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Cui L, Liu T, Huang C, Yang F, Luo L, Sun L, Zhao Y, Wang D, Wang M, Ji Y, Zhu W. Gastric Cancer Mesenchymal Stem Cells Trigger Endothelial Cell Functional Changes to Promote Cancer Progression. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1285-1298. [PMID: 38598065 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10720-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Our previous studies have highlighted the pivotal role of gastric cancer mesenchymal stem cells (GCMSCs) in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In parallel, it is well-documented that endothelial cells (ECs) undergo functional alterations in response to challenging tumor microenvironment. This study aims to elucidate whether functional changes in ECs might be induced by GCMSCs and thus influence cancer progression. Cell proliferation was assessed through CCK-8 and colony formation assays, while cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated by wound-healing and Transwell assays. Immunohistochemistry was employed to examine protein distribution and expression levels. Additionally, quantitative analysis of protein and mRNA expression was carried out through Western blotting and qRT-PCR respectively, with gene knockdown achieved using siRNA. Our findings revealed that GCMSCs effectively stimulate cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), both in vitro and in vivo. GCMSCs promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by inducing the expression of Slit2 in HUVECs. Notably, the inhibition of phosphorylated AKT partially mitigates the aforementioned effects. In conclusion, GCMSCs may exert regulatory control over Slit2 expression in ECs via the AKT signaling pathway, thereby inducing functional changes in ECs that promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Cui
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Chao Huang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Fumeng Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Liqi Luo
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mei Wang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, China.
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Wang X, Cui L, Wang Y, Zeng Z, Wang H, Tian L, Guo J, Chen Y. Mechanistic investigation of wogonin in delaying the progression of endothelial mesenchymal transition by targeting the TGF-β1 pathway in pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176786. [PMID: 38942264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176786] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, which endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) being its main progressive phase. Wogonin, a flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, hinders the abnormal proliferation of cells and has been employed in the treatment of several cardiopulmonary diseases. This study was designed to investigate how wogonin affected EndMT during PH. Monocrotaline (MCT) was used to induce PH in rats. Binding capacity of TGF-β1 receptor to wogonin detected by molecular docking and molecular dynamics. EndMT model was established in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). The result demonstrated that wogonin (20 mg/kg/day) attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular thickness in PH rats. EndMT in the pulmonary vascular was inhibited after wogonin treatment as evidenced by the restored expression of CD31 and decreased expression of α-SMA. Wogonin has strong affinity for both TGFBRI and TGFBRII, and has a better binding stability for TGFBRI. In TGF-β1-treated PMVECs, wogonin (0.3, 1, and 3 μM) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on this transformation process via down-regulating the expression of p-Smad2 and Snail, while up-regulating the expression of p-Smad1/5. Additionally, results of Western blot and fluorescence shown that the expression of α-SMA were decrease with increasing level of CD31 in PMVECs. In conclusion, our research showed that wogonin suppressed EndMT via the TGF-β1/Smad pathway which may lead to its alleviated effect on PH. Wogonin may be a promising drug against PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lidan Cui
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zuomei Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hongjuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Leiyu Tian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jian Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yucai Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zhang L, Wu X, Hong L. Endothelial Reprogramming in Atherosclerosis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:325. [PMID: 38671747 PMCID: PMC11048243 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040325] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a severe vascular disease that results in millions of cases of mortality each year. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with vascular structural lesions, characterized by the accumulation of immune cells, mesenchymal cells, lipids, and an extracellular matrix at the intimal resulting in the formation of an atheromatous plaque. AS involves complex interactions among various cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Endothelial dysfunction plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of AS. Endothelial dysfunction can encompass a constellation of various non-adaptive dynamic alterations of biology and function, termed "endothelial reprogramming". This phenomenon involves transitioning from a quiescent, anti-inflammatory state to a pro-inflammatory and proatherogenic state and alterations in endothelial cell identity, such as endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and endothelial-to-immune cell-like transition (EndIT). Targeting these processes to restore endothelial balance and prevent cell identity shifts, alongside modulating epigenetic factors, can attenuate atherosclerosis progression. In the present review, we discuss the role of endothelial cells in AS and summarize studies in endothelial reprogramming associated with the pathogenesis of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Liang Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Ribatti D. Aberrant tumor vasculature. Facts and pitfalls. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1384721. [PMID: 38576482 PMCID: PMC10991687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1384721] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells form a single cell layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels and play critical roles in organ homeostasis and disease progression. Specifically, tumor endothelial cells are heterogenous, and highly permeable, because of specific interactions with the tumor tissue environment and through soluble factors and cell-cell interactions. This review article aims to analyze different aspects of endothelial cell heterogeneity in tumor vasculature, with particular emphasis on vascular normalization, vascular permeability, metabolism, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, resistance to therapy, and the interplay between endothelial cells and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Mimouni M, Lajoix AD, Desmetz C. Experimental Models to Study Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Myocardial Fibrosis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:382. [PMID: 38203553 PMCID: PMC10779210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010382] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common feature of cardiovascular diseases and targets multiple organs, such as the heart and vessels. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a complex, vital process that occurs during embryonic formation and plays a crucial role in cardiac development. It is also a fundamental process implicated in cardiac fibrosis and repair, but also in other organs. Indeed, in numerous cardiovascular diseases, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to be involved in the generation of fibroblasts that are able to produce extracellular matrix proteins such as type I collagen. This massive deposition results in tissue stiffening and organ dysfunction. To advance our understanding of this process for the development of new specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, it is essential to develop relevant cellular and animal models of this process. In this review, our aim was to gain an in-depth insight into existing in vitro and in vivo models of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on cardiac fibrosis. We discuss important parameters impacting endothelial to mesenchymal transition, and we give perspectives for the development of relevant models to decipher the underlying mechanisms and ultimately find new treatments specific to fibrosis happening in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mimouni
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Dominique Lajoix
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Desmetz
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
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Yang X, Lu F. Lineage Tracing Identifies Dynamic Contribution of Endothelial Cells to Cardiac Valve Mesenchyme During Development. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:675-687. [PMID: 37909423 PMCID: PMC10691411 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231207434] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart valve disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among cardiac patients worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of heart valve disease is not clear, and a growing body of evidence hints at the importance of the genetic basis and developmental origins of heart valve disease. Therefore, understanding the developmental mechanisms that underlie the formation of heart valves has important implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of congenital heart disease. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a key step in initiating cardiac valve development. The dynamic changes in the relative localization and proportion of different cell sources in the heart valve mesenchymal population are still not fully understood. Here, we used the Cdh5-CreER;R26R-tdTomato mouse line to trace endocardial cushion-derived endothelial cells to explore the dynamic contribution of these cells to each layer of the valve during valve development. This is beneficial for elaborating on the role of endocardial cells in the process of valve remodeling from a precise angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Furong Lu
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Chen HL, Peng K, Zeng DM, Yan J, Huang YQ, Jiang PY, Du YF, Ling X, Wu J. High-Salt Diet Aggravates Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Glomerular Fibrosis in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats. Am J Hypertens 2023; 36:660-666. [PMID: 37179466 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpad048] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy eventually progress to glomerulosclerosis. Previous studies revealed a potential role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the pathophysiology of glomerulosclerosis in diabetic rats. Therefore, we hypothesized that EndMT was also involved in the development of glomerulosclerosis in salt-sensitive hypertension. We aimed to explore the effects of high-salt diet on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in glomerulosclerosis in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-SS) rats. METHODS Eight-week-old male rats were fed high-salt (8%NaCl; DSH group) or normal salt (0.3%NaCl; DSN group) for eight weeks, with systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine, urea, 24-hour urinary protein/sodium, renal interlobar artery blood flow, and pathological examination measured. We also examined endothelial-(CD31) and fibrosis-related protein(α-SMA) expressions in glomeruli. RESULTS High-salt diet increased SBP (DSH vs. DSN, 205.2 ± 8.9 vs. 135.4 ± 7.9 mm Hg, P < 0.01), 24-hour urinary protein (132.55 ± 11.75 vs. 23.52 ± 5.94 mg/day, P < 0.05), urine sodium excretions (14.09 ± 1.49 vs. 0.47 ± 0.06 mmol/day, P < 0.05), and renal interlobar artery resistance. Glomerulosclerosis increased (26.1 ± 4.6 vs. 7.3 ± 1.6%, P < 0.05), glomerular CD31 expressions decreased while α-SMA expression increased in DSH group. Immunofluorescence staining showed that CD31 and α-SMA co-expressed in glomeruli of the DSH group. The degree of glomerulosclerosis negatively correlated with CD31 expressions (r = -0.823, P < 0.01) but positively correlated with α-SMA expressions (r = 0.936, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that a high-salt diet led to glomerulosclerosis involving the EndMT process, which played an essential role in glomerulosclerosis in hypertensive Dahl-SS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Kuang Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Dian-Mei Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Ya-Qi Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Pei-Yong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Ya-Fang Du
