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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
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2
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Meghwani
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (H.M.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
- University of Rochester Neurorestoration Institute (H.M., B.C.B.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Bradford C Berk
- University of Rochester Neurorestoration Institute (H.M., B.C.B.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
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3
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Fang JS, Burt JM. Connexin37 Regulates Cell Cycle in the Vasculature. J Vasc Res 2022; 60:73-86. [PMID: 36067749 DOI: 10.1159/000525619] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of vascular cell growth responses is critical for development and maintenance of a healthy vasculature. Connexins - the proteins comprising gap junction channels - are key regulators of cell growth in diseases such as cancer, but their involvement in controlling cell growth in the vasculature is less well appreciated. Connexin37 (Cx37) is one of four connexin isotypes expressed in the vessel wall. Its primary role in blood vessels relies on its unique ability to transduce flow-sensitive signals into changes in cell cycle status of endothelial (and perhaps, mural) cells. Here, we review available evidence for Cx37's role in the regulation of vascular growth, vessel organization, and vascular tone in healthy and diseased vasculature. We propose a novel mechanism whereby Cx37 accomplishes this with a phosphorylation-dependent transition between closed (growth-suppressive) and multiple open (growth-permissive) channel conformations that result from interactions of the C-terminus with cell-cycle regulators to limit or support cell cycle progression. Lastly, we discuss Cx37 and its downstream signaling as a novel potential target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and we address outstanding research questions that still challenge the development of such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Fang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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4
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Qin X, Gao A, Hou X, Xu X, Chen L, Sun L, Hao Y, Shi Y. Connexins may play a critical role in cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary hypertension. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1609-1621. [PMID: 35344070 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and remodeling. It causes a gradual increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right-sided heart failure, and may be fatal. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is an essential risk factor for PH group 3; however, smoking continues to be prevalent and smoking cessation is reported to be difficult. A majority of smokers exhibit PH, which leads to a concomitant increase in the risk of mortality. The current treatments for PH group 3 focus on vasodilation and long-term oxygen supplementation, and fail to stop or reverse PH-associated continuous vascular remodeling. Recent studies have suggested that pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by CS exposure may be an initial event in the natural history of PH, which in turn may be associated with abnormal alterations in connexin (Cx) expression. The relationship between Cx and CS-induced PH development has not yet been directly investigated. Therefore, this review will describe the roles of CS and Cx in the development of PH and discuss the related downstream pathways. We also discuss the possible role of Cx in CS-induced PH. It is hoped that this review may provide new perspectives for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang Qin
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
- China Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Anqi Gao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaomin Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- China Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinrong Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Liangjin Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin Sun
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Hao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yiwei Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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5
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Haefliger JA, Meda P, Alonso F. Endothelial Connexins in Developmental and Pathological Angiogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041158. [PMID: 35074793 PMCID: PMC9159259 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) constitute a large family of transmembrane proteins that form gap junction channels, which enable the direct transfer of small signaling molecules from cell to cell. In blood vessels, Cx channels allow the endothelial cells (ECs) to respond to external and internal cues as a whole and, thus, contribute to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. While the role of Cxs has been extensively studied in large arteries, a growing body of evidence suggests that they also play a role in the formation of microvascular networks. Since the formation of new blood vessels requires the coordinated response of ECs to external stimuli, endothelial Cxs may play an important role there. Recent studies in developmental and pathologic models reveal that EC Cxs regulate physiological and pathological angiogenesis through canonical and noncanonical functions, making these proteins potential therapeutic targets for the development of new strategies aimed at a better control of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical Center, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux (INSERM U1045), Université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Kamel NM, El-Tanbouly DM, Abdallah DM, Sayed HM. PAR1, a therapeutic target for remote lung injury associated with hind limb ischemia/reperfusion: ERK5/KLF2-dependent lung capillary barrier preservation. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109809. [PMID: 35031271 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109809] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is expressed in pneumocytes and endothelial cells of the alveolar barrier. Its activation by thrombin disrupts the barrier integrity dynamics and induces lung injury in in vitro and in vivo paradigms. Nonetheless, the role of PAR1, as a therapeutic target, in hind limb ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-mediated remote lung injury has been unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potential benefit of PAR1 blockade using the selective antagonist SCH79797 in distant lung dysfunction following hind limb I/R injury with special emphasis on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5)/Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) axis. Rats were subdivided into control, bilateral hind limb I/R, SCH79797, and SCH79797+BIX02189 (ERK5 inhibitor) groups. PAR1 blockade, ERK5-dependently, alleviated alveolar barrier disruption as evidenced by reductions in both pulmonary systemic leakage of surfactant protein-D and lung fluid accumulation with increase in pulmonary claudin 5, vascular endothelial cadherin, and connexin 37 levels. Such improvements are downstream targets of the ERK5/KLF2-mediated sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) upregulated expression and pS536-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 inhibition. SCH79797 effectively impedes the evoked inflammatory response and oxidative burst by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, lipid peroxidation, and neutrophil infiltration while boosting the glutathione antioxidant defense. Accordingly, PAR1 could be a therapeutic target, where its blockade mitigated pulmonary-endothelial barrier disruption via mutual S1PR1 enhancement and NF-κB p65 inhibition following ERK5/KLF2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada M Kamel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Dalia M El-Tanbouly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Dalaal M Abdallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Helmy M Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
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Morel S, Schilling S, Diagbouga MR, Delucchi M, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Lemeille S, Hirsch S, Kwak BR. Effects of Low and High Aneurysmal Wall Shear Stress on Endothelial Cell Behavior: Differences and Similarities. Front Physiol 2021; 12:727338. [PMID: 34721060 PMCID: PMC8551710 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.727338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) result from abnormal enlargement of the arterial lumen. IAs are mostly quiescent and asymptomatic, but their rupture leads to severe brain damage or death. As the evolution of IAs is hard to predict and intricates medical decision, it is essential to improve our understanding of their pathophysiology. Wall shear stress (WSS) is proposed to influence IA growth and rupture. In this study, we investigated the effects of low and supra-high aneurysmal WSS on endothelial cells (ECs). Methods: Porcine arterial ECs were exposed for 48 h to defined levels of shear stress (2, 30, or 80 dyne/cm2) using an Ibidi flow apparatus. Immunostaining for CD31 or γ-cytoplasmic actin was performed to outline cell borders or to determine cell architecture. Geometry measurements (cell orientation, area, circularity and aspect ratio) were performed on confocal microscopy images. mRNA was extracted for RNAseq analysis. Results: ECs exposed to low or supra-high aneurysmal WSS were more circular and had a lower aspect ratio than cells exposed to physiological flow. Furthermore, they lost the alignment in the direction of flow observed under physiological conditions. The effects of low WSS on differential gene expression were stronger than those of supra-high WSS. Gene set enrichment analysis highlighted that extracellular matrix proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and more particularly the actin protein family were among the protein classes the most affected by shear stress. Interestingly, most genes showed an opposite regulation under both types of aneurysmal WSS. Immunostainings for γ-cytoplasmic actin suggested a different organization of this cytoskeletal protein between ECs exposed to physiological and both types of aneurysmal WSS. Conclusion: Under both aneurysmal low and supra-high WSS the typical arterial EC morphology molds to a more spherical shape. Whereas low WSS down-regulates the expression of cytoskeletal-related proteins and up-regulates extracellular matrix proteins, supra-high WSS induces opposite changes in gene expression of these protein classes. The differential regulation in EC gene expression observed under various WSS translate into a different organization of the ECs’ architecture. This adaptation of ECs to different aneurysmal WSS conditions may affect vascular remodeling in IAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neurosurgery Division, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schilling
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland.,Institute of Tourism and Mobility, Lucerne School of Business, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Mannekomba R Diagbouga
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Delucchi
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvain Lemeille
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sven Hirsch
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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8
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Brain microvasculature endothelial cell orientation on micropatterned hydrogels is affected by glucose level variations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19608. [PMID: 34608232 PMCID: PMC8490407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This work reports on an effort to decipher the alignment of brain microvasculature endothelial cells to physical constrains generated via adhesion control on hydrogel surfaces and explore the corresponding responses upon glucose level variations emulating the hypo- and hyperglycaemic effects in diabetes. We prepared hydrogels of hyaluronic acid a natural biomaterial that does not naturally support endothelial cell adhesion, and specifically functionalised RGD peptides into lines using UV-mediated linkage. The width of the lines was varied from 10 to 100 µm. We evaluated cell alignment by measuring the nuclei, cell, and F-actin orientations, and the nuclei and cell eccentricity via immunofluorescent staining and image analysis. We found that the brain microvascular endothelial cells aligned and elongated to these physical constraints for all line widths. In addition, we also observed that varying the cell medium glucose levels affected the cell alignment along the patterns. We believe our results may provide a platform for further studies on the impact of altered glucose levels in cardiovascular disease.
