerization in stress-deprived tendons and tested the hypothesis that stress fiber-associated Tpm(s) stabilize F-actin to regulate cellular phenotype. Stress deprivation of mouse tail tendon down-regulated tenogenic and up-regulated protease (matrix metalloproteinase-3) mRNA levels. Concomitant with mRNA modulation were increases in G/F-actin, confirming reduced F-actin by tendon stress deprivation. To investigate the molecular regulation of F-actin, we identified that tail, Achilles, and plantaris tendons express three isoforms in common: Tpm1.6, 3.1, and 4.2. Tpm3.1 associates with F-actin in native and primary tenocytes. Tpm3.1 inhibition reduces F-actin, leading to decreases in tenogenic expression, increases in chondrogenic expression, and enhancement of protease expression in mouse and human tenocytes. These expression changes by Tpm3.1 inhibition are consistent with tendinosis progression. A further understanding of F-actin regulation in musculoskeletal cells could lead to new therapeutic interventions to prevent alterations in cellular phenotype during disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron L. Inguito
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Mandy M. Schofield
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Arya D. Faghri
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Ellen T. Bloom
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Marissa Heino
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716,Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Valerie C. West
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | | | - Dawn M. Elliott
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716
| | - Justin Parreno
- Departments of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716,Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716,*Address correspondence to: Justin Parreno ()
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Burgos Villar KN, Liu X, Small EM. Transcriptional regulation of cardiac fibroblast phenotypic plasticity. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 28:100556. [PMID: 36777260 PMCID: PMC9915012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts play critical roles in the maintenance of cardiac structure and the response to cardiac insult. Extracellular matrix deposition by activated resident cardiac fibroblasts, called myofibroblasts, is an essential wound healing response. However, persistent fibroblast activation contributes to pathological fibrosis and cardiac chamber stiffening, which can cause diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and initiate lethal arrhythmias. The dynamic and phenotypically plastic nature of cardiac fibroblasts is governed in part by the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix molecules. Understanding how fibroblasts integrate various biomechanical cues into a precise transcriptional response may uncover therapeutic strategies to prevent fibrosis. Here, we provide an overview of the recent literature on transcriptional control of cardiac fibroblast plasticity and fibrosis, with a focus on canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling, biomechanical regulation of Hippo/YAP and Rho/MRTF signaling, and metabolic and epigenetic control of fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N. Burgos Villar
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Eric M. Small
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Correspondence:
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5
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Canadian Contributions in Fibroblast Biology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152272. [PMID: 35892569 PMCID: PMC9331635 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are stromal cells found in virtually every tissue and organ of the body. For many years, these cells were often considered to be secondary in functional importance to parenchymal cells. Over the past 2 decades, focused research into the roles of fibroblasts has revealed important roles for these cells in the homeostasis of healthy tissue, and has demonstrated that activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is a key step in disease initiation and progression in many tissues, with fibrosis now recognized as not only an outcome of disease, but also a central contributor to tissue dysfunction, particularly in the heart and lungs. With a growing understanding of both fibroblast and myofibroblast heterogeneity, and the deciphering of the humoral and mechanical cues that impact the phenotype of these cells, fibroblast biology is rapidly becoming a major focus in biomedical research. In this review, we provide an overview of fibroblast and myofibroblast biology, particularly in the heart, and including a discussion of pathophysiological processes such as fibrosis and scarring. We then discuss the central role of Canadian researchers in moving this field forwards, particularly in cardiac fibrosis, and highlight some of the major contributions of these individuals to our understanding of fibroblast and myofibroblast biology in health and disease.
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Chattopadhyaya S, Nagalingam RS, Ledingham DA, Moffatt TL, Al-Hattab DS, Narhan P, Stecy MT, O’Hara KA, Czubryt MP. Regulation of Cardiac Fibroblast GLS1 Expression by Scleraxis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091471. [PMID: 35563778 PMCID: PMC9101234 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an energy-intensive process requiring the activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, resulting in the increased synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. Little is known about the transcriptional control of energy metabolism in cardiac fibroblast activation, but glutaminolysis has been implicated in liver and lung fibrosis. Here we explored how pro-fibrotic TGFβ and its effector scleraxis, which drive cardiac fibroblast activation, regulate genes involved in glutaminolysis, particularly the rate-limiting enzyme glutaminase (GLS1). The GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 attenuated TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation. Cardiac fibroblast activation to myofibroblasts by scleraxis overexpression increased glutaminolysis gene expression, including GLS1, while cardiac fibroblasts from scleraxis-null mice showed reduced expression. TGFβ induced GLS1 expression and increased intracellular glutamine and glutamate levels, indicative of increased glutaminolysis, but in scleraxis knockout cells, these measures were attenuated, and the response to TGFβ was lost. The knockdown of scleraxis in activated cardiac fibroblasts reduced GLS1 expression by 75%. Scleraxis transactivated the human GLS1 promoter in luciferase reporter assays, and this effect was dependent on a key scleraxis-binding E-box motif. These results implicate scleraxis-mediated GLS1 expression as a key regulator of glutaminolysis in cardiac fibroblast activation, and blocking scleraxis in this process may provide a means of starving fibroblasts of the energy required for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikta Chattopadhyaya
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Raghu S. Nagalingam
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - D. Allison Ledingham
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
| | - Teri L. Moffatt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
| | - Danah S. Al-Hattab
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Pavit Narhan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
| | - Matthew T. Stecy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
| | - Kimberley A. O’Hara
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
| | - Michael P. Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada; (S.C.); (R.S.N.); (D.A.L.); (T.L.M.); (D.S.A.-H.); (P.N.); (M.T.S.); (K.A.O.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-204-235-3719
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7
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Ide K, Takahashi S, Sakai K, Taga Y, Ueno T, Dickens D, Jenkins R, Falciani F, Sasaki T, Ooi K, Kawashiri S, Mizuno K, Hattori S, Sakai T. The dipeptide prolyl-hydroxyproline promotes cellular homeostasis and lamellipodia-driven motility via active β1-integrin in adult tendon cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100819. [PMID: 34029590 PMCID: PMC8239475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen-derived hydroxyproline (Hyp)-containing peptides have a variety of biological effects on cells. These bioactive collagen peptides are locally generated by the degradation of endogenous collagen in response to injury. However, no comprehensive study has yet explored the functional links between Hyp-containing peptides and cellular behavior. Here, we show that the dipeptide prolyl-4-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) exhibits pronounced effects on mouse tendon cells. Pro-Hyp promotes differentiation/maturation of tendon cells with modulation of lineage-specific factors and induces significant chemotactic activity in vitro. In addition, Pro-Hyp has profound effects on cell proliferation, with significantly upregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and extracellular matrix production and increased type I collagen network organization. Using proteomics, we have predicted molecular transport, cellular assembly and organization, and cellular movement as potential linked-network pathways that could be altered in response to Pro-Hyp. Mechanistically, cells treated with Pro-Hyp demonstrate increased directional persistence and significantly increased directed motility and migration velocity. They are accompanied by elongated lamellipodial protrusions with increased levels of active β1-integrin-containing focal contacts, as well as reorganization of thicker peripheral F-actin fibrils. Pro-Hyp-mediated chemotactic activity is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in cells treated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or the α5β1-integrin antagonist ATN-161. Furthermore, ATN-161 significantly inhibits uptake of Pro-Hyp into adult tenocytes. Thus, our findings document the molecular basis of the functional benefits of the Pro-Hyp dipeptide in cellular behavior. These dynamic properties of collagen-derived Pro-Hyp dipeptide could lead the way to its application in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ide
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanai Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keiko Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yuki Taga
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ueno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - David Dickens
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosalind Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco Falciani
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ooi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kawashiri
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Mizuno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takao Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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8
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Burke RM, Burgos Villar KN, Small EM. Fibroblast contributions to ischemic cardiac remodeling. Cell Signal 2021; 77:109824. [PMID: 33144186 PMCID: PMC7718345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The heart can respond to increased pathophysiological demand through alterations in tissue structure and function 1 . This process, called cardiac remodeling, is particularly evident following myocardial infarction (MI), where the blockage of a coronary artery leads to widespread death of cardiac muscle. Following MI, necrotic tissue is replaced with extracellular matrix (ECM), and the remaining viable cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo hypertrophic growth. ECM deposition and cardiac hypertrophy are thought to represent an adaptive response to increase structural integrity and prevent cardiac rupture. However, sustained ECM deposition leads to the formation of a fibrotic scar that impedes cardiac compliance and can induce lethal arrhythmias. Resident cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are considered the primary source of ECM molecules such as collagens and fibronectin, particularly after becoming activated by pathologic signals. CFs contribute to multiple phases of post-MI heart repair and remodeling, including the initial response to CM death, immune cell (IC) recruitment, and fibrotic scar formation. The goal of this review is to describe how resident fibroblasts contribute to the healing and remodeling that occurs after MI, with an emphasis on how fibroblasts communicate with other cell types in the healing infarct scar 1 –6 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Burke
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Kimberly N Burgos Villar
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Eric M Small
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America.