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Xiang Ling
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
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Davaapil H, Hopkins J, Bonnin N, Papadaki V, Leung A, Kosuge H, Tashima T, Nakakido M, Sekido R, Tsumoto K, Sagoo MS, Ohnuma SI. PRELP secreted from mural cells protects the function of blood brain barrier through regulation of endothelial cell-cell integrity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1147625. [PMID: 37936982 PMCID: PMC10626469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1147625] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP), is a small secreted proteoglycan expressed by pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells surrounding the brain vasculature of adult mouse. Methods: We utilised a Prelp knockout (Prelp -/-) mouse model to interrogate vasculature integrity in the brain alongside performing in vitro assays to characterise PRELP application to endothelial cells lines. Our findings were supplemented with RNA expression profiling to elucidate the mechanism of how PRELP maintains neurovasculature function. Results: Prelp -/- mice presented with neuroinflammation and reducedneurovasculature integrity, resulting in IgG and dextran leakage in the cerebellum and cortex. Histological analysis of Prelp -/- mice revealed reducedcell-cell integrity of the blood brain barrier, capillary attachment of pericytes andastrocyte end-feet. RNA-sequencing analysis found that cell-cell adhesion andinflammation are affected in Prelp -/- mice and gene ontology analysis as well as gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that inflammation related processes and adhesion related processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apical junctions were significantly affected, suggesting PRELP is a regulator of cell-cell adhesion. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that adhesion junction protein expression levels of cadherin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, was suppressed in Prelp -/- mice neurovasculature. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that PRELP application to endothelial cells enhances cell-cell integrity, induces mesenchymal-endothelial transition and inhibits TGF-β mediated damage to cell-cell adhesion. Discussion: Our study indicates that PRELP is a novel endogenous secreted regulator of neurovasculature integrity and that PRELP application may be a potential treatment for diseases associated with neurovascular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Hopkins
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, Untited Kingdom
| | - Nadia Bonnin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, Untited Kingdom
| | | | - Alex Leung
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, Untited Kingdom
| | - Hirofumi Kosuge
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Tashima
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryohei Sekido
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, Untited Kingdom
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mandeep S. Sagoo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, Untited Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, Untited Kingdom
- Retinoblastoma Genetic Screening Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, London, Untited Kingdom
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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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Ma ZY, Li J, Dong XH, Cui YT, Cui YF, Ban T, Huo R. The role of BRG1 in epigenetic regulation of cardiovascular diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176039. [PMID: 37678658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176039] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have been closely linked to abnormal epigenetic regulation. In the context of epigenetic regulation, BRG1, a pivotal SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzyme, emerges as a key epigenetic regulator with significant impact on the development and progression of cardiovascular disorders. From the perspective of epigenetic regulation of cardiovascular diseases, BRG1 emerges as a pivotal SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzyme, functioning as a key epigenetic regulator. It exerts substantial influence on the development and progression of cardiovascular disorders by exerting precise control over gene expression and protein levels. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of BRG1's epigenetic regulatory role in cardiovascular disease is essential for unraveling its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This paper summarizes and discusses the function of BRG1 in the epigenetic regulation of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yue Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Xian-Hui Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Ying-Tao Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Yun-Feng Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Tao Ban
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Drug Research and Development of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Frigid Zone, The National Development and Reform Commission, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Rong Huo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China.
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Zhou E, Zhou J, Bi C, Zhang Z. Cx43 Facilitates Mesenchymal Transition of Endothelial Cells Induced by Shear Stress. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:204-212. [PMID: 37673049 PMCID: PMC10614473 DOI: 10.1159/000533320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the function of Cx43 in the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) process of endothelial cells (ECs) and to explore the potential signaling pathways underlying these functions. METHODS ECs were extracted from rat aorta. ECs were transfected with Cx43 cDNA and Cx43 siRNA and then exposed to 5 or 12 dyne/cm2. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of SM22α, Cx43, and acetylated α-tubulin in ECs. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of α-SMA, CD31, Cx43, H1-calponin, Ift88, and p-smad3 in ECs. RESULTS The expression of αSMA, SM22α, and Cx43 was significantly increased, and CD31 was markedly decreased in ECs treated with laminar shear stress at 5 dyn/cm2. The Cx43 cDNA transfection could induce the expression of SM22α or H1-calponin and attenuate CD31 expression in ECs. Also, Cx43 overexpression harms cilia formation in ECs exposed to 5 dyn/cm2, accompanied with the regulated Ift88 and smad signaling. CONCLUSIONS This study found that laminar shear stress at 5 dyn/cm2 would increase the expression of Cx43 to facilitate the EndMT process of ECs, associated with morphological changes in primary cilia and the decreased expression of Ift88 in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changlong Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongqi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Wang E, Feng B, Chakrabarti S. MicroRNA 9 Is a Regulator of Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:13. [PMID: 37279396 PMCID: PMC10249683 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.7.13] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant cause of blindness. Most research around DR focus on late-stage developments rather than early changes such as early endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), an epigenetically regulated process whereby endothelial cells lose endothelial characteristics and adopt mesenchymal-like phenotypes, contributes to early endothelial changes in DR. The epigenetic regulator microRNA 9 (miR-9) is suppressed in the eyes during DR. MiR-9 plays a role in various diseases and regulates EndMT-related processes in other organs. We investigated the role miR-9 plays in glucose-induced EndMT in DR. Methods We examined the effects of glucose on miR-9 and EndMT using human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). We then used HRECs and an endothelial-specific miR-9 transgenic mouse line to investigate the effect of miR-9 on glucose-induced EndMT. Finally, we used HRECs to probe the mechanisms through which miR-9 may regulate EndMT. Results We found that miR-9 inhibition was both necessary and sufficient for glucose-induced EndMT. Overexpression of miR-9 prevented glucose-induced EndMT, whereas suppressing miR-9 caused glucose-like EndMT changes. We also found that preventing EndMT with miR-9 overexpression improved retinal vascular leakage in DR. Finally, we showed that miR-9 regulates EndMT at an early stage by regulating EndMT-inducing signals such as proinflammatory and TGF-β pathways. Conclusions We have shown that miR-9 is an important regulator of EndMT in DR, potentially making it a good target for RNA-based therapy in early DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Biao Feng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Jia W, Dou W, Wang Q, Zeng H, Shi P, Liu J, Liu Z, Zhang J, Zhang JJ. Role of abnormal glycosylated IgA1 and interstitial transformation of glomerular endothelial cells in the development and progression of IgA nephropathy. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:54. [PMID: 37170272 PMCID: PMC10173471 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common primary renal disease in childhood. METHODS Twenty blood samples and renal tissue from patients with IgAN, 20 blood samples from healthy children and 10 normal renal tissue were collected. Serum Gd-IgA1 and renal Gd-IgA1, CD31, α-SMA and vimentin were measured. RESULTS The serum Gd-IgA1 concentration in the IgAN group was significantly higher. Gd-IgA1 was not expressed in normal kidneys, which was positive in the IgAN group. Gd-IgA1 levels in serum and renal tissue were not related. The expression of CD31 decreased significantly in IgAN group, while the expression of α-SMA and vimentin increased significantly. There was no significant correlation between the renal concentration of Gd-IgA1 and CD31, α-SMA and vimentin. CONCLUSION The increased Gd-IgA1 in the serum and kidney may promote the pathogenesis of IgAN. The serum Gd-IgA1 cannot predict the extent of its deposition in the kidney. Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may be involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyu Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Wenjie Dou
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Huiqin Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Peipei Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian-Jiang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Center of Pediatric Nephrology of Henan Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China.
