1
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Fan L, Yao D, Fan Z, Zhang T, Shen Q, Tong F, Qian X, Xu L, Jiang C, Dong N. Beyond VICs: Shedding light on the overlooked VECs in calcific aortic valve disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117143. [PMID: 39024838 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is prevalent in developed nations and has emerged as a pressing global public health concern due to population aging. The precise etiology of this disease remains uncertain, and recent research has primarily focused on examining the role of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in the development of CAVD. The predominant treatment options currently available involve open surgery and minimally invasive interventional surgery, with no efficacious pharmacological treatment. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of valvular endothelial cells (VECs) from the aspects of valvular endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO), valvular endothelial mechanotransduction, valvular endothelial injury, valvular endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and valvular neovascularization, which have received less attention, and aims to establish their role and interaction with VICs in CAVD. The ultimate goal is to provide new perspectives for the investigation of non-invasive treatment options for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dingyi Yao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuqiang Tong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyu Qian
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Nianguo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Shih JY, Gee T, Scuderi G, Butcher J. Biomechanical Remodeling of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells During Calcified Lesion Formation In Vitro. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1270-1279. [PMID: 38374519 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Healthy aortic heart valves are essential to the regulation of unidirectional blood flow. Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an actively progressive disease that involves the disorganization of valve cells and accumulation of calcium deposits on the aortic valve leaflets. CAVD involves disruption of cell environment homeostasis that prior cell culture models have found difficult to portray and model. As it is still poorly understood how tissue stiffening associates with lesion formation, here, we implement a novel 3D culture platform to characterize the relationship between mechanical stress and tissue remodeling and analyze how the application of pro-osteogenic stimulation dysregulates the native ability of valve cells to organize its matrix. Through a temporal study of macroscopic remodeling, we determine that aortic valve interstitial neo-tissues undergo varying stiffness and mechanical stress, demonstrate greater myofibroblastic gene expression, and show greater remodeling activity in the outer surface of the neo-tissue in a banding pattern when cultured in osteogenic growth medium. In human aortic valve interstitial cells cultured in osteogenic growth medium, we observed an increase in stress but significant decreases in myofibroblastic gene expression with the addition of growth factors. In summary, we are able to see the interplay of biochemical and biomechanical stimuli in valvular remodeling by using our platform to model dynamic stiffening of valve interstitial neo-tissues under different biochemical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Yushiuan Shih
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 304 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Terence Gee
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 304 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gaetano Scuderi
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 304 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jonathan Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 304 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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3
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Clift CL, Blaser MC, Gerrits W, Turner ME, Sonawane A, Pham T, Andresen JL, Fenton OS, Grolman JM, Campedelli A, Buffolo F, Schoen FJ, Hjortnaes J, Muehlschlegel JD, Mooney DJ, Aikawa M, Singh SA, Langer R, Aikawa E. Intracellular proteomics and extracellular vesiculomics as a metric of disease recapitulation in 3D-bioprinted aortic valve arrays. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj9793. [PMID: 38416823 PMCID: PMC10901368 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj9793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), mechanosensitive valvular cells respond to fibrosis- and calcification-induced tissue stiffening, further driving pathophysiology. No pharmacotherapeutics are available to treat CAVD because of the paucity of (i) appropriate experimental models that recapitulate this complex environment and (ii) benchmarking novel engineered aortic valve (AV)-model performance. We established a biomaterial-based CAVD model mimicking the biomechanics of the human AV disease-prone fibrosa layer, three-dimensional (3D)-bioprinted into 96-well arrays. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses probed the cellular proteome and vesiculome to compare the 3D-bioprinted model versus traditional 2D monoculture, against human CAVD tissue. The 3D-bioprinted model highly recapitulated the CAVD cellular proteome (94% versus 70% of 2D proteins). Integration of cellular and vesicular datasets identified known and unknown proteins ubiquitous to AV calcification. This study explores how 2D versus 3D-bioengineered systems recapitulate unique aspects of human disease, positions multiomics as a technique for the evaluation of high throughput-based bioengineered model systems, and potentiates future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Clift
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mark C Blaser
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Willem Gerrits
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mandy E Turner
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abhijeet Sonawane
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tan Pham
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jason L Andresen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joshua M Grolman
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alesandra Campedelli
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fabrizio Buffolo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unite, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torin, Turin, Italy
| | - Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jochen D Muehlschlegel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sasha A Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Langer
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard and MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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4
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Ground M, Park YE, Waqanivavalagi S, Callon K, Walker R, Milsom P, Cornish J. Generating robust human valvular interstitial cell cultures: Protocol and considerations. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 173:118-126. [PMID: 36327771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Research in heart valve biology is a growing field that has yet to elucidate the fundamentals of valve disease. Human valvular interstitial cells (hVICs) are the best option for studying the cellular mechanisms behind valvular pathologies. However, there is a wide range of isolation procedures for these cells published in the literature. To what extent various isolation methods, patient pathologies, and seeding densities influence the behaviour of hVICs remains unclear. Here, we present an optimised method of hVIC isolation from diseased human valves donated at the time of surgery. We show that two rounds of 1000 U/mL collagenase digestion for not >2 h results in a phenotypically stable cell culture with a near complete absence of endothelial cell contamination. We also suggest that cells should be seeded at 10,000 cells/cm2 for experimentation. We found that patient pathology does not affect the success of the isolation procedure, and that instead, successful cultures are predicted by ensuring >500 mg valve tissue as starting material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ground
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Young Eun Park
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand
| | - Steve Waqanivavalagi
- Green Lane Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, Grafton, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand
| | - Karen Callon
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand
| | - Robert Walker
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paget Milsom
- Green Lane Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, Grafton, New Zealand
| | - Jillian Cornish
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand
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5
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Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Nägele F, Engler C, Stoessel L, Zellmer B, Graber M, Hirsch J, Pölzl L, Ruttmann E, Tancevski I, Tiller C, Barbieri F, Stastny L, Reinstadler SJ, Oezpeker UC, Semsroth S, Bonaros N, Grimm M, Feuchtner G, Holfeld J. Different calcification patterns of tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves and their clinical impact. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2022; 35:ivac274. [PMID: 36383200 PMCID: PMC10906007 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mechanical strain plays a major role in the development of aortic calcification. We hypothesized that (i) valvular calcifications are most pronounced at the localizations subjected to the highest mechanical strain and (ii) calcification patterns are different in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. METHODS Multislice computed tomography scans of 101 patients with severe aortic stenosis were analysed using a 3-dimensional post-processing software to quantify calcification of tricuspid aortic valves (n = 51) and bicuspid aortic valves (n = 50) after matching. RESULTS Bicuspid aortic valves exhibited higher calcification volumes and increased calcification of the non-coronary cusp with significantly higher calcification of the free leaflet edge. The non-coronary cusp showed the highest calcium load compared to the other leaflets. Patients with annular calcification above the median had an impaired survival compared to patients with low annular calcification, whereas patients with calcification of the free leaflet edge above the median did not (P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS Calcification patterns are different in patients with aortic stenosis with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves. Patients with high annular calcification might have an impaired prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Nägele
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Engler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leon Stoessel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Berit Zellmer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Graber
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jakob Hirsch
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Leo Pölzl
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elfriede Ruttmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ivan Tancevski
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christina Tiller
- Deparment of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fabian Barbieri
- Deparment of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Stastny
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Severin Semsroth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaos Bonaros
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Grimm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gudrun Feuchtner
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Holfeld
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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Majumdar U, Choudhury TZ, Manivannan S, Ueyama Y, Basu M, Garg V. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of aortic valve interstitial cells demonstrates the regulation of integrin signaling by nitric oxide. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:742850. [PMID: 36386365 PMCID: PMC9640371 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.742850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an increasingly prevalent condition among the elderly population that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Insufficient understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms has hindered the development of pharmacologic therapies for CAVD. Recently, we described nitric oxide (NO) mediated S-nitrosylation as a novel mechanism for preventing the calcific process. We demonstrated that NO donor or an S-nitrosylating agent, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), inhibits spontaneous calcification in porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (pAVICs) and this was supported by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) that demonstrated NO donor and GSNO inhibited myofibroblast activation of pAVICs. Here, we investigated novel signaling pathways that are critical for the calcification of pAVICs that are altered by NO and GSNO by performing an in-depth analysis of the scRNA-seq dataset. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1,247 differentially expressed genes in pAVICs after NO donor or GSNO treatment compared to untreated cells. Pathway-based analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed an overrepresentation of the integrin signaling pathway, along with the Rho GTPase, Wnt, TGF-β, and p53 signaling pathways. We demonstrate that ITGA8 and VCL, two of the identified genes from the integrin signaling pathway, which are known to regulate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) communication and focal adhesion, were upregulated in both in vitro and in vivo calcific conditions. Reduced expression of these genes after treatment with NO donor suggests that NO inhibits calcification by targeting myofibroblast adhesion and ECM remodeling. In addition, withdrawal of NO donor after 3 days of exposure revealed that NO-mediated transcriptional and translational regulation is a transient event and requires continuous NO exposure to inhibit calcification. Overall, our data suggest that NO and S-nitrosylation regulate the integrin signaling pathway to maintain healthy cell-ECM interaction and prevent CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddalak Majumdar
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Talita Z. Choudhury
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sathiyanarayanan Manivannan
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yukie Ueyama
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Madhumita Basu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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7
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Integrin-Linked Kinase Expression in Human Valve Endothelial Cells Plays a Protective Role in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091736. [PMID: 36139812 PMCID: PMC9495882 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is highly prevalent during aging. CAVD initiates with endothelial dysfunction, leading to lipid accumulation, inflammation, and osteogenic transformation. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) participates in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, ILK role in CAVD is unknown. First, we determined that ILK expression is downregulated in aortic valves from patients with CAVD compared to non-CAVD, especially at the valve endothelium, and negatively correlated with calcification markers. Silencing ILK expression in human valve endothelial cells (siILK-hVECs) induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and promoted a switch to an osteoblastic phenotype; SiILK-hVECs expressed increased RUNX2 and developed calcified nodules. siILK-hVECs exhibited decreased NO production and increased nitrosative stress, suggesting valvular endothelial dysfunction. NO treatment of siILK-hVECs prevented VEC transdifferentiation, while treatment with an eNOS inhibitor mimicked ILK-silencing induction of EndMT. Accordingly, NO treatment inhibited VEC calcification. Mechanistically, siILK-hVECs showed increased Smad2 phosphorylation, suggesting a TGF-β-dependent mechanism, and NO treatment decreased Smad2 activation and RUNX2. Experiments performed in eNOS KO mice confirmed the involvement of the ILK-eNOS signaling pathway in valve calcification, since aortic valves from these animals showed decreased ILK expression, increased RUNX2, and calcification. Our study demonstrated that ILK endothelial expression participates in human CAVD development by preventing endothelial osteogenic transformation.