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Therapies Targeted at Non-Coding RNAs in Prevention and Limitation of Myocardial Infarction and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling-Current Experience and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115718. [PMID: 34071976 PMCID: PMC8198996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide and is a main cause of heart failure. This disease appears as a final point of atherosclerotic plaque progression, destabilization, and rupture. As a consequence of cardiomyocytes death during the infarction, the heart undergoes unfavorable cardiac remodeling, which results in its failure. Therefore, therapies aimed to limit the processes of atherosclerotic plaque progression, cardiac damage during the infarction, and subsequent remodeling are urgently warranted. A hopeful therapeutic option for the future medicine is targeting and regulating non-coding RNA (ncRNA), like microRNA, circular RNA (circRNA), or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). In this review, the approaches targeted at ncRNAs participating in the aforementioned pathophysiological processes involved in myocardial infarction and their outcomes in preclinical studies have been concisely presented.
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10
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Okamoto T, Park EJ, Kawamoto E, Usuda H, Wada K, Taguchi A, Shimaoka M. Endothelial connexin-integrin crosstalk in vascular inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166168. [PMID: 33991620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel disorders represent a major cause of death globally. The essential roles played by local and systemic vascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases have been increasingly recognized. Vascular inflammation triggers the aberrant activation of endothelial cells, which leads to the functional and structural abnormalities in vascular vessels. In addition to humoral mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, the alteration of physical and mechanical microenvironment - including vascular stiffness and shear stress - modify the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of endothelial cells via mechano-transduction pathways, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of vessel disorders. Notably, connexins and integrins crosstalk each other in response to the mechanical stress, and, thereby, play an important role in regulating the mechano-transduction of endothelial cells. Here, we provide an overview on how the inter-play between connexins and integrins in endothelial cells unfold during the mechano-transduction in vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Eun Jeong Park
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Haruki Usuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Taguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, 2-2 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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11
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Diagbouga MR, Morel S, Cayron AF, Haemmerli J, Georges M, Hierck BP, Allémann E, Lemeille S, Bijlenga P, Kwak BR. Primary cilia control endothelial permeability by regulating expression and location of junction proteins. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1583-1596. [PMID: 33974072 PMCID: PMC9074981 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Wall shear stress (WSS) determines intracranial aneurysm (IA) development. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients have a high IA incidence and risk of rupture. Dysfunction/absence of primary cilia in PKD endothelial cells (ECs) may impair mechano-transduction of WSS and favour vascular disorders. The molecular links between primary cilia dysfunction and IAs are unknown. Methods and results Wild-type and primary cilia-deficient Tg737orpk/orpk arterial ECs were submitted to physiological (30 dynes/cm2) or aneurysmal (2 dynes/cm2) WSS, and unbiased transcriptomics were performed. Tg737orpk/orpk ECs displayed a fivefold increase in the number of WSS-responsive genes compared to wild-type cells. Moreover, we observed a lower trans-endothelial resistance and a higher endothelial permeability, which correlated with disorganized intercellular junctions in Tg737orpk/orpk cells. We identified ZO-1 as a central regulator of primary cilia-dependent endothelial junction integrity. Finally, clinical and histological characteristics of IAs from non-PKD and PKD patients were analysed. IAs in PKD patients were more frequently located in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory than in non-PKD patients. IA domes from the MCA of PKD patients appeared thinner with less collagen and reduced endothelial ZO-1 compared with IA domes from non-PKD patients. Conclusion Primary cilia dampen the endothelial response to aneurysmal low WSS. In absence of primary cilia, ZO-1 expression levels are reduced, which disorganizes intercellular junctions resulting in increased endothelial permeability. This altered endothelial function may not only contribute to the severity of IA disease observed in PKD patients, but may also serve as a potential diagnostic tool to determine the vulnerability of IAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences-Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne F Cayron
- Department of Pathology and Immunology.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Haemmerli
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences-Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Georges
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences-Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Beerend P Hierck
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
| | - E Allémann
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Philippe Bijlenga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences-Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Hutchings G, Kruszyna Ł, Nawrocki MJ, Strauss E, Bryl R, Spaczyńska J, Perek B, Jemielity M, Mozdziak P, Kempisty B, Nowicki M, Krasiński Z. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with ROS-Dependent Angiogenesis in Lower Extremity Artery Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:735. [PMID: 34066926 PMCID: PMC8148529 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, atherosclerosis, which affects the vascular bed of all vital organs and tissues, is considered as a leading cause of death. Most commonly, atherosclerosis involves coronary and peripheral arteries, which results in acute (e.g., myocardial infarction, lower extremities ischemia) or chronic (persistent ischemia leading to severe heart failure) consequences. All of them have a marked unfavorable impact on the quality of life and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity in human populations. Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD, also defined as peripheral artery disease, PAD) refers to atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities, where partial or complete obstruction of peripheral arteries is observed. Decreased perfusion can result in ischemic pain, non-healing wounds, and ischemic ulcers, and significantly reduce the quality of life. However, the progressive atherosclerotic changes cause stimulation of tissue response processes, like vessel wall remodeling and neovascularization. These mechanisms of adapting the vascular network to pathological conditions seem to play a key role in reducing the impact of the changes limiting the flow of blood. Neovascularization as a response to ischemia induces sprouting and expansion of the endothelium to repair and grow the vessels of the circulatory system. Neovascularization consists of three different biological processes: vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and arteriogenesis. Both molecular and environmental factors that may affect the process of development and growth of blood vessels were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to the changes taking place during LEAD. It is important to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning vessel growth. These mechanisms will also be examined in the context of diseases commonly affecting blood vessel function, or those treatable in part by manipulation of angiogenesis. Furthermore, it may be possible to induce the process of blood vessel development and growth to treat peripheral vascular disease and wound healing. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulation of essential cellular signaling pathways such as cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. With regard to the repair processes taking place during diseases such as LEAD, prospective therapeutic methods have been described that could significantly improve the treatment of vessel diseases in the future. Summarizing, regenerative medicine holds the potential to transform the therapeutic methods in heart and vessel diseases treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Hutchings
- The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.N.); (R.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Łukasz Kruszyna
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-848 Poznan, Poland; (Ł.K.); (E.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Mariusz J. Nawrocki
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.N.); (R.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Ewa Strauss
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-848 Poznan, Poland; (Ł.K.); (E.S.); (Z.K.)
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.N.); (R.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Julia Spaczyńska
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.N.); (R.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Bartłomiej Perek
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland; (B.P.); (M.J.)
| | - Marek Jemielity
- Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland; (B.P.); (M.J.)
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Physiology Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (M.J.N.); (R.B.); (J.S.)
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Michał Nowicki
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Zbigniew Krasiński
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-848 Poznan, Poland; (Ł.K.); (E.S.); (Z.K.)
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The role of connexin proteins and their channels in radiation-induced atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3087-3103. [PMID: 33388835 PMCID: PMC8038956 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for breast cancer and other thoracic tumors. However, while high-energy radiotherapy treatment successfully kills cancer cells, radiation exposure of the heart and large arteries cannot always be avoided, resulting in secondary cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors. Radiation-induced changes in the cardiac vasculature may thereby lead to coronary artery atherosclerosis, which is a major cardiovascular complication nowadays in thoracic radiotherapy-treated patients. The underlying biological and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced atherosclerosis are complex and still not fully understood, resulting in potentially improper radiation protection. Ionizing radiation (IR) exposure may damage the vascular endothelium by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, premature cellular senescence, cell death and inflammation, which act to promote the atherosclerotic process. Intercellular communication mediated by connexin (Cx)-based gap junctions and hemichannels may modulate IR-induced responses and thereby the atherosclerotic process. However, the role of endothelial Cxs and their channels in atherosclerotic development after IR exposure is still poorly defined. A better understanding of the underlying biological pathways involved in secondary cardiovascular toxicity after radiotherapy would facilitate the development of effective strategies that prevent or mitigate these adverse effects. Here, we review the possible roles of intercellular Cx driven signaling and communication in radiation-induced atherosclerosis.
