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Li H, Zhu Y, Chen Z, Ma Q, Abd-Elhamid AI, Feng B, Sun B, Wu J. Biomimetic Cardiac Fibrotic Model for Antifibrotic Drug Screening. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2023; 29:558-571. [PMID: 37658841 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2023.0089] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by pathological proliferation and activation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Inhibition and reverse of transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is a potential strategy for cardiac fibrosis. Despite substantial progress, more effort is needed to discover effective drugs to improve and reverse cardiac fibrosis. The main reason for the slow development of antifibrotic drugs is that the traditional polystyrene culture platform does not recapitulate the microenvironment where cells reside in tissues. In this study, we propose an in vitro cardiac fibrotic model by seeding electrospun yarn scaffolds with cardiac fibroblasts. Our results show that yarn scaffolds allow three-dimensional growth of cardiac fibroblasts, promote extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and induce the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Exogenous transforming growth factor-β1 further promotes cardiac fibroblast activation and ECM deposition, which makes it a suitable fibrotic model to predict the antifibrotic potential of drugs. By using this platform, we demonstrate that both Honokiol (HKL) and Pirfenidone (PFD) show potential in antifibrosis to some extent. HKL is more efficient in antifibrosis than PFD as revealed by biochemical composition, gene, and molecular analyses as well as histological and biomechanical analysis. The electrospun yarn scaffold provides a novel platform for constructing in vitro fibrotic models to study cardiac fibrosis and to predict the antifibrotic efficacy of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center and Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qiaolin Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ahmed I Abd-Elhamid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bei Feng
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center and Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Binbin Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jinglei Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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2
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Bracco Gartner TCL, Wang Y, Leiteris L, van Adrichem I, Marsman J, Goumans MJ, Bouten CVC, Sluijter JPG, den Toonder JMJ, Suyker WJL, Hjortnaes J. Cyclic strain has antifibrotic effects on the human cardiac fibroblast transcriptome in a human cardiac fibrosis-on-a-chip platform. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105980. [PMID: 37399762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
In cardiac fibrosis, in response to stress or injury, cardiac fibroblasts deposit excessive amounts of collagens which contribute to the development of heart failure. The biochemical stimuli in this process have been extensively studied, but the influence of cyclic deformation on the fibrogenic behavior of cardiac fibroblasts in the ever-beating heart is not fully understood. In fact, most investigated mechanotransduction pathways in cardiac fibroblasts seem to ultimately have profibrotic effects, which leaves an important question in cardiac fibrosis research unanswered: how do cardiac fibroblasts stay quiescent in the ever-beating human heart? In this study, we developed a human cardiac fibrosis-on-a-chip platform and utilized it to investigate if and how cyclic strain affects fibrogenic signaling. The pneumatically actuated platform can expose engineered tissues to controlled strain magnitudes of 0-25% - which covers the entire physiological and pathological strain range in the human heart - and to biochemical stimuli and enables high-throughput screening of multiple samples. Microtissues of human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (hfCF) embedded in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) were 3D-cultured on this platform and exposed to strain conditions which mimic the healthy human heart. The results provide evidence of an antifibrotic effect of the applied strain conditions on cardiac fibroblast behavior, emphasizing the influence of biomechanical stimuli on the fibrogenic process and giving a detailed overview of the mechanosensitive pathways and genes involved, which can be used in the development of novel therapies against cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom C L Bracco Gartner
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University Eindhoven, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Laurynas Leiteris
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Iris van Adrichem
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Marsman
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marie José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap M J den Toonder
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Willem J L Suyker
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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3
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West TM, Howsmon DP, Massidda MW, Vo HN, Janobas AA, Baker AB, Sacks MS. The effects of strain history on aortic valve interstitial cell activation in a 3D hydrogel environment. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:026101. [PMID: 37035541 PMCID: PMC10076067 DOI: 10.1063/5.0138030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic valves (AVs) undergo unique stretch histories that include high rates and magnitudes. While major differences in deformation patterns have been observed between normal and congenitally defective bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), the relation to underlying mechanisms of rapid disease onset in BAV patients remains unknown. To evaluate how the variations in stretch history affect AV interstitial cell (AVIC) activation, high-throughput methods were developed to impart varied cyclical biaxial stretch histories into 3D poly(ethylene) glycol hydrogels seeded with AVICs for 48 h. Specifically, a physiologically mimicking stretch history was compared to two stretch histories with varied peak stretch and stretch rate. Post-conditioned AVICs were imaged for nuclear shape, alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and vimentin (VMN) polymerization, and small mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD 2/3) nuclear activity. The results indicated that bulk gel deformations were accurately transduced to the AVICs. Lower peak stretches lead to increased αSMA polymerization. In contrast, VMN polymerization was a function of stretch rate, with SMAD 2/3 nuclear localization and nuclear shape also trending toward stretch rate dependency. Lower than physiological levels of stretch rate led to higher SMAD 2/3 activity, higher VMN polymerization around the nucleus, and lower nuclear elongation. αSMA polymerization did not correlate with VMN polymerization, SMAD 2/3 activity, nor nuclear shape. These results suggest that a negative feedback loop may form between SMAD 2/3, VMN, and nuclear shape to maintain AVIC homeostatic nuclear deformations, which is dependent on stretch rate. These novel results suggest that AVIC mechanobiological responses are sensitive to stretch history and provide insight into the mechanisms of AV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni M. West
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Daniel P. Howsmon
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Miles W. Massidda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | | | | | - Aaron B. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
| | - Michael S. Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modelling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, Texas 78711, USA
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4