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8
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Ozawa K, Muller MA, Varlamov O, Hagen MW, Packwood W, Morgan TK, Xie A, López CS, Chung D, Chen J, López JA, Lindner JR. Reduced Proteolytic Cleavage of von Willebrand Factor Leads to Aortic Valve Stenosis and Load-Dependent Ventricular Remodeling. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:642-655. [PMID: 35958695 PMCID: PMC9357566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that excess endothelial-associated von Willebrand factor (vWF) and secondary platelet adhesion contribute to aortic valve stenosis (AS). We studied hyperlipidemic mice lacking ADAMTS13 (LDLR -/- AD13 -/- ), which cleaves endothelial-associated vWF multimers. On echocardiography and molecular imaging, LDLR -/- AD13 -/- compared with control strains had increased aortic endothelial vWF and platelet adhesion and developed hemodynamically significant AS, arterial stiffening, high valvulo-aortic impedance, and secondary load-dependent reduction in LV systolic function. Histology revealed leaflet thickening and calcification with valve interstitial cell myofibroblastic and osteogenic transformation, and evidence for TGFβ1 pathway activation. We conclude that valve leaflet endothelial vWF-platelet interactions promote AS through juxtacrine platelet signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koya Ozawa
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew A. Muller
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Oleg Varlamov
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew W. Hagen
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - William Packwood
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Terry K. Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aris Xie
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Claudia S. López
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan R. Lindner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Address for correspondence: Dr Jonathan R. Lindner, Cardiovascular Division, UHN-62, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. @JLindnerMD
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9
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Bogdanova M, Zabirnyk A, Malashicheva A, Semenova D, Kvitting JPE, Kaljusto ML, Perez MDM, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Sullivan GJ, Rutkovskiy A, Vaage J. Models and Techniques to Study Aortic Valve Calcification in Vitro, ex Vivo and in Vivo. An Overview. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835825. [PMID: 35721220 PMCID: PMC9203042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis secondary to aortic valve calcification is the most common valve disease in the Western world. Calcification is a result of pathological proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of resident valve interstitial cells. To develop non-surgical treatments, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathological calcification must be revealed. In the current overview, we present methods for evaluation of calcification in different ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo situations including imaging in patients. The latter include echocardiography, scanning with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Particular emphasis is on translational studies of calcific aortic valve stenosis with a special focus on cell culture using human primary cell cultures. Such models are widely used and suitable for screening of drugs against calcification. Animal models are presented, but there is no animal model that faithfully mimics human calcific aortic valve disease. A model of experimentally induced calcification in whole porcine aortic valve leaflets ex vivo is also included. Finally, miscellaneous methods and aspects of aortic valve calcification, such as, for instance, biomarkers are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bogdanova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arsenii Zabirnyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Semenova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Mari-Liis Kaljusto
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Woman and Children Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gareth J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Nsaibia MJ, Devendran A, Goubaa E, Bouitbir J, Capoulade R, Bouchareb R. Implication of Lipids in Calcified Aortic Valve Pathogenesis: Why Did Statins Fail? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123331. [PMID: 35743402 PMCID: PMC9225514 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD) is a fibrocalcific disease. Lipoproteins and oxidized phospholipids play a substantial role in CAVD; the level of Lp(a) has been shown to accelerate the progression of valve calcification. Indeed, oxidized phospholipids carried by Lp(a) into the aortic valve stimulate endothelial dysfunction and promote inflammation. Inflammation and growth factors actively promote the synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and trigger an osteogenic program. The accumulation of ECM proteins promotes lipid adhesion to valve tissue, which could initiate the osteogenic program in interstitial valve cells. Statin treatment has been shown to have the ability to diminish the death rate in subjects with atherosclerotic impediments by decreasing the serum LDL cholesterol levels. However, the use of HMG-CoA inhibitors (statins) as cholesterol-lowering therapy did not significantly reduce the progression or the severity of aortic valve calcification. However, new clinical trials targeting Lp(a) or PCSK9 are showing promising results in reducing the severity of aortic stenosis. In this review, we discuss the implication of lipids in aortic valve calcification and the current findings on the effect of lipid-lowering therapy in aortic stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J. Nsaibia
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Anichavezhi Devendran
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Eshak Goubaa
- Thomas Jefferson University East Falls, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA;
| | - Jamal Bouitbir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Romain Capoulade
- L’institut Du Thorax, Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Rihab Bouchareb
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-(212)-241-8471
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11
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The Haemodynamic and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061317. [PMID: 35740339 PMCID: PMC9220142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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12
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Kraler S, Garg V, Akhmedov A. Calcific aortic valve disease: novel insights into nitric oxide signalling. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1665-1667. [PMID: 35187573 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kraler
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexander Akhmedov
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Mendoza M, Chen MH, Huang P, Mahler GJ. Shear and endothelial induced late-stage calcific aortic valve disease-on-a-chip develops calcium phosphate mineralizations. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1374-1385. [PMID: 35234762 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00931a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an active pathobiological process leading to severe aortic stenosis, where the only treatment is valve replacement. Late-stage CAVD is characterized by calcification, disorganization of collagen, and deposition of glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate (CS), in the fibrosa. We developed a three-dimensional microfluidic device of the aortic valve fibrosa to study the effects of shear stress (1 or 20 dyne per cm2), CS (1 or 20 mg mL-1), and endothelial cell presence on calcification. CAVD chips consisted of a collagen I hydrogel, where porcine aortic valve interstitial cells were embedded within and porcine aortic valve endothelial cells were seeded on top of the matrix for up to 21 days. Here, we show that this CAVD-on-a-chip is the first to develop human-like calcified nodules varying in calcium phosphate mineralization maturity resulting from high shear and endothelial cells, specifically di- and octa-calcium phosphates. Long-term co-culture microfluidic studies confirmed cell viability and calcium phosphate formations throughout 21 days. Given that CAVD has no targeted therapies, the creation of a physiologically relevant test-bed of the aortic valve could lead to advances in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Mendoza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, P.O Box 6000, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA.
| | - Mei-Hsiu Chen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Peter Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Gretchen J Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, P.O Box 6000, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA.