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Watabe T, Takahashi K, Pietras K, Yoshimatsu Y. Roles of TGF-β signals in tumor microenvironment via regulation of the formation and plasticity of vascular system. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:130-138. [PMID: 37068553 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells evolve in tumor microenvironment composed of multiple cell types. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) are the major players in tumor angiogenesis, which is a driver of tumor progression and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that ECs also contribute to tumor progression and metastasis as they modify their phenotypes to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process known as endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This plasticity of ECs is mediated by various cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and modulated by other stimuli depending on the cellular contexts. Recent lines of evidence have shown that EndoMT is involved in various steps of tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, intravasation and extravasation of cancer cells, formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and cancer therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT, highlight the roles of EndoMT in tumor progression and metastasis, and underline targeting EndoMT as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Watabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
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15
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Yang Y, Yu Q, Li B, Li S, Yang Z, Yuan F, Liu Z. A single dose of lipopolysaccharide elicits autofluorescence in the mouse brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1126273. [PMID: 37020861 PMCID: PMC10067636 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1126273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
One hallmark of aging is autofluorescence (AF) in the brain. However, the underlying mechanism for inducing AF remains unknown. This study aims to determine the cause(s) of this phenomenon. The endogenous expression pattern of AF in mice was examined at differing ages. Intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was performed to induce AF. Copper sulfate was applied to remove AF to allow for further immunofluorescence staining. AF appeared in the mouse brain as early as 3 months of age. In the cortex, AF occurs in the lysosomes of microglia, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells and its prevalence increases with age. Interestingly, AF never occurs in the pericytes of young or aged brains. LPS administration resulted in a rapid and marked induction of brain AF, similar to the normal aging process. Finally, age-related and induced AF can be eliminated by low concentrations of copper sulfate solution. This pre-treatment is safe for aging and lineage tracing studies. These findings depict that AF in the brain could be associated with the innate immune response against Gram-negative bacteria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhuo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qingting Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Zhoushan Institute for Food and Drug Control, Zhoushan, China
| | - Shijia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Zuisu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Falei Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
- Falei Yuan,
| | - Zhongliang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhoushan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongliang Liu,
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Becker LM, Chen SH, Rodor J, de Rooij LPMH, Baker AH, Carmeliet P. Deciphering endothelial heterogeneity in health and disease at single-cell resolution: progress and perspectives. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:6-27. [PMID: 35179567 PMCID: PMC10022871 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) constitute the inner lining of vascular beds in mammals and are crucial for homeostatic regulation of blood vessel physiology, but also play a key role in pathogenesis of many diseases, thereby representing realistic therapeutic targets. However, it has become evident that ECs are heterogeneous, encompassing several subtypes with distinct functions, which makes EC targeting and modulation in diseases challenging. The rise of the new single-cell era has led to an emergence of studies aimed at interrogating transcriptome diversity along the vascular tree, and has revolutionized our understanding of EC heterogeneity from both a physiological and pathophysiological context. Here, we discuss recent landmark studies aimed at teasing apart the heterogeneous nature of ECs. We cover driving (epi)genetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic forces underlying EC heterogeneity in health and disease, as well as current strategies used to combat disease-enriched EC phenotypes, and propose strategies to transcend largely descriptive heterogeneity towards prioritization and functional validation of therapeutically targetable drivers of EC diversity. Lastly, we provide an overview of the most recent advances and hurdles in single EC OMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrew H Baker
- Corresponding authors. Tel: +32 16 32 62 47, E-mail: (P.C.); Tel: +44 (0)131 242 6774, E-mail: (A.H.B.)
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Corresponding authors. Tel: +32 16 32 62 47, E-mail: (P.C.); Tel: +44 (0)131 242 6774, E-mail: (A.H.B.)
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17
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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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18
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The Interaction of Apelin and FGFR1 Ameliorated the Kidney Fibrosis through Suppression of TGF β-Induced Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:5012474. [PMID: 36785790 PMCID: PMC9922196 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5012474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Both epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal (EndMT) transitions have shown to contribute to the development and progression of kidney fibrosis. It has been reported that apelin, a regulatory peptide, alleviates EMT by inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway in renal diseases. Additionally, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) has been shown to be a key inhibitor of EndMT through suppression of the TGFβ/Smad pathway. In this study, we found that apelin and FGFR1 were spatially close to each other and that the apelin and FGFR1 complex displayed inhibitory effects on TGFβ/Smad signaling as well as associated EndMT in diabetic kidney fibrosis. In cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), we found that the anti-EndMT and anti-TGFβ/Smad effects of apelin were dampened in FGFR1-deficient cells. Either siRNA- or an inhibitor-mediated deficiency of apelin induced the Smad3 phosphorylation and EndMT. Streptozotocin-induced CD-1 diabetic mice displayed EndMT and associated kidney fibrosis, which were restored by apelin treatment. The medium from apelin-deficient endothelial cells stimulated TGFβ/Smad-dependent EMT in cultured HK2 cells. In addition, depletion of apelin and the FGFR1 complex impaired CEBPA expression, and TGFβ-induced repression of CEBPA expression contributed to the initiation of EndMT in the endothelium. Collectively, these findings revealed that the interaction between apelin and FGFR1 displayed renoprotective potential through suppression of the TGFβ/Smad/CEBPA-mediated EndMT/EMT pathways.
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Di Tommaso N, Santopaolo F, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. The Gut-Vascular Barrier as a New Protagonist in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021470. [PMID: 36674986 PMCID: PMC9864173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal barrier, with its multiple layers, is the first line of defense between the outside world and the intestine. Its disruption, resulting in increased intestinal permeability, is a recognized pathogenic factor of intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The identification of a gut-vascular barrier (GVB), consisting of a structured endothelium below the epithelial layer, has led to new evidence on the etiology and management of diseases of the gut-liver axis and the gut-brain axis, with recent implications in oncology as well. The gut-brain axis is involved in several neuroinflammatory processes. In particular, the recent description of a choroid plexus vascular barrier regulating brain permeability under conditions of gut inflammation identifies the endothelium as a key regulator in maintaining tissue homeostasis and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Di Tommaso
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Wang E, Wang H, Chakrabarti S. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: An underappreciated mediator of diabetic complications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1050540. [PMID: 36777351 PMCID: PMC9911675 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes and its complications represent a great burden on the global healthcare system. Diabetic complications are fundamentally diseases of the vasculature, with endothelial cells being the centerpiece of early hyperglycemia-induced changes. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a tightly regulated process that results in endothelial cells losing endothelial characteristics and developing mesenchymal traits. Although endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been found to occur within most of the major complications of diabetes, it has not been a major focus of study or a common target in the treatment or prevention of diabetic complications. In this review we summarize the importance of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in each major diabetic complication, examine specific mechanisms at play, and highlight potential mechanisms to prevent endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in each of the major chronic complications of diabetes.
