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Gan S, Macalinao DG, Shahoei SH, Tian L, Jin X, Basnet H, Bibby C, Muller JT, Atri P, Seffar E, Chatila W, Karacay A, Chanda P, Hadjantonakis AK, Schultz N, Brogi E, Bale TA, Moss NS, Murali R, Pe'er D, Massagué J. Distinct tumor architectures and microenvironments for the initiation of breast cancer metastasis in the brain. Cancer Cell 2024:S1535-6108(24)00314-3. [PMID: 39270646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.08.015] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastasis, a serious complication of cancer, hinges on the initial survival, microenvironment adaptation, and outgrowth of disseminated cancer cells. To understand the early stages of brain colonization, we investigated two prevalent sources of cerebral relapse, triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2+ (HER2BC) breast cancers. Using mouse models and human tissue samples, we found that these tumor types colonize the brain, with a preference for distinctive tumor architectures, stromal interfaces, and autocrine programs. TNBC models tend to form perivascular sheaths with diffusive contact with astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, HER2BC models tend to form compact spheroids driven by autonomous tenascin C production, segregating stromal cells to the periphery. Single-cell transcriptomics of the tumor microenvironment revealed that these architectures evoke differential Alzheimer's disease-associated microglia (DAM) responses and engagement of the GAS6 receptor AXL. The spatial features of the two modes of brain colonization have relevance for leveraging the stroma to treat brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Gan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Danilo G Macalinao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Harihar Basnet
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Catherine Bibby
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James T Muller
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Evan Seffar
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Walid Chatila
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ali Karacay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pharto Chanda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nelson S Moss
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rajmohan Murali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Baldassarro VA, Alastra G, Cescatti M, Quadalti C, Lorenzini L, Giardino L, Calzà L. SARS-CoV-2-related peptides induce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endothelial capillary cells derived from different body districts: focus on membrane (M) protein. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 397:241-262. [PMID: 38953987 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03900-y] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19, may lead to multiple organ dysfunctions and long-term complications. The induction of microvascular dysfunction is regarded as a main player in these pathological processes. To investigate the possible impact of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) on fibrosis in "long-COVID" syndrome, we used primary cultures of human microvascular cells derived from the lungs, as the main infection target, compared to cells derived from different organs (dermis, heart, kidney, liver, brain) and to the HUVEC cell line. To mimic the virus action, we used mixed SARS-CoV-2 peptide fragments (PepTivator®) of spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and membrane (M) proteins. TGFβ2 and cytokine mix (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) were used as positive controls. The percentage of cells positive to mesenchymal and endothelial markers was quantified by high content screening. We demonstrated that S+N+M mix induces irreversible EndMT in all analyzed endothelial cells via the TGFβ pathway, as demonstrated by ApoA1 treatment. We then tested the contribution of single peptides in lung and brain cells, demonstrating that EndMT is triggered by M peptide. This was confirmed by transfection experiment, inducing the endogenous expression of the glycoprotein M in lung-derived cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 peptides induce EndMT in microvascular endothelial cells from multiple body districts. The different peptides play different roles in the induction and maintenance of the virus-mediated effects, which are organ-specific. These results corroborate the hypothesis of the SARS-CoV-2-mediated microvascular damage underlying the multiple organ dysfunctions and the long-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alastra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Corinne Quadalti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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3
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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4
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Chen S, He Q, Yang H, Huang H. Endothelial Birc3 promotes renal fibrosis through modulating Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission via MAPK/PI3K/Akt pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116477. [PMID: 39128586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116477] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis serves as the shared pathway in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression towards end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a vital mechanism leading to the generation of myofibroblasts, thereby contributing to the advancement of fibrogenesis. Baculoviral IAP Repeat Containing 3(Birc3) was identified as a crucial inhibitor of cell death and a significant mediator in inflammatory signaling and immunity. However, its involvement in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis via EndMT still needs to be clarified. Herein, elevated levels of Birc3 expression along with EndMT-associated alterations, including increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels and decreased CD31 expression, were observed in fibrotic kidneys of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO)-induced mouse models and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EndMT in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Functionally, Birc3 knockdown inhibited EndMT and mitochondrial fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, endothelial Birc3 exacerbated Drp-1-induced mitochondrial fission through the MAPK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in endothelial cell models stimulated TGF-β. Collectively, these findings illuminate the mechanisms and indicate that targeting Birc3 could offer a promising therapeutic strategy to improve endothelial cell survival and mitigate the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Qingqing He
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Administrative Office, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Hongxing Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528400, China.
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5
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Mori M, Sakamoto A, Kawakami R, Guo L, Slenders L, Mosquera JV, Ghosh SKB, Wesseling M, Shiraki T, Bellissard A, Shah P, Weinkauf CC, Konishi T, Sato Y, Cornelissen A, Kawai K, Jinnouchi H, Xu W, Vozenilek AE, Williams D, Tanaka T, Sekimoto T, Kelly MC, Fernandez R, Grogan A, Coslet AJ, Fedotova A, Kurse A, Mokry M, Romero ME, Kolodgie FD, Pasterkamp G, Miller CL, Virmani R, Finn AV. CD163 + Macrophages Induce Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Atheroma. Circ Res 2024; 135:e4-e23. [PMID: 38860377 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell phenotype switching is increasingly being recognized in atherosclerosis. However, our understanding of the exact stimuli for such cellular transformations and their significance for human atherosclerosis is still evolving. Intraplaque hemorrhage is thought to be a major contributor to plaque progression in part by stimulating the influx of CD163+ macrophages. Here, we explored the hypothesis that CD163+ macrophages cause plaque progression through the induction of proapoptotic endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) within the fibrous cap. METHODS Human coronary artery sections from CVPath's autopsy registry were selected for pathological analysis. Athero-prone ApoE-/- and ApoE-/-/CD163-/- mice were used for in vivo studies. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-induced macrophages and human aortic endothelial cells were used for in vitro experiments. RESULTS In 107 lesions with acute coronary plaque rupture, 55% had pathological evidence of intraplaque hemorrhage in nonculprit vessels/lesions. Thinner fibrous cap, greater CD163+ macrophage accumulation, and a larger number of CD31/FSP-1 (fibroblast specific protein-1) double-positive cells and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling) positive cells in the fibrous cap were observed in nonculprit intraplaque hemorrhage lesions, as well as in culprit rupture sections versus nonculprit fibroatheroma sections. Human aortic endothelial cells cultured with supernatants from hemoglobin/haptoglobin-exposed macrophages showed that increased mesenchymal marker proteins (transgelin and FSP-1) while endothelial markers (VE-cadherin and CD31) were reduced, suggesting EndMT induction. Activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa β) signaling by proinflammatory cytokines released from CD163+ macrophages directly regulated the expression of Snail, a critical transcription factor during EndMT induction. Western blot analysis for cleaved caspase-3 and microarray analysis of human aortic endothelial cells indicated that apoptosis was stimulated during CD163+ macrophage-induced EndMT. Additionally, CD163 deletion in athero-prone mice suggested that CD163 is required for EndMT and plaque progression. Using single-cell RNA sequencing from human carotid endarterectomy lesions, a population of EndMT was detected, which demonstrated significant upregulation of apoptosis-related genes. CONCLUSIONS CD163+ macrophages provoke EndMT, which may promote plaque progression through fibrous cap thinning.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/pathology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Mice
- Cells, Cultured
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Apoptosis
- Female
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Coronary Vessels/pathology
- Coronary Vessels/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Mori
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Atsushi Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
- Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan (A.S.)
| | - Rika Kawakami
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Lotte Slenders
- University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (L.S., M.W., M. Mokry, G.P.)
| | - Jose Verdezoto Mosquera
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (J.V.M., C.L.M.)
| | - Saikat Kumar B Ghosh
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Marian Wesseling
- University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (L.S., M.W., M. Mokry, G.P.)
| | - Tatsuya Shiraki
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Arielle Bellissard
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Palak Shah
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | | | - Takao Konishi
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Yu Sato
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Anne Cornelissen
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Kenji Kawai
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Hiroyuki Jinnouchi
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Weili Xu
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Aimee E Vozenilek
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Desiree Williams
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Takamasa Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Teruo Sekimoto
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.C.K.)
| | - Raquel Fernandez
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Alyssa Grogan
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - A J Coslet
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Alisa Fedotova
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Anjali Kurse
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Michal Mokry
- University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (L.S., M.W., M. Mokry, G.P.)
| | - Maria E Romero
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Frank D Kolodgie
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
- University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (L.S., M.W., M. Mokry, G.P.)
| | - Clint L Miller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (J.V.M., C.L.M.)
| | - Renu Virmani
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
| | - Aloke V Finn
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD (M. Mori, A.S., R.K., L.G., S.K.B.G., T. Shiraki, A.B., P.S., T.K., Y.S., A.C., K.K., H.J., W.X., A.E.V., D.W., T.T., T. Sekimoto, R.F., A.G., A.J.C., A.F., A.K., M.E.R., F.D.K., R.V., A.V.F.)
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (A.V.F.)