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Rogers JD, Richardson WJ. Fibroblast mechanotransduction network predicts targets for mechano-adaptive infarct therapies. eLife 2022; 11:e62856. [PMID: 35138248 PMCID: PMC8849334 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional control of fibrosis after myocardial infarction is critical for maintaining structural integrity in the infarct while preventing collagen accumulation in non-infarcted areas. Cardiac fibroblasts modulate matrix turnover in response to biochemical and biomechanical cues, but the complex interactions between signaling pathways confound efforts to develop therapies for regional scar formation. We employed a logic-based ordinary differential equation model of fibroblast mechano-chemo signal transduction to predict matrix protein expression in response to canonical biochemical stimuli and mechanical tension. Functional analysis of mechano-chemo interactions showed extensive pathway crosstalk with tension amplifying, dampening, or reversing responses to biochemical stimuli. Comprehensive drug target screens identified 13 mechano-adaptive therapies that promote matrix accumulation in regions where it is needed and reduce matrix levels in regions where it is not needed. Our predictions suggest that mechano-chemo interactions likely mediate cell behavior across many tissues and demonstrate the utility of multi-pathway signaling networks in discovering therapies for context-specific disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Rogers
- Department of Bioengineering; Clemson UniversityClemsonUnited States
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5
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Tandon I, Ozkizilcik A, Ravishankar P, Balachandran K. Aortic valve cell microenvironment: Considerations for developing a valve-on-chip. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:041303. [PMID: 38504720 PMCID: PMC10903420 DOI: 10.1063/5.0063608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac valves are sophisticated, dynamic structures residing in a complex mechanical and hemodynamic environment. Cardiac valve disease is an active and progressive disease resulting in severe socioeconomic burden, especially in the elderly. Valve disease also leads to a 50% increase in the possibility of associated cardiovascular events. Yet, valve replacement remains the standard of treatment with early detection, mitigation, and alternate therapeutic strategies still lacking. Effective study models are required to further elucidate disease mechanisms and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Organ-on-chip models offer a unique and powerful environment that incorporates the ease and reproducibility of in vitro systems along with the complexity and physiological recapitulation of the in vivo system. The key to developing effective valve-on-chip models is maintaining the cell and tissue-level microenvironment relevant to the study application. This review outlines the various components and factors that comprise and/or affect the cell microenvironment that ought to be considered while constructing a valve-on-chip model. This review also dives into the advancements made toward constructing valve-on-chip models with a specific focus on the aortic valve, that is, in vitro studies incorporating three-dimensional co-culture models that incorporate relevant extracellular matrices and mechanical and hemodynamic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Prashanth Ravishankar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
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6
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Walker M, Godin M, Pelling AE. Mechanical stretch sustains myofibroblast phenotype and function in microtissues through latent TGF-β1 activation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2021; 12:199-210. [PMID: 32877929 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Developing methods to study tissue mechanics and myofibroblast activation may lead to new targets for therapeutic treatments that are urgently needed for fibrotic disease. Microtissue arrays are a promising approach to conduct relatively high-throughput research into fibrosis as they recapitulate key biomechanical aspects of the disease through a relevant 3D extracellular environment. In early work, our group developed a device called the MVAS-force to stretch microtissues while enabling simultaneous assessment of their dynamic mechanical behavior. Here, we investigated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in microtissue cultures using our MVAS-force device through assessing α-SMA expression, contractility and stiffness. In doing so, we linked cell-level phenotypic changes to functional changes that characterize the clinical manifestation of fibrotic disease. As expected, TGF-β1 treatment promoted a myofibroblastic phenotype and microtissues became stiffer and possessed increased contractility. These changes were partially reversible upon TGF-β1 withdrawal under a static condition, while, in contrast, long-term cyclic stretching maintained myofibroblast activation. This pro-fibrotic effect of mechanical stretching was absent when TGF-β1 receptors were inhibited. Furthermore, stretching promoted myofibroblast differentiation when microtissues were given latent TGF-β1. Altogether, these results suggest that external mechanical stretch may activate latent TGF-β1 and, accordingly, might be a powerful stimulus for continued myofibroblast activation to progress fibrosis. Further exploration of this pathway with our approach may yield new insights into myofibroblast activation and more effective therapeutic treatments for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada
| | - Michel Godin
- Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada.,Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Colonel By Hall, 161 Louis Pasteur, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
| | - Andrew E Pelling
- Department of Biology, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,Department of Physics, 150 Louis Pasteur pvt., STEM Complex, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.,Institute for Science Society and Policy, Simard Hall, 60 University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N5N5, Canada.,SymbioticA, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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7
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Zhu AS, Mustafa T, Connell JP, Grande-Allen KJ. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta suppress myofibroblast activation via nuclear factor kappa B signaling in 3D-cultured mitral valve interstitial cells. Acta Biomater 2021; 127:159-168. [PMID: 33831572 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitral valve disease is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity throughout the world. Many different mitral valve pathologies feature fibrotic remodeling, often accompanied by an inflammatory state. Mitral valve fibrosis is mediated by valvular interstitial cells (VICs), which reside in the valve leaflets and often differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells during disease conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) on mitral VICs, since these pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to exert pleiotropic effects on various cell types in other fibrotic disorders. Using biomimetic three-dimensional culture systems, we demonstrated that TNF-α and IL-1β suppress myofibroblast differentiation in mitral VICs, as evidenced by gene and protein expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle 22 alpha. Addition of TNF-α and IL-1β also inhibited mitral VIC-mediated contraction of collagen gels. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB, which is downstream of TNF-α and IL-1β, reversed these effects. These results reveal targetable pathways for potential development of pharmaceutical treatments for alleviating fibrosis during mitral valve disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mitral valve disease is a common cardiovascular condition that is often accompanied by fibrotic tissue remodeling. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs), the fibroblast-like cells that reside in heart valve leaflets, are thought to drive fibrosis during valve disease by differentiating into activated myofibroblasts. However, the signaling pathways that regulate this process in the mitral valve are not fully understood. In the present study, we cultured mitral VICs in collagen and poly(ethylene glycol) scaffolds designed to mimic the heart valve microenvironment and treated the cell-seeded scaffolds with cytokines. Using these 3D culture models, we found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β downregulate myofibroblast and fibrosis markers in mitral VICs via the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.
