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Saemann L, Wächter K, Gharpure N, Pohl S, Hoorn F, Korkmaz-Icöz S, Karck M, Veres G, Simm A, Szabó G. HTK vs. HTK-N for Coronary Endothelial Protection during Hypothermic, Oxygenated Perfusion of Hearts Donated after Circulatory Death. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2262. [PMID: 38396938 PMCID: PMC10889240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Protection of the coronary arteries during donor heart maintenance is pivotal to improve results and prevent the development of coronary allograft vasculopathy. The effect of hypothermic, oxygenated perfusion (HOP) with the traditional HTK and the novel HTK-N solution on the coronary microvasculature of donation-after-circulatory-death (DCD) hearts is known. However, the effect on the coronary macrovasculature is unknown. Thus, we maintained porcine DCD hearts by HOP with HTK or HTK-N for 4 h, followed by transplantation-equivalent reperfusion with blood for 2 h. Then, we removed the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and compared the endothelial-dependent and -independent vasomotor function of both groups using bradykinin and sodium-nitroprusside (SNP). We also determined the transcriptome of LAD samples using microarrays. The endothelial-dependent relaxation was significantly better after HOP with HTK-N. The endothelial-independent relaxation was comparable between both groups. In total, 257 genes were expressed higher, and 668 genes were expressed lower in the HTK-N group. Upregulated genes/pathways were involved in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell preservation and heart development. Downregulated genes were related to ischemia/reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, mitochondrion organization, and immune reaction. The novel HTK-N solution preserves the endothelial function of DCD heart coronary arteries more effectively than traditional HTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Saemann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Wächter
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nitin Gharpure
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sabine Pohl
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Fabio Hoorn
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sevil Korkmaz-Icöz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Karck
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gábor Veres
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Simm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), University of Halle, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Cerdà P, Castillo SD, Aguilera C, Iriarte A, Rocamora JL, Larrinaga AM, Viñals F, Graupera M, Riera-Mestre A. New genetic drivers in hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 119:99-108. [PMID: 37689549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare vascular disease inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Disease-causing variants in endoglin (ENG) and activin A receptor type II-like 1 (ACVRL1) genes are detected in around 90% of the patients; also 2% of patients harbor pathogenic variants at SMAD4 and GDF2. Importantly, the genetic cause of 8% of patients with clinical HHT remains unknown. Here, we present new putative genetic drivers of HHT. METHODS To identify new HHT genetic drivers, we performed exome sequencing of 19 HHT patients and relatives with unknown HHT genetic etiology. We applied a multistep filtration strategy to catalog deleterious variants and prioritize gene candidates based on their known relevance in endothelial cell biology. Additionally, we performed in vitro validation of one of the identified variants. RESULTS We identified variants in the INHA, HIF1A, JAK2, DNM2, POSTN, ANGPTL4, FOXO1 and SMAD6 genes as putative drivers in HHT. We have identified the SMAD6 p.(Glu407Lys) variant in one of the families; this is a loss-of-function variant leading to the activation of the BMP/TGFβ signaling in endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Variants in these genes should be considered for genetic testing in patients with HHT phenotype and negative for ACVRL1/ENG mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Cerdà
- HHT Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra D Castillo
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Cinthia Aguilera
- HHT Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Genetics Laboratory, Laboratori Clínic Territorial Metropolitana Sud, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Adriana Iriarte
- HHT Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Rocamora
- HHT Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Molecular Signaling Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ane M Larrinaga
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Francesc Viñals
- Molecular Signaling Group, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Institut Catala d'Oncologia (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Badalona, Spain; CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; ICREA, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Riera-Mestre
- HHT Unit, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
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3
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial cell SMAD6 balances Alk1 function to regulate adherens junctions and hepatic vascular development. Development 2023; 150:dev201811. [PMID: 37787089 PMCID: PMC10629679 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is crucial to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here, we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo. At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. Mechanistically, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial cell junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a 'Goldilocks' pathway in vascular biology that requires a certain signaling amplitude, regulated by SMAD6, to function properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R. Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Victoria L. Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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4