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9
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Garvin AM, Khokhar BS, Czubryt MP, Hale TM. RAS inhibition in resident fibroblast biology. Cell Signal 2020; 80:109903. [PMID: 33370581 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a primary mediator of profibrotic signaling in the heart and more specifically, the cardiac fibroblast. Ang II-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in combination with cardiac fibroblast proliferation, activation, and extracellular matrix production compromise cardiac function and increase mortality in humans. Profibrotic actions of Ang II are mediated by increasing production of fibrogenic mediators (e.g. transforming growth factor beta, scleraxis, osteopontin, and periostin), recruitment of immune cells, and via increased reactive oxygen species generation. Drugs that inhibit Ang II production or action, collectively referred to as renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, are first line therapeutics for heart failure. Moreover, transient RAS inhibition has been found to persistently alter hypertensive cardiac fibroblast responses to injury providing a useful tool to identify novel therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the profibrotic actions of Ang II and the known impact of RAS inhibition on cardiac fibroblast phenotype and cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Garvin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bilal S Khokhar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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10
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Reichardt IM, Robeson KZ, Regnier M, Davis J. Controlling cardiac fibrosis through fibroblast state space modulation. Cell Signal 2020; 79:109888. [PMID: 33340659 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts after cardiac injury has traditionally been defined by a unidirectional continuum from quiescent fibroblasts, through activated fibroblasts, and finally to fibrotic-matrix producing myofibroblasts. However, recent lineage tracing and single cell RNA sequencing experiments have demonstrated that fibroblast transdifferentiation is much more complex. Growing evidence suggests that fibroblasts are more heterogenous than previously thought, and many new cell states have recently been identified. This review reexamines conventional fibroblast transdifferentiation paradigms with a dynamic state space lens, which could enable a more complex understanding of how fibroblast state dynamics alters fibrotic remodeling of the heart. This review will define cellular state space, how it relates to fibroblast state transitions, and how the canonical and non-canonical fibrotic signaling pathways modulate fibroblast cell state and cardiac fibrosis. Finally, this review explores the therapeutic potential of fibroblast state space modulation by p38 inhibition, yes-associated protein (YAP) inhibition, and fibroblast reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M Reichardt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States.
| | - Kalen Z Robeson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States.
| | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Jennifer Davis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 850 Republican, #343, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
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11
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Canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling regulate fibrous tissue differentiation in the axial skeleton. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21364. [PMID: 33288795 PMCID: PMC7721728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we showed that embryonic deletion of TGF-β type 2 receptor in mouse sclerotome resulted in defects in fibrous connective tissues in the spine. Here we investigated how TGF-β regulates expression of fibrous markers: Scleraxis, Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2. We showed that TGF-β stimulated expression of Scleraxis mRNA by 2 h and Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2 mRNAs by 8 h of treatment. Regulation of Scleraxis by TGF-β did not require new protein synthesis; however, protein synthesis was required for expression of Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2 indicating the necessity of an intermediate. We subsequently showed Scleraxis was a potential intermediate for TGF-β-regulated expression of Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2. The canonical effector Smad3 was not necessary for TGF-β-mediated regulation of Scleraxis. Smad3 was necessary for regulation of Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2, but not sufficient to super-induce expression with TGF-β treatment. Next, the role of several noncanonical TGF-β pathways were tested. We found that ERK1/2 was activated by TGF-β and required to regulate expression of Scleraxis, Fibromodulin, and Adamtsl2. Based on these results, we propose a model in which TGF-β regulates Scleraxis via ERK1/2 and then Scleraxis and Smad3 cooperate to regulate Fibromodulin and Adamtsl2. These results define a novel signaling mechanism for TGFβ-mediated fibrous differentiation in sclerotome.
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12
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Hanna A, Humeres C, Frangogiannis NG. The role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 77:109826. [PMID: 33160018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Most myocardial pathologic conditions are associated with cardiac fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Although replacement fibrosis plays a reparative role after myocardial infarction, excessive, unrestrained or dysregulated myocardial ECM deposition is associated with ventricular dysfunction, dysrhythmias and adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure. The members of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily are critical regulators of cardiac repair, remodeling and fibrosis. TGF-βs are released and activated in injured tissues, bind to their receptors and transduce signals in part through activation of cascades involving a family of intracellular effectors the receptor-activated Smads (R-Smads). This review manuscript summarizes our knowledge on the role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Smad3, the best-characterized member of the family plays a critical role in activation of a myofibroblast phenotype, stimulation of ECM synthesis, integrin expression and secretion of proteases and anti-proteases. In vivo, fibroblast Smad3 signaling is critically involved in scar organization and exerts matrix-preserving actions. Although Smad2 also regulates fibroblast function in vitro, its in vivo role in rodent models of cardiac fibrosis seems more limited. Very limited information is available on the potential involvement of the Smad1/5/8 cascade in cardiac fibrosis. Dissection of the cellular actions of Smads in cardiac fibrosis, and identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial Smad-dependent fibrogenic responses are critical for design of successful therapeutic strategies in patients with fibrosis-associated heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Hanna
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claudio Humeres
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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13
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Paterson YZ, Evans N, Kan S, Cribbs A, Henson FMD, Guest DJ. The transcription factor scleraxis differentially regulates gene expression in tenocytes isolated at different developmental stages. Mech Dev 2020; 163:103635. [PMID: 32795590 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2020.103635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor scleraxis (SCX) is expressed throughout tendon development and plays a key role in directing tendon wound healing. However, little is known regarding its role in fetal or young postnatal tendons, stages in development that are known for their enhanced regenerative capabilities. Here we used RNA-sequencing to compare the transcriptome of adult and fetal tenocytes following SCX knockdown. SCX knockdown had a larger effect on gene expression in fetal tenocytes, affecting 477 genes in comparison to the 183 genes affected in adult tenocytes, indicating that scleraxis-dependent processes may differ in these two developmental stages. Gene ontology, network and pathway analysis revealed an overrepresentation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling processes within both comparisons. These included several matrix metalloproteinases, proteoglycans and collagens, some of which were also investigated in SCX knockdown tenocytes from young postnatal foals. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we also identified novel genes that SCX differentially interacts with in adult and fetal tenocytes. These results indicate a role for SCX in modulating ECM synthesis and breakdown and provide a useful dataset for further study into SCX gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Z Paterson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - N Evans
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - S Kan
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - A Cribbs
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - F M D Henson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - D J Guest
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; Deptartment of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK.
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14
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Ramírez-Aragón M, Hernández-Sánchez F, Rodríguez-Reyna TS, Buendía-Roldán I, Güitrón-Castillo G, Núñez-Alvarez CA, Hernández-Ramírez DF, Benavides-Suárez SA, Esquinca-González A, Torres-Machorro AL, Mendoza-Milla C. The Transcription Factor SCX is a Potential Serum Biomarker of Fibrotic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145012. [PMID: 32708589 PMCID: PMC7404299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosing diseases are causes of morbidity and mortality around the world, and they are characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. The bHLH transcription factor scleraxis (SCX) regulates the synthesis of ECM proteins in heart fibrosis. SCX expression was evaluated in lung fibroblasts and tissue derived from fibrotic disease patients and healthy controls. We also measured SCX in sera from 57 healthy controls, and 56 Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), 40 Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), and 100 Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. We report high SCX expression in fibroblasts and tissue from IPF patients versus controls. High SCX-serum levels were observed in IPF (0.663 ± 0.559 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and SSc (0.611 ± 0.296 ng/mL, p < 0.001), versus controls (0.351 ± 0.207 ng/mL) and HP (0.323 ± 0.323 ng/mL). Serum levels of the SCX heterodimerization partner, TCF3, did not associate with fibrotic illness. IPF patients with severely affected respiratory capacities and late-stage SSc patients presenting anti-topoisomerase I antibodies and interstitial lung disease showed the highest SCX-serum levels. SCX gain-of-function induced the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA/ACTA2) in fibroblasts when co-overexpressed with TCF3. As late and severe stages of the fibrotic processes correlated with high circulating SCX, we postulate it as a candidate biomarker of fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ramírez-Aragón
- Departamento de Investigación en Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.R.-A.); (I.B.-R.); (G.G.-C.)
