1
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Hu X, Sun J, Wan M, Zhang B, Wang L, Zhong TP. Expression levels and stoichiometry of Hnf1β, Emx2, Pax8 and Hnf4 influence direct reprogramming of induced renal tubular epithelial cells. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:19. [PMID: 39347883 PMCID: PMC11442758 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-024-00202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Generation of induced renal epithelial cells (iRECs) from fibroblasts offers great opportunities for renal disease modeling and kidney regeneration. However, the low reprogramming efficiency of the current approach to generate iRECs has hindered potential therapeutic application and regenerative approach. This could be in part attributed to heterogeneous and unbalanced expression of reprogramming factors (RFs) Hnf1β (H1), Emx2 (E), Pax8 (P), and Hnf4α (H4) in transduced fibroblasts. Here, we establish an advanced retroviral vector system that expresses H1, E, P, and H4 in high levels and distinct ratios from bicistronic transcripts separated by P2A. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) harboring Cdh16-Cre; mT/mG allele are utilized to conduct iREC reprogramming via directly monitoring single cell fate conversion. Three sets of bicistronic RF combinations including H1E/H4P, H1H4/EP, and H1P/H4E have been generated to induce iREC reprogramming. Each of the RF combinations gives rise to distinct H1, E, P, and H4 expression levels and different reprogramming efficiencies. The desired H1E/H4P combination that results in high expression levels of RFs with balanced stoichiometry. substantially enhances the efficiency and quality of iRECs compared with transduction of separate H1, E, P, and H4 lentiviruses. We find that H1E/H4P-induced iRECs exhibit the superior features of renal tubular epithelial cells, as evidenced by expressing renal tubular-specific genes, possessing endocytotic arrogation activity and assembling into tubules along decellularized kidney scaffolds. This study establishes H1E/H4P cassette as a valuable platform for future iREC studies and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jianjian Sun
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510100, China
| | - Meng Wan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bianhong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Linhui Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, 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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2
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Poss KD, Tanaka EM. Hallmarks of regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1244-1261. [PMID: 39163854 PMCID: PMC11410156 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.07.007] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Regeneration is a heroic biological process that restores tissue architecture and function in the face of day-to-day cell loss or the aftershock of injury. Capacities and mechanisms for regeneration can vary widely among species, organs, and injury contexts. Here, we describe "hallmarks" of regeneration found in diverse settings of the animal kingdom, including activation of a cell source, initiation of regenerative programs in the source, interplay with supporting cell types, and control of tissue size and function. We discuss these hallmarks with an eye toward major challenges and applications of regenerative biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D Poss
- Duke Regeneration Center and Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Elly M Tanaka
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Ascic E, Åkerström F, Sreekumar Nair M, Rosa A, Kurochkin I, Zimmermannova O, Catena X, Rotankova N, Veser C, Rudnik M, Ballocci T, Schärer T, Huang X, de Rosa Torres M, Renaud E, Velasco Santiago M, Met Ö, Askmyr D, Lindstedt M, Greiff L, Ligeon LA, Agarkova I, Svane IM, Pires CF, Rosa FF, Pereira CF. In vivo dendritic cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy. Science 2024:eadn9083. [PMID: 39236156 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn9083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy can lead to long-term survival for some cancer patients, yet generalized success has been hampered by insufficient antigen presentation and exclusion of immunogenic cells from the tumor microenvironment. Here, we developed an approach to reprogram tumor cells in vivo by adenoviral delivery of the transcription factors PU.1, IRF8, and BATF3, which enabled them to present antigens as type 1 conventional dendritic cells. Reprogrammed tumor cells remodeled their tumor microenvironment, recruited, and expanded polyclonal cytotoxic T cells, induced tumor regressions, and established long-term systemic immunity in multiple mouse melanoma models. In human tumor spheroids and xenografts, reprogramming to immunogenic dendritic-like cells progressed independently of immunosuppression, which usually limits immunotherapy. Our study paves the way for human clinical trials of in vivo immune cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ervin Ascic
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Malavika Sreekumar Nair
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - André Rosa
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ilia Kurochkin
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olga Zimmermannova
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Xavier Catena
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Tommaso Ballocci
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiffany Schärer
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria de Rosa Torres
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emilie Renaud
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marta Velasco Santiago
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Askmyr
- Department of ORL, Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Lindstedt
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Greiff
- Department of ORL, Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Fábio F Rosa
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Carlos-Filipe Pereira
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês do Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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4
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Ambroise R, Takasugi P, Liu J, Qian L. Direct Cardiac Reprogramming in the Age of Computational Biology. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:273. [PMID: 39330331 PMCID: PMC11432431 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11090273] [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: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart disease continues to be one of the most fatal conditions worldwide. This is in part due to the maladaptive remodeling process by which ischemic cardiac tissue is replaced with a fibrotic scar. Direct cardiac reprogramming presents a unique solution for restoring injured cardiac tissue through the direct conversion of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes, bypassing the transition through a pluripotent state. Since its inception in 2010, direct cardiac reprogramming using the transcription factors Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 has revolutionized the field of cardiac regenerative medicine. Just over a decade later, the field has rapidly evolved through the expansion of identified molecular and genetic factors that can be used to optimize reprogramming efficiency. The integration of computational tools into the study of direct cardiac reprogramming has been critical to this progress. Advancements in transcriptomics, epigenetics, proteomics, genome editing, and machine learning have not only enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving this cell fate transition, but have also driven innovations that push direct cardiac reprogramming closer to clinical application. This review article explores how these computational advancements have impacted and continue to shape the field of direct cardiac reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Ambroise
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Paige Takasugi
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Wang S, Wang X, Wang Y. The Progress and Promise of Lineage Reprogramming Strategies for Liver Regeneration. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:101395. [PMID: 39218152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The liver exhibits remarkable regenerative capacity. However, the limited ability of primary human hepatocytes to proliferate in vitro, combined with a compromised regenerative capacity induced by pathological conditions in vivo, presents significant obstacles to effective liver regeneration following liver injuries and diseases. Developing strategies to compensate for the loss of endogenous hepatocytes is crucial for overcoming these challenges, and this remains an active area of investigation. Lineage reprogramming, the process of directly converting one cell type into another bypassing the intermediate pluripotent state, has emerged as a promising method for generating specific cell types for therapeutic purposes in regenerative medicine. Here, we discuss the recent progress and emergent technologies in lineage reprogramming into hepatic cells, and their potential applications in enhancing liver regeneration or treating liver disease models. We also address controversies and challenges that confront this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, the Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuan Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.
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6
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Lunde IG, Rypdal KB, Van Linthout S, Diez J, González A. Myocardial fibrosis from the perspective of the extracellular matrix: mechanisms to clinical impact. Matrix Biol 2024:S0945-053X(24)00110-0. [PMID: 39214156 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is defined by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and constitutes a central pathophysiological process that underlies tissue dysfunction, across organs, in multiple chronic diseases and during aging. Myocardial fibrosis is a key contributor to dysfunction and failure in numerous diseases of the heart and is a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome and mortality. The excess structural and matricellular ECM proteins deposited by cardiac fibroblasts, is found between cardiomyocytes (interstitial fibrosis), in focal areas where cardiomyocytes have died (replacement fibrosis), and around vessels (perivascular fibrosis). Although myocardial fibrosis has important clinical prognostic value, access to cardiac tissue biopsies for histological evaluation is limited. Despite challenges with sensitivity and specificity, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the most applicable diagnostic tool in the clinic, and the scientific community is currently actively searching for blood biomarkers reflecting myocardial fibrosis, to complement the imaging techniques. The lack of mechanistic insights into specific pro- and anti-fibrotic molecular pathways has hampered the development of effective treatments to prevent or reverse myocardial fibrosis. Development and implementation of anti-fibrotic therapies is expected to improve patient outcomes and is an urgent medical need. Here, we discuss the importance of the ECM in the heart, the central role of fibrosis in heart disease, and mechanistic pathways likely to impact clinical practice with regards to diagnostics of myocardial fibrosis, risk stratification of patients, and anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida G Lunde
- Oslo Center for Clinical Heart Research, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Biomarkers, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karoline B Rypdal
- Oslo Center for Clinical Heart Research, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Biomarkers, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sophie Van Linthout
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Diez
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, Department of Cardiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantxa González
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra, Department of Cardiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Balcorta HV, Contreras Guerrero VG, Bisht D, Poon W. Nucleic Acid Delivery Nanotechnologies for In Vivo Cell Programming. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5020-5036. [PMID: 38288693 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00886] [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] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
In medicine, it is desirable for clinicians to be able to restore function and imbue novel function into selected cells for therapy and disease prevention. Cells damaged by disease, injury, or aging could be programmed to restore normal or lost functions, such as retinal cells in inherited blindness and neuronal cells in Alzheimer's disease. Cells could also be genetically programmed with novel functions such as immune cells expressing synthetic chimeric antigen receptors for immunotherapy. Furthermore, knockdown or modification of risk factor proteins can mitigate disease development. Currently, nucleic acids are emerging as a versatile and potent therapeutic modality for achieving this cellular programming. In this review, we highlight the latest developments in nanobiomaterials-based nucleic acid therapeutics for cellular programming from a biomaterial design and delivery perspective and how to overcome barriers to their clinical translation to benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannia V Balcorta
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Veronica G Contreras Guerrero
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Deepali Bisht
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Wilson Poon
- Department of Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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8
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Anwar I, Wang X, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. The impact of aging on cardiac repair and regeneration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107682. [PMID: 39159819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to neonates and lower organisms, the adult mammalian heart lacks any capacity to regenerate following injury. The vast majority of our understanding of cardiac regeneration is based on research in young animals. Research in aged individuals is rare. This is unfortunate as aging induces many changes in the heart. The first part of this review covers the main technologies being pursued in the cardiac regeneration field and how they are impacted by the aging processes. The second part of the review covers the significant amount of aging-related research that could be used to aid cardiac regeneration. Finally, a perspective is provided to suggest how cardiac regenerative technologies can be improved by addressing aging-related effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Anwar
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xinghua Wang
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard E Pratt
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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9
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Inouye K, Yeganyan S, Kay K, Thankam FG. Programmed spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes in regenerative cardiology. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:790-796. [PMID: 38520412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells have gained attention as a promising therapeutic approach for damaged myocardium, and there have been efforts to develop a protocol for regenerating cardiomyocytes (CMs). Certain cells have showed a greater aptitude for yielding beating CMs, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells and extended pluripotent stem cells. The approach for generating CMs from stem cells differs across studies, although there is evidence that Wnt signaling, chemical additives, electrical stimulation, co-culture, biomaterials and transcription factors triggers CM differentiation. Upregulation of Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 transcription factors has been correlated with successfully induced CMs, although Mef2c may potentially play a more prominent role in the generation of the beating phenotype, specifically. Regenerative research provides a possible candidate for cardiac repair; however, it is important to identify factors that influence their differentiation. Altogether, the spontaneously beating CMs would be monumental for regenerative research for cardiac repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Inouye
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Yeganyan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Kaelen Kay
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA.
