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Brandon KD, Frank WE, Stroka KM. Junctions at the crossroads: the impact of mechanical cues on endothelial cell-cell junction conformations and vascular permeability. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C1073-C1086. [PMID: 39129490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00605.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells depend on precisely regulating barrier function within the vasculature to maintain physiological stability and facilitate essential substance transport. Endothelial cells achieve this through specialized adherens and tight junction protein complexes, which govern paracellular permeability across vascular beds. Adherens junctions, anchored by vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and associated catenins to the actin cytoskeleton, mediate homophilic adhesion crucial for barrier integrity. In contrast, tight junctions composed of occludin, claudin, and junctional adhesion molecule A interact with Zonula Occludens proteins, reinforcing intercellular connections essential for barrier selectivity. Endothelial cell-cell junctions exhibit dynamic conformations during development, maturation, and remodeling, regulated by local biochemical and mechanical cues. These structural adaptations play pivotal roles in disease contexts such as chronic inflammation, where junctional remodeling contributes to increased vascular permeability observed in conditions from cancer to cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, the brain microvasculature's specialized junctional arrangements pose challenges for therapeutic drug delivery due to their unique molecular compositions and tight organization. This commentary explores the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell-cell junction conformations and their implications for vascular permeability. By highlighting recent advances in quantifying junctional changes and understanding mechanotransduction pathways, we elucidate how physical forces from cellular contacts and hemodynamic flow influence junctional dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken D Brandon
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - William E Frank
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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2
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Caddy HT, Fujino M, Vahabli E, Voigt V, Kelsey LJ, Dilley RJ, Carvalho LS, Takahashi S, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Simulation of murine retinal hemodynamics in response to tail suspension. Comput Biol Med 2024; 182:109148. [PMID: 39298883 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The etiology of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) remains unclear. Recent murine studies indicate there may be a link between the space environment and retinal endothelial dysfunction. Post-fixed control (N = 4) and 14-day tail-suspended (TS) (N = 4) mice eye samples were stained and imaged for the vessel plexus and co-located regions of endothelial cell death. A custom workflow combined whole-mounted and tear reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) spherical retinal plexus models with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation that accounted for the Fåhræus-Lindqvist effect and boundary conditions that accommodated TS fluid pressure measurements and deeper capillary layer blood flow distribution. TS samples exhibited reduced surface area (4.6 ± 0.5 mm2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mm2, P = 0.010) and shorter lengths between branches in small vessels (<10 μm, 69.5 ± 0.6 μm vs. 60.4 ± 1.1 μm, P < 0.001). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure were higher in TS mice compared to controls, particularly in smaller vessels (<10 μm, WSS: 6.57 ± 1.08 Pa vs. 4.72 ± 0.67 Pa, P = 0.034, Pressure: 72.04 ± 3.14 mmHg vs. 50.64 ± 6.74 mmHg, P = 0.004). Rates of retinal endothelial cell death were variable in TS mice compared to controls. WSS and pressure were generally higher in cell death regions, both within and between cohorts, but significance was variable and limited to small to medium-sized vessels (<20 μm). These findings suggest a link may exist between emulated microgravity and retinal endothelial dysfunction that may have implications for SANS development. Future work with increased sample sizes of larger species or spaceflight cohorts should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mitsunori Fujino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ebrahim Vahabli
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Valentina Voigt
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rodney J Dilley
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Retinal Genomics and Therapy Group, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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3
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Gouliopoulos N, Siasos G, Oikonomou E, Sapounas S, Rouvas A, Ziogas AC, Moschos MM, Tousoulis D. The Association of Systemic Endothelial Dysfunction With Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema. Angiology 2024:33197241263384. [PMID: 38889729 DOI: 10.1177/00033197241263384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Our aim was to assess whether systemic endothelial dysfunction, evaluated non-invasively by flow mediated dilation (FMD), is associated with diabetic macular edema (DME) and to determine if it is further impaired in patients with diffuse-DME. Consecutive patients (n = 84) with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic retinopathy were enrolled. DME was not present in 38 (non-DME) and present in 46 patients; 25 with focal and 21 with diffuse-DME. No differences were detected between DME and non-DME groups regarding the clinical and demographic characteristics, except for the age of T2DM initiation (lower in non-DME). FMD values were significantly impaired in DME compared with non-DME patients, even after adjustment for multiple covariates (3.56 ± 1.03 vs 4.57 ± 1.25%, P = .003). Among DME patients, no differences were found concerning the clinical and demographic data, while FMD levels were significantly lower in diffuse-DME patients, compared with the focal-DME ones, regardless of the impact several confounders (2.88 ± 0.65 vs 4.08 ± 0.95%, P = .002). It is noteworthy that FMD values of non-DME and focal-DME patients did not differ significantly (4.52 ± 1.24 vs 4.21 ± 1.06%, P = .307). Moreover, among DME patients, impaired FMD was an independent predictor of diffuse-DME (odds ratio: 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.47, P = .007).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Gouliopoulos
