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Afroz R, Goodwin JE. Wnt Signaling in Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms to Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:276. [PMID: 38397878 PMCID: PMC10886882 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease in which inflammation plays a pivotal role. Receptor-mediated signaling pathways regulate vascular inflammation and the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence has revealed the role of the Wnt pathway in atherosclerosis progression. The Wnt pathway influences almost all stages of atherosclerosis progression, including endothelial dysfunction, monocyte infiltration, smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and plaque formation. Targeting the Wnt pathway to treat atherosclerosis represents a promising therapeutic approach that remains understudied. Blocking Wnt signaling utilizing small molecule inhibitors, recombinant proteins, and/or neutralizing antibodies ameliorates atherosclerosis in preclinical models. The Wnt pathway can be potentially manipulated through targeting Wnt ligands, receptors, co-receptors, and downstream signaling molecules. However, there are challenges associated with developing a real world therapeutic compound that targets the Wnt pathway. This review focuses on the role of Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis development, and the rationale for targeting this pathway for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Afroz
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julie E. Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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2
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Chen C, Wang J, Liu C, Hu J, Liu L. Pioneering therapies for post-infarction angiogenesis: Insight into molecular mechanisms and preclinical studies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115306. [PMID: 37572633 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115306] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (MI), despite significant progress in its treatment, remains a leading cause of chronic heart failure and cardiovascular events such as cardiac arrest. Promoting angiogenesis in the myocardial tissue after MI to restore blood flow in the ischemic and hypoxic tissue is considered an effective treatment strategy. The repair of the myocardial tissue post-MI involves a robust angiogenic response, with mechanisms involved including endothelial cell proliferation and migration, capillary growth, changes in the extracellular matrix, and stabilization of pericytes for neovascularization. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of six key pathways in angiogenesis post-MI: the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, the Notch signaling pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. We also discuss novel therapeutic approaches targeting these pathways, including drug therapy, gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy, and extracellular vesicle therapy. A comprehensive understanding of these key pathways and their targeted therapies will aid in our understanding of the pathological and physiological mechanisms of angiogenesis after MI and the development and application of new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Lanchun Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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Saeedi-Boroujeni A, Purrahman D, Shojaeian A, Poniatowski ŁA, Rafiee F, Mahmoudian-Sani MR. Progranulin (PGRN) as a regulator of inflammation and a critical factor in the immunopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:1. [PMID: 36658641 PMCID: PMC9851114 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune dysregulation has been identified as a critical cause of the most common types of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Notably, the innate and adaptive immune responses under physiological conditions are typically regulated with high sensitivity to avoid the exacerbation of inflammation, but any dysregulation can probably be associated with CVDs. In this respect, progranulin (PGRN) serves as one of the main components of the regulation of inflammatory processes, which significantly contributes to the immunopathogenesis of such disorders. PGRN has been introduced among the secreted growth factors as one related to wound healing, inflammation, and human embryonic development, as well as a wide variety of autoimmune diseases. The relationship between the serum PGRN and TNF-α ratio with the spontaneous bacterial peritonitis constitute one of the independent predictors of these conditions. The full-length PGRN can thus effectively reduce the calcification of valve interstitial cells, and the granulin precursor (GRN), among the degradation products of PGRN, can be beneficial. Moreover, it was observed that, PGRN protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Above all, PGRN also provides protection in the initial phase following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The protective impact of PGRN on this may be associated with the early activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. PGRN also acts as a protective factor in hyperhomocysteinemia, probably by down-regulating the wingless-related integration site Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Many studies have further demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has dramatically increased the risks of CVDs due to inflammation, so PGRN has drawn much more attention among scholars. Lysosomes play a pivotal role in the inflammation process, and PGRN is one of the key regulators in their functioning, which contributes to the immunomodulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Therefore, investigation of PGRN actions can help find new prospects in the treatment of CVDs. This review aims to summarize the role of PGRN in the immunopathogenesis of CVD, with an emphasis on its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saeedi-Boroujeni
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Daryush Purrahman
- grid.411230.50000 0000 9296 6873Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Shojaeian
