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Su Z, Wang J, Xiao C, Zhong W, Liu J, Liu X, Zhu YZ. Functional role of Ash2l in oxLDL induced endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:62. [PMID: 38280036 PMCID: PMC10821849 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05130-5] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial injury and dysfunction in the artery wall fuel the process of atherosclerosis. As a key epigenetic regulator, Ash2l (Absent, small, or homeotic-Like 2) is involved in regulating vascular injury and its complications. However, the role of Ash2l in atherosclerosis has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found increased Ash2l expression in high-cholesterol diet-fed ApoE-/- mice and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) treated endothelial cells (ECs). Furthermore, Ash2l promoted the scavenger receptors transcription by catalyzing histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) trimethylation at the promoter region of transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and triggered the activation of the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by enhancing interaction between CD36 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Meanwhile, enhanced expression of scavenger receptors drove more oxLDL uptake by ECs. In vivo studies revealed that ECs-specific Ash2l knockdown reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation and promoted fibrous cap stability in the aorta of ApoE-/- mice, which was partly associated with a reduced endothelial activation by suppressing scavenger receptors and the uptake of lipids by ECs. Collectively, our findings identify Ash2l as a novel regulator that mediates endothelial injury and atherosclerosis. Targeting Ash2l may provide valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Su
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jinghuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chenxi Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiayao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, 825, Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and 1st affiliate hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology Taipa, Macau, China.
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Shi L, Li Y, Xu X, Cheng Y, Meng B, Xu J, Xiang L, Zhang J, He K, Tong J, Zhang J, Xiang L, Xiang G. Brown adipose tissue-derived Nrg4 alleviates endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in male mice. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1573-1590. [PMID: 36400933 PMCID: PMC9684073 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity contributes to cardiovascular health by its energy-dissipating capacity but how BAT modulates vascular function and atherosclerosis through endocrine mechanisms remains poorly understood. Here we show that BAT-derived neuregulin-4 (Nrg4) ameliorates atherosclerosis in mice. BAT-specific Nrg4 deficiency accelerates vascular inflammation and adhesion responses, endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis and atherosclerosis in male mice. BAT-specific Nrg4 restoration alleviates vascular inflammation and adhesion responses, attenuates leukocyte homing and reduces endothelial injury and atherosclerosis in male mice. In endothelial cells, Nrg4 decreases apoptosis, inflammation and adhesion responses induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Mechanistically, protein kinase B (Akt)-nuclear factor-κB signaling is involved in the beneficial effects of Nrg4 on the endothelium. Taken together, the results reveal Nrg4 as a potential cross-talk factor between BAT and arteries that may serve as a target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Endocrinology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yixiang Li
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangyang Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Biying Meng
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinling Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyue He
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayue Tong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxia Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Centers for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Guangda Xiang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China.
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Li Q, Xuan W, Jia Z, Li H, Li M, Liang X, Su D. HRD1 prevents atherosclerosis-mediated endothelial cell apoptosis by promoting LOX-1 degradation. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1466-1477. [PMID: 32308114 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1754561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl reductase degradation (HRD1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that can preserve heart structure and function, but its role in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis (AS) is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role and biological function of HRD1 in AS. HRD1 expression was significantly decreased in atherosclerotic intima and ox-LDL led to a decrease of HRD1 level in endothelial cells (ECs). Forced expression of HRD1 inhibited the endothelial apoptosis induced by ox-LDL. The transcription factor KLF2 specifically bound to the HRD1 promoter and positively regulated HRD1 expression. KLF2 up-regulation could reverse the decrease of HRD1 level in ECs treated with ox-LDL. Further analysis showed that HRD1 interacted with LOX-1 and promoted ubiquitination and degradation of LOX-1 by the proteasome. Deletion of LOX-1 attenuated the ECs apoptosis induced by HRD1 downregulation. Pravastatin, which protected EC from damage via a KLF2-dependent mechanism, could dose-dependently enhanced HRD1 expression in EC exposed to ox-LDL. Interestingly, interference of HRD1 abolished the cytoprotective effect of pravastatin. Collectively, our data indicate that decreased HRD1 expression leads to apoptosis of ECs and restoration of HRD1 expression could represent a novel strategy for human AS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Wenying Xuan
- Department of Stomatology, Xuanwu Hospital , Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijun Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University , Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xiubin Liang
- Center of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Sir Runrun Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Dongming Su
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China.,Center of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Sir Runrun Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
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Atherosclerosis and inflammation: overview and updates. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1243-1252. [PMID: 29930142 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The concept that inflammation participates pivotally in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications has gained considerable attention, but has not yet entered clinical practice. Experimental work has elucidated molecular and cellular pathways of inflammation that promote atherosclerosis. The recognition of atherogenesis as an active process rather than a cholesterol storage disease or a repository of calcium has highlighted some key inflammatory mechanisms. For example, mononuclear phagocytes contribute to all stages of this disease, illustrating the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis. From a clinical perspective, harnessing inflammation may now help target therapeutics, change guidelines, and enter daily practice. Multiple lines of incontrovertible evidence have proven a causal role for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in atherosclerosis, and we have highly effective tools for lowering LDL, consequently reducing events. Yet, even with intense LDL reduction, events still occur. Inflammation can explain some of this residual risk. An anti-inflammatory intervention has now proven capable of improving outcomes in individuals well treated with LDL-lowering agents. A suite of trials are now pursuing anti-inflammatory therapies in this context. Assessment and treatment of residual inflammatory risk are poised to provide new inroads into preventive cardiology. This brief review aims to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the association of inflammation and atherogenesis, and their clinical consequences.