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Attikon' University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Sapounas
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Rouvas
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Attikon' University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos C Ziogas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marilita M Moschos
- 1st Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'G. Gennimatas' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Yu Z, Chen Y, Li J, Chen C, Lu H, Chen S, Zhang T, Guo T, Zhu Y, Jin J, Yan S, Chen H. A tempo-spatial controllable microfluidic shear-stress generator for in-vitro mimicking of the thrombus. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:187. [PMID: 38632623 PMCID: PMC11022418 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological conditions linked to shear stress have been identified in hematological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These conditions often exhibit significantly elevated shear stress levels, surpassing 1000 dyn/cm2 in severely stenotic arteries. Heightened shear stress can induce mechanical harm to endothelial cells, potentially leading to bleeding and fatal consequences. However, current technology still grapples with limitations, including inadequate flexibility in simulating bodily shear stress environments, limited range of shear stress generation, and spatial and temporal adaptability. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impact of shear stress on physiological and pathological conditions, like thrombosis, remains inadequate. To address these limitations, this study presents a microfluidic-based shear stress generation chip as a proposed solution. The chip achieves a substantial 929-fold variation in shear stress solely by adjusting the degree of constriction in branch channels after PDMS fabrication. Experiments demonstrated that a rapid increase in shear stress up to 1000 dyn/cm2 significantly detached 88.2% cells from the substrate. Long-term exposure (24 h) to shear stress levels below 8.3 dyn/cm2 did not significantly impact cell growth. Furthermore, cells exposed to shear stress levels equal to or greater than 8.3 dyn/cm2 exhibited significant alterations in aspect ratio and orientation, following a normal distribution. This microfluidic chip provides a reliable tool for investigating cellular responses to the wide-ranging shear stress existing in both physiological and pathological flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Yu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yiqun Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chang Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Huaxiu Lu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tianruo Guo
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yonggang Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Jin
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Huaying Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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5
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Ling Y, Kang X, Yi Y, Feng S, Ma G, Qu H. CLDN5: From structure and regulation to roles in tumors and other diseases beyond CNS disorders. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107075. [PMID: 38228255 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Claudin-5 (CLDN5) is an essential component of tight junctions (TJs) and is critical for the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), ensuring homeostasis and protection from damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, many researchers have summarized the role and mechanisms of CLDN5 in CNS diseases. However, it is noteworthy that CLDN5 also plays a significant role in tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, abnormal CLDN5 expression is involved in the development of respiratory diseases, intestinal diseases, cardiac diseases, and diabetic ocular complications. This paper aims to review the structure, expression, and regulation of CLDN5, focusing on its role in tumors, including its expression and regulation, effects on malignant phenotypes, and clinical significance. Furthermore, this paper will provide an overview of the role and mechanisms of CLDN5 in respiratory diseases, intestinal diseases, cardiac diseases, and diabetic ocular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ling
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Bethune Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinxin Kang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Bethune Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Yi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Bethune Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shenao Feng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Bethune Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guanshen Ma
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Bethune Second Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huinan Qu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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6
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Caddy HT, Kelsey LJ, Parker LP, Green DJ, Doyle BJ. Modelling large scale artery haemodynamics from the heart to the eye in response to simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38218868 PMCID: PMC10787773 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00348-w] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated variations in haemodynamics in response to simulated microgravity across a semi-subject-specific three-dimensional (3D) continuous arterial network connecting the heart to the eye using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Using this model we simulated pulsatile blood flow in an upright Earth gravity case and a simulated microgravity case. Under simulated microgravity, regional time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) increased and oscillatory shear index (OSI) decreased in upper body arteries, whilst the opposite was observed in the lower body. Between cases, uniform changes in TAWSS and OSI were found in the retina across diameters. This work demonstrates that 3D CFD simulations can be performed across continuously connected networks of small and large arteries. Simulated results exhibited similarities to low dimensional spaceflight simulations and measured data-specifically that blood flow and shear stress decrease towards the lower limbs and increase towards the cerebrovasculature and eyes in response to simulated microgravity, relative to an upright position in Earth gravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Caddy