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8
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Bracco Gartner TCL, Stein JM, Muylaert DEP, Bouten CVC, Doevendans PA, Khademhosseini A, Suyker WJL, Sluijter JPG, Hjortnaes J. Advanced In Vitro Modeling to Study the Paradox of Mechanically Induced Cardiac Fibrosis. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:100-114. [PMID: 33407000 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In heart failure, cardiac fibrosis is the result of an adverse remodeling process. Collagen is continuously synthesized in the myocardium in an ongoing attempt of the heart to repair itself. The resulting collagen depositions act counterproductively, causing diastolic dysfunction and disturbing electrical conduction. Efforts to treat cardiac fibrosis specifically have not been successful and the molecular etiology is only partially understood. The differentiation of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts to extracellular matrix-depositing myofibroblasts is a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis and a key aspect of the adverse remodeling process. This conversion is induced by a complex interplay of biochemical signals and mechanical stimuli. Tissue-engineered 3D models to study cardiac fibroblast behavior in vitro indicate that cyclic strain can activate a myofibroblast phenotype. This raises the question how fibroblast quiescence is maintained in the healthy myocardium, despite continuous stimulation of ultimately profibrotic mechanotransductive pathways. In this review, we will discuss the convergence of biochemical and mechanical differentiation signals of myofibroblasts, and hypothesize how these affect this paradoxical quiescence. Impact statement Mechanotransduction pathways of cardiac fibroblasts seem to ultimately be profibrotic in nature, but in healthy human myocardium, cardiac fibroblasts remain quiescent, despite continuous mechanical stimulation. We propose three hypotheses that could explain this paradoxical state of affairs. Furthermore, we provide suggestions for future research, which should lead to a better understanding of fibroblast quiescence and activation, and ultimately to new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C L Bracco Gartner
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen M Stein
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dimitri E P Muylaert
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Division of Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter A Doevendans
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, Radiology, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Willem J L Suyker
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Hjortnaes
- Division of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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9
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Wang L, Wang C, Wu S, Fan Y, Li X. Influence of the mechanical properties of biomaterials on degradability, cell behaviors and signaling pathways: current progress and challenges. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:2714-2733. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00269k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We have clarified the influence of the mechanical properties of biomaterials on degradability and cell response, and also mechanical design targets and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Cunyang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Beihang University
- Beijing 100083
- China
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10
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Blomme B, Deroanne C, Hulin A, Lambert C, Defraigne JO, Nusgens B, Radermecker M, Colige A. Mechanical strain induces a pro-fibrotic phenotype in human mitral valvular interstitial cells through RhoC/ROCK/MRTF-A and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 135:149-159. [PMID: 31442470 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The mitral valve is a complex multilayered structure populated by fibroblast-like cells, valvular interstitial cells (VIC) which are embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold and are submitted to the mechanical deformations affecting valve at each heartbeat, for an average of 40 million times per year. Myxomatous mitral valve (MMV) is the most frequent heart valve disease characterized by disruption of several valvular structures due to alterations of their ECM preventing the complete closure of the valve resulting in symptoms of prolapse and regurgitation. VIC and their ECM exhibit reciprocal dynamic processes between the mechanical signals issued from the ECM and the modulation of VIC phenotype responsible for ECM homeostasis of the valve. Abnormal perception and responsiveness of VIC to mechanical stress may induce an inappropriate adaptative remodeling of the valve progressively leading to MMV. To investigate the response of human VIC to mechanical strain and identify the molecular mechanisms of mechano-transduction in these cells, a cyclic equibiaxial elongation of 14% at the cardiac frequency of 1.16 Hz was applied to VIC by using a Flexercell-4000 T™ apparatus for increasing time (from 1 h to 8 h). We showed that cyclic stretch induces an early (1 h) and transient over-expression of TGFβ2 and αSMA. CTGF, a profibrotic growth factor promoting the synthesis of ECM components, was strongly induced after 1 and 2 h of stretching and still upregulated at 8 h. The mechanical stress-induced CTGF up-regulation was dependent on RhoC, but not RhoA, as demonstrated by siRNA-mediated silencing approaches, and further supported by evidencing RhoC activation upon cell stretching and suppression of cell response by pharmacological inhibition of the effector ROCK1/2. It was also dependent on the MEK/Erk1/2 pathway which was activated by mechanical stress independently of RhoC and ROCK. Finally, mechanical stretching induced the nuclear translocation of myocardin related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) which forms a transcriptional complex with SRF to promote the expression of target genes, notably CTGF. Treatment of stretched cultures with inhibitors of the identified pathways (ROCK1/2, MEK/Erk1/2, MRTF-A translocation) blocked CTGF overexpression and abrogated the increased MRTF-A nuclear translocation. CTGF is up-regulated in many pathological processes involving mechanically challenged organs, promotes ECM accumulation and is considered as a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Pharmacological targeting of MRTF-A by newly developed inhibitors may represent a relevant therapy for MMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Blomme
