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Ejikeme C, Safdar Z. Exploring the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1402639. [PMID: 39050536 PMCID: PMC11267418 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1402639] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex cardiopulmonary disorder impacting the lung vasculature, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance that leads to right ventricular dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension comprises of 5 groups (PH group 1 to 5) where group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), results from alterations that directly affect the pulmonary arteries. Although PAH has a complex pathophysiology that is not completely understood, it is known to be a multifactorial disease that results from a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, leading to a varied range of symptoms in PAH patients. PAH does not have a cure, its incidence and prevalence continue to increase every year, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates. In this review, we discuss the different pathologic mechanisms with a focus on epigenetic modifications and their roles in the development and progression of PAH. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA dysregulation. Understanding these epigenetic modifications will improve our understanding of PAH and unveil novel therapeutic targets, thus steering research toward innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeenat Safdar
- Department of Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine, Houston Methodist Lung Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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2
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Batan D, Tseropoulos G, Bishop C, Kirkpatrick BE, Bera K, Khang A, Weiser-Evans M, Anseth KS. PTEN Regulates Myofibroblast Activation in Valvular Interstitials Cells based on Subcellular Localization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.30.601424. [PMID: 39005262 PMCID: PMC11244890 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.30.601424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is characterized by altered mechanics of the valve leaflets, which disrupts blood flow through the aorta and can cause left ventricle hypotrophy. These changes in the valve tissue result in activation of resident valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into myofibroblasts, which have increased levels of αSMA in their stress fibers. The persistence of VIC myofibroblast activation is a hallmark of AVS. In recent years, the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) has emerged as an important player in the regulation of fibrosis in various tissues (e.g., lung, skin), which motivated us to investigate PTEN as a potential protective factor against matrix-induced myofibroblast activation in VICs. In aortic valve samples from humans, we found high levels of PTEN in healthy tissue and low levels of PTEN in diseased tissue. Then, using pharmacological inducers to treat VIC cultures, we observed PTEN overexpression prevented stiffness-induced myofibroblast activation, whereas genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PTEN further activated myofibroblasts. We also observed increased nuclear PTEN localization in VICs cultured on stiff matrices, and nuclear PTEN also correlated with smaller nuclei, altered expression of histones and a quiescent fibroblast phenotype. Together, these results suggest that PTEN not only suppresses VIC activation, but functions to promote quiescence, and could serve as a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of AVS.
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Hu T, Mu C, Li Y, Hao W, Yu X, Wang Y, Han W, Li Q. GPS2 ameliorates cigarette smoking-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling by modulating the ras-Raf-ERK axis. Respir Res 2024; 25:210. [PMID: 38755610 PMCID: PMC11100185 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)signaling-mediated smoking-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH). And G protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) could suppress G-protein signaling such as Ras and MAPK, but its role in cigarette smoking -induced PVR (CS-PVR) is unclear. METHODS An in vivo model of smoke-exposed rats was constructed to assess the role of GPS2 in smoking-induced PH and PVR. In vitro, the effects of GPS2 overexpression and silencing on the function of human pulmonary arterial smooth cells (HPASMCs) and the underlying mechanisms were explored. RESULTS GPS2 expression was downregulated in rat pulmonary arteries (PAs) and HPASMCs after CS exposure. More importantly, CS-exposed rats with GPS2 overexpression had lower right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), and wall thickness (WT%) than those without. And enhanced proliferation and migration of HPASMCs induced by cigarette smoking extract (CSE) can be evidently inhibited by overexpressed GPS2. Besides, GPS2siRNA significantly enhanced the proliferation, and migration of HPASMCs as well as activated Ras and Raf/ERK signaling, while these effects were inhibited by zoledronic acid (ZOL). In addition, GPS2 promoter methylation level in rat PAs and HPASMCs was increased after CS exposure, and 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza) inhibited CSE-induced GPS2 hypermethylation and downregulation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS GPS2 overexpression could improve the CS-PVR, suggesting that GPS2 might serve as a novel therapeutic target for PH-COPD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chaohui Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanmiao Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wanming Hao
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xinjuan Yu
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wei Han
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Qinghai Li
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Wang Z, Zhang YX, Shi JZ, Yan Y, Zhao LL, Kou JJ, He YY, Xie XM, Zhang SJ, Pang XB. RNA m6A methylation and regulatory proteins in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:1273-1287. [PMID: 38438725 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01607-9] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