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando Hernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Investigación en Virología y Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Tatiana S. Rodríguez-Reyna
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI. Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (T.S.R.-R.); (C.A.N.-A.); (D.F.H.-R.); (S.A.B.-S.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Ivette Buendía-Roldán
- Departamento de Investigación en Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.R.-A.); (I.B.-R.); (G.G.-C.)
| | - Gael Güitrón-Castillo
- Departamento de Investigación en Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.R.-A.); (I.B.-R.); (G.G.-C.)
| | - Carlos A. Núñez-Alvarez
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI. Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (T.S.R.-R.); (C.A.N.-A.); (D.F.H.-R.); (S.A.B.-S.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Diego F. Hernández-Ramírez
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI. Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (T.S.R.-R.); (C.A.N.-A.); (D.F.H.-R.); (S.A.B.-S.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Sergio A. Benavides-Suárez
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI. Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (T.S.R.-R.); (C.A.N.-A.); (D.F.H.-R.); (S.A.B.-S.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Alexia Esquinca-González
- Departamento de Inmunología y Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI. Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (T.S.R.-R.); (C.A.N.-A.); (D.F.H.-R.); (S.A.B.-S.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Ana Lilia Torres-Machorro
- Departamento de Investigación en Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.R.-A.); (I.B.-R.); (G.G.-C.)
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología and Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: (A.L.T.-M.); (C.M.-M.); Tel.: +52-555-487-1700 (ext.5257) (A.L.T.-M. & C.M.-M.)
| | - Criselda Mendoza-Milla
- Departamento de Investigación en Fibrosis Pulmonar, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Alcaldía Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (M.R.-A.); (I.B.-R.); (G.G.-C.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.T.-M.); (C.M.-M.); Tel.: +52-555-487-1700 (ext.5257) (A.L.T.-M. & C.M.-M.)
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15
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Li XF, Zhang SH, Liu GF, Yu SN. miR-363 Alleviates Detrusor Fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway by Targeting Col1a2 in Rat Models of STZ-Induced T2DM. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:1142-1153. [PMID: 33294298 PMCID: PMC7695978 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, their underlying role in the complication of detrusor fibrosis remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the potential functional relevance of miR-363 in detrusor fibrosis of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM through the predicted target gene collagen type I alpha 2 (Col1a2). Immunohistochemical analysis found an increase in the positive expression of collagen type III alpha 1 (Col3a1) and Col1a2 in detrusor tissues, where miR-363 expression was decreased. Next, gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to clarify the effects of miR-363 and Col1a2 on the activities of bladder detrusor cells. Of note, binding affinity between miR-363 and Col1a2 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Upregulated miR-363 inhibited Col1a2 expression, which led to increased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Smad7 and accelerated cell viability, along with decreases in cell apoptosis and Col3a1, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and Smad4 expressions. In conclusion, miR-363 upregulation reduces detrusor fibrosis in rats with STZ-induced T2DM through suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by targeting Col1a2. Therefore, our study provided further insights for the development of new therapeutic targets for T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Feng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Hua Zhang
- Operation Room, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P.R. China
| | - Gui-Feng Liu
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Nan Yu
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P.R. China
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16
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Chen K, Sun Z. Autophagy plays a critical role in Klotho gene deficiency-induced arterial stiffening and hypertension. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1615-1625. [PMID: 31630227 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Klotho is an anti-aging gene that shortens the life span when disrupted and extends the lifespan when overexpressed. This study investigated whether autophagy plays a role in Klotho gene deficiency-induced arterial stiffening and hypertension. Klotho mutant heterozygous (KL+/-) mice and age- and sex-matched wild-type (WT) mice were used. Arteries were examined for autophagy using Western blot assays. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a direct measure of arterial stiffness, and blood pressure (BP) increased significantly in KL (+/-) mice. The autophagy level, as measured by LC3-II expression and autophagy flux, increased in aortas of KL (+/-) mice, indicating that Klotho gene deficiency upregulated autophagy. Chloroquine diminished Klotho gene deficiency-induced increases in PWV and BP and eliminated the upregulation of autophagic flux in KL (+/-) mice. Klotho gene deficiency-induced arterial stiffness was accompanied by upregulation of MMP9, TGFβ-1, TGFβ-3, RUNX2, and ALP, but these changes were effectively mitigated by chloroquine. Chloroquine also halted an increase in scleraxis expression in aortas of Klotho (+/-) mice. In cultured mouse aortic smooth muscle cells, Klotho gene deficiency increased autophagy, leading to upregulation of scleraxis, a key transcription factor of collagen synthesis. Klotho gene deficiency failed to upregulate scleraxis expression when autophagy was inhibited, suggesting that autophagy is a critical mediator of Klotho gene deficiency-induced upregulation of scleraxis. Suppression of enhanced autophagy by chloroquine lessens Klotho gene deficiency-induced arterial stiffening and hypertension by stopping upregulation of MMP9 and scleraxis. The enhanced autophagic activity plays a crucial role in Klotho gene deficiency-induced arterial stiffening and hypertension. KEY MESSAGES: Klotho gene deficiency upregulates autophagy. Upregulation of autophagy plays a role in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffening. Autophagy regulates MMP9 activity and scleraxis expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, C302B Coleman Bldg., 956 Court Ave, Memphis, TN, 38163-2116, USA
| | - Zhongjie Sun
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. .,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, C302B Coleman Bldg., 956 Court Ave, Memphis, TN, 38163-2116, USA.
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17
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Cardiac Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Phenotype Conversion-An Unexploited Therapeutic Target. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2019; 6:jcdd6030028. [PMID: 31426390 PMCID: PMC6787657 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd6030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs when the synthesis of extracellular matrix outpaces its degradation, and over time can negatively impact tissue and organ function. In the case of cardiac fibrosis, contraction and relaxation of the heart can be impaired to the point of precipitating heart failure, while at the same time fibrosis can result in arrhythmias due to altered electrical properties of the myocardium. The critical event in the evolution of cardiac fibrosis is the phenotype conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to their overly-active counterparts, myofibroblasts: cells demarked by their expression of novel markers such as periostin, by their gain of contractile activity, and by their pronounced and prolonged increase in the production of extracellular matrix components such as collagens. The phenotype change is dramatic, and can be triggered by many stimuli, including mechanical force, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. This review will explore fibroblast to myofibroblast transition mechanisms and will consider the therapeutic potential of targeting this process as a means to arrest or even reverse cardiac fibrosis.