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6
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Ke HL, Li RJ, Yu CC, Wang XP, Wu CY, Zhang YW. Network pharmacology and experimental verification to decode the action of Qing Fei Hua Xian Decotion against pulmonary fibrosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305903. [PMID: 38913698 PMCID: PMC11195996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a common interstitial pneumonia disease, also occurred in post-COVID-19 survivors. The mechanism underlying the anti-PF effect of Qing Fei Hua Xian Decotion (QFHXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula applied for treating PF in COVID-19 survivors, is unclear. This study aimed to uncover the mechanisms related to the anti-PF effect of QFHXD through analysis of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS The candidate chemical compounds of QFHXD and its putative targets for treating PF were achieved from public databases, thereby we established the corresponding "herb-compound-target" network of QFHXD. The protein-protein interaction network of potential targets was also constructed to screen the core targets. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to predict targets, and pathways, then validated by in vivo experiments. RESULTS A total of 188 active compounds in QFHXD and 50 target genes were identified from databases. The key therapeutic targets of QFHXD, such as PI3K/Akt, IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, STAT3, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 were identified by KEGG and GO analysis. Anti-PF effects of QFHXD (in a dose-dependent manner) and prednisone were confirmed by HE, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining as well as in vivo Micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis in a rat model of bleomycin-induced PF. Besides, QFXHD remarkably inhibits the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS QFXHD significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced PF via inhibiting inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways might be the potential therapeutic effects of QFHXD for treating PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Liang Ke
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui-Jie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Chao Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Yan Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying-Wen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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7
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Singh B, Cui K, Eisa-Beygi S, Zhu B, Cowan DB, Shi J, Wang DZ, Liu Z, Bischoff J, Chen H. Elucidating the crosstalk between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and endothelial autophagy in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 155:107368. [PMID: 38548093 PMCID: PMC11303600 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic systemic inflammatory condition, is implicated in most cardiovascular ischemic events. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis involves various cell types and associated processes, including endothelial cell activation, monocyte recruitment, smooth muscle cell migration, involvement of macrophages and foam cells, and instability of the extracellular matrix. The process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) has recently emerged as a pivotal process in mediating vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. This transition occurs gradually, with a significant portion of endothelial cells adopting an intermediate state, characterized by a partial loss of endothelial-specific gene expression and the acquisition of "mesenchymal" traits. Consequently, this shift disrupts endothelial cell junctions, increases vascular permeability, and exacerbates inflammation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that drives atherosclerotic progression. While endothelial cell dysfunction initiates the development of atherosclerosis, autophagy, a cellular catabolic process designed to safeguard cells by recycling intracellular molecules, is believed to exert a significant role in plaque development. Identifying the pathological mechanisms and molecular mediators of EndoMT underpinning endothelial autophagy, may be of clinical relevance. Here, we offer new insights into the underlying biology of atherosclerosis and present potential molecular mechanisms of atherosclerotic resistance and highlight potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandana Singh
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kui Cui
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahram Eisa-Beygi
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo Zhu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas B Cowan
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of South Florida Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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8
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Tung YT, Chen YC, Derr K, Wilson K, Song MJ, Ferrer M. A 3D Bioprinted Human Neurovascular Unit Model of Glioblastoma Tumor Growth. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302831. [PMID: 38394389 PMCID: PMC11176035 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302831] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
A 3D bioprinted neurovascular unit (NVU) model is developed to study glioblastoma (GBM) tumor growth in a brain-like microenvironment. The NVU model includes human primary astrocytes, pericytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells, and patient-derived glioblastoma cells (JHH-520) are used for this study. Fluorescence reporters are used with confocal high content imaging to quantitate real-time microvascular network formation and tumor growth. Extensive validation of the NVU-GBM model includes immunostaining for brain relevant cellular markers and extracellular matrix components; single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to establish physiologically relevant transcriptomics changes; and secretion of NVU and GBM-relevant cytokines. The scRNAseq reveals changes in gene expression and cytokines secretion associated with wound healing/angiogenesis, including the appearance of an endothelial mesenchymal transition cell population. The NVU-GBM model is used to test 18 chemotherapeutics and anti-cancer drugs to assess the pharmacological relevance of the model and robustness for high throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ting Tung
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kristy Derr
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kelli Wilson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Min Jae Song
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
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9
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Ying J, Wang P, Jin X, Luo L, Lai K, Li J. TGF-β1 Mediates the EndoMt in High Glucose-Treated Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Semin Ophthalmol 2024; 39:312-319. [PMID: 38192082 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2300806] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of TGF-β1 in the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and fibrosis in high glucose (HG)-treated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). HRMECs were cultured not only under normal glucose (NG) conditions with or without TGF-β1, but also under HG conditions with or without the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542. The expression of TGF-β1 was detected by real time-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Morphological changes and migration of the HRMECs were observed using electron microscopy and scratch-wound assay. Endothelial markers, such as CD31 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, and the acquisition of fibrotic markers, such as alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1), were determined by immunofluorescent staining and western blot. The level of TGF-β1 was significantly upregulated in HG-treated HRMECs. And HG stimulation promoted obvious morphological changes and the migration ability in HRMECs. Our results also demonstrated increased expression of α-SMA and FSP-1, and decreased expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, in HG-treated HRMECs. These EndoMT-related changes were promoted by TGF-β1 and abrogated by SB431542. The results of this study demonstrated the important role of TGF-β1 in HG-induced vitreoretinal fibrosis. EndoMT is likely to be involved in the associated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, PR China
| | - Peipei Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, PR China
| | - Xiao Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, PR China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, PR China
| | - Keshuang Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yunhe County Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, Lishui, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, PR China
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10
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Millar JK, Salmon M, Nasser E, Malik S, Kolli P, Lu G, Pinteaux E, Hawkins RB, Ailawadi G. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition in the interleukin-1 pathway during aortic aneurysm formation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 167:e146-e158. [PMID: 37951532 PMCID: PMC11029391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endothelial to mesenchymal transition may represent a key link between inflammatory stress and endothelial dysfunction seen in aortic aneurysm disease. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is regulated by interleukin-1β, and previous work has demonstrated an essential role of interleukin-1 signaling in experimental aortic aneurysm models. We hypothesize that endothelial to mesenchymal transition is present in murine aortic aneurysms, and loss of interleukin-1 signaling attenuates this process. METHODS Murine aortic aneurysms were created in novel CDH5-Cre lineage tracking mice by treating the intact aorta with peri-adventitial elastase. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition transcription factors as well as endothelial and mesenchymal cell markers were analyzed via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (n = 10/group). To determine the role of interleukin-1 signaling, endothelial-specific interleukin-1 receptor 1 knockout and wild-type mice (n = 10/group) were treated with elastase. Additionally, C57/BL6 mice were treated with the interleukin-1 receptor 1 antagonist Anakinra (n = 7) or vehicle (n = 8). RESULTS Elastase treatment yielded greater aortic dilation compared with controls (elastase 97.0% ± 34.0%; control 5.3% ± 4.8%; P < .001). Genetic deletion of interleukin-1 receptor 1 attenuated aortic dilation (control 126.7% ± 38.7%; interleukin-1 receptor 1 knockout 35.2% ± 14.7%; P < .001), as did pharmacologic inhibition of interleukin-1 receptor 1 with Anakinra (vehicle 146.3% ± 30.1%; Anakinra 63.5% ± 23.3%; P < .001). Elastase treatment resulted in upregulation of endothelial to mesenchymal transition transcription factors (Snail, Slug, Twist, ZNF) and mesenchymal cell markers (S100, alpha smooth muscle actin) and loss of endothelial cell markers (vascular endothelial cadherin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, von Willebrand factor). These changes were attenuated by interleukin-1 receptor 1 knockout and Anakinra treatment. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial to mesenchymal transition occurs in aortic aneurysm disease and is attenuated by loss of interleukin-1 signaling. Endothelial dysfunction through endothelial to mesenchymal transition represents a new and novel pathway in understanding aortic aneurysm disease and may be a potential target for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Millar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Morgan Salmon
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | | | | | | | - Guanyi Lu
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla
| | - Emmanuel Pinteaux
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B Hawkins
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Gorav Ailawadi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
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11
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Feng D, Gui Z, Xu Z, Zhang J, Ni B, Wang Z, Liu J, Fei S, Chen H, Sun L, Gu M, Tan R. Rictor/mTORC2 signalling contributes to renal vascular endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by regulating BNIP3-mediated mitophagy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1686. [PMID: 38769658 PMCID: PMC11106512 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1686] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal allograft interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) constitutes the principal histopathological characteristic of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) in kidney-transplanted patients. While renal vascular endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been verified as an important contributing factor to IF/TA in CAD patients, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Through single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we identified Rictor as a potential pivotal mediator for EndMT. This investigation sought to elucidate the role of Rictor/mTORC2 signalling in the pathogenesis of renal allograft interstitial fibrosis and the associated mechanisms. METHODS The influence of the Rictor/mTOR2 pathway on renal vascular EndMT and renal allograft fibrosis was investigated by cell experiments and Rictor depletion in renal allogeneic transplantation mice models. Subsequently, a series of assays were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of the enhanced mitophagy and the ameliorated EndMT resulting from Rictor knockout. RESULTS Our findings revealed a significant activation of the Rictor/mTORC2 signalling in CAD patients and allogeneic kidney transplanted mice. The suppression of Rictor/mTORC2 signalling alleviated TNFα-induced EndMT in HUVECs. Moreover, Rictor knockout in endothelial cells remarkably ameliorated renal vascular EndMT and allograft interstitial fibrosis in allogeneic kidney transplanted mice. Mechanistically, Rictor knockout resulted in an augmented BNIP3-mediated mitophagy in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Rictor/mTORC2 facilitated the MARCH5-mediated degradation of BNIP3 at the K130 site through K48-linked ubiquitination, thereby regulating mitophagy activity. Subsequent experiments also demonstrated that BNIP3 knockdown nearly reversed the enhanced mitophagy and mitigated EndMT and allograft interstitial fibrosis induced by Rictor knockout. CONCLUSIONS Consequently, our study underscores Rictor/mTORC2 signalling as a critical mediator of renal vascular EndMT and allograft interstitial fibrosis progression, exerting its impact through regulating BNIP3-mediated mitophagy. This insight unveils a potential therapeutic target for mitigating renal allograft interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyuan Feng
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zeping Gui
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Urologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of UrologyThe Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityTaizhouChina
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Bin Ni
- Department of Urologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jiawen Liu
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shuang Fei