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21
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Itoh F, Watabe T. TGF-β signaling in lymphatic vascular vessel formation and maintenance. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1081376. [PMID: 36589453 PMCID: PMC9799095 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081376] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and its family members, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), nodal proteins, and activins, are implicated in the development and maintenance of various organs. Here, we review its role in the lymphatic vascular system (the secondary vascular system in vertebrates), which plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, participating in the maintenance of the normal tissue fluid balance, immune cell trafficking, and fatty acid absorption in the gut. The lymphatic system is associated with pathogenesis in multiple diseases, including lymphedema, inflammatory diseases, and tumor metastasis. Lymphatic vessels are composed of lymphatic endothelial cells, which differentiate from blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs). Although TGF-β family signaling is essential for maintaining blood vessel function, little is known about the role of TGF-β in lymphatic homeostasis. Recently, we reported that endothelial-specific depletion of TGF-β signaling affects lymphatic function. These reports suggest that TGF-β signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells maintains the structure of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic homeostasis, and promotes tumor lymphatic metastasis. Suppression of TGF-β signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells may therefore be effective in inhibiting cancer metastasis. We highlight recent advances in understanding the roles of TGF-β signaling in the formation and maintenance of the lymphatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiko Itoh
- Laboratory of Stem Cells Regulations, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Fumiko Itoh, ; Tetsuro Watabe,
| | - Tetsuro Watabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Fumiko Itoh, ; Tetsuro Watabe,
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Adnani L, Spinelli C, Tawil N, Rak J. Role of extracellular vesicles in cancer-specific interactions between tumour cells and the vasculature. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:196-213. [PMID: 36371024 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression impacts and exploits the vascular system in several highly consequential ways. Among different types of vascular cells, blood cells and mediators that are engaged in these processes, endothelial cells are at the centre of the underlying circuitry, as crucial constituents of angiogenesis, angiocrine stimulation, non-angiogenic vascular growth, interactions with the coagulation system and other responses. Tumour-vascular interactions involve soluble factors, extracellular matrix molecules, cell-cell contacts, as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying assemblies of molecular effectors. Oncogenic mutations and transforming changes in the cancer cell genome, epigenome and signalling circuitry exert important and often cancer-specific influences upon pathways of tumour-vascular interactions, including the biogenesis, content, and biological activity of EVs and responses of cancer cells to them. Notably, EVs may carry and transfer bioactive, oncogenic macromolecules (oncoproteins, RNA, DNA) between tumour and vascular cells and thereby elicit unique functional changes and forms of vascular growth and remodeling. Cancer EVs influence the state of the vasculature both locally and systemically, as exemplified by cancer-associated thrombosis. EV-mediated communication pathways represent attractive targets for therapies aiming at modulation of the tumour-vascular interface (beyond angiogenesis) and could also be exploited for diagnostic purposes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lata Adnani
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Cristiana Spinelli
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Nadim Tawil
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Janusz Rak
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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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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Trelford CB, Dagnino L, Di Guglielmo GM. Transforming growth factor-β in tumour development. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:991612. [PMID: 36267157 PMCID: PMC9577372 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.991612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a ubiquitous cytokine essential for embryonic development and postnatal tissue homeostasis. TGFβ signalling regulates several biological processes including cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, immune function, and tissue repair following injury. Aberrant TGFβ signalling has been implicated in tumour progression and metastasis. Tumour cells, in conjunction with their microenvironment, may augment tumourigenesis using TGFβ to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, immune suppression, and autophagy. Therapies that target TGFβ synthesis, TGFβ-TGFβ receptor complexes or TGFβ receptor kinase activity have proven successful in tissue culture and in animal models, yet, due to limited understanding of TGFβ biology, the outcomes of clinical trials are poor. Here, we review TGFβ signalling pathways, the biology of TGFβ during tumourigenesis, and how protein quality control pathways contribute to the tumour-promoting outcomes of TGFβ signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B. Trelford
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Dagnino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gianni M. Di Guglielmo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gianni M. Di Guglielmo,
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Vasuri F, Germinario G, Ciavarella C, Carroli M, Motta I, Valente S, Cescon M, D’Errico A, Pasquinelli G, Ravaioli M. Trophism and Homeostasis of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Graft Cells during Preservation, with and without Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091329. [PMID: 36138808 PMCID: PMC9495341 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the homeostasis and trophism of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in vivo in different stages of liver graft donation, in order to understand the effects of graft ischemia and perfusion on LSEC activity in liver grafts. Special attention was paid to grafts that underwent hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE). Forty-seven donors were prospectively enrolled, and two distinct biopsies were performed in each case: one allocation biopsy (at the stage of organ allocation) and one post-perfusion biopsy, performed after graft implant in the recipients. In all biopsies, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analyses were carried out for the endothelial markers CD34, ERG, Nestin, and VEGFR-2. We observed an increase in CD34 immunoreactivity in LSEC during the whole preservation/perfusion period (p < 0.001). Nestin and ERG expression was low in allocation biopsies, but increased in post-perfusion biopsies, in both immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR (p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between ERG positivity and donor age. Our results indicate that LSEC trophism is severely depressed in liver grafts, but it is restored after reperfusion in standard conditions. The execution of HOPE seems to improve this recovery, confirming the effectiveness of this machine perfusion technique in restoring endothelial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vasuri
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Germinario
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmen Ciavarella
- Clinical Pathology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Carroli
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilenia Motta
- Clinical Pathology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Valente
- Clinical Pathology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cescon
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia D’Errico
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Clinical Pathology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine Department (DIMES), University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Ravaioli
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-214-4810
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Diao H, Wu K, Lan D, Wang D, Zhao J, Huang B, Shao X, Wang R, Tan H, Tang X, Yan M, Zhang Y. BAG3 Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Autophagy Activation. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081338. [PMID: 35893075 PMCID: PMC9332509 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that causes severe cardiovascular events. B cell lymphoma 2-associated athanogene (BAG3) was proven to participate in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiac diseases, but its role in atherosclerosis remains unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the role of BAG3 in atherosclerosis and elucidate the potential molecular mechanism. In this study, ApoE-/- mice were given a tail-vein injection of BAG3-overexpressing lentivirus and fed a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) to investigate the role of BAG3 in atherosclerosis. The overexpression of BAG3 reduced plaque areas and improved atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. Our research proves that BAG3 promotes autophagy in vitro, contributing to the suppression of EndMT in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Mechanically, autophagy activation is mediated by BAG3 via the interaction between BAG3 and its chaperones HSP70 and HSPB8. In conclusion, BAG3 facilitates autophagy activation via the formation of the chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA) complex interacting with HSP70 and HSPB8, leading to the inhibition of EndMT during the progression of atherosclerosis and indicating that BAG3 is a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Diao
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kaili Wu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dingming Lan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dongwei Wang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bingying Huang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoqi Shao
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruonan Wang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huiling Tan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xinyuan Tang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meiling Yan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (H.D.); (K.W.); (D.L.); (D.W.); (J.Z.); (B.H.); (X.S.); (R.W.); (H.T.); (X.T.); (M.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence:
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Diao H, Cheng J, Huang X, Huang B, Shao X, Zhao J, Lan D, Zhu Q, Yan M, Zhang Y, Rong X, Guo J. The Chinese medicine Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule protects against atherosclerosis by suppressing EndMT via modulating Akt1/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115261. [PMID: 35447198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been used to treat dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and its complications in the clinic for almost ten years. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the key driver of atherosclerosis. However, the effects of FTZ on endothelial dysfunction and EndMT remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the therapeutic effects of FTZ against EndMT and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vivo model of atherosclerosis was established by feeding ApoE-/- mice with a high-fat diet (HFD). The body weight, lipid levels, plaque area, lipid deposition and EndMT were evaluated using standard assays 12 weeks after intragastric administration of FTZ and simvastatin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to simulate EndMT in vitro. The degree of EndMT was assessed after treating the cells with FTZ or transfection with si-Akt1. The expression levels of genes involved in EndMT were quantified by real-time PCR or western blotting. RESULTS FTZ ameliorated dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction in the atherosclerotic mice. In addition, FTZ reduced body weight and the total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels, and increased that of high-density lipoproteins. FTZ also upregulated the expression of endothelial markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and decreased that of mesenchymal markers (ɑ-SMA and FSP1), indicating that it inhibits EndMT. Knocking down Akt1 exacerbated EndMT and reversed the therapeutic effect of FTZ. CONCLUSION FTZ delayed atherosclerosis by inhibiting EndMT via the Akt1/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Diao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiawen Cheng
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xueying Huang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Bingying Huang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Shao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Dingming Lan
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Qing Zhu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Meiling Yan
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xianglu Rong
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of baicalin and baicalein on pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113191. [PMID: 35643068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH.