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18
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Ramaswamy AK, Vorp DA, Weinbaum JS. Functional Vascular Tissue Engineering Inspired by Matricellular Proteins. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:74. [PMID: 31214600 PMCID: PMC6554335 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering specifically, has benefited from a greater appreciation of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibronectin, collagen, and elastin have entered the tissue engineer's toolkit; however, as fully decellularized biomaterials have come to the forefront in vascular engineering it has become apparent that the ECM is comprised of more than just fibronectin, collagen, and elastin, and that cell-instructive molecules known as matricellular proteins are critical for desired outcomes. In brief, matricellular proteins are ECM constituents that contrast with the canonical structural proteins of the ECM in that their primary role is to interact with the cell. Of late, matricellular genes have been linked to diseases including connective tissue disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Despite the range of biological activities, this class of biomolecules has not been actively used in the field of regenerative medicine. The intent of this review is to bring matricellular proteins into wider use in the context of vascular tissue engineering. Matricellular proteins orchestrate the formation of new collagen and elastin fibers that have proper mechanical properties-these will be essential components for a fully biological small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG). Matricellular proteins also regulate the initiation of thrombosis via fibrin deposition and platelet activation, and the clearance of thrombus when it is no longer needed-proper regulation of thrombosis will be critical for maintaining patency of a TEVG after implantation. Matricellular proteins regulate the adhesion, migration, and proliferation of endothelial cells-all are biological functions that will be critical for formation of a thrombus-resistant endothelium within a TEVG. Lastly, matricellular proteins regulate the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and activation of smooth muscle cells-proper control of these biological activities will be critical for a TEVG that recellularizes and resists neointimal formation/stenosis. We review all of these functions for matricellular proteins here, in addition to reviewing the few studies that have been performed at the intersection of matricellular protein biology and vascular tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh K Ramaswamy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David A Vorp
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Justin S Weinbaum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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19
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Zeglinski MR, Moghadam AR, Ande SR, Sheikholeslami K, Mokarram P, Sepehri Z, Rokni H, Mohtaram NK, Poorebrahim M, Masoom A, Toback M, Sareen N, Saravanan S, Jassal DS, Hashemi M, Marzban H, Schaafsma D, Singal P, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP, Akbari M, Dixon IM, Ghavami S, Gordon JW, Dhingra S. Myocardial Cell Signaling During the Transition to Heart Failure. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:75-125. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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20
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Wang R, Lin J, Bagchi RA. Novel molecular therapeutic targets in cardiac fibrosis: a brief overview 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:246-256. [PMID: 30388374 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, abolishes cardiac contractility, impairs cardiac function, and ultimately leads to heart failure. In recent years, significant evidence has emerged that supports the highly dynamic and responsive nature of the cardiac extracellular matrix. Although our knowledge of cardiac fibrosis has advanced tremendously over the past decade, there is still a lack of specific therapies owing to an incomplete understanding of the disease etiology and process. In this review, we attempt to highlight some of the recently investigated molecular determinants of ischemic and non-ischemic fibrotic remodeling of the myocardium that present as promising avenues for development of anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Wang
- a Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Justin Lin
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- c Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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21
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Al-Hattab DS, Safi HA, Nagalingam RS, Bagchi RA, Stecy MT, Czubryt MP. Scleraxis regulates Twist1 and Snai1 expression in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H658-H668. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00092.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous physiological and pathological events, from organ development to cancer and fibrosis, are characterized by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby adherent epithelial cells convert to migratory mesenchymal cells. During cardiac development, proepicardial organ epithelial cells undergo EMT to generate fibroblasts. Subsequent stress or damage induces further phenotype conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, causing fibrosis via synthesis of an excessive extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that the transcription factor scleraxis is both sufficient and necessary for the conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and found that scleraxis knockout reduced cardiac fibroblast numbers by 50%, possibly via EMT attenuation. Scleraxis induced expression of the EMT transcriptional regulators Twist1 and Snai1 via an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that scleraxis binds to E-box consensus sequences within the Twist1 and Snai1 promoters to transactivate these genes directly. Scleraxis upregulates expression of both genes in A549 epithelial cells and in cardiac myofibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-β induces EMT, fibrosis, and scleraxis expression, and we found that transforming growth factor-β-mediated upregulation of Twist1 and Snai1 completely depends on the presence of scleraxis. Snai1 knockdown upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin; however, this effect was lost after scleraxis overexpression, suggesting that scleraxis may repress E-cadherin expression. Together, these results indicate that scleraxis can regulate EMT via direct transactivation of the Twist1 and Snai1 genes. Given the role of scleraxis in also driving the myofibroblast phenotype, scleraxis appears to be a critical controller of fibroblast genesis and fate in the myocardium and thus may play key roles in wound healing and fibrosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The molecular mechanism by which the transcription factor scleraxis mediates Twist1 and Snai1 gene expression was determined. These results reveal a novel means of transcriptional regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and demonstrate that transforming growth factor-β-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is dependent on scleraxis, providing a potential target for controlling this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah S. Al-Hattab
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hamza A. Safi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Raghu S. Nagalingam
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rushita A. Bagchi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Matthew T. Stecy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael P. Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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22
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In Vitro Comparison of 2D-Cell Culture and 3D-Cell Sheets of Scleraxis-Programmed Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Primary Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells for Tendon Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082272. [PMID: 30072668 PMCID: PMC6121892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor and slow healing capacity of tendons requires novel strategies to speed up the tendon repair process. Hence, new and promising developments in tendon tissue engineering have become increasingly relevant. Previously, we have established a tendon progenitor cell line via ectopic expression of the tendon-related basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Scleraxis (Scx) in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC-Scx). The aim of this study was to directly compare the characteristics of hMSC-Scx cells to that of primary human tendon stem/progenitors cells (hTSPCs) via assessment of self-renewal and multipotency, gene marker expression profiling, in vitro wound healing assay and three-dimensional cell sheet formation. As expected, hTSPCs were more naive than hMSC-Scx cells because of higher clonogenicity, trilineage differentiation potential, and expression of stem cell markers, as well as higher mRNA levels of several gene factors associated with early tendon development. Interestingly, with regards to wound healing, both cell types demonstrate a comparable speed of scratch closure, as well as migratory velocity and distance in various migration experiments. In the three-dimensional cell sheet model, hMSC-Scx cells and hTSPCs form compact tendinous sheets as histological staining, and transmission electron microscopy shows spindle-shaped cells and collagen type I fibrils with similar average diameter size and distribution. Taken together, hTSPCs exceed hMSC-Scx cells in several characteristics, namely clonogenicity, multipotentiality, gene expression profile and rates of tendon-like sheet formation, whilst in three-dimensional cell sheets, both cell types have comparable in vitro healing potential and collagenous composition of their three-dimensional cell sheets, making both cell types a suitable cell source for tendon tissue engineering and healing.
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23
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Nagalingam RS, Safi HA, Al-Hattab DS, Bagchi RA, Landry NM, Dixon IMC, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP. Regulation of cardiac fibroblast MMP2 gene expression by scleraxis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 120:64-73. [PMID: 29750994 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Remodeling of the cardiac extracellular matrix is responsible for a number of the detrimental effects on heart function that arise secondary to hypertension, diabetes and myocardial infarction. This remodeling consists both of an increase in new matrix protein synthesis, and an increase in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade existing matrix structures. Previous studies utilizing knockout mice have demonstrated clearly that MMP2 plays a pathogenic role during matrix remodeling, thus it is important to understand the mechanisms that regulate MMP2 gene expression. We have shown that the transcription factor scleraxis is an important inducer of extracellular matrix gene expression in the heart that may also control MMP2 expression. In the present study, we demonstrate that scleraxis directly transactivates the proximal MMP2 gene promoter, resulting in increased histone acetylation, and identify a specific E-box sequence in the promoter to which scleraxis binds. Cardiac myo-fibroblasts isolated from scleraxis knockout mice exhibited dramatically decreased MMP2 expression; however, scleraxis over-expression in knockout cells could rescue this loss. We further show that regulation of MMP2 gene expression by the pro-fibrotic cytokine TGFβ occurs via a scleraxis-dependent mechanism: TGFβ induces recruitment of scleraxis to the MMP2 promoter, and TGFβ was unable to up-regulate MMP2 expression in cells lacking scleraxis due to either gene knockdown or knockout. These results reveal that scleraxis can exert control over both extracellular matrix synthesis and breakdown, and thus may contribute to matrix remodeling in wound healing and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S Nagalingam
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hamza A Safi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Danah S Al-Hattab
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Natalie M Landry
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ian M C Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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24
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Zhang H, Caudle Y, Shaikh A, Yao B, Yin D. Inhibition of microRNA-23b prevents polymicrobial sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by modulating TGIF1 and PTEN. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:869-878. [PMID: 29710503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular dysfunction is a major complication associated with sepsis induced mortality. Cardiac fibrosis plays a critical role in sepsis induced cardiac dysfunction. The mechanisms of the activation of cardiac fibrosis is unclarified. In this study, we found that microRNA-23b (miR-23b) was up-regulated in heart tissue during cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis and transfection of miR-23b inhibitor improved survival in late sepsis. Inhibition of miR-23b in the myocardium protected against cardiac output and enhanced left ventricular systolic function. miR-23b inhibitor also alleviated cardiac fibrosis in late sepsis. MiR-23b mediates the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling to promote the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts through suppression of 5'TG3'-interacting factor 1 (TGIF1). MiR-23b also induces AKT/N-Cadherin signaling to contribute to the deposition of extracellular matrix by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN). TGIF1 and PTEN were confirmed as the targets of miR-23b in vitro by Dual-Glo Luciferase assay. miR-23b inhibitor blocked the activation of adhesive molecules and restored the imbalance of pro-fibrotic and anti-fibrotic factors. These data provide direct evidence that miR-23b is a critical contributor to the activation of cardiac fibrosis to mediate the development of myocardial dysfunction in late sepsis. Blockade of miR-23b expression may be an effective approach for prevention sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiju Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Caudle
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Aamir Shaikh
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Baozhen Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Deling Yin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.