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Łukasz A. Poniatowski
- grid.491786.50000 0001 0211 9062Department of Neurosurgery, Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Klinikum, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Rafiee
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani
- grid.411230.50000 0000 9296 6873Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran ,grid.411230.50000 0000 9296 6873Clinical Research Development Unit, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of the adult human heart. In contrast, teleost zebrafish hearts possess natural regeneration capacity by proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes after injury. Hearts of mice can regenerate if injured in a few days after birth, which coincides with the transient capacity for cardiomyocyte proliferation. This review tends to elaborate the roles and mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in heart development and regeneration in mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates. RECENT FINDINGS Studies in zebrafish, mice, and human embryonic stem cells demonstrate the binary effect for Wnt/β-catenin signaling during heart development. Both Wnts and Wnt antagonists are induced in multiple cell types during cardiac development and injury repair. In this review, we summarize composites of the Wnt signaling pathway and their different action routes, followed by the discussion of their involvements in cardiac specification, proliferation, and patterning. We provide overviews about canonical and non-canonical Wnt activity during heart homeostasis, remodeling, and regeneration. Wnt/β-catenin signaling exhibits biphasic and antagonistic effects on cardiac specification and differentiation depending on the stage of embryogenesis. Inhibition of Wnt signaling is beneficial for cardiac wound healing and functional recovery after injury. Understanding of the roles and mechanisms of Wnt signaling pathway in injured animal hearts will contribute to the development of potential therapeutics for human diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jianjian Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao P Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapy for myocardial infarction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:78. [PMID: 35273164 PMCID: PMC8913803 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has improved considerably, it is still a worldwide disease with high morbidity and high mortality. Whilst there is still a long way to go for discovering ideal treatments, therapeutic strategies committed to cardioprotection and cardiac repair following cardiac ischemia are emerging. Evidence of pathological characteristics in MI illustrates cell signaling pathways that participate in the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, and stem cells. These signaling pathways include the key players in inflammation response, e.g., NLRP3/caspase-1 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB; the crucial mediators in oxidative stress and apoptosis, for instance, Notch, Hippo/YAP, RhoA/ROCK, Nrf2/HO-1, and Sonic hedgehog; the controller of myocardial fibrosis such as TGF-β/SMADs and Wnt/β-catenin; and the main regulator of angiogenesis, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Sonic hedgehog, etc. Since signaling pathways play an important role in administering the process of MI, aiming at targeting these aberrant signaling pathways and improving the pathological manifestations in MI is indispensable and promising. Hence, drug therapy, gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy, and exosome therapy have been emerging and are known as novel therapies. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for MI by regulating these associated pathways, which contribute to inhibiting cardiomyocytes death, attenuating inflammation, enhancing angiogenesis, etc. so as to repair and re-functionalize damaged hearts.
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Simbolo M, Centonze G, Ali G, Garzone G, Taormina S, Sabella G, Ciaparrone C, Mafficini A, Grillo F, Mangogna A, Volante M, Mastracci L, Fontanini G, Pilotto S, Bria E, Infante M, Capella C, Rolli L, Pastorino U, Milella M, Milione M, Scarpa A. Integrative molecular analysis of combined small-cell lung carcinomas identifies major subtypes with different therapeutic opportunities. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100308. [PMID: 34952268 PMCID: PMC8695295 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined small-cell lung cancer (C-SCLC) is composed of SCLC admixed with a non-small-cell cancer component. They currently receive the same treatment as SCLC. The recent evidence that SCLC may belong to either of two lineages, neuroendocrine (NE) or non-NE, with different vulnerability to specific cell death pathways such as ferroptosis, opens new therapeutic opportunities also for C-SCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen C-SCLCs, including five with adenocarcinoma (CoADC), five with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (CoLCNEC) and three with squamous cell carcinoma (CoSQC) components, were assessed for alterations in 409 genes and transcriptomic profiling of 20 815 genes. RESULTS All 13 cases harbored TP53 (12 cases) and/or RB1 (7 cases) inactivation, which was accompanied by mutated KRAS in 4 and PTEN in 3 cases. Potentially targetable alterations included two KRAS G12C, two PIK3CA and one EGFR mutations. Comparison of C-SCLC transcriptomes with those of 57 pure histology lung cancers (17 ADCs, 20 SQCs, 11 LCNECs, 9 SCLCs) showed that CoLCNEC and CoADC constituted a standalone group of NE tumors, while CoSQC transcriptional setup was overlapping that of pure SQC. Using transcriptional signatures of NE versus non-NE SCLC as classifier, CoLCNEC was clearly NE while CoSQC was strongly non-NE and CoADC exhibited a heterogeneous phenotype. Similarly, using ferroptosis sensitivity/resistance markers, CoSQC was classified as sensitive (as expected for non-NE), CoLCNEC as resistant (as expected for NE) and CoADC showed a heterogeneous pattern. CONCLUSIONS These data support routine molecular profiling of C-SCLC to search for targetable driver alterations and to precisely classify them according to therapeutically relevant subgroups (e.g. NE versus non-NE).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Simbolo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Centonze