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10
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Sadria M, Layton A, Goyal S, Bader GD. Fatecode enables cell fate regulator prediction using classification-supervised autoencoder perturbation. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100819. [PMID: 38986613 PMCID: PMC11294839 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming, which guides the conversion between cell states, is a promising technology for tissue repair and regeneration, with the ultimate goal of accelerating recovery from diseases or injuries. To accomplish this, regulators must be identified and manipulated to control cell fate. We propose Fatecode, a computational method that predicts cell fate regulators based only on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Fatecode learns a latent representation of the scRNA-seq data using a deep learning-based classification-supervised autoencoder and then performs in silico perturbation experiments on the latent representation to predict genes that, when perturbed, would alter the original cell type distribution to increase or decrease the population size of a cell type of interest. We assessed Fatecode's performance using simulations from a mechanistic gene-regulatory network model and scRNA-seq data mapping blood and brain development of different organisms. Our results suggest that Fatecode can detect known cell fate regulators from single-cell transcriptomics datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrshad Sadria
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
| | - Anita Layton
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada; Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sidhartha Goyal
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Chen KH, Sun JM, Lin L, Liu JW, Liu XY, Chen GD, Chen H, Chen ZY. The NEDD8 activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4924 mitigates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 219:127-140. [PMID: 38614228 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely utilized chemotherapeutic agent in clinical oncology for treating various cancers. However, its clinical use is constrained by its significant side effects. Among these, the development of cardiomyopathy, characterized by cardiac remodeling and eventual heart failure, stands as a major concern following DOX chemotherapy. In our current investigation, we have showcased the efficacy of MLN4924 in mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through direct inhibition of the NEDD8-activating enzyme, NAE. MLN4924 demonstrated the ability to stabilize mitochondrial function post-doxorubicin treatment, diminish cardiomyocyte apoptosis, alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage in the myocardium, enhance cardiac contractile function, mitigate cardiac fibrosis, and impede cardiac remodeling associated with heart failure. At the mechanistic level, MLN4924 intervened in the neddylation process by inhibiting the NEDD8 activating enzyme, NAE, within the murine cardiac tissue subsequent to doxorubicin treatment. This intervention resulted in the suppression of NEDD8 protein expression, reduction in neddylation activity, and consequential manifestation of cardioprotective effects. Collectively, our findings posit MLN4924 as a potential therapeutic avenue for mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating heightened neddylation activity through NAE inhibition, thereby offering a viable and promising treatment modality for afflicted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Hui Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jian Min Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jian Wen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Xin Yue Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Guang Duo Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
| | - Zhao Yang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
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12
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Franco D, Sánchez-Fernández C, García-Padilla C, Lozano-Velasco E. Exploring the role non-coding RNAs during myocardial cell fate. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1339-1348. [PMID: 38775188 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231216] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Myocardial cell fate specification takes place during the early stages of heart development as the precardiac mesoderm is configured into two symmetrical sets of bilateral precursor cells. Molecular cues of the surrounding tissues specify and subsequently determine the early cardiomyocytes, that finally matured as the heart is completed at early postnatal stages. Over the last decade, we have greatly enhanced our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of cardiac development and thus of myocardial cell fate. The recent discovery of a novel layer of gene regulation by non-coding RNAs has flourished their implication in epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of cardiac development. In this review, we revised the current state-of-the-art knowledge on the functional role of non-coding RNAs during myocardial cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen 23071, Spain
- Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Sánchez-Fernández
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen 23071, Spain
- Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Padilla
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen 23071, Spain
- Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
| | - Estefania Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen 23071, Spain
- Fundación Medina, Granada, Spain
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13
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Chen ZY, Ji SJ, Huang CW, Tu WZ, Ren XY, Guo R, Xie X. In situ reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes in mouse heart with chemicals. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01308-6. [PMID: 38890526 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes are terminal differentiated cells and have limited ability to proliferate or regenerate. Condition like myocardial infarction causes massive death of cardiomyocytes and is the leading cause of death. Previous studies have demonstrated that cardiac fibroblasts can be induced to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo by forced expression of cardiac transcription factors and microRNAs. Our previous study have demonstrated that full chemical cocktails could also induce fibroblast to cardiomyocyte transdifferentiation both in vitro and in vivo. With the development of tissue clearing techniques, it is possible to visualize the reprogramming at the whole-organ level. In this study, we investigated the effect of the chemical cocktail CRFVPTM in inducing in situ fibroblast to cardiomyocyte transdifferentiation with two strains of genetic tracing mice, and the reprogramming was observed at whole-heart level with CUBIC tissue clearing technique and 3D imaging. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) confirmed the generation of cardiomyocytes from cardiac fibroblasts which carries the tracing marker. Our study confirms the use of small molecule cocktails in inducing in situ fibroblast to cardiomyocyte reprogramming at the whole-heart level and proof-of-conceptly providing a new source of naturally incorporated cardiomyocytes to help heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Si-Jia Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chen-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wan-Zhi Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xin-Yue Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ren Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264119, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264119, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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14
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Li J, Li R, Bai X, Zhang W, Nie Y, Hu S. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into functional hepatocytes via CRISPRa activation of endogenous Gata4 and Foxa3. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1351-1359. [PMID: 38721807 PMCID: PMC11191006 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003088] [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: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to generate functional hepatocytes without relying on donor liver organs holds significant therapeutic promise in the fields of regenerative medicine and potential liver disease treatments. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) activator (CRISPRa) is a powerful tool that can conveniently and efficiently activate the expression of multiple endogenous genes simultaneously, providing a new strategy for cell fate determination. The main purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of applying CRISPRa for hepatocyte reprogramming and its application in the treatment of mouse liver fibrosis. METHOD The differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into functional induced hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) was achieved by utilizing the CRISPRa synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system, which drove the combined expression of three endogenous transcription factors- Gata4, Foxa3 , and Hnf1a -or alternatively, the expression of two transcription factors, Gata4 and Foxa3 . In vivo , we injected adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6) carrying the CRISPRa SAM system into liver fibrotic Col1a1-CreER ; Cas9fl/fl mice, effectively activating the expression of endogenous Gata4 and Foxa3 in fibroblasts. The endogenous transcriptional activation of genes was confirmed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and RNA-seq, and the morphology and characteristics of the induced hepatocytes were observed through microscopy. The level of hepatocyte reprogramming in vivo is detected by immunofluorescence staining, while the improvement of liver fibrosis is evaluated through Sirius red staining, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunofluorescence staining, and blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) examination. RESULTS Activation of only two factors, Gata4 and Foxa3 , via CRISPRa was sufficient to successfully induce the transformation of MEFs into iHeps. These iHeps could be expanded in vitro and displayed functional characteristics similar to those of mature hepatocytes, such as drug metabolism and glycogen storage. Additionally, AAV6-based delivery of the CRISPRa SAM system effectively induced the hepatic reprogramming from fibroblasts in mice with live fibrosis. After 8 weeks of induction, the reprogrammed hepatocytes comprised 0.87% of the total hepatocyte population in the mice, significantly reducing liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION CRISPRa-induced hepatocyte reprogramming may be a promising strategy for generating functional hepatocytes and treating liver fibrosis caused by hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Third Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ruopu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xue Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Shengshou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
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15
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Eshraghi R, Shafie D, Raisi A, Goleij P, Mirzaei H. Circular RNAs: a small piece in the heart failure puzzle. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:102. [PMID: 38760573 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01386-z] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease, specifically heart failure (HF), remains a significant concern in the realm of healthcare, necessitating the development of new treatments and biomarkers. The RNA family consists of various subgroups, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRAN) and long non-coding RNAs, which have shown potential in advancing personalized healthcare for HF patients. Recent research suggests that circular RNAs, a lesser-known subgroup of RNAs, may offer a novel set of targets and biomarkers for HF. This review will discuss the biogenesis of circular RNAs, their unique characteristics relevant to HF, their role in heart function, and their potential use as biomarkers in the bloodstream. Furthermore, future research directions in this field will be outlined. The stability of exosomal circRNAs makes them suitable as biomarkers, pathogenic regulators, and potential treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, ischemia/reperfusion injury, HF, and peripheral artery disease. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs and their exosomal forms in HF diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Eshraghi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Davood Shafie
- Heart Failure Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arash Raisi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Pouya Goleij
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sana Institute of Higher Education, Sari, Iran.