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Yang R, Xu S, Zhang X, Zheng X, Liu Y, Jiang C, Liu J, Shang X, Fang S, Zhang J, Yin Z, Pan K. Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenoids attenuate glomerular endothelial injury in the diabetic rats via ROCK pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 291:115127. [PMID: 35219820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja. (C. paliurus) is a distinctive traditional Chinese herb, with remarkable hypoglycemic capacity. Emerging evidence suggested that glomerular endothelial injury is a crucial pathological process of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Our previous research found that C. paliurus triterpenoids fraction (CPT) has ameliorative effects on DKD. However, whether C. paliurus could counteract the glomerular endothelial injury of DKD is still undefined. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to investigate the effects of CPT on glomerular endothelial function and explore its underlying mechanisms with in vivo and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects and possible mechanisms of CPT on glomerular endothelial injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and H2O2-challenged primary rat glomerular endothelial cells were successively investigated. RESULTS In vivo, we found that CPT treatment obviously decreased the levels of blood glucose, microalbumin, BUN and mesangial expansion. Additionally, CPT could ameliorate renal endothelium function by reducing the content of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and blocking the loss of glycocalyx. In vitro, CPT could also alleviate H2O2-induced endothelial injury. Mechanistically, CPT remarkably increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and eNOS, decreased the expression of ROCK and Arg2in vivo and in vitro. Noticeably, the favorable effects mediated by CPT were abolished following ROCK overexpression with plasmid transfection. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that CPT could be sufficient to protect against glomerular endothelial injury in DKD through regulating ROCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 211200, China; Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Susu Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 211200, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhang
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Xian Zheng
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Cuihua Jiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Jianjing Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Xulan Shang
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Shengzuo Fang
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 211200, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China.
| | - Zhiqi Yin
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Ke Pan
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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30
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Slenders L, Tessels DE, van der Laan SW, Pasterkamp G, Mokry M. The Applications of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Atherosclerotic Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:826103. [PMID: 35211529 PMCID: PMC8860895 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis still is the primary cause of death worldwide. Our characterization of the atherosclerotic lesion is mainly rooted in definitions based on pathological descriptions. We often speak in absolutes regarding plaque phenotypes: vulnerable vs. stable plaques or plaque rupture vs. plaque erosion. By focusing on these concepts, we may have oversimplified the atherosclerotic disease and its mechanisms. The widely used definitions of pathology-based plaque phenotypes can be fine-tuned with observations made with various -omics techniques. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics provide the opportunity to characterize the cellular composition of the atherosclerotic plaque. This additional layer of information facilitates the in-depth characterization of the atherosclerotic plaque. In this review, we discuss the impact that single-cell transcriptomics may exert on our current understanding of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle E Tessels
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Wu X, Zhao X, Xiong Y, Zheng M, Zhong C, Zhou Y. Deciphering Cell-Type-Specific Gene Expression Signatures of Cardiac Diseases Through Reconstruction of Bulk Transcriptomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:792774. [PMID: 35252172 PMCID: PMC8894713 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.792774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac diseases compose a fatal disease category worldwide. Over the past decade, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of bulk heart tissues has widened our understanding of the onset and progression of cardiac diseases. The recent rise of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology further enables deep explorations of their molecular mechanisms in a cell-type-specific manner. However, due to technical difficulties in performing scRNA-seq on heart tissues, there are still few scRNA-seq studies on cardiac diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that an effective alternative could be cell-type-specific computational reconstruction of bulk transcriptomes. An integrative bulk transcriptome dataset covering 110 samples from 12 studies was first constructed by re-analysis of raw sequencing data derived from the heart tissues of four common cardiac disease mouse models (myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy). Based on the single-cell reference covering four major cardiac component cell types and 22 immune cell subtypes, for each sample, the bulk transcriptome was reconstructed into cellular compositions and cell-type-specific expression profiles by CIBERSORTx. Variations in the estimated cell composition revealed elevated abundances of fibroblast and monocyte during myocardial infarction, which were further verified by our flow cytometry experiment. Moreover, through cell-type-specific differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis, we observed a series of signaling pathways that mapped to specific cell type in diseases, like MAPK and EGFR1 signaling pathways in fibroblasts in myocardial infarction. We also found an increased expression of several secretory proteins in monocytes which may serve as regulatory factors in cardiac fibrosis. Finally, a ligand–receptor analysis identified key cell types which may serve as hubs in cellular communication in cardiac diseases. Our results provide novel clues for the cell-type-specific signatures of cardiac diseases that would promote better understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Wu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyu Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Zhong, ; Yuan Zhou,
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Zhong, ; Yuan Zhou,
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Qiu J, Li Y, Wang B, Sun X, Qian D, Ying Y, Zhou J. The Role and Research Progress of Inhibitor of Differentiation 1 in Atherosclerosis. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:71-79. [PMID: 35049366 PMCID: PMC8863915 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitor of differentiation 1 has a helix-loop-helix (HLH) structure, belongs to a class of molecules known as the HLH trans-acting factor family, and plays an important role in advancing the cell cycle, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell differentiation. Recent studies have confirmed that inhibitor of differentiation 1 plays an important role in the endothelial-mesenchymal transition of vascular endothelial cells, angiogenesis, reendothelialization after injury, and the formation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. An in-depth understanding of the role of inhibitor of differentiation 1 in atherosclerosis will provide new ideas and strategies for the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo, China
| | - Youhong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - BingYu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo, China
| | - XinYi Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo, China
| | - Dingding Qian
- Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuchen Ying
- Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianqing Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Li X, Sun Z, Peng G, Xiao Y, Guo J, Wu B, Li X, Zhou W, Li J, Li Z, Bai C, Zhao L, Han Q, Zhao RC, Wang X. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a pro-invasive cancer-associated fibroblast subgroup associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:620-638. [PMID: 34976204 PMCID: PMC8692898 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The protumor activities of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) suggest that they are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. The mechanism of CAF heterogeneity in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear and has slowed translational advances in targeting CAFs. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the classification, function, activation stage, and spatial distribution of the CAF subsets in GC is urgently needed. Methods: In this study, the characteristics of the CAF subsets and the dynamic communication among the tumor microenvironment (TME) components regulated by the CAF subsets were analyzed by performing single-cell RNA sequencing of eight pairs of GC and adjacent mucosal (AM) samples. The spatial distribution of the CAF subsets in different Lauren subtypes of GC, as well as the neighborhood relations between these CAF subsets and the protumor immune cell subsets were evaluated by performing multistaining registration. Results: Tumor epithelial cells exhibited significant intratumor and intertumor variabilities, while CAFs mainly exhibited intratumor variability. Moreover, we identified four CAF subsets with different properties in GC. These four CAF subsets shared similar properties with their resident fibroblast counterparts in the adjacent mucosa but also exhibited enhanced protumor activities. Additionally, two CAF subsets, inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) and extracellular matrix CAFs (eCAFs), communicated with adjacent immune cell subsets in the GC TME. iCAFs interacted with T cells by secreting interleukin (IL)-6 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), while eCAFs correlated with M2 macrophages via the expression of periostin (POSTN). eCAFs, which function as a pro-invasive CAF subset, decreased the overall survival time of patients with GC. Conclusions: iCAFs and eCAFs not only exhibited enhanced pro-invasive activities but also mobilized the surrounding immune cells to construct a tumor-favorable microenvironment. Therefore, inhibiting their activation restrains the GC 'seed' and simultaneously improves the 'GC' soil, suggesting that it represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GC.