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14
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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15
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Taylor SSZ, Jacobsen NL, Pontifex TK, Langlais P, Burt JM. Serine 319 phosphorylation is necessary and sufficient to induce a Cx37 conformation that leads to arrested cell cycling. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs240721. [PMID: 32350069 PMCID: PMC7328134 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.240721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 37 (Cx37; protein product of GJA4) expression profoundly suppresses proliferation of rat insulinoma (Rin) cells in a manner dependent on gap junction channel (GJCh) functionality and the presence and phosphorylation status of its C-terminus (CT). In Rin cells, growth is arrested upon induced Cx37 expression and serine 319 (S319) is frequently phosphorylated. Here, we show that preventing phosphorylation at this site (alanine substitution; S319A) relieved Cx37 of its growth-suppressive effect whereas mimicking phosphorylation at this site (aspartate substitution; S319D) enhanced the growth-suppressive properties of Cx37. Like wild-type Cx37 (Cx37-WT), Cx37-S319D GJChs and hemichannels (HChs) preferred the closed state, rarely opening fully, and gated slowly. In contrast, Cx37-S319A channels preferred open states, opened fully and gated rapidly. These data indicate that phosphorylation-dependent conformational differences in Cx37 protein and channel function underlie Cx37-induced growth arrest versus growth-permissive phenotypes. That the closed state of Cx37-WT and Cx37-S319D GJChs and HChs favors growth arrest suggests that rather than specific permeants mediating cell cycle arrest, the closed conformation instead supports interaction of Cx37 with growth regulatory proteins that result in growth arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole L Jacobsen
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Tasha K Pontifex
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Paul Langlais
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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16
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Peacock HM, Tabibian A, Criem N, Caolo V, Hamard L, Deryckere A, Haefliger JA, Kwak BR, Zwijsen A, Jones EAV. Impaired SMAD1/5 Mechanotransduction and Cx37 (Connexin37) Expression Enable Pathological Vessel Enlargement and Shunting. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e87-e104. [PMID: 32078368 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Impaired ALK1 (activin receptor-like kinase-1)/Endoglin/BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9) signaling predisposes to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Activation of SMAD1/5 signaling can be enhanced by shear stress. In the genetic disease hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, which is characterized by arteriovenous malformations, the affected receptors are those involved in the activation of mechanosensitive SMAD1/5 signaling. To elucidate how genetic and mechanical signals interact in AVM development, we sought to identify targets differentially regulated by BMP9 and shear stress. Approach and Results: We identify Cx37 (Connexin37) as a differentially regulated target of ligand-induced and mechanotransduced SMAD1/5 signaling. We show that stimulation of endothelial cells with BMP9 upregulated Cx37, whereas shear stress inhibited this expression. This signaling was SMAD1/5-dependent, and in the absence of SMAD1/5, there was an inversion of the expression pattern. Ablated SMAD1/5 signaling alone caused AVM-like vascular malformations directly connecting the dorsal aorta to the inlet of the heart. In yolk sacs of mouse embryos with an endothelial-specific compound heterozygosity for SMAD1/5, addition of TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α), which downregulates Cx37, induced development of these direct connections bypassing the yolk sac capillary bed. In wild-type embryos undergoing vascular remodeling, Cx37 was globally expressed by endothelial cells but was absent in regions of enlarging vessels. TNFα and endothelial-specific compound heterozygosity for SMAD1/5 caused ectopic regions lacking Cx37 expression, which correlated to areas of vascular malformations. Mechanistically, loss of Cx37 impairs correct directional migration under flow conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that Cx37 expression is differentially regulated by shear stress and SMAD1/5 signaling, and that reduced Cx37 expression is permissive for capillary enlargement into shunts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Peacock
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ashkan Tabibian
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Criem
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincenza Caolo
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom (V.C.)
| | - Lauriane Hamard
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (L.H., J.-A.H.)
| | | | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (L.H., J.-A.H.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - An Zwijsen
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth A V Jones
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Lyons O, Saha P, Seet C, Kuchta A, Arnold A, Grover S, Rashbrook V, Sabine A, Vizcay-Barrena G, Patel A, Ludwinski F, Padayachee S, Kume T, Kwak BR, Brice G, Mansour S, Ostergaard P, Mortimer P, Jeffery S, Brown N, Makinen T, Petrova TV, Modarai B, Smith A. Human venous valve disease caused by mutations in FOXC2 and GJC2. J Exp Med 2020; 214:2437-2452. [PMID: 28724617 PMCID: PMC5551565 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous valves (VVs) prevent venous hypertension and ulceration. We report that FOXC2 and GJC2 mutations are associated with reduced VV number and length. In mice, early VV formation is marked by elongation and reorientation ("organization") of Prox1hi endothelial cells by postnatal day 0. The expression of the transcription factors Foxc2 and Nfatc1 and the gap junction proteins Gjc2, Gja1, and Gja4 were temporospatially regulated during this process. Foxc2 and Nfatc1 were coexpressed at P0, and combined Foxc2 deletion with calcineurin-Nfat inhibition disrupted early Prox1hi endothelial organization, suggesting cooperative Foxc2-Nfatc1 patterning of these events. Genetic deletion of Gjc2, Gja4, or Gja1 also disrupted early VV Prox1hi endothelial organization at postnatal day 0, and this likely underlies the VV defects seen in patients with GJC2 mutations. Knockout of Gja4 or Gjc2 resulted in reduced proliferation of Prox1hi valve-forming cells. At later stages of blood flow, Foxc2 and calcineurin-Nfat signaling are each required for growth of the valve leaflets, whereas Foxc2 is not required for VV maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Lyons
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Prakash Saha
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Christopher Seet
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Adam Kuchta
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Andrew Arnold
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Steven Grover
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Victoria Rashbrook
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Amélie Sabine
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Gema Vizcay-Barrena
- Center for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | - Ash Patel
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Francesca Ludwinski
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Soundrie Padayachee
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Evanston, IL
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Glen Brice
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Sahar Mansour
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Peter Mortimer
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Steve Jeffery
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Nigel Brown
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Taija Makinen
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Bijan Modarai
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Alberto Smith
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
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18
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Cui Y, Lv X, Wang F, Kong J, Zhao H, Ye Z, Si C, Pan L, Liu P, Wen J. Geometry of the Carotid Artery and Its Association With Pathologic Changes in a Chinese Population. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1628. [PMID: 32038300 PMCID: PMC6985580 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Carotid artery geometry influences blood flow disturbances and is thus an important risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) and yes-associated protein (YAP) expression may play essential roles in the pathophysiology of carotid artery stenosis, but the effect of blood flow disturbances of carotid bifurcation location on the ECM is unknown. We hypothesized that carotid artery anatomy and geometry are independently associated with the ECM and YAP expression. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 193 patients were divided into two groups: an asymptomatic group (n = 111) and a symptomatic group (n = 82), symptomatic patients presenting with ischemic attack, amaurosis fugax, or minor non-disabling stroke. For all subjects before surgery, carotid bifurcation angle and internal artery angle were measured with computed tomography angiography (CTA), and laminar shear stress was measured with ultrasonography. After surgery, pathology of all plaque specimens was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Movat special staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect expression of YAP in a subset of 30 specimens. Results Symptomatic patients had increased carotid bifurcation angle and laminar shear stress compared to asymptomatic patients (P < 0.05), although asymptomatic patients had increased internal carotid angle compared to symptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Relative higher bifurcation angles were correlated with increased carotid bifurcation, decreased internal angle, and decreased laminar shear stress. For each change in intervertebral space or one-third of vertebral body height, carotid bifurcation angle changed 4.76°, internal carotid angle changed 6.91°, and laminar shear stress changed 0.57 dynes/cm2. Pathology showed that average fibrous cap thickness and average narrowest fibrous cap thickness were greater in asymptomatic patients than symptomatic patients (P < 0.05). Expression of proteoglycan and YAP protein in symptomatic patients was higher than in asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001), while collagen expression was lower in symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion Geometry of the carotid artery and position relative to cervical spine might be associated with ECM and YAP protein expression, which could contribute to carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyao Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoshuo Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Kong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhidong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaozeng Si
- Department of Operations and Information Management, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyan Wen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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19