m6A (N6‑methyladenosine) is the most common and abundant apparent modification in mRNA of eukaryotes. The modification of m6A is regulated dynamically and reversibly by methyltransferase (writer), demethylase (eraser), and binding protein (reader). It plays a significant role in various processes of mRNA metabolism, including regulation of transcription, maturation, translation, degradation, and stability. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant cardiopulmonary vascular disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Despite the existence of several effective and targeted therapies, there is currently no cure for PAH and the prognosis remains poor. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of m6A modification in cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the role of RNA m6A methylation in PAH could provide valuable insights for drug development. This review aims to explore the mechanism and function of m6A in the pathogenesis of PAH and discuss the potential targeting of RNA m6A methylation modification as a treatment for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Yi-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Jun-Zhuo Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Heart Center and Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Ling Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Jie-Jian Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Yang-Yang He
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Mei Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Henan, China.
| | - Si-Jin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Qin Y, Xu H, Xi Y, Feng L, Chen J, Xu B, Dong X, Li Y, Jiang Z, Lou J. Effects of the SEMA4B gene on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae030. [PMID: 38464415 PMCID: PMC10919774 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae030] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous study identified the potential of SEMA4B methylation level as a biomarker for hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure. This study aimed to investigate the role of the SEMA4B gene in Cr(VI)-mediated malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. In our population survey of workers, the geometric mean [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of Cr in blood was 3.80 (0.42, 26.56) μg/L. Following treatment with various doses of Cr(VI), it was found that 0.5 μM had negligible effects on the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells. The expression of SEMA4B was observed to decrease in BEAS-2B cells after 7 days of treatment with 0.5 μM Cr(VI), and this downregulation continued with increasing passages of Cr(VI) treatment. Chronic exposure to 0.5 μM Cr(VI) enhanced the anchorage-independent growth ability of BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, the use of a methylation inhibitor suppressed the Cr(VI)-mediated anchorage-independent growth in BEAS-2B cells. Considering that Cr levels exceeding 0.5 μM can be found in human blood due to occupational exposure, the results suggested a potential carcinogenic risk associated with occupational Cr(VI) exposure through the promotion of malignant transformation. The in vitro study further demonstrated that Cr(VI) exposure might inhibit the expression of the SEMA4B gene to promote the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Qin
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Huadong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Yongyong Xi
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Lingfang Feng
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Junfei Chen
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Biao Xu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Xiaowen Dong
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Yongxin Li
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Jianlin Lou
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 182, Tianmushan Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, and the First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, No. 158, Square Back Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
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6
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Arroyo Villora S, Castellanos Silva P, Zenz T, Kwon JS, Schlaudraff N, Nitaj D, Meckbach C, Dammann R, Richter AM. Biomarker RIPK3 Is Silenced by Hypermethylation in Melanoma and Epigenetic Editing Reestablishes Its Tumor Suppressor Function. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:175. [PMID: 38397165 PMCID: PMC10888250 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020175] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
For several decades, cancers have demonstrably been one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. In addition to genetic causes, cancer can also be caused by epigenetic gene modifications. Frequently, tumor suppressor genes are epigenetically inactivated due to hypermethylation of their CpG islands, actively contributing to tumorigenesis. Since CpG islands are usually localized near promoters, hypermethylation of the promoter can have a major impact on gene expression. In this study, the potential tumor suppressor gene Receptor Interacting Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3) was examined for an epigenetic regulation and its gene inactivation in melanomas. A hypermethylation of the RIPK3 CpG island was detected by bisulfite pyrosequencing and was accompanied by a correlated loss of its expression. In addition, an increasing RIPK3 methylation rate was observed with increasing tumor stage of melanomas. For further epigenetic characterization of RIPK3, epigenetic modulation was performed using a modified CRISPR/dCas9 (CRISPRa activation) system targeting its DNA hypermethylation. We observed a reduced fitness of melanoma cells by (re-)expression and demethylation of the RIPK3 gene using the epigenetic editing-based method. The tumor suppressive function of RIPK3 was evident by phenotypic determination using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and wound healing assay. Our data highlight the function of RIPK3 as an epigenetically regulated tumor suppressor in melanoma, allowing it to be classified as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Arroyo Villora
