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5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA regulates VSMC proliferation and phenotypic transition by targeting STAT4 in aortic dissection. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:295-306. [PMID: 34513311 PMCID: PMC8413832 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that tRNA-derived fragments are a novel class of functional small non-coding RNA; however, their roles in aortic dissection (AD) are still unknown. In this study, we found that 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA was significantly downregulated in human and mouse models of aortic dissection. The abnormal proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) played a crucial role in the initiation and progression of aortic dissection, with 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA as a potential phenotypic switching regulator, because its overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and increased the expression of contractile markers. In addition, we verified that signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) was a direct downstream target of 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA. We found that the STAT4 upregulation in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated VSMCs, which promoted cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation, was reversed by 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA. Furthermore, 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA treatment reduced the incidence and prevented the malignant process of angiotensin II- and β-aminopropionitrile-induced AD in mice. In conclusion, our findings reveal that 5'-tiRNA-Cys-GCA is a potential regulator of the AD pathological process via the STAT4 signaling pathway, providing a novel clinical target for the development of future treatment strategies for aortic dissection.
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Tang HX, Qin XP, Li J. Role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Vascular 2020; 28:821-828. [PMID: 32486969 DOI: 10.1177/1708538120929504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in the pathogenesis of CVD. The functional and phenotypic changes in vascular cells are mediated by complex signaling cascades that initiate and control genetic reprogramming. Many studies have demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates a diverse array of functions relevant to atherosclerosis. METHODS In this review, we summarize the studies on the STAT3-mediated proliferation of VSMCs and subsequent CVDs such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we describe the general background of STAT3, its structure, function and regulation as well as the STAT3 signaling pathway. Finally, we highlight some potential issues and propose some solutions to these issues.Results and conclusions: STAT3 activation promotes the proliferation of VSMCs by regulating the transcription of genes. Studying the mechanism of VSMC proliferation induced by the STAT3 pathway is valuable for finding therapeutic targets for CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Tang
- The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hunan, China
| | - Xu-Ping Qin
- The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Li
- The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, China
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Ferreli C, Lai C, August S, Buggy Y, Kumar P, Brownlow N, Parker P, Friedmann PS, Ardern-Jones M, Pickard C, Healy E. STAT4 expression and activation is increased during mitosis in vitro and in vivo in skin- and mucosa-derived cell types: implications in neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017; 31:1663-1673. [PMID: 28516569 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The signal transducer and activator of transcription-4 (STAT4/Stat4) is a transcription factor known to convey signals from interleukin-12, interleukin-23, and interferon-alpha/beta to the nucleus, resulting in activation of dendritic cells, T-helper cell differentiation and production of interferon-gamma. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate a novel role for STAT4 in cell mitosis. RESULTS Phosphoserine STAT4 (pSerSTAT4) is increased in cells undergoing mitosis and is distributed throughout the cytoplasm during this stage of the cell cycle, whilst phosphotyrosine STAT4 (pTyrSTAT4) is confined to the chromosomal compartment. This distinct pattern of pSerSTAT4 during mitosis is seen in vitro in human keratinocytes and in other cell types. This is also present in vivo in cells undergoing mitosis in normal skin, psoriasis and squamous cell carcinoma. Inhibition of STAT4 phosphorylation by lisofylline and depletion of STAT4 by RNA interference results in a delay in progression of mitosis and leads to a reduction in cells completing cytokinesis. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that STAT4 plays a role in enabling the normal and timely division of cells undergoing mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ferreli
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Public Health University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Lai
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - S August
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Y Buggy
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - P Kumar
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - N Brownlow
- London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, UK
| | - P Parker
- London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, UK
| | - P S Friedmann
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - M Ardern-Jones
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - C Pickard
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - E Healy