- Pathology Unit 1, Pathology and Laboratory Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - G Ali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Garzone
- Pathology Unit 1, Pathology and Laboratory Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - S Taormina
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Sabella
- Pathology Unit 1, Pathology and Laboratory Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy; School of Pathology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C Ciaparrone
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Mafficini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; ARC-Net Research Centre for Applied Research on Cancer, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F Grillo
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genova and IRCCS S. Martino-IST University Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofalo, Trieste, Italy
| | - M Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin at San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L Mastracci
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genova and IRCCS S. Martino-IST University Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Fontanini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Bria
- Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M Infante
- Thoracic Surgery, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Capella
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Research Centre for the Study of Hereditary and Familial tumors, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - L Rolli
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - U Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Milione
- Pathology Unit 1, Pathology and Laboratory Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy.
| | - A Scarpa
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; ARC-Net Research Centre for Applied Research on Cancer, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Lopez-Bergami P, Barbero G. The emerging role of Wnt5a in the promotion of a pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 39:933-952. [PMID: 32435939 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09878-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wnt5a is the prototypical activator of the non-canonical Wnt pathways, and its overexpression has been implicated in the progression of several tumor types by promoting cell motility, invasion, EMT, and metastasis. Recent evidences have revealed a novel role of Wnt5a in the phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit p65 and the activation of the NF-κB pathway in cancer cells. In this article, we review the molecular mechanisms and mediators defining a Wnt5a/NF-κB signaling pathway and propose that the aberrant expression of Wnt5a in some tumors drives a Wnt5a/NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 positive feedback loop that amplifies the effects of Wnt5a. The evidences discussed here suggest that Wnt5a has a double effect on the tumor microenvironment. First, it activates an autocrine ROR1/Akt/p65 pathway that promotes inflammation and chemotaxis of immune cells. Then, Wnt5a activates a TLR/MyD88/p50 pathway exclusively in myelomonocytic cells promoting the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and a tolerogenic phenotype. As a result of these mechanisms, Wnt5a plays a negative role on immune cell function that contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and would contribute to resistance to immunotherapy. Finally, we summarized the development of different strategies targeting either Wnt5a or the Wnt5a receptor ROR1 that can be helpful for cancer therapy by contributing to generate a more immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Lopez-Bergami
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimonides, Hidalgo 775, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gastón Barbero
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimonides, Hidalgo 775, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Effect of Interventions in WNT Signaling on Healing of Cardiac Injury: A Systematic Review. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020207. [PMID: 33494313 PMCID: PMC7912185 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020207] [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: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The wound healing that follows myocardial infarction is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms, such as inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis. In the last two decades, the involvement of WNT signaling has been extensively studied and effects on virtually all aspects of this wound healing have been reported. However, as often is the case in a newly emerging field, inconsistent and sometimes even contradictory findings have been reported. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of studies in which the effect of interventions in WNT signaling were investigated in in vivo models of cardiac injury. To this end, we used different search engines to perform a systematic search of the literature using the key words "WNT and myocardial and infarction". We categorized the interventions according to their place in the WNT signaling pathway (ligand, receptor, destruction complex or nuclear level). The most consistent improvements of the wound healing response were observed in studies in which the acylation of WNT proteins was inhibited by administering porcupine inhibitors, by inhibiting of the downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and by intervening in the β-catenin-mediated gene transcription. Interestingly, in several of these studies, evidence was presented for activation of cardiomyocyte proliferation around the infarct area. These findings indicate that inhibition of WNT signaling can play a valuable role in the repair of cardiac injury, thereby improving cardiac function and preventing the development of heart failure.
