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Shi J, Wei L. Rho Kinases in Embryonic Development and Stem Cell Research. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:4. [PMID: 35043239 PMCID: PMC8766376 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs or Rho kinases) belong to the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases and are major downstream effectors of small GTPase RhoA, a key regulator of actin-cytoskeleton reorganization. The ROCK family contains two members, ROCK1 and ROCK2, which share 65% overall identity and 92% identity in kinase domain. ROCK1 and ROCK2 were assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on their major common activators, their high degree kinase domain homology, and study results from overexpression with kinase constructs or chemical inhibitors. ROCK signaling research has expanded to all areas of biology and medicine since its discovery in 1996. The rapid advance is befitting ROCK’s versatile functions in modulating various cell behavior, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, polarity, cytokinesis, and differentiation. The rapid advance is noticeably driven by an extensive linking with clinical medicine, including cardiovascular abnormalities, aberrant immune responsive, and cancer development and metastasis. The rapid advance during the past decade is further powered by novel biotechnologies including CRISPR-Cas and single cell omics. Current consensus, derived mainly from gene targeting and RNA interference approaches, is that the two ROCK isoforms have overlapping and distinct cellular, physiological and pathophysiology roles. In this review, we present an overview of the milestone discoveries in ROCK research. We then focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in embryonic development, current research status using knockout and knockin mouse models, and stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Shi
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
| | - Lei Wei
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
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2
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Xing Y, Li XK, Lu SD, Ma J. Regulation of opticin on bioactivity of retinal vascular endothelial cells cultured in collagen. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:1202-1209. [PMID: 32821673 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.08.05] [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] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of collagen and opticin on the bioactivity of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs), and explore its regulations by integrins and RhoA/ROCK1 signal pathway. METHODS hRVECs were cultured in collagen and treated by opticin, and cell-based bioactivity assays of cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion were performed. The expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 were examined with real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS Collagen could promote cell viability of proliferation and migration (all P<0.05), and enhance the mRNA expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 (all P<0.05). Opticin could inhibit proliferation and migration ability of hRVECs cultured in collagen, and reduce the mRNA expression of integrin α2, integrin β1, RhoA and ROCK1 (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION Collagen and opticin can affect bioactivity of hRVECs, which may be regulated by α2-, β1-integrins and RhoA/ROCK1 signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue-Ke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Si-Duo Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
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3
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Peng Y, Song L, Li D, Kesterson R, Wang J, Wang L, Rokosh G, Wu B, Wang Q, Jiao K. Sema6D acts downstream of bone morphogenetic protein signalling to promote atrioventricular cushion development in mice. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 112:532-542. [PMID: 28172500 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Peng
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lanying Song
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lizhong Wang
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Gregg Rokosh
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Rangaraj A, Ye L, Sanders AJ, Price PE, Harding KG, Jiang WG. Molecular and cellular impact of Psoriasin (S100A7) on the healing of human wounds. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2151-2160. [PMID: 28565822 PMCID: PMC5443246 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasin, which is also known as S100A7, is a member of the S100 protein family, a group of calcium-responsive signalling proteins. Psoriasin expression remains high in patients with psoriasis, whereas it is downregulated in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. This observation suggests that this protein may be a notable marker of keratinocyte function and differentiation during wound healing. The aim of the present study was to determine the cellular impact of Psoriasin in keratinocytes, which are the primary cell type associated with wound healing. Psoriasin expression in wound tissues was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunochemical staining. Knockdown of Psoriasin in HaCaT cells was performed using anti-Psoriasin ribozyme transgenes and the effect on growth, adhesion and migration of keratinocytes was subsequently determined using in vitro cellular functional assays. Psoriasin expression is upregulated in wounds, particularly at the wound edges. The present study demonstrated that Psoriasin is expressed in keratinocytes and is a fundamental regulator of keratinocyte migration. Significant increases in the rate of keratinocyte adhesion, migration and growth were observed in Psoriasin-deficient cells (P<0.01 vs. control). Application of small inhibitors identified the potential association of neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, focal adhesion primase and rho-associated protein kinase signalling pathways with Psoriasin-regulated cell adhesion and motility. In conclusion, Psoriasin serves an important role in the wound healing process, suggesting that it may be utilized as a potential wound healing biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravindan Rangaraj
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK.,Department of Wound Healing, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew James Sanders
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
| | - Patricia Elaine Price
- Department of Wound Healing, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
| | - Keith Gordon Harding
- Department of Wound Healing, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
| | - Wen Guo Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, CF14 4XN Cardiff, UK
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5
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Consecutive evaluation of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets immunotoxicity on monocytes. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 153:300-309. [PMID: 28285061 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The biocompatibilities of graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) should be thoroughly evaluated before their application in drug delivery and anticancer therapy. The present study aimed to consecutively assess the immunotoxicity of graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs) and reduced GONPs (rGONPs) on THP-1 cells, a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line. GONPs induced the expression of antioxidative enzymes and inflammatory factors, whereas rGONPs had substantially higher cellular uptake rate, higher levels of NF-κB expression. These distinct toxic mechanisms were observed because the two nanomaterials differ in their oxidation state, which imparts different affinities for the cell membrane. Because GONPs have a higher cell membrane affinity and higher impact on membrane proteins compared with rGONPs, macrophages (THP-1a) derived from GONPs treated THP-1cells showed a severer effect on phagocytosis. By consecutive evaluation the effects of GONPs and rGONPs on THP-1 and THP-1a, we demonstrated that their surface oxidation states may cause GFNs to behave differently and cause different immunotoxic effects.