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Tamara Zenz
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ji Sun Kwon
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Nico Schlaudraff
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Dafina Nitaj
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Meckbach
- Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dammann
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Antje M. Richter
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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7
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Ulrich A, Wu Y, Draisma H, Wharton J, Swietlik EM, Cebola I, Vasilaki E, Balkhiyarova Z, Jarvelin MR, Auvinen J, Herzig KH, Coghlan JG, Lordan J, Church C, Howard LS, Pepke-Zaba J, Toshner M, Wort SJ, Kiely DG, Condliffe R, Lawrie A, Gräf S, Morrell NW, Wilkins MR, Prokopenko I, Rhodes CJ. Blood DNA methylation profiling identifies cathepsin Z dysregulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Nat Commun 2024; 15:330. [PMID: 38184627 PMCID: PMC10771427 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44683-0] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling causing premature death from right heart failure. Established DNA variants influence PAH risk, but susceptibility from epigenetic changes is unknown. We addressed this through epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), testing 865,848 CpG sites for association with PAH in 429 individuals with PAH and 1226 controls. Three loci, at Cathepsin Z (CTSZ, cg04917472), Conserved oligomeric Golgi complex 6 (COG6, cg27396197), and Zinc Finger Protein 678 (ZNF678, cg03144189), reached epigenome-wide significance (p < 10-7) and are hypermethylated in PAH, including in individuals with PAH at 1-year follow-up. Of 16 established PAH genes, only cg10976975 in BMP10 shows hypermethylation in PAH. Hypermethylation at CTSZ is associated with decreased blood cathepsin Z mRNA levels. Knockdown of CTSZ expression in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells increases caspase-3/7 activity (p < 10-4). DNA methylation profiles are altered in PAH, exemplified by the pulmonary endothelial function modifier CTSZ, encoding protease cathepsin Z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ulrich
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Yukyee Wu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harmen Draisma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Wharton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emilia M Swietlik
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Inês Cebola
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Vasilaki
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Zhanna Balkhiyarova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- People-Centred Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Unit of Primary Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Juha Auvinen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Institute of Biomedicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Colin Church
- Golden Jubilee National Hospital and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Toshner
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen J Wort
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National PH Service, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - David G Kiely
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robin Condliffe
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Allan Lawrie
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stefan Gräf
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR BioResource for Translational Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Inga Prokopenko
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
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Yuan J, Li S, Han Y, Li F, Shi H, Shi W, Cui W. Restoration of miR-328a-5p function curtails hypoxic pulmonary hypertension through a mechanism involving PIN1/GSK3β/β-catenin axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110599. [PMID: 37567011 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110599] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence has highlighted the involvement of microRNAs (miRs) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PH), which can be induced under hypoxic conditions. We intend to explore whether the miR-328a-5p/PIN1 axis affects hypoxic PH by regulating the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. The GEO database was retrieved to single out key miRs affecting hypoxic PH. It was observed that downregulation of miR-328a-5p occurred in hypoxia-induced PH samples. The binding affinity between miR-328a-5p to PIN1 was predicted by a bioinformatics tool and verified using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Rat primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were exposed to hypoxia for in vitro cell experiments. miR-328a-5p could target and downregulate PIN1 expression, leading to suppressed GSK3β/β-catenin activation. In addition, GSK3β/β-catenin inactivation curtailed hypoxia-induced vascular inflammatory responses and proliferation and migration in PASMCs in vitro. A hypoxic PH model was established in SD rats to observe the effects of miR-328a-5p on hemodynamic parameters and right heart remodeling. It was demonstrated in vivo that miR-328a-5p downregulated PIN1 expression to suppress GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, thereby reducing the vascular inflammatory response and alleviating disease progression in hypoxia-induced PH rats. The evidence provided by our study highlighted the involvement of miR-328a-5p in the translational suppression of PIN1 and the blockade of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, resulting in attenuation of hypoxic PH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqing Yuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Fujun Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Hai Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Weitao Shi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, the Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221100, PR China.