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lachlan J Kelsey
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Louis P Parker
- FLOW, Department of Engineering Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Sciences), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barry J Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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7
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Lyu QR, Fu K. Tissue-specific Cre driver mice to study vascular diseases. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 153:107241. [PMID: 37923099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and abdominal aneurysms, are the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among the elderly worldwide. The life quality of patients is significantly compromised due to inadequate therapeutic approaches and limited drug targets. To expand our comprehension of vascular diseases, gene knockout (KO) mice, especially conditional knockout (cKO) mice, are widely used for investigating gene function and mechanisms of action. The Cre-loxP system is the most common method for generating cKO mice. Numerous Cre driver mice have been established to study the main cell types that compose blood vessels, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Here, we first discuss the characteristics of each layer of the arterial wall. Next, we provide an overview of the representative Cre driver mice utilized for each of the major cell types in the vessel wall and their most recent applications in vascular biology. We then go over Cre toxicity and discuss the practical methods for minimizing Cre interference in experimental outcomes. Finally, we look into the future of tissue-specific Cre drivers by introducing the revolutionary single-cell RNA sequencing and dual recombinase system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Rex Lyu
- Medical Research Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Academy of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China.
| | - Kailong Fu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China.
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8
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Zhou R, Li J, Chen Z, Wang R, Shen Y, Zhang R, Zhou F, Zhang Y. Pathological hemodynamic changes and leukocyte transmigration disrupt the blood-spinal cord barrier after spinal cord injury. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:118. [PMID: 37210532 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02787-w] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is a key event after spinal cord injury (SCI), which permits unfavorable blood-derived substances to enter the neural tissue and exacerbates secondary injury. However, limited mechanical impact is usually followed by a large-scale BSCB disruption in SCI. How the BSCB disruption is propagated along the spinal cord in the acute period of SCI remains unclear. Thus, strategies for appropriate clinical treatment are lacking. METHODS A SCI contusion mouse model was established in wild-type and LysM-YFP transgenic mice. In vivo two-photon imaging and complementary studies, including immunostaining, capillary western blotting, and whole-tissue clearing, were performed to monitor BSCB disruption and verify relevant injury mechanisms. Clinically applied target temperature management (TTM) to reduce the core body temperature was tested for the efficacy of attenuating BSCB disruption. RESULTS Barrier leakage was detected in the contusion epicenter within several minutes and then gradually spread to more distant regions. Membrane expression of the main tight junction proteins remained unaltered at four hours post-injury. Many junctional gaps emerged in paracellular tight junctions at the small vessels from multiple spinal cord segments at 15 min post-injury. A previously unnoticed pathological hemodynamic change was observed in the venous system, which likely facilitated gap formation and barrier leakage by exerting abnormal physical force on the BSCB. Leukocytes were quickly initiated to transverse through the BSCB within 30 min post-SCI, actively facilitating gap formation and barrier leakage. Inducing leukocyte transmigration generated gap formation and barrier leakage. Furthermore, pharmacological alleviation of pathological hemodynamic changes or leukocyte transmigration reduced gap formation and barrier leakage. TTM had very little protective effects on the BSCB in the early period of SCI other than partially alleviating leukocyte infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that BSCB disruption in the early period of SCI is a secondary change, which is indicated by widespread gap formation in tight junctions. Pathological hemodynamic changes and leukocyte transmigration contribute to gap formation, which could advance our understanding of BSCB disruption and provide new clues for potential treatment strategies. Ultimately, TTM is inadequate to protect the BSCB in early SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubing Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of P.R. China, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Junzhao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of P.R. China, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruideng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Shen
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of P.R. China, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of P.R. China, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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9