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Cossette SM, Bhute VJ, Bao X, Harmann LM, Horswill MA, Sinha I, Gastonguay A, Pooya S, Bordas M, Kumar SN, Mirza SP, Palecek SP, Strande JL, Ramchandran R. Sucrose Nonfermenting-Related Kinase Enzyme-Mediated Rho-Associated Kinase Signaling is Responsible for Cardiac Function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:474-486. [PMID: 27780848 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.116.001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac metabolism is critical for the functioning of the heart, and disturbance in this homeostasis is likely to influence cardiac disorders or cardiomyopathy. Our laboratory has previously shown that SNRK (sucrose nonfermenting related kinase) enzyme, which belongs to the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase) family, was essential for cardiac metabolism in mammals. Snrk global homozygous knockout (KO) mice die at postnatal day 0, and conditional deletion of Snrk in cardiomyocytes (Snrk cmcKO) leads to cardiac failure and death by 8 to 10 months. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed additional cardiac functional studies using echocardiography and identified further cardiac functional deficits in Snrk cmcKO mice. Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analysis identified key metabolic pathway deficits in SNRK knockdown cardiomyocytes in vitro. Specifically, metabolites involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation are altered, and perturbations in these pathways can result in cardiac function deficits and heart failure. A phosphopeptide-based proteomic screen identified ROCK (Rho-associated kinase) as a putative substrate for SNRK, and mass spec-based fragment analysis confirmed key amino acid residues on ROCK that are phosphorylated by SNRK. Western blot analysis on heart lysates from Snrk cmcKO adult mice and SNRK knockdown cardiomyocytes showed increased ROCK activity. In addition, in vivo inhibition of ROCK partially rescued the in vivo Snrk cmcKO cardiac function deficits. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that SNRK in cardiomyocytes is responsible for maintaining cardiac metabolic homeostasis, which is mediated in part by ROCK, and alteration of this homeostasis influences cardiac function in the adult heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Cossette
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Vijesh J Bhute
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Leanne M Harmann
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Mark A Horswill
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Indranil Sinha
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Adam Gastonguay
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Shabnam Pooya
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Michelle Bordas
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Suresh N Kumar
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Shama P Mirza
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Sean P Palecek
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Jennifer L Strande
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.)
| | - Ramani Ramchandran
- From the Department of Pediatrics (S.M.C., A.G., S. Pooya, M.B., R.R.), OBGYN, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Children's Research Institute (R.R.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (L.M.H.), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Cardiovascular Center, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (J.L.S.), and Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology (S.N.K.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (V.J.B., X.B., S. Palecek), Morgridge Institute for Research (M.A.H.), University of Wisconsin-Madison; Marginalen Bank, Stockholm, Sweden (I.S.); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (S.P.M.).
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7
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Abstract
In past decades, growing evidence from basic and clinical researches reveal that small guanosine triphosphate binding protein ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) and its main effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) play central and complex roles in cardiovascular systems, and increasing RhoA and ROCK activity is associated with a broad range of cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Favorable outcomes have been observed with ROCK inhibitors treatment. In this review, we briefly summarize the pathophysiological roles of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway on cardiovascular system, displaying the potential benefits in the cardiovascular system with controlling RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
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Homan KT, Tesmer JJG. Molecular basis for small molecule inhibition of G protein-coupled receptor kinases. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:246-56. [PMID: 24984143 PMCID: PMC4301174 DOI: 10.1021/cb5003976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules that inhibit the protein kinase A, G, and C (AGC) family of serine/threonine kinases can exert profound effects on cell homeostasis and thereby regulate fundamental processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism, but there is not yet a clinically approved drug in the United States selective for a member of this family. One subfamily of AGC kinases, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs), initiates the desensitization of active GPCRs. Of these, GRK2 has been directly implicated in the progression of heart failure. Thus, there is great interest in the identification of GRK2-specific chemical probes that can be further developed into therapeutics. Herein, we compare crystal structures of small molecule inhibitors in complex with GRK2 to those of highly selective compounds in complex with Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase 1 (ROCK1), a closely related AGC kinase. This analysis suggests that reduced hydrogen-bond formation with the hinge of the kinase domain, occupation of the hydrophobic subsite, and, consequently, higher buried surface area are key drivers of potency and selectivity among GRK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoff T. Homan
- Life Sciences Institute,
Departments of Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - John J. G. Tesmer
- Life Sciences Institute,
Departments of Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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9
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Kolluru GK, Majumder S, Chatterjee S. Rho-kinase as a therapeutic target in vascular diseases: striking nitric oxide signaling. Nitric Oxide 2014; 43:45-54. [PMID: 25196952 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a globular, monomeric group of small signaling G-protein molecules. Rho-associated protein kinase/Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector protein of the Rho GTPase. Rho-kinases are the potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have primarily discussed the intriguing roles of ROCK in cardiovascular health in relation to nitric oxide signaling. Further, we highlighted the biphasic effects of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor under shear stress, which acts as an agonist of nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. The biphasic effects of this inhibitor raised the question of safety of the drug usage in treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syamantak Majumder
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India; Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India.