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Urologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ruoyun Tan
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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12
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Kim R, Kim M, Jeong S, Kim S, Moon H, Kim H, Lee MY, Kim J, Kim HS, Choi M, Shin K, Song BW, Chang W. Melatonin alleviates myocardial dysfunction through inhibition of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the NF-κB pathway. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12958. [PMID: 38747060 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process of cellular transdifferentiation by which endothelial cells (ECs) lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to cardiovascular remodeling and complications in the adult cardiovascular diseases environment. Melatonin is involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including aging, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This molecule is an effective therapeutic candidate for preventing oxidative stress, regulating endothelial function, and maintaining the EndMT balance to provide cardiovascular protection. Although recent studies have documented improved cardiac function by melatonin, the mechanism of action of melatonin on EndMT remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin on induced EndMT by transforming growth factor-β2/interleukin-1β in both in vivo and in vitro models. The results revealed that melatonin reduced the migratory ability and reactive oxygen species levels of the cells and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. Our findings indicate that melatonin prevents endothelial dysfunction and inhibits EndMT by activating related pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B and Smad. We also demonstrated that this molecule plays a crucial role in restoring cardiac function by regulating the EndMT process in the ischemic myocardial condition, both in vessel organoids and myocardial infarction (MI) animal models. In conclusion, melatonin is a promising agent that attenuates EC dysfunction and ameliorates cardiac damage compromising the EndMT process after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Seongtae Jeong
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hanbyeol Moon
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hojin Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Kim
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Dental and Life Science Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kunyoo Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Wook Song
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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13
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Yang DR, Wang MY, Zhang CL, Wang Y. Endothelial dysfunction in vascular complications of diabetes: a comprehensive review of mechanisms and implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1359255. [PMID: 38645427 PMCID: PMC11026568 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1359255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic vascular complications are prevalent and severe among diabetic patients, profoundly affecting both their quality of life and long-term prospects. These complications can be classified into macrovascular and microvascular complications. Under the impact of risk factors such as elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol lipids, the vascular endothelium undergoes endothelial dysfunction, characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased NO biosynthesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, senescence, and even cell death. These processes will ultimately lead to macrovascular and microvascular diseases, with macrovascular diseases mainly characterized by atherosclerosis (AS) and microvascular diseases mainly characterized by thickening of the basement membrane. It further indicates a primary contributor to the elevated morbidity and mortality observed in individuals with diabetes. In this review, we will delve into the intricate mechanisms that drive endothelial dysfunction during diabetes progression and its associated vascular complications. Furthermore, we will outline various pharmacotherapies targeting diabetic endothelial dysfunction in the hope of accelerating effective therapeutic drug discovery for early control of diabetes and its vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Rong Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Yan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Liu J, Yu X, Braucht A, Smith S, Wang C. N-Cadherin Targeted Melanin Nanoparticles Reverse the Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Vascular Endothelial Cells to Potentially Slow the Progression of Atherosclerosis and Cancer. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8229-8247. [PMID: 38427686 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) of vascular endothelial cells has recently been considered as a key player in the early progression of a variety of vascular and nonvascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, and organ fibrosis. However, current strategies attempting to identify pharmacological inhibitors to block the regulatory pathways of EndoMT suffer from poor selectivity, unwanted side effects, and a heterogeneous response from endothelial cells with different origins. Furthermore, EndoMT inhibitors focus on preventing EndoMT, leaving the endothelial cells that have already undergone EndoMT unresolved. Here, we report the design of a simple but powerful nanoparticle system (i.e., N-cadherin targeted melanin nanoparticles) to convert cytokine-activated, mesenchymal-like endothelial cells back to their original endothelial phenotype. We term this process "Reversed EndoMT" (R-EndoMT). R-EndoMT allows the impaired endothelial barriers to recover their quiescence and intactness, with significantly reduced leukocyte and cancer cell adhesion and transmigration, which could potentially stop atheromatous plaque formation and cancer metastasis in the early stages. R-EndoMT is achieved on different endothelial cell types originating from arteries, veins, and capillaries, independent of activating cytokines. We reveal that N-cadherin targeted melanin nanoparticles reverse EndoMT by downregulating an N-cadherin dependent RhoA activation pathway. Overall, this approach offers a different prospect to treat multiple EndoMT-associated diseases by designing nanoparticles to reverse the phenotypical transition of endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Liu
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
| | - Xiao Yu
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
| | - Annaliese Braucht
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
| | - Steve Smith
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
| | - Congzhou Wang
- Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
- BioSystems Networks & Translational Research (BioSNTR), 501 E St Joseph Street, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
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15
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Godos J, Romano GL, Gozzo L, Laudani S, Paladino N, Dominguez Azpíroz I, Martínez López NM, Giampieri F, Quiles JL, Battino M, Galvano F, Drago F, Grosso G. Resveratrol and vascular health: evidence from clinical studies and mechanisms of actions related to its metabolites produced by gut microbiota. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1368949. [PMID: 38562461 PMCID: PMC10982351 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with dietary factors being the main risk contributors. Diets rich in bioactive compounds, such as (poly)phenols, have been shown to potentially exert positive effects on vascular health. Among them, resveratrol has gained particular attention due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Nevertheless, the results in humans are conflicting possibly due to interindividual different responses. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial community that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, has been called out as potentially responsible for modulating the biological activities of phenolic metabolites in humans. The present review aims to summarize the main findings from clinical trials on the effects of resveratrol interventions on endothelial and vascular outcomes and review potential mechanisms interesting the role of gut microbiota on the metabolism of this molecule and its cardioprotective metabolites. The findings from randomized controlled trials show contrasting results on the effects of resveratrol supplementation and vascular biomarkers without dose-dependent effect. In particular, studies in which resveratrol was integrated using food sources, i.e., red wine, reported significant effects although the resveratrol content was, on average, much lower compared to tablet supplementation, while other studies with often extreme resveratrol supplementation resulted in null findings. The results from experimental studies suggest that resveratrol exerts cardioprotective effects through the modulation of various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive pathways, and microbiota composition. Recent studies on resveratrol-derived metabolites, such as piceatannol, have demonstrated its effects on biomarkers of vascular health. Moreover, resveratrol itself has been shown to improve the gut microbiota composition toward an anti-inflammatory profile. Considering the contrasting findings from clinical studies, future research exploring the bidirectional link between resveratrol metabolism and gut microbiota as well as the mediating effect of gut microbiota in resveratrol effect on cardiovascular health is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Gozzo
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit/Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nadia Paladino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- Universidade Internacional do Cuanza, Cuito, Angola
- Universidad de La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Nohora Milena Martínez López
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche, Mexico
- Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - José L. Quiles
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, Granada, Spain
- Research and Development Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Granada, Spain
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Human Nutrition and Mediterranean Foods (NUTREA), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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16
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Hall IF, Kishta F, Xu Y, Baker AH, Kovacic JC. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition: at the axis of cardiovascular health and disease. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:223-236. [PMID: 38385523 PMCID: PMC10939465 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels and play a major role in vascular (patho)-physiology by acting as a barrier, sensing circulating factors and intrinsic/extrinsic signals. ECs have the capacity to undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a complex differentiation process with key roles both during embryonic development and in adulthood. EndMT can contribute to EC activation and dysfunctional alterations associated with maladaptive tissue responses in human disease. During EndMT, ECs progressively undergo changes leading to expression of mesenchymal markers while repressing EC lineage-specific traits. This phenotypic and functional switch is considered to largely exist in a continuum, being characterized by a gradation of transitioning stages. In this report, we discuss process plasticity and potential reversibility and the hypothesis that different EndMT-derived cell populations may play a different role in disease progression or resolution. In addition, we review advancements in the EndMT field, current technical challenges, as well as therapeutic options and opportunities in the context of cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernando Hall
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Franceska Kishta
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yang Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School and University of New South Wales, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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17
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Adzraku SY, Cao C, Zhou Q, Yuan K, Hao X, Li Y, Yuan S, Huang Y, Xu K, Qiao J, Ju W, Zeng L. Endothelial Robo4 suppresses endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by irradiation and improves hematopoietic reconstitution. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:159. [PMID: 38383474 PMCID: PMC10881562 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Bone marrow ablation is routinely performed before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) require a stable bone marrow microenvironment to expand and refill the peripheral blood cell pool after ablation. Roundabout guidance receptor 4 (Robo4) is a transmembrane protein exclusive to endothelial cells and is vital in preserving vascular integrity. Hence, the hypothesis is that Robo4 maintains the integrity of bone marrow endothelial cells following radiotherapy. We created an endothelial cell injury model with γ-radiation before Robo4 gene manipulation using lentiviral-mediated RNAi and gene overexpression techniques. We demonstrate that Robo4 and specific mesenchymal proteins (Fibronectin, Vimentin, αSma, and S100A4) are upregulated in endothelial cells exposed to irradiation (IR). We found that Robo4 depletion increases the expression of endoglin (CD105), an auxiliary receptor for the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) family of proteins, and promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (End-MT) through activation of both the canonical (Smad) and non-canonical (AKT/NF-κB) signaling pathways to facilitate Snail1 activation and its nuclear translocation. Endothelial Robo4 overexpression stimulates the expression of immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and alleviates irradiation-induced End-MT. Our coculture model showed that transcriptional downregulation of endothelial Robo4 reduces HSPC proliferation and increases HSC quiescence and apoptosis. However, Robo4 overexpression mitigated the damaged endothelium's suppressive effects on HSC proliferation and differentiation. These findings indicate that by controlling End-MT, Robo4 preserves microvascular integrity after radiation preconditioning, protects endothelial function, and lessens the inhibitory effect of damaged endothelium on hematopoietic reconstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyram Yao Adzraku
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Xuzhou Ruihu Health Management Consulting Co, Ltd, xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Can Cao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Xuzhou Ruihu Health Management Consulting Co, Ltd, xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Xuzhou Ruihu Health Management Consulting Co, Ltd, xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Ke Yuan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Xiaowen Hao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Yue Li
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Shengnan Yuan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Yujin Huang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Jianlin Qiao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
| | - Wen Ju
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Xuzhou Ruihu Health Management Consulting Co, Ltd, xuzhou, 221002, China.