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Sasaki T, Shimazawa M, Kanamori H, Yamada Y, Nishinaka A, Kuse Y, Suzuki G, Masuda T, Nakamura S, Hosokawa M, Minatoguchi S, Hara H. Effects of progranulin on the pathological conditions in experimental myocardial infarction model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11842. [PMID: 32678228 PMCID: PMC7367277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68804-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin is a secreted growth factor associated with multiple physiological functions in ischemic pathophysiology. However, it is still not fully understood how progranulin is involved in ischemic lesion and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we investigated the effects of progranulin on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. We investigated progranulin expression using Western blotting and immunostaining after permanent left coronary artery (LCA) occlusion in mice. Infarct size and the number of infiltrating neutrophils were measured 24 h after permanent LCA occlusion. Recombinant mouse progranulin was administered before LCA occlusion. In addition, we evaluated cardiac function using cardiac catheterization and echocardiography, and fibrosis size by Masson's trichrome staining after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rabbits. Recombinant human progranulin was administered immediately after induction of reperfusion. Progranulin expression increased in the myocardial ischemic area 1, 3, and 5 days after permanent LCA occlusion in mice. The administration of recombinant mouse progranulin significantly attenuated infarct size and infiltrating neutrophils 24 h after permanent LCA occlusion in mice. We also found that administration of recombinant human progranulin ameliorated the deterioration of cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rabbits. These findings suggest that progranulin may protect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sasaki
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Kanamori
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Yamada
- Department of Cardiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Anri Nishinaka
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kuse
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Genjiro Suzuki
- Dementia Research Project, Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Masato Hosokawa
- Dementia Research Project, Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Minatoguchi
- Department of Circulatory and Respiratory Advanced Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- Heart Failure Center, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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10
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Blankesteijn WM. Interventions in WNT Signaling to Induce Cardiomyocyte Proliferation: Crosstalk with Other Pathways. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 97:90-101. [PMID: 31757861 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.118018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is a frequent cardiovascular event and a major cause for cardiomyocyte loss. In adult mammals, cardiomyocytes are traditionally considered to be terminally differentiated cells, unable to proliferate. Therefore, the wound-healing response in the infarct area typically yields scar tissue rather than newly formed cardiomyocytes. In the last decade, several lines of evidence have challenged the lack of proliferative capacity of the differentiated cardiomyocyte: studies in zebrafish and neonatal mammals have convincingly demonstrated the regenerative capacity of cardiomyocytes. Moreover, multiple signaling pathways have been identified in these models that-when activated in adult mammalian cardiomyocytes-can reactivate the cell cycle in these cells. However, cardiomyocytes frequently exit the cell cycle before symmetric division into daughter cells, leading to polyploidy and multinucleation. Now that there is more insight into the reactivation of the cell cycle machinery, other prerequisites for successful symmetric division of cardiomyocytes, such as the control of sarcomere disassembly to allow cytokinesis, require more investigation. This review aims to discuss the signaling pathways involved in cardiomyocyte proliferation, with a specific focus on wingless/int-1 protein signaling. Comparing the conflicting results from in vitro and in vivo studies on this pathway illustrates that the interaction with other cells and structures around the infarct is likely to be essential to determine the outcome of these interventions. The extensive crosstalk with other pathways implicated in cardiomyocyte proliferation calls for the identification of nodal points in the cell signaling before cardiomyocyte proliferation can be moved forward toward clinical application as a cure of cardiac disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Evidence is mounting that proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes can be stimulated to repair injury of the heart. In this review article, an overview is provided of the different signaling pathways implicated in cardiomyocyte proliferation with emphasis on wingless/int-1 protein signaling, crosstalk between the pathways, and controversial results obtained in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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11