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10
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Loirand G, Sauzeau V, Pacaud P. Small G Proteins in the Cardiovascular System: Physiological and Pathological Aspects. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:1659-720. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small G proteins exist in eukaryotes from yeast to human and constitute the Ras superfamily comprising more than 100 members. This superfamily is structurally classified into five families: the Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran families that control a wide variety of cell and biological functions through highly coordinated regulation processes. Increasing evidence has accumulated to identify small G proteins and their regulators as key players of the cardiovascular physiology that control a large panel of cardiac (heart rhythm, contraction, hypertrophy) and vascular functions (angiogenesis, vascular permeability, vasoconstriction). Indeed, basal Ras protein activity is required for homeostatic functions in physiological conditions, but sustained overactivation of Ras proteins or spatiotemporal dysregulation of Ras signaling pathways has pathological consequences in the cardiovascular system. The primary object of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress in our understanding of the role of small G proteins and their regulators in cardiovascular physiology and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Sauzeau
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Pacaud
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
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11
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Zhao Z. Activin-A in diabetes-induced cardiac malformations in embryos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 98:260-7. [PMID: 23716477 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common abnormalities in infants of diabetic mothers. Cardiac malformation is associated with altered expression of the genes in the transforming growth factor β system, including inhibin βA, which forms activin-A as a homodimer and functions through its effectors, Smad2 and Smad3. This study aimed to investigate the role of activin-A in diabetes-induced cardiac malformations. METHODS Diabetes mellitus in female mice (C57BL/6J) was induced via intravenous injection of streptozotocin. The expression of inhibin βA protein and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in the embryonic hearts were examined using immunohistochemical, in situ proximity ligation, and immunoblot assays. Embryos and endocardial cushions of nondiabetic mice were cultured in a high concentration of glucose and treated with activin-A. Mitosis was examined using BrdU incorporation assay and immunohistochemistry of phosphorylated histone H3. Migration of the endocardial cells was assessed using a collagen-based cell migration assay. RESULTS The levels of inhibin βA expression and Smad2 and Smad3 activation were significantly reduced by maternal diabetes. Treatment with activin-A significantly increased cell proliferation in the myocardium and migration of endocardial cells, compared with those in vehicle-treated high glucose group, to the level in the euglycemic control group. CONCLUSIONS Maternal diabetes suppresses the expression of inhibin βA protein, as well as the activation of Smad2 and Smad3. Activin-A rescues cell proliferation in the myocardium and migration of the endocardial cells suppressed by hyperglycemia. The activin-Smad2/3 signaling system appears to play a role in cardiac malformation in diabetic embryopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Lencinas A, Tavares ALP, Barnett JV, Runyan RB. Collagen gel analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the embryo heart: an in vitro model system for the analysis of tissue interaction, signal transduction, and environmental effects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 93:298-311. [PMID: 22271679 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cellular process of epithelial-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) is a critical event in development that is reiterated in adult pathologies of metastasis and organ fibrosis. An initial understanding of the cellular and molecular events of this process emerged from an in vitro examination of heart valve development. Explants of the chick atrioventricular valve-forming region were placed on collagen gels and removed to show that EMT was regulated by a tissue interaction. Subsequent studies showed that specific TGFβ isoforms and receptors were required and steps of activation and invasion could be distinguished. The assay was modified for mouse hearts and has been used to explore signal transduction and gene expression in both species. The principle advantages of the system are a defined temporal window, when EMT takes place and the ability to isolate cells at various stages of the EMT process. These advantages are largely unavailable in other developmental or adult models. As the mesenchymal cells produced by EMT in the heart are involved in defects found in congenital heart disease, there is also a direct relevance of cardiac EMT to human birth defects. This relationship has been explored in relation to environmental exposures and in a number of genetic models. This review provides both an overview of the findings developed from the assay and protocols to enable the use of the assay by other laboratories. The assay provides a versatile platform to explore roles of specific gene products, drugs, and environmental agents on a critical cellular process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Lencinas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
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13