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O’Hare M, Esquiva G, McGahon MK, Hombrebueno JMR, Augustine J, Canning P, Edgar KS, Barabas P, Friedel T, Cincolà P, Henry J, Mayne K, Ferrin H, Stitt AW, Lyons TJ, Brazil DP, Grieve DJ, McGeown JG, Curtis TM. Loss of TRPV2-mediated blood flow autoregulation recapitulates diabetic retinopathy in rats. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e155128. [PMID: 36134661 PMCID: PMC9675469 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of retinal blood flow autoregulation is an early feature of diabetes that precedes the development of clinically recognizable diabetic retinopathy (DR). Retinal blood flow autoregulation is mediated by the myogenic response of the retinal arterial vessels, a process that is initiated by the stretch‑dependent activation of TRPV2 channels on the retinal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here, we show that the impaired myogenic reaction of retinal arterioles from diabetic animals is associated with a complete loss of stretch‑dependent TRPV2 current activity on the retinal VSMCs. This effect could be attributed, in part, to TRPV2 channel downregulation, a phenomenon that was also evident in human retinal VSMCs from diabetic donors. We also demonstrate that TRPV2 heterozygous rats, a nondiabetic model of impaired myogenic reactivity and blood flow autoregulation in the retina, develop a range of microvascular, glial, and neuronal lesions resembling those observed in DR, including neovascular complexes. No overt kidney pathology was observed in these animals. Our data suggest that TRPV2 dysfunction underlies the loss of retinal blood flow autoregulation in diabetes and provide strong support for the hypothesis that autoregulatory deficits are involved in the pathogenesis of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O’Hare
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Mary K. McGahon
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Josy Augustine
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Paul Canning
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Kevin S. Edgar
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Peter Barabas
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | - Thomas Friedel
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | | | - Jennifer Henry
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Mayne
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Ferrin
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alan W. Stitt
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
| | | | | | | | | | - Tim M. Curtis
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine and
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10
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Morphology and fluorescein leakage in diabetic retinal microaneurysms: a study using multiple en face OCT angiography image averaging. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3517-3523. [PMID: 35665851 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05713-7] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relevance of microaneurysm morphology in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) image averaging and fluorescein leakage in diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS In 38 consecutive patients with DR, ten consecutive 3- × 3-mm fovea-centered OCTA (HS100, Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and fluorescein angiography (FA) were performed, and averaged OCTA images were created based on the 10 images. After detecting all microaneurysms in FA images, the morphology was classified into four types (focal bulge, saccular/pedunculated, fusiform, and mixed) using averaged OCTA images. The correlation between microaneurysm leakage in FA, retinopathy stage, and microaneurysm morphology was estimated. RESULTS Thirty-eight eyes (50.0%) of the 33 patients were available for analysis, and 370 (63.5%) of the 583 FA-detected microaneurysms were morphologically classifiable (focal bulge, 46; saccular/pedunculated, 143; fusiform, 29; and mixed, 152) in OCTA. There was a significant correlation between stage and percentage of microaneurysm morphology and between morphology and the presence of leakage (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The proportion of focal bulges decreased with stage progression, while the other three types increased with stage progression. The percentage of FA leakage for focal bulge, saccular/pedunculated, fusiform, and mixed was 41.3%, 66.4%, 82.8%, and 66.4%, respectively, and the fusiform type showed significant FA leakage. CONCLUSION Microaneurysm morphology is correlated with the DR stage and FA leakage. Microaneurysm morphology recognition using OCTA image averaging may be useful for the clinical evaluation of DR.
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12
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The Response of Corneal Endothelial Cells to Shear Stress in an In Vitro Flow Model. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:9217866. [PMID: 34873452 PMCID: PMC8643247 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9217866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal endothelial cells are usually exposed to shear stress caused by the aqueous humour, which is similar to the exposure of vascular endothelial cells to shear stress caused by blood flow. However, the effect of fluid shear stress on corneal endothelial cells is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the shear stress that results from the aqueous humour influences corneal endothelial cells. Methods An in vitro model was established to generate fluid flow on cells, and the effect of fluid flow on corneal endothelial cells after exposure to two levels of shear stress for different durations was investigated. The mRNA and protein expression of corneal endothelium-related markers in rabbit corneal endothelial cells was evaluated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Results The expression of the corneal endothelium-related markers ZO-1, N-cadherin, and Na+-K+-ATPase in rabbit corneal endothelial cells (RCECs) was upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels after exposure to shear stress. Conclusion This study demonstrates that RCECs respond favourably to fluid shear stress, which may contribute to the maintenance of corneal endothelial cell function. Furthermore, this study also provides a theoretical foundation for further investigating the response of human corneal endothelial cells to the shear stress caused by the aqueous humour.