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9
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Jiang Y, Song S, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo X, Lu J, Li L, Yang C, Fu Q, Zeng B. Epigenetic regulation of programmed cell death in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206452. [PMID: 37753070 PMCID: PMC10518698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe progressive disease that may cause early right ventricular failure and eventual cardiac failure. The pathogenesis of PAH involves endothelial dysfunction, aberrant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and vascular fibrosis. Hypoxia has been shown to induce elevated secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to the development of hypoxic PAH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxic PAH remain incompletely understood. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a natural cell death and regulated by certain genes. Emerging evidence suggests that apoptotic resistance contributes to the development of PAH. Moreover, several novel types of PCD, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, have been reported to be involved in the development of PAH. Additionally, multiple diverse epigenetic mechanisms including RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone modification, and the non-coding RNA molecule-mediated processes have been strongly linked to the development of PAH. These epigenetic modifications affect the expression of genes, which produce important changes in cellular biological processes, including PCD. Consequently, a better understanding of the PCD processes and epigenetic modification involved in PAH will provide novel, specific therapeutic strategies for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we aim to discuss recent advances in epigenetic mechanisms and elucidate the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating PCD in hypoxia-induced PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shasha Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Baoxing Biological Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Jiayao Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lie Li
- Shenzhen Reyson Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
- Nanjing Evertop Electronics Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
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Ma B, Cao Y, Qin J, Chen Z, Hu G, Li Q. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching: A key event in the early stage of pulmonary artery hypertension. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103559. [PMID: 36958640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a currently incurable pulmonary vascular disease. Since current research on PAH is mainly aimed at the middle and late stages of disease progression, no satisfactory results have been achieved. This has led researchers to focus on the early stages of PAH. This review highlights for the first time a key event in the early stages of PAH progression, namely, the occurrence of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) phenotypic switching. Summarizing the related reports of performance conversion provides new perspectives and directions for the early pathological progression and treatment strategies for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jia Qin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
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11
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Bu Y, Wu H, Deng R, Wang Y. Geniposide restricts angiogenesis in experimentary arthritis via inhibiting Dnmt1-mediated PTEN hypermethylation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109087. [PMID: 35908504 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109087] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neovascularization in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a key bridge between malignant proliferative synovial tissue and pannus. In view of previous studies on the efficacy of Geniposide (GE) in experimentary arthritis, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism of GE inhibiting angiogenesis by regulating the gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN). In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat models were performed to research in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that GE treatment significantly reduced synovitis and angiogenesis in AA rats, which may be associated with the increased expression of PTEN with GE treatment. Meanwhile, the hypermethylation of PTEN accompanied by the over-expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) was demonstrated in TNF-α-induced HUVEC and AA rats. Knockdown of Dnmt1 by Dnmt1- siRNA significantly inhibited the tube formation of HUVEC in vitro. GE significantly restricted the angiogenesis of HUVEC by inhibiting DNA methylation, which was attributed to the down-regulation of Dnmt1 rather than Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. The anti-angiogenesis effect of GE was further verified in AA model by the inhibition of Dnmt1. These results indicate that GE exhibited anti-angiogenesis effects in experimentary arthritis by inhibiting Dnmt1-mediated PTEN gene hypermethylation, which may brings new insights for the prevention and research of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Bu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qian Jiang Road 1, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qian Jiang Road 1, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
| | - Ran Deng