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Zhao Z. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in maternal diabetes-induced cardiac malformations during critical cardiogenesis period. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 95:1-6. [PMID: 21922638 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac abnormalities, including atrioventricular (AV) septal defects (AVSDs), are the most common birth defects in diabetic embryopathy. The AV septum is derived from the endocardial cushions, which undergo development and remodeling during septation. The impact of maternal diabetes on these processes needs to be identified. Maternal diabetes disturbs the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The role of ER stress in cardiac malformation remains to be delineated to gain information for developing therapy. METHODS Female mice were induced diabetic via intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Pregnant mice were made hyperglycemic at desired embryonic (E) days. AVSDs were examined histologically at E15.5. ER stress-associated factors were examined and quantified using immunohistochemical and immunoblot assays at E10.5. The role of ER stress in endocardial cell migration was investigated by treating endocardial cushion explants that were cultured in high glucose with an organic chaperone molecule, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate. RESULTS The rate of AVSDs in the embryos that were exposed to maternal hyperglycemia during the period of endocardial cushion development was significantly higher than that in those during endocardial cushion remodeling. ER stress was increased in the hearts. Amelioration of ER stress restored endocardial cell migration under hyperglycemic conditions. CONCLUSIONS The development, rather than remodeling, of the endocardial cushions is the cardiomorphogenic process that is susceptible to the insult of maternal hyperglycemia in the formation of AVSDs. Maternal diabetes increases ER stress in the developing heart. ER stress plays an essential role in mediating the effect of hyperglycemia on endocardial cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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14
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Le Béchec A, Portales-Casamar E, Vetter G, Moes M, Zindy PJ, Saumet A, Arenillas D, Theillet C, Wasserman WW, Lecellier CH, Friederich E. MIR@NT@N: a framework integrating transcription factors, microRNAs and their targets to identify sub-network motifs in a meta-regulation network model. BMC Bioinformatics 2011; 12:67. [PMID: 21375730 PMCID: PMC3061897 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-12-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To understand biological processes and diseases, it is crucial to unravel the concerted interplay of transcription factors (TFs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets within regulatory networks and fundamental sub-networks. An integrative computational resource generating a comprehensive view of these regulatory molecular interactions at a genome-wide scale would be of great interest to biologists, but is not available to date. RESULTS To identify and analyze molecular interaction networks, we developed MIR@NT@N, an integrative approach based on a meta-regulation network model and a large-scale database. MIR@NT@N uses a graph-based approach to predict novel molecular actors across multiple regulatory processes (i.e. TFs acting on protein-coding or miRNA genes, or miRNAs acting on messenger RNAs). Exploiting these predictions, the user can generate networks and further analyze them to identify sub-networks, including motifs such as feedback and feedforward loops (FBL and FFL). In addition, networks can be built from lists of molecular actors with an a priori role in a given biological process to predict novel and unanticipated interactions. Analyses can be contextualized and filtered by integrating additional information such as microarray expression data. All results, including generated graphs, can be visualized, saved and exported into various formats. MIR@NT@N performances have been evaluated using published data and then applied to the regulatory program underlying epithelium to mesenchyme transition (EMT), an evolutionary-conserved process which is implicated in embryonic development and disease. CONCLUSIONS MIR@NT@N is an effective computational approach to identify novel molecular regulations and to predict gene regulatory networks and sub-networks including conserved motifs within a given biological context. Taking advantage of the M@IA environment, MIR@NT@N is a user-friendly web resource freely available at http://mironton.uni.lu which will be updated on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Le Béchec
- Cytoskeleton and Cell Plasticity Lab, Life Sciences Research Unit-FSCT, University of Luxembourg, L-1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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15
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Koide K, Slonim DK, Johnson KL, Tantravahi U, Cowan JM, Bianchi DW. Transcriptomic analysis of cell-free fetal RNA suggests a specific molecular phenotype in trisomy 18. Hum Genet 2011; 129:295-305. [PMID: 21152935 PMCID: PMC3206603 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-010-0923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 18 is a common human aneuploidy that is associated with significant perinatal mortality. Unlike the well-characterized "critical region" in trisomy 21 (21q22), there is no corresponding region on chromosome 18 associated with its pathogenesis. The high morbidity and mortality of affected individuals has limited extensive investigations. In order to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the congenital anomalies observed in this condition, we investigated the in utero gene expression profile of second trimester fetuses affected with trisomy 18. Total RNA was extracted from cell-free amniotic fluid supernatant from aneuploid fetuses and euploid controls matched for gestational age and hybridized to Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 arrays. Individual differentially expressed transcripts were obtained by two-tailed t tests. Over-represented functional pathways among these genes were identified with DAVID and Ingenuity(®) Pathways Analysis. Results show that three hundred and fifty-two probe sets representing 251 annotated genes were statistically significantly differentially expressed between trisomy 18 and controls. Only 7 genes (2.8% of the annotated total) were located on chromosome 18, including ROCK1, an up-regulated gene involved in valvuloseptal and endocardial cushion formation. Pathway analysis indicated disrupted function in ion transport, MHCII/T cell mediated immunity, DNA repair, G-protein mediated signaling, kinases, and glycosylation. Significant down-regulation of genes involved in adrenal development was identified, which may explain both the abnormal maternal serum estriols and the pre and postnatal growth restriction in trisomy 18. Comparison of this gene set to one previously generated for trisomy 21 fetuses revealed only six overlapping differentially regulated genes. This study contributes novel information regarding functional developmental gene expression differences in fetuses with trisomy 18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Koide