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Daskalopoulos EP, Hermans KCM, Debets J, Strzelecka A, Leenders P, Vervoort-Peters L, Janssen BJA, Blankesteijn WM. The Beneficial Effects of UM206 on Wound Healing After Myocardial Infarction in Mice Are Lost in Follow-Up Experiments. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:118. [PMID: 31620445 PMCID: PMC6759626 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: An inadequate wound healing following myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the main etiologies of heart failure (HF) development. Interventions aiming at improving this process may contribute to preserving cardiac function after MI. Our group, as well as others, have demonstrated the crucial role of Wnt/frizzled signaling in post-MI remodeling. In this overview, we provide the results of different studies aimed at confirming an initial study from our group, in which we observed beneficial effects of administration of a peptide fragment of Wnt5a, UM206, on infarct healing in a mouse MI model. Methods: Mice were subjected to permanent left coronary artery ligation, and treated with saline (control) or UM206, administered via osmotic minipumps. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements, while infarct size and myofibroblast content were characterized by (immuno)histochemistry. Results: In total, we performed seven follow-up studies, but we were unable to reproduce the beneficial effects of UM206 on infarct healing in most of them. Variations in dose and timing of UM206 administration, its manufacturer and the genetic background of the mice could not restore the phenotype. An in-depth analysis of the datasets revealed that the absence of effect of UM206 coincided with a lack of adverse cardiac remodeling and HF development in all experimental groups, irrespective of the treatment. Discussion: Irreproducibility of experimental observations is a major issue in biomedical sciences. It can arise from a relatively low number of experimental observations in the original study, a faulty hypothesis or a variation in the experimental model that cannot be controlled. In this case, the lack of adverse cardiac remodeling and lung weight increases in the follow-up studies point out to altered experimental conditions as the most likely explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos P Daskalopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin C M Hermans
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jacques Debets
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Agnieszka Strzelecka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Peter Leenders
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lily Vervoort-Peters
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ben J A Janssen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
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12
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An essential role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mediating hypertensive heart disease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8996. [PMID: 29895976 PMCID: PMC5997634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with hypertension and heart disease. However, how RAS activation causes cardiac lesions remains elusive. Here we report the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in this process. In rats with chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II), eight Wnt ligands were induced and β-catenin activated in both cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by small molecule inhibitor ICG-001 restrained Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by normalizing heart size and inhibiting hypertrophic marker genes. ICG-001 also attenuated myocardial fibrosis and inhibited α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and collagen I expression. These changes were accompanied by a reduced expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide. Interestingly, ICG-001 also lowered blood pressure induced by Ang II. In vitro, Ang II induced multiple Wnt ligands and activated β-catenin in rat primary cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. ICG-001 inhibited myocyte hypertrophy and Snail1, c-Myc and atrial natriuretic peptide expression, and abolished the fibrogenic effect of Ang II in cardiac fibroblasts. Finally, recombinant Wnt3a was sufficient to induce cardiomyocyte injury and fibroblast activation in vitro. Taken together, these results illustrate an essential role for Wnt/β-catenin in mediating hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Therefore, blockade of this pathway may be a novel strategy for ameliorating hypertensive heart disease.