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Tour de Pathologie, B23, 4000 Sart-Tilman, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, B35, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deroanne
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Tour de Pathologie, B23, 4000 Sart-Tilman, Belgium
| | - Alexia Hulin
- Laboratory of Cardiology, GIGA-Cardiovascular Sciences, B34, University of Liège, 4000 Sart- Tilman, Belgium
| | - Charles Lambert
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Tour de Pathologie, B23, 4000 Sart-Tilman, Belgium
| | - Jean-Olivier Defraigne
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, B35, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Betty Nusgens
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Tour de Pathologie, B23, 4000 Sart-Tilman, Belgium
| | - Marc Radermecker
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, B35, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium; Department of Human Anatomy, B23, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Alain Colige
- Laboratory of Connective Tissues Biology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Tour de Pathologie, B23, 4000 Sart-Tilman, Belgium.
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11
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Tan K, Markby G, Muirhead R, Blake R, Bergeron L, Fici G, Summers K, Macrae V, Corcoran B. Evaluation of canine 2D cell cultures as models of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221126. [PMID: 31415646 PMCID: PMC6695117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of cells cultured from the mitral valve as models of myxomatous diseases needs to be properly validated. In this study valve interstitial cells (VICs) and valve endothelial cells (VECs) were cultured from normal and diseased canine mitral valves in 2% (v/v) or 10% FBS media, in the presence of TGFβ1, 2 and 3, the TGFβ RI kinase inhibitor SB431542 and TGFβ neutralising antibodies, 5HT and the 5HT2RB antagonist LY272015. Cultures were examined by morphology, transcriptomic profiling, protein expression of the cell specific markers αSMA and SM22α (VICs), and CD31 (VECs), deposition of proteoglycans (PG), the PG versican, and the TGFβs themselves. VECs derived from normal valves were CD31+/αSMA-, but those from diseased valves were αSMA+, indicating endothelial-to-mesenchymal (EndoMT) transition had occurred. The TGFβs induced EndoMT in normal VECs, and this was abolished by SB431542, with significant changes in αSMA, CD31 and HAS2 expression (P<0.05). Normal VICs cultured in 10% FBS media were αSMA+ (activated myofibroblast (disease) phenotype), but were αSMA- when grown in 2% FBS. VICs from diseased dogs were αSMA+ in 2% FBS (retention of the activated myofibroblast disease phenotype), with significantly increased TGFβ1 expression (P<0.05) compared to normal cells. Treatment of normal and diseased VICs with the TGFβs significantly increased expression of αSMA, SM22α, versican, the TGFβs themselves, and deposition of PGs (P<0.05), with TGFβ1 being the most potent activator. These effects were either abolished or markedly reduced by SB431542 and a pan-TGFβ neutralizing antibody (P<0.05). SB431542 also markedly reduced αSMA expression in VICs from diseased valves, but 5HT and LY272015 had no effect on VIC phenotype. Transcriptomic profiling identified clear differences in gene expression for the different conditions and treatments that partially matched that seen in native diseased valve tissue, including changes in expression of ACTA2 (αSMA), 5HTR2B, TAGLN (SM22α) and MYH10 (SMemb), gene ontology terms and canonical signalling pathways. Normal and diseased VICs and normal VECs from canine mitral valves can be successfully grown in culture with retention of phenotype, which can be manipulated using TGFβ1 and the TGFβ RI kinase inhibitor SB431542. This optimized cell system can now be used to model MMVD to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify key regulators of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Tan
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Markby
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Rhona Muirhead
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Blake
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Bergeron
- Zoetis Animal Health, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Greg Fici
- Zoetis Animal Health, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kim Summers
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Vicky Macrae
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan Corcoran
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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12
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Kong M, Lee J, Yazdi IK, Miri AK, Lin YD, Seo J, Zhang YS, Khademhosseini A, Shin SR. Cardiac Fibrotic Remodeling on a Chip with Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801146. [PMID: 30609312 PMCID: PMC6546425 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue is characterized by being dynamic and contractile, imparting the important role of biomechanical cues in the regulation of normal physiological activity or pathological remodeling. However, the dynamic mechanical tension ability also varies due to extracellular matrix remodeling in fibrosis, accompanied with the phenotypic transition from cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to myofibroblasts. It is hypothesized that the dynamic mechanical tension ability regulates cardiac phenotypic transition within fibrosis in a strain-mediated manner. In this study, a microdevice that is able to simultaneously and accurately mimic the biomechanical properties of the cardiac physiological and pathological microenvironment is developed. The microdevice can apply cyclic compressions with gradient magnitudes (5-20%) and tunable frequency onto gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels laden with CFs, and also enables the integration of cytokines. The strain-response correlations between mechanical compression and CFs spreading, and proliferation and fibrotic phenotype remolding, are investigated. Results reveal that mechanical compression plays a crucial role in the CFs phenotypic transition, depending on the strain of mechanical load and myofibroblast maturity of CFs encapsulated in GelMA hydrogels. The results provide evidence regarding the strain-response correlation of mechanical stimulation in CFs phenotypic remodeling, which can be used to develop new preventive or therapeutic strategies for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Iman K. Yazdi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amir K. Miri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yi-Dong Lin