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA02111, USA
| | - Donna K. Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA02155, USA
| | - Kirby L. Johnson
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA02111, USA
| | - Umadevi Tantravahi
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants’ Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA
| | - Janet M. Cowan
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA02111, USA
| | - Diana W. Bianchi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA02111, USA
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16
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Miyamoto S, Del Re DP, Xiang SY, Zhao X, Florholmen G, Brown JH. Revisited and revised: is RhoA always a villain in cardiac pathophysiology? J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2010; 3:330-43. [PMID: 20559774 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-010-9192-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The neonatal rat ventricular myocyte model of hypertrophy has provided tremendous insight with regard to signaling pathways regulating cardiac growth and gene expression. Many mediators thus discovered have been successfully extrapolated to the in vivo setting, as assessed using genetically engineered mice and physiological interventions. Studies in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes demonstrated a role for the small G-protein RhoA and its downstream effector kinase, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), in agonist-mediated hypertrophy. Transgenic expression of RhoA in the heart does not phenocopy this response, however, nor does genetic deletion of ROCK prevent hypertrophy. Pharmacologic inhibition of ROCK has effects most consistent with roles for RhoA signaling in the development of heart failure or responses to ischemic damage. Whether signals elicited downstream of RhoA promote cell death or survival and are deleterious or salutary is, however, context and cell-type dependent. The concepts discussed above are reviewed, and the hypothesis that RhoA might protect cardiomyocytes from ischemia and other insults is presented. Novel RhoA targets including phospholipid regulated and regulating enzymes (Akt, PI kinases, phospholipase C, protein kinases C and D) and serum response element-mediated transcriptional responses are considered as possible pathways through which RhoA could affect cardiomyocyte survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0636, USA
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17
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Yamagishi T, Ando K, Nakamura H. Roles of TGFβ and BMP during valvulo–septal endocardial cushion formation. Anat Sci Int 2009; 84:77-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s12565-009-0027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 09/05/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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18
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A negative modulatory role for rho and rho-associated kinase signaling in delamination of neural crest cells. Neural Dev 2008; 3:27. [PMID: 18945340 PMCID: PMC2577655 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-3-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neural crest progenitors arise as epithelial cells and then undergo a process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition that precedes the generation of cellular motility and subsequent migration. We aim at understanding the underlying molecular network. Along this line, possible roles of Rho GTPases that act as molecular switches to control a variety of signal transduction pathways remain virtually unexplored, as are putative interactions between Rho proteins and additional known components of this cascade. Results We investigated the role of Rho/Rock signaling in neural crest delamination. Active RhoA and RhoB are expressed in the membrane of epithelial progenitors and are downregulated upon delamination. In vivo loss-of-function of RhoA or RhoB or of overall Rho signaling by C3 transferase enhanced and/or triggered premature crest delamination yet had no effect on cell specification. Consistently, treatment of explanted neural primordia with membrane-permeable C3 or with the Rock inhibitor Y27632 both accelerated and enhanced crest emigration without affecting cell proliferation. These treatments altered neural crest morphology by reducing stress fibers, focal adhesions and downregulating membrane-bound N-cadherin. Reciprocally, activation of endogenous Rho by lysophosphatidic acid inhibited emigration while enhancing the above. Since delamination is triggered by BMP and requires G1/S transition, we examined their relationship with Rho. Blocking Rho/Rock function rescued crest emigration upon treatment with noggin or with the G1/S inhibitor mimosine. In the latter condition, cells emigrated while arrested at G1. Conversely, BMP4 was unable to rescue cell emigration when endogenous Rho activity was enhanced by lysophosphatidic acid. Conclusion Rho-GTPases, through Rock, act downstream of BMP and of G1/S transition to negatively regulate crest delamination by modifying cytoskeleton assembly and intercellular adhesion.