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14
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Vadana M, Cecoltan S, Ciortan L, Macarie RD, Mihaila AC, Tucureanu MM, Gan AM, Simionescu M, Manduteanu I, Droc I, Butoi E. Parathyroid Hormone Induces Human Valvular Endothelial Cells Dysfunction That Impacts the Osteogenic Phenotype of Valvular Interstitial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073776. [PMID: 35409134 PMCID: PMC8998852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key regulator of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. Although it has been reported that aortic valve calcification was positively associated with PTH, the pathophysiological mechanisms and the direct effects of PTH on human valvular cells remain unclear. Here we investigated if PTH induces human valvular endothelial cells (VEC) dysfunction that in turn could impact the switch of valvular interstitial cells (VIC) to an osteoblastic phenotype. Human VEC exposed to PTH were analyzed by qPCR, western blot, Seahorse, ELISA and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that exposure of VEC to PTH affects VEC metabolism and functions, modifications that were accompanied by the activation of p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and by an increased expression of osteogenic molecules (BMP-2, BSP, osteocalcin and Runx2). The impact of dysfunctional VEC on VIC was investigated by exposure of VIC to VEC secretome, and the results showed that VIC upregulate molecules associated with osteogenesis (BMP-2/4, osteocalcin and TGF-β1) and downregulate collagen I and III. In summary, our data show that PTH induces VEC dysfunction, which further stimulates VIC to differentiate into a pro-osteogenic pathological phenotype related to the calcification process. These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which PTH participates in valve calcification pathology and suggests that PTH and the treatment of hyperparathyroidism represent a therapeutic strategy to reduce valvular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Vadana
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Sergiu Cecoltan
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Letitia Ciortan
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Razvan D. Macarie
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Andreea C. Mihaila
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Monica M. Tucureanu
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Ana-Maria Gan
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Maya Simionescu
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Ileana Manduteanu
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Ionel Droc
- Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Central Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Elena Butoi
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “Nicolae Simionescu”, 050568 Bucharest, Romania; (M.V.); (S.C.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (A.C.M.); (M.M.T.); (A.-M.G.); (M.S.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Development of a bi-layered cryogenic electrospun polylactic acid scaffold to study calcific aortic valve disease in a 3D co-culture model. Acta Biomater 2022; 140:364-378. [PMID: 34839029 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valve disease in the elderly. Targeted pharmacological therapies are limited since the underlying mechanisms of CAVD are not well understood. Appropriate 3D in vitro models could potentially improve our knowledge of the disease. Here, we developed a 3D in vitro aortic heart valve model that resembles the morphology of the valvular extracellular matrix and mimics the mechanical and physiological behavior of the native aortic valve fibrosa and spongiosa. We employed cryogenic electrospinning to engineer a bi-layered cryogenic electrospun scaffold (BCES) with defined morphologies that allowed valvular endothelial cell (VEC) adherence and valvular interstitial cell (VIC) ingrowth into the scaffold. Using a self-designed cell culture insert allowed us to establish the valvular co-culture simultaneously by seeding VICs on one side and VECs on the other side of the electrospun scaffold. Proof-of-principle calcification studies were successfully performed using an established osteogenic culture protocol and the here designed 3D in vitro aortic heart valve model. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Three-dimensional (3D) electrospun scaffolds are widely used for soft tissue engineering since they mimic the morphology of the native extracellular matrix. Several studies have shown that cells behave more naturally on 3D materials than on the commonly used stiff two-dimensional (2D) cell culture substrates, which have no biological properties. As appropriate 3D models for the study of aortic valve diseases are limited, we developed a novel bi-layered 3D in vitro test system by using the versatile technique of cryogenic electrospinning in combination with the influence of different solvents to mimic the morphology, mechanical, and cellular distribution of a native aortic heart valve leaflet. This 3D in vitro model can be used to study valve biology and heart valve-impacting diseases such as calcification to elucidate therapeutic targets.
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16
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Nakagawa S, Yoshie N. Star polymer networks: a toolbox for cross-linked polymers with controlled structure. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py01547h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of precisely controlled polymer networks has been a long-cherished dream of polymer scientists. Traditional random cross-linking strategies often lead to uncontrolled networks with various kinds of defects. Recent...
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17
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Zheng R, Zhu P, Gu J, Ni B, Sun H, He K, Bian J, Shao Y, Du J. Transcription factor Sp2 promotes TGFB-mediated interstitial cell osteogenic differentiation in bicuspid aortic valves through a SMAD-dependent pathway. Exp Cell Res 2021; 411:112972. [PMID: 34914964 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Calcification of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) involves differential expression of various RNA genes, which is achieved through complex regulatory networks that are controlled in part by transcription factors and microRNAs. We previously found that miR-195-5p regulates the osteogenic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) by targeting the TGF-β pathway. However, the transcriptional regulation of miR-195-5p in calcified BAV patients is not yet clear. In this study, stenotic aortic valve tissues from patients with BAVs and tricuspid aortic valves (TAVs) were collected. Candidate transcription factors of miR-195-5p were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and tested in diseased valves and in male porcine VICs. SP2 gene expression and the corresponding protein levels in BAV were significantly lower than those in TAV, and a low SP2 expression level environment in VICs resulted in remarkable increases in RNA expression levels of RUNX2, BMP2, collagen 1, MMP2, and MMP9 and the corresponding proteins. ChIP assays revealed that SP2 directly bound to the transcription promoter region of miR-195-5p. Cotransfection of SP2 shRNA and a miR-195-5p mimic in porcine VICs demonstrated that SP2 repressed SMAD7 expression via miR-195-5p, while knockdown of SP2 increased the mRNA expression of SMAD7 and the corresponding protein and attenuated Smad 2/3 expression. Immunofluorescence staining of diseased valves confirmed that the functional proteins of osteogenesis differentiation, including RUNX2, BMP2, collagen 1, and osteocalcin, were overexpressed in BAVs. In Conclusion, the transcription factor Sp2 is expressed at low levels in VICs from BAV patients, which has a negative impact on miR-195-5p expression by binding its promoter region and partially promotes calcification through a SMAD-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Pengcheng Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Jiaxi Gu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Buqing Ni
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Haoliang Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Keshuai He
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Jinhui Bian
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China
| | - Yongfeng Shao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China.
| | - Junjie Du
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China.
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18
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Tandon I, Ozkizilcik A, Ravishankar P, Balachandran K. Aortic valve cell microenvironment: Considerations for developing a valve-on-chip. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:041303. [PMID: 38504720 PMCID: PMC10903420 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac valves are sophisticated, dynamic structures residing in a complex mechanical and hemodynamic environment. Cardiac valve disease is an active and progressive disease resulting in severe socioeconomic burden, especially in the elderly. Valve disease also leads to a 50% increase in the possibility of associated cardiovascular events. Yet, valve replacement remains the standard of treatment with early detection, mitigation, and alternate therapeutic strategies still lacking. Effective study models are required to further elucidate disease mechanisms and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Organ-on-chip models offer a unique and powerful environment that incorporates the ease and reproducibility of in vitro systems along with the complexity and physiological recapitulation of the in vivo system. The key to developing effective valve-on-chip models is maintaining the cell and tissue-level microenvironment relevant to the study application. This review outlines the various components and factors that comprise and/or affect the cell microenvironment that ought to be considered while constructing a valve-on-chip model. This review also dives into the advancements made toward constructing valve-on-chip models with a specific focus on the aortic valve, that is, in vitro studies incorporating three-dimensional co-culture models that incorporate relevant extracellular matrices and mechanical and hemodynamic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
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19
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Deb N, Lacerda CMR. Valvular Endothelial Cell Response to the Mechanical Environment-A Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:695-709. [PMID: 34661855 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart valve leaflets are complex structures containing valve endothelial cells, interstitial cells, and extracellular matrix. Heart valve endothelial cells sense mechanical stimuli, and communicate amongst themselves and the surrounding cells and extracellular matrix to maintain tissue homeostasis. In the presence of abnormal mechanical stimuli, endothelial cell communication is triggered in defense and such processes may eventually lead to cardiac disease progression. This review focuses on the role of mechanical stimuli on heart valve endothelial surfaces-from heart valve development and maintenance of tissue integrity to disease progression with related signal pathways involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Deb
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Jasper Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, 75799, TX, US.