- Divisions of Genetics and Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Jungmok Seo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 14 Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
- Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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13
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Menciotti G, Borgarelli M, Aherne M, Camacho P, Häggström J, Ljungvall I, Lahmers SM, Abbott JA. Comparison of the mitral valve morphologies of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and dogs of other breeds using 3D transthoracic echocardiography. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1564-1569. [PMID: 30238697 PMCID: PMC6189382 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is more prevalent in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) compared to dogs of other breeds at a given age. Abnormal valvular stress is thought to contribute to the development and progression of MMVD, and a relationship exists between mitral valve (MV) morphology and stress acting on the valve. Objectives To determine whether the MV morphology of healthy adult CKCSs differs from the morphology of healthy adult dogs of other breeds determined by RT‐3DTTE. Animals Thirty‐five healthy CKCSs and 41 healthy dogs of other breeds. Methods Prospective cross‐sectional study. Dogs underwent physical examination, conventional echocardiography, and RT‐3DTTE. RT–3DTTE datasets were analyzed using dedicated software for MV morphologic analysis. Morphologic variables were compared between CKCSs and dogs of other breeds. Results The MV of healthy CKCSs had a smaller annulus height (0.46 ± 0.11 vs. 0.56 ± 0.17; P = .0021), tenting height (0.26 ± 0.12 vs. 0.42 ± 0.18; P < .001), tenting area (0.42 ± 0.15 vs. 0.79 ± 0.34; P < .001), normalized tenting volume (0.09 [0.05–0.13] vs. 0.14 [0.10–0.20]; P < .001), and normalized area of the posterior leaflet (0.57 ± 0.15 vs. 0.66 ± 0.18; P = .016) compared to healthy dogs of other breeds; this results in CKCSs having a flatter MV with reduced tenting, compared to the MV of other breeds. Conclusions and Clinical Importance These morphologic features could confer a mechanical disadvantage and play a role in the predisposition of CKCSs to the early development of MMVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Menciotti
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Michele Borgarelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Michael Aherne
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Paula Camacho
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sunshine M Lahmers
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Jonathan A Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
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14
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Liu MM, Flanagan TC, Jockenhovel S, Black A, Lu CC, French AT, Argyle DJ, Corcoran BM. Development and Evaluation of a Tissue-Engineered Fibrin-based Canine Mitral Valve Three-dimensional Cell Culture System. J Comp Pathol 2018; 160:23-33. [PMID: 29729718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Myxomatous mitral valve disease is the most common cardiac disease of the dog, but examination of the associated cellular and molecular events has relied on the use of cadaveric valve tissue, in which functional studies cannot be undertaken. The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) cell co-culture model as an experimental platform to examine disease pathogenesis. Mitral valve interstitial (VIC) and endothelial (VEC) cells were cultured from normal and diseased canine (VIC only) valves. VICs were embedded in a fibrin-based hydrogel matrix and one surface was lined with VECs. The 3D static cultures (constructs) were examined qualitatively and semiquantitatively by light microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy and protein immunoblotting. Some constructs were manipulated and the endothelium damaged, and the response examined. The construct gross morphology and histology demonstrated native tissue-like features and comparable expression patterns of cellular (α-smooth muscle actin [SMA] and embryonic smooth muscle myosin heavy chain [SMemb]) and extracellular matrix associated markers (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1 and MMP-3), reminiscent of diseased valves. There were no differences between constructs containing normal valve VICs and VECs (type 1) and those containing diseased valve VICs and normal valve VECs (type 2). Mechanical manipulation and endothelial damage (type 3) tended to decrease α-SMA and SMemb expression, suggesting reversal of VIC activation, but with retention of SMemb+ cells adjacent to the wounded endothelium consistent with response to injury. Fibrin-based 3D mitral valve constructs can be produced using primary cell cultures derived from canine mitral valves, and show a phenotype reminiscent of diseased valves. The constructs demonstrate a response to endothelial damage indicating their utility as experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-M Liu
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, UK
| | - T C Flanagan
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Jockenhovel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Textile Implants, AME - Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - A Black
- Department of Anatomy, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - C-C Lu
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, UK
| | - A T French
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, UK
| | - D J Argyle
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, UK
| | - B M Corcoran
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, UK.