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Jiang X, Gu X, Xu T, Li X, Wu P, Sun L. Patient-specific hemodynamic analysis of IVCS-induced DVT. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2021; 25:1211-1221. [PMID: 34843417 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2021.2003791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to perform patient-specific hemodynamic simulations of patients with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) and evaluate the deep venous thrombosis (DVT) potential, with clinical observations as reference. 15 patient-specific IVCS models were reconstructed from computed tomography venography (CTV) data, and divided into three groups, i.e. two groups with thrombosis: Group A (complete obstruction) and Group B (incomplete obstruction), and a third group without DVT, Group C. Hemodynamic simulations were conducted with patient-specific inlet flow rates. The blood residue was predicted using the blood stasis model. Time histories of old blood volume fraction (OBVF) was obtained, in addition to conventional hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS). The mean area-averaged WSS of the stenosis region for Group A and Group B were 3.68 Pa and 1.78 Pa, respectively. For the telecentric end region, the WSS were 0.76 Pa and 0.58 Pa, respectively. For Group C, the WSS at these two regions were 4.61 Pa and 1.57 Pa, respectively. The OBVF was 74.0% at the stenosis region and 76.2% at the telecentric end region for Group A, much higher than 4.8% and 43.1% of Group B. For Group C, the OBVF at the two regions were close to 0. This corresponded well with clinical observations. The potential of DVT can be predicted through patient-specific hemodynamic simulations in combination of blood stasis model. The findings of this study are of great significance for the preoperative evaluation and treatment prognosis of IVCS patients with DVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Artificial Organ Technology Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueping Gu
- Nurse-in-charge Cath Lab, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tianze Xu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Artificial Organ Technology Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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35
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Zhang S, Li Y, Huang X, Liu K, Wang QD, Chen AF, Sun K, Lui KO, Zhou B. Seamless Genetic Recording of Transiently Activated Mesenchymal Gene Expression in Endothelial Cells During Cardiac Fibrosis. Circulation 2021; 144:2004-2020. [PMID: 34797683 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.055417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cardiac fibrosis is a lethal outcome of excessive formation of myofibroblasts that are scar-forming cells accumulated after heart injury. It has been reported that cardiac endothelial cells (ECs) contribute to a substantial portion of myofibroblasts through EndoMT. Recent lineage tracing studies demonstrate that myofibroblasts are derived from expansion of resident fibroblasts rather than from transdifferentiation of ECs. However, it remains unknown whether ECs can transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts reversibly or EndoMT genes were just transiently activated in ECs during cardiac fibrosis. Methods: By using the dual recombination technology based on Cre-loxP and Dre-rox, we generated a genetic lineage tracing system for tracking EndoMT in cardiac ECs. We used it to examine if there is transiently activated mesenchymal gene expression in ECs during cardiac fibrosis. Activation of the broadly used marker gene in myofibroblasts, αSMA, and the transcription factor that induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Zeb1, was examined. Results: The genetic system enables continuous tracing of transcriptional activity of targeted genes in vivo. Our genetic fate mapping results revealed that a subset of cardiac ECs transiently expressed αSMA and Zeb1 during embryonic valve formation and transdifferentiated into mesenchymal cells through EndoMT. Nonetheless, they did not contribute to myofibroblasts; nor transiently expressed αSMA or Zeb1 after heart injury. Instead, expression of αSMA was activated in resident fibroblasts during cardiac fibrosis. Conclusions: Mesenchymal gene expression is activated in cardiac ECs through EndoMT in the developing heart; but ECs do not transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, nor transiently express some known mesenchymal genes during homeostasis and fibrosis in the adult heart. Resident fibroblasts that are converted to myofibroblasts by activating mesenchymal gene expression are the major contributors to cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xiuzhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Qing-Dong Wang
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alex F Chen
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology; and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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36
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Ciszewski WM, Wawro ME, Sacewicz-Hofman I, Sobierajska K. Cytoskeleton Reorganization in EndMT-The Role in Cancer and Fibrotic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111607. [PMID: 34769036 PMCID: PMC8583721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation promotes endothelial plasticity, leading to the development of several diseases, including fibrosis and cancer in numerous organs. The basis of those processes is a phenomenon called the endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which results in the delamination of tightly connected endothelial cells that acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EndMT-derived cells, known as the myofibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are characterized by the loss of cell–cell junctions, loss of endothelial markers, and gain in mesenchymal ones. As a result, the endothelium ceases its primary ability to maintain patent and functional capillaries and induce new blood vessels. At the same time, it acquires the migration and invasion potential typical of mesenchymal cells. The observed modulation of cell shape, increasedcell movement, and invasion abilities are connected with cytoskeleton reorganization. This paper focuses on the review of current knowledge about the molecular pathways involved in the modulation of each cytoskeleton element (microfilaments, microtubule, and intermediate filaments) during EndMT and their role as the potential targets for cancer and fibrosis treatment.
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37
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Wang H, Feng Z, Han X, Xing Y, Zhang X. Downregulation of acylglycerol kinase suppresses high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition in HRECs through regulating the LPAR1/TGF-β/Notch signaling pathway. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 100:142-150. [PMID: 34559978 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) participates in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but cell-intrinsic factors modulating this process remain elusive. In this study, we explored the role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-producing enzyme, acylglycerol kinase (AGK) in the EndMT of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) under high glucose (HG) conditions. We found that AGK was significantly elevated in HG-treated cells. In addition, AGK knockdown reversed the HG-induced EndMT in HRECs, which was evidenced by the increased epithelial markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and decreased mesenchymal markers (FSP1 and α-SMA). Furthermore, downregulation of AGK inhibited the HG-induced activation of TGF-β/Notch pathways, whereas exogenous TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) impeded the inhibitory effects of AGK knockdown on HG-induced EndMT in HRECs. Additionally, the silence of AGK abolished the HG-induced upregulation of LPA and its receptor LPAR1, and overexpression of LPAR1 further rescued the AGK knockdown-mediated inhibition of the EndMT process. In conclusion, we demonstrate that downregulation of acylglycerol kinase suppresses high glucose-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition in HRECs through regulating the LPAR1/TGF-β/Notch signaling pathway, indicating that AGK might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Zhuolei Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Xue Han
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Yue Xing
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 74559, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China;
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38
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Savorani C, Malinverno M, Seccia R, Maderna C, Giannotta M, Terreran L, Mastrapasqua E, Campaner S, Dejana E, Giampietro C. A dual role of YAP in driving TGFβ-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:271139. [PMID: 34338295 PMCID: PMC8353525 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.251371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the biological process through which endothelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells. During embryo development, EndMT regulates endocardial cushion formation via TGFβ/BMP signaling. In adults, EndMT is mainly activated during pathological conditions. Hence, it is necessary to characterize molecular regulators cooperating with TGFβ signaling in driving EndMT, to identify potential novel therapeutic targets to treat these pathologies. Here, we studied YAP, a transcriptional co-regulator involved in several biological processes, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). As EndMT is the endothelial-specific form of EMT, and YAP (herein referring to YAP1) and TGFβ signaling cross-talk in other contexts, we hypothesized that YAP contributes to EndMT by modulating TGFβ signaling. We demonstrate that YAP is required to trigger TGFβ-induced EndMT response, specifically contributing to SMAD3-driven EndMT early gene transcription. We provide novel evidence that YAP acts as SMAD3 transcriptional co-factor and prevents GSK3β-mediated SMAD3 phosphorylation, thus protecting SMAD3 from degradation. YAP is therefore emerging as a possible candidate target to inhibit pathological TGFβ-induced EndMT at early stages. Summary: A new crucial role for YAP as a co-activator of early pathological TGFβ-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition program and characterization of the underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Savorani
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Matteo Malinverno
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Roberta Seccia
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Claudio Maderna
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Monica Giannotta
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Linda Terreran
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mastrapasqua
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Stefano Campaner
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Vascular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), The Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy.,Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland.,Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
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RHBDF1 promotes AP-1-activated endothelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor fibrotic stroma formation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:273. [PMID: 34276048 PMCID: PMC8286969 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00597-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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40
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Giordo R, Ahmed YMA, Allam H, Abusnana S, Pappalardo L, Nasrallah GK, Mangoni AA, Pintus G. EndMT Regulation by Small RNAs in Diabetes-Associated Fibrotic Conditions: Potential Link With Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683594. [PMID: 34095153 PMCID: PMC8170089 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-associated complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis, the main consequences of long-term hyperglycemia, often lead to organ dysfunction, disability, and increased mortality. A common denominator of these complications is the myofibroblast-driven excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Although fibroblast appears to be the primary source of myofibroblasts, other cells, including endothelial cells, can generate myofibroblasts through a process known as endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). During EndMT, endothelial cells lose their typical phenotype to acquire mesenchymal features, characterized by the development of invasive and migratory abilities as well as the expression of typical mesenchymal products such as α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. EndMT is involved in many chronic and fibrotic diseases and appears to be regulated by complex molecular mechanisms and different signaling pathways. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs, in particular microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are crucial mediators of EndMT. Furthermore, EndMT and miRNAs are both affected by oxidative stress, another key player in the pathophysiology of diabetic fibrotic complications. In this review, we provide an overview of the primary redox signals underpinning the diabetic-associated fibrotic process. Then, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of small RNAs in the regulation of EndMT in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis and highlight potential links between oxidative stress and the dyad small RNAs-EndMT in driving these pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yusra M. A. Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hilda Allam
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salah Abusnana
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lucia Pappalardo
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Arduino Aleksander Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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41
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Mathiesen A, Hamilton T, Carter N, Brown M, McPheat W, Dobrian A. Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles: From Keepers of Health to Messengers of Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094640. [PMID: 33924982 PMCID: PMC8125116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelium has a rich vesicular network that allows the exchange of macromolecules between blood and parenchymal cells. This feature of endothelial cells, along with their polarized secretory machinery, makes them the second major contributor, after platelets, to the particulate secretome in circulation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by the endothelial cells mirror the remarkable molecular heterogeneity of their parent cells. Cargo molecules carried by EVs were shown to contribute to the physiological functions of endothelium and may support the plasticity and adaptation of endothelial cells in a paracrine manner. Endothelium-derived vesicles can also contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease or can serve as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, endothelium-derived EVs can be used as therapeutic tools to target endothelium for drug delivery or target stromal cells via the endothelial cells. In this review we revisit the recent evidence on the heterogeneity and plasticity of endothelial cells and their EVs. We discuss the role of endothelial EVs in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis along with their contributions to endothelial adaptation and dysfunction. Finally, we evaluate the potential of endothelial EVs as disease biomarkers and their leverage as therapeutic tools.