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Lee HW, Xu Y, He L, Choi W, Gonzalez D, Jin SW, Simons M. Role of Venous Endothelial Cells in Developmental and Pathologic Angiogenesis. Circulation 2021; 144:1308-1322. [PMID: 34474596 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is a dynamic process that involves expansion of a preexisting vascular network that can occur in a number of physiological and pathological settings. Despite its importance, the origin of the new angiogenic vasculature is poorly defined. In particular, the primary subtype of endothelial cells (capillary, venous, arterial) driving this process remains undefined. METHODS Endothelial cells were fate-mapped with the use of genetic markers specific to arterial and capillary cells. In addition, we identified a novel venous endothelial marker gene (Gm5127) and used it to generate inducible venous endothelium-specific Cre and Dre driver mouse lines. Contributions of these various types of endothelial cells to angiogenesis were examined during normal postnatal development and in disease-specific setting. RESULTS Using a comprehensive set of endothelial subtype-specific inducible reporter mice, including tip, arterial, and venous endothelial reporter lines, we showed that venous endothelial cells are the primary endothelial subtype responsible for the expansion of an angiogenic vascular network. During physiological angiogenesis, venous endothelial cells proliferate, migrating against the blood flow and differentiating into tip, capillary, and arterial endothelial cells of the new vasculature. Using intravital 2-photon imaging, we observed venous endothelial cells migrating against the blood flow to form new blood vessels. Venous endothelial cell migration also plays a key role in pathological angiogenesis. This was observed both in formation of arteriovenous malformations in mice with inducible endothelium-specific Smad4 deletion mice and in pathological vessel growth seen in oxygen-induced retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS Our studies establish that venous endothelial cells are the primary endothelial subtype responsible for normal expansion of vascular networks, formation of arteriovenous malformations, and pathological angiogenesis. These observations highlight the central role of the venous endothelium in normal development and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yanying Xu
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China (Y.X.)
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden (L.H.)
| | - Woosoung Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (W.C., S.-W.J.)
| | - David Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics (D.G.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (W.C., S.-W.J.)
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cell Biology (M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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14
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Yan M, Wang H, Gu Y, Li X, Tao L, Lu P. Melatonin exerts protective effects on diabetic retinopathy via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway as revealed by quantitative proteomics. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108521. [PMID: 33636209 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common ocular complication resulting from diabetes in working-age adults, causes vision impairment and even blindness because of microvascular damage to the retina. Melatonin is an endogenous neurohormone possessing various biological properties, including the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and angiogenesis functions. To evaluate the effects of melatonin on DR, we first investigated the role of melatonin in retinal angiogenesis and inner blood-retina barrier (iBRB) under high glucose conditions in vitro and in vivo. Melatonin administration ameliorated high glucose-induced iBRB disruption, cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion and tube formation, and decreased the expression levels of VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Furthermore, melatonin treatment increased the level of autophagy but decreased the expression levels of inflammation-related factors under high glucose conditions. To further explore the underlying mechanism, we evaluated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) via tandem mass tags (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics under high-glucose conditions with or without melatonin. Bioinformatics analysis results revealed that the main enrichment pathway of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) was the Wnt pathway. We found that melatonin inhibited the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway following DR. These abovementioned protective effects of melatonin under hyperglycemia were blocked by lithium chloride (LiCl; activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway). In summary, melatonin exerts protective effects on experimental DR via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway by, at least partially, alleviating autophagic dysfunction and inflammatory activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Haochen Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, 215213, China
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, 215213, China.