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Buglak DB, Bougaran P, Kulikauskas MR, Liu Z, Monaghan-Benson E, Gold AL, Marvin AP, Burciu A, Tanke NT, Oatley M, Ricketts SN, Kinghorn K, Johnson BN, Shiau CE, Rogers S, Guilluy C, Bautch VL. Nuclear SUN1 stabilizes endothelial cell junctions via microtubules to regulate blood vessel formation. eLife 2023; 12:83652. [PMID: 36989130 PMCID: PMC10059686 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells line all blood vessels, where they coordinate blood vessel formation and the blood-tissue barrier via regulation of cell-cell junctions. The nucleus also regulates endothelial cell behaviors, but it is unclear how the nucleus contributes to endothelial cell activities at the cell periphery. Here, we show that the nuclear-localized linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex protein SUN1 regulates vascular sprouting and endothelial cell-cell junction morphology and function. Loss of murine endothelial Sun1 impaired blood vessel formation and destabilized junctions, angiogenic sprouts formed but retracted in SUN1-depleted sprouts, and zebrafish vessels lacking Sun1b had aberrant junctions and defective cell-cell connections. At the cellular level, SUN1 stabilized endothelial cell-cell junctions, promoted junction function, and regulated contractility. Mechanistically, SUN1 depletion altered cell behaviors via the cytoskeleton without changing transcriptional profiles. Reduced peripheral microtubule density, fewer junction contacts, and increased catastrophes accompanied SUN1 loss, and microtubule depolymerization phenocopied effects on junctions. Depletion of GEF-H1, a microtubule-regulated Rho activator, or the LINC complex protein nesprin-1 rescued defective junctions of SUN1-depleted endothelial cells. Thus, endothelial SUN1 regulates peripheral cell-cell junctions from the nucleus via LINC complex-based microtubule interactions that affect peripheral microtubule dynamics and Rho-regulated contractility, and this long-range regulation is important for proper blood vessel sprouting and junction integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle B Buglak
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Pauline Bougaran
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Molly R Kulikauskas
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Elizabeth Monaghan-Benson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighUnited States
| | - Ariel L Gold
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Allison P Marvin
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Andrew Burciu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Natalie T Tanke
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Shea N Ricketts
- Department of Pathology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Karina Kinghorn
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Bryan N Johnson
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Celia E Shiau
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Stephen Rogers
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
| | - Christophe Guilluy
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighUnited States
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUnited States
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5
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial Cell SMAD6 Balances ACVRL1/Alk1 Function to Regulate Adherens Junctions and Hepatic Vascular Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.534007. [PMID: 36993438 PMCID: PMC10055411 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.534007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is critical to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1/ACVRL1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo . At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. At the mechanistic level, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a "Goldilocks" pathway in vascular biology regulated by SMAD6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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6
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Luyckx I, Verstraeten A, Goumans MJ, Loeys B. SMAD6-deficiency in human genetic disorders. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:68. [DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractSMAD6 encodes an intracellular inhibitor of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway. Until now, SMAD6-deficiency has been associated with three distinctive human congenital conditions, i.e., congenital heart diseases, including left ventricular obstruction and conotruncal defects, craniosynostosis and radioulnar synostosis. Intriguingly, a similar spectrum of heterozygous loss-of-function variants has been reported to cause these clinically distinct disorders without a genotype–phenotype correlation. Even identical nucleotide changes have been described in patients with either a cardiovascular phenotype, craniosynostosis or radioulnar synostosis. These findings suggest that the primary pathogenic variant alone cannot explain the resultant patient phenotype. In this review, we summarise clinical and (patho)genetic (dis)similarities between these three SMAD6-related conditions, compare published Madh6 mouse models, in which the importance and impact of the genetic background with respect to the observed phenotype is highlighted, and elaborate on the cellular key mechanisms orchestrated by SMAD6 in the development of these three discrete inherited disorders. In addition, we discuss future research needed to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these diseases in order to improve their molecular diagnosis, advance therapeutic strategies and facilitate counselling of patients and their families.