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qian Jiang Road 1, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qian Jiang Road 1, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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12
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PTEN: An Emerging Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention in Respiratory Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4512503. [PMID: 35814272 PMCID: PMC9262564 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4512503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor that regulates several key cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, genomic integrity, migration, and invasion, via PI3K-dependent and independent mechanisms. A subtle decrease in PTEN levels or catalytic activity is implicated not only in cancer but also in a wide spectrum of other diseases, including various respiratory diseases. A systemic overview of the advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PTEN involved in the initiation and progression of respiratory diseases may offer novel targets for the development of effective therapeutics for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In the present review, we highlight the novel findings emerging from current research on the role of PTEN expression and regulation in airway pathological conditions such as asthma/allergic airway inflammation, pulmonary hypertension (PAH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and other acute lung injuries (ALI). Moreover, we discuss the clinical implications of PTEN alteration and recently suggested therapeutic possibilities for restoration of PTEN expression and function in respiratory diseases.
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13
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Zhang D, Zhang D, Wang C, Zhang R, Li Q, Xiong Y. Mechanism of DNA methylation-mediated downregulation of O6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in cartilage injury of Kashin-Beck Disease. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3471-3480. [PMID: 34888649 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy, in which excessive apoptosis of chondrocytes occurs. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA damage repair gene, plays an important role in apoptosis but the mechanism is unclear in KBD cartilage injury. This study was to investigate the expression and promoter methylation of MGMT in KBD patients and its role in DNA damage and apoptosis of chondrocytes. METHODS MGMT mRNA and protein level were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Demethylation of MGMT was carried out using 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine, and the methylation level of MGMT promoter was measured by quantitative methylation specific PCR. Next, shRNA was used to knockdown the expression of MGMT. Cell viability, apoptosis and DNA damage were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 staining and alkaline comet assay following T-2 toxin and selenium treatment. RESULTS MGMT protein expression and mRNA levels were decreased (p = 0.02, p = 0.007) and promoter methylation was increased (p = 0.008) in KBD patients. Meanwhile, MGMT level was upregulated by 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine in chondrocytes (p = 0.0002). DNA damage and apoptosis rates were increased in MGMT-silenced chondrocytes (all p < 0.0001). Furthermore, DNA damage and apoptosis were increseaed in chondrocytes treated with T-2 toxin (all p < 0.0001), but were decreased after selenium treatment (p < 0.0001, p = 0.01). Decreased mRNA level and increased methylation of MGMT were found in T-2 toxin group (p = 0.005, p = 0.002), while selenium reversed it (p = 0.02, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS MGMT might play a crucial part in the pathogenesis of KBD cartilage injury, which providing a therapeutic target for KBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Institute of Endemic Diseases and Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Institute of Endemic Diseases and Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Institute of Endemic Diseases and Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Endemic Diseases and Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongmin Xiong
- Institute of Endemic Diseases and Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No.76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Hudson J, Farkas L. Epigenetic Regulation of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212098. [PMID: 34829978 PMCID: PMC8617605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Once perceived as a disorder treated by vasodilation, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has emerged as a pulmonary vascular disease with severe endothelial cell dysfunction. In the absence of a cure, many studies seek to understand the detailed mechanisms of EC regulation to potentially create more therapeutic options for PAH. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by complex phenotypic changes including unchecked proliferation, apoptosis-resistance, enhanced inflammatory signaling and metabolic reprogramming. Recent studies have highlighted the role of epigenetic modifications leading to pro-inflammatory response pathways, endothelial dysfunction, and the progression of PAH. This review summarizes the existing literature on epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, which can lead to aberrant endothelial function. Our goal is to develop a conceptual framework for immune dysregulation and epigenetic changes in endothelial cells in the context of PAH. These studies as well as others may lead to advances in therapeutics to treat this devastating disease.