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Maleki S, Poujade FA, Bergman O, Gådin JR, Simon N, Lång K, Franco-Cereceda A, Body SC, Björck HM, Eriksson P. Endothelial/Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Ascending Aortas of Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:182. [PMID: 31921896 PMCID: PMC6928128 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is the progressive enlargement of the aorta due to destructive changes in the connective tissue of the aortic wall. Aneurysm development is silent and often first manifested by the drastic events of aortic dissection or rupture. As yet, therapeutic agents that halt or reverse the process of aortic wall deterioration are absent, and the only available therapeutic recommendation is elective prophylactic surgical intervention. Being born with a bicuspid instead of the normal tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) is a major risk factor for developing aneurysm in the ascending aorta later in life. Although the pathophysiology of the increased aneurysm susceptibility is not known, recent studies are suggestive of a transformation of aortic endothelium into a more mesenchymal state i.e., an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in these individuals. This process involves the loss of endothelial cell features, resulting in junction instability and enhanced vascular permeability of the ascending aorta that may lay the ground for increased aneurysm susceptibility. This finding differentiates and further emphasizes the specific characteristics of aneurysm development in individuals with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). This review discusses the possibility of a developmental fate shared between the aortic endothelium and aortic valves. It further speculates about the impact of aortic endothelium phenotypic shift on aneurysm development in individuals with a BAV and revisits previous studies in the light of the new findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh Maleki
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Flore-Anne Poujade
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Otto Bergman
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jesper R Gådin
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nancy Simon
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Karin Lång
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anders Franco-Cereceda
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Simon C Body
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hanna M Björck
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Per Eriksson
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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20
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Hautefort A, Pfenniger A, Kwak BR. Endothelial connexins in vascular function. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 1:H117-H124. [PMID: 32923963 PMCID: PMC7439941 DOI: 10.1530/vb-19-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are essential for intercellular crosstalk in blood and lymphatic vasculature. These clusters of intercellular channels ensure direct communication among endothelial cells and between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and the synchronization of their behavior along the vascular tree. Gap junction channels are formed by connexins; six connexins form a connexon or hemichannel and the docking of two connexons result in a full gap junction channel allowing for the exchange of ions and small metabolites between neighboring cells. Recent evidence indicates that the intracellular domains of connexins may also function as an interaction platform (interactome) for other proteins, thereby regulating their function. Interestingly, fragments of Cx proteins generated by alternative internal translation were recently described, although their functions in the vascular wall remain to be uncovered. Variations in connexin expression are observed along different types of blood and lymphatic vessels; the most commonly found endothelial connexins are Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx47. Physiological studies on connexin-knockout mice demonstrated the essential roles of these channel-forming proteins in the coordination of vasomotor activity, endothelial permeability and inflammation, angiogenesis and in the maintenance of fluid balance in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hautefort
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Pfenniger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Looft-Wilson RC, Billig JE, Sessa WC. Shear Stress Attenuates Inward Remodeling in Cultured Mouse Thoracodorsal Arteries in an eNOS-Dependent, but Not Hemodynamic Manner, and Increases Cx37 Expression. J Vasc Res 2019; 56:284-295. [PMID: 31574503 PMCID: PMC6908748 DOI: 10.1159/000502690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arteries chronically constricted in culture remodel to smaller diameters. Conversely, elevated luminal shear stress (SS) promotes outward remodeling of arteries in vivo and prevents inward remodeling in culture in a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent manner. OBJECTIVES To determine whether SS-induced prevention of inward remodeling in cultured arteries is specifically eNOS-dependent and requires dilation, and whether SS alters the expression of eNOS and other genes potentially involved in remodeling. METHODS Female mouse thoracodorsal arteries were cannulated, pressurized to 80 mm Hg, and cultured for 2 days with low SS (<7 dyn/cm2), high SS (≥15 dyn/cm2), high SS + L-NAME (NOS inhibitor, 10-4 M), or high SS in arteries from eNOS-/- mice. In separate arteries cultured 1 day with low or high SS, eNOS and connexin (Cx) 37, Cx40, and Cx43 mRNA were assessed with real-time PCR. RESULTS High SS caused little change in passive diameters after culture (-4.7 ± 2.0%), which was less than low SS (-18.9 ± 1.4%; p < 0.0001), high SS eNOS-/- (-18.0 ± 1.5; p < 0.001), or high SS + L-NAME (-12.0 ± 0.6%; nonsignificant) despite similar constriction during culture. Cx37 mRNA expression was increased (p < 0.05) with high SS, but other gene levels were not different. CONCLUSIONS eNOS is involved in SS-induced prevention of inward remodeling in cultured small arteries. This effect does not require NO-mediated dilation. SS increased Cx37.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin C Looft-Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,
- Department of Cardiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA,
| | - Janelle E Billig
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - William C Sessa
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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22
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Levitt MR, Mandrycky C, Abel A, Kelly CM, Levy S, Chivukula VK, Zheng Y, Aliseda A, Kim LJ. Genetic correlates of wall shear stress in a patient-specific 3D-printed cerebral aneurysm model. J Neurointerv Surg 2019; 11:999-1003. [PMID: 30979845 DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-014669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the correlation between wall shear stress and endothelial cell expression in a patient-specific, three-dimensional (3D)-printed model of a cerebral aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 3D-printed model of a cerebral aneurysm was created from a patient's angiogram. After populating the model with human endothelial cells, it was exposed to media under flow for 24 hours. Endothelial cell morphology was characterized in five regions of the 3D-printed model using confocal microscopy. Endothelial cells were then harvested from distinct regions of the 3D-printed model for mRNA collection and gene analysis via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR.) Cell morphology and mRNA measurement were correlated with computational fluid dynamics simulations. RESULTS The model was successfully populated with endothelial cells, which survived under flow for 24 hours. Endothelial morphology showed alignment with flow in the proximal and distal parent vessel and aneurysm neck, but disorganization in the aneurysm dome. Genetic analysis of endothelial mRNA expression in the aneurysm dome and distal parent vessel was compared with the proximal parent vessels. ADAMTS-1 and NOS3 were downregulated in the aneurysm dome, while GJA4 was upregulated in the distal parent vessel. Disorganized morphology and decreased ADAMTS-1 and NOS3 expression correlated with areas of substantially lower wall shear stress and wall shear stress gradient in computational fluid dynamics simulations. CONCLUSIONS Creating 3D-printed models of patient-specific cerebral aneurysms populated with human endothelial cells is feasible. Analysis of these cells after exposure to flow demonstrates differences in both cell morphology and genetic expression, which correlate with areas of differential hemodynamic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Levitt
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ashley Abel
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cory M Kelly
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel Levy
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ying Zheng
- Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alberto Aliseda
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Louis J Kim
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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Hernández-Guerra M, Hadjihambi A, Jalan R. Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy. J Hepatol 2019; 70:759-772. [PMID: 30599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue homeostasis and maintenance of hepatic function. Thus, dysfunction of gap junctions affects a wide variety of liver processes, such as differentiation, cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. In fact, dysfunctional gap junctions have been implicated, for more than a decade, in cholestatic disease, hepatic cancer and cirrhosis. Additionally, in recent years there is an increasing body of evidence that these channels are also involved in other relevant and prevalent liver pathological processes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute liver injury and portal hypertension. In parallel to these new clinical implications the available data include controversial observations. Thus, a comprehensive overview is required to better understand the functional complexity of these pores. This paper will review the most recent knowledge concerning gap junction dysfunction, with a special focus on the role of these channels in the pathogenesis of relevant clinical entities and on potential therapeutic targets that are amenable to modification by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Medical School, London, UK
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24
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The Functional Implications of Endothelial Gap Junctions and Cellular Mechanics in Vascular Angiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020237. [PMID: 30781714 PMCID: PMC6406946 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis—the sprouting and growth of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature—is an important contributor to tumor development, since it facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Endothelial cells are critically affected during the angiogenic process as their proliferation, motility, and morphology are modulated by pro-angiogenic and environmental factors associated with tumor tissues and cancer cells. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that the gap junctions of endothelial cells also participate in the promotion of angiogenesis. Pro-angiogenic factors modulate gap junction function and connexin expression in endothelial cells, whereas endothelial connexins are involved in angiogenic tube formation and in the cell migration of endothelial cells. Several mechanisms, including gap junction function-dependent or -independent pathways, have been proposed. In particular, connexins might have the potential to regulate cell mechanics such as cell morphology, cell migration, and cellular stiffness that are dynamically changed during the angiogenic processes. Here, we review the implication for endothelial gap junctions and cellular mechanics in vascular angiogenesis.