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cells, Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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18
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Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
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19
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Yan Y, Cao D, Liang J, Yang Q, Gao D, Shen C, Hu F, Li Z, Han Y, Cao X, Wang Q. Dangui Huoxue Preparation (DHP) Ameliorates Skin Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Vasculopathy in the Bleomycin-Induced Murine Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300315. [PMID: 37759403 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300315] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vasculopathy with poor prognosis. Dangui Huoxue Preparation (DHP) is a clinically effective traditional Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of SSc in the hospital. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DHP in the treatment of SSc. SSc mice models are induced by bleomycin (BLM). Tissues of DHP group, normal control group, and positive control drug Sanqi Tongshu Capsule (STC) group are collected for inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy. Also, the human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) stimulated with TGF-β1 are analyzed for in vitro study. The expression levels of MCP-1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-10, Fizz1, iNOS, and IL12p40, and the mRNA levels of Col1a1, Col1a2, Col3a1, and Col5a1 are significantly decreased in all DHP groups and STC group compare with those in the BLM group. The main drug of DHP inhibits the proliferation and migration of HDF, reduces Ctgf, Itgb3, Itgb5 expression, and also inhibits the Smad3 pathway. In conclusion, DHP can ameliorate SSc skin inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy, possibly suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway through extracellular and intracellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Jiaxing & The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 South Zhonghuan Road, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314000, P. R. China
| | - Dianyu Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Qiaorong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Di Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Chen Shen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, P. R. China
| | - Feifei Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Han
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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20
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Li X, Luo Y, Ji D, Zhang Z, Luo S, Ma Y, Cao W, Cao C, Saw PE, Chen H, Wei Y. Maternal exposure to nano-titanium dioxide impedes fetal development via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the placental labyrinth in mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:48. [PMID: 38072983 PMCID: PMC10712190 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00549-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive production and usage of commercially available products containing TiO2 NPs have led to accumulation in the human body. The deposition of TiO2 NPs has even been detected in the human placenta, which raises concerns regarding fetal health. Previous studies regarding developmental toxicity have frequently focused on TiO2 NPs < 50 nm, whereas the potential adverse effects of large-sized TiO2 NPs received less attention. Placental vasculature is essential for maternal-fetal circulatory exchange and ensuring fetal growth. This study explores the impacts of TiO2 NPs (100 nm in size) on the placenta and fetal development and elucidates the underlying mechanism from the perspective of placental vasculature. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs by gavage at daily dosages of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg from gestational day 0.5-16.5. RESULTS TiO2 NPs penetrated the placenta and accumulated in the fetal mice. The fetuses in the TiO2 NP-exposed groups exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in body weight and length, as well as in placental weight and diameter. In vivo imaging showed an impaired placental barrier, and pathological examinations revealed a disrupted vascular network of the labyrinth upon TiO2 NP exposure. We also found an increase in gene expression related to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -SNAIL pathway and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers, accompanied by a reduction in endothelial markers. In addition, TiO2 NPs enhanced the gene expression responsible for the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas SNAIL knockdown attenuated the induction of EndMT phenotypes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that maternal exposure to 100 nm TiO2 NPs disrupts placental vascular development and fetal mice growth through aberrant activation of EndMT in the placental labyrinth. These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms of developmental toxicity posed by NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yinger Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Di Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhuyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shili Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wulan Cao
- Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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21
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Kong S, Yu J, Li HF, Xie YL, Song LF, Wang QQ, Chen YJ, Zhao FR, Zhang WF, Zhu TT. A ring N(CH 3) 2-based derivative of resveratrol inhibits pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxia pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176077. [PMID: 37820784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) phenotypic switching and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are important in promoting pulmonary hypertension (PH)-pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR). Resveratrol can efficiently inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs, but its application is limited due to its low bioavailability and solubility. In this study, we modified resveratrol to assess the role of A ring N(CH3)2-based derivatives of resveratrol (Res4) in PVR-PASMCs phenotypic switching and PVR-PAECs EndMT. Chemical methods were used for the preparation of Res4; NMRS and HPLC were used to authenticate Res4. Mice developed PVR after 4 weeks of hypoxia (10% O2). Res4 (50 mg/kg/d) attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and PVR. PASMCs developed phenotypic switching and PAECs developed EndMT after 2 days of hypoxia (3% O2). Res4 (10 μM) could inhibit PASMCs and PAECs viability. Res4 could decrease proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and osteopontin (OPN) expression, and increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin expression in PASMCs. It could also decrease PCNA, α-SMA, vimentin expression and increase platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) expression in PAECs. Notably, Res4 inhibited the phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase in hypoxia-treated PASMCs and PAECs, indicating MAPK pathway may be involved in Res4-induced inhibition of PASMCs phenotypic switching and PAECs EndMT. Our data demonstrated that Res4 exerts antiproliferative effects by regulating PASMCs phenotypic switching and PAECs EndMT. Res4 may be potentially used as a drug against PH-PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Kong
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Han-Fei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yu-Liang Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Liao-Fan Song
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Qian-Qian Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yu-Jing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Fan-Rong Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Wei-Fang Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Tian-Tian Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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Yu J, Huang S, Shen W, Zhang Z, Ye S, Chen Y, Yang Y, Bian T, Wu Y. Expression Profiles of circRNAs and Identification of hsa_circ_0007608 and hsa_circ_0064656 as Potential Biomarkers for COPD-PH Patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:2457-2471. [PMID: 37955024 PMCID: PMC10638933 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s424712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can worsen the prognosis and increase the mortality of COPD patients. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been discovered to participate in the occurrence and progression of PH in COPD and may have significant prospects for advanced diagnostics and prognosis evaluation. However, the expression profile of circRNAs in human lung tissues with definite diagnosis of COPD-PH remains to be further explored and validated. Methods Twelve human lung tissue samples (6 each from COPD-PH and control groups) were collected and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. QRT-PCR was performed to validate the differential expression levels of the top 10 dysregulated circRNAs in patients' plasma samples, HPAECs and HPASMCs. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis on target genes was performed to explore the potential functions and pathways of those circRNAs. Hub genes obtained after conducting bioinformatics analysis on the predicted target mRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR in HPAECs and HPASMCs, and then we selected VCAN as a potential key gene involved in the pathogenesis of COPD-PH for immunohistochemistry validation in lung tissue. Results A total of 136 circRNAs (39 up-regulated and 97 down-regulated) were differentially expressed between the two groups. Following qRT-PCR validation, two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0007608 and hsa_circ_0064656) were believed to be involved in the pathogenesis. GO and KEGG pathway analysis suggested that these two DECs were mainly related to the celluar proliferation, migration and EndMT. PPI network revealed 11 pairs of key mRNAs. VCAM1, VCAN and THBS1, three hub mRNAs with the highest reliability among all, were validated and proven to be up-regulated in COPD-PH. We innovatively found that VCAN may be involved in COPD-PH. Conclusion This study identified the functional circRNAs, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms and predictions of COPD-PH, and may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for COPD-PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Yu
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shulun Huang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiyu Shen
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheming Zhang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shugao Ye
- Transplant Centre, the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Transplant Centre, the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Bian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Ohm B, Moneke I, Jungraithmayr W. Targeting cluster of differentiation 26 / dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (CD26/DPP4) in organ fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2846-2861. [PMID: 36196001 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26)/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is an exopeptidase that is expressed as a transmembrane protein in many organs but also present in a circulating soluble form. Beyond its enzymatic and costimulatory activity, CD26/DPP4 is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic fibrotic diseases across many organ types, such as liver cirrhosis, kidney fibrosis and lung fibrosis. Organ fibrosis is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, and there are no causative therapies that can effectively attenuate the progress of the disease. Growing evidence suggests that inhibiting CD26/DPP4 can modulate the profibrotic tissue microenvironment and thus reduce fibrotic changes within affected organs. This review summarizes the role of CD26/DPP4 in fibroproliferative disorders and highlights new opportunities for an antifibrotic treatment by CD26/DPP4 inhibition. As a major advantage, CD26/DPP4 inhibitors have been in safe and routine clinical use in type 2 diabetes for many years and thus qualify for repurposing to repurpose as a promising therapeutic against fibrosis. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Ohm
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Moneke
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Jungraithmayr
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Cai Z, Chen L, Chen S, Fang R, Chen X, Lei W. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals pro-invasive cancer-associated fibroblasts in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:292. [PMID: 37853464 PMCID: PMC10585865 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01312-z] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has the worst prognosis among all head-and-neck cancers, and treatment options are limited. Tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis can help identify new therapeutic targets and combined treatment strategies. METHODS Six primary HPSCC tissues and two adjacent normal mucosae from six treatment-naïve patients with HPSCC were analyzed using scRNA-seq. Cell types were curated in detail, ecosystemic landscapes were mapped, and cell-cell interactions were inferred. Key results were validated with The Cancer Genome Atlas and cell biology experiments. RESULTS Malignant HPSCC epithelial cells showed significant intratumor heterogeneity. Different subtypes exhibited distinct histological features, biological behaviors, and spatial localization, all affecting treatment selection and prognosis. Extracellular matrix cancer-associated fibroblasts (mCAFs) expressing fibroblast activation protein were the dominant CAFs in HPSCC tumors. mCAFs, constituting an aggressive CAF subset, promoted tumor cell invasion, activated endothelial cells to trigger angiogenesis, and synergized with SPP1+ tumor associated macrophages to induce tumor progression, ultimately decreasing the overall survival of patients with HPSCC. Moreover, the LAMP3+ dendritic cell subset was identified in HPSCC and formed an immunosuppressive TME by recruiting Tregs and suppressing CD8+ T cell function. CONCLUSIONS mCAFs, acting as the communication center of the HPSCC TME, enhance the invasion ability of HPSCC cells, mobilizing surrounding cells to construct a tumor-favorable microenvironment. Inhibiting mCAF activation offers a new anti-HPSCC therapeutic strategy. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimou Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ruihua Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Lei
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, P.R. China.