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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16
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Lozano-Velasco E, Garcia-Padilla C, Carmona-Garcia M, Gonzalez-Diaz A, Arequipa-Rendon A, Aranega AE, Franco D. MEF2C Directly Interacts with Pre-miRNAs and Distinct RNPs to Post-Transcriptionally Regulate miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 microRNA Cluster Member Expression. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:32. [PMID: 38804364 PMCID: PMC11130849 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10030032] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation constitutes a key step in gene expression regulation. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is a transcription factor of the MADS box family involved in the early development of several cell types, including muscle cells. Over the last decade, a novel layer of complexity modulating gene regulation has emerged as non-coding RNAs have been identified, impacting both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. microRNAs represent the most studied and abundantly expressed subtype of small non-coding RNAs, and their functional roles have been widely documented. On the other hand, our knowledge of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that drive microRNA expression is still incipient. We recently demonstrated that MEF2C is able to transactivate the long, but not short, regulatory element upstream of the miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 transcriptional start site. However, MEF2C over-expression and silencing, respectively, displayed distinct effects on each of the miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 mature cluster members without affecting pri-miRNA expression levels, thus supporting additional MEF2C-driven regulatory mechanisms. Within this study, we demonstrated a complex post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism directed by MEF2C in the regulation of miR-23a-miR-27a-miR-24-2 cluster members, distinctly involving different domains of the MEF2C transcription factor and the physical interaction with pre-miRNAs and Ksrp, HnRNPa3 and Ddx17 transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Garcia-Padilla
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Miguel Carmona-Garcia
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Alba Gonzalez-Diaz
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Angela Arequipa-Rendon
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Amelia E. Aranega
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.C.-G.); (A.G.-D.); (A.A.-R.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18016 Granada, Spain
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17
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Farber G, Dong Y, Wang Q, Rathod M, Wang H, Dixit M, Keepers B, Xie Y, Butz K, Polacheck WJ, Liu J, Qian L. Direct conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into endothelial-like cells using Sox17 and Erg. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4170. [PMID: 38755186 PMCID: PMC11098819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48354-6] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells are a heterogeneous population with various organ-specific and conserved functions that are critical to organ development, function, and regeneration. Here we report a Sox17-Erg direct reprogramming approach that uses cardiac fibroblasts to create differentiated endothelial cells that demonstrate endothelial-like molecular and physiological functions in vitro and in vivo. Injection of these induced endothelial cells into myocardial infarct sites after injury results in improved vascular perfusion of the scar region. Furthermore, we use genomic analyses to illustrate that Sox17-Erg reprogramming instructs cardiac fibroblasts toward an arterial-like identity. This results in a more efficient direct conversion of fibroblasts into endothelial-like cells when compared to traditional Etv2-based reprogramming. Overall, this Sox17-Erg direct reprogramming strategy offers a robust tool to generate endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo, and has the potential to be used in repairing injured tissue.
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Grants
- R01 HL139880 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01HL139880 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- P30 CA016086 NCI NIH HHS
- R35HL155656 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- R01HL139976 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- AHA20EIA35320128 American Heart Association (American Heart Association, Inc.)
- R01 HL139976 NHLBI NIH HHS
- P30 ES010126 NIEHS NIH HHS
- AHA20EIA35310348 American Heart Association (American Heart Association, Inc.)
- F30 HL154659 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R35 HL155656 NHLBI NIH HHS
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Farber
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yanhan Dong
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Qiaozi Wang
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Mitesh Rathod
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina Kidney Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haofei Wang
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Michelle Dixit
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin Keepers
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yifang Xie
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kendall Butz
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - William J Polacheck
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- The McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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18
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Sun H, Wang X, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. C166 EVs potentiate miR cardiac reprogramming via miR-148a-3p. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 190:48-61. [PMID: 38582260 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
We have demonstrated that directly reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts into new cardiomyocytes via miR combo improves cardiac function in the infarcted heart. However, major challenges exist with delivery and efficacy. During a screening based approach to improve delivery, we discovered that C166-derived EVs were effective delivery agents for miR combo both in vitro and in vivo. In the latter, EV mediated delivery of miR combo induced significant conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (∼20%), reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function in a myocardial infarction injury model. When compared to lipid-based transfection, C166 EV mediated delivery of miR combo enhanced reprogramming efficacy. Improved reprogramming efficacy was found to result from a miRNA within the exosome: miR-148a-3p. The target of miR-148a-3p was identified as Mdfic. Over-expression and targeted knockdown studies demonstrated that Mdfic was a repressor of cardiomyocyte specific gene expression. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that C166-derived EVs are an effective method for delivering reprogramming factors to cardiac fibroblasts and we have identified a novel miRNA contained within C166-derived EVs which enhances reprogramming efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Sun
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America; Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinghua Wang
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Richard E Pratt
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
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19
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Zhang Z, Li X, Zhuang J, Ding Q, Zheng H, Ma T, Meng Q, Gao L. miR-590-3p Overexpression Improves the Efficacy of hiPSC-CMs for Myocardial Repair. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:557-573. [PMID: 38984045 PMCID: PMC11228116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates that low engraftment rates limit the efficacy of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. In this study, we attempted to overcome this limitation by enhancing the proliferative capacity of transplanted hiPSC-CMs. We found that miR-590-3p overexpression increased the proliferative capacity of hiPSC-CMs. miR-590-3p overexpression increased the number of engrafted cells and had a higher efficacy for myocardial repair than control cells. Moreover, we confirmed the safety of using miR-590-3p-overexpressing hiPSC-CMs in pig hearts. These results indicated that miR-590-3p overexpression stimulated hiPSC-CM cell cycle re-entry to induce cell proliferation and increased the therapeutic efficacy in MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery Clinical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhuang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingwei Ding
- Department of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery Clinical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery Clinical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery Clinical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyou Meng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery Clinical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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20
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Carvalho AB, Kasai-Brunswick TH, Campos de Carvalho AC. Advanced cell and gene therapies in cardiology. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105125. [PMID: 38640834 PMCID: PMC11052923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105125] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We review the evidence for the presence of stem/progenitor cells in the heart and the preclinical and clinical data using diverse cell types for the therapy of cardiac diseases. We highlight the failure of adult stem/progenitor cells to ameliorate heart function in most cardiac diseases, with the possible exception of refractory angina. The use of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes is analysed as a viable alternative therapeutic option but still needs further research at preclinical and clinical stages. We also discuss the use of direct reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes and the use of extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiac diseases. Finally, gene therapies and genome editing for the treatment of hereditary cardiac diseases, ablation of genes responsible for atherosclerotic disease, or modulation of gene expression in the heart are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Bastos Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, Universidade Federal do RIo de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tais Hanae Kasai-Brunswick
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, Universidade Federal do RIo de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Campos de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, Universidade Federal do RIo de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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21
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Liu L, Lei I, Tian S, Gao W, Guo Y, Li Z, Sabry Z, Tang P, Chen YE, Wang Z. 14-3-3 binding motif phosphorylation disrupts Hdac4-organized condensates to stimulate cardiac reprogramming. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114054. [PMID: 38578832 PMCID: PMC11081035 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114054] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fate conversion is associated with extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs) and architectural changes of sub-organelles, yet how these events are interconnected remains unknown. We report here the identification of a phosphorylation code in 14-3-3 binding motifs (PC14-3-3) that greatly stimulates induced cardiomyocyte (iCM) formation from fibroblasts. PC14-3-3 is identified in pivotal functional proteins for iCM reprogramming, including transcription factors and chromatin modifiers. Akt1 kinase and protein phosphatase 2A are the key writer and key eraser of the PC14-3-3 code, respectively. PC14-3-3 activation induces iCM formation with the presence of only Tbx5. In contrast, PC14-3-3 inhibition by mutagenesis or inhibitor-mediated code removal abolishes reprogramming. We discover that key PC14-3-3-embedded factors, such as histone deacetylase 4 (Hdac4), Mef2c, and Foxo1, form Hdac4-organized inhibitory nuclear condensates. PC14-3-3 activation disrupts Hdac4 condensates to promote cardiac gene expression. Our study suggests that sub-organelle dynamics regulated by a PTM code could be a general mechanism for stimulating cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ienglam Lei