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42
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Ranjan P, Kumari R, Goswami SK, Li J, Pal H, Suleiman Z, Cheng Z, Krishnamurthy P, Kishore R, Verma SK. Myofibroblast-Derived Exosome Induce Cardiac Endothelial Cell Dysfunction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:676267. [PMID: 33969024 PMCID: PMC8102743 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.676267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endothelial cells (ECs) play a critical role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and in heart function. It was shown that activated fibroblast-derived exosomes impair cardiomyocyte function in hypertrophic heart, but their effect on ECs is not yet clear. Thus, we hypothesized that activated cardiac fibroblast-derived exosomes (FB-Exo) mediate EC dysfunction, and therefore modulation of FB-exosomal contents may improve endothelial function. Methods and Results: Exosomes were isolated from cardiac fibroblast (FB)-conditioned media and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy. ECs were isolated from mouse heart. ECs were treated with exosomes isolated from FB-conditioned media, following FB culture with TGF-β1 (TGF-β1-FB-Exo) or PBS (control) treatment. TGF-β1 significantly activated fibroblasts as shown by increase in collagen type1 α1 (COL1α1), periostin (POSTN), and fibronectin (FN1) gene expression and increase in Smad2/3 and p38 phosphorylation. Impaired endothelial cell function (as characterized by a decrease in tube formation and cell migration along with reduced VEGF-A, Hif1α, CD31, and angiopoietin1 gene expression) was observed in TGF-β1-FB-Exo treated cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1-FB-Exo treated ECs showed reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis as compared to control cells. TGF-β1-FB-Exo cargo analysis revealed an alteration in fibrosis-associated miRNAs, including a significant increase in miR-200a-3p level. Interestingly, miR-200a-3p inhibition in activated FBs, alleviated TGF-β1-FB-Exo-mediated endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions: Taken together, this study demonstrates an important role of miR-200a-3p enriched within activated fibroblast-derived exosomes on endothelial cell biology and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Ranjan
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rajesh Kumari
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Sumanta Kumar Goswami
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Harish Pal
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zainab Suleiman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zhongjian Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Prasanna Krishnamurthy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Raj Kishore
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Suresh Kumar Verma
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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43
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Yin Q, He M, Huang L, Zhang X, Zhan J, Hu J. lncRNA ZFAS1 promotes ox-LDL induced EndMT through miR-150-5p/Notch3 signaling axis. Microvasc Res 2021; 134:104118. [PMID: 33278458 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
EndMT is an active contributor to atherosclerosis pathology, and lncRNAs is widely involved in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of ZFAS1 in EndMT of atherosclerosis. Here, the ApoE-/- mice were feed with high-fat diet to establish the atherosclerosis model, and HUVECs was stimulated with ox-LDL to induce EndMT. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The expression of EndMT markers were detected by immune-fluorescence. The relationships among ZFAS1, miR-150-5p and Notch3 were evaluated by luciferase reporter assay. The role of ZFAS1 in EndMT and its dependence on miR-150-5p/Notch3 axis was further detected by knocking down or over-expressing ZFAS1. We found that ZFAS1 and Notch3 were upregulated while miR-150-5p was downregulated in atherosclerosis mice and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. The expression of CD31 and vWF were significant decreased, while the α-SMA and vimentin were significant increased in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, and overexpression of ZFAS1 enhanced the effect of ox-LDL on HUVECs. Further, ZFAS1 functions as a ceRNA to increase Notch3 expression through sponging miR-150-5p, and miR-150-5p mimic or si-Notch3 could reverse LV-ZFAS1-mediated EndMT. In summary, lncRNA ZFAS1 promotes ox-LDL induced HUVECs EndMT through regulating miR-150-5p/Notch3 axis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Diet, High-Fat
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Lipoproteins, LDL/toxicity
- Male
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Receptor, Notch3/genetics
- Receptor, Notch3/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiulin Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Mingyan He
- Department of gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junfeng Zhan
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No.92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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44
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Ma J, van der Zon G, Gonçalves MAFV, van Dinther M, Thorikay M, Sanchez-Duffhues G, ten Dijke P. TGF-β-Induced Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition Is Determined by a Balance Between SNAIL and ID Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:616610. [PMID: 33644053 PMCID: PMC7907445 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.616610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays an important role in embryonic development and disease progression. Yet, how different members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family regulate EndMT is not well understood. In the current study, we report that TGF-β2, but not bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)9, triggers EndMT in murine endothelial MS-1 and 2H11 cells. TGF-β2 strongly upregulates the transcription factor SNAIL, and the depletion of Snail is sufficient to abrogate TGF-β2-triggered mesenchymal-like cell morphology acquisition and EndMT-related molecular changes. Although SLUG is not regulated by TGF-β2, knocking out Slug also partly inhibits TGF-β2-induced EndMT in 2H11 cells. Interestingly, in addition to SNAIL and SLUG, BMP9 stimulates inhibitor of DNA binding (ID) proteins. The suppression of Id1, Id2, or Id3 expression facilitated BMP9 in inducing EndMT and, in contrast, ectopic expression of ID1, ID2, or ID3 abrogated TGF-β2-mediated EndMT. Altogether, our results show that SNAIL is critical and indispensable for TGF-β2-mediated EndMT. Although SLUG is also involved in the EndMT process, it plays less of a crucial role in it. In contrast, ID proteins are essential for maintaining endothelial traits and repressing the function of SNAIL and SLUG during the EndMT process. These data suggest that the control over endothelial vs. mesenchymal cell states is determined, at least in part, by a balance between the expression of SNAIL/SLUG and ID proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gerard van der Zon
- Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten van Dinther
- Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Midory Thorikay
- Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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45
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Jiang L, Yin Q, Yang M, Li M, Pan M, Han Y, Zhao Z, Wang Z, Zhu L, Wei Q, Tu Y, Gao M, Liu H, Zhang X, Liu BC, Wang B. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Predicts and Promotes Vascular Calcification in Haemodialysis Patients. KIDNEY DISEASES 2021; 7:227-240. [PMID: 34179118 DOI: 10.1159/000512750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Vascular calcification (VC) is dramatically accelerated and is strongly associated with CVD events and mortality in HD patients. VC coexists with osteoporosis in many studies. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) which is known as an adipocytokine is a new hypoglycemic strategy and is inversely related to bone mineral density. Methods To evaluate the contribution of FGF21 to VC in HD patients, we detected circulating FGF21 levels and measured the whole thoracic aorta calcification scores (TACS) and calcification scores of the 3 segments of thoracic aorta, including ascending thoracic aorta (ATACS), aortic arch (AoACS), and descending thoracic aorta (DTACS) of our HD patients in this cross-sectional study. In addition, we pre-incubated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with FGF21 in the presence or absence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitro. Results The median serum FGF21 level in HD patients was 11-fold higher than that in healthy controls. Ln(FGF21) was positively correlated with Ln(TACS+1), Ln(ATACS+1), Ln(AoACS+1), and Ln(DTACS+1), respectively, in HD patients. Serum FGF21 was independently associated with TACS and ATACS, AoACS, and DTACS. FGF21 which was combined with age, calcium, and intact PTH demonstrated a high area under the curve of 0.84 with optimal sensitivity (84%) and specificity (71%) for the prediction of VC in HD patients. Our vitro results showed that FGF21 enhanced the calcification effect of PTH on HAECs by increasing calcium deposition and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Conclusions Circulating FGF21 was notably higher and was a potential predictor and promoter of VC in HD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Jiang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qing Yin
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Mingming Pan
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Tu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Gao
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Zhang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bi-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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46
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Resveratrol-Elicited PKC Inhibition Counteracts NOX-Mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Glucose. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020224. [PMID: 33540918 PMCID: PMC7913144 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-associated long-term hyperglycaemia leads to oxidative stress-mediated fibrosis in different tissues and organs. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndMT) appears to play a role in diabetes-associated fibrotic conditions. Here, we investigate whether EndMT is implicated in the diabetic retinopathy fibrotic process and evaluate the possibility that resveratrol could counteract EndMT by inhibiting high glucose (HG)-induced increases in ROS. Primary Human Retinal Endothelial Cells (HRECs) were either pre-treated for 24 h with 1 µM resveratrol or left untreated, then glucose (30 mM) was applied at 3-day intervals for 10 days. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect mRNA or protein expression of endothelial markers (CD31, CDH5, vWF) or mesenchymal markers (VIM, αSMA and collagen I), respectively. Intracellular ROS levels were measured with carboxy-DCFDA, while NOX-associated ROS levels were evaluated using the NADPH-specific redox biosensor p47-roGFP. Treatment of HRECs with HG increased intracellular ROS levels and promoted phenotype shifting towards EndMT, evidenced by decreased expression of endothelial markers concomitant with increased expression of mesenchymal ones. HG-induced EndMT appears to be mediated by NADPH-associated ROS generation as pre-treatment of HRECs with resveratrol or the NADPH inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), attenuated ROS production and EndMT transition, suggesting that the effect of resveratrol on HG-induced ROS occurs via down-regulation of NADPH oxidase. It is worth noting that resveratrol or Chelerythrine, a Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, reduce ROS and EndMT in HG-exposed cells, suggesting that NADPH activation occurs via a PKC-dependent mechanism. Taken together, our results provide the basis for a resveratrol-based potential protective therapy to prevent diabetic-associated complications.