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Patnaik E, Lyons M, Tran K, Pattanaik D. Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14385. [PMID: 37762689 PMCID: PMC10531630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities, autoimmunity, and multiorgan fibrosis. The exact etiology is not known but believed to be triggered by environmental agents in a genetically susceptible host. Vascular symptoms such as the Raynaud phenomenon often precede other fibrotic manifestations such as skin thickening indicating that vascular dysfunction is the primary event. Endothelial damage and activation occur early, possibly triggered by various infectious agents and autoantibodies. Endothelial dysfunction, along with defects in endothelial progenitor cells, leads to defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is another seminal event during pathogenesis that progresses to tissue fibrosis. The goal of the review is to discuss the molecular aspect of the endothelial dysfunction that leads to the development of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Matthew Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Kimberly Tran
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Debendra Pattanaik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
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26
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Zhang J, Tian W, Wang F, Liu J, Huang J, Duangmano S, Liu H, Liu M, Zhang Z, Jiang X. Advancements in understanding the role of microRnas in regulating macrophage polarization during acute lung injury. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1694-1712. [PMID: 37415386 PMCID: PMC10446815 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2230018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical and life-threatening illness that causes severe dyspnea, and respiratory distress and is often caused by a variety of direct or indirect factors that damage the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelial cells, leading to inflammation factors and macrophage infiltration. Macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of ALI/ARDS, exhibiting different polarized forms at different stages of the disease that control the disease outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are conserved, endogenous, short non-coding RNAs composed of 18-25 nucleotides that serve as potential markers for many diseases and are involved in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA expression in ALI/ARDS and summarize recent research on the mechanism and pathways by which miRNAs respond to macrophage polarization, inflammation, and apoptosis. The characteristics of each pathway are also summarized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating macrophage polarization during ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wanyi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Suwit Duangmano
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Minghua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
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Immanuel J, Yun S. Vascular Inflammatory Diseases and Endothelial Phenotypes. Cells 2023; 12:1640. [PMID: 37371110 PMCID: PMC10297687 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endothelial cells control vascular tone, permeability, inflammation, and angiogenesis, which significantly help to maintain a healthy vascular system. Several cardiovascular diseases are characterized by endothelial cell activation or dysfunction triggered by external stimuli such as disturbed flow, hypoxia, growth factors, and cytokines in response to high levels of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, aging, drugs, and smoking. Increasing evidence suggests that uncontrolled proinflammatory signaling and further alteration in endothelial cell phenotypes such as barrier disruption, increased permeability, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and metabolic reprogramming further induce vascular diseases, and multiple studies are focusing on finding the pathways and mechanisms involved in it. This review highlights the main proinflammatory stimuli and their effects on endothelial cell function. In order to provide a rational direction for future research, we also compiled the most recent data regarding the impact of endothelial cell dysfunction on vascular diseases and potential targets that impede the pathogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanguk Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae-si 50834, Republic of Korea;
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28
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Zhang W, Li X, Li M, He H, Yang C, Wang M, Liu D, Zhang L, Shu C. Empagliflozin inhibits neointimal hyperplasia through attenuating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via TAK-1/NF-κB pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175826. [PMID: 37321472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether empagliflozin could prevent injury-induced vascular neointimal hyperplasia and to further explore its mechanism. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups with or without the empagliflozin treatment, and carotid ligation injury was performed to induce neointimal hyperplasia. The injured carotid arteries were collected for Western blotting (WB), histology and immunofluorescence analysis after four weeks. The inflammatory responses were analyzed by qRT-PCR to detect the inflammatory gene mRNA expression. To further explore its mechanism, HUVECs were treated with TGFβ-1 to induce EndMT followed by empagliflozin or vehicle treatment in vitro. A23187 (Calcimycin), an agonist of NF-κB signaling was used in the experiment. RESULTS The wall thickness and the neointima area was significantly reduced in the empagliflozin treatment group on day 28 after artery ligation. The Ki-67 positive cells were 28.33 ± 12.66% and 48.83 ± 10.41% in the empagliflozin-treated group and control group, respectively (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory genes and inflammatory cells were decreased in the empagliflozin treatment group, as well as the MMP2 and MMP9. Meanwhile, empagliflozin can significantly reduce the migratory ability of inflammatory-treated HUVECs. The CD31 was increased in the TGFβ1+empagliflozin group, whereas the FSP-1, phosphorylation of TAK-1 (p-TAK-1) and phosphorylation of NF-κB (p- NF-κB) expression level were decreased, compared to the control group without empagliflozin treatment. However, the expression level of FSP-1 and p-NF-κB were reversed after co-treatment with A23187, whereas the (p-TAK-1 expression level was without any significant difference. CONCLUSION Empagliflozin inhibits the inflammation-induced EndMT via the TAK-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichang Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Hao He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Chenzi Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Dingxiao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Number 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Center of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, PR China; Vascular Disease Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
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29
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Zhao W, Wang L, Wang Y, Yuan H, Zhao M, Lian H, Ma S, Xu K, Li Z, Yu G. Injured Endothelial Cell: A Risk Factor for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108749. [PMID: 37240093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathological features of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are the abnormal activation and proliferation of myofibroblasts and the extraordinary deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the pathogenesis of PF is still indistinct. In recent years, many researchers have realized that endothelial cells had a crucial role in the development of PF. Studies have demonstrated that about 16% of the fibroblasts in the lung tissue of fibrotic mice were derived from endothelial cells. Endothelial cells transdifferentiated into mesenchymal cells via the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (E(nd)MT), leading to the excessive proliferation of endothelial-derived mesenchymal cells and the accumulation of fibroblasts and ECM. This suggested that endothelial cells, a significant component of the vascular barrier, played an essential role in PF. Herein, this review discusses E(nd)MT and its contribution to the activation of other cells in PF, which could provide new ideas for further understanding the source and activation mechanism of fibroblasts and the pathogenesis of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yaxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Hongmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Mengxia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Hui Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Shuaichen Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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Shu L, Yuan Z, Li F, Cai Z. Oxidative stress and valvular endothelial cells in aortic valve calcification. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114775. [PMID: 37116353 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common cardiovascular disease in elderly individuals. Although it was previously considered a degenerative disease, it is, in fact, a progressive disease involving multiple mechanisms. Aortic valve endothelial cells, which cover the outermost layer of the aortic valve and are directly exposed to various pathogenic factors, play a significant role in the onset and progression of CAVD. Hemodynamic changes can directly damage the structure and function of valvular endothelial cells (VECs). This leads to inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress, which promote the progression of CAVD. VECs can regulate the pathological differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) through NO and thus affect the process of CAVD. Under the influence of pathological factors, VECs can also be transformed into VICs through EndMT, and then the pathological differentiation of VICs eventually leads to the formation of calcification. This review discusses the role of VECs, especially the role of oxidative stress in VECs, in the process of aortic valve calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shu
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhejun Cai
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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Nie X, Wu Z, Shang J, Zhu L, Liu Y, Qi Y. Curcumol suppresses endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via inhibiting the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway and alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 943:175546. [PMID: 36706802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is essential in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis and is considered to be a therapeutic target of PAH. Curcumol is a bioactive sesquiterpenoid with pharmacological properties including restoring endothelial cells damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumol on PAH rats and investigate its possible mechanisms. PAH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Curcumol (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day) were administered by intragastric administration for 3 weeks. The results demonstrated that curcumol dose-dependently alleviated MCT-induced right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial wall thickness. In addition, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the pulmonary arteries of MCT-challenged rats was inhibited after curcumol treatment, as evidenced by the restored expressions of endothelial and myofibroblast markers. The possible pharmacological mechanisms of curcumol were analyzed using network pharmacology. After screening the common therapeutic targets of PAH and curcumol by searching related databases and comparison, pathway enrichment was performed and AKT/GSK3β was screened out as a possible signaling pathway which was relevant to the therapeutic mechanism of curcumol on PAH. Western blot analysis verified this in lung tissues. Moreover, combination of TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL-1β-induced EndMT in primary rat pulmonary arterial endothelial cells were blocked by curcumol, and this effect was resembled by PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002. Above all, our study suggested that curcumol inhibited EndMT via inhibiting the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, which may contribute to its alleviated effect on PAH. Curcumol may be developed as a therapeutic for PAH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Nie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhuhua Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junyi Shang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingli Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Prado Y, Echeverría C, Feijóo CG, Riedel CA, Cabello-Verrugio C, Santibanez JF, Simon F. Effect of Dietary Supplements with ω-3 Fatty Acids, Ascorbic Acid, and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Flavonoid on Gene Expression, Organ Failure, and Mortality in Endotoxemia-Induced Septic Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:659. [PMID: 36978907 PMCID: PMC10044831 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis syndrome develops through enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sepsis syndrome is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and increased mortality, among others. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis is an important cause of sepsis syndrome. During endotoxemia, circulating endotoxin interacts with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing detrimental effects on endothelium function. The endotoxin induces the conversion of ECs into fibroblasts, which are characterized by a massive change in the endothelial gene-expression pattern. This downregulates the endothelial markers and upregulates fibrotic proteins, mesenchymal transcription factors, and extracellular matrix proteins, producing endothelial fibrosis. Sepsis progression is modulated by the consumption of specific nutrients, including ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly described. The notion that gene expression is modulated during inflammatory conditions by nutrient consumption has been reported. However, it is not known whether nutrient consumption modulates the fibrotic endothelial gene-expression pattern during sepsis as a mechanism to decrease vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, MODS, and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the consumption of dietary ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid supplements on the modulation of fibrotic endothelial gene-expression patterns during sepsis and to determine the effects on sepsis outcomes. Our results indicate that the consumption of supplements based on ω-3 fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids was effective for improving endotoxemia outcomes through prophylactic ingestion and therapeutic usage. Thus, our findings indicated that specific nutrient consumption improves sepsis outcomes and should be considered in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Prado
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Cesar Echeverría
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nanomedicine and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Atacama, Copiapo 1532502, Chile
| | - Carmen G. Feijóo
- Fish Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Laboratory of Endocrinology-Immunology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility and Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 8350709, Chile
| | - Juan F. Santibanez
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
- Integrative Center for Biology and Applied Chemistry (CIBQA), Bernardo O’Higgins University, Santiago 8370993, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Santiago 8380453, Chile
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Perrelli A, Ferraris C, Berni E, Glading AJ, Retta SF. KRIT1: A Traffic Warden at the Busy Crossroads Between Redox Signaling and the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 38:496-528. [PMID: 36047808 PMCID: PMC10039281 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Significance: KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped 1) is a scaffolding protein that plays a critical role in vascular morphogenesis and homeostasis. Its loss-of-function has been unequivocally associated with the pathogenesis of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a major cerebrovascular disease of genetic origin characterized by defective endothelial cell-cell adhesion and ensuing structural alterations and hyperpermeability in brain capillaries. KRIT1 contributes to the maintenance of endothelial barrier function by stabilizing the integrity of adherens junctions and inhibiting the formation of actin stress fibers. Recent Advances: Among the multiple regulatory mechanisms proposed so far, significant evidence accumulated over the past decade has clearly shown that the role of KRIT1 in the stability of endothelial barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, is largely based on its involvement in the complex machinery governing cellular redox homeostasis and responses to oxidative stress and inflammation. KRIT1 loss-of-function has, indeed, been demonstrated to cause an impairment of major redox-sensitive mechanisms involved in spatiotemporal regulation of cell adhesion and signaling, which ultimately leads to decreased cell-cell junction stability and enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress and inflammation. Critical Issues: This review explores the redox mechanisms that influence endothelial cell adhesion and barrier function, focusing on the role of KRIT1 in such mechanisms. We propose that this supports a novel model wherein redox signaling forms the common link between the various pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic approaches hitherto associated with CCM disease. Future Directions: A comprehensive characterization of the role of KRIT1 in redox control of endothelial barrier physiology and defense against oxy-inflammatory insults will provide valuable insights into the development of precision medicine strategies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 496-528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perrelli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- CCM Italia Research Network, National Coordination Center at the Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Ferraris
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- CCM Italia Research Network, National Coordination Center at the Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Berni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- CCM Italia Research Network, National Coordination Center at the Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Angela J. Glading
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Saverio Francesco Retta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- CCM Italia Research Network, National Coordination Center at the Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Prado Y, Pérez L, Eltit F, Echeverría C, Llancalahuen FM, Tapia P, González PA, Kalergis AM, Cabello-Verrugio C, Simon F. Procoagulant phenotype induced by oxidized high-density lipoprotein associates with acute kidney injury and death. Thromb Res 2023; 223:7-23. [PMID: 36689805 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress derived from severe systemic inflammation promotes conversion from high-density lipoprotein HDL to oxidized HDL (oxHDL), which interacts with vascular endothelial cells (ECs). OxHDL acquires procoagulant features playing a role in modulating coagulation, which has been linked with organ failure in ICU patients. However, whether oxHDL elicits a ECs-mediated procoagulant phenotype generating organ failure and death, and the underlying molecular mechanism is not known. Therefore, we studied whether oxHDL-treated rats and high-oxHDL ICU patients exhibit a procoagulant phenotype and its association with kidney injury and mortality and the endothelial underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Human ECs, oxHDL-treated rats and ICU patients were subjected to several cellular and molecular studies, coagulation analyses, kidney injury assessment and mortality determination. RESULTS OxHDL-treated ECs showed a procoagulant protein expression reprograming characterized by increased E-/P-selectin and vWF mRNA expression through specific signaling pathways. OxHDL-treated rats exhibited a procoagulant phenotype and modified E-/P-selectin, vWF, TF and t-PA mRNA expression correlating with plasma TF, t-PA and D-dimer. Also, showed increased death events and the relative risk of death, and increased creatinine, urea, BUN/creatinine ratio, KIM-1, NGAL, β2M, and decreased eGFR, all concordant with kidney injury, correlated with plasma TF, t-PA and D-dimer. ICU patients showed correlation between plasma oxHDL and increased creatinine, cystatin, BUN, BUN/creatinine ratio, KIM-1, NGAL, β2M, and decreased GFR. Notably, ICU high-oxHDL patients showed decreased survival. Interestingly, altered coagulation factors TF, t-PA and D-dimer correlated with both increased oxHDL levels and kidney injury markers, indicating a connection between these factors. CONCLUSION Increased circulating oxHDL generates an endothelial-dependent procoagulant phenotype that associates with acute kidney injury and increased risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Prado
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Pérez
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Eltit
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Felipe M Llancalahuen
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Tapia
- Unidad de Paciente Crítico Adulto, Hospital Clínico La Florida, La Florida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility and Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Santiago, Chile.
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Feng J, Wu Y. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Potential Target of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:231-246. [PMID: 36841924 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00573-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents is becoming more frequent as the proportion of new oncology patients increases worldwide, with prolonged survival after treatment. As one of the most popular chemotherapy drugs, doxorubicin plays a substantial role in the treatment of tumors. Unfortunately, the use of doxorubicin is associated with several adverse effects, particularly severe cardiotoxicity that can be life-threatening, which greatly limits its clinical use. For decades, scientists have tried to explore many cardioprotective agents and therapeutic approaches, but their efficacy remains controversial, and some drugs have even brought about significant adverse effects. The concrete molecular mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is still to be unraveled, yet endothelial damage is gradually being identified as an important mechanism triggering the development and progression of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a fundamental process regulating morphogenesis in multicellular organisms, is recognized to be associated with endothelial damage repair and acts as an important factor in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and rheumatic immune diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that endothelial-mesenchymal transition may play a non-negligible role in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of EndMT and outlined the molecular mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and the current therapeutic advances. Furthermore, we summarized the basic principles of doxorubicin-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition that lead to endothelial dysfunction and cardiotoxicity, aiming to provide suggestions or new ideas for the prevention and treatment of doxorubicin-induced endothelial and cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy Phenotype Induced by Oxidized High-Density Lipoprotein Associated with Increased Mortality in Septic-Shock Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030543. [PMID: 36978791 PMCID: PMC10045333 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis syndrome is a highly lethal uncontrolled response to an infection, which is characterized by sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) exhibits antithrombotic activity, regulating coagulation in vascular endothelial cells. Sepsis induces the release of several proinflammatory molecules, including reactive oxygen species, which lead to an increase in oxidative stress in blood vessels. Thus, circulating lipoproteins, such as HDL, are oxidized to oxHDL, which promotes hemostatic dysfunction, acquiring prothrombotic properties linked to the severity of organ failure in septic-shock patients (SSP). However, a rigorous and comprehensive investigation demonstrating that oxHDL is associated with a coagulopathy-associated deleterious outcome of SSP, has not been reported. Thus, we investigated the participation of plasma oxHDL in coagulopathy-associated sepsis pathogenesis and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism. A prospective study was conducted on 42 patients admitted to intensive care units, (26 SSP and 16 non-SSP) and 39 healthy volunteers. We found that an increased plasma oxHDL level in SSP was associated with a prothrombotic phenotype, increased mortality and elevated risk of death, which predicts mortality in SSP. The underlying mechanism indicates that oxHDL triggers an endothelial protein expression reprogramming of coagulation factors and procoagulant adhesion proteins, to produce a prothrombotic environment, mainly mediated by the endothelial LOX-1 receptor. Our study demonstrates that an increased plasma oxHDL level is associated with coagulopathy in SSP through a mechanism involving the endothelial LOX-1 receptor and endothelial protein expression regulation. Therefore, the plasma oxHDL level plays a role in the molecular mechanism associated with increased mortality in SSP.