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13
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Skronska-Wasek W, Gosens R, Königshoff M, Baarsma HA. WNT receptor signalling in lung physiology and pathology. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 187:150-166. [PMID: 29458107 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The WNT signalling cascades have emerged as critical regulators of a wide variety of biological aspects involved in lung development as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes in the adult lung. WNTs (secreted glycoproteins) interact with various transmembrane receptors and co-receptors to activate signalling pathways that regulate transcriptional as well as non-transcriptional responses within cells. In physiological conditions, the majority of WNT receptors and co-receptors can be detected in the adult lung. However, dysregulation of WNT signalling pathways contributes to the development and progression of chronic lung pathologies, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer. The interaction between a WNT and the (co-)receptor(s) present at the cell surface is the initial step in transducing an extracellular signal into an intracellular response. This proximal event in WNT signal transduction with (cell-specific) ligand-receptor interactions is of great interest as a potential target for pharmacological intervention. In this review we highlight the diverse expression of various WNT receptors and co-receptors in the aforementioned chronic lung diseases and discuss the currently available biologicals and pharmacological tools to modify proximal WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Skronska-Wasek
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Hoeke Abele Baarsma
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany; GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Foulquier S, Daskalopoulos EP, Lluri G, Hermans KCM, Deb A, Blankesteijn WM. WNT Signaling in Cardiac and Vascular Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:68-141. [PMID: 29247129 PMCID: PMC6040091 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.013896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT signaling is an elaborate and complex collection of signal transduction pathways mediated by multiple signaling molecules. WNT signaling is critically important for developmental processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and tissue patterning. Little WNT signaling activity is present in the cardiovascular system of healthy adults, but reactivation of the pathway is observed in many pathologies of heart and blood vessels. The high prevalence of these pathologies and their significant contribution to human disease burden has raised interest in WNT signaling as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we first will focus on the constituents of the pathway and their regulation and the different signaling routes. Subsequently, the role of WNT signaling in cardiovascular development is addressed, followed by a detailed discussion of its involvement in vascular and cardiac disease. After highlighting the crosstalk between WNT, transforming growth factor-β and angiotensin II signaling, and the emerging role of WNT signaling in the regulation of stem cells, we provide an overview of drugs targeting the pathway at different levels. From the combined studies we conclude that, despite the sometimes conflicting experimental data, a general picture is emerging that excessive stimulation of WNT signaling adversely affects cardiovascular pathology. The rapidly increasing collection of drugs interfering at different levels of WNT signaling will allow the evaluation of therapeutic interventions in the pathway in relevant animal models of cardiovascular diseases and eventually in patients in the near future, translating the outcomes of the many preclinical studies into a clinically relevant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
| | - Evangelos P Daskalopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
| | - Gentian Lluri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
| | - Kevin C M Hermans
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
| | - Arjun Deb
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (S.F., K.C.M.H., W.M.B.); Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (E.P.D.); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine (G.L., A.D.); and Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (A.D.)
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15
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Uitterdijk A, Springeling T, Hermans KCM, Merkus D, de Beer VJ, Gorsse-Bakker C, Mokelke E, Daskalopoulos EP, Wielopolski PA, Cleutjens JPM, Blankesteijn WM, Prinzen FW, van der Giessen WJ, van Geuns RJM, Duncker DJ. Intermittent pacing therapy favorably modulates infarct remodeling. Basic Res Cardiol 2017; 112:28. [PMID: 28386775 PMCID: PMC5383690 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-017-0616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite early revascularization, remodeling and dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain important therapeutic targets. Intermittent pacing therapy (IPT) of the LV can limit infarct size, when applied during early reperfusion. However, the effects of IPT on post-AMI LV remodeling and infarct healing are unknown. We therefore investigated the effects of IPT on global LV remodeling and infarct geometry in swine with a 3-day old AMI. For this purpose, fifteen pigs underwent 2 h ligation of the left circumflex coronary artery followed by reperfusion. An epicardial pacing lead was implanted in the peri-infarct zone. After three days, global LV remodeling and infarct geometry were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Animals were stratified into MI control and IPT groups. Thirty-five days post-AMI, follow-up MRI was obtained and myofibroblast content, markers of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and Wnt/frizzled signaling in infarct and non-infarct control tissue were studied. Results showed that IPT had no significant effect on global LV remodeling, function or infarct mass, but modulated infarct healing. In MI control pigs, infarct mass reduction was principally due to a 26.2 ± 4.4% reduction in infarct thickness (P ≤ 0.05), whereas in IPT pigs it was mainly due to a 35.7 ± 4.5% decrease in the number of infarct segments (P ≤ 0.05), with no significant change in infarct thickness. Myofibroblast content of the infarct zone was higher in IPT (10.9 ± 2.1%) compared to MI control (5.4 ± 1.6%; P ≤ 0.05). Higher myofibroblast presence did not coincide with alterations in expression of genes involved in ECM turnover or Wnt/frizzled signaling at 5 weeks follow-up. Taken together, IPT limited infarct expansion and altered infarct composition, showing that IPT influences remodeling of the infarct zone, likely by increasing regional myofibroblast content.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Uitterdijk