| | - Peirong Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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15
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Huang J, Li Y, Chen Y, You Y, Niu T, Zou W, Luo W. Multifocal Electroretinogram Can Detect the Abnormal Retinal Change in Early Stage of type2 DM Patients without Apparent Diabetic Retinopathy. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:6644691. [PMID: 33681384 PMCID: PMC7925060 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6644691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study retinal function defects in type 2 diabetic patients without clinically apparent retinopathy using a multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG). METHODS Seventy-six eyes of thirty-eight type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM) patients without clinically apparent retinopathy and sixty-four normal eyes of thirty-two healthy control (HC) participants were examined using mf-ERG. RESULTS Patients with type 2 DM without apparent diabetic retinopathy demonstrated an obvious implicit time delay of P1 in ring 1, ring 3, and ring 5 compared with healthy controls (t = 5.184, p ≤ 0.001; t = 8.077, p ≤ 0.001; t = 2.000, p = 0.047, respectively). The implicit time (IT) in ring 4 of N1wave was significantly delayed in the DM group (t = 2.327, p = 0.021). Compared with the HC group, the implicit time of the P1 and N1 waves in the temporal retina zone was significantly prolonged (t = 3.66, p ≤ 0.001; t = 2.187, p = 0.03, respectively). And the amplitude of P1 in the temporal retina decreased in the DM group, which had a significantly statistical difference with the healthy controls (t = -6.963, p ≤ 0.001). However, there were no differences in either the amplitude of the response or the implicit time of the nasal retina zone between DM and HC. The AUC of multiparameters of mf-ERG was higher in the diagnosis of DR patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 2 DM without clinically apparent retinopathy had a delayed implicit time of P1 wave in temporal regions of the postpole of the retina compared with HC subjects. It demonstrates that mf-ERG can detect the abnormal retinal change in the early stage of type2 DM patients without apparent diabetic retinopathy. Multiparameters of mf-ERG can improve the diagnostic efficacy of DR, and it may be a potential clinical biomarker for early diagnosis of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Yuhong You
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Tongtong Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Weijie Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Weifeng Luo
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
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16
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Vilela MA, Amaral CE, Ferreira MAT. Retinal vascular tortuosity: Mechanisms and measurements. Eur J Ophthalmol 2020; 31:1497-1506. [PMID: 33307777 DOI: 10.1177/1120672120979907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinal vessel tortuosity has been used in the diagnosis and management of different clinical situations. Notwithstanding, basic concepts, standards and tools of measurement, reliable normative data and clinical applications have many gaps or points of divergence. In this review we discuss triggering causes of retinal vessel tortuosity and resources used to assess and quantify it, as well as current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ap Vilela
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ev Amaral
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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17
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Romero-Vázquez S, Adán A, Figueras-Roca M, Llorenç V, Slevin M, Vilahur G, Badimon L, Dick AD, Molins B. Activation of C-reactive protein proinflammatory phenotype in the blood retinal barrier in vitro: implications for age-related macular degeneration. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:13905-13923. [PMID: 32673285 PMCID: PMC7425453 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is considered one of the main targets of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the ageing population worldwide. Persistent low grade inflammation and oxidative stress eventually lead to RPE dysfunction and disruption of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Increased levels of circulating pentameric C-reactive protein (pCRP) are associated with higher risk of AMD. The monomeric form (mCRP) has been detected in drusen, the hallmark deposits associated with AMD, and we have found that mCRP induces oBRB disruption. However, it is unknown how mCRP is generated in the subretinal space. Using a Transwell model we found that both pCRP and mCRP can cross choroidal endothelial cells and reach the RPE in vitro and that mCRP, but not pCRP, is able to cross the RPE monolayer in ARPE-19 cells. Alternatively, mCRP can originate from the dissociation of pCRP in the surface of lipopolysaccharide-damaged RPE in both ARPE-19 and primary porcine RPE lines. In addition, we found that the proinflammatory phenotype of mCRP in the RPE depends on its topological localization. Together, our findings further support mCRP contribution to AMD progression enhancing oBRB disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Romero-Vázquez
- Group of Ocular Inflammation, Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Adán
- Group of Ocular Inflammation, Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Figueras-Roca
- Group of Ocular Inflammation, Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Llorenç
- Group of Ocular Inflammation, Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Slevin
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Cardiovascular Research Center-ICCC, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, CiberCV, Institute Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Research Center-ICCC, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, CiberCV, Institute Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew D Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences and School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation, Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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The role of semaphorins in small vessels of the eye and brain. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105044. [PMID: 32590102 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Small vessel diseases, such as ischemic retinopathy and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), are increasingly recognized in patients with diabetes, dementia and cerebrovascular disease. The mechanisms of small vessel diseases are poorly understood, but the latest studies suggest a role for semaphorins. Initially identified as axon guidance cues, semaphorins are mainly studied in neuronal morphogenesis, neural circuit assembly, and synapse assembly and refinement. In recent years, semaphorins have been found to play important roles in regulating vascular growth and development and in many pathophysiological processes, including atherosclerosis, angiogenesis after stroke and retinopathy. Growing evidence indicates that semaphorins affect the occurrence, perfusion and regression of both the macrovasculature and microvasculature by regulating the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, barrier function and inflammatory response of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pericytes. In this review, we concentrate on the regulatory effects of semaphorins on the cell components of the vessel wall and their potential roles in microvascular diseases, especially in the retina and cerebral small vessel. Finally, we discuss potential molecular approaches in targeting semaphorins as therapies for microvascular disorders in the eye and brain.