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Guo L, Mi JW, Zhang HC, Gao J, Zhang S, Li LX, Wu MY, Wang JM, Huang H. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition as a novel mechanism for generating myofibroblasts during wound healing and scarring. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:661-668. [PMID: 36237150 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important mechanism in tissue regeneration and the development of organ fibrosis. Whether EndMT occurs in wound healing and scarring remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS The isolated cells from the normal dermal tissue and the wound tissue of mouse with full-thickness skin wound, and human scar tissue sections were performed with CD31/factorVII and α-SMA immunohistochemical staining and H and E staining. The ratio of factor VII or CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells in factor VII-positive cells was assessed in the isolated cells and in scar tissues. RESULTS In this study, we found that approximately 27-60% of ECs coexpressed VII factor and α-SMA in the isolated cells from the wound tissues of mice, which was significantly higher than that of normal dermal tissue cells. Accordingly, the number of CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells in mouse wound tissue sections was also significantly more than that in normal dermal tissue sections. In scar tissues, in addition to high-density microvessels, a large number of proliferative ECs in scar strama and CD31/α-SMA double-positive cells were also found. Approximately 46.82 to 84.11% of ECs and 68.77 to 95.25% of myofibroblasts coexpressed VII factor and α-SMA, and these two values in hypertrophic scars were significantly higher than those in keloids. CONCLUSION These results confirmed that ECs might contribute to the emergence of myofibroblasts in the wound and scar tissue via the process of EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Wei Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua-Cai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo-Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meng-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Surgical Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Gan S, Macalinao DG, Shahoei SH, Tian L, Jin X, Basnet H, Muller JT, Atri P, Seffar E, Chatila W, Hadjantonakis AK, Schultz N, Brogi E, Bale TA, Pe'er D, Massagué J. Distinct tumor architectures for metastatic colonization of the brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525190. [PMID: 37034672 PMCID: PMC10081170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a dismal cancer complication, hinging on the initial survival and outgrowth of disseminated cancer cells. To understand these crucial early stages of colonization, we investigated two prevalent sources of cerebral relapse, triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2+ breast cancer (HER2BC). We show that these tumor types colonize the brain aggressively, yet with distinct tumor architectures, stromal interfaces, and autocrine growth programs. TNBC forms perivascular sheaths with diffusive contact with astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, HER2BC forms compact spheroids prompted by autonomous extracellular matrix components and segregating stromal cells to their periphery. Single-cell transcriptomic dissection reveals canonical Alzheimer's disease-associated microglia (DAM) responses. Differential engagement of tumor-DAM signaling through the receptor AXL suggests specific pro-metastatic functions of the tumor architecture in both TNBC perivascular and HER2BC spheroidal colonies. The distinct spatial features of these two highly efficient modes of brain colonization have relevance for leveraging the stroma to treat brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Gan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Danilo G Macalinao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Harihar Basnet
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James T Muller
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Evan Seffar
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Walid Chatila
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Dapagliflozin Prevents High-Glucose-Induced Cellular Senescence in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416107. [PMID: 36555751 PMCID: PMC9781434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliflozins are a new class of antidiabetic drugs with renoprotective properties. In cultures of primary human renal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) subjected to high-glucose conditions in the presence or absence of dapagliflozin, we evaluated cellular senescence pathways. High glucose increased sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) expression and glucose consumption, enhancing reactive oxygen species production. The latter induced DNA damage, ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), and p53 phosphorylation. Stabilized p53 increased the cell cycle inhibitor p21, resulting in cell cycle arrest and increasing the cellular senescence marker beta-galactosidase (GLB-1). RPTECs under high glucose acquired a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which was detected by the production of IL-1β, IL-8, and TGF-β1. By decreasing SGLT-2 expression and glucose consumption, dapagliflozin inhibited the above pathway and prevented RPTEC senescence. In addition, dapagliflozin reduced the cell cycle inhibitor p16 independently of the glucose conditions. Neither glucose concentration nor dapagliflozin affected the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition when assessed with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Thus, high glucose induces p21-dependent RPTEC senescence, whereas dapagliflozin prevents it. Since cellular senescence contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, delineating the related molecular mechanisms and the effects of the widely used gliflozins on them is of particular interest and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
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Rojas M, Prado Y, Tapia P, Carreño LJ, Cabello-Verrugio C, Simon F. Oxidized High-Density Lipoprotein Induces Endothelial Fibrosis Promoting Hyperpermeability, Hypotension, and Increased Mortality. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2469. [PMID: 36552677 PMCID: PMC9774523 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During systemic inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the bloodstream, producing large amounts of oxidized HDL (oxHDL). OxHDL loses the vascular protective features of native HDL, acquiring detrimental actions. Systemic inflammation promotes endothelial fibrosis, characterized by adhesion protein downregulation and fibrotic-specific gene upregulation, disrupting endothelial monolayer integrity. Severe systemic inflammatory conditions, as found in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), exhibit endothelial hyperpermeability, hypotension, and organ hypoperfusion, promoting organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Because endothelial fibrosis disturbs the endothelium, it is proposed that it is the cellular and molecular origin of endothelial hyperpermeability and the subsequent deleterious consequences. However, whether oxHDL is involved in this process is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the fibrotic effect of oxHDL on the endothelium, to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanism, and to determine its effects on vascular permeability, blood pressure, and mortality. The results showed that oxHDL induces endothelial fibrosis through the LOX-1/NOX-2/ROS/NF-κB pathway, TGF-β secretion, and ALK-5/Smad activation. OxHDL-treated rats showed endothelial hyperpermeability, hypotension, and an enhanced risk of death and mortality, which was prevented using an ALK-5 inhibitor and antioxidant diet consumption. Additionally, the ICU patients showed fibrotic endothelial cells, and the resuscitation fluid volume administered correlated with the plasma oxHDL levels associated with an elevated risk of death and mortality. We conclude that oxHDL generates endothelial fibrosis, impacting blood pressure regulation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Rojas
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Yolanda Prado
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo Tapia
- Unidad de Paciente Crítico Adulto, Hospital Clínico La Florida, La Florida, Santiago 8242238, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility and Aging, Faculty of Life Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 8380453, Chile
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Li ZX, Chen JX, Zheng ZJ, Cai WJ, Yang XB, Huang YY, Gong Y, Xu F, Chen YS, Lin L. TGF-β1 promotes human breast cancer angiogenesis and malignant behavior by regulating endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1051148. [PMID: 36465358 PMCID: PMC9709251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important process of angiogenesis, which plays a significant role in in tumor invasion and metastasis, while its regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer remain to be fully elucidated. We previously demonstrated that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can induce EndMT in endothelial cells by secreting CCL18 through the activation of the TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways in breast cancer. This study was designed to study the role of EndMT in breast cancer angiogenesis and progression in order to explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of microvascular density (MVD) and EndMT markers in breast cancer. TGF-β1 was used to induce EndMT models of differentiated-endothelial breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSLCs). In vitro cell migration, proliferation and matrigel tube-formation assays, as well as in vivo nude mouse tumor-bearing model and nude mouse dorsal skinfold window chamber (DSWC) model, were utilized to investigate the effects in order to explore the mechanism of EndMT induced by TGF-β1 on breast cancer progression. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that the EndMT markers were positively associated with MVD indicating unfavorable prognosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients. Functionally, TGF-β1 promoted migration, proliferation and angiogenesis of differentiated-endothelial BCSLCs by inducing EndMT in vitro and promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Mechanically, we revealed TGF-β1 induced EndMT by activation of TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways with increase of p-Smad2/3 and Notch1 expression. Moreover, we found Snail and Slug were key factors of TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Our findings elucidated the mechanism of TGF-β1 in the promotion of angiogenesis and progression by EndMT in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xiong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jie-Xin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ze-Jun Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wang-Jing Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiong-Bin Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yao Gong
- Department of Rheumatology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yong-Song Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Li H, Singh A, Perkumas KM, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. YAP/TAZ Mediate TGFβ2-Induced Schlemm's Canal Cell Dysfunction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 36350617 PMCID: PMC9652721 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.12.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Elevated transforming growth factor beta2 (TGFβ2) levels in the aqueous humor have been linked to glaucomatous outflow tissue dysfunction. Potential mediators of dysfunction are the transcriptional coactivators, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ). However, the molecular underpinnings of YAP/TAZ modulation in Schlemm's canal (SC) cells under glaucomatous conditions are not well understood. Here, we investigate how TGFβ2 regulates YAP/TAZ activity in human SC (HSC) cells using biomimetic extracellular matrix hydrogels, and examine whether pharmacological YAP/TAZ inhibition would attenuate TGFβ2-induced HSC cell dysfunction. Methods Primary HSC cells were seeded atop photo-cross-linked extracellular matrix hydrogels, made of collagen type I, elastin-like polypeptide and hyaluronic acid, or encapsulated within the hydrogels. HSC cells were induced with TGFβ2 in the absence or presence of concurrent actin destabilization or pharmacological YAP/TAZ inhibition. Changes in actin cytoskeletal organization, YAP/TAZ activity, extracellular matrix production, phospho-myosin light chain levels, and hydrogel contraction were assessed. Results TGFβ2 significantly increased YAP/TAZ nuclear localization in HSC cells, which was prevented by either filamentous-actin relaxation or depolymerization. Pharmacological YAP/TAZ inhibition using verteporfin without light stimulation decreased fibronectin expression and actomyosin cytoskeletal rearrangement in HSC cells induced by TGFβ2. Similarly, verteporfin significantly attenuated TGFβ2-induced HSC cell-encapsulated hydrogel contraction. Conclusions Our data provide evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP/TAZ signaling in HSC cells under simulated glaucomatous conditions and suggest that pharmacological YAP/TAZ inhibition has promising potential to improve outflow tissue dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Kristin M. Perkumas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
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Li X, Zhu X, Li B, Xia B, Tang H, Hu J, Ying R. Loss of α7nAChR enhances endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition after myocardial infarction via NF-κB activation. Exp Cell Res 2022; 419:113300. [PMID: 35926661 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113300] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The myocardial fibrosis in response to myocardial infarction (MI) is closely related to the dysbalance of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Although numerous reports indicate that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) to regulate the magnitude of inflammatory responses, the role of α7nAChR in myocardial fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms, have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated cardiac function, fibrosis, and EndMT signaling using a mouse model of MI and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs). In vivo, α7nAChR deletion increased cardiac dysfunction, exacerbated the cardiac inflammatory response, and NF-κB activation, and enhanced EndMT, as shown by higher expression levels of fibroblast markers (FSP-1, α-SMA, collagen I, Snail) and decreased levels of the FGFR1, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and endothelial marker (CD31) compared to wild-type mice. In vitro, the pharmacological activation of α7nAChR with PNU282987 significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced EndMT, as shown by a reduced transition to the fibroblast-like phenotype and the expression of fibrotic markers. Moreover, the IL-1β-mediated activation of NF-κB pathway was suppressed by PNU282987. This anti-EndMT effect of α7nAChR was associated with regulation of Snail. Furthermore, Western blot analysis further revealed that the GR antagonist RU38486 could partially counteract the effect of PNU282987 on NF-κB expression. In conclusion, our results show that α7nAChR is involved in cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT, providing a novel approach to the treatment of MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Li
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China.