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7
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Neugebauer M, Grundmann CE, Lehnert M, von Stetten F, Früh SM, Süss R. Analyzing siRNA Concentration, Complexation and Stability in Cationic Dendriplexes by Stem-Loop Reverse Transcription-qPCR. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071348. [PMID: 35890243 PMCID: PMC9320460 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful therapeutic approach for messenger RNA (mRNA) level regulation in human cells. RNAi can be triggered by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which are delivered by non-viral carriers, e.g., dendriplexes. siRNA quantification inside carriers is essential in drug delivery system development. However, current siRNA measuring methods either are not very sensitive, only semi-quantitative or not specific towards intact target siRNA sequences. We present a novel reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)-based application for siRNA quantification in drug formulations. It enables specific and highly sensitive quantification of released, uncomplexed target siRNA and thus also indirect assessment of siRNA stability and concentration inside dendriplexes. We show that comparison with a dilution series allows for siRNA quantification, exclusively measuring intact target sequences. The limit of detection (LOD) was 4.2 pM (±0.2 pM) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) 77.8 pM (±13.4 pM) for uncomplexed siRNA. LOD and LOQ of dendriplex samples were 31.6 pM (±0 pM) and 44.4 pM (±9.0 pM), respectively. Unspecific non-target siRNA sequences did not decrease quantification accuracy when present in samples. As an example of use, we assessed siRNA complexation inside dendriplexes with varying nitrogen-to-phosphate ratios. Further, protection of siRNA inside dendriplexes from RNase A degradation was quantitatively compared to degradation of uncomplexed siRNA. This novel application for quantification of siRNA in drug delivery systems is an important tool for the development of new siRNA-based drugs and quality checks including drug stability measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Neugebauer
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Clara E. Grundmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (C.E.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Michael Lehnert
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanna M. Früh
- Hahn-Schickard, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; (M.L.); (F.v.S.); (S.M.F.)
- Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK—Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Regine Süss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (C.E.G.); (R.S.)
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8
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Chen J, Chang R. Association of TGF-β Canonical Signaling-Related Core Genes With Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888563. [PMID: 35517795 PMCID: PMC9065418 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is essential for the maintenance of the normal structure and function of the aorta. It includes SMAD-dependent canonical pathways and noncanonical signaling pathways. Accumulated genetic evidence has shown that TGF-β canonical signaling-related genes have key roles in aortic aneurysms (AAs) and aortic dissections and many gene mutations have been identified in patients, such as those for transforming growth factor-beta receptor one TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, and SMAD6. Aortic specimens from patients with these mutations often show paradoxically enhanced TGF-β signaling. Some hypotheses have been proposed and new AA models in mice have been constructed to reveal new mechanisms, but the role of TGF-β signaling in AAs is controversial. In this review, we focus mainly on the role of canonical signaling-related core genes in diseases of the aorta, as well as recent advances in gene-mutation detection, animal models, and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Chen
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rong Chang
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Kilari S, Wang Y, Singh A, Graham RP, Iyer V, Thompson SM, Torbenson MS, Mukhopadhyay D, Misra S. Neuropilin-1 deficiency in vascular smooth muscle cells is associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia arteriovenous malformations. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155565. [PMID: 35380991 PMCID: PMC9090252 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) have arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with genetic mutations involving the activin-A receptor like type 1 (ACVRL1 or ALK1) and endoglin (ENG). Recent studies have shown that Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) inhibits ALK1. We investigated the expression of NRP-1 in livers of patients with HHT and found that there was a significant reduction in NRP-1 in perivascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We used Nrp1SM22KO mice (Nrp1 was ablated in SMCs) and found hemorrhage, increased immune cell infiltration with a decrease in SMCs, and pericyte lining in lungs and liver in adult mice. Histologic examination revealed lung arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with enlarged liver vessels. Evaluation of the retina vessels at P5 from Nrp1SM22KO mice demonstrated dilated capillaries with a reduction of pericytes. In inflow artery of surgical AVFs from the Nrp1SM22KO versus WT mice, there was a significant decrease in Tgfb1, Eng, and Alk1 expression and phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8 (pSMAD1/5/8), with an increase in apoptosis. TGF-β1–stimulated aortic SMCs from Nrp1SM22KO versus WT mice have decreased pSMAD1/5/8 and increased apoptosis. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that NRP-1 interacts with ALK1 and ENG in SMCs. In summary, NRP-1 deletion in SMCs leads to reduced ALK1, ENG, and pSMAD1/5/8 signaling and reduced cell death associated with AVM formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Avishek Singh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Rondell P Graham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Vivek Iyer