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20
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Kraler S, Blaser MC, Aikawa E, Camici GG, Lüscher TF. Calcific aortic valve disease: from molecular and cellular mechanisms to medical therapy. Eur Heart J 2021; 43:683-697. [PMID: 34849696 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a highly prevalent condition that comprises a disease continuum, ranging from microscopic changes to profound fibro-calcific leaflet remodelling, culminating in aortic stenosis, heart failure, and ultimately premature death. Traditional risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia and (systolic) hypertension, are shared among atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and CAVD, yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms differ markedly. Statin-induced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering, a remedy highly effective for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, consistently failed to impact CAVD progression or to improve patient outcomes. However, recently completed phase II trials provide hope that pharmaceutical tactics directed at other targets implicated in CAVD pathogenesis offer an avenue to alter the course of the disease non-invasively. Herein, we delineate key players of CAVD pathobiology, outline mechanisms that entail compromised endothelial barrier function, and promote lipid homing, immune-cell infiltration, and deranged phospho-calcium metabolism that collectively perpetuate a pro-inflammatory/pro-osteogenic milieu in which valvular interstitial cells increasingly adopt myofibro-/osteoblast-like properties, thereby fostering fibro-calcific leaflet remodelling and eventually resulting in left ventricular outflow obstruction. We provide a glimpse into the most promising targets on the horizon, including lipoprotein(a), mineral-binding matrix Gla protein, soluble guanylate cyclase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 as well as candidates involved in regulating phospho-calcium metabolism and valvular angiotensin II synthesis and ultimately discuss their potential for a future therapy of this insidious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kraler
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Blaser
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, NRB7, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Heart Division, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK
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21
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Driscoll K, Cruz AD, Butcher JT. Inflammatory and Biomechanical Drivers of Endothelial-Interstitial Interactions in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Circ Res 2021; 128:1344-1370. [PMID: 33914601 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease is dramatically increasing in global burden, yet no therapy exists outside of prosthetic replacement. The increasing proportion of younger and more active patients mandates alternative therapies. Studies suggest a window of opportunity for biologically based diagnostics and therapeutics to alleviate or delay calcific aortic valve disease progression. Advancement, however, has been hampered by limited understanding of the complex mechanisms driving calcific aortic valve disease initiation and progression towards clinically relevant interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander D Cruz
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
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22
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Cuevas RA, Chu CC, Moorhead WJ, Wong R, Sultan I, St Hilaire C. Isolation of Human Primary Valve Cells for In vitro Disease Modeling. J Vis Exp 2021. [PMID: 33938898 DOI: 10.3791/62439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is present in nearly a third of the elderly population. Thickening, stiffening, and calcification of the aortic valve causes aortic stenosis and contributes to heart failure and stroke. Disease pathogenesis is multifactorial, and stresses such as inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, turbulent flow, and mechanical stress and strain contribute to the osteogenic differentiation of valve endothelial and valve interstitial cells. However, the precise initiating factors that drive the osteogenic transition of a healthy cell into a calcifying cell are not fully defined. Further, the only current therapy for CAVD-induced aortic stenosis is aortic valve replacement, whereby the native valve is removed (surgical aortic valve replacement, SAVR) or a fully collapsible replacement valve is inserted via a catheter (transcatheter aortic valve replacement, TAVR). These surgical procedures come at a high cost and with serious risks; thus, identifying novel therapeutic targets for drug discovery is imperative. To that end, the present study develops a workflow where surgically removed tissues from patients and donor cadaver tissues are used to create patient-specific primary lines of valvular cells for in vitro disease modeling. This protocol introduces the utilization of a cold storage solution, commonly utilized in organ transplant, to reduce the damage caused by the often-lengthy procurement time between tissue excision and laboratory processing with the benefit of greatly stabilizing cells of the excised tissue. The results of the present study demonstrate that isolated valve cells retain their proliferative capacity and endothelial and interstitial phenotypes in culture upwards of several days after valve removal from the donor. Using these materials allows for the collection of control and CAVD cells, from which both control and disease cell lines are established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando A Cuevas
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Claire C Chu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh
| | - William J Moorhead
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Ryan Wong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Ibrahim Sultan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh and Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
| | - Cynthia St Hilaire
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh;
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23
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Challenges and solutions for fabrication of three-dimensional cocultures of neural cell-loaded biomimetic constructs. Biointerphases 2021; 16:011202. [PMID: 33706526 DOI: 10.1116/6.0000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) constructs to model body tissues and organs can contribute to research into tissue development and models for studying disease, as well as supporting preclinical drug screening in vitro. Furthermore, 3D constructs can also be used for diagnosis and therapy of disease conditions via lab on a chip and microarrays for diagnosis and engineered products for tissue repair, replacement, and regeneration. While cell culture approaches for studying tissue development and disease in two dimensions are long-established, the translation of this knowledge into 3D environments remains a fertile field of research. In this Tutorial, we specifically focus on the application of biosynthetic hydrogels for neural cell encapsulation. The Tutorial briefly covers background on using biosynthetic hydrogels for cell encapsulation, as well as common fabrication techniques. The Methods section focuses on the hydrogel design and characterization, highlighting key elements and tips for more effective approaches. Coencapsulation of different cell types, and the challenges associated with different growth and maintenance requirements, is the main focus of this Tutorial. Much care is needed to blend different cell types, and this Tutorial provides tips and insights that have proven successful for 3D coculture in biosynthetic hydrogels.
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Gee TW, Richards JM, Mahmut A, Butcher JT. Valve endothelial-interstitial interactions drive emergent complex calcific lesion formation in vitro. Biomaterials 2021; 269:120669. [PMID: 33482604 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an actively regulated degenerative disease process. Clinical lesions exhibit marked 3D complexity not represented in current in vitro systems. We here present a unique mechanically stressed 3D culture system that recapitulates valve interstitial cell (VIC) induced matrix calcification through myofibroblastic activation and osteoblastic differentiation. We test the hypothesis that valve endothelial (VEC) - interstitial collaborative interactions modulate the risk and complexity of calcific pathogenesis within mechanically stressed and pro-inflammatory environments. APPROACH AND RESULTS Porcine aortic valve endothelial and interstitial cells (VEC and VIC) were seeded in a mechanically constrained collagen hydrogels alone or in co-culture configurations. Raised 3D VIC-filled lesions formed within 7 days when cultured in osteogenic media (OGM), and surprisingly exacerbated by endothelial coculture. We identified a spatially coordinated pro-endochondral vs. pro-osteogenic signaling program within the lesion. VEC underwent Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transformation (EndMT) and populated the lesion center. The spatial complexity of molecular and cellular signatures of this 3D in vitro CAVD system were consistent with human diseased aortic valve histology. SNAI1 was highly expressed in the VEC and subendothelial direct VIC corroborates with human CAVD lesions. Spatial distribution of Sox9 vs. Runx2 expression within the developed lesions (Sox9 peri-lesion vs. Runx2 predominantly within lesions) mirrored their expression in heavily calcified human aortic valves. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of this platform for screening potential pharmacologic therapies through blocking the canonical NFκB pathway via BAY 11-7082. CONCLUSIONS Our results establish that VEC actively induce VIC pathological remodeling and calcification via EndMT and paracrine signaling. This mechanically constrained culture platform enables the interrogation of accelerated cell-mediated matrix remodeling behavior underpinned by this cellular feedback circuit. The high fidelity of this complex 3D model system to human CAVD mechanisms supports its use to test mechanisms of intercellular communication in valves and their pharmacological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence W Gee
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Richards
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Ablajan Mahmut
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Schroeder ME, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Speckl KF, Walker CJ, Midekssa FS, Grim JC, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Collagen networks within 3D PEG hydrogels support valvular interstitial cell matrix mineralization. Acta Biomater 2021; 119:197-210. [PMID: 33181362 PMCID: PMC7738375 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatically degradable hydrogels were designed for the 3D culture of valvular interstitial cells (VICs), and through the incorporation of various functionalities, we aimed to investigate the role of the tissue microenvironment in promoting the osteogenic properties of VICs and matrix mineralization. Specifically, porcine VICs were encapsulated in a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel crosslinked with a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable crosslinker (KCGPQG↓IWGQCK) and formed via a thiol-ene photoclick reaction in the presence or absence of collagen type I to promote matrix mineralization. VIC-laden hydrogels were treated with osteogenic medium for up to 15 days, and the osteogenic response was characterized by the expression of RUNX2 as an early marker of an osteoblast-like phenotype, osteocalcin (OCN) as a marker of a mature osteoblast-like phenotype, and vimentin (VIM) as a marker of the fibroblast phenotype. In addition, matrix mineralization was characterized histologically with Von Kossa stain for calcium phosphate. Osteogenic response was further characterized biochemically with calcium assays, and physically via optical density measurements. When the osteogenic medium was supplemented with calcium chloride, OCN expression was upregulated and mineralization was discernable at 12 days of culture. Finally, this platform was used to screen various drug therapeutics that were assessed for their efficacy in preventing mineralization using optical density as a higher throughput readout. Collectively, these results suggest that matrix composition has a key role in supporting mineralization deposition within diseased valve tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Schroeder
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Kelly F Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Firaol S Midekssa
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA.