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15
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Markby GR, Summers KM, MacRae VE, Corcoran BM. Comparative Transcriptomic Profiling and Gene Expression for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in the Dog and Human. Vet Sci 2017; 4:vetsci4030034. [PMID: 29056693 PMCID: PMC5644653 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxomatous mitral valve disease is the single most important mitral valve disease in both dogs and humans. In the case of the dog it is ubiquitous, such that all aged dogs will have some evidence of the disease, and for humans it is known as Barlow's disease and affects up to 3% of the population, with an expected increase in prevalence as the population ages. Disease in the two species show many similarities and while both have the classic myxomatous degeneration only in humans is there extensive fibrosis. This dual pathology of the human disease markedly affects the valve transcriptome and the difference between the dog and human is dominated by changes in genes associated with fibrosis. This review will briefly examine the comparative valve pathology and then, in more detail, the transcriptomic profiling and gene expression reported so far for both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg R Markby
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Kim M Summers
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Vicky E MacRae
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Brendan M Corcoran
- Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easterbush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Scotland EH25 9RG, UK.
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16
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Wang X, Lee J, Ali M, Kim J, Lacerda CMR. Phenotype Transformation of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells Due to Applied Shear Stresses Within a Microfluidic Chip. Ann Biomed Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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17
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Herum KM, Choppe J, Kumar A, Engler AJ, McCulloch AD. Mechanical regulation of cardiac fibroblast profibrotic phenotypes. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1871-1882. [PMID: 28468977 PMCID: PMC5541838 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-01-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are essential for beneficial myocardial healing but also cause detrimental adverse remodeling following myocardial infarction. The mechanical properties of the infarcted myocardium and border regions display temporal and spatial characteristics that regulate different aspects of the profibrotic cardiac fibroblast phenotypes. Cardiac fibrosis is a serious condition currently lacking effective treatments. It occurs as a result of cardiac fibroblast (CFB) activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts, characterized by proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) production and stiffening, and contraction due to the expression of smooth muscle α-actin. The mechanical properties of myocardium change regionally and over time after myocardial infarction (MI). Although mechanical cues are known to activate CFBs, it is unclear which specific mechanical stimuli regulate which specific phenotypic trait; thus we investigated these relationships using three in vitro models of CFB mechanical activation and found that 1) paracrine signaling from stretched cardiomyocytes induces CFB proliferation under mechanical conditions similar to those of the infarct border region; 2) direct stretch of CFBs mimicking the mechanical environment of the infarct region induces a synthetic phenotype with elevated ECM production; and 3) progressive matrix stiffening, modeling the mechanical effects of infarct scar maturation, causes smooth muscle α-actin fiber formation, up-regulation of collagen I, and down-regulation of collagen III. These findings suggest that myocyte stretch, fibroblast stretch, and matrix stiffening following MI may separately regulate different profibrotic traits of activated CFBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Herum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 .,Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Choppe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Aditya Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Adam J Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Andrew D McCulloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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18
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Menciotti G, Borgarelli M, Aherne M, Wesselowski S, Häggström J, Ljungvall I, Lahmers S, Abbott J. Mitral valve morphology assessed by three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in healthy dogs and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Vet Cardiol 2017; 19:113-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Ali MS, Wang X, Lacerda CMR. A survey of membrane receptor regulation in valvular interstitial cells cultured under mechanical stresses. Exp Cell Res 2017; 351:150-156. [PMID: 28109865 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative valvular diseases have been linked to the action of abnormal forces on valve tissues during each cardiac cycle. It is now accepted that the degenerative behavior of valvular cells can be induced mechanically in vitro. This approach of in vitro modeling of valvular cells in culture constitutes a powerful tool to study, characterize, and develop predictors of heart valve degeneration in vivo. Using such in vitro systems, we expect to determine the exact signaling mechanisms that trigger and mediate propagation of degenerative signals. In this study, we aim to uncover the role of mechanosensing proteins on valvular cell membranes. These can be cell receptors and triggers of downstream pathways that are activated upon the action of cyclical tensile strains in pathophysiological conditions. In order to identify mechanosensors of tensile stresses on valvular interstitial cells, we employed biaxial cyclic strain of valvular cells in culture and quantitatively evaluated the expression of cell membrane proteins using a targeted protein array and interactome analyses. This approach yielded a high-throughput screening of all cell surface proteins involved in sensing mechanical stimuli. In this study, we were able to identify the cell membrane proteins which are activated during physiological cyclic tensile stresses of valvular cells. The proteins identified in this study were clustered into four interactomes, which included CC chemokine ligands, thrombospondin (adhesive glycoproteins), growth factors, and interleukins. The expression levels of these proteins generally indicated that cells tend to increase adhesive efforts to counteract the action of mechanical forces. This is the first study of this kind used to comprehensively identify the mechanosensitive proteins in valvular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, 6th St and Canton Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3121 USA
| | - Xinmei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, 6th St and Canton Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3121 USA
| | - Carla M R Lacerda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, 6th St and Canton Avenue, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3121 USA.