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shuo Tian
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wenbin Gao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yijing Guo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhaokai Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ziad Sabry
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paul Tang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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22
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Zhou G, Xu R, Groth T, Wang Y, Yuan X, Ye H, Dou X. The Combination of Bioactive Herbal Compounds with Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024. [PMID: 38481114 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2024.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine aims to restore the function of diseased or damaged tissues and organs by cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering, along with the adjunctive application of bioactive molecules. Traditional bioactive molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines, have shown great potential in the regulation of cellular and tissue behavior, but have the disadvantages of limited source, high cost, short half-life, and side effects. In recent years, herbal compounds extracted from natural plants/herbs have gained increasing attention. This is not only because herbal compounds are easily obtained, inexpensive, mostly safe, and reliable, but also owing to their excellent effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidative, proangiogenic behavior and ability to promote stem cell differentiation. Such effects also play important roles in the processes related to tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the moieties of the herbal compounds can form physical or chemical bonds with the scaffolds, which contributes to improved mechanical strength and stability of the scaffolds. Thus, the incorporation of herbal compounds as bioactive molecules in biomaterials is a promising direction for future regenerative medicine applications. Herein, an overview on the use of bioactive herbal compounds combined with different biomaterial scaffolds for regenerative medicine application is presented. We first introduce the classification, structures, and properties of different herbal bioactive components and then provide a comprehensive survey on the use of bioactive herbal compounds to engineer scaffolds for tissue repair/regeneration of skin, cartilage, bone, neural, and heart tissues. Finally, we highlight the challenges and prospects for the future development of herbal scaffolds toward clinical translation. Overall, it is believed that the combination of bioactive herbal compounds with biomaterials could be a promising perspective for the next generation of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruojiao Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Thomas Groth
- Department of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yanying Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, University of Oxford, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Dou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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23
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Zou A, Xiao T, Chi B, Wang Y, Mao L, Cai D, Gu Q, Chen Q, Wang Q, Ji Y, Sun L. Engineered Exosomes with Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Overexpression Enhance Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Injury. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3295-3314. [PMID: 38606373 PMCID: PMC11007405 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s454277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac repair remains a thorny issue for survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), due to the regenerative inertia of myocardial cells. Cell-free therapies, such as exosome transplantation, have become a potential strategy for myocardial injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of engineered exosomes in overexpressing Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) (GDF15-EVs) after myocardial injury, and their molecular mechanisms in cardiac repair. Methods H9C2 cells were transfected with GDF-15 lentivirus or negative control. The exosomes secreted from H9C2 cells were collected and identified. The cellular apoptosis and autophagy of H2O2-injured H9C2 cells were assessed by Western blotting, TUNEL assay, electron microscopy, CCK-8 and caspase 3/7 assay. A rat model of AMI was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending artery. The anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic effects of GDF15-EVs treatment, as well as ensuing functional and histological recovery were evaluated. Then, mRNA sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed mRNAs after GDF15-EVs treatment. Results GDF15-EVs inhibited apoptosis and promoted autophagy in H2O2 injured H9C2 cells. GDF15-EVs effectively decreased the infarct area and enhanced the cardiac function in rats with AMI. Moreover, GDF15-EVs hindered inflammatory cell infiltration, inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted cardiac angiogenesis in rats with AMI. RNA sequence showed that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mRNA was upregulated in GDF15-EVs-treated H9C2 cells. AMPK signaling was activated after GDF15-EVs. Silencing TERT impaired the protective effects of GDF15-EVs on H2O2-injured H9C2 cells. Conclusion GDF15-EVs could fulfil their protective effects against myocardial injury by upregulating the expression of TERT and activating the AMPK signaling pathway. GDF15-EVs might be exploited to design new therapies for AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Zou
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyu Chi
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Changzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lipeng Mao
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Changzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dabei Cai
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Changzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Gu
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianwen Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingjie Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Changzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Mohr ME, Li S, Trouten AM, Stairley RA, Roddy PL, Liu C, Zhang M, Sucov HM, Tao G. Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast interaction regulates ferroptosis and fibrosis after myocardial injury. iScience 2024; 27:109219. [PMID: 38469561 PMCID: PMC10926204 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neonatal mouse hearts have transient renewal capacity, which is lost in juvenile and adult stages. In neonatal mouse hearts, myocardial infarction (MI) causes an initial loss of cardiomyocytes. However, it is unclear which type of regulated cell death (RCD) occurs in stressed cardiomyocytes. In the current studies, we induced MI in neonatal and juvenile mouse hearts and showed that ischemic cardiomyocytes primarily undergo ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic and iron-dependent form of RCD. We demonstrated that cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) protect cardiomyocytes from ferroptosis through paracrine effects and direct cell-cell interaction. CFs show strong resistance to ferroptosis due to high ferritin expression. The fibrogenic activity of CFs, typically considered detrimental to heart function, is negatively regulated by paired-like homeodomain 2 (Pitx2) signaling from cardiomyocytes. In addition, Pitx2 prevents ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes by regulating ferroptotic genes. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of cardiomyocyte survival and death can identify potentially translatable therapeutic strategies for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Mohr
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Allison M. Trouten
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Stairley
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Patrick L. Roddy
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Chun Liu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Henry M. Sucov
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Ge Tao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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25
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Frisk C, Das S, Eriksson MJ, Walentinsson A, Corbascio M, Hage C, Kumar C, Ekström M, Maret E, Persson H, Linde C, Persson B. Cardiac biopsies reveal differences in transcriptomics between left and right ventricle in patients with or without diagnostic signs of heart failure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5811. [PMID: 38461325 PMCID: PMC10924960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56025-1] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
New or mild heart failure (HF) is mainly caused by left ventricular dysfunction. We hypothesised that gene expression differ between the left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) and secondly by type of LV dysfunction. We compared gene expression through myocardial biopsies from LV and RV of patients undergoing elective coronary bypass surgery (CABG). Patients were categorised based on LV ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function and NT-proBNP into pEF (preserved; LVEF ≥ 45%), rEF (reduced; LVEF < 45%) or normal LV function. Principal component analysis of gene expression displayed two clusters corresponding to LV and RV. Up-regulated genes in LV included natriuretic peptides NPPA and NPPB, transcription factors/coactivators STAT4 and VGLL2, ion channel related HCN2 and LRRC38 associated with cardiac muscle contraction, cytoskeleton, and cellular component movement. Patients with pEF phenotype versus normal differed in gene expression predominantly in LV, supporting that diastolic dysfunction and structural changes reflect early LV disease in pEF. DKK2 was overexpressed in LV of HFpEF phenotype, potentially leading to lower expression levels of β-catenin, α-SMA (smooth muscle actin), and enhanced apoptosis, and could be a possible factor in the development of HFpEF. CXCL14 was down-regulated in both pEF and rEF, and may play a role to promote development of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Frisk
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sarbashis Das
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria J Eriksson
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Walentinsson
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Corbascio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Hage
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chanchal Kumar
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center (ICMC), Karolinska Institutet, 141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mattias Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Danderyd Hospital, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Maret
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Danderyd Hospital, 182 88, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Linde
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Persson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 596, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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26