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Ma H, Macdougall LJ, GonzalezRodriguez A, Schroeder ME, Batan D, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Calcium Signaling Regulates Valvular Interstitial Cell Alignment and Myofibroblast Activation in Fast-Relaxing Boronate Hydrogels. Macromol Biosci 2020; 20:e2000268. [PMID: 32924320 PMCID: PMC7773027 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The role viscoelasticity in fibrotic disease progression is an emerging area of interest. Here, a fast-relaxing hydrogel system is exploited to investigate potential crosstalk between calcium signaling and mechanotransduction. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing boronate and triazole crosslinkers are synthesized, with varying ratios of boronate to triazole crosslinks to systematically vary the extent of stress relaxation. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) encapsulated in hydrogels with the highest levels of stress relaxation (90%) exhibit a spread morphology by day 1 and are highly aligned (80 ± 2%) by day 5. Key myofibroblast markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen 1a1 (COL1A1), are significantly elevated. VIC myofibroblast activation decreases by 42 ± 18% through inhibition of mechanotransduction, independently of VIC morphology and alignment. Calcium signaling through a transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is found to regulate VIC spreading, alignment, and activation in a time dependent manner. Inhibition of calcium signaling at early time points results in disturbed cell alignment, decreased mechanotransduction, and diminished activation, while inhibition at later time points only causes partially reduced myofibroblast activation. These results suggest a potential crosstalk mechanism, where calcium signaling acts upstream of mechanosensing and can regulate VIC myofibroblast activation independently of mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Andrea GonzalezRodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Dilara Batan
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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Motta SE, Fioretta ES, Lintas V, Dijkman PE, Hilbe M, Frese L, Cesarovic N, Loerakker S, Baaijens FPT, Falk V, Hoerstrup SP, Emmert MY. Geometry influences inflammatory host cell response and remodeling in tissue-engineered heart valves in-vivo. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19882. [PMID: 33199702 PMCID: PMC7669851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative tissue-engineered matrix-based heart valves (TEM-based TEHVs) may become an alternative to currently-used bioprostheses for transcatheter valve replacement. We recently identified TEM-based TEHVs-geometry as one key-factor guiding their remodeling towards successful long-term performance or failure. While our first-generation TEHVs, with a simple, non-physiological valve-geometry, failed over time due to leaflet-wall fusion phenomena, our second-generation TEHVs, with a computational modeling-inspired design, showed native-like remodeling resulting in long-term performance. However, a thorough understanding on how TEHV-geometry impacts the underlying host cell response, which in return determines tissue remodeling, is not yet fully understood. To assess that, we here present a comparative samples evaluation derived from our first- and second-generation TEHVs. We performed an in-depth qualitative and quantitative (immuno-)histological analysis focusing on key-players of the inflammatory and remodeling cascades (M1/M2 macrophages, α-SMA+- and endothelial cells). First-generation TEHVs were prone to chronic inflammation, showing a high presence of macrophages and α-SMA+-cells, hinge-area thickening, and delayed endothelialization. Second-generation TEHVs presented with negligible amounts of macrophages and α-SMA+-cells, absence of hinge-area thickening, and early endothelialization. Our results suggest that TEHV-geometry can significantly influence the host cell response by determining the infiltration and presence of macrophages and α-SMA+-cells, which play a crucial role in orchestrating TEHV remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Motta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Wyss Translational Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela S Fioretta
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Lintas
- Wyss Translational Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra E Dijkman
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hilbe
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Frese
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Cesarovic
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank P T Baaijens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Volkmar Falk
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon P Hoerstrup
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Wyss Translational Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Y Emmert
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland. .,Wyss Translational Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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28
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Tandon I, Kolenc OI, Cross D, Vargas I, Johns S, Quinn KP, Balachandran K. Label-free metabolic biomarkers for assessing valve interstitial cell calcific progression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10317. [PMID: 32587322 PMCID: PMC7316720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66960-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common form of valve disease where the only available treatment strategy is surgical valve replacement. Technologies for the early detection of CAVD would benefit the development of prevention, mitigation and alternate therapeutic strategies. Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy is a label-free, non-destructive imaging technique that has been shown to correlate with multiple markers for cellular differentiation and phenotypic changes in cancer and wound healing. Here we show how specific TPEF markers, namely, the optical redox ratio and mitochondrial fractal dimension, correlate with structural, functional and phenotypic changes occurring in the aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) during osteogenic differentiation. The optical redox ratio, and fractal dimension of mitochondria were assessed and correlated with gene expression and nuclear morphology of VICs. The optical redox ratio decreased for VICs during early osteogenic differentiation and correlated with biological markers for CAVD progression. Fractal dimension correlated with structural and osteogenic markers as well as measures of nuclear morphology. Our study suggests that TPEF imaging markers, specifically the optical redox ratio and mitochondrial fractal dimension, can be potentially used as a tool for assessing early CAVD progression in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Olivia I Kolenc
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Delaney Cross
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Isaac Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Shelby Johns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Kyle P Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
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29
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Ravalli F, Kossar AP, Takayama H, Grau JB, Ferrari G. Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and Implications for Surgical Intervention in the Era of TAVR. STRUCTURAL HEART : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEART TEAM 2020; 4:87-98. [PMID: 32529168 PMCID: PMC7288848 DOI: 10.1080/24748706.2020.1719446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aortic insufficiency (AI) or regurgitation is caused by the malcoaptation of the aortic valve (AV) cusps due to intrinsic abnormalities of the valve itself, a dilatation or geometric distortion of the aortic root, or by some combination thereof. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies suggesting that AI is an active disease process caused by a combination of factors including but not limited to alteration of specific molecular pathways, genetic predisposition, and changes in the mechanotransductive properties of the AV apparatus. As the surgical management of AV disease continues to evolve, increasingly sophisticated surgical and percutaneous techniques for AV repair and replacement, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), have become more commonplace and will likely continue to expand as new devices are introduced. However, these techniques necessitate frequent reappraisal of the biological and mechanobiological mechanisms underlying AV regurgitation to better understand the risk factors for AI development and recurrence following surgical intervention as well as expand our limited knowledge on patient selection for such procedures. The aim of this review is to describe some of the putative mechanisms implicated in the development of AI, dissect some of the cross-talk among known and possible signaling pathways leading to valve remodeling, identify association between these pathways and pharmacological approaches, and discuss the implications for surgical and percutaneous approaches to AV repair in replacement in the TAVR era.