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Scott M Thompson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Misra
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
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10
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Kulikauskas MR, X S, Bautch VL. The versatility and paradox of BMP signaling in endothelial cell behaviors and blood vessel function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:77. [PMID: 35044529 PMCID: PMC8770421 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels expand via sprouting angiogenesis, and this process involves numerous endothelial cell behaviors, such as collective migration, proliferation, cell–cell junction rearrangements, and anastomosis and lumen formation. Subsequently, blood vessels remodel to form a hierarchical network that circulates blood and delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissue. During this time, endothelial cells become quiescent and form a barrier between blood and tissues that regulates transport of liquids and solutes. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates both proangiogenic and homeostatic endothelial cell behaviors as blood vessels form and mature. Almost 30 years ago, human pedigrees linked BMP signaling to diseases associated with blood vessel hemorrhage and shunts, and recent work greatly expanded our knowledge of the players and the effects of vascular BMP signaling. Despite these gains, there remain paradoxes and questions, especially with respect to how and where the different and opposing BMP signaling outputs are regulated. This review examines endothelial cell BMP signaling in vitro and in vivo and discusses the paradox of BMP signals that both destabilize and stabilize endothelial cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Kulikauskas
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Shaka X
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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11
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Elorza Ridaura I, Sorrentino S, Moroni L. Parallels between the Developing Vascular and Neural Systems: Signaling Pathways and Future Perspectives for Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101837. [PMID: 34693660 PMCID: PMC8655224 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurovascular disorders, which involve the vascular and nervous systems, are common. Research on such disorders usually focuses on either vascular or nervous components, without looking at how they interact. Adopting a neurovascular perspective is essential to improve current treatments. Therefore, comparing molecular processes known to be involved in both systems separately can provide insight into promising areas of future research. Since development and regeneration share many mechanisms, comparing signaling molecules involved in both the developing vascular and nervous systems and shedding light to those that they have in common can reveal processes, which have not yet been studied from a regenerative perspective, yet hold great potential. Hence, this review discusses and compares processes involved in the development of the vascular and nervous systems, in order to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms, which are most promising with regards to treatment for neurovascular disorders. Vascular endothelial growth factor, semaphorins, and ephrins are found to hold the most potential, while fibroblast growth factor, bone morphogenic protein, slits, and sonic hedgehog are shown to participate in both the developing vascular and nervous systems, yet have not been studied at the neurovascular level, therefore being of special interest for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Elorza Ridaura
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ERThe Netherlands
| | - Stefano Sorrentino
- CNR Nanotec – Institute of NanotechnologyCampus Ecotekne, via MonteroniLecce73100Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ERThe Netherlands
- CNR Nanotec – Institute of NanotechnologyCampus Ecotekne, via MonteroniLecce73100Italy
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12
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Matos-Nieves A, Manivannan S, Majumdar U, McBride KL, White P, Garg V. A Multi-Omics Approach Using a Mouse Model of Cardiac Malformations for Prioritization of Human Congenital Heart Disease Contributing Genes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:683074. [PMID: 34504875 PMCID: PMC8421733 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.683074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect, affecting ~1% of all live births. Malformations of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) account for ~30% of all CHD and include a range of CHDs from bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) to tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We hypothesized that transcriptomic profiling of a mouse model of CHD would highlight disease-contributing genes implicated in congenital cardiac malformations in humans. To test this hypothesis, we utilized global transcriptional profiling differences from a mouse model of OFT malformations to prioritize damaging, de novo variants identified from exome sequencing datasets from published cohorts of CHD patients. Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mice display a spectrum of cardiac OFT malformations ranging from BAV, semilunar valve (SLV) stenosis to TOF. Global transcriptional profiling of the E13.5 Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mutant mouse OFTs and wildtype controls was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Analysis of the RNA-Seq dataset demonstrated genes belonging to the Hif1α, Tgf-β, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways were differentially expressed in the mutant OFT. Mouse to human comparative analysis was then performed to determine if patients with TOF and SLV stenosis display an increased burden of damaging, genetic variants in gene homologs that were dysregulated in Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- OFT. We found an enrichment of de novo variants in the TOF population among the 1,352 significantly differentially expressed genes in Notch1 +/- ; Nos3 -/- mouse OFT but not the SLV population. This association was not significant when comparing only highly expressed genes in the murine OFT to de novo variants in the TOF population. These results suggest that transcriptomic datasets generated from the appropriate temporal, anatomic and cellular tissues from murine models of CHD may provide a novel approach for the prioritization of disease-contributing genes in patients with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Matos-Nieves
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sathiyanarayanan Manivannan
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Uddalak Majumdar
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kim L. McBride
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peter White
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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13
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The BMP Pathway in Blood Vessel and Lymphatic Vessel Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126364. [PMID: 34198654 PMCID: PMC8232321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were originally identified as the active components in bone extracts that can induce ectopic bone formation. In recent decades, their key role has broadly expanded beyond bone physiology and pathology. Nowadays, the BMP pathway is considered an important player in vascular signaling. Indeed, mutations in genes encoding different components of the BMP pathway cause various severe vascular diseases. Their signaling contributes to the morphological, functional and molecular heterogeneity among endothelial cells in different vessel types such as arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels and capillaries within different organs. The BMP pathway is a remarkably fine-tuned pathway. As a result, its signaling output in the vessel wall critically depends on the cellular context, which includes flow hemodynamics, interplay with other vascular signaling cascades and the interaction of endothelial cells with peri-endothelial cells and the surrounding matrix. In this review, the emerging role of BMP signaling in lymphatic vessel biology will be highlighted within the framework of BMP signaling in the circulatory vasculature.
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14
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Elmasry K, Habib S, Moustafa M, Al-Shabrawey M. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Diabetic Retinopathy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040593. [PMID: 33919531 PMCID: PMC8073699 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in bone formation and repair. Recent studies underscored their essential role in the normal development of several organs and vascular homeostasis in health and diseases. Elevated levels of BMPs have been linked to the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, their particular role in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still under-investigated. Accumulated evidence from our and others’ studies suggests the involvement of BMP signaling in retinal inflammation, hyperpermeability and pathological neovascularization in DR and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore, targeting BMP signaling in diabetes is proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to halt the development of microvascular dysfunction in retinal diseases, particularly in DR. The goal of this review article is to discuss the biological functions of BMPs, their underlying mechanisms and their potential role in the pathogenesis of DR in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Elmasry
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Culver Vision discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Department of Anatomy, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Governorate 35516, Egypt
| | - Samar Habib
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Governorate 35516, Egypt;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mohamed Moustafa
- Culver Vision discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Culver Vision discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(706)721-4278 or +1-(706)721-4279
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15
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Wu J, Chen X, Sehgal P, Zhang T, Jackson-Weaver O, Gou Y, Bautch V, Frenkel B, Sun H, Xu J. Arginine methylation of R81 in Smad6 confines BMP-induced Smad1 signaling. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100496. [PMID: 33667543 PMCID: PMC8050389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) secreted by a variety of cell types are known to play essential roles in cell differentiation and matrix formation in the bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessel, and neuronal tissue. BMPs activate intracellular effectors via C-terminal phosphorylation of Smad1, Smad5, and Smad9, which relay the signaling by forming a complex with Smad4 and translocate to the nucleus for transcriptional activation. Smad6 inhibits BMP signaling through diverse mechanisms operative at the membrane, cytosolic, and nuclear levels. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of Smad6 functional diversity remain unclear. Here, using a biochemical approach and cell differentiation systems, we report a cytosolic mechanism of action for Smad6 that requires arginine methylation at arginine 81 (R81) and functions through association with Smad1 and interference with the formation of Smad1–Smad4 complexes. By mutating the methylated arginine residue, R81, and by silencing the expression of protein arginine methyltransferase 1, we show that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 catalyzes R81 methylation of Smad6 upon BMP treatment, R81 methylation subsequently facilitates Smad6 interaction with the phosphorylated active Smad1, and R81 methylation facilitates Smad6-mediated interruption of Smad1–Smad4 complex formation and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, Smad6 WT but not the methylation-deficient R81A mutant inhibited BMP-responsive transcription, attenuated BMP-mediated osteogenic differentiation, and antagonized BMP-mediated inhibition of cell invasion. Taken together, our results suggest that R81 methylation plays an essential role in Smad6-mediated inhibition of BMP responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; College of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Prerna Sehgal
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tingwei Zhang
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Olan Jackson-Weaver
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yongchao Gou
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Victoria Bautch
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of Northern Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Baruch Frenkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hongchen Sun
- College of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Norris Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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16
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SMAD6 transduces endothelial cell flow responses required for blood vessel homeostasis. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:387-398. [PMID: 33779885 PMCID: PMC8206051 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Fluid shear stress provided by blood flow instigates a transition from active blood vessel network expansion during development, to vascular homeostasis and quiescence that is important for mature blood vessel function. Here we show that SMAD6 is required for endothelial cell flow-mediated responses leading to maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Concomitant manipulation of the mechanosensor Notch1 pathway and SMAD6 expression levels revealed that SMAD6 functions downstream of ligand-induced Notch signaling and transcription regulation. Mechanistically, full-length SMAD6 protein was needed to rescue Notch loss-induced flow misalignment. Endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 had defective barrier function accompanied by upregulation of proliferation-associated genes and down regulation of junction-associated genes. The vascular protocadherin PCDH12 was upregulated by SMAD6 and required for proper flow-mediated endothelial cell alignment, placing it downstream of SMAD6. Thus, SMAD6 is a required transducer of flow-mediated signaling inputs downstream of Notch1 and upstream of PCDH12, as vessels transition from an angiogenic phenotype to maintenance of a homeostatic phenotype.
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17
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Atari B, Ito T, Nagasato T, Ohnishi T, Hosokawa K, Yasuda T, Maruyama I, Kakihana Y. A modified microchip-based flow chamber system for evaluating thrombogenicity in patients with thrombocytopenia. Thromb J 2020; 18:31. [PMID: 33292286 PMCID: PMC7602342 DOI: 10.1186/s12959-020-00244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU), patients with thrombocytopenia are at high risk for bleeding and should be assessed for their thrombogenic potential. However, the analytical conditions of conventional hemostatic tests are unsuitable for the evaluation of low-platelet samples. Here we aimed to establish suitable analytical conditions with the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System (T-TAS) for quantitative assessment of thrombogenic potential in patients with thrombocytopenia and to investigate how T-TAS values relate to bleeding symptoms and the effects of platelet transfusion. METHODS Modified chips with a different chamber depth were developed for the analysis of low-platelet samples in the T-TAS. We included 10 adult patients admitted to the ICU of Kagoshima University Hospital who required platelet transfusion. Patients were divided into major and minor bleeding groups according to their bleeding scale before platelet transfusion. The thrombogenic potential of these patients before and after platelet transfusion was assessed with hemostatic function tests, including rotational thromboelastometry, multiplate aggregometry, and the T-TAS. RESULTS Analysis of low-platelet samples revealed that, compared with the conventional chip (80-μm-deep chamber), the modified chip (50-μm-deep chamber) achieved higher sensitivity in detecting elevation of flow pressure caused by growth of an occlusive thrombus in the T-TAS analytical chamber. All patients in the minor bleeding group retained thrombogenic potential that occluded the modified chip (occlusion time 16.3 ± 3.3 min), whereas most patients in the major bleeding group were unable to occlude the modified chip during the 30-min measurement (P < 0.01). The recovery of thrombogenic potential after platelet transfusion was confirmed with the T-TAS and correlated with the function, rather than the count, of transfused platelets. Among all evaluated parameters in hemostatic function tests, only the T-TAS showed significant differences in occlusion time and area under the curve both between the minor and major bleeding groups and between pre- and post-platelet transfusion. CONCLUSIONS We developed a modified microchip-based flow chamber system that reflects the hemostatic function of patients with thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengo Atari
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Systems Biology in Thromboregulation, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan.