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Ahmad W, Saleh B, Qazi REM, Muneer R, Khan I, Khan M, Salim A. Direct differentiation of rat skin fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Exp Cell Res 2024; 435:113934. [PMID: 38237847 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113934] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the major cardiovascular diseases caused by diminished supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart due to obstruction of the coronary artery. Different treatment options are available for cardiac diseases, however, they do not completely repair the damage. Therefore, reprogramming terminally differentiated fibroblasts using transcription factors is a promising strategy to differentiate them into cardiac like cells in vitro and to increase functional cardiomyocytes and reduce fibrotic scar in vivo. In this study, skin fibroblasts were selected for reprogramming because they serve as a convenient source for the autologous cell therapy. Fibroblasts were isolated from skin of rat pups, propagated, and directly reprogrammed towards cardiac lineage. For reprogramming, two different approaches were adopted, i.e., cells were transfected with: (1) combination of cardiac transcription factors; GATA4, MEF2c, Nkx2.5 (GMN), and (2) combination of cardiac transcription factors; GATA4, MEF2c, Nkx2.5, and iPSC factors; Oct4, Klf4, Sox2 and cMyc (GMNO). After 72 h of transfection, cells were analyzed for the expression of cardiac markers at the mRNA and protein levels. For in vivo study, rat MI models were developed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery and the reprogrammed cells were transplanted in the infarcted heart. qPCR results showed that the reprogrammed cells exhibited significant upregulation of cardiac genes. Immunocytochemistry analysis further confirmed cardiomyogenic differentiation of the reprogrammed cells. For the assessment of cardiac function, animals were analyzed via echocardiography after 2 and 4 weeks of cell transplantation. Echocardiographic results showed that the hearts transplanted with the reprogrammed cells improved ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular internal systolic and diastolic dimensions, and end systolic and diastolic volumes. After 4 weeks of cell transplantation, heart tissues were harvested and processed for histology. The histological analysis showed that the reprogrammed cells improved wall thickness of left ventricle and reduced fibrosis significantly as compared to the control. It is concluded from the study that novel combination of cardiac transcription factors directly reprogrammed skin fibroblasts and differentiated them into cardiomyocytes. These differentiated cells showed cardiomyogenic characters in vitro, and reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function in vivo. Furthermore, direct reprogramming of fibroblasts transfected with cardiac transcription factors showed better regeneration of the injured myocardium and improved cardiac function as compared to the indirect approach in which combination of cardiac and iPSC factors were used. The study after further optimization could be used as a better strategy for cell-based therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Ahmad
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Saleh
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Rida-E-Maria Qazi
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Rabbia Muneer
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Khan
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Khan
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Asmat Salim
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
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27
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Han W, Wang W, Wang Q, Maduray K, Hao L, Zhong J. A review on regulation of DNA methylation during post-myocardial infarction. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1267585. [PMID: 38414735 PMCID: PMC10896928 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1267585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) imposes a huge medical and economic burden on society, and cardiac repair after MI involves a complex series of processes. Understanding the key mechanisms (such as apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and fibrosis) will facilitate further drug development and patient treatment. Presently, a substantial body of evidence suggests that the regulation of epigenetic processes contributes to cardiac repair following MI, with DNA methylation being among the notable epigenetic factors involved. This article will review the research on the mechanism of DNA methylation regulation after MI to provide some insights for future research and development of related drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Han
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qinhong Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kellina Maduray
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Hao
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jingquan Zhong
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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28
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Barvaux S, Okawa S, Del Sol A. SinCMat: A single-cell-based method for predicting functional maturation transcription factors. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:270-284. [PMID: 38215756 PMCID: PMC10874865 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.12.006] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A major goal of regenerative medicine is to generate tissue-specific mature and functional cells. However, current cell engineering protocols are still unable to systematically produce fully mature functional cells. While existing computational approaches aim at predicting transcription factors (TFs) for cell differentiation/reprogramming, no method currently exists that specifically considers functional cell maturation processes. To address this challenge, here, we develop SinCMat, a single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)-based computational method for predicting cell maturation TFs. Based on a model of cell maturation, SinCMat identifies pairs of identity TFs and signal-dependent TFs that co-target genes driving functional maturation. A large-scale application of SinCMat to the Mouse Cell Atlas and Tabula Sapiens accurately recapitulates known maturation TFs and predicts novel candidates. We expect SinCMat to be an important resource, complementary to preexisting computational methods, for studies aiming at producing functionally mature cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Barvaux
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, 4367 Esch-Belval Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Satoshi Okawa
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, 4367 Esch-Belval Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Computational and Systems Biology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Antonio Del Sol
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, 4367 Esch-Belval Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; CIC bioGUNE-BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), Bizkaia Technology Park, 801 Building, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
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29
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Keshri R, Detraux D, Phal A, McCurdy C, Jhajharia S, Chan TC, Mathieu J, Ruohola-Baker H. Next-generation direct reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343106. [PMID: 38371924 PMCID: PMC10869521 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue repair is significantly compromised in the aging human body resulting in critical disease conditions (such as myocardial infarction or Alzheimer's disease) and imposing a tremendous burden on global health. Reprogramming approaches (partial or direct reprogramming) are considered fruitful in addressing this unmet medical need. However, the efficacy, cellular maturity and specific targeting are still major challenges of direct reprogramming. Here we describe novel approaches in direct reprogramming that address these challenges. Extracellular signaling pathways (Receptor tyrosine kinases, RTK and Receptor Serine/Theronine Kinase, RSTK) and epigenetic marks remain central in rewiring the cellular program to determine the cell fate. We propose that modern protein design technologies (AI-designed minibinders regulating RTKs/RSTK, epigenetic enzymes, or pioneer factors) have potential to solve the aforementioned challenges. An efficient transdifferentiation/direct reprogramming may in the future provide molecular strategies to collectively reduce aging, fibrosis, and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Damien Detraux
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ashish Phal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Clara McCurdy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Samriddhi Jhajharia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tung Ching Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Julie Mathieu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hannele Ruohola-Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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30
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Fang J, Yang Q, Maas RGC, Buono M, Meijlink B, Lotgerink Bruinenberg D, Benavente ED, Mokry M, van Mil A, Qian L, Goumans MJ, Schiffelers R, Lei Z, Sluijter JPG. Vitamin C facilitates direct cardiac reprogramming by inhibiting reactive oxygen species. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:19. [PMID: 38229180 PMCID: PMC10792814 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03615-x] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After myocardial infarction, the lost myocardium is replaced by fibrotic tissue, eventually progressively leading to myocardial dysfunction. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes via the forced overexpression of cardiac transcription factors Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) offers a promising strategy for cardiac repair. The limited reprogramming efficiency of this approach, however, remains a significant challenge. METHODS We screened seven factors capable of improving direct cardiac reprogramming of both mice and human fibroblasts by evaluating small molecules known to be involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation or promoting human-induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. RESULTS We found that vitamin C (VitC) significantly increased cardiac reprogramming efficiency when added to GMT-overexpressing fibroblasts from human and mice in 2D and 3D model. We observed a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human and mice fibroblasts upon Doxy induction, and ROS generation was subsequently reduced upon VitC treatment, associated with increased reprogramming efficiency. However, upon treatment with dehydroascorbic acid, a structural analog of VitC but lacking antioxidant properties, no difference in reprogramming efficiency was observed, suggesting that the effect of VitC in enhancing cardiac reprogramming is partly dependent of its antioxidant properties. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that VitC supplementation significantly enhances the efficiency of cardiac reprogramming, partially by suppressing ROS production in the presence of GMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Fang
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Qiangbing Yang
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renée G C Maas
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Buono
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Meijlink
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dyonne Lotgerink Bruinenberg
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain van Mil
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Zhiyong Lei
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Circulatory Health Laboratory, UMC Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Chowdhury MA, Zhang JJ, Rizk R, Chen WCW. Stem cell therapy for heart failure in the clinics: new perspectives in the era of precision medicine and artificial intelligence. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1344885. [PMID: 38264333 PMCID: PMC10803627 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1344885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem/progenitor cells have been widely evaluated as a promising therapeutic option for heart failure (HF). Numerous clinical trials with stem/progenitor cell-based therapy (SCT) for HF have demonstrated encouraging results, but not without limitations or discrepancies. Recent technological advancements in multiomics, bioinformatics, precision medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) provide new approaches and insights for stem cell research and therapeutic development. Integration of these new technologies into stem/progenitor cell therapy for HF may help address: 1) the technical challenges to obtain reliable and high-quality therapeutic precursor cells, 2) the discrepancies between preclinical and clinical studies, and 3) the personalized selection of optimal therapeutic cell types/populations for individual patients in the context of precision medicine. This review summarizes the current status of SCT for HF in clinics and provides new perspectives on the development of computation-aided SCT in the era of precision medicine and AI/ML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Chowdhury
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, Health Sciences Ph.D. Program, School of Health Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- Department of Cardiology, North Central Heart, Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Jing J. Zhang
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Rodrigue Rizk
- Department of Computer Science, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - William C. W. Chen
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
