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Askonas C, Storm J, Camarda G, Craig A, Pain A. Transcriptional responses of brain endothelium to Plasmodium falciparum patient-derived isolates in vitro. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0072724. [PMID: 38864616 PMCID: PMC11218514 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00727-24] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM) is sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) within the brain microvasculature. Binding of IE to endothelium reduces microvascular flow and, combined with an inflammatory response, perturbs endothelial barrier function, resulting in breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cytoadherence leads to activation of the endothelium and alters a range of cell processes affecting signaling pathways, receptor expression, coagulation, and disruption of BBB integrity. Here, we investigated whether CM-derived parasites elicit differential effects on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), as compared to uncomplicated malaria (UM)-derived parasites. Patient-derived IE from UM and CM clinical cases, as well as non-binding skeleton-binding protein 1 knockout parasites, were overlaid onto tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-activated HBMECs. Gene expression analysis of endothelial responses was performed using probe-based assays of a panel of genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis, endothelial barrier function, and prostacyclin synthesis pathway. We observed a significant effect on endothelial transcriptional responses in the presence of IE, yet there was no significant correlation between HBMEC responses and type of clinical syndrome (UM or CM). Furthermore, there was no correlation between HBMEC gene expression and both binding itself and level of IE binding to HBMECs, as we detected the same change in endothelial responses when employing both binding and non-binding parasites. Our results suggest that interaction of IE with endothelial cells in this co-culture model induces some endothelial responses that are independent of clinical origin and independent of the expression of the major variant antigen Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 on the IE surface. IMPORTANCE Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most prevalent and deadly complication of severe Plasmodium falciparum infection. A hallmark of this disease is sequestration of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) in brain microvasculature that ultimately results in breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. Here, we compared the effect of P. falciparum parasites derived from uncomplicated malaria (UM) and CM cases on the relative gene expression of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) for a panel of genes. We observed a significant effect on the endothelial transcriptional response in the presence of IE, yet there is no significant correlation between HBMEC responses and the type of clinical syndrome (UM or CM). Furthermore, there was no correlation between HBMEC gene expression and both binding itself and the level of IE binding to HBMECs. Our results suggest that interaction of IE with endothelial cells induces endothelial responses that are independent of clinical origin and not entirely driven by surface Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Askonas
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Janet Storm
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Grazia Camarda
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alister Craig
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Chen MJ, Xu YT, Sun L, Wang ZH, Little PJ, Wang L, Xian XD, Weng JP, Xu SW. A novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1316-1320. [PMID: 38459255 PMCID: PMC11130143 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01241-8] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the context of residual cardiovascular risk in post-statin era, emerging evidence from epidemiologic and human genetic studies have demonstrated that triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins and their remnants are causally related to cardiovascular risk. While, carriers of loss-of-function mutations of ApoC3 have low TG levels and are protected from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of translational significance, siRNAs/antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting ApoC3 is beneficial for patients with atherosclerotic CVD. Therefore, animal models of atherosclerosis with both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are important for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies targeting TG-lowering on top of traditional cholesterol-lowering. In this study, we constructed a novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia through inserting a human ApoC3 transgene (hApoC3-Tg) into C57BL/6 J mice and injecting a gain-of-function variant of adeno-associated virus-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (AAV-PCSK9)-D377Y concurrently with high cholesterol diet (HCD) feeding for 16 weeks. In the last 10 weeks, hApoC3-Tg mice were orally treated with a combination of atorvastatin (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) and fenofibrate (100 mg·kg-1·d-1). HCD-treated hApoC3-Tg mice demonstrated elevated levels of serum TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Oral administration of atorvastatin and fenofibrate significantly decreased the plaque sizes of en face aorta, aortic sinus and innominate artery accompanied by improved lipid profile and distribution. In summary, this novel mouse model is of considerable clinical relevance for evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic drugs by targeting both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Jie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yi-Tong Xu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xun-de Xian
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China.