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19
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Sakabe M, Sakata H, Matsui H, Ikeda K, Yamagishi T, Nakajima Y. ROCK1 expression is regulated by TGFbeta3 and ALK2 during valvuloseptal endocardial cushion formation. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2008; 291:845-57. [PMID: 18461597 DOI: 10.1002/ar.20708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
During early heart development at the looped heart stage, endothelial cells in the outflow tract and atrioventricular (AV) regions transform into mesenchyme to generate endocardial cushion tissue. This endocardial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regulated by several regulatory pathways, including the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and Rho-ROCK pathways. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression pattern of ROCK1 mRNA during EMT in chick and examined whether TGFbeta or BMP could induce the expression of ROCK1. At the onset of EMT, ROCK1 expression was up-regulated in endothelial/mesenchymal cells. A three-dimensional collagen gel assay was used to examine the mechanisms regulating the expression of ROCK1. In AV endocardium co-cultured with associated myocardium, ROCK1 expression was inhibited by either anti-TGFbeta3 antibody, anti-ALK2 antibody or noggin, but not SB431542 (ALK5 inhibitor). In cultured preactivated AV endocardium, TGFbeta3 protein induced the expression of ROCK1, but BMP did not. AV endothelial cells that were cultured in medium supplemented with TGFbeta3 plus anti-ALK2 antibody failed to express ROCK1. These results suggest that the expression of ROCK1 is up-regulated at the onset of EMT and that signaling mediated by TGFbeta3/ALK2 together with BMP is involved in the expression of ROCK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Sakabe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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20
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Townsend TA, Wrana JL, Davis GE, Barnett JV. Transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated endocardial cell transformation is dependent on Par6c regulation of RhoA. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:13834-41. [PMID: 18343818 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m710607200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Valvular heart disease due to congenital abnormalities or pathology is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Understanding the cellular processes and molecules that regulate valve formation and remodeling is required to develop effective therapies. In the developing heart, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in a subpopulation of endocardial cells in the atrioventricular cushion (AVC) is an important step in valve formation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) has been shown to be an important regulator of AVC endocardial cell EMT in vitro and mesenchymal cell differentiation in vivo. Recently Par6c (Par6) has been shown to function downstream of TGFbeta to recruit Smurf1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which targets RhoA for degradation to control apical-basal polarity and tight junction dissolution. We tested the hypothesis that Par6 functions in a pathway that regulates endocardial cell EMT. Here we show that the Type I TGFbeta receptor ALK5 is required for endocardial cell EMT. Overexpression of dominant negative Par6 inhibits EMT in AVC endocardial cells, whereas overexpression of wild-type Par6 in normally non-transforming ventricular endocardial cells results in EMT. Overexpression of Smurf1 in ventricular endocardial cells induces EMT. Decreasing RhoA activity using dominant negative RhoA or small interfering RNA in ventricular endocardial cells also increases EMT, whereas overexpression of constitutively active RhoA in AVC endothelial cells blocks EMT. Manipulation of Rac1 or Cdc42 activity is without effect. These data demonstrate a functional role for Par6/Smurf1/RhoA in regulating EMT in endocardial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Townsend
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, USA
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21
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Tavares ALP, Mercado-Pimentel ME, Runyan RB, Kitten GT. TGF beta-mediated RhoA expression is necessary for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the embryonic chick heart. Dev Dyn 2007; 235:1589-98. [PMID: 16598712 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelia in the atrioventricular canal (AVC) of the embryonic heart undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migrate into the underlying extracellular matrix. We explore here whether RhoA mediates this EMT. RhoA was detected in all cells of the chick heart during the stages studied. Expression was elevated when EMT was actively occurring. Explants treated with C3 exoenzyme in collagen gel cultures showed a significant decrease in mesenchymal cell numbers. siRNA was used to inhibit RhoA mRNA, and both activated endothelial and mesenchymal cells decreased significantly with treatment. Loss of RhoA produced a reduction of RhoB, cyclin-b2, and beta-catenin messages showing that these genes are regulated downstream of RhoA. In contrast, runx-2 was not reduced. Inhibition of TGFbeta3 or TGFbeta2 activity caused a large reduction of RhoA message. These data place RhoA in TGFbeta regulated pathways for both endothelial activation and mesenchymal invasion and demonstrate a functional requirement during EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luiz P Tavares
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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22
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Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the first and the best-characterized effectors of the small G-protein RhoA. In addition to their effect on actin organization, or through this effect, ROCKs have been found to regulate a wide range of fundamental cell functions such as contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Abnormal activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway has been observed in major cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This review, based on recent molecular, cellular, and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of ROCK signaling and its roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- INSERM U-533-Institut du Thorax, Faculté des Sciences, Nantes, France
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23