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De León H, Boué S, Schlage WK, Boukharov N, Westra JW, Gebel S, VanHooser A, Talikka M, Fields RB, Veljkovic E, Peck MJ, Mathis C, Hoang V, Poussin C, Deehan R, Stolle K, Hoeng J, Peitsch MC. A vascular biology network model focused on inflammatory processes to investigate atherogenesis and plaque instability. J Transl Med 2014; 12:185. [PMID: 24965703 PMCID: PMC4227037 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous inflammation-related pathways have been shown to play important roles in atherogenesis. Rapid and efficient assessment of the relative influence of each of those pathways is a challenge in the era of “omics” data generation. The aim of the present work was to develop a network model of inflammation-related molecular pathways underlying vascular disease to assess the degree of translatability of preclinical molecular data to the human clinical setting. Methods We constructed and evaluated the Vascular Inflammatory Processes Network (V-IPN), a model representing a collection of vascular processes modulated by inflammatory stimuli that lead to the development of atherosclerosis. Results Utilizing the V-IPN as a platform for biological discovery, we have identified key vascular processes and mechanisms captured by gene expression profiling data from four independent datasets from human endothelial cells (ECs) and human and murine intact vessels. Primary ECs in culture from multiple donors revealed a richer mapping of mechanisms identified by the V-IPN compared to an immortalized EC line. Furthermore, an evaluation of gene expression datasets from aortas of old ApoE-/- mice (78 weeks) and human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic lesions identified significant commonalities in the two species, as well as several mechanisms specific to human arteries that are consistent with the development of unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusions We have generated a new biological network model of atherogenic processes that demonstrates the power of network analysis to advance integrative, systems biology-based knowledge of cross-species translatability, plaque development and potential mechanisms leading to plaque instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor De León
- Philip Morris International R&D, Philip Morris Products S,A,, Quai Jeanrenaud 5, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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Novodvorsky P, Chico TJ. The Role of the Transcription Factor KLF2 in Vascular Development and Disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 124:155-88. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386930-2.00007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Haskett D, Azhar M, Utzinger U, Vande Geest JP. Progressive alterations in microstructural organization and biomechanical response in the ApoE mouse model of aneurysm. BIOMATTER 2013; 3:24648. [PMID: 23628871 PMCID: PMC3749278 DOI: 10.4161/biom.24648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AAA is a complex disease that leads to a localized dilation of the infrarenal aorta that develops over years. Longitudinal information in humans has been difficult to obtain for this disease, therefore mouse models have become increasingly used to study the development of AAAs. The objective of this study was to determine any changes that occur in the biomechanical response and fiber microstructure in the ApoE−/− AngII mouse model of aneurysm during disease progression. Adult ApoE−/− AngII infused mice along with wild-type controls were taken at 14 and 28 d. Aortas were excised and tested simultaneously for biaxial mechanical response and ECM organization. Data sets were fit to a Fung-type constitutive model to give peak strains and stiffness values. Images from two photon microscopy were quantified in order to assess the preferred fiber alignment and degree of fiber orientation. Biomechanical results found significant differences that were present at 14 d had returned to normal by 28 d along with significant changes in fiber orientation and dispersion indicating remodeling occurring within the aneurysmal wall. This return of some of the normal biomechanical function, in addition the continuing changes that occur in the microstructure suggest a restorative response that occurs in the ApoE−/− AngII infused model after the initial aneurysm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Haskett
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Mohamad Azhar
- Developmental Biology and Neonatal Medicine Program, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Urs Utzinger
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA; BIO5 Institute; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Jonathan P Vande Geest
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA; BIO5 Institute; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA; Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA
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