| | - Xianjie Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China.
| | - Bingong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China; Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Baohua Xia
- Department of Clinical Skills Training Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China.
| | - Huaiguang Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China.
| | - Jinxing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Ru Ying
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Edgerton-Fulton M, Ergul A. Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment/dementia in diabetes: role of endothelial cells and pericytes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1177-C1189. [PMID: 36036445 PMCID: PMC9576164 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00072.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment/dementia (VCID) are a leading cause of dementia, a known neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Although diabetes increases the risks of stroke and the development of cerebrovascular disease, the cellular and vascular mechanisms that lead to VCID in diabetes are yet to be determined. A growing body of research has identified that cerebrovascular cells within the neurovascular complex display an array of cellular responses that impact their survival and reparative properties, which plays a significant role in VCID development. Specifically, endothelial cells and pericytes are the primary cell types that have gained much attention in dementia-related studies due to their molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity. In this review, we will discuss the various morphological subclasses of endothelial cells and pericytes as well as their relative distribution throughout the cerebrovasculature. Furthermore, the use of diabetic and stroke animal models in preclinical studies has provided more insight into the impact of sex differences on cerebral vascularization in progressive VCID. Understanding how cellular responses and sex differences contribute to endothelial cell and pericyte survival and function will set the stage for the development of potential preventive therapies for dementia-related disorders in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Edgerton-Fulton
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Li G, Shang C, Li Q, Chen L, Yue Z, Ren L, Yang J, Zhang J, Wang W. Combined Shikonin-Loaded MPEG-PCL Micelles Inhibits Effective Transition of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4497-4508. [PMID: 36186533 PMCID: PMC9519018 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s374895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Shikonin is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity in cardiovascular diseases. However, the application of shikonin is limited by its low water solubility and poor bioavailability. Methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) is considered a promising delivery system for hydrophobic drugs. Therefore, in this study, we prepared shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles and investigated their effect on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by inflammatory cytokines. Methods Shikonin was encapsulated in MPEG-PCL micelles using an anti-solvent method and the physiochemical characteristics of the micelles (particle size, zeta potential, morphology, critical micelle concentration (CMC), drug loading and encapsulation efficiency) were investigated. Cellular uptake of micelles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. In vitro EndMT inhibition was explored in HUVECs by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Results The average particle size of shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles was 54.57±0.13 nm and 60 nm determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The zeta potential was -6.23±0.02 mV. The CMC of the micelles was 6.31×10-7mol/L. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 0.88±0.08% and 43.08±3.77%, respectively. The MPEG-PCL micelles significantly improved the cellular uptake of cargo with low water solubility. Real-time PCR analysis showed that co-treatment with TNF-α and IL-1β successfully induced EndMT in HUVECs, whereas this process was significantly inhibited by shikonin and shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles, with greater inhibition mediated by the shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles. Conclusion Shikonin-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles significantly improved the EndMT-inhibiting effect of the free shikonin. MPEG-PCL is suitable for use more generally as a lipophilic drug carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxu Shang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zejun Yue
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingxuan Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiye Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weirong Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
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Shabani Z, Schuerger J, Su H. Cellular loci involved in the development of brain arteriovenous malformations. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:968369. [PMID: 36211120 PMCID: PMC9532630 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.968369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are abnormal vessels that are prone to rupture, causing life-threatening intracranial bleeding. The mechanism of bAVM formation is poorly understood. Nevertheless, animal studies revealed that gene mutation in endothelial cells (ECs) and angiogenic stimulation are necessary for bAVM initiation. Evidence collected through analyzing bAVM specimens of human and mouse models indicate that cells other than ECs also are involved in bAVM pathogenesis. Both human and mouse bAVMs vessels showed lower mural cell-coverage, suggesting a role of pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) in bAVM pathogenesis. Perivascular astrocytes also are important in maintaining cerebral vascular function and take part in bAVM development. Furthermore, higher inflammatory cytokines in bAVM tissue and blood demonstrate the contribution of inflammatory cells in bAVM progression, and rupture. The goal of this paper is to provide our current understanding of the roles of different cellular loci in bAVM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shabani
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joana Schuerger
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hua Su
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hua Su, ; orcid.org/0000-0003-1566-9877
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The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Its Therapeutic Implications. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3790721. [PMID: 36111168 PMCID: PMC9470324 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3790721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the precise molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear, and it is still a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin 3 domain (NLRP3) inflammasome is a critical part of the innate immune system in the host to defend against endogenous danger and pathogenic microbial infections. Dysregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in the overproduction of cytokines, primarily IL-1β and IL-18, and eventually, inflammatory cell death-pyroptosis. A series of studies have indicated that NLRP3 inflammasome activation participates in the development of DCM, and that corresponding interventions could mitigate disease progression. Accordingly, this narrative review is aimed at briefly summarizing the cell-specific role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in DCM and provides novel insights into developing DCM therapeutic strategies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Chen F, Yue LL, Ntsobe TE, Qin LL, Zeng Y, Xie MF, Huang HJ, Peng W, Zeng LS, Liu HJ, Liu Q. Endothelial mesenchymal transformation and relationship with vascular abnormalities. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Zhou WW, Dai C, Liu WZ, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Yang GS, Guo QH, Li S, Yang HX, Li AY. Gentianella acuta improves TAC-induced cardiac remodelling by regulating the Notch and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3 pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113564. [PMID: 35988427 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodelling mainly manifests as excessive myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, which are associated with heart failure. Gentianella acuta (G. acuta) is reportedly effective in cardiac protection; however, the mechanism by which it protects against cardiac remodelling is not fully understood. Here, we discuss the effects and mechanisms of G. acuta in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac remodelling in rats. Cardiac function was analysed using echocardiography and electrocardiography. Haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin staining were used to observe pathophysiological changes. Additionally, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to measure protein levels and mRNA levels of genes related to myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to investigate the co-expression of endothelial and interstitial markers. Western blotting was used to estimate the expression and phosphorylation levels of the regulatory proteins involved in autophagy and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The results showed that G. acuta alleviated cardiac dysfunction and remodelling. The elevated levels of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis markers, induced by TAC, decreased significantly after G. acuta intervention. G. acuta decreased the expression of LC3 II and Beclin1, and increased p62 expression. G. acuta upregulated the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial-cadherin, and prevented the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Furthermore, G. acuta inhibited the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3a pathway and activated the Notch signalling. These findings demonstrated that G. acuta has cardioprotective effects, such as alleviating myocardial fibrosis, inhibiting hypertrophy, reducing autophagy, and blocking EndMT by regulating the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/3a and Notch signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Cheng Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Wei-Zhe Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China; Hebei Higher Education Institute Applied Technology Research Center on TCM Formula Preparation, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Gao-Shan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Si Li
- Department of Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong-Xia Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China.
| | - Ai-Ying Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China; Hebei Higher Education Institute Applied Technology Research Center on TCM Formula Preparation, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China.
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Sabbir MG, Wigle JT, Taylor CG, Zahradka P. Growth State-Dependent Expression of Arachidonate Lipoxygenases in the Human Endothelial Cell Line EA.hy926. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162478. [PMID: 36010555 PMCID: PMC9406857 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells regulate vascular homeostasis through the secretion of various paracrine molecules, including bioactive lipids, but little is known regarding the enzymes responsible for generating these lipids under either physiological or pathophysiological conditions. Arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) expression was therefore investigated in confluent and nonconfluent EA.h926 endothelial cells, which represent the normal quiescent and proliferative states, respectively. mRNAs for ALOX15, ALOX15B, and ALOXE3 were detected in EA.hy926 cells, with the highest levels present in confluent cells compared to nonconfluent cells. In contrast, ALOX5, ALOX12, and ALOX12B mRNAs were not detected. At the protein level, only ALOX15B and ALOXE3 were detected but only in confluent cells. ALOXE3 was also observed in confluent human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAEC), indicating that its expression, although previously unreported, may be a general feature of endothelial cells. Exposure to laminar flow further increased ALOXE3 levels in EA.hy926 cells and HUAECs. The evidence obtained in this study indicates that proliferative status and shear stress are both important factors that mediate endothelial ALOX gene expression. The presence of ALOX15B and ALOXE3 exclusively in quiescent human endothelial cells suggests their activity likely contributes to the maintenance of a healthy endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad G. Sabbir
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Carla G. Taylor
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Peter Zahradka
- Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +204-235-3507; Fax: +204-237-4018
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