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Shimokawa H, Rashid M. Development of Rho-kinase inhibitors for cardiovascular medicine. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2007; 28:296-302. [PMID: 17482681 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Revised: 03/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho-kinase (ROCK) is one of the downstream effectors of the small G-protein Rho. The Rho-ROCK pathway has an important role in mediating various cellular functions, including contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion and motility, proliferation, cytokinesis and gene expression, all of which are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, adventitial cells, cardiomyocytes and nerve cells all undergo pathophysiological changes through the ROCK pathway. Abnormal activation of this pathway is associated with the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary and cerebral vasospasm, restenosis, atherosclerosis, stroke and heart failure, although the roles of the ROCK isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2) remain to be elucidated. In this article, we review the information about the therapeutic importance of the ROCK pathway and summarize the current status of the development of ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shimokawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
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24
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Sakata H, Sakabe M, Matsui H, Kawada N, Nakatani K, Ikeda K, Yamagishi T, Nakajima Y. Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 affects initial heart myofibrillogenesis in cultured chick blastoderm. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:461-72. [PMID: 17195179 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During early vertebrate development, Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are involved in various developmental processes. Here, we investigated spatiotemporal expression patterns of ROCK1 protein and examined the role of ROCK during initial heart myofibrillogenesis in cultured chick blastoderm. Immunohistochemistry showed that ROCK1 protein was distributed in migrating mesendoderm cells, visceral mesoderm of the pericardial coelom (from which cardiomyocytes will later develop), and cardiomyocytes of the primitive heart tube. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK by Y27632 did not alter the myocardial specification process in cultured posterior blastoderm. However, Y27632 disturbed the formation of striated heart myofibrils in cultured posterior blastoderm. Furthermore, Y27632 affected the formation of costamere, a vinculin/integrin-based rib-like cell adhesion site. In such cardiomyocytes, cell-cell adhesion was disrupted and N-cadherin was distributed in the perinuclear region. Pharmacological inactivation of myosin light chain kinase, a downstream of ROCK, by ML-9 perturbed the formation of striated myofibrils as well as costameres, but not cell-cell adhesion. These results suggest that ROCK plays a role in the formation of initial heart myofibrillogenesis by means of actin-myosin assembly, and focal adhesion/costamere and cell-cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Sakata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Asahimachi, Osaka, Japan
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25
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Stephen LJ, Fawkes AL, Verhoeve A, Lemke G, Brown A. A critical role for the EphA3 receptor tyrosine kinase in heart development. Dev Biol 2007; 302:66-79. [PMID: 17046737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2006] [Revised: 08/23/2006] [Accepted: 08/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Eph proteins are receptor tyrosine kinases that control changes in cell shape and migration during development. We now describe a critical role for EphA3 receptor signaling in heart development as revealed by the phenotype of EphA3 null mice. During heart development mesenchymal outgrowths, the atrioventricular endocardial cushions, form in the atrioventricular canal. This morphogenetic event requires endocardial cushion cells to undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and results in the formation of the atrioventricular valves and membranous portions of the atrial and ventricular septa. We show that EphA3 knockouts have significant defects in the development of their atrial septa and atrioventricular endocardial cushions, and that these cardiac abnormalities lead to the death of approximately 75% of homozygous EphA3(-/-) mutants. We demonstrate that EphA3 and its ligand, ephrin-A1, are expressed in adjacent cells in the developing endocardial cushions. We further demonstrate that EphA3(-/-) atrioventricular endocardial cushions are hypoplastic compared to wildtype and that EphA3(-/-) endocardial cushion explants give rise to fewer migrating mesenchymal cells than wildtype explants. Thus our results indicate that EphA3 plays a crucial role in the development and morphogenesis of the cells that give rise to the atrioventricular valves and septa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley J Stephen
- BioTherapeutics Research Group, The John P Robarts Research Institute, and The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Xu JL, Khor KA, Lu YW, Chen WN, Kumar R. Osteoblast interactions with various hydroxyapatite based biomaterials consolidated using a spark plasma sintering technique. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2007; 84:224-30. [PMID: 17631676 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.30864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the osteoblast behaviors on various hydroxyapatite based biomaterials that were consolidated at 1100 degrees C for 3 min by a spark plasma sintering technique. The osteoblasts from human fetal osteoblast cell line were cultured in the medium on the various biomaterials surfaces (HA, RF21, 1SiHA, and 5SiHA) to assess the cell morphology and proliferation as well as cell differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity). Moreover, the bone gamma-carboxyglutamic protein or osteocalcin in the medium were determined at different periods of culture. The present results indicated that the amount of osteocalcin in the medium decreased during the periods of culture. The highest osteocalcin production obtained from the biomaterial 5SiHA after cell culture for 2 days demonstrated that the presence of silica in the biomaterials enhanced the cell differentiation by the rapid release of silicate and calcium ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Xu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798.