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25
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Sakabe T, Sakai K, Maeda T, Sunaga A, Furuta N, Schweitzer R, Sasaki T, Sakai T. Transcription factor scleraxis vitally contributes to progenitor lineage direction in wound healing of adult tendon in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5766-5780. [PMID: 29507095 PMCID: PMC5912447 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.001987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendon is a dense connective tissue that transmits high mechanical forces from skeletal muscle to bone. The transcription factor scleraxis (Scx) is a highly specific marker of both precursor and mature tendon cells (tenocytes). Mice lacking scx exhibit a specific and virtually complete loss of tendons during development. However, the functional contribution of Scx to wound healing in adult tendon has not yet been fully characterized. Here, using ScxGFP-tracking and loss-of-function systems, we show in an adult mouse model of Achilles tendon injury that paratenon cells, representing a stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1)-positive and Scx-negative progenitor subpopulation, display Scx induction, migrate to the wound site, and produce extracellular matrix (ECM) to bridge the defect, whereas resident tenocytes exhibit a delayed response. Scx induction in the progenitors is initiated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling. scx-deficient mice had migration of Sca-1-positive progenitor cell to the lesion site but impaired ECM assembly to bridge the defect. Mechanistically, scx-null progenitors displayed higher chondrogenic potential with up-regulation of SRY-box 9 (Sox9) coactivator PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in vitro, and knock-in analysis revealed that forced expression of full-length scx significantly inhibited Sox9 expression. Accordingly, scx-null wounds formed cartilage-like tissues that developed ectopic ossification. Our findings indicate a critical role of Scx in a progenitor-cell lineage in wound healing of adult mouse tendon. These progenitor cells could represent targets in strategies to facilitate tendon repair. We propose that this lineage-regulatory mechanism in tissue progenitors could apply to a broader set of tissues or biological systems in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Sakabe
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Keiko Sakai
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Toru Maeda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Ataru Sunaga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Nao Furuta
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon 97239, and
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Takao Sakai
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom,
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
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26
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Chen J, Fan J, Wang S, Sun Z. Secreted Klotho Attenuates Inflammation-Associated Aortic Valve Fibrosis in Senescence-Accelerated Mice P1. Hypertension 2018; 71:877-885. [PMID: 29581213 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Senescence-accelerated mice P1 (SAMP1) is an aging model characterized by shortened lifespan and early signs of senescence. Klotho is an aging-suppressor gene. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether in vivo expression of secreted klotho (Skl) gene attenuates aortic valve fibrosis in SAMP1 mice. SAMP1 mice and age-matched (AKR/J) control mice were used. SAMP1 mice developed obvious fibrosis in aortic valves, namely fibrotic aortic valve disease. Serum level of Skl was decreased drastically in SAMP1 mice. Expression of MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), F4/80, and CD68 was increased in aortic valves of SAMP1 mice, indicating inflammation. An increase in expression of α-smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker), transforming growth factorβ-1, and scleraxis (a transcription factor of collagen synthesis) was also found in aortic valves of SAMP1 mice, suggesting that accelerated aging is associated with myofibroblast transition and collagen gene activation. We constructed adeno-associated virus 2 carrying mouse Skl cDNA for in vivo expression of Skl. Skl gene delivery effectively increased serum Skl of SAMP1 mice to the control level. Skl gene delivery inhibited inflammation and myofibroblastic transition in aortic valves and attenuated fibrotic aortic valve disease in SAMP1 mice. It is concluded that senescence-related fibrotic aortic valve disease in SAMP1 mice is associated with a decrease in serum klotho leading to inflammation, including macrophage infiltration and transforming growth factorβ-1/scleraxis-driven myofibroblast differentiation in aortic valves. Restoration of serum Skl levels by adeno-associated virus 2 carrying mouse Skl cDNA effectively suppresses inflammation and myofibroblastic transition and attenuates aortic valve fibrosis. Skl may be a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic aortic valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglei Chen
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Jun Fan
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Shirley Wang
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Zhongjie Sun
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
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27
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Scleraxis: a force-responsive cell phenotype regulator. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Khalil H, Kanisicak O, Prasad V, Correll RN, Fu X, Schips T, Vagnozzi RJ, Liu R, Huynh T, Lee SJ, Karch J, Molkentin JD. Fibroblast-specific TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling underlies cardiac fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3770-3783. [PMID: 28891814 DOI: 10.1172/jci94753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 580] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The master cytokine TGF-β mediates tissue fibrosis associated with inflammation and tissue injury. TGF-β induces fibroblast activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix proteins. Canonical TGF-β signaling mobilizes Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors that control fibrosis by promoting gene expression. However, the importance of TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling in fibroblast-mediated cardiac fibrosis has not been directly evaluated in vivo. Here, we examined pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis in fibroblast- and myofibroblast-specific inducible Cre-expressing mouse lines with selective deletion of the TGF-β receptors Tgfbr1/2, Smad2, or Smad3. Fibroblast-specific deletion of Tgfbr1/2 or Smad3, but not Smad2, markedly reduced the pressure overload-induced fibrotic response as well as fibrosis mediated by a heart-specific, latency-resistant TGF-β mutant transgene. Interestingly, cardiac fibroblast-specific deletion of Tgfbr1/2, but not Smad2/3, attenuated the cardiac hypertrophic response to pressure overload stimulation. Mechanistically, loss of Smad2/3 from tissue-resident fibroblasts attenuated injury-induced cellular expansion within the heart and the expression of fibrosis-mediating genes. Deletion of Smad2/3 or Tgfbr1/2 from cardiac fibroblasts similarly inhibited the gene program for fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodeling, although deletion of Tgfbr1/2 uniquely altered expression of an array of regulatory genes involved in cardiomyocyte homeostasis and disease compensation. These findings implicate TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling in activated tissue-resident cardiac fibroblasts as principal mediators of the fibrotic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Khalil
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Onur Kanisicak
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vikram Prasad
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert N Correll
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xing Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tobias Schips
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronald J Vagnozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, USA
| | - Thanh Huynh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason Karch
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffery D Molkentin
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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29
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Takawale A, Zhang P, Patel VB, Wang X, Oudit G, Kassiri Z. Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Promotes Myocardial Fibrosis by Mediating CD63-Integrin β1 Interaction. Hypertension 2017; 69:1092-1103. [PMID: 28373589 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.09045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is excess accumulation of the extracellular matrix fibrillar collagens. Fibrosis is a key feature of various cardiomyopathies and compromises cardiac systolic and diastolic performance. TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1) is consistently upregulated in myocardial fibrosis and is used as a marker of fibrosis. However, it remains to be determined whether TIMP1 promotes tissue fibrosis by inhibiting extracellular matrix degradation by matrix metalloproteinases or via an matrix metalloproteinase-independent pathway. We examined the function of TIMP1 in myocardial fibrosis using Timp1-deficient mice and 2 in vivo models of myocardial fibrosis (angiotensin II infusion and cardiac pressure overload), in vitro analysis of adult cardiac fibroblasts, and fibrotic myocardium from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Timp1 deficiency significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis in both in vivo models of cardiomyopathy. We identified a novel mechanism for TIMP1 action whereby, independent from its matrix metalloproteinase-inhibitory function, it mediates an association between CD63 (cell surface receptor for TIMP1) and integrin β1 on cardiac fibroblasts, initiates activation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and β-catenin, leading to de novo collagen synthesis. This mechanism was consistently observed in vivo, in cultured cardiac fibroblasts, and in human fibrotic myocardium. In addition, after long-term pressure overload, Timp1 deficiency persistently reduced myocardial fibrosis and ameliorated diastolic dysfunction. This study defines a novel matrix metalloproteinase-independent function of TIMP1 in promoting myocardial fibrosis. As such targeting TIMP1 could prove to be a valuable approach in developing antifibrosis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Takawale
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Pu Zhang
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Xiuhua Wang
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gavin Oudit
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- From the Department of Physiology (A.T., P.Z., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology (V.B.P., G.O.), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (A.T., P.Z., V.B.P., X.W., G.O., Z.K.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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30
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Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant global health problem that is closely associated with multiple forms of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. Fibrosis increases myocardial wall stiffness due to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, causing impaired systolic and diastolic function, and facilitating arrhythmogenesis. As a result, patient morbidity and mortality are often dramatically elevated compared with those with cardiovascular disease but without overt fibrosis, demonstrating that fibrosis itself is both a pathologic response to existing disease and a significant risk factor for exacerbation of the underlying condition. The lack of any specific treatment for cardiac fibrosis in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease is a critical gap in our ability to care for these individuals. Here we provide an overview of the development of cardiac fibrosis, and discuss new research directions that have recently emerged and that may lead to the creation of novel treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Such treatments would, ideally, complement existing therapy by specifically focusing on amelioration of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah Al Hattab
- a Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada.,b Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- a Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada.,b Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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31