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15
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Zhou W, Wang C, Chang J, Huang Y, Xue Q, Miao C, Wu P. RNA Methylations in Cardiovascular Diseases, Molecular Structure, Biological Functions and Regulatory Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722728. [PMID: 34489709 PMCID: PMC8417252 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722728] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Despite considerable progress in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of CVDs, new diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic measures are urgently needed to reduce the mortality of CVDs and improve the therapeutic effect. RNA methylations regulate almost all aspects of RNA processing, such as RNA nuclear export, translation, splicing and non-coding RNA processing. In view of the importance of RNA methylations in the pathogenesis of diseases, this work reviews the molecular structures, biological functions of five kinds of RNA methylations (m6A, m5C, m1a, m6am and m7G) and their effects on CVDs, including pulmonary hypertension, hypertension, vascular calcification, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure. In CVDs, m6A “writers” catalyze the installation of m6A on RNAs, while “erasers” remove these modifications. Finally, the “readers” of m6A further influence the mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and degradation. M5C, m1A, m6Am and m7G are new types of RNA methylations, their roles in CVDs need to be further explored. RNA methylations have become a new research hotspot and the roles in CVDs is gradually emerging, the review of the molecular characteristics, biological functions and effects of RNA methylation on CVDs will contribute to the elucidation of the pathological mechanisms of CVDs and the discovery of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Changhui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Chang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Basis and Development of Modern Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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16
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Qin Y, Qiao Y, Li L, Luo E, Wang D, Yao Y, Tang C, Yan G. The m 6A methyltransferase METTL3 promotes hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Life Sci 2021; 274:119366. [PMID: 33741419 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal chemical RNA modification in mammal mRNAs. Accumulating evidence has shown the critical role of m6A in cardiovascular diseases including cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, vascular calcification, restenosis, and aortic aneurysm. However, whether m6A participates in the occurrence and development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) remains largely unknown. The present study aims to explore the role of key transferase METTL3, in the development of HPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and hypoxic rat models were used to research the METTL3-mediated m6A in HPH. EdU, transwell and TUNEL were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration and apoptosis rates. m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit and m6A-qPCR were utilized to measure the total m6A level and m6A level of PTEN mRNA. RNA immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction between METTL3 and PTEN mRNA. KEY FINDINGS Both METTL3 mRNA and protein were found abnormally upregulated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, downregulation of METTL3 attenuated PASMCs proliferation and migration. In addition, m6A binding protein YTHDF2 was found significantly increased in PASMCs under hypoxia. YTHDF2 recognized METTL3 mediated m6A modified PTEN mRNA and promoted the degradation of PTEN. Decreased PTEN led to over-proliferation of PASMCs through activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE METTL3/YTHDF2/PTEN axis exerts a significant role in hypoxia induced PASMCs proliferation, providing a novel therapeutic target for HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yong Qiao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Linqing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Erfei Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuyu Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Chengchun Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Gaoliang Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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17
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Strand KA, Lu S, Mutryn MF, Li L, Zhou Q, Enyart BT, Jolly AJ, Dubner AM, Moulton KS, Nemenoff RA, Koch KA, LaBarbera DV, Weiser-Evans MCM. High Throughput Screen Identifies the DNMT1 (DNA Methyltransferase-1) Inhibitor, 5-Azacytidine, as a Potent Inducer of PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog): Central Role for PTEN in 5-Azacytidine Protection Against Pathological Vascular Remodeling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:1854-1869. [PMID: 32580634 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our recent work demonstrates that PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is an important regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype. SMC-specific PTEN deletion promotes spontaneous vascular remodeling and PTEN loss correlates with increased atherosclerotic