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33
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He X, Dutta S, Liang J, Paul C, Huang W, Xu M, Chang V, Ao I, Wang Y. Direct cellular reprogramming techniques for cardiovascular regenerative therapeutics. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 102:1-13. [PMID: 37903419 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0088] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of hospitalization affecting approximately 38 million people worldwide. While pharmacological and revascularization techniques can improve the patient's survival and quality of life, they cannot help reversing myocardial infarction injury and heart failure. Direct reprogramming of somatic cells to cardiomyocyte and cardiac progenitor cells offers a new approach to cellular reprogramming and paves the way for translational regenerative medicine. Direct reprogramming can bypass the pluripotent stage with the potential advantage of non-immunogenic cell products, reduced carcinogenic risk, and no requirement for embryonic tissue. The process of directly reprogramming cardiac cells was first achieved through the overexpression of transcription factors such as GATA4, MEF2C, and TBX5. However, over the past decade, significant work has been focused on enhancing direct reprogramming using a mixture of transcription factors, microRNAs, and small molecules to achieve cardiac cell fate. This review discusses the evolution of direct reprogramming, recent progress in achieving efficient cardiac cell fate conversion, and describes the reprogramming mechanisms at a molecular level. We also explore various viral and non-viral delivery methods currently being used to aid in the delivery of reprogramming factors to improve efficiency. However, further studies will be needed to overcome molecular and epigenetic barriers to successfully achieve translational cardiac regenerative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu He
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Suchandrima Dutta
- Department of Internal MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Jialiang Liang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Christian Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Meifeng Xu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Vivian Chang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Ian Ao
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineCollege of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA
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Abe Y, Tani H, Sadahiro T, Yamada Y, Akiyama T, Nakano K, Honda S, Ko S, Anzai A, Ieda M. Cardiac reprogramming reduces inflammatory macrophages and improves cardiac function in chronic myocardial infarction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 690:149272. [PMID: 37992523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149272] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes (CMs) have little regenerative capacity. After myocardial infarction (MI), scar formation and myocardial remodeling proceed in the infarct and non-infarct areas, respectively, leading to heart failure (HF). Prolonged activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and inflammatory cells may contribute to this process; however, therapies targeting these cell types remain lacking. Cardiac reprogramming converts CFs into induced CMs, reduces fibrosis, and improves cardiac function in chronic MI through the overexpression of Mef2c/Gata4/Tbx5/Hand2 (MGTH). However, whether cardiac reprogramming reduces inflammation in infarcted hearts remains unclear. Moreover, the mechanism through which MGTH overexpression in CFs affects inflammatory cells remains unknown. Here, we showed that inflammation persists in the myocardium until three months after MI, which can be reversed with cardiac reprogramming. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that CFs expressed pro-inflammatory genes and exhibited strong intercellular communication with inflammatory cells, including macrophages, in chronic MI. Cardiac reprogramming suppressed the inflammatory profiles of CFs and reduced the relative ratios and pro-inflammatory signatures of cardiac macrophages. Moreover, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) revealed that cardiac reprogramming reduced the number of chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)-positive inflammatory macrophages in the non-infarct areas in chronic MI, thereby restoring myocardial remodeling. Thus, cardiac reprogramming reduced the number of inflammatory macrophages to exacerbate cardiac function after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Abe
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Taketaro Sadahiro
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Akiyama
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Koji Nakano
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Honda
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Seien Ko
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Anzai
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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35
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Wang Q, Spurlock B, Liu J, Qian L. Fibroblast Reprogramming in Cardiac Repair. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:145-160. [PMID: 38362341 PMCID: PMC10864899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Limited proliferative capacity of adult mammalian cardiomyocytes has prompted researchers to exploit regenerative therapy after myocardial injury, such as myocardial infarction, to attenuate heart dysfunction caused by such injury. Direct cardiac reprogramming is a recently emerged promising approach to repair damaged myocardium by directly converting resident cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. The achievement of in vivo direct reprogramming of fibroblasts has been shown, by multiple laboratories independently, to improve cardiac function and mitigate fibrosis post-myocardial infarction, which holds great potential for clinical application. There have been numerous pieces of valuable work in both basic and translational research to enhance our understanding and continued refinement of direct cardiac reprogramming in recent years. However, there remain many challenges to overcome before we can truly take advantage of this technique to treat patients with ischemic cardiac diseases. Here, we review recent progress of fibroblast reprogramming in cardiac repair, including the optimization of several reprogramming strategies, mechanistic exploration, and translational efforts, and we make recommendations for future research to further understand and translate direct cardiac reprogramming from bench to bedside. Challenges relating to these efforts will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaozi Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Spurlock
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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36
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Huang H, Huang GN, Payumo AY. Two decades of heart regeneration research: Cardiomyocyte proliferation and beyond. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1629. [PMID: 37700522 PMCID: PMC10840678 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1629] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Interest in vertebrate cardiac regeneration has exploded over the past two decades since the discovery that adult zebrafish are capable of complete heart regeneration, contrasting the limited regenerative potential typically observed in adult mammalian hearts. Undercovering the mechanisms that both support and limit cardiac regeneration across the animal kingdom may provide unique insights in how we may unlock this capacity in adult humans. In this review, we discuss key discoveries in the heart regeneration field over the last 20 years. Initially, seminal findings revealed that pre-existing cardiomyocytes are the major source of regenerated cardiac muscle, drawing interest into the intrinsic mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation. Moreover, recent studies have identified the importance of intercellular interactions and physiological adaptations, which highlight the vast complexity of the cardiac regenerative process. Finally, we compare strategies that have been tested to increase the regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian heart. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Guo N. Huang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute & Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Alexander Y. Payumo
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
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37
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Chung S, Sung HJ. In situ Reprogramming as a Pro-Angiogenic Inducer to Rescue Ischemic Tissues. Pulse (Basel) 2024; 12:58-65. [PMID: 39022557 PMCID: PMC11249613 DOI: 10.1159/000538075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Enhanced regenerative therapeutic strategies are required to treat intractable ischemic heart disease. Summary Since the discovery of putative endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in 1997, many studies have focused on their extraction, ex vivo processing, and autotransplantation under ischemic conditions. Nonetheless, numerous randomized clinical trials involving thousands of patients have yielded only marginal treatment effects, highlighting the need for advances regarding insufficient dosage and complex ex vivo processing. The prevailing paradigm of cellular differentiation highlights the potential of direct cellular reprogramming, which paves the way for in situ reprogramming. In situ reprogramming holds the promise of significantly enhancing current therapeutic strategies, yet its success hinges on the precise targeting of candidate cells for reprogramming. In this context, the spleen emerges as a pivotal "in situ reprogramming hub," owing to its dual function as both a principal site for nanoparticle distribution and a significant reservoir of putative EPCs. The in situ reprogramming of splenic EPCs offers a potential solution to overcome critical challenges, including the aforementioned insufficient dosage and complex ex vivo processing. Key Messages This review explores the latest advancements in EPC therapy and in situ reprogramming, spotlighting a pioneering study that integrates those two strategies with a specific focus on the spleen. Such an innovative approach will potentially herald a new era of regenerative therapy for ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyong Chung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Shi LX, Liu XR, Zhou LY, Zhu ZQ, Yuan Q, Zou T. Nanocarriers for gene delivery to the cardiovascular system. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:7709-7729. [PMID: 37877418 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01275a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have posed a great threat to human health. Fortunately, gene therapy holds great promise in the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD). In gene therapy, it is necessary to select the appropriate carriers to deliver the genes to the target cells of the target organs. There are usually two types of carriers, viral carriers and non-viral carriers. However, problems such as high immunogenicity, inflammatory response, and limited loading capacity have arisen with the use of viral carriers. Therefore, scholars turned their attention to non-viral carriers. Among them, nanocarriers are highly valued because of their easy modification, targeting, and low toxicity. Despite the many successes of gene therapy in the treatment of human diseases, it is worth noting that there are still many problems to be solved in the field of gene therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we give a brief introduction to the common nanocarriers and several common cardiovascular diseases (arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, myocardial hypertrophy). On this basis, the application of gene delivery nanocarriers in the treatment of these diseases is introduced in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Xin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion & New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Xiu-Ran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion & New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Ling-Yue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion & New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Zi-Qi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion & New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
| | - Qiong Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion & New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China.