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27
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Woods A, Beier F. RhoA/ROCK signaling regulates chondrogenesis in a context-dependent manner. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:13134-13140. [PMID: 16565087 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m509433200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the cartilage template that precedes endochondral bone formation requires the condensation of mesenchymal cells and their subsequent differentiation to the chondrocytic lineage. We have previously shown that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway or actin dynamics enhances Sox9 mRNA expression, increases glycosaminoglycan production, and transforms cell shape to a spherical, chondrocyte-like morphology. However, we demonstrate here that in three-dimensional micromass cultures of mesenchymal cells, increased expression of Sox9 in response to these manipulations is not sufficient to induce the expression of established Sox9 target genes. This is illustrated by a decrease in the transcript levels of collagen II and aggrecan as well as reduced activity of a Sox9-responsive reporter gene in response to ROCK inhibition and cytochalasin D. We also demonstrate a decrease in mRNA levels of the transcriptional co-activators L-Sox5 and Sox6 upon ROCK inhibition and cytochalasin D. The decrease in Sox9 activity is likely partially due to reduced L-Sox5 and Sox6 levels but also to a delay in Sox9 phosphorylation following ROCK inhibition. In contrast, inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway and cytochalasin D treatment in monolayer culture results in the enhancement of a number of markers of chondrogenesis such as Sox9 activity and collagen II and aggrecan transcripts levels. These data demonstrate that the effects of RhoA/ROCK signaling and actin polymerization inhibitors on chondrogenic gene expression are dependent on the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Woods
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1 Canada
| | - Frank Beier
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1 Canada.
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Barth AS, Merk S, Arnoldi E, Zwermann L, Kloos P, Gebauer M, Steinmeyer K, Bleich M, Kääb S, Pfeufer A, Uberfuhr P, Dugas M, Steinbeck G, Nabauer M. Functional profiling of human atrial and ventricular gene expression. Pflugers Arch 2005; 450:201-8. [PMID: 15877233 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-005-1404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2005] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of our investigation was to identify the transcriptional basis for ultrastructural and functional specialization of human atria and ventricles. Using exploratory microarray analysis (Affymetrix U133A+B), we detected 11,740 transcripts expressed in human heart, representing the most comprehensive report of the human myocardial transcriptome to date. Variation in gene expression between atria and ventricles accounted for the largest differences in this data set, as 3.300 and 2.974 transcripts showed higher expression in atria and ventricles, respectively. Functional classification based on Gene Ontology identified chamber-specific patterns of gene expression and provided molecular insights into the regional specialization of cardiomyocytes, correlating important functional pathways to transcriptional activity: Ventricular myocytes preferentially express genes satisfying contractile and energetic requirements, while atrial myocytes exhibit specific transcriptional activities related to neurohumoral function. In addition, several pro-fibrotic and apoptotic pathways were concentrated in atrial myocardium, substantiating the higher susceptibility of atria to programmed cell death and extracellular matrix remodelling observed in human and experimental animal models of heart failure. Differences in transcriptional profiles of atrial and ventricular myocardium thus provide molecular insights into myocardial cell diversity and distinct region-specific adaptations to physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Moreover, as major functional classes of atrial- and ventricular-specific transcripts were common to human and murine myocardium, an evolutionarily conserved chamber-specific expression pattern in mammalian myocardium is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas S Barth
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Sakabe M, Ikeda K, Nakatani K, Kawada N, Imanaka-Yoshida K, Yoshida T, Yamagishi T, Nakajima Y. Rho kinases regulate endothelial invasion and migration during valvuloseptal endocardial cushion tissue formation. Dev Dyn 2005; 235:94-104. [PMID: 16342113 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector of small Rho-GTPases, and phosphorylates several substrates to regulate cell functions, including actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular motility. Endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a critical event in the formation of valves and septa during cardiogenesis. It has been reported that ROCK plays an important role in the regulation of endocardial cell differentiation and migration during mouse cardiogenesis (Zhao and Rivkees [2004] Dev. Biol. 275:183-191). Immunohistochemistry showed that, during chick cardiogenesis, ROCK1 and -2 were expressed in the transforming and migrating endothelial/mesenchymal cells in the outflow tract (OT) and atrioventricular (AV) canal regions from which valvuloseptal endocardial cushion tissue would later develop. Treatment with Y27632, a specific ROCK inhibitor, of cultured AV explants or AV endothelial monolayers of stage 14-minus heart (preactivated stage for EMT) on three-dimensional collagen gel perturbed the seeding of mesenchymal cells into the gel lattice. In these experiments, Y27632 did not suppress the expression of an early transformation marker, smooth muscle alpha-actin. Moreover, Y27632 inhibited the mesenchymal invasion in stage 14-18 AV explants, in which endothelial cells had committed to undergo EMT. ML-9, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor, also inhibited the mesenchymal invasion in cultured AV explants. These results suggest that ROCKs have a critical role in the mesenchymal cell invasion/migration that occurs at the late onset of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Sakabe
- Department of Anoatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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