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Roche PL, Nagalingam RS, Bagchi RA, Aroutiounova N, Belisle BMJ, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP. Role of scleraxis in mechanical stretch-mediated regulation of cardiac myofibroblast phenotype. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C297-307. [PMID: 27357547 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00333.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The phenotype conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. Numerous triggers of this conversion process have been identified, including plating of cells on solid substrates, cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β, and mechanical stretch; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Recent studies from our laboratory revealed that the transcription factor scleraxis is a key regulator of cardiac fibroblast phenotype and extracellular matrix expression. Here we report that mechanical stretch induces type I collagen expression and morphological changes indicative of cardiac myofibroblast conversion, as well as scleraxis expression via activation of the scleraxis promoter. Scleraxis causes phenotypic changes similar to stretch, and the effect of stretch is attenuated in scleraxis null cells. Scleraxis was also sufficient to upregulate expression of vinculin and F-actin, to induce stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, and to attenuate both cell migration and proliferation, further evidence of scleraxis-mediated regulation of fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion. Together, these data confirm that scleraxis is sufficient to promote the myofibroblast phenotype and is a required effector of stretch-mediated conversion. Scleraxis may thus represent a potential target for the development of novel antifibrotic therapies aimed at inhibiting myofibroblast formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Roche
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Raghu S Nagalingam
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Nina Aroutiounova
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Breanna M J Belisle
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
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Bagchi RA, Lin J, Wang R, Czubryt MP. Regulation of fibronectin gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts by scleraxis. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:381-391. [PMID: 27324126 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The glycoprotein fibronectin is a key component of the extracellular matrix. By interacting with numerous matrix and cell surface proteins, fibronectin plays important roles in cell adhesion, migration and intracellular signaling. Up-regulation of fibronectin occurs in tissue fibrosis, and previous studies have identified the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ as an inducer of fibronectin expression, although the mechanism responsible remains unknown. We have previously shown that a key downstream effector of TGFβ signaling in cardiac fibroblasts is the transcription factor scleraxis, which in turn regulates the expression of a wide variety of extracellular matrix genes. We noted that fibronectin expression tracked closely with scleraxis expression, but it was unclear whether scleraxis directly regulated the fibronectin gene. Here, we report that scleraxis acts via two E-box binding sites in the proximal human fibronectin promoter to govern fibronectin expression, with the second E-box being both sufficient and necessary for scleraxis-mediated fibronectin expression to occur. A combination of electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that scleraxis interacted to a greater degree with the second E-box. Over-expression or knockdown of scleraxis resulted in increased or decreased fibronectin expression, respectively, and scleraxis null mice presented with dramatically decreased immunolabeling for fibronectin in cardiac tissue sections compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, scleraxis was required for TGFβ-induced fibronectin expression: TGFβ lost its ability to induce fibronectin expression following scleraxis knockdown. Together, these results demonstrate a novel and required role for scleraxis in the regulation of cardiac fibroblast fibronectin gene expression basally or in response to TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushita A Bagchi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, RC2- Room 8450, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Justin Lin
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Ryan Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada. .,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Bagchi RA, Roche P, Aroutiounova N, Espira L, Abrenica B, Schweitzer R, Czubryt MP. The transcription factor scleraxis is a critical regulator of cardiac fibroblast phenotype. BMC Biol 2016; 14:21. [PMID: 26988708 PMCID: PMC4794909 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resident fibroblasts synthesize the cardiac extracellular matrix, and can undergo phenotype conversion to myofibroblasts to augment matrix production, impairing function and contributing to organ failure. A significant gap in our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of these processes exists. Given the key role of this phenotype conversion in fibrotic disease, the identification of such novel transcriptional regulators may yield new targets for therapies for fibrosis. Results Using explanted primary cardiac fibroblasts in gain- and loss-of-function studies, we found that scleraxis critically controls cardiac fibroblast/myofibroblast phenotype by direct transcriptional regulation of myriad genes that effectively define these cells, including extracellular matrix components and α-smooth muscle actin. Scleraxis furthermore potentiated the TGFβ/Smad3 signaling pathway, a key regulator of myofibroblast conversion, by facilitating transcription complex formation. While scleraxis promoted fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion, loss of scleraxis attenuated myofibroblast function and gene expression. These results were confirmed in scleraxis knockout mice, which were cardiac matrix-deficient and lost ~50 % of their complement of cardiac fibroblasts, with evidence of impaired epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Scleraxis directly transactivated several EMT marker genes, and was sufficient to induce mesenchymal/fibroblast phenotype conversion of A549 epithelial cells. Conversely, loss of scleraxis attenuated TGFβ-induced EMT marker expression. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that scleraxis is a novel and potent regulator of cellular progression along the continuum culminating in the cardiac myofibroblast phenotype. Scleraxis was both sufficient to drive conversion, and required for full conversion to occur. Scleraxis fulfills this role by direct transcriptional regulation of key target genes, and by facilitating TGFβ/Smad signaling. Given the key role of fibroblast to myofibroblast conversion in fibrotic diseases in the heart and other tissue types, scleraxis may be an important target for therapeutic development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0243-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushita A Bagchi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Patricia Roche
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Nina Aroutiounova
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Leon Espira
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Bernard Abrenica
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Research Division and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, R4008 St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada.
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Lighthouse JK, Small EM. Transcriptional control of cardiac fibroblast plasticity. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 91:52-60. [PMID: 26721596 PMCID: PMC4764462 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts help maintain the normal architecture of the healthy heart and are responsible for scar formation and the healing response to pathological insults. Various genetic, biomechanical, or humoral factors stimulate fibroblasts to become contractile smooth muscle-like cells called myofibroblasts that secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix. Unfortunately, unchecked myofibroblast activation in heart disease leads to pathological fibrosis, which is a major risk factor for the development of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control fibroblast plasticity and myofibroblast activation is essential to develop novel strategies to specifically target pathological cardiac fibrosis without disrupting the adaptive healing response. This review highlights the major transcriptional mediators of fibroblast origin and function in development and disease. The contribution of the fetal epicardial gene program will be discussed in the context of fibroblast origin in development and following injury, primarily focusing on Tcf21 and C/EBP. We will also highlight the major transcriptional regulatory axes that control fibroblast plasticity in the adult heart, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/Smad signaling, the Rho/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)/serum response factor (SRF) axis, and Calcineurin/transient receptor potential channel (TRP)/nuclear factor of activated T-Cell (NFAT) signaling. Finally, we will discuss recent strategies to divert the fibroblast transcriptional program in an effort to promote cardiomyocyte regeneration. This article is a part of a Special Issue entitled "Fibrosis and Myocardial Remodeling".
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Lighthouse
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14624, USA
| | - Eric M Small
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14624, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14624, USA; Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14624, USA.
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Zeglinski MR, Roche P, Hnatowich M, Jassal DS, Wigle JT, Czubryt MP, Dixon IMC. TGFβ1 regulates Scleraxis expression in primary cardiac myofibroblasts by a Smad-independent mechanism. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H239-49. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00584.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In cardiac wound healing following myocardial infarction (MI), relatively inactive resident cardiac fibroblasts phenoconvert to hypersynthetic/secretory myofibroblasts that produce large quantities of extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrillar collagen proteins. Our laboratory and others have identified TGFβ1 as being a persistent stimulus in the chronic and inappropriate wound healing phase that is marked by hypertrophic scarring and eventual stiffening of the entire myocardium, ultimately leading to the pathogenesis of heart failure following MI. Ski is a potent negative regulator of TGFβ/Smad signaling with known antifibrotic effects. Conversely, Scleraxis is a potent profibrotic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that stimulates fibrillar collagen expression. We hypothesize that TGFβ1 induces Scleraxis expression by a novel Smad-independent pathway. Our data support the hypothesis that Scleraxis expression is induced by TGFβ1 through a Smad-independent pathway in the cardiac myofibroblast. Specifically, we demonstrate that TGFβ1 stimulates p42/44 (Erk1/2) kinases, which leads to increased Scleraxis expression. Inhibition of MEK1/2 using U0126 led to a sequential temporal reduction of phospho-p42/44 and subsequent Scleraxis expression. We also found that adenoviral Ski expression in primary myofibroblasts caused a significant repression of endogenous Scleraxis expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Thus we have identified a novel TGFβ1-driven, Smad-independent, signaling cascade that may play an important role in regulating the fibrotic response in activated cardiac myofibroblasts following cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Zeglinski
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Patricia Roche
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mark Hnatowich
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Davinder S. Jassal
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
| | - Michael P. Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ian M. C. Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Cell Signaling in Tenocytes: Response to Load and Ligands in Health and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 920:79-95. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Gaining myocytes or losing fibroblasts: Challenges in cardiac fibroblast reprogramming for infarct repair. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 93:108-14. [PMID: 26640115 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Unlike most somatic tissues, the heart possesses a very limited inherent ability to repair itself following damage. Attempts to therapeutically salvage the myocardium after infarction, either by sparing surviving myocytes or by injection of exogenous cells of varied provenance, have met with limited success. Cardiac fibroblasts are numerous, resistant to hypoxia, and amenable to phenotype reprogramming to cardiomyocytes - a potential panacea to an intractable problem. However, the long-term effects of mass conversion of fibroblasts are as-yet unknown. Since fibroblasts play key roles in normal cardiac function, treating these cells as a ready source of replacements for myocytes may have the effect of swapping one problem for another. This review briefly examines the roles of cardiac fibroblasts, recaps the strides made so far in their reprogramming to cardiomyocytes both in vitro and in vivo, and discusses the potential ramifications of large-scale cellular identity swapping. While such therapy offers great promise, the potential repercussions require consideration and careful study.