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47
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Chiara F, Indraccolo S, Trevisan A. Filling the gap between risk assessment and molecular determinants of tumor onset. Carcinogenesis 2020; 42:507-516. [PMID: 33319226 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, a ponderous epidemiological literature has causally linked tumor onset to environmental exposure to carcinogens. As consequence, risk assessment studies have been carried out with the aim to identify both predictive models of estimating cancer risks within exposed populations and establishing rules for minimizing hazard when handling carcinogenic compounds. The central assumption of these works is that neoplastic transformation is directly related to the mutational burden of the cell without providing further mechanistic clues to explain increased cancer onset after carcinogen exposure. Nevertheless, in the last few years, a growing number of studies have implemented the traditional models of cancer etiology, proposing that neoplastic transformation is a complex process in which several parameters and crosstalk between tumor and microenvironmental cells must be taken into account and integrated with mutagenesis. In this conceptual framework, the current strategies of risk assessment that are solely based on the 'mutator model' require an urgent update and revision to keep pace with advances in our understanding of cancer biology. We will approach this topic revising the most recent theories on the biological mechanisms involved in tumor formation in order to envision a roadmap leading to a future regulatory framework for a new, protective policy of risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Chiara
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Trevisan
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padua, Italy
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48
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Aujla PK, Kassiri Z. Diverse origins and activation of fibroblasts in cardiac fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109869. [PMID: 33278559 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (cFBs) have emerged as a heterogenous cell population. Fibroblasts are considered the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and as such a dysregulation in cFB function, activity, or viability can lead to disrupted ECM structure or fibrosis. Fibrosis can be initiated in response to different injuries and stimuli, and can be reparative (beneficial) or reactive (damaging). FBs need to be activated to myofibroblasts (MyoFBs) which have augmented capacity in synthesizing ECM proteins, causing fibrosis. In addition to the resident FBs in the myocardium, a number of other cells (pericytes, fibrocytes, mesenchymal, and hematopoietic cells) can transform into MyoFBs, further driving the fibrotic response. Multiple molecules including hormones, cytokines, and growth factors stimulate this process leading to generation of activated MyoFBs. Contribution of different cell types to cFBs and MyoFBs can result in an exponential increase in the number of MyoFBs and an accelerated pro-fibrotic response. Given the diversity of the cell sources, and the array of interconnected signalling pathways that lead to formation of MyoFBs and subsequently fibrosis, identifying a single target to limit the fibrotic response in the myocardium has been challenging. This review article will delineate the importance and relevance of fibroblast heterogeneity in mediating fibrosis in different models of heart failure and will highlight important signalling pathways implicated in myofibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetinder K Aujla
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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49
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Xian S, Chen A, Wu X, Lu C, Wu Y, Huang F, Zeng Z. Activation of activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway and the potential involvement of endothelial‑mesenchymal transition in the valvular damage due to rheumatic heart disease. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:10. [PMID: 33179113 PMCID: PMC7673319 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an autoimmune disease caused by rheumatic fever following group A hemolytic streptococcal infection and primarily affects the mitral valve. RHD is currently a major global health problem. However, the exact pathological mechanisms associated with RHD-induced cardiac valve damage remain to be elucidated. The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) serves a key role in a number of diseases with an important role in cardiac fibrosis and the activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway is involved in regulating the EndMT. Nevertheless, there are no studies to date, to the best of the authors' knowledge, investigating the association between RHD and EndMT. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the potential role of EndMT in cardiac valve damage and assess whether activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling was activated during RHD-induced valvular injury in a rat model of RHD induced by inactivated Group A streptococci and complete Freund's adjuvant. Inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. Serum cytokine and rheumatoid factor levels were measured using ELISA kits. Expression levels of activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway-related factors [activin A, Smad2, Smad3, phosphorylated (p-)Smad2 and p-Smad3], EndMT-related factors [lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1), Snail1, TWIST, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB)1, ZEB2, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen α 1 (COL1A1)], apoptosis-related markers (BAX and cleaved caspase-3) and valvular inflammation markers (NF-κB and p-NF-κB) were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Compared with the control group, the degree of valvular inflammation and fibrosis, serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α and expression of apoptosis-related markers (BAX and cleaved caspase-3) and valvular inflammation marker (p-NF-κB), activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway-related factors (activin A, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3), EndMT-related factors (LEF-1, Snail1, TWIST, ZEB 1, ZEB2, α-SMA and COL1A1) were significantly increased in the RHD group. These results suggested that the activin/Smad2 and 3 signaling pathway was activated during the development of valvular damage caused by RHD and that the EndMT is involved in RHD-induced cardiac valve damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglin Xian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chuanghong Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yunjiao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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50
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Nam JK, Kim AR, Choi SH, Kim JH, Han SC, Park S, Lee YJ, Kim J, Cho J, Lee HJ, Lee YJ. Pharmacologic Inhibition of HIF-1α Attenuates Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Preclinical Image Guided Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 109:553-566. [PMID: 32942004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a long-term side effect of thoracic radiation therapy. Hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) can occur during the development of RIPF. Here, we examined the direct contribution of endothelial HIF-1α (EC-HIF1α) on RIPF. METHODS AND MATERIALS An inducible Cre-lox-mediated endothelial Hif1a deletion mouse line was used to evaluate the potential of HIF-1α inhibition to suppress RIPF. To evaluate the effects of a pharmacologic HIF-1α inhibitor on RIPF after image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) for spontaneous lung adenocarcinoma, we generated conditional tdTomato; K-RasG12D; and p53 flox/flox mice to facilitate tracking of tumor cells expressing tdTomato. RESULTS We found that vascular endothelial-specific HIF-1α deletion shortly before radiation therapy inhibited the progression of RIPF along with reduced EndMT, whereas prolonged deletion of endothelial HIF-1α before irradiation did not. Moreover, we revealed that postirradiation treatment with the novel HIF-1α inhibitor, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) could efficiently inhibit RIPF and EndMT. In addition, IGRT using primary mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer showed that combined treatment of 2-ME with ablative high-dose radiation therapy efficiently inhibited RIPF and the growth of both multifocal and single tumors, concomitantly reducing radiation-induced EndMT of normal as well as tumor regions. CONCLUSION These results suggest that a negative regulator of HIF-1α-mediated EndMT, such as 2-ME, may serve as a promising inhibitor of RIPF in radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Kyung Nam
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea; Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - A-Ram Kim
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seo-Hyun Choi
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea; Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Chul Han
- Comprehensive Radiation Irradiation Center, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seungwoo Park
- Comprehensive Radiation Irradiation Center, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Jin Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Kim
- Division of Applied RI, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeho Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-June Lee
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Jin Lee
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiologic and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea.
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