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3
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Bishop CR, Yan K, Nguyen W, Rawle DJ, Tang B, Larcher T, Suhrbier A. Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382655. [PMID: 38803494 PMCID: PMC11128561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global microplastic (MP) pollution is now well recognized, with humans and animals consuming and inhaling MPs on a daily basis, with a growing body of concern surrounding the potential impacts on human health. Methods Using a mouse model of mild COVID-19, we describe herein the effects of azide-free 1 μm polystyrene MP beads, co-delivered into lungs with a SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 inoculum. The effect of MPs on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed using histopathology and RNA-Seq at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi). Results Although infection reduced clearance of MPs from the lung, virus titres and viral RNA levels were not significantly affected by MPs, and overt MP-associated clinical or histopathological changes were not observed. However, RNA-Seq of infected lungs revealed that MP exposure suppressed innate immune responses at 2 dpi and increased pro-inflammatory signatures at 6 dpi. The cytokine profile at 6 dpi showed a significant correlation with the 'cytokine release syndrome' signature observed in some COVID-19 patients. Discussion The findings are consistent with the recent finding that MPs can inhibit phagocytosis of apoptotic cells via binding of Tim4. They also add to a growing body of literature suggesting that MPs can dysregulate inflammatory processes in specific disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R. Bishop
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thibaut Larcher
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Fu F, Yang X, Li R, Li Y, Zhou H, Cheng K, Huang R, Wang Y, Guo F, Zhang L, Pan M, Han J, Zhen L, Li L, Lei T, Li D, Liao C. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular and molecular landscape of fetal cystic hygroma. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:96. [PMID: 38650036 PMCID: PMC11036587 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01859-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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanism of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) is still unclear, and no study has previously reported the transcriptome changes of single cells in CH. In this study, single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the characteristics of cell subsets in the lesion tissues of CH patients. METHODS Lymphoid tissue collected from CH patients and control donors for scRNA-seq analysis. Differentially expressed gene enrichment in major cell subpopulations as well as cell-cell communication were analyzed. At the same time, the expression and interactions of important VEGF signaling pathway molecules were analyzed, and potential transcription factors that could bind to KDR (VEGFR2) were predicted. RESULTS The results of scRNA-seq showed that fibroblasts accounted for the largest proportion in the lymphatic lesions of CH patients. There was a significant increase in the proportion of lymphatic endothelial cell subsets between the cases and controls. The VEGF signaling pathway is enriched in lymphatic endothelial cells and participates in the regulation of cell-cell communication between lymphatic endothelial cells and other cells. The key regulatory gene KDR in the VEGF signaling pathway is highly expressed in CH patients and interacts with other differentially expressed EDN1, TAGLN, and CLDN5 Finally, we found that STAT1 could bind to the KDR promoter region, which may play an important role in promoting KDR up-regulation. CONCLUSION Our comprehensive delineation of the cellular composition in tumor tissues of CH patients using single-cell RNA-sequencing identified the enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells in CH and highlighted the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway in lymphoid endothelial cells as a potential modulator. The molecular and cellular pathogenesis of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) remains largely unknown. This study examined the distribution and gene expression signature of each cell subpopulation and the possible role of VEGF signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells in regulating the progression of CH by single-cell transcriptome sequencing. The enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells in CH and the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway in lymphatic endothelial cells provide some clues to the pathogenesis of CH from the perspective of cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ru Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingsi Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ken Cheng
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruibin Huang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lushan Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingying Lei
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongzhi Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Liao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China.
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Joshi D, Coon BG, Chakraborty R, Deng H, Fernandez-Tussy P, Meredith E, Traylor JG, Orr AW, Fernandez-Hernando C, Schwartz MA. Gamma protocadherins in vascular endothelial cells inhibit Klf2/4 to promote atherosclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575958. [PMID: 38293157 PMCID: PMC10827163 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide1. Laminar shear stress (LSS) from blood flow in straight regions of arteries protects against ASCVD by upregulating the Klf2/4 anti-inflammatory program in endothelial cells (ECs)2-8. Conversely, disturbed shear stress (DSS) at curves or branches predisposes these regions to plaque formation9,10. We previously reported a whole genome CRISPR knockout screen11 that identified novel inducers of Klf2/4. Here we report suppressors of Klf2/4 and characterize one candidate, protocadherin gamma A9 (Pcdhga9), a member of the clustered protocadherin gene family12. Pcdhg deletion increases Klf2/4 levels in vitro and in vivo and suppresses inflammatory activation of ECs. Pcdhg suppresses Klf2/4 by inhibiting the Notch pathway via physical interaction of cleaved Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD Val1744) with nuclear Pcdhg C-terminal constant domain (CCD). Pcdhg inhibition by EC knockout (KO) or blocking antibody protects from atherosclerosis. Pcdhg is elevated in the arteries of human atherosclerosis. This study identifies a novel fundamental mechanism of EC resilience and therapeutic target for treating inflammatory vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh Joshi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Brian G Coon
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Hanqiang Deng
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Pablo Fernandez-Tussy
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emily Meredith
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - James G Traylor
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Anthony Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | | | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Zaidi AK, Singh RB, A A Rizvi S, Dehgani-Mobaraki P, Palladino N. COVID-19 pathogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 202:67-112. [PMID: 38237991 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of COVID-19 involves a complex interplay between host factors and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to a multitude of clinical manifestations beyond the respiratory system. This chapter provides an overview of the risk factors, genetic predisposition, and multisystem manifestations of COVID-19, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to extrapulmonary manifestations. The chapter discusses the direct invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into various organs as well as the indirect mechanisms such as dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), immune response dysfunctions within the innate and adaptive immune systems, endothelial damage, and immunothrombosis. Furthermore, the multisystem manifestations of COVID-19 across different organ systems, including the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, nervous, endocrine and metabolic, ophthalmic, ear-nose-throat, reproductive, hematopoietic, and immune systems are discussed in detail. Each system exhibits unique manifestations that contribute to the complexity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Population, Policy and Practice, Greater Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Syed A A Rizvi
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University, Miami, Florida, United States.