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20
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Usprech J, Chen WLK, Simmons CA. Heart valve regeneration: the need for systems approaches. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 8:169-82. [PMID: 26862013 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered heart valves are promising alternatives to address the limitations of current valve replacements, particularly for growing children. Current heart valve tissue engineering strategies involve the selection of biomaterial scaffolds, cell types, and often in vitro culture conditions aimed at regenerating a valve for implantation and subsequent maturation in vivo. However, identifying optimal combinations of cell sources, biomaterials, and/or bioreactor conditions to produce functional, durable valve tissue remains a challenge. Despite some short-term success in animal models, attempts to recapitulate aspects of the native heart valve environment based on 'best guesses' of a limited number of regulatory factors have not proven effective. Better outcomes for valve tissue regeneration will likely require a systems-level understanding of the relationships between multiple interacting regulatory factors and their effects on cell function and tissue formation. Until recently, conventional culture methods have not allowed for multiple design parameters to be considered at once. Emerging microtechnologies are well suited to systematically probe multiple inputs, in combination, in high throughput and with great precision. When combined with statistical and network systems analyses, these microtechnologies have excellent potential to define multivariate signal-response relationships and reveal key regulatory pathways for robust functional tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Usprech
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wen Li Kelly Chen
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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van Putten S, Shafieyan Y, Hinz B. Mechanical control of cardiac myofibroblasts. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 93:133-42. [PMID: 26620422 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts produce and turn over collagenous extracellular matrix as part of the normal adaptive response to increased mechanical load in the heart, e.g. during prolonged exercise. However, chronic overload as a consequence of hypertension or myocardial injury trigger a repair program that culminates in the formation of myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are opportunistically activated from various precursor cells that all acquire a phenotype promoting excessive collagen secretion and contraction of the neo-matrix into stiff scar tissue. Stiff fibrotic tissue reduces heart distensibility, impedes pumping and valve function, contributes to diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and affects myocardial electrical transmission, potentially leading to arrhythmia and heart failure. Here, we discuss how mechanical factors, such as matrix stiffness and strain, are feeding back and cooperate with cytokine signals to drive myofibroblast activation. We elaborate on the importance of considering the mechanical boundary conditions in the heart to generate better cell culture models for mechanistic studies of cardiac fibroblast function. Elements of the force transmission and mechanoperception apparatus acting in myofibroblasts are presented as potential therapeutic targets to treat fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander van Putten
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Yousef Shafieyan
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada.
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22
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Shapero K, Wylie-Sears J, Levine RA, Mayer JE, Bischoff J. Reciprocal interactions between mitral valve endothelial and interstitial cells reduce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and myofibroblastic activation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 80:175-85. [PMID: 25633835 PMCID: PMC4346432 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thickening of mitral leaflets, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and activated myofibroblast-like interstitial cells have been observed in ischemic mitral valve regurgitation. We set out to determine if interactions between mitral valve endothelial cells (VEC) and interstitial cells (VIC) might affect these alterations. We used in vitro co-culture in Transwell™ inserts to test the hypothesis that VIC secrete factors that inhibit EndMT and conversely, that VEC secrete factors that mitigate the activation of VIC to a myofibroblast-like, activated phenotype. Primary cultures and clonal populations of ovine mitral VIC and VEC were used. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qPCR) and functional assays were used to assess changes in cell phenotype and behavior. VIC or conditioned media from VIC inhibited transforming growth factorβ (TGFβ)-induced EndMT in VEC, as indicated by reduced expression of EndMT markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Slug, Snai1 and MMP-2 and maintained ability of VEC to mediate leukocyte adhesion, an important endothelial function. VEC or conditioned media from VEC reversed the spontaneous cell culture-induced change in VIC to an activated phenotype, as indicated by reduced expression of α-SMA and type I collagen, increased expression chondromodulin-1 (Chm1), and reduced contractile activity. These results demonstrate that mitral VEC and VIC secrete soluble factors that can reduce VIC activation and inhibit TGFβ-driven EndMT, respectively. These findings suggest that the endothelium of the mitral valve is critical for the maintenance of a quiescent VIC phenotype and that, in turn, VIC prevent EndMT. We speculate that disturbance of the ongoing reciprocal interactions between VEC and VICs in vivo may contribute to the thickened and fibrotic leaflets observed in ischemic mitral regurgitation, and in other types of valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayle Shapero
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Jill Wylie-Sears
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Robert A Levine
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John E Mayer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.