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tirza Springeling
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin C M Hermans
- Department of Pharmacology, CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent J de Beer
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Gorsse-Bakker
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Mokelke
- Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Paul, MN, USA.,Medical Products Division, W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Jack P M Cleutjens
- Department of Pathology, CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frits W Prinzen
- Department of Physiology, CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J van der Giessen
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert-Jan M van Geuns
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Department of Cardiology, Ee-2351, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Beljaars L, Daliri S, Dijkhuizen C, Poelstra K, Gosens R. WNT-5A regulates TGF-β-related activities in liver fibrosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2017; 312:G219-G227. [PMID: 28057611 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00160.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
WNT-5A is a secreted growth factor that belongs to the noncanonical members of the Wingless-related MMTV-integration family. Previous studies pointed to a connection between WNT-5A and the fibrogenic factor TGF-β warranting further studies into the functional role of WNT-5A in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we studied WNT-5A expressions in mouse and human fibrotic livers and examined the relation between WNT-5A and various fibrosis-associated growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. WNT-5A gene and protein expressions were significantly increased in fibrotic mouse and human livers compared with healthy livers. Regression or therapeutic intervention in mice resulted in decreased hepatic WNT-5A levels paralleled by lower collagen levels. Immunohistochemical analysis showed WNT-5A staining in fibrotic septa colocalizing with desmin staining indicating WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed WNT-5A expression in this cell type and showed that TGF-β significantly enhanced WNT-5A expression in contrast to PDGF-BB and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, TGF-β induces the expression of the WNT receptors FZD2 and FZD8. After silencing of WNT-5A, reduced levels of collagen type I, vimentin, and fibronectin in TGF-β-stimulated myofibroblasts were measured compared with nonsilencing siRNA-treated controls. Interestingly, the antifibrotic cytokine IFNγ suppressed WNT-5A in vitro and in vivo. IFNγ-treated fibrotic mice showed significantly less WNT-5A expression compared with untreated fibrotic mice. In conclusion, WNT-5A paralleled collagen I levels in fibrotic mouse and human livers. WNT-5A expression in myofibroblasts is induced by the profibrotic factor TGF-β and plays an important role in TGF-β-induced regulation of fibrotic matrix proteins, whereas its expression can be reversed upon treatment, both in vitro and in vivo.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes the localization and functional role of WNT-5A in human and mouse fibrotic livers. Hepatic WNT-5A expression parallels collagen type I expression. In vivo and in vitro, the myofibroblasts were identified as the key hepatic cells producing WNT-5A. WNT-5A is under control of TGF-β and its activities are primarily profibrotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Beljaars
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting. Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Sara Daliri
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting. Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Christa Dijkhuizen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Poelstra
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting. Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Stylianidis V, Hermans KCM, Blankesteijn WM. Wnt Signaling in Cardiac Remodeling and Heart Failure. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 243:371-393. [PMID: 27838851 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays an essential role during development, but is also activated in diseases as diverse as neurodegeneration, osteoporosis, and cancer. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Wnt signaling is also activated during cardiac remodeling and heart failure. In this chapter, we will provide a brief overview of Wnt signaling in all its complexity. Then we will discuss the evidence for its involvement in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, the wound healing after myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure. Finally, we will provide an overview of the drugs that are available to target Wnt signaling at different levels of the signaling cascade and the results of these pharmacological interventions in cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasili Stylianidis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin C M Hermans
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Bastakoty D, Young PP. Wnt/β-catenin pathway in tissue injury: roles in pathology and therapeutic opportunities for regeneration. FASEB J 2016; 30:3271-3284. [PMID: 27335371 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600502r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is an evolutionarily conserved set of signals with critical roles in embryonic and neonatal development across species. In mammals the pathway is quiescent in many organs. It is reactivated in response to injury and is reported to play complex and contrasting roles in promoting regeneration and fibrosis. We review the current understanding of the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in injury of various mammalian organs and discuss the current advances and potential of Wnt inhibitory therapeutics toward promoting tissue regeneration and reducing fibrosis.-Bastakoty, D., Young, P. P. Wnt/β-catenin pathway in tissue injury: roles in pathology and therapeutic opportunities for regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dikshya Bastakoty
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; and
| | - Pampee P Young
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; and Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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