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25
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Denis JF, Diagbouga MR, Molica F, Hautefort A, Linnerz T, Watanabe M, Lemeille S, Bertrand JY, Kwak BR. KLF4-Induced Connexin40 Expression Contributes to Arterial Endothelial Quiescence. Front Physiol 2019; 10:80. [PMID: 30809154 PMCID: PMC6379456 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Shear stress, a blood flow-induced frictional force, is essential in the control of endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis. High laminar shear stress (HLSS), as observed in straight parts of arteries, assures a quiescent non-activated endothelium through the induction of Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLFs). Connexin40 (Cx40)-mediated gap junctional communication is known to contribute to a healthy endothelium by propagating anti-inflammatory signals between ECs, however, the molecular basis of the transcriptional regulation of Cx40 as well as its downstream effectors remain poorly understood. Here, we show that flow-induced KLF4 regulated Cx40 expression in a mouse EC line. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in ECs revealed that KLF4 bound to three predicted KLF consensus binding sites in the Cx40 promoter. HLSS-dependent induction of Cx40 expression was confirmed in primary human ECs. The downstream effects of Cx40 modulation in ECs exposed to HLSS were elucidated by an unbiased transcriptomics approach. Cell cycle progression was identified as an important downstream target of Cx40 under HLSS. In agreement, an increase in the proportion of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive ECs and a decrease in the proportion of ECs in the G0/G1 phase were observed under HLSS after Cx40 silencing. Transfection of communication-incompetent HeLa cells with Cx40 demonstrated that the regulation of proliferation by Cx40 was not limited to ECs. Using a zebrafish model, we finally showed faster intersegmental vessel growth and branching into the dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel in embryos knock-out for the Cx40 orthologs Cx41.8 and Cx45.6. Most significant effects were observed in embryos with a mutant Cx41.8 encoding for a channel with reduced gap junctional function. Faster intersegmental vessel growth in Cx41.8 mutant embryos was associated with increased EC proliferation as assessed by PH3 immunostaining. Our data shows a novel evolutionary-conserved role of flow-driven KLF4-dependent Cx40 expression in endothelial quiescence that may be relevant for the control of atherosclerosis and diseases involving sprouting angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Denis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Hautefort
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Linnerz
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvain Lemeille
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Y Bertrand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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26
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Pogoda K, Kameritsch P, Mannell H, Pohl U. Connexins in the control of vasomotor function. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2019; 225:e13108. [PMID: 29858558 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells, as well as smooth muscle cells, show heterogeneity with regard to their receptor expression and reactivity. For the vascular wall to act as a functional unit, the various cells' responses require integration. Such an integration is not only required for a homogeneous response of the vascular wall, but also for the vasomotor behaviour of consecutive segments of the microvascular arteriolar tree. As flow resistances of individual sections are connected in series, sections require synchronization and coordination to allow effective changes of conductivity and blood flow. A prerequisite for the local coordination of individual vascular cells and different sections of an arteriolar tree is intercellular communication. Connexins are involved in a dual manner in this coordination. (i) By forming gap junctions between cells, they allow an intercellular exchange of signalling molecules and electrical currents. In particular, the spread of electrical currents allows for coordination of cell responses over longer distances. (ii) Connexins are able to interact with other proteins to form signalling complexes. In this way, they can modulate and integrate individual cells' responses also in a channel-independent manner. This review outlines mechanisms allowing the vascular connexins to exert their coordinating function and to regulate the vasomotor reactions of blood vessels both locally, and in vascular networks. Wherever possible, we focus on the vasomotor behaviour of small vessels and arterioles which are the main vessels determining vascular resistance, blood pressure and local blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Pogoda
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine; University Hospital; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- Biomedical Center; Cardiovascular Physiology; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research); Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance; Munich Germany
| | - P. Kameritsch
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine; University Hospital; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- Biomedical Center; Cardiovascular Physiology; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research); Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance; Munich Germany
| | - H. Mannell
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine; University Hospital; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- Biomedical Center; Cardiovascular Physiology; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
| | - U. Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine; University Hospital; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- Biomedical Center; Cardiovascular Physiology; LMU Munich; Munich Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research); Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance; Munich Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy); Munich Germany
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27
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Thondapu V, Bourantas CV, Foin N, Jang IK, Serruys PW, Barlis P. Biomechanical stress in coronary atherosclerosis: emerging insights from computational modelling. Eur Heart J 2018; 38:81-92. [PMID: 28158723 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehv689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary plaque rupture is the most common cause of vessel thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome. The accurate early detection of plaques prone to rupture may allow prospective, preventative treatment; however, current diagnostic methods remain inadequate to detect these lesions. Established imaging features indicating vulnerability do not confer adequate specificity for symptomatic rupture. Similarly, even though experimental and computational studies have underscored the importance of endothelial shear stress in progressive atherosclerosis, the ability of shear stress to predict plaque progression remains incremental. This review examines recent advances in image-based computational modelling that have elucidated possible mechanisms of plaque progression and rupture, and potentially novel features of plaques most prone to symptomatic rupture. With further study and clinical validation, these markers and techniques may improve the specificity of future culprit plaque detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Thondapu
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christos V Bourantas
- University College London Hospitals, National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicolas Foin
- National Heart Centre, Singapore, Singapore,Duke-National University Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ik-Kyung Jang
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Peter Barlis
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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28
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He H, Yan H, Zhao Y, Yu Y, Kuang H, Huang Q, He M, Luo D, Peng W. Rutaecarpine Prevents High Glucose-induced Cx37 Gap Junction Dysfunction in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells. INT J PHARMACOL 2018. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2018.698.706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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29
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Function of Connexins in the Interaction between Glial and Vascular Cells in the Central Nervous System and Related Neurological Diseases. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:6323901. [PMID: 29983707 PMCID: PMC6015683 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6323901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signaling together with synapse activity in the central nervous system requires a precisely regulated microenvironment. Recently, the blood-brain barrier is considered as a “neuro-glia-vascular unit,” a structural and functional compound composed of capillary endothelial cells, glial cells, pericytes, and neurons, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the microenvironment in and out of the brain. Tight junctions and adherens junctions, which function as barriers of the blood-brain barrier, are two well-known kinds in the endothelial cell junctions. In this review, we focus on the less-concerned contribution of gap junction proteins, connexins in blood-brain barrier integrity under physio-/pathology conditions. In the neuro-glia-vascular unit, connexins are expressed in the capillary endothelial cells and prominent in astrocyte endfeet around and associated with maturation and function of the blood-brain barrier through a unique signaling pathway and an interaction with tight junction proteins. Connexin hemichannels and connexin gap junction channels contribute to the physiological or pathological progress of the blood-brain barrier; in addition, the interaction with other cell-cell-adhesive proteins is also associated with the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, we explore the connexins and connexin channels involved in the blood-brain barrier in neurological diseases and any programme for drug discovery or delivery to target or avoid the blood-brain barrier.
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30
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Deng Y, Lei T, Li H, Mo X, Wang Z, Ou H. ERK5/KLF2 activation is involved in the reducing effects of puerarin on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and atherosclerotic lesion in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2590-2599. [PMID: 29723698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Puerarin has properties of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation, which has been demonstrated protective effects in atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the detail molecular mechanism still remains unclear. Here, we determined whether the atheroprotective effect of puerarin was by reducing monocyte adhesion and explored the underlying mechanism. The results showed that puerarin dose- and time-dependently reduced oxLDL-induced monocyte THP-1 adhesion to HUVECs and the expression of adhesion-related genes such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1 and IL-8 in HUVECs. Puerarin activated ERK5 phosphorylation and up-regulated expressions of downstream KLF2 and its targeted genes endothelial nitric oxide synthase and thrombomodulin. However, the protective effects were reversed by ERK5/KLF2 pathway inhibitor XDM8-92, BIX02189 or KLF2 siRNA suggesting the pathway involved in the function. The ex vivo assay, in which THP-1 adhesion to endothelium isolated from apoE-/- mice received various treatments further confirmed the results from HUVECs. Finally, we found that the atherosclerotic lesions in both cross sections at aortic root and whole aorta were significantly reduced in high fat-diet (HFD) mice with puerarin treatment compared with the HFD-only mice, but were increased respectively by 76% and 71% in XMD8-92 group, and 82% and 73% in BIX02189 group. Altogether, the data revealed that puerarin inhibited the monocyte adhesion in vitro and in vivo and thus reduced atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-/- mice; the protective effects were mediated by activation of ERK5/KLF2 signaling pathway. Our findings advance the understanding of puerarin function in atherosclerosis and point out a way to prevent the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Tingwen Lei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Xiaochuan Mo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Zhuting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Hailong Ou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, PR China.