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Bagchi RA, Mozolevska V, Abrenica B, Czubryt MP. Development of a high throughput luciferase reporter gene system for screening activators and repressors of human collagen Iα2 gene expression. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:887-92. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, which is characterized by the excessive production of matrix proteins, occurs in multiple tissues and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite its significant negative impact on patient outcomes, therapies targeted to treat fibrosis are currently lacking. Screening for inhibitors of the expression of collagen, the primary component of fibrotic lesions, represents an option for the identification of novel lead compounds for therapeutic development with potentially fewer off-target effects compared with the targeting of multifunctional cell signaling pathways. Here we report on the generation of a stable luciferase reporter system using a fibroblast cell line, which can be used for rapidly screening both activators and repressors of human collagen COL1A2 gene transcription in a high throughput setting. This in vitro screening tool was validated using known agonists (scleraxis, TGF-β, angiotensin II, CTGF) and antagonists (TNF-α, pirfenidone) of COL1A2 gene expression. The COL1A2-luc NIH-3T3 fibroblast system provides a useful and effective screen for potential lead compounds with pro- or anti-fibrotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushita A. Bagchi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Viktoriya Mozolevska
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Bernard Abrenica
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Michael P. Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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Chen K, Zhou X, Sun Z. Haplodeficiency of Klotho Gene Causes Arterial Stiffening via Upregulation of Scleraxis Expression and Induction of Autophagy. Hypertension 2015; 66:1006-13. [PMID: 26324504 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.06033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of arterial stiffness increases with age, whereas the level of the aging-suppressor protein klotho decreases with age. The objective of this study is to assess whether haplodeficiency of klotho gene causes arterial stiffness and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Pulse wave velocity, a direct measure of arterial stiffness, was increased significantly in klotho heterozygous (klotho(+/-)) mice versus their age-matched wild-type (WT) littermates, suggesting that haplodeficiency of klotho causes arterial stiffening. Notably, plasma aldosterone levels were elevated significantly in klotho(+/-) mice. Treatment with eplerenone (6 mg/kg per day IP), an aldosterone receptor blocker, abolished klotho deficiency-induced arterial stiffening in klotho(+/-) mice. Klotho deficiency was associated with increased collagen and decreased elastin contents in the media of aortas. In addition, arterial matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression and myofibroblast differentiation were increased in klotho(+/-) mice. These klotho deficiency-related changes can be blocked by eplerenone. Protein expression of scleraxis, a transcription factor for collagen synthesis, and LC3-II/LC3-I, an index of autophagy, were upregulated in aortas of klotho(+/-) mice, which can be abolished by eplerenone. In cultured mouse aortic smooth muscle cells, aldosterone increased collagen-1 expression that can be completely eliminated by small interfering RNA knockdown of scleraxis. Interestingly, aldosterone decreased elastin levels in smooth muscle cells, which can be abolished by small interfering RNA knockdown of Beclin-1, an autophagy-related gene. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that klotho deficiency-induced arterial stiffening may involve aldosterone-mediated upregulation of scleraxis and induction of autophagy, which led to increased collagen-1 expression and decreased elastin levels, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City (K.C., X.Z., Z.S.); and Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoli Zhou
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City (K.C., X.Z., Z.S.); and Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (X.Z.)
| | - Zhongjie Sun
- From the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City (K.C., X.Z., Z.S.); and Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (X.Z.).
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Roche PL, Filomeno KL, Bagchi RA, Czubryt MP. Intracellular Signaling of Cardiac Fibroblasts. Compr Physiol 2015; 5:721-60. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Odelin G, Faure E, Kober F, Maurel-Zaffran C, Théron A, Coulpier F, Guillet B, Bernard M, Avierinos JF, Charnay P, Topilko P, Zaffran S. Loss of Krox20 results in aortic valve regurgitation and impaired transcriptional activation of fibrillar collagen genes. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 104:443-55. [PMID: 25344368 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Heart valve maturation is achieved by the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the distribution of valvular interstitial cells. However, the factors that regulate matrix components required for valvular structure and function are unknown. Based on the discovery of its specific expression in cardiac valves, we aimed to uncover the role of Krox20 (Egr-2) during valve development and disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Using series of mouse genetic tools, we demonstrated that loss of function of Krox20 caused significant hyperplasia of the semilunar valves, while atrioventricular valves appeared normal. This defect was associated with an increase in valvular interstitial cell number and ECM volume. Echo Doppler analysis revealed that adult mutant mice had aortic insufficiency. Defective aortic valves (AoVs) in Krox20(-/-) mice had features of human AoV disease, including excess of proteoglycan deposition and reduction of collagen fibres. Furthermore, examination of diseased human AoVs revealed decreased expression of KROX20. To identify downstream targets of Krox20, we examined expression of fibrillar collagens in the AoV leaflets at different stages in the mouse. We found significant down-regulation of Col1a1, Col1a2, and Col3a1 in the semilunar valves of Krox20 mutant mice. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that Col1a1 and Col3a1 are direct targets of Krox20 activation in interstitial cells of the AoV. CONCLUSION This study identifies a previously unknown function of Krox20 during heart valve development. These results indicate that Krox20-mediated activation of fibrillar Col1a1 and Col3a1 genes is crucial to avoid postnatal degeneration of the AoV leaflets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Odelin
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Faure
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Frank Kober
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR7339, Marseille, France
| | | | - Alexis Théron
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France Département de Cardiologie, AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Coulpier
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Guillet
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Monique Bernard
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR7339, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Avierinos
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France Département de Cardiologie, AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Charnay
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Piotr Topilko
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
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Sox9- and Scleraxis-Cre Lineage Fate Mapping in Aortic and Mitral Valve Structures. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/jcdd1020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Chang N, Xiu L, Li L. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors negatively regulate collagen type I/III expression in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell. J Cell Biochem 2014; 115:359-67. [PMID: 24038457 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in mammals and is expressed in various tissues. In recent years, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) have been proven to play an important role in the regulation of collagen expression. Our previous studies reported that S1PRs are involved in TGF-β1-induced collagen expression via up-regulating S1PR1/3 in mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and result in experimental mouse liver fibrogenesis. But it remains unclear whether this process happens in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study, we provide evidences that S1PR1/3, but not S1PR2, negatively regulate the expression of collagen in hMSCs using cellular and molecular approaches in vitro. We find that treatment of hMSCs with TGF-β1 up-regulated collagen expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, TGF-β1 inhibited the expression of S1PR1/3, but not S1PR2, in hMSCs in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, either selective knock-down of S1PR1 or silencing S1PR3 induced collagen α1(I) and collagen α1(III) expression in hMSCs. In contrast, inhibition of S1PR2 by siRNA had no effects on the expression of collagen. Altogether, all these findings demonstrated that collagen expression was negatively regulated by S1PR1 and S1PR3 in hMSCs. This study highlights the differences between hMSCs and mouse BMSCs, provides a new regulation mechanism for collagen expression, and points out the risk of utilizing hMSCs in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Platelet concentration in platelet-rich plasma affects tenocyte behavior in vitro. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:630870. [PMID: 25147809 PMCID: PMC4132404 DOI: 10.1155/2014/630870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since tendon injuries and tendinopathy are a growing problem, sometimes requiring surgery, new strategies that improve conservative therapies are needed. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) seems to be a good candidate by virtue of its high content of growth factors, most of which are involved in tendon healing. This study aimed to evaluate if different concentrations of platelets in PRP have different effects on the biological features of normal human tenocytes that are usually required during tendon healing. The different platelet concentrations tested (up to 5 × 10(6) plt/µL) stimulated differently tenocytes behavior; intermediate concentrations (0.5 × 10(6), 1 × 10(6) plt/µL) strongly induced all tested processes (proliferation, migration, collagen, and MMPs production) if compared to untreated cells; on the contrary, the highest concentration had inhibitory effects on proliferation and strongly reduced migration abilities and overall collagen production but, at the same time, induced increasing MMP production, which could be counterproductive because excessive proteolysis could impair tendon mechanical stability. Thus, these in vitro data strongly suggest the need for a compromise between extremely high and low platelet concentrations to obtain an optimal global effect when inducing in vivo tendon healing.