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23
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Liu MM, Flanagan TC, Lu CC, French AT, Argyle DJ, Corcoran BM. Culture and characterisation of canine mitral valve interstitial and endothelial cells. Vet J 2015; 204:32-9. [PMID: 25747697 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Valve interstitial cells (VICs) have an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in the dog. Furthermore, there is evidence that valve endothelial cells (VECs) also contribute to disease development. In addition to examining native valve tissue to understand MMVD, another strategy is to separately examine VIC and VEC biology under in vitro culture conditions. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterise canine mitral VICs and VECs from normal dog valves using a combination of morphology, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Canine mitral VECs and VICs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The two cell populations exhibited different morphologies and growth patterns. VECs, but not VICs, expressed the endothelial markers, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1 or CD31) and acetylated low density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL). Both VECs and VICs expressed vimentin and embryonic non-smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMemb), an activated mesenchymal cell marker. The myofibroblast marker, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), was detected at the mRNA level in both VEC and VIC cultures, but only at the protein level in VIC cultures. The morphological heterogeneity and expression of non-endothelial phenotypic markers in VEC cultures suggested that a mixture of cell types was present, which might be due to cell contamination and/or endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). The use of a specific endothelial culture medium for primary VEC cultures enhanced the endothelial properties of the cells and reduced α-SMA and SMemb expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-M Liu
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - T C Flanagan
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - C-C Lu
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - A T French
- University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - D J Argyle
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - B M Corcoran
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland EH25 9RG, United Kingdom.
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24
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Huang S, Huang HYS. Prediction of matrix-to-cell stress transfer in heart valve tissues. J Biol Phys 2014; 41:9-22. [PMID: 25298285 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-014-9362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-linear and anisotropic heart valve leaflet tissue mechanics manifest principally from the stratification, orientation, and inhomogeneity of their collagenous microstructures. Disturbance of the native collagen fiber network has clear consequences for valve and leaflet tissue mechanics and presumably, by virtue of their intimate embedment, on the valvular interstitial cell stress-strain state and concomitant phenotype. In the current study, a set of virtual biaxial stretch experiments were conducted on porcine pulmonary valve leaflet tissue photomicrographs via an image-based finite element approach. Stress distribution evolution during diastolic valve closure was predicted at both the tissue and cellular levels. Orthotropic material properties consistent with distinct stages of diastolic loading were applied. Virtual experiments predicted tissue- and cellular-level stress fields, providing insight into how matrix-to-cell stress transfer may be influenced by the inhomogeneous collagen fiber architecture, tissue anisotropic material properties, and the cellular distribution within the leaflet tissue. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study reporting on the evolution of stress fields at both the tissue and cellular levels in valvular tissue and thus contributes toward refining our collective understanding of valvular tissue micromechanics while providing a computational tool enabling the further study of valvular cell-matrix interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Huang
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, North Carolina State University, R3158 Engineering Building 3, Campus Box 7910, 911 Oval Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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25
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Burchell RK, Schoeman J. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, progression and diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2014; 85:e1-e5. [PMID: 25685978 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v85i1.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of key questions remain unanswered in the pathogenesis of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). As MMVD typically afflicts small-breed dogs, a genetic basis has been implied. In addition, the fact that not all dogs within a risk group develop MMVDis still unexplained. Research into the pathogenesis of MMVD typically falls under three categorical divisions, namely genetic factors, mechanical factors of the valve and systemic factors. Genetic studies have implicated certain loci in the pathogenesis of MMVD. Of particular interest is the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 locus, as IGF-1 is also associated with growth. The mechanical structure and function of the mitral valve have also received much attention in recent years. What has emerged is the notion of a highly complex dynamic structure, which has an uneven distribution of stress and strain according to the flow of blood. Research efforts have also identified a number of systemic factors such as cytokines and signalling pathways that may contribute to the failure of the valve. Serotonin remains an area of interest in this field. Taken together, the amalgamation of research efforts in these three areas will go a long way towards resolving the understanding of this disease.Another area of focus in MMVD has been the development of clinical tests to diagnose the onset of congestive heart failure. To this end, echocardiographic indices and biochemical markers have been investigated. Echocardiographic indices such as left atrial to aortic ratio and the N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been identified as specific risk factors to predict progression. Advanced imaging studies such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have enabled investigators to determine the earliest remodelling changes that occur in MMVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Burchell
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria.
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26
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Goldsmith EC, Bradshaw AD, Zile MR, Spinale FG. Myocardial fibroblast-matrix interactions and potential therapeutic targets. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2014; 70:92-9. [PMID: 24472826 PMCID: PMC4005609 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structure, adapting to physiological and pathological stresses placed on the myocardium. Deposition and organization of the matrix fall under the purview of cardiac fibroblasts. While often overlooked compared to myocytes, fibroblasts play a critical role in maintaining ECM homeostasis under normal conditions and in response to pathological stimuli assume an activated, myofibroblast phenotype associated with excessive collagen accumulation contributing to impaired cardiac function. Complete appreciation of fibroblast function is hampered by the lack of fibroblast-specific reagents and the heterogeneity of fibroblast precursors. This is further complicated by our ability to dissect the role of myofibroblasts versus fibroblasts in myocardial in remodeling. This review highlights critical points in the regulation of collagen deposition by fibroblasts, the current panel of molecular tools used to identify fibroblasts and the role of fibroblast-matrix interactions in fibroblast function and differentiation into the myofibroblast phenotype. The clinical potential of exploiting differences between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and using them to target specific fibroblast populations is also discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Myocyte-Fibroblast Signalling in Myocardium."
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Affiliation(s)
- Edie C Goldsmith
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Amy D Bradshaw
- Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA; Gazes Cardiac Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael R Zile
- Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA; Gazes Cardiac Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, USA; Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, USA; WJB Dorn Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
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