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30
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Wang L, Wang C, Wu S, Fan Y, Li X. Influence of the mechanical properties of biomaterials on degradability, cell behaviors and signaling pathways: current progress and challenges. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:2714-2733. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00269k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We have clarified the influence of the mechanical properties of biomaterials on degradability and cell response, and also mechanical design targets and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Cunyang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
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31
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Odelin G, Faure E, Maurel-Zaffran C, Zaffran S. Krox20 Regulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Signaling in Aortic Valve Development and Disease. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2019; 6:jcdd6040039. [PMID: 31684048 PMCID: PMC6955692 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd6040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the aortic valve diseases, the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) occurs when the aortic valve has two leaflets (cusps), rather than three, and represents the most common form of congenital cardiac malformation, affecting 1–2% of the population. Despite recent advances, the etiology of BAV is poorly understood. We have recently shown that Krox20 is expressed in endothelial and cardiac neural crest derivatives that normally contribute to aortic valve development and that lack of Krox20 in these cells leads to aortic valve defects including partially penetrant BAV formation. Dysregulated expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Nos3) is associated with BAV. To investigate the relationship between Krox20 and Nos3 during aortic valve development, we performed inter-genetic cross. While single heterozygous mice had normal valve formation, the compound Krox20+/−;Nos3+/− mice had BAV malformations displaying an in vivo genetic interaction between these genes for normal valve morphogenesis. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that Krox20 directly binds to Nos3 proximal promoter to activate its expression. Our data suggests that Krox20 is a regulator of nitric oxide in endothelial-derived cells in the development of the aortic valve and concludes on the interaction of Krox20 and Nos3 in BAV formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Odelin
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Emilie Faure
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | | | - Stéphane Zaffran
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Monroe MN, Nikonowicz RC, Grande-Allen KJ. Heterogeneous multi-laminar tissue constructs as a platform to evaluate aortic valve matrix-dependent pathogenicity. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:420-427. [PMID: 31362141 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Designing and constructing controlled in vitro cell culture platforms is imperative toward pinpointing factors that contribute to the development of calcific aortic valve disease. A 3D, laminar, filter paper-based cell culture system that was previously established as a method of analyzing valvular interstitial cell migration and protein expression was adapted here for studying the impact of specific extracellular matrix proteins on cellular viability and calcification proclivity. Hydrogels incorporating hyaluronan and collagen I, two prevalent valvular extracellular matrix proteins with altered pathological production, were designed with similar mechanics to parse out effects of the individual proteins on cell behavior. Laminar constructs containing varying combinations of discrete layers of collagen and hyaluronan were assembled to mimic native and pathological valve compositions. Proteinaceous and genetic expression patterns pertaining to cell viability and calcific potential were quantified via fluorescent imaging. A significant dose-dependency was observed, with increased collagen content associated with decreased viability and increased calcific phenotype. These results suggest that extracellular composition is influential in calcific aortic valve disease progression and will be key toward development of future tissue-engineered or pharmaceutical calcific aortic valve treatments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a widespread heart valve disorder, is characterized by fibrotic leaflet thickening and calcific nodule formation. This pathological remodeling is an active process mediated by the valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Currently, the only treatment available is surgical replacement of the valve - a procedure associated with significant long-term risk and morbidity. Development of effective alternate therapies is hindered by our poor understanding of CAVD etiology. Previous work has implicated the composition and mechanics of the extracellular matrix in the progression of CAVD. These individual factors and their magnitude of influence have not been extensively explored - particularly in 3D systems. Here, we have bridged this gap in understanding through the employment of a heterogeneous 3D filter-paper culture system.
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Hunckler MD, Medina JD, Coronel MM, Weaver JD, Stabler CL, García AJ. Linkage Groups within Thiol-Ene Photoclickable PEG Hydrogels Control In Vivo Stability. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1900371. [PMID: 31111689 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201900371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thiol-norbornene (thiol-ene) photoclickable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels are a versatile biomaterial for cell encapsulation, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Numerous in vitro studies with these 4-arm ester-linked PEG-norbornene (PEG-4eNB) hydrogels demonstrate robust cytocompatibility and ability to retain long-term integrity with nondegradable crosslinkers. However, when transplanted in vivo into the subcutaneous or intraperitoneal space, these PEG-4eNB hydrogels with nondegradable crosslinkers rapidly degrade within 24 h. This characteristic limits the usefulness of PEG-4eNB hydrogels in biomedical applications. Replacing the ester linkage with an amide linkage (PEG-4aNB) mitigates this rapid in vivo degradation, and the PEG-4aNB hydrogels maintain long-term in vivo stability for months. Furthermore, when compared to PEG-4eNB, the PEG-4aNB hydrogels demonstrate equivalent mechanical properties, crosslinking kinetics, and high cytocompatibility with rat islets and human mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, the PEG-4aNB hydrogels may be a suitable replacement platform without necessitating critical design changes or sacrificing key properties relevant to the well-established PEG-4eNB hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Hunckler
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Juan D. Medina
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology 313 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Maria M. Coronel
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Jessica D. Weaver
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Cherie L. Stabler
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Florida 1275 Center Dr. Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Andrés J. García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology 315 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta GA 30332 USA
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Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common heart valve disorder in human populations. Nevertheless, there are presently no effective means for its prevention and treatment. It is therefore critical to comprehensively define key mechanisms of the disease. A major focus of cardiovascular research has been characterization of how regulation of gene expression maintains healthy physiologic status of the component tissues of the system and how derangements of gene regulation may become pathological. Recently, substantial evidence has emerged that noncoding RNAs, which are an enormous and versatile class of regulatory elements, such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, have roles in onset and prognosis of CAVD. Authors of the present report have therefore here provided a summary of the current understanding of contributions made by noncoding RNAs major features of CAVD. It is anticipated that this article will serve as a valuable guide to research strategy in this field and may additionally provide both researchers and clinicians with an expanded range of CAVD-associated biomarkers.
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Ali MS, Wang X, Lacerda CMR. The effect of physiological stretch and the valvular endothelium on mitral valve proteomes. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:241-251. [PMID: 30722697 PMCID: PMC6425102 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219829006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This work is important to the field of heart valve pathophysiology as it provides new insights into molecular markers of mechanically induced valvular degeneration as well as the protective role of the valvular endothelium. These discoveries reported here advance our current knowledge of the valvular endothelium and how its removal essentially takes valve leaflets into an environmental shock. In addition, it shows that static conditions represent a mild pathological state for valve leaflets, while 10% cyclic stretch provides valvular cell quiescence. These findings impact the field by informing disease stages and by providing potential new drug targets to reverse or slow down valvular change before it affects cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Xinmei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
| | - Carla MR Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3121, USA
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Wang X, Ali MS, Lacerda CMR. A Three-Dimensional Collagen-Elastin Scaffold for Heart Valve Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2018; 5:E69. [PMID: 30154331 PMCID: PMC6165002 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering5030069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Since most of the body's extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of collagen and elastin, we believe the choice of these materials is key for the future and promise of tissue engineering. Once it is known how elastin content of ECM guides cellular behavior (in 2D or 3D), one will be able to harness the power of collagen-elastin microenvironments to design and engineer stimuli-responsive tissues. Moreover, the implementation of such matrices to promote endothelial-mesenchymal transition of primary endothelial cells constitutes a powerful tool to engineer 3D tissues. Here, we design a 3D collagen-elastin scaffold to mimic the native ECM of heart valves, by providing the strength of collagen layers, as well as elasticity. Valve interstitial cells (VICs) were encapsulated in the collagen-elastin hydrogels and valve endothelial cells (VECs) cultured onto the surface to create an in vitro 3D VEC-VIC co-culture. Over a seven-day period, VICs had stable expression levels of integrin β1 and F-actin and continuously proliferated, while cell morphology changed to more elongated. VECs maintained endothelial phenotype up to day five, as indicated by low expression of F-actin and integrin β1, while transformed VECs accounted for less than 7% of the total VECs in culture. On day seven, over 20% VECs were transformed to mesenchymal phenotype, indicated by increased actin filaments and higher expression of integrin β1. These findings demonstrate that our 3D collagen-elastin scaffolds provided a novel tool to study cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions in vitro, promoting advances in the current knowledge of valvular endothelial cell mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| | - Mir S Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
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Correlation between valvular interstitial cell morphology and phenotypes: A novel way to detect activation. Tissue Cell 2018; 54:38-46. [PMID: 30309508 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) constitute the major cell population in heart valves. Quiescent fibroblastic VICs are seen in adult healthy valves. They become activated myofibroblastic VICs during development, in diseased valves and in vitro. 2D substrate stiffness within a 5-15 kPa range along with high passage numbers promote VIC activation in vitro. In this study, we characterize VIC quiescence and activation across a 1-21 kPa range of substrate stiffness and passages. We define a cell morphology characterization system for VICs as they transform. We hypothesize that VICs show distinct morphological characteristics in different activation states and the morphology distribution varies with substrate stiffness and passage number. Four VIC morphologies - tailed, spindle, rhomboid and triangle - account for the majority of VIC in this study. Using α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), non-muscle myosin heavy chain B (SMemb) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) as activation markers for validation, we developed a system where we categorize morphology distribution of VIC cultures, to be potentially used as a non-destructive detection method of activation state. We also show that this system can be used to force stiffness-induced deactivation. The reversibility in VIC activation has important implications in in vitro research and tissue engineering.