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31
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Johnson RD, Camelliti P. Role of Non-Myocyte Gap Junctions and Connexin Hemichannels in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Targets? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030866. [PMID: 29543751 PMCID: PMC5877727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is a complex organ composed of multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and different non-myocyte populations, all working closely together to determine the hearts properties and maintain normal cardiac function. Connexins are abundantly expressed proteins that form plasma membrane hemichannels and gap junctions between cells. Gap junctions are intracellular channels that allow for communication between cells, and in the heart they play a crucial role in cardiac conduction by coupling adjacent cardiomyocytes. Connexins are expressed in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Non-myocytes are the largest population of cells in the heart, and therefore it is important to consider what roles connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions play in these cell types. The aim of this review is to provide insight into connexin-based signalling in non-myocytes during health and disease, and highlight how targeting these proteins could lead to the development of novel therapies. We conclude that connexins in non-myocytes contribute to arrhythmias and adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction, and are associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting these connexins represent an exciting new research avenue with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Johnson
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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32
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Ng J, Bourantas CV, Torii R, Ang HY, Tenekecioglu E, Serruys PW, Foin N. Local Hemodynamic Forces After Stenting: Implications on Restenosis and Thrombosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:2231-2242. [PMID: 29122816 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Local hemodynamic forces are well-known to modulate atherosclerotic evolution, which remains one of the largest cause of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary interventions with stent implantation restores blood flow to the downstream myocardium and is only limited by stent failure caused by restenosis, stent thrombosis, or neoatherosclerosis. Cumulative evidence has shown that local hemodynamic forces affect restenosis and the platelet activation process, modulating the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to stent failure. This article first covers the pathophysiological mechanisms through which wall shear stress regulates arterial disease formation/neointima proliferation and the role of shear rate on stent thrombosis. Subsequently, the article reviews the current evidence on (1) the implications of stent design on the local hemodynamic forces, and (2) how stent/scaffold expansion can influence local flow, thereby affecting the risk of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaryl Ng
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Christos V Bourantas
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Ryo Torii
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Hui Ying Ang
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Erhan Tenekecioglu
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Patrick W Serruys
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.)
| | - Nicolas Foin
- From the National Heart Centre Singapore (J.N., H.Y.A., N.F.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore (J.N.); Departments of Cardiovascular Sciences (C.V.B.) and Mechanical Engineering (R.T.), University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom (C.V.B.); Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Erasmus University, The Netherlands (E.T., P.W.S.); National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.W.S.); and Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore (N.F.).
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33
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Characterisation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells under shear stress using an easy-to-use microfluidic cell culture system. Biomed Microdevices 2017; 19:91. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-017-0229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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34
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Leybaert L, Lampe PD, Dhein S, Kwak BR, Ferdinandy P, Beyer EC, Laird DW, Naus CC, Green CR, Schulz R. Connexins in Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Health and Disease: Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:396-478. [PMID: 28931622 PMCID: PMC5612248 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.012062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are ubiquitous channel forming proteins that assemble as plasma membrane hemichannels and as intercellular gap junction channels that directly connect cells. In the heart, gap junction channels electrically connect myocytes and specialized conductive tissues to coordinate the atrial and ventricular contraction/relaxation cycles and pump function. In blood vessels, these channels facilitate long-distance endothelial cell communication, synchronize smooth muscle cell contraction, and support endothelial-smooth muscle cell communication. In the central nervous system they form cellular syncytia and coordinate neural function. Gap junction channels are normally open and hemichannels are normally closed, but pathologic conditions may restrict gap junction communication and promote hemichannel opening, thereby disturbing a delicate cellular communication balance. Until recently, most connexin-targeting agents exhibited little specificity and several off-target effects. Recent work with peptide-based approaches has demonstrated improved specificity and opened avenues for a more rational approach toward independently modulating the function of gap junctions and hemichannels. We here review the role of connexins and their channels in cardiovascular and neurovascular health and disease, focusing on crucial regulatory aspects and identification of potential targets to modify their function. We conclude that peptide-based investigations have raised several new opportunities for interfering with connexins and their channels that may soon allow preservation of gap junction communication, inhibition of hemichannel opening, and mitigation of inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Peter Ferdinandy
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Eric C Beyer
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Dale W Laird
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Christian C Naus
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Colin R Green
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
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Abstract
In vivo, cells of the vascular system are subjected to various mechanical stimuli and have demonstrated the ability to adapt their behavior via mechanotransduction. Recent advances in microfluidic and "on-chip" techniques have provided the technology to study these alterations in cell behavior. Contrary to traditional in vitro assays such as transwell plates and parallel plate flow chambers, these microfluidic devices (MFDs) provide the opportunity to integrate multiple mechanical cues (e.g. shear stress, confinement, substrate stiffness, vessel geometry and topography) with in situ quantification capabilities. As such, MFDs can be used to recapitulate the in vivo mechanical setting and systematically vary microenvironmental conditions for improved mechanobiological studies of the endothelium. Additionally, adequate modelling provides for enhanced understanding of disease progression, design of cell separation and drug delivery systems, and the development of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Here, we will discuss the advances in knowledge about endothelial cell mechanosensing resulting from the design and application of biomimetic on-chip and microfluidic platforms.
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36
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Denis JF, Scheckenbach KEL, Pfenniger A, Meens MJ, Krams R, Miquerol L, Taffet S, Chanson M, Delmar M, Kwak BR. Connexin40 controls endothelial activation by dampening NFκB activation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:50972-50986. [PMID: 28881621 PMCID: PMC5584222 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are proteins forming gap junction channels for intercellular communication. Connexin40 (Cx40) is highly expressed by endothelial cells (ECs) of healthy arteries but this expression is lost in ECs overlying atherosclerotic plaques. Low/oscillatory shear stress observed in bends and bifurcations of arteries is atherogenic partly through activation of the pro-inflammatory NFκB pathway in ECs. In this study, we investigated the relation between shear stress, Cx40 and NFκB. Shear stress-modifying casts were placed around carotid arteries of mice expressing eGFP under the Cx40 promoter (Cx40+/eGFP). We found that Cx40 expression is decreased in carotid regions of oscillatory shear stress but conserved in high and low laminar shear stress regions. These results were confirmed in vitro. Using phage display, we retrieved a binding motif for the intracellular regulatory Cx40 C-terminus (Cx40CT), i.e. HS[I, L, V][K, R]. One of the retrieved peptides (HSLRPEWRMPGP) showed a 58.3% homology with amino acids 5-to-16 of IκBα, a member of the protein complex inhibiting NFκB activation. Binding of IκBα (peptide) and Cx40 was confirmed by crosslinking and en face proximity ligation assay on carotid arteries. TNFα-induced nuclear translocation of NFκB in ECs was enhanced after reducing Cx40 with siRNA. Transfection of HeLa cells with either full-length Cx40 or Cx40CT demonstrated that Cx40CT was sufficient for inhibition of TNFα-induced NFκB phosphorylation. Finally, Tie2CreTgCx40fl/flApoe-/- mice showed exaggerated shear stress-induced atherosclerosis and enhanced NFκB nuclear translocation. Our data show a novel functional IκBα-Cx40 interaction that may be relevant for the control of NFκB activation by shear stress in atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Francois Denis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Pfenniger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Merlijn J Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rob Krams
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Lucile Miquerol
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7288, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Steven Taffet
- Department of Microbiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Marc Chanson
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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37
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Guo FX, Hu YW, Zheng L, Wang Q. Shear Stress in Autophagy and Its Possible Mechanisms in the Process of Atherosclerosis. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:335-346. [PMID: 28287831 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy can eliminate harmful components and maintain cellular homeostasis in response to a series of extracellular insults in eukaryotes. More and more studies show that autophagy plays vital roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and shear stress acts as a key role in its process. Understanding the role of shear stress in autophagy may offer insight into atherosclerosis therapies, especially emerging targeted therapy. In this article, we retrospect related studies to summarize the present comprehension of the association between autophagy and atherosclerosis onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Xia Guo
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Wei Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