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19
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Jiang W, Chen H, Tai Z, Li T, Luo L, Tong Z, Zhu W. Apigenin and Ethaverine Hydrochloride Enhance Retinal Vascular Barrier In Vitro and In Vivo. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:8. [PMID: 32821505 PMCID: PMC7409011 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.6.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to develop an impedance-based drug screening platform that will help identify drugs that can enhance the vascular barrier function by stabilizing vascular endothelial cell junctions. Methods Changes in permeability of cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) monolayer were monitored in real-time with the xCELLigence RTCA system. Using this platform, we performed a primary screen of 2100 known drugs and confirmed hits using two additional secondary permeability assays: the transwell permeability assay and the XPerT assay. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of action and in vivo therapeutic efficacy were also assessed. Results Eleven compounds blocked interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) induced hyperpermeability in the primary screen. Two of 11 compounds, apigenin and ethaverine hydrochloride, reproducibly blocked multiple cytokines induced hyperpermeability. In addition to HRMEC monolayers, the two compounds stabilized three other types of primary vascular endothelial cell monolayers. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the two compounds stabilize the endothelium by blocking ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) activation, which results in enhanced VE-cadherin membrane localization. The two compounds showed in vivo efficacy in an animal model of retinal permeability. Conclusions We developed an impedance-based cellular phenotypic drug screening platform that can identify drugs that enhance vascular barrier function. We found apigenin and ethaverine hydrochloride stabilize endothelial cell junctions and enhance the vascular barrier by blocking ARF6 activation and increasing VE-cadherin membrane localization. Translational Relevance The drugs identified from the phenotypic screen would have potential therapeutic efficacy in retinal vascular diseases regardless of the underlying mechanisms that promote vascular leak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Jiang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengfu Tai
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 306th Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zongzhong Tong
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Navigen Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Weiquan Zhu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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20
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Pradhan S, Banda OA, Farino CJ, Sperduto JL, Keller KA, Taitano R, Slater JH. Biofabrication Strategies and Engineered In Vitro Systems for Vascular Mechanobiology. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901255. [PMID: 32100473 PMCID: PMC8579513 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system is integral for maintaining organ-specific functions and homeostasis. Dysregulation in vascular architecture and function can lead to various chronic or acute disorders. Investigation of the role of the vascular system in health and disease has been accelerated through the development of tissue-engineered constructs and microphysiological on-chip platforms. These in vitro systems permit studies of biochemical regulation of vascular networks and parenchymal tissue and provide mechanistic insights into the biophysical and hemodynamic forces acting in organ-specific niches. Detailed understanding of these forces and the mechanotransductory pathways involved is necessary to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies targeting the vascular system. This review describes vascular structure and function, the role of hemodynamic forces in maintaining vascular homeostasis, and measurement approaches for cell and tissue level mechanical properties influencing vascular phenomena. State-of-the-art techniques for fabricating in vitro microvascular systems, with varying degrees of biological and engineering complexity, are summarized. Finally, the role of vascular mechanobiology in organ-specific niches and pathophysiological states, and efforts to recapitulate these events using in vitro microphysiological systems, are explored. It is hoped that this review will help readers appreciate the important, but understudied, role of vascular-parenchymal mechanotransduction in health and disease toward developing mechanotherapeutics for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Pradhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Omar A. Banda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Cindy J. Farino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John L. Sperduto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Keely A. Keller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Ryan Taitano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - John H. Slater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, 161 Colburn Lab, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, USA
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