- Dermatopharmacology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Dermatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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Gordon FK, Vallaster CS, Westerling T, Iyer LK, Brown M, Schnitzler GR. Research resource: Aorta- and liver-specific ERα-binding patterns and gene regulation by estrogen. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1337-51. [PMID: 24992180 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen has vascular protective effects in premenopausal women and in women younger than 60 years who are receiving hormone replacement therapy. However, estrogen also increases the risks of breast and uterine cancers and of venous thromboses linked to up-regulation of coagulation factors in the liver. In mouse models, the vasculoprotective effects of estrogen are mediated by the estrogen receptor α (ERα) transcription factor. Here, through next-generation sequencing approaches, we show that almost all of the genes regulated by 17β-estradiol (E2) differ between mouse aorta and mouse liver, ex vivo, and that this difference is associated with a distinct genomewide distribution of ERα on chromatin. Bioinformatic analysis of E2-regulated promoters and ERα binding site sequences identify several transcription factors that may determine the tissue specificity of ERα binding and E2-regulated genes, including the enrichment of NF-κB, AML1, and AP1 sites in the promoters of E2 down-regulated inflammatory genes in aorta but not liver. The possible vascular-specific functions of these factors suggest ways in which the protective effects of estrogen could be promoted in the vasculature without incurring negative effects in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca K Gordon
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute (F.K.G., C.S.V., L.I.K., G.R.S.), Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111; and Medical Oncology Department (M.W. M.B.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Lv L, Meng Q, Ye M, Wang P, Xue G. STAT4 deficiency protects against neointima formation following arterial injury in mice. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2014; 74:284-94. [PMID: 24933129 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) has been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Intriguingly, we previously reported that STAT4 might play a critical role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. The present study therefore investigated the impact of STAT4 on VSMC migration, apoptosis and neointimal hyperplasia postinjury, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Guide-wire injury was associated with development of intimal neointima, STAT4 and phosphorylated STAT4 (p-STAT4) expressions were apparently up-regulated in the injured arteries. Neointima was greatly blocked in STAT4 knockout (KO) mice compared with wild type (WT) mice. A marked loss of inflammatory cells was identified in the vasculature postinjury in STAT4 KO mice. VSMC apoptosis was enhanced in the vasculature postinjury in STAT4 KO mice compared with WT mice. Cultured primary STAT4 KO VSMCs displayed reduced migration in comparison with WT controls. Mechanically, the deletion of STAT4 potently decreased the level of MCP-1, and its downstream targets MMP1 and MMP2. The effect of STAT4 on VSMC apoptosis was mainly mediated by the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as manifested by increased cytochrome c release and the activation of caspase-3. STAT4 therefore represents a promising molecular target to limit restenosis after artery intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lv
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Qiurong Meng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
| | - Guanhua Xue
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
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Li F, Xia K, Sheikh MSA, Cheng J, Li C, Yang T. Retinol binding protein 4 promotes hyperinsulinism‑induced proliferation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:1634-40. [PMID: 24604418 PMCID: PMC4020478 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), an adipocytokine related to insulin resistance (IR), may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis. Hyperinsulinism promotes proliferation of VSMCs through the MAPK pathway. However, whether RBP4 is involved in insulin-induced proliferation of VSMCs leading to atherosclerosis remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the role of RBP4 and the potential relevance of signaling pathways in this process. Different concentrations of RBP4 (1 and 4 μg/ml) were added to rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) during insulin-induced proliferation. The levels of cell growth signaling pathway proteins ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were assessed by western blotting in order to identify the pathway(s) that are activated during insulin-induced proliferation. The specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD98059) and JAK2 (AG490) were used to confirm our findings. Insulin induced proliferation of RASMCs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and increased the expression of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 in a time-dependent manner. RBP4 enhanced insulin-induced proliferation of RASMCs and expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-JAK2. RBP4-induced proliferation of RASMCs was reduced by the ERK1/2 inhibitor, while it was unaffected by the JAK2 inhibitor. These results suggest that RBP4 mediates VSMC proliferation induced by insulin via activation of the MAPK pathway, and highlight RBP4 as a modulator of atherosclerosis in hyperinsulinemia, therby enhancing our understanding on a number of unexpected aspects of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Ke Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Md Sayed Ali Sheikh