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38
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Naus CC, Giaume C. Bridging the gap to therapeutic strategies based on connexin/pannexin biology. J Transl Med 2016; 14:330. [PMID: 27899102 PMCID: PMC5129631 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A unique workshop was recently held focusing on enhancing collaborations leading to identify and update the development of therapeutic strategies targeting connexin/pannexin large pore channels. Basic scientists exploring the functions of these channels in various pathologies gathered together with leading pharma companies which are targeting gap junction proteins for specific therapeutic applications. This highlights how paths of discovery research can converge with therapeutic strategies in innovative ways to enhance target identification and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Christian Giaume
- ICIRB, CNRS UMR7241/INSERM U1050, Collège de France, Paris Cedex 05, France
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39
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Pedrigi RM, Mehta VV, Bovens SM, Mohri Z, Poulsen CB, Gsell W, Tremoleda JL, Towhidi L, de Silva R, Petretto E, Krams R. Influence of shear stress magnitude and direction on atherosclerotic plaque composition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160588. [PMID: 27853578 PMCID: PMC5099003 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The precise flow characteristics that promote different atherosclerotic plaque types remain unclear. We previously developed a blood flow-modifying cuff for ApoE-/- mice that induces the development of advanced plaques with vulnerable and stable features upstream and downstream of the cuff, respectively. Herein, we sought to test the hypothesis that changes in flow magnitude promote formation of the upstream (vulnerable) plaque, whereas altered flow direction is important for development of the downstream (stable) plaque. We instrumented ApoE-/- mice (n = 7) with a cuff around the left carotid artery and imaged them with micro-CT (39.6 µm resolution) eight to nine weeks after cuff placement. Computational fluid dynamics was then performed to compute six metrics that describe different aspects of atherogenic flow in terms of wall shear stress magnitude and/or direction. In a subset of four imaged animals, we performed histology to confirm the presence of advanced plaques and measure plaque length in each segment. Relative to the control artery, the region upstream of the cuff exhibited changes in shear stress magnitude only (p < 0.05), whereas the region downstream of the cuff exhibited changes in shear stress magnitude and direction (p < 0.05). These data suggest that shear stress magnitude contributes to the formation of advanced plaques with a vulnerable phenotype, whereas variations in both magnitude and direction promote the formation of plaques with stable features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Pedrigi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vikram V. Mehta
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sandra M. Bovens
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Zahra Mohri
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Willy Gsell
- MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jordi L. Tremoleda
- MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leila Towhidi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ranil de Silva
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Enrico Petretto
- MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rob Krams
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Author for correspondence: Rob Krams e-mail:
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40
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Soon ASC, Chua JW, Becker DL. Connexins in endothelial barrier function - novel therapeutic targets countering vascular hyperpermeability. Thromb Haemost 2016; 116:852-867. [PMID: 27488046 DOI: 10.1160/th16-03-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged vascular hyperpermeability is a common feature of many diseases. Vascular hyperpermeability is typically associated with changes in the expression patterns of adherens and tight junction proteins. Here, we focus on the less-appreciated contribution of gap junction proteins (connexins) to basal vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction. First, we assess the association of connexins with endothelial barrier integrity by introducing tools used in connexin biology and relating the findings to customary readouts in vascular biology. Second, we explore potential mechanistic ties between connexins and junction regulation. Third, we review the role of connexins in microvascular organisation and development, focusing on interactions of the endothelium with mural cells and tissue-specific perivascular cells. Last, we see how connexins contribute to the interactions between the endothelium and components of the immune system, by using neutrophils as an example. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins and other junction proteins suggests that we rethink the way in which different junction components contribute to endothelial barrier function. Given the multiple points of connexin-mediated communication arising from the endothelium, there is great potential for synergism between connexin-targeted inhibitors and existing immune-targeted therapeutics. As more drugs targeting connexins progress through clinical trials, it is hoped that some might prove effective at countering vascular hyperpermeability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Laurence Becker
- David L. Becker, PhD, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore, Tel: +65 6592 3961, Fax: +65 6515 0417, E-mail:
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41
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Pfenniger A, Meens MJ, Pedrigi RM, Foglia B, Sutter E, Pelli G, Rochemont V, Petrova TV, Krams R, Kwak BR. Shear stress-induced atherosclerotic plaque composition in ApoE(-/-) mice is modulated by connexin37. Atherosclerosis 2015; 243:1-10. [PMID: 26342936 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Shear stress patterns influence atherogenesis and plaque stability; low laminar shear stress (LLSS) promotes unstable plaques whereas oscillatory shear stress (OSS) induces more stable plaques. Endothelial connexin37 (Cx37) expression is also regulated by shear stress, which may contribute to localization of atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, Cx37 reduces initiation of atherosclerosis by inhibiting monocyte adhesion. The present work investigates the effect of Cx37 on the phenotype of plaques induced by LLSS or OSS. METHODS Shear stress-modifying casts were placed around the common carotid artery of ApoE(-/-) or ApoE(-/-)Cx37(-/-) mice, and animals were placed on a high-cholesterol diet for 6 or 9 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaque size and composition were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Plaque size in response to OSS was increased in ApoE(-/-)Cx37(-/-) mice compared to ApoE(-/-) animals. Most plaques contained high lipid and macrophage content and a low amount of collagen. In ApoE(-/-) mice, macrophages were more prominent in LLSS than OSS plaques. This difference was reversed in ApoE(-/-)Cx37(-/-) animals, with a predominance of macrophages in OSS plaques. The increase in macrophage content in ApoE(-/-)Cx37(-/-) OSS plaques was mainly due to increased accumulation of M1 and Mox macrophage subtypes. Cx37 expression in macrophages did not affect their proliferation or their polarization in vitro. CONCLUSION Cx37 deletion increased the size of atherosclerotic lesions in OSS regions and abrogated the development of a stable plaque phenotype under OSS in ApoE(-/-) mice. Hence, local hemodynamic factors may modify the risk for adverse atherosclerotic disease outcomes associated to a polymorphism in the human Cx37 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pfenniger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M J Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R M Pedrigi
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - B Foglia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Sutter
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Pelli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Rochemont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T V Petrova
- Department of Oncology, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - R Krams
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - B R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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42
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Longchamp A, Allagnat F, Alonso F, Kuppler C, Dubuis C, Ozaki CK, Mitchell JR, Berceli S, Corpataux JM, Déglise S, Haefliger JA. Connexin43 Inhibition Prevents Human Vein Grafts Intimal Hyperplasia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138847. [PMID: 26398895 PMCID: PMC4580578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous bypass grafts often fail following arterial implantation due to excessive smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation and consequent intimal hyperplasia (IH). Intercellular communication mediated by Connexins (Cx) regulates differentiation, growth and proliferation in various cell types. Microarray analysis of vein grafts in a model of bilateral rabbit jugular vein graft revealed Cx43 as an early upregulated gene. Additional experiments conducted using an ex-vivo human saphenous veins perfusion system (EVPS) confirmed that Cx43 was rapidly increased in human veins subjected ex-vivo to arterial hemodynamics. Cx43 knock-down by RNA interference, or adenoviral-mediated overexpression, respectively inhibited or stimulated the proliferation of primary human VSMC in vitro. Furthermore, Cx blockade with carbenoxolone or the specific Cx43 inhibitory peptide 43gap26 prevented the burst in myointimal proliferation and IH formation in human saphenous veins. Our data demonstrated that Cx43 controls proliferation and the formation of IH after arterial engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Longchamp
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Kuppler
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Céline Dubuis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles-Keith Ozaki
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James R. Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott Berceli
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc Corpataux
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Déglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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43
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Meens MJ, Kwak BR, Duffy HS. Role of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2779-92. [PMID: 26091747 PMCID: PMC11113959 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins form connexons, pannexons and membrane channels, which are critically involved in many aspects of cardiovascular physiology. For that reason, a vast number of studies have addressed the role of connexins and pannexins in the arterial and venous systems as well as in the heart. Moreover, a role for connexins in lymphatics has recently also been suggested. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlijn J. Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Specializations-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Specializations-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Meens MJ, Alonso F, Le Gal L, Kwak BR, Haefliger JA. Endothelial Connexin37 and Connexin40 participate in basal but not agonist-induced NO release. Cell Commun Signal 2015; 13:34. [PMID: 26198171 PMCID: PMC4510910 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-015-0110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin37 (Cx37) and Cx40 are crucial for endothelial cell-cell communication and homeostasis. Both connexins interact with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The exact contribution of these interactions to the regulation of vascular tone is unknown. RESULTS Cx37 and Cx40 were expressed in close proximity to eNOS at cell-cell interfaces of mouse aortic endothelial cells. Absence of Cx37 did not affect expression of Cx40 and a 50 % reduction of Cx40 in Cx40(+/-) aortas did not affect the expression of Cx37. However, absence of Cx40 was associated with reduced expression of Cx37. Basal NO release and the sensitivity for ACh were decreased in Cx37(-/-) and Cx40(-/-) aortas but not in Cx40(+/-) aortas. Moreover, ACh-induced release of constricting cyclooxygenase products was present in WT, Cx40(-/-) and Cx40(+/-) aortas but not in Cx37(-/-) aortas. Finally, agonist-induced NO-dependent relaxations and the sensitivity for exogenous NO were not affected by genotype. CONCLUSIONS Cx37 is more markedly involved in basal NO release, release of cyclooxygenase products and the regulation of the sensitivity for ACh as compared to Cx40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlijn J Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 6th floor, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Le Gal