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39
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Zhao X, Li D, Song Y, Xu J, Xiang FL. Drug Discovery for Adult Cardiomyocyte Regeneration: Opportunities and Challenges. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:1070-1087. [PMID: 37166381 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to human mortality and morbidity. The cardiac tissue undergoes fibrotic healing after injury because of the limited regenerative capacity of adult mammalian cardiomyocyte (CM). Extensive research has been performed to identify therapeutic targets for CM regeneration, as the success of promoting adult human CM regeneration to repair the injured heart is considered the Holy Grail in the field. Recent Advances: To date, more than 30 target genes have been shown to regulate adult mammalian CM proliferation. More than 20 targets have been validated in adult mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model in a therapeutic setting. In this review, the translational efficacy readouts from 17 selected pharmaceutical targets are summarized, among which the Hippo-yes-associated protein (Yap) pathway is the most extensively investigated and fits the criteria for a promising target for pro-CM-regeneration therapy development. Critical Issues and Future Directions: As the pro-CM-regeneration potential of current drug treatment for cardiovascular patients is limited, to help identify and fill the gap between basic research and drug discovery in this specific field, details regarding target identification, validation in mouse MI models, high-throughput screening assay development, and preclinical in vivo efficacy model optimization are discussed. Finally, suggestions and recommendations are also provided to help establish a common guideline for in vivo translational studies for drug discovery focusing on CM regeneration. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 1070-1087.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyan Song
- Department of Anesthesiology and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Li Xiang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Xie Y, Van Handel B, Qian L, Ardehali R. Recent advances and future prospects in direct cardiac reprogramming. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2023; 2:1148-1158. [PMID: 39196156 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00377-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide despite important advances in modern medical and surgical therapies. As human adult cardiomyocytes have limited regenerative ability, cardiomyocytes lost after myocardial infarction are replaced by fibrotic scar tissue, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. To replace lost cardiomyocytes, a promising approach is direct cardiac reprogramming, in which cardiac fibroblasts are transdifferentiated into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs). Here we review cardiac reprogramming cocktails (including transcription factors, microRNAs and small molecules) that mediate iCM generation. We also highlight mechanistic studies exploring the barriers to and facilitators of this process. We then review recent progress in iCM reprogramming, with a focus on single-cell '-omics' research. Finally, we discuss obstacles to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Xie
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ben Van Handel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Reza Ardehali
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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41
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Liu L, Lei I, Tian S, Gao W, Guo Y, Li Z, Sabry Z, Tang P, Chen YE, Wang Z. 14-3-3 binding motif phosphorylation disrupts Hdac4 organized condensates to stimulate cardiac reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.20.567913. [PMID: 38045244 PMCID: PMC10690191 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.20.567913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate conversion is associated with extensive epigenetic and post translational modifications (PTMs) and architectural changes of sub-organelles and organelles, yet how these events are interconnected remains unknown. We report here the identification of a phosphorylation code in 14-3-3 binding motifs (PC14-3-3) that greatly stimulates induced cardiomyocyte (iCM) formation from fibroblasts. PC14-3-3 was identified in pivotal functional proteins for iCM reprogramming, including transcription factors and epigenetic factors. Akt1 kinase and PP2A phosphatase were a key writer and eraser of the PC14-3-3 code, respectively. PC14-3-3 activation induces iCM formation with the presence of only Tbx5. In contrast, PC14-3-3 inhibition by mutagenesis or inhibitor-mediated code removal abolished reprogramming. We discovered that key PC14-3-3 embedded factors, such as Hdac4, Mef2c, Nrip1, and Foxo1, formed Hdac4 organized inhibitory nuclear condensates. Notably, PC14-3-3 activation disrupted Hdac4 condensates to promote cardiac gene expression. Our study suggests that sub-organelle dynamics regulated by a post-translational modification code could be a general mechanism for stimulating cell reprogramming and organ regeneration. Highlights A PC14-3-3 (phosphorylation code in 14-3-3 binding motifs) is identified in pivotal functional proteins, such as HDAC4 and Mef2c, that stimulates iCM formation.Akt1 kinase and PP2A phosphatase are a key writer and a key eraser of the PC14-3-3 code, respectively, and PC14-3-3 code activation can replace Mef2c and Gata4 in cardiac reprogramming.PC14-3-3 activation disrupts Hdac4 organized condensates which results in releasing multiple 14-3-3 motif embedded proteins from the condensates to stimulate cardiac reprogramming.Sub-organelle dynamics and function regulated by a post-translational modification code could be a general mechanism in stimulating cell reprogramming and organ regeneration. Graphic abstract
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Xie Y, Wang Q, Yang Y, Near D, Wang H, Colon M, Nguyen C, Slattery C, Keepers B, Farber G, Wang TW, Lee SH, Shih YYI, Liu J, Qian L. Translational landscape of direct cardiac reprogramming reveals a role of Ybx1 in repressing cardiac fate acquisition. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2023; 2:1060-1077. [PMID: 38524149 PMCID: PMC10959502 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes holds great promise for heart regeneration. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of iCM reprogramming, its translational regulation remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized the translational landscape of iCM reprogramming through integrative ribosome and transcriptomic profiling, and found extensive translatome repatterning during this process. Loss of function screening for translational regulators uncovered Ybx1 as a critical barrier to iCM induction. In a mouse model of myocardial infarction, removing Ybx1 enhanced in vivo reprogramming, resulting in improved heart function and reduced scar size. Mechanistically, Ybx1 depletion de-repressed the translation of its direct targets SRF and Baf60c, both of which mediated the effect of Ybx1 depletion on iCM generation. Furthermore, removal of Ybx1 allowed single factor Tbx5-mediated iCM conversion. In summary, this study revealed a new layer of regulatory mechanism that controls cardiac reprogramming at the translational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Xie
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Qiaozi Wang
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Yuchen Yang
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - David Near
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Haofei Wang
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Marazzano Colon
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Christopher Nguyen
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Conor Slattery
- EIRNA Bio Ltd, BioInnovation Centre, Food Science and Technology Building, College Road, Cork, Ireland, T12 DP07
| | - Benjamin Keepers
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Gregory Farber
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Tzu-Wen Wang
- Departments of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Departments of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Yen-Yu Ian Shih
- Departments of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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Xu Y, Jiang K, Su F, Deng R, Cheng Z, Wang D, Yu Y, Xiang Y. A transient wave of Bhlhe41 + resident macrophages enables remodeling of the developing infarcted myocardium. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113174. [PMID: 37751357 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113174] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role during myocardial injury, contributing to repair and remodeling post myocardial infarction (MI). The myocardial infarct and border zone exhibit high heterogeneity, in turn leading to reconstructing macrophage subsets and specific functions. Here we use a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomes, and reporter mice to characterize temporal-spatial dynamics of cardiac macrophage subtype in response to MI. We identify that transient appearance of monocyte-derived Bhlhe41+ Mφs in the "developing" infarct zone peaked at day 7, while other monocyte-derived macrophages are identified in "old" infarct zone. Functional characterization by co-culture of Bhlhe41+ Mφs with cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts or depletion of Bhlhe41+ Mφs unveils a crucial contribution of Bhlhe41+ Mφs in suppression of myofibroblast activation. This work highlights the importance of Bhlhe41+ Mφ phenotype and plasticity in preventing excessive fibrosis and limiting the expansion of developing infarct area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xu
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fanghua Su
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ruhua Deng
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhiyang Cheng
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yaozu Xiang
- Shanghai East Hospital, Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Zhou H, Yang J, Srinath C, Zeng A, Wu I, Leon EC, Qureshi TN, Reid CA, Nettesheim ER, Xu E, Duclos Z, Mohamed TMA, Farshidfar F, Fejes A, Liu J, Jones S, Feathers C, Chung TW, Jing F, Prince WS, Lin J, Yu P, Srivastava D, Hoey T, Ivey KN, Lombardi LM. Improved Cardiac Function in Postischemic Rats Using an Optimized Cardiac Reprogramming Cocktail Delivered in a Single Novel Adeno-Associated Virus. Circulation 2023; 148:1099-1112. [PMID: 37602409 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac reprogramming is a technique to directly convert nonmyocytes into myocardial cells using genes or small molecules. This intervention provides functional benefit to the rodent heart when delivered at the time of myocardial infarction or activated transgenically up to 4 weeks after myocardial infarction. Yet, several hurdles have prevented the advancement of cardiac reprogramming for clinical use. METHODS Through a combination of screening and rational design, we identified a cardiac reprogramming cocktail that can be encoded in a single adeno-associated virus. We also created a novel adeno-associated virus capsid that can transduce cardiac fibroblasts more efficiently than available parental serotypes by mutating posttranslationally modified capsid residues. Because a constitutive promoter was needed to drive high expression of these cell fate-altering reprogramming factors, we included binding sites to a cardiomyocyte-restricted microRNA within the 3' untranslated region of the expression cassette that limits expression to nonmyocytes. After optimizing this expression cassette to reprogram human cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro, we also tested the ability of this capsid/cassette combination to confer functional benefit in acute mouse myocardial infarction and chronic rat myocardial infarction models. RESULTS We demonstrated sustained, dose-dependent improvement in cardiac function when treating a rat model 2 weeks after myocardial infarction, showing that cardiac reprogramming, when delivered in a single, clinically relevant adeno-associated virus vector, can support functional improvement in the postremodeled heart. This benefit was not observed with GFP (green fluorescent protein) or a hepatocyte reprogramming cocktail and was achieved even in the presence of immunosuppression, supporting myocyte formation as the underlying mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results advance the application of cardiac reprogramming gene therapy as a viable therapeutic approach to treat chronic heart failure resulting from ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Zhou
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Jin Yang
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Chetan Srinath
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Aliya Zeng
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Iris Wu
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Elena C Leon
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Tawny Neal Qureshi
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Emily R Nettesheim
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Emma Xu
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Zoe Duclos
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Tamer M A Mohamed
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Farshad Farshidfar
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Anthony Fejes
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Jun Liu
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Samantha Jones
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Charles Feathers
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Tae Won Chung
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Frank Jing
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - William S Prince
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - JianMin Lin
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Pengzhi Yu
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA (P.Y., D.S.)