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Founder and President, Associazione Naso Sano, Ringgold Institution ID 567754, San Mariano, Italy.
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Constantinescu-Bercu A, Lobiuc A, Căliman-Sturdza OA, Oiţă RC, Iavorschi M, Pavăl NE, Șoldănescu I, Dimian M, Covasa M. Long COVID: Molecular Mechanisms and Detection Techniques. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:408. [PMID: 38203577 PMCID: PMC10778767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010408] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), has emerged as a significant health concern following the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of long COVID include viral persistence, immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and neurological involvement, and highlight the need for further research to develop targeted therapies for this condition. While a clearer picture of the clinical symptomatology is shaping, many molecular mechanisms are yet to be unraveled, given their complexity and high level of interaction with other metabolic pathways. This review summarizes some of the most important symptoms and associated molecular mechanisms that occur in long COVID, as well as the most relevant molecular techniques that can be used in understanding the viral pathogen, its affinity towards the host, and the possible outcomes of host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Constantinescu-Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Olga Adriana Căliman-Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 720224 Suceava, Romania
| | - Radu Cristian Oiţă
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.C.O.); (I.Ș.); (M.D.)
| | - Monica Iavorschi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Naomi-Eunicia Pavăl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Iuliana Șoldănescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.C.O.); (I.Ș.); (M.D.)
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (R.C.O.); (I.Ș.); (M.D.)
- Department of Computers, Electronics and Automation, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ştefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania; (A.C.-B.); (O.A.C.-S.); (M.I.); (N.-E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91711, USA
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Hadjilaou A, Brandi J, Riehn M, Friese MA, Jacobs T. Pathogenetic mechanisms and treatment targets in cerebral malaria. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:688-709. [PMID: 37857843 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00881-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, the most prevalent mosquito-borne infectious disease worldwide, has accompanied humanity for millennia and remains an important public health issue despite advances in its prevention and treatment. Most infections are asymptomatic, but a small percentage of individuals with a heavy parasite burden develop severe malaria, a group of clinical syndromes attributable to organ dysfunction. Cerebral malaria is an infrequent but life-threatening complication of severe malaria that presents as an acute cerebrovascular encephalopathy characterized by unarousable coma. Despite effective antiparasite drug treatment, 20% of patients with cerebral malaria die from this disease, and many survivors of cerebral malaria have neurocognitive impairment. Thus, an important unmet clinical need is to rapidly identify people with malaria who are at risk of developing cerebral malaria and to develop preventive, adjunctive and neuroprotective treatments for cerebral malaria. This Review describes important advances in the understanding of cerebral malaria over the past two decades and discusses how these mechanistic insights could be translated into new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Hadjilaou
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany.
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Brandi
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Riehn
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoen Immunologie, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin (BNITM), Hamburg, Germany
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Zhao H, Wu D, Gyamfi MA, Wang P, Luecht C, Pfefferkorn AM, Ashraf MI, Kamhieh-Milz J, Witowski J, Dragun D, Budde K, Schindler R, Zickler D, Moll G, Catar R. Expanded Hemodialysis ameliorates uremia-induced impairment of vasculoprotective KLF2 and concomitant proinflammatory priming of endothelial cells through an ERK/AP1/cFOS-dependent mechanism. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209464. [PMID: 37795100 PMCID: PMC