lesion severity in human coronary arteries. In mice, PTEN overexpression reduces plaque area and preserves SMC contractile protein expression in atherosclerosis and blunts Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced pathological vascular remodeling, suggesting that pharmacological PTEN upregulation could be a novel therapeutic approach to treat vascular disease. Approach and Results: To identify novel PTEN activators, we conducted a high-throughput screen using a fluorescence based PTEN promoter-reporter assay. After screening ≈3400 compounds, 11 hit compounds were chosen based on level of activity and mechanism of action. Following in vitro confirmation, we focused on 5-azacytidine, a DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase-1) inhibitor, for further analysis. In addition to PTEN upregulation, 5-azacytidine treatment increased expression of genes associated with a differentiated SMC phenotype. 5-Azacytidine treatment also maintained contractile gene expression and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression after PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) stimulation, suggesting 5-azacytidine blocks PDGF-induced SMC de-differentiation. However, these protective effects were lost in PTEN-deficient SMCs. These findings were confirmed in vivo using carotid ligation in SMC-specific PTEN knockout mice treated with 5-azacytidine. In wild type controls, 5-azacytidine reduced neointimal formation and inflammation while maintaining contractile protein expression. In contrast, 5-azacytidine was ineffective in PTEN knockout mice, indicating that the protective effects of 5-azacytidine are mediated through SMC PTEN upregulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates 5-azacytidine upregulates PTEN expression in SMCs, promoting maintenance of SMC differentiation and reducing pathological vascular remodeling in a PTEN-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Strand
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Sizhao Lu
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Linfeng Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Qiong Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Blake T Enyart
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Austin J Jolly
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Allison M Dubner
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Karen S Moulton
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Keith A Koch
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
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Wang Y, Qin N, Zhao C, Yuan J, Lu S, Li W, Xiang H, Hao H. The correlation between the methylation of PTEN gene and the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells mediated by SeHA nanoparticles. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 184:110499. [PMID: 31541893 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.110499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The invasive spreading of residual osteosarcoma cells becomes a serious threat to human health, urgently needing new bone regenerative biomaterials for orthopedic therapy. Thus, in this work, selenite-substituted hydroxyapatite (SeHA) nanoparticles were prepared for both inhibiting the recurrence of the tumor and accelerating the regenerative repair of bone defect. Physicochemical characterization showed these synthetic nanoparticles were spherical poly-crystals with the shape of snowflakes. Such structure benefited them to inhibit the cellular viability of osteosarcoma cells by about (58.90 ± 14.37)% during 24 h co-culturing. The expression level of cell growth-related genes such as PTEN, MMP-9, Cyclin D1, Cyclin A2, Annexin A2 and CDC2 decreased. Bisulfite Sequence PCR of PTEN gene exhibited about (22.40 ± 5.39)%, (45.91 ± 6.36)% and (25.90 ± 5.36)% promoter methylation in control, HA and SeHA group. Animal experiment also proved the similar effects. Almost no recurrence were observed in SeHA group. Oppositely, the slowly recurrent growth of the remnant tumor appeared in purely surgical group. The overall survival and toxicity analysis showed that, in the usage dose of 0-0.1 g, the SeHA-0.01 exhibited higher inhibitory recurrence and metastasis potentials, lower renal toxicity and better anti-inflammation function. Immunohistochemistry stain showed the reduced expression of PTEN, MMP-9, Ki-67 and Annexin A2, but slightly increased expression of DNMT1 and BMP-2. Compared the methylation status of PTEN gene in each group, it was confirming that SeHA nanoparticles hardly possessed the de-methylation effect, but the pure HA strikingly increased the methylation level of such gene. It seemed the dopant selenite ions possessed de-methylation effect onto PTEN gene. Therefore, from the viewpoint of inhibiting metastatic potentials, the SeHA-0.01 might be a feasible biomaterial to inhibit the relapse of the tumor post-surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Na Qin
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Caifa Zhao
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jiehua Yuan
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Morphology, Medical Science College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Huiyao Xiang
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Hang Hao
- Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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