| | - Tomoka Nagasato
- Research Institute, Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ohnishi
- Research Institute, Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuya Hosokawa
- Research Institute, Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomotsugu Yasuda
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Ikuro Maruyama
- Department of Systems Biology in Thromboregulation, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kakihana
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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18
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Fu W, Huo R, Yan Z, Xu H, Li H, Jiao Y, Wang L, Weng J, Wang J, Wang S, Cao Y, Zhao J. Mesenchymal Behavior of the Endothelium Promoted by SMAD6 Downregulation Is Associated With Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Microhemorrhage. Stroke 2020; 51:2197-2207. [PMID: 32486965 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), microhemorrhage portends a higher risk of future rupture and may represent a transitional state along the continuum of destabilization. Exploration of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of microhemorrhage will provide a possible target for medical treatment to prevent bAVM bleeding. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing analysis on 34 unruptured bAVM surgical samples. Functional pathway analysis was performed to identify potential signals associated with the microhemorrhagic phenotype. Candidate gene was then investigated in bAVM specimens by immunohistochemical staining. Several functional assays were used to investigate the effects of candidate genes on the phenotypic properties of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Then, Masson trichrome staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the phenotypic and molecular changes in bAVM tissue. RESULTS Via RNA sequencing, we identified differential gene expression between 18 microhemorrhagic bAVMs and 16 nonmicrohemorrhagic bAVMs. TGFβ (transforming growth factor-beta)/BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling was associated with the bAVM microhemorrhage group when SMAD6 (SMAD family member 6) was downregulated. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the vascular endothelium of microhemorrhagic bAVMs exhibited decreased SMAD6 expression. Functional assays revealed that SMAD6 downregulation promoted the formation of endothelial cell tubes with deficient cell-cell junctions and facilitated the acquisition of mesenchymal behavior by endothelial cells. Masson trichrome and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that mesenchymal phenotype of endothelial cells is promoted in microhemorrhagic bAVMs. CONCLUSIONS TGFβ/BMP signaling mediated by SMAD6 in vascular endothelial cells is associated with microhemorrhagic bAVMs, and mesenchymal behavior of endothelial cells induced by SMAD6 downregulation is related with bAVM microhemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilun Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Zihan Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Hongyuan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Yuming Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Linjian Wang
- Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (L.W., J.Z.)
| | - Jiancong Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.)
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, China (Y.C.)
| | - Jizong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (W.F., R.H., Z.Y, H.X., H.L., Y.J., J. Weng, J. Wang, S.W., Y.C., J.Z.).,Savaid Medical School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (L.W., J.Z.)