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Qi D, Wu S, Lin H, Kuss MA, Lei Y, Krasnoslobodtsev A, Ahmed S, Zhang C, Kim HJ, Jiang P, Duan B. Establishment of a Human iPSC- and Nanofiber-Based Microphysiological Blood-Brain Barrier System. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:21825-21835. [PMID: 29897225 PMCID: PMC6052796 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b03962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an active and complex diffusion barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid, regulates nutrient transportation, and provides protection against various toxic compounds and pathogens. Creating an in vitro microphysiological BBB system, particularly with relevant human cell types, will significantly facilitate the research of neuropharmaceutical drug delivery, screening, and transport, as well as improve our understanding of pathologies that are due to BBB damage. Currently, most of the in vitro BBB models are generated by culturing rodent astrocytes and endothelial cells, using commercially available transwell membranes. Those membranes are made of plastic biopolymers that are nonbiodegradable, porous, and stiff. In addition, distinct from rodent astrocytes, human astrocytes possess unique cell complexity and physiology, which are among the few characteristics that differentiate human brains from rodent brains. In this study, we established a novel human BBB microphysiologocal system, consisting of a three-dimensionally printed holder with a electrospun poly(lactic- co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanofibrous mesh, a bilayer coculture of human astrocytes, and endothelial cells, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), on the electrospun PLGA mesh. This human BBB model achieved significant barrier integrity with tight junction protein expression, an effective permeability to sodium fluorescein, and higher transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) comparing to electrospun mesh-based counterparts. Moreover, the coculture of hiPSC-derived astrocytes and endothielial cells promoted the tight junction protein expression and the TEER value. We further verified the barrier functions of our BBB model with antibrain tumor drugs (paclitaxel and bortezomib) and a neurotoxic peptide (amyloid β 1-42). The human microphysiological system generated in this study will potentially provide a new, powerful tool for research on human BBB physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjun Qi
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Shaohua Wu
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Haishuang Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Kuss
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Yuguo Lei
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Alexey Krasnoslobodtsev
- Department of Physics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182, United States
| | - Shaheen Ahmed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Hyung Joon Kim
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
- Corresponding Authors. . Phone: +1 848 445 2805 (P.J.). . Phone: +1 402 559 9637 (B.D.)
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
- Corresponding Authors. . Phone: +1 848 445 2805 (P.J.). . Phone: +1 402 559 9637 (B.D.)
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Nachlas ALY, Li S, Davis ME. Developing a Clinically Relevant Tissue Engineered Heart Valve-A Review of Current Approaches. Adv Healthc Mater 2017; 6. [PMID: 29171921 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have the potential to address the shortcomings of current implants through the combination of cells and bioactive biomaterials that promote growth and proper mechanical function in physiological conditions. The ideal TEHV should be anti-thrombogenic, biocompatible, durable, and resistant to calcification, and should exhibit a physiological hemodynamic profile. In addition, TEHVs may possess the capability to integrate and grow with somatic growth, eliminating the need for multiple surgeries children must undergo. Thus, this review assesses clinically available heart valve prostheses, outlines the design criteria for developing a heart valve, and evaluates three types of biomaterials (decellularized, natural, and synthetic) for tissue engineering heart valves. While significant progress has been made in biomaterials and fabrication techniques, a viable tissue engineered heart valve has yet to be translated into a clinical product. Thus, current strategies and future perspectives are also discussed to facilitate the development of new approaches and considerations for heart valve tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline L. Y. Nachlas
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Siyi Li
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Michael E. Davis
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Children's Heart Research & Outcomes (HeRO) Center Children's Healthcare of Atlanta & Emory University Atlanta GA 30322 USA
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Rutkovskiy A, Malashicheva A, Sullivan G, Bogdanova M, Kostareva A, Stensløkken KO, Fiane A, Vaage J. Valve Interstitial Cells: The Key to Understanding the Pathophysiology of Heart Valve Calcification. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:e006339. [PMID: 28912209 PMCID: PMC5634284 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.006339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arkady Rutkovskiy
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gareth Sullivan
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Bogdanova
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnt Fiane
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarle Vaage
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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41
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In vitro 3D model and miRNA drug delivery to target calcific aortic valve disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:181-195. [PMID: 28057890 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease in the Western population, claiming 17000 deaths per year in the United States and affecting 25% of people older than 65 years of age. Contrary to traditional belief, CAVD is not a passive, degenerative disease but rather a dynamic disease, where initial cellular changes in the valve leaflets progress into fibrotic lesions that induce valve thickening and calcification. Advanced thickening and calcification impair valve function and lead to aortic stenosis (AS). Without intervention, progressive ventricular hypertrophy ensues, which ultimately results in heart failure and death. Currently, aortic valve replacement (AVR), surgical or transcatheter, is the only effective therapy to treat CAVD. However, these costly interventions are often delayed until the late stages of the disease. Nonetheless, 275000 are performed per year worldwide, and this is expected to triple by 2050. Given the current landscape, next-generation therapies for CAVD are needed to improve patient outcome and quality of life. Here, we first provide a background on the aortic valve (AV) and the pathobiology of CAVD as well as highlight current directions and future outlook on the development of functional 3D models of CAVD in vitro We then consider an often-overlooked aspect contributing to CAVD: miRNA (mis)regulation. Therapeutics could potentially normalize miRNA levels in the early stages of the disease and may slow its progression or even reverse calcification. We close with a discussion of strategies that would enable the use of miRNA as a therapeutic for CAVD. This focuses on an overview of controlled delivery technologies for nucleic acid therapeutics to the valve or other target tissues.
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Arzani A, Masters KS, Mofrad MRK. Multiscale Systems Biology Model of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Progression. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:2922-2933. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Arzani
- Molecular
Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical
Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Kristyn S. Masters
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Molecular
Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical
Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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Dahal S, Huang P, Murray BT, Mahler GJ. Endothelial to mesenchymal transformation is induced by altered extracellular matrix in aortic valve endothelial cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2017; 105:2729-2741. [PMID: 28589644 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in shear stress, mechanical deformation, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and exposure to inflammatory conditions are known to cause endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT). This change in endothelial phenotype has only recently been linked to adult pathologies such as cancer progression, organ fibrosis, and calcific aortic valve disease; and its function in adult physiology, especially in response to tissue mechanics, has not been rigorously investigated. EndMT is a response to mechanical and biochemical signals that results in the remodeling of underlying tissues. In diseased aortic valves, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are present in the collagen-rich valve fibrosa, and are deposited near calcified nodules. In this study, in vitro models of early and late-stage valve disease were developed by incorporating the GAGs chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid, and dermatan sulfate into 3D collagen hydrogels with or without exposure to TGF-β1 to simulate EndMT in response to microenvironmental changes. High levels of CS induced the highest rate of EndMT and led to the most collagen I and GAG production by mesenchymally transformed cells, which indicates a cell phenotype most likely to promote fibrotic disease. Mesenchymal transformation due to altered ECM was found to depend on cell-ECM bond strength and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 signaling. Determining the environmental conditions that induce and promote EndMT, and the subsequent behavior of mesenchymally transformed cells, will advance understanding on the role of endothelial cells in tissue regeneration or disease progression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2729-2741, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Dahal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Peter Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Bruce T Murray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Gretchen J Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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Cirka HA, Uribe J, Liang V, Schoen FJ, Billiar KL. Reproducible in vitro model for dystrophic calcification of cardiac valvular interstitial cells: insights into the mechanisms of calcific aortic valvular disease. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:814-829. [PMID: 28128382 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01226d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valvular pathology in the United States. Development of a pharmacologic agent to slow, halt, or reverse calcification has proven to be unsuccessful as still much remains unknown about the mechanisms of disease initiation. Although in vitro models of some features of CAVD exist, their utility is limited by the inconsistency of the size and time course of the calcified cell aggregates. In this study, we introduce and verify a highly reproducible in vitro method for studying dystrophic calcification of cardiac valvular interstitial cells, considered to be a key mechanism of clinical CAVD. By utilizing micro-contact printing, we were able to consistently reproduce cell aggregation, myofibroblastic markers, programmed cell death, and calcium accumulation within aggregates of 50-400 μm in diameter on substrates with moduli from 9.6 to 76.8 kPa. This method is highly repeatable, with 70% of aggregates staining positive for Alizarin Red S after one week in culture. Dense mineralized calcium-positive nanoparticles were found within the valvular interstitial cell aggregates as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The area of micro-contact printed aggregates staining positive for caspase 3/7 activity increased from 5.9 ± 0.9% to 12.6 ± 4.5% over one week in culture. Z-VAD-FMK reduced aggregates staining positive for Alizarin Red S by 60%. The state of cell stress is hypothesized to play a role in the disease progression; traction force microscopy indicates high substrate stresses along the aggregate periphery which can be modulated by altering the size of the aggregates and the modulus of the substrate. Micro-contact printing is advantageous over the currently used in vitro model as it allows the independent study of how cytokines, substrate modulus, and pharmacologic agents affect calcification. This controlled method for aggregate creation has the potential to be used as an in vitro assay for the screening of promising therapeutics to mitigate CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Cirka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA.
| | - Johana Uribe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA 02714, USA
| | - Vivian Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA.
| | - Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristen L Billiar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA.