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA (P.Y., D.S.)
- Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at Gladstone, San Francisco, CA (D.S.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine (D.S.), University of California San Francisco
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (D.S.), University of California San Francisco
| | - Timothy Hoey
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Kathryn N Ivey
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
| | - Laura M Lombardi
- Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA (H.Z., J.Y., C.S., A.Z., I.W., E.C.L., T.N.Q., C.A.R., E.R.N., E.X., Z.D., T.M.A.M., F.F., A.F., J. Liu, S.J., C.F., T.W.C., F.J., W.S.P., J. Lin, T.H., K.N.I., L.M.L.)
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Hedaya OM, Venkata Subbaiah KC, Jiang F, Xie LH, Wu J, Khor ES, Zhu M, Mathews DH, Proschel C, Yao P. Secondary structures that regulate mRNA translation provide insights for ASO-mediated modulation of cardiac hypertrophy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6166. [PMID: 37789015 PMCID: PMC10547706 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41799-1] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Translation of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) typically abrogates translation of main (m)ORFs. The molecular mechanism of uORF regulation in cells is not well understood. Here, we data-mined human and mouse heart ribosome profiling analyses and identified a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structure within the GATA4 uORF that cooperates with the start codon to augment uORF translation and inhibits mORF translation. A trans-acting RNA helicase DDX3X inhibits the GATA4 uORF-dsRNA activity and modulates the translational balance of uORF and mORF. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that disrupt this dsRNA structure promote mORF translation, while ASOs that base-pair immediately downstream (i.e., forming a bimolecular double-stranded region) of either the uORF or mORF start codon enhance uORF or mORF translation, respectively. Human cardiomyocytes and mice treated with a uORF-enhancing ASO showed reduced cardiac GATA4 protein levels and increased resistance to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We further show the broad utility of uORF-dsRNA- or mORF-targeting ASO to regulate mORF translation for other mRNAs. This work demonstrates that the uORF-dsRNA element regulates the translation of multiple mRNAs as a generalizable translational control mechanism. Moreover, we develop a valuable strategy to alter protein expression and cellular phenotypes by targeting or generating dsRNA downstream of a uORF or mORF start codon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M Hedaya
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Kadiam C Venkata Subbaiah
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Feng Jiang
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Li Huitong Xie
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Jiangbin Wu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Eng-Soon Khor
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Mingyi Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- The Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- The Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- The Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Chris Proschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Peng Yao
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- The Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- The Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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46
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Yuan X, Braun T. Amending the injured heart by in vivo reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102098. [PMID: 37595409 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart injury causes death of cardiomyocyte (CM), formation of a fibrotic scar, and often adverse cardiac remodeling, resulting in chronic heart failure. Therapeutic interventions have lowered myocardial damage and improved heart function, but pharmacological treatment of heart failure has only shown limited progress in recent years. Over the past two decades, different approaches have been pursued to regenerate the heart, by transplantation of newly generated CMs derived from pluripotent stem cells, generation of new CMs by reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts, or by activating proliferation of preexisting CMs. Here, we summarize recent progress in the development of strategies for in situ generation of new CMs, review recent advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms, and discuss the challenges and future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Yuan
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Rhein-Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Bazarek SF, Thaqi M, King P, Mehta AR, Patel R, Briggs CA, Reisenbigler E, Yousey JE, Miller EA, Stutzmann GE, Marr RA, Peterson DA. Engineered neurogenesis in naïve adult rat cortex by Ngn2-mediated neuronal reprogramming of resident oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1237176. [PMID: 37662111 PMCID: PMC10471311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1237176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult tissue stem cells contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair but the long-lived neurons in the human adult cerebral cortex are not replaced, despite evidence for a limited regenerative response. However, the adult cortex contains a population of proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). We examined the capacity of rat cortical OPCs to be re-specified to a neuronal lineage both in vitro and in vivo. Expressing the developmental transcription factor Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) in OPCs isolated from adult rat cortex resulted in their expression of early neuronal lineage markers and genes while downregulating expression of OPC markers and genes. Ngn2 induced progression through a neuronal lineage to express mature neuronal markers and functional activity as glutamatergic neurons. In vivo retroviral gene delivery of Ngn2 to naive adult rat cortex ensured restricted targeting to proliferating OPCs. Ngn2 expression in OPCs resulted in their lineage re-specification and transition through an immature neuronal morphology into mature pyramidal cortical neurons with spiny dendrites, axons, synaptic contacts, and subtype specification matching local cytoarchitecture. Lineage re-specification of rat cortical OPCs occurred without prior injury, demonstrating these glial progenitor cells need not be put into a reactive state to achieve lineage reprogramming. These results show it may be feasible to precisely engineer additional neurons directly in adult cerebral cortex for experimental study or potentially for therapeutic use to modify dysfunctional or damaged circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley F. Bazarek
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mentor Thaqi
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patrick King
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amol R. Mehta
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ronil Patel
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Clark A. Briggs
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily Reisenbigler
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jonathon E. Yousey
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Elis A. Miller
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Grace E. Stutzmann
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert A. Marr
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Peterson
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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Giacca M. Fulfilling the Promise of RNA Therapies for Cardiac Repair and Regeneration. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:527-535. [PMID: 37440203 PMCID: PMC10427962 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad038] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive appreciation that multiple types of RNAs regulate virtually all aspects of tissue function and the availability of effective tools to deliver RNAs in vivo now offers unprecedented possibilities for obtaining RNA-based therapeutics. For the heart, RNA therapies can be developed that stimulate endogenous repair after cardiac damage. Applications in this area include acute cardioprotection after ischemia or cancer chemotherapy, therapeutic angiogenesis to promote new blood vessel formation, regeneration to form new cardiac mass, and editing of mutations to cure inherited cardiac disease. While the potential of RNA therapeutics for all these conditions is exciting, the field is still in its infancy. A number of roadblocks need to be overcome for RNA therapies to become effective, in particular, related to the problem of delivering RNA medicines into the cells and targeting them specifically to the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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Zhao S, Chen J, Wu L, Tao X, Yaqub N, Chang J. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Tissue-Engineered Skeletal Muscles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11520. [PMID: 37511279 PMCID: PMC10380861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411520] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle, which comprises a significant portion of the body, is responsible for vital functions such as movement, metabolism, and overall health. However, severe injuries often result in volumetric muscle loss (VML) and compromise the regenerative capacity of the muscle. Tissue-engineered muscles offer a potential solution to address lost or damaged muscle tissue, thereby restoring muscle function and improving patients' quality of life. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a valuable cell source for muscle tissue engineering due to their pluripotency and self-renewal capacity, enabling the construction of tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscles with applications in transplantation, disease modelling, and bio-hybrid robots. Next-generation iPSC-based models have the potential to revolutionize drug discovery by offering personalized muscle cells for testing, reducing reliance on animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of iPSCs in tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscles, highlighting the advancements, applications, advantages, and challenges for clinical translation. We also discussed overcoming limitations and considerations in differentiation protocols, characterization methods, large-scale production, and translational regulations. By tackling these challenges, iPSCs can unlock transformative advancements in muscle tissue engineering and therapeutic interventions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudong Zhao
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Jishizhan Chen
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Lei Wu
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Xin Tao
- Department of iPS Cell Applications, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Naheem Yaqub
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Jinke Chang
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London NW3 2QG, UK
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50
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Chi C, Song K. Cellular reprogramming of fibroblasts in heart regeneration. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 180:84-93. [PMID: 36965699 PMCID: PMC10347886 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction causes the loss of cardiomyocytes and the formation of cardiac fibrosis due to the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Unfortunately, current therapeutic interventions can only slow the disease progression. Furthermore, they cannot fully restore cardiac function, likely because the adult human heart lacks sufficient capacity to regenerate cardiomyocytes. Therefore, intensive efforts have focused on developing therapeutics to regenerate the damaged heart. Several strategies have been intensively investigated, including stimulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation, transplantation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and conversion of fibroblasts into cardiac cells. Resident cardiac fibroblasts are critical in the maintenance of the structure and contractility of the heart. Fibroblast plasticity makes this type of cells be reprogrammed into many cell types, including but not limited to induced pluripotent stem cells, induced cardiac progenitor cells, and induced cardiomyocytes. Fibroblasts have become a therapeutic target due to their critical roles in cardiac pathogenesis. This review summarizes the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, induced cardiac progenitor cells, and induced cardiomyocytes to repair a damaged heart, outlines recent findings in utilizing fibroblast-derived cells for heart regeneration, and discusses the limitations and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Chi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kunhua Song
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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