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Jinfang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Chuanchang Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Tianlun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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Anderson JL, Ashwell CM, Smith SC, Shine R, Smith EC, Taylor RL. Atherosclerosis-susceptible and atherosclerosis-resistant pigeon aortic cells express different genes in vivo. Poult Sci 2013; 92:2668-80. [PMID: 24046414 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous atherosclerosis in the White Carneau (WC-As) pigeon is inherited as a single gene disorder, and its progression closely mirrors the human disease. Representational difference analysis and microarray were used to identify genes that were differentially expressed between the susceptible WC-As and resistant Show Racer (SR-Ar) aortic tissue. The RNA extracted from 1-d-old squab aortas was used to make cDNA for each experiment. Fifty-six unique genes were found using representational difference analysis, with 25 exclusively expressed in the WC-As, 15 exclusive to the SR-Ar, and 16 nonexclusive genes having copy number variation between breeds. Caveolin and β-actin were expressed in the WC-As, whereas the proteasome maturation protein and the transcription complex CCR4-NOT were exclusive to the SR-Ar. Microarray analysis revealed 48 genes with differential expression. Vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 binding protein were among the 17 genes upregulated in the WC-As. Thirty-one genes were upregulated in the SR-Ar including the transforming growth factor-β signaling factor SMAD2 and heat shock protein 90. Genes representing several biochemical pathways were distinctly different between breeds. The most striking divergences were in cytoskeletal remodeling, proteasome activity, cellular respiration, and immune response. Actin cytoskeletal remodeling appears to be one of the first differences between susceptible and resistant breeds, lending support to the smooth muscle cell phenotypic reversion hypothesis of human atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Anderson
- Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824; and
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Anderson JL, Taylor RL, Smith EC, Thomas WK, Smith SC. Differentially expressed genes in aortic smooth muscle cells from atherosclerosis-susceptible and atherosclerosis-resistant pigeons. Poult Sci 2012; 91:1315-25. [PMID: 22582288 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Susceptibility to spontaneous atherosclerosis in the White Carneau (WC-As) pigeon shows autosomal recessive inheritance. Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) cultured from susceptible WC-As and resistant Show Racer (SR-Ar) pigeons exhibit developmental and degenerative features corresponding to the respective SMC at atherosclerosis-prone sites in vivo. We used representational difference analysis to identify differentially expressed genes between WC-As and SR-Ar aortic SMC. Total RNA was extracted from cultured primary SMC of each breed, converted to double-stranded cDNA, followed by direct comparison in reciprocal representational difference analysis experiments. Difference products were cloned, sequenced, and identified by BLAST against the chicken genome. Six putative biochemical pathways were distinctly different between breeds with genes involved in energy metabolism and contractility exhibiting the most striking disparity. Genes associated with glycolysis and a synthetic SMC phenotype were expressed in WC-As cells. In contrast, SR-Ar cells expressed genes indicative of oxidative phosphorylation and a contractile SMC phenotype. In WC-As cells, the alternatives of insufficient ATP production limiting contractile function or the lack of functional contractile elements downregulating ATP synthesis cannot be distinguished due to the compressed in vitro versus in vivo developmental time frame. However, the genetic potential for effectively coupling energy production to muscle contraction present in the resistant SR-Ar was lacking in the susceptible WC-As.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Anderson
- Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, 03824, USA
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Lv L, Zhang J, Huang X, Zhao Y, Zhou Z, Zhang H. Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference targeting STAT4 inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Arch Med Res 2008; 39:582-9. [PMID: 18662589 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND STAT4 is a key transcription factor regulating Th1 development. However, its presence and role in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has not been well studied. In the current study, we have utilized lentivirus-mediated shRNA for functional gene knockdown in human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells in order to access the potential role of STAT4 in VSMC growth. METHODS Cells were isolated from the umbilical arteries of newborns and used at passage 3-5. Recombinant lentivirus producing STAT4 siRNA was prepared. Protein and mRNA expression of STAT4 and relevant genes were examined by Western blot, ELISA, and quantitative RT-PCR analysis, and the effects of the lentivirus on cell growth and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS Lentivirus-mediated RNAi effectively reduced endogenous STAT4 expression and downregulation of STAT4 in VSMCs and significantly reduced VSMC growth rate in vitro. We found that STAT4 knockdown led to impaired pSTAT4 protein expression. SOCS-3 as well as MCP-1 production were also markedly decreased, consistent with the suppression of STAT4 expression. CONCLUSIONS Results from our study suggest that STAT4 may play a role in VSMC proliferation, and thus is a novel therapeutic target for neointima formation following vascular injury, e.g., post-angioplasty restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lv
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Smith S, Smith E, Gilman M, Anderson J, Taylor R. Differentially Expressed Soluble Proteins in Aortic Cells from Atherosclerosis-Susceptible and Resistant Pigeons. Poult Sci 2008; 87:1328-34. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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