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Tokuda EY, Jones CE, Anseth KS. PEG-peptide hydrogels reveal differential effects of matrix microenvironmental cues on melanoma drug sensitivity. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:76-87. [PMID: 28001152 PMCID: PMC5258768 DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00229c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is highly drug resistant, though the exact mechanisms of this resistance are not completely understood. One method to study melanoma drug responsiveness in vitro is through the use of multicellular spheroids, which have been found to exhibit decreased drug sensitivity compared to traditional 2D culture on various substrates. Because it is unclear whether dimensionality, cell-matrix interactions, and/or cell-cell contacts may influence melanoma drug responsiveness, we utilized a synthetic PEG-based hydrogel to compare the responses of cells cultured on top of or encapsulated within matrices with the same adhesive ligand density, polymer density, and material properties. We found that depending on the stage of progression at which the melanoma cells were derived, the cells responded differently to PLX4032 treatment, a commercially available melanoma drug. In particular, early stage WM35 cells were insensitive to dimensionality (i.e., 2D versus 3D culture), while metastatic A375 cells exhibited decreased responsiveness in 3D compared to 2D. To further understand the role of the microenvironment in early stage melanoma cells, we tested single WM35 cells and multicellular WM35 spheroids in 3D. The results revealed that the spheroids were similarly sensitive to PLX4032 treatment compared to single cell encapsulations. Collectively, this study implicates the role that 3D microenvironments (i.e., dimensionality) may play in observed melanoma drug responsiveness, and the potential lack of influence of cell-matrix interactions over cell-cell contacts in early stages of melanoma resistance to PLX4032-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Y Tokuda
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. and Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Caitlin E Jones
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Liu X, Xu Z. Osteogenesis in calcified aortic valve disease: From histopathological observation towards molecular understanding. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 122:156-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Active tissue stiffness modulation controls valve interstitial cell phenotype and osteogenic potential in 3D culture. Acta Biomater 2016; 36:42-54. [PMID: 26947381 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) progression is a highly dynamic process whereby normally fibroblastic valve interstitial cells (VIC) undergo osteogenic differentiation, maladaptive extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, structural remodeling, and tissue matrix stiffening. However, how VIC with different phenotypes dynamically affect matrix properties and how the altered matrix further affects VIC phenotypes in response to physiological and pathological conditions have not yet been determined. In this study, we develop 3D hydrogels with tunable matrix stiffness to investigate the dynamic interplay between VIC phenotypes and matrix biomechanics. We find that VIC populated within hydrogels with valve leaflet like stiffness differentiate towards myofibroblasts in osteogenic media, but surprisingly undergo osteogenic differentiation when cultured within lower initial stiffness hydrogels. VIC differentiation progressively stiffens the hydrogel microenvironment, which further upregulates both early and late osteogenic markers. These findings identify a dynamic positive feedback loop that governs acceleration of VIC calcification. Temporal stiffening of pathologically lower stiffness matrix back to normal level, or blocking the mechanosensitive RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, delays the osteogenic differentiation process. Therefore, direct ECM biomechanical modulation can affect VIC phenotypes towards and against osteogenic differentiation in 3D culture. These findings highlight the importance of the homeostatic maintenance of matrix stiffness to restrict pathological VIC differentiation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE We implement 3D hydrogels with tunable matrix stiffness to investigate the dynamic interaction between valve interstitial cells (VIC, major cell population in heart valve) and matrix biomechanics. This work focuses on how human VIC responses to changing 3D culture environments. Our findings identify a dynamic positive feedback loop that governs acceleration of VIC calcification, which is the hallmark of calcific aortic valve disease. Temporal stiffening of pathologically lower stiffness matrix back to normal level, or blocking the mechanosensitive signaling pathway, delays VIC osteogenic differentiation. Our findings provide an improved understanding of VIC-matrix interactions to aid in interpretation of VIC calcification studies in vitro and suggest that ECM disruption resulting in local tissue stiffness decreases may promote calcific aortic valve disease.
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Porras AM, Hutson HN, Berger AJ, Masters KS. Engineering approaches to study fibrosis in 3-D in vitro systems. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2016; 40:24-30. [PMID: 26926460 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases occur in virtually every tissue of the body and are a major cause of mortality, yet they remain largely untreatable and poorly understood on a mechanistic level. The development of anti-fibrotic agents has been hampered, in part, by the insufficient fibrosis biomimicry provided by traditional in vitro platforms. This review focuses on recent advancements toward creating 3-D platforms that mimic key features of fibrosis, as well as the application of novel imaging and sensor techniques to analyze dynamic extracellular matrix remodeling. Several opportunities are highlighted to apply new tools from the fields of biomaterials, imaging, and systems biology to yield pathophysiologically relevant in vitro platforms that improve our understanding of fibrosis and may enable identification of potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Porras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Heather N Hutson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Anthony J Berger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Kristyn S Masters
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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Valve Interstitial Cells Act in a Pericyte Manner Promoting Angiogensis and Invasion by Valve Endothelial Cells. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 44:2707-23. [PMID: 26905695 PMCID: PMC4983529 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neovascularization is an understudied aspect of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Within diseased valves, cells along the neovessels' periphery stain for pericyte markers, but it is unclear whether valvular interstitial cells (VICs) can demonstrate a pericyte-like phenotype. This investigation examined the perivascular potential of VICs to regulate valve endothelial cell (VEC) organization and explored the role of Angiopoeitin1-Tie2 signaling in this process. Porcine VECs and VICs were fluorescently tracked and co-cultured in Matrigel over 7 days. VICs regulated early VEC network organization in a ROCK-dependent manner, then guided later VEC network contraction through chemoattraction. Unlike vascular control cells, the valve cell cultures ultimately formed invasive spheroids with 3D angiogenic-like sprouts. VECs co-cultured with VICs displayed significantly more invasion than VECs alone; with VICs generally leading and wrapping around VEC invasive sprouts. Lastly, Angiopoietin1-Tie2 signaling was found to regulate valve cell organization during VEC/VIC spheroid formation and invasion. VICs demonstrated pericyte-like behaviors toward VECs throughout sustained co-culture. The change from a vasculogenic network to an invasive sprouting spheroid suggests that both cell types undergo phenotypic changes during long-term culture in the model angiogenic environment. Valve cells organizing into spheroids and undergoing 3D invasion of Matrigel demonstrated several typical angiogenic-like phenotypes dependent on basal levels of Angiopoeitin1-Tie2 signaling and ROCK activation. These results suggest that the ectopic sustained angiogenic environment during the early stages of valve disease promotes organized activity by both VECs and VICs, contributing to neovessel formation and the progression of CAVD.
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Chia SL, Tay CY, Setyawati MI, Leong DT. Decoupling the Direct and Indirect Biological Effects of ZnO Nanoparticles Using a Communicative Dual Cell-Type Tissue Construct. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2016; 12:647-657. [PMID: 26670581 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201502306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
While matter at the nanoscale can be manipulated, the knowledge of the interactions between these nanoproducts and the biological systems remained relatively laggard. Current nanobiology study is rooted on in vitro study using conventional 2D cell culture model. A typical study employs monolayer cell culture that simplifies the real context of which to measure any nanomaterial effect; unfortunately, this simplification also demonstrated the limitations of 2D cell culture in predicting the actual biological response of some tissues. In fact, some of the characteristics of tissue such as spatial arrangement of cells and cell-cell interaction, which are simplified in 2D cell culture model, play important roles in how cells respond to a stimulus. To more accurately recapitulate the features and microenvironment of tissue for nanotoxicity assessments, an improved organotypic-like in vitro multicell culture system to mimic the kidney endoepithelial bilayer is introduced. Results showed that important nano-related parameters such as the diffusion, direct and indirect toxic effects of ZnO nanoparticles can be studied by combining this endoepithelial bilayer tissue model and traditional monolayer culture setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sing Ling Chia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Chor Yong Tay
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Magdiel I Setyawati
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - David T Leong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
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