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 6th floor, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hollander MR, Horrevoets AJG, van Royen N. Cellular and pharmacological targets to induce coronary arteriogenesis. Curr Cardiol Rev 2015; 10:29-37. [PMID: 23638831 PMCID: PMC3968592 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x113099990003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of collateral vessels (arteriogenesis) to sustain perfusion in ischemic tissue is native to the body and can compensate for coronary stenosis. However, arteriogenesis is a complex process and is dependent on many different factors. Although animal studies on collateral formation and stimulation show promising data, clinical trials have failed to replicate these results. Further research to the exact mechanisms is needed in order to develop a pharmalogical stimulant. This review gives an overview of recent data in the field of arteriogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niels van Royen
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, Room 4D-36, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Guo S, Zhu J, Yang Z, Feng J, Li K, Wang R, Yang X. Reduction of connexin 37 expression by RNA interference decreases atherosclerotic plaque formation. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:2664-70. [PMID: 25483389 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of connexin 37 (Cx37) interference on atherosclerotic plaques. Lentiviruses expressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) of Cx37 were constructed, and were shown to significantly knockdown the mRNA and protein expression of Cx37 in vitro. Sixty pigs on a high‑fat diet were randomly divided into three treatment groups of saline, mock or Cx37 siRNA, to induce plaque formation. The Cx37 lentiviral suspension was transfected into the abdominal aortic plaques of pigs. Plaque characteristics were detected by intravascular ultrasound and the expression of Cx37 mRNA was detected by semi‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of Cx37 protein was analyzed by western blot analysis. Two months after lentivirus transfection, Cx37 mRNA levels were decreased by 38% in the Cx37 siRNA group, by 60% in the mock‑siRNA group and by 63% in the saline group (P<0.05). The mock group showed no significant changes in Cx37 expression as compared with the saline group. Cx37 protein expression was lower in the Cx37 siRNA‑treated group as compared with the other groups (0.21±0.07 vs. 0.65±0.06 vs. 0.54±0.07). The percentage of plaque necrosis at 10 months (two months following RNAi) was decreased in the Cx37 siRNA group as compared with that at eight months, prior to RNAi (5.26±2.11 vs. 7.83±1.03%, P<0.05). In the mock‑siRNA and saline groups, no differences (P=0.074, 0.061, respectively) were observed. In the Cx37 siRNA group, plaque volumes following 10 months decreased relative to those following eight months, prior to RNAi (21.03±6.24 vs. 31.23±10.23, P<0.01). By contrast, in the mock siRNA and saline groups, plaque volumes after 10 months were increased relative to those following eight months (38.54±13.56 vs. 32.12±11.21 mm3, 37.36±14.21 vs. 30.21±12.02 mm3, P=0.031, P=0.027). Atherosclerotic plaque formation was effectively decreased through the downregulation of Cx37 mRNA using Cx37 siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suxia Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jihong Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Kulin Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Ruxing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Peng WJ, Liu Y, Yu YR, Fu YQ, Zhao Y, Kuang HB, Huang QR, He M, Luo D. Rutaecarpine prevented dysfunction of endothelial gap junction induced by Ox-LDL via activation of TRPV1. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 756:8-14. [PMID: 25794845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, which is formed by connexins, has been proved to play an important role in the atherogenesis development. Rutaecarpine was reported to inhibited monocyte migration, which indicates its potential for anti-atherosclerosis activity. This study evaluated the effect of rutaecarpine on endothelial dysfunction, and focused on the regulation of connexin expression in endothelial cells by rutaecarpine. Endothelia damage was induced by exposing HUVEC-12 to Ox-LDL (100mg/l) for 24h, which decreased the expression of protective proteins Cx37 and Cx40, but induced atherogenic Cx43 expression, in both mRNA and protein levels, concomitant with the impaired propidium iodide diffusion through the gap junctions. Pretreatment with rutaecarpine effectively recovered the expression of Cx37 and Cx40, but inhibited Cx43 expression, thereby improving gap junction communication and significantly prevented the endothelial dysfunction. Consequently, the cell viability and nitric oxide production were increased, lactate dehydrogenase production was decreased and monocyte adhesion was inhibited. These protective effects of rutaecarpine were remarkably attenuated by pretreatment with capsazepine, a competitive antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). In summary, this study is the first to report that rutaecarpine prevents endothelial injury and gap junction dysfunction induced by Ox-LDL in vitro, which is related to regulation of connexin expression patterns via TRPV1 activation. These results suggest that rutaecarpine has the potential for use as an anti-atherosclerosis agent with a novel mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Peng
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China
| | - Yan-Rong Yu
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Yan-Qi Fu
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Hai-Bing Kuang
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Qi-Ren Huang
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Ming He
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China
| | - Dan Luo
- Medical college, Nanchang University, Bayi Road 461, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330006, PR China.
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Li X, Yang Q, Wang Z, Wei D. Shear Stress in Atherosclerotic Plaque Determination. DNA Cell Biol 2014; 33:830-8. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2014.2480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dangheng Wei
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Guo S, Chen W, Yang Y, Yang Z, Cao M. Association between 1019C/T polymorphism in the connexin 37 gene and essential hypertension. Heart Lung Circ 2014; 23:924-9. [PMID: 24685073 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between the CX 37 1019C/T polymorphism and the susceptibility to essential hypertension (EH). METHODS A total of 1126 cases of EH were diagnosed in the People's Hospital of Wuxi City, China. A control group consisted of 874 healthy people, i.e., non-EH patients. All cases were genotyped by DNA sequencing. RESULTS Polymorphism C1019T on the Connexin37 gene was found in the whole population. The distribution of three genotype frequencies in both groups was in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the CX37C allele was higher in EH patients (57.4% vs. 42.1%, χ(2)=92.5, P<0.01) compared to the control group. The frequency of C carriers (CC+TC) was 80.5% in EH patients compared to 66.7% in the control (χ(2)=49.0, P<0.01). EH risk was significantly increased in carriers of C the allele (CC+TC) over that in the TT homozygote (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.68 ∼ 2.52). Subsequent stratified analyses demonstrate that a significant difference exists in the frequency of C carriers between male EH patients and controls (79.2% vs. 69.1%, χ(2)=13.4, P<0.01) and in female EH patients and the control group (81.8% vs. 64.4%, χ(2)=38.7, P<0.01). The carriers of the C allele had higher EH risk compared with the TT homozygote without sex differences (male: OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.28 ∼ 2.27; female: OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.85 ∼ 3.31). CONCLUSION The C allele in the CX37 gene might be associated with the susceptibility to EH in population of Wuxi, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suxia Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Wuxi and People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023 P.R.China.
| | - Weixiang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Wuxi and People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023 P.R.China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Wuxi and People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023 P.R.China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Wuxi and People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023 P.R.China
| | - Minghua Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Wuxi and People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023 P.R.China
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Kwak BR, Bäck M, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Caligiuri G, Daemen MJAP, Davies PF, Hoefer IE, Holvoet P, Jo H, Krams R, Lehoux S, Monaco C, Steffens S, Virmani R, Weber C, Wentzel JJ, Evans PC. Biomechanical factors in atherosclerosis: mechanisms and clinical implications. Eur Heart J 2014; 35:3013-20, 3020a-3020d. [PMID: 25230814 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are exposed to multiple mechanical forces that are exerted on the vessel wall (radial, circumferential and longitudinal forces) or on the endothelial surface (shear stress). The stresses and strains experienced by arteries influence the initiation of atherosclerotic lesions, which develop at regions of arteries that are exposed to complex blood flow. In addition, plaque progression and eventually plaque rupture is influenced by a complex interaction between biological and mechanical factors-mechanical forces regulate the cellular and molecular composition of plaques and, conversely, the composition of plaques determines their ability to withstand mechanical load. A deeper understanding of these interactions is essential for designing new therapeutic strategies to prevent lesion development and promote plaque stabilization. Moreover, integrating clinical imaging techniques with finite element modelling techniques allows for detailed examination of local morphological and biomechanical characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions that may be of help in prediction of future events. In this ESC Position Paper on biomechanical factors in atherosclerosis, we summarize the current 'state of the art' on the interface between mechanical forces and atherosclerotic plaque biology and identify potential clinical applications and key questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Imo E Hoefer
- University Medical Center Urecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul C Evans
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
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