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19
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Aref-Eshghi E, Biswas S, Chen C, Sadikovic B, Chakrabarti S. Glucose-induced, duration-dependent genome-wide DNA methylation changes in human endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C268-C276. [PMID: 32459505 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00011.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic mechanism, plays an important role in governing gene expressions during biological processes such as aging, which is well known to be accelerated in hyperglycemia (diabetes). In the present study, we investigated the effects of glucose on whole genome DNA methylation in small [human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs)] and large [human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)] vessel endothelial cell (EC) lines exposed to basal or high glucose-containing media for variable lengths of time. Using the Infinium EPIC array, we obtained 773,133 CpG sites (probes) for analysis. Unsupervised clustering of the top 5% probes identified four distinct clusters within EC groups, with significant methylation differences attributed to EC types and the duration of cell culture rather than glucose stimuli alone. When comparing the ECs incubated for 2 days versus 7 days, hierarchical clustering analyses [methylation change >10% and false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05] identified 17,354 and 128 differentially methylated CpGs for HUVECs and HRECs, respectively. Predominant DNA hypermethylation was associated with the length of culture and was enriched for gene enhancer elements and regions surrounding CpG shores and shelves. We identified 88 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) for HUVECs and 8 DMRs for HRECs (all FDR <0.05). Pathway enrichment analyses of DMRs highlighted involvement of regulators of embryonic development (i.e., HOX genes) and cellular differentiation [transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members]. Collectively, our findings suggest that DNA methylation is a complex process that involves tightly coordinated, cell-specific mechanisms. Such changes in methylation overlap genes critical for cellular differentiation and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Aref-Eshghi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saumik Biswas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charlie Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subrata Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Cirulli ET, White S, Read RW, Elhanan G, Metcalf WJ, Tanudjaja F, Fath DM, Sandoval E, Isaksson M, Schlauch KA, Grzymski JJ, Lu JT, Washington NL. Genome-wide rare variant analysis for thousands of phenotypes in over 70,000 exomes from two cohorts. Nat Commun 2020; 11:542. [PMID: 31992710 PMCID: PMC6987107 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14288-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impact of rare variants is essential to understanding human health. We analyze rare (MAF < 0.1%) variants against 4264 phenotypes in 49,960 exome-sequenced individuals from the UK Biobank and 1934 phenotypes (1821 overlapping with UK Biobank) in 21,866 members of the Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) cohort who underwent Exome + sequencing at Helix. After using our rare-variant-tailored methodology to reduce test statistic inflation, we identify 64 statistically significant gene-based associations in our meta-analysis of the two cohorts and 37 for phenotypes available in only one cohort. Singletons make significant contributions to our results, and the vast majority of the associations could not have been identified with a genotyping chip. Our results are available for interactive browsing in a webapp (https://ukb.research.helix.com). This comprehensive analysis illustrates the biological value of large, deeply phenotyped cohorts of unselected populations coupled with NGS data. Population-based association analyses of rare genetic variants with complex traits are limited by the availability of data from sufficiently large cohorts. Here, Cirulli et al. report gene-based collapsing analysis of exomes from 49,960 participants of the UK Biobank and 21,866 participants of the Healthy Nevada Project over a total of 4377 traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon White
- Helix, 101S Ellsworth Ave Suite 350, San Mateo, CA, 94401, USA
| | - Robert W Read
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89512, USA.,Renown Institute of Health Innovation, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
| | - Gai Elhanan
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89512, USA.,Renown Institute of Health Innovation, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
| | - William J Metcalf
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89512, USA.,Renown Institute of Health Innovation, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
| | | | - Donna M Fath
- Helix, 101S Ellsworth Ave Suite 350, San Mateo, CA, 94401, USA
| | - Efren Sandoval
- Helix, 101S Ellsworth Ave Suite 350, San Mateo, CA, 94401, USA
| | - Magnus Isaksson
- Helix, 101S Ellsworth Ave Suite 350, San Mateo, CA, 94401, USA
| | - Karen A Schlauch
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89512, USA.,Renown Institute of Health Innovation, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
| | - Joseph J Grzymski
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV, 89512, USA.,Renown Institute of Health Innovation, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
| | - James T Lu
- Helix, 101S Ellsworth Ave Suite 350, San Mateo, CA, 94401, USA
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Kloth K, Bierhals T, Johannsen J, Harms FL, Juusola J, Johnson MC, Grange DK, Kutsche K. Biallelic variants in SMAD6 are associated with a complex cardiovascular phenotype. Hum Genet 2019; 138:625-634. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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