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45
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Czubryt MP. A tale of 2 tissues: the overlapping role of scleraxis in tendons and the heart. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:707-12. [PMID: 25083735 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tissue integrity in the face of external physical forces requires the production of a strong extracellular matrix (ECM) composed primarily of the protein collagen. Tendons and the heart both withstand large and changing physical forces, and emerging evidence suggests that the transcription factor scleraxis plays a central role in responding to these forces by directly regulating the production of ECM components and (or) by determining the fate of matrix-producing cell types. Thus, despite the highly disparate inherent nature of these tissues, a common response mechanism may exist to govern the development, growth, and remodeling of the ECM in response to external force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Czubryt
- R4008 St. Boniface Research Centre, 351 Tache Avenue, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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46
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Barnette DN, VandeKopple M, Wu Y, Willoughby DA, Lincoln J. RNA-seq analysis to identify novel roles of scleraxis during embryonic mouse heart valve remodeling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101425. [PMID: 24983472 PMCID: PMC4077804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart valve disease affects up to 30% of the population and has been shown to have origins during embryonic development. Valvulogenesis begins with formation of endocardial cushions in the atrioventricular canal and outflow tract regions. Subsequently, endocardial cushions remodel, elongate and progressively form mature valve structures composed of a highly organized connective tissue that provides the necessary biomechanical function throughout life. While endocardial cushion formation has been well studied, the processes required for valve remodeling are less well understood. The transcription factor Scleraxis (Scx) is detected in mouse valves from E15.5 during initial stages of remodeling, and expression remains high until birth when formation of the highly organized mature structure is complete. Heart valves from Scx-/- mice are abnormally thick and develop fibrotic phenotypes similar to human disease by juvenile stages. These phenotypes begin around E15.5 and are associated with defects in connective tissue organization and valve interstitial cell differentiation. In order to understand the etiology of this phenotype, we analyzed the transcriptome of remodeling valves isolated from E15.5 Scx-/- embryos using RNA-seq. From this, we have identified a profile of protein and non-protein mRNAs that are dependent on Scx function and using bioinformatics we can predict the molecular functions and biological processes affected by these genes. These include processes and functions associated with gene regulation (methyltransferase activity, DNA binding, Notch signaling), vitamin A metabolism (retinoic acid biosynthesis) and cellular development (cell morphology, cell assembly and organization). In addition, several mRNAs are affected by alternative splicing events in the absence of Scx, suggesting additional roles in post-transcriptional modification. In summary, our findings have identified transcriptome profiles from abnormal heart valves isolated from E15.5 Scx-/- embryos that could be used in the future to understand mechanisms of heart valve disease in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien N. Barnette
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research and The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthew VandeKopple
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research and The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yonggan Wu
- Ocean Ridge Biosciences LLC, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States of America
| | - David A. Willoughby
- Ocean Ridge Biosciences LLC, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States of America
| | - Joy Lincoln
- Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research and The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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47
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Breidenbach AP, Gilday SD, Lalley AL, Dyment NA, Gooch C, Shearn JT, Butler DL. Functional tissue engineering of tendon: Establishing biological success criteria for improving tendon repair. J Biomech 2013; 47:1941-8. [PMID: 24200342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2013.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Improving tendon repair using Functional Tissue Engineering (FTE) principles has been the focus of our laboratory over the last decade. Although our primary goals were initially focused only on mechanical outcomes, we are now carefully assessing the biological properties of our tissue-engineered tendon repairs so as to link biological influences with mechanics. However, given the complexities of tendon development and healing, it remains challenging to determine which aspects of tendon biology are the most important to focus on in the context of tissue engineering. To address this problem, we have formalized a strategy to identify, prioritize, and evaluate potential biological success criteria for tendon repair. We have defined numerous biological properties of normal tendon relative to cellular phenotype, extracellular matrix and tissue ultra-structure that we would like to reproduce in our tissue-engineered repairs and prioritized these biological criteria by examining their relative importance during both normal development and natural tendon healing. Here, we propose three specific biological criteria which we believe are essential for normal tendon function: (1) scleraxis-expressing cells; (2) well-organized and axially-aligned collagen fibrils having bimodal diameter distribution; and (3) a specialized tendon-to-bone insertion site. Moving forward, these biological success criteria will be used in conjunction with our already established mechanical success criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of our tissue-engineered tendon repairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Breidenbach
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States.
| | - Steven D Gilday
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Andrea L Lalley
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States
| | - Nathaniel A Dyment
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Cynthia Gooch
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States
| | - Jason T Shearn
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States
| | - David L Butler
- Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, 601 Engineering Research Center, ML 0048, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, United States
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48
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Barnette DN, Hulin A, Ahmed ASI, Colige AC, Azhar M, Lincoln J. Tgfβ-Smad and MAPK signaling mediate scleraxis and proteoglycan expression in heart valves. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 65:137-46. [PMID: 24157418 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mature heart valves are complex structures consisting of three highly organized extracellular matrix layers primarily composed of collagens, proteoglycans and elastin. Collectively, these diverse matrix components provide all the necessary biomechanical properties for valve function throughout life. In contrast to healthy valves, myxomatous valve disease is the most common cause of mitral valve prolapse in the human population and is characterized by an abnormal abundance of proteoglycans within the valve tri-laminar structure. Despite the clinical significance, the etiology of this phenotype is not known. Scleraxis (Scx) is a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor that we previously showed to be required for establishing heart valve structure during remodeling stages of valvulogenesis. In this study, we report that remodeling heart valves from Scx null mice express decreased levels of proteoglycans, particularly chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), while overexpression in embryonic avian valve precursor cells and adult porcine valve interstitial cells increases CSPGs. Using these systems we further identify that Scx is positively regulated by canonical Tgfβ2 signaling during this process and this is attenuated by MAPK activity. Finally, we show that Scx is increased in myxomatous valves from human patients and mouse models, and overexpression in human mitral valve interstitial cells modestly increases proteoglycan expression consistent with myxomatous mitral valve phenotypes. Together, these studies identify an important role for Scx in regulating proteoglycans in embryonic and mature valve cells and suggest that imbalanced regulation could influence myxomatous pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien N Barnette
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016189 (R-189), Miami, FL, USA; Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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49
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Nielsen RH, Clausen NM, Schjerling P, Larsen JO, Martinussen T, List EO, Kopchick JJ, Kjaer M, Heinemeier KM. Chronic alterations in growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I signaling lead to changes in mouse tendon structure. Matrix Biol 2013; 34:96-104. [PMID: 24080228 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH/IGF-I) axis is an important stimulator of collagen synthesis in connective tissue, but the effect of chronically altered GH/IGF-I levels on connective tissue of the muscle-tendon unit is not known. We studied three groups of mice; 1) giant transgenic mice that expressed bovine GH (bGH) and had high circulating levels of GH and IGF-I, 2) dwarf mice with a disrupted GH receptor gene (GHR-/-) leading to GH resistance and low circulating IGF-I, and 3) a wild-type control group (CTRL). We measured the ultra-structure, collagen content and mRNA expression (targets: GAPDH, RPLP0, IGF-IEa, IGF-IR, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, versican, scleraxis, tenascin C, fibronectin, fibromodulin, decorin) in the Achilles tendon, and the mRNA expression was also measured in calf muscle (same targets as tendon plus IGF-IEb, IGF-IEc). We found that GHR-/- mice had significantly lower collagen fibril volume fraction in Achilles tendon, as well as decreased mRNA expression of IGF-I isoforms and collagen types I and III in muscle compared to CTRL. In contrast, the mRNA expression of IGF-I isoforms and collagens in bGH mice was generally high in both tendon and muscle compared to CTRL. Mean collagen fibril diameter was significantly decreased with both high and low GH/IGF-I signaling, but the GHR-/- mouse tendons were most severely affected with a total loss of the normal bimodal diameter distribution. In conclusion, chronic manipulation of the GH/IGF-I axis influenced both morphology and mRNA levels of selected genes in the muscle-tendon unit of mice. Whereas only moderate structural changes were observed with up-regulation of GH/IGF-I axis, disruption of the GH receptor had pronounced effects upon tendon ultra-structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Nielsen
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - N M Clausen
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Schjerling
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J O Larsen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Martinussen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E O List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - J J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - M Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K M Heinemeier
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedics Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Berthet E, Chen C, Butcher K, Schneider RA, Alliston T, Amirtharajah M. Smad3 binds Scleraxis and Mohawk and regulates tendon matrix organization. J Orthop Res 2013; 31:1475-83. [PMID: 23653374 PMCID: PMC3960924 DOI: 10.1002/jor.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ plays a critical role in tendon formation and healing. While its downstream effector Smad3 has been implicated in the healing process, little is known about the role of Smad3 in normal tendon development or tenocyte gene expression. Using mice deficient in Smad3 (Smad3(-/-) ), we show that Smad3 ablation disrupts tendon architecture and has a dramatic impact on normal gene and protein expression during development as well as in mature tendon. In developing and adult tendon, loss of Smad3 results in reduced protein expression of the matrix components Collagen 1 and Tenascin-C. Additionally, when compared to wild type, tendon from adult Smad3(-/-) mice shows a down regulation of key tendon marker genes. Finally, we have established that Smad3 has the ability to physically interact with the critical transcriptional regulators Scleraxis and Mohawk. Together these results indicate a central role for Smad3 in normal tendon formation and in the maintenance of mature tendon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellora Berthet
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carol Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Butcher
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard A. Schneider
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tamara Alliston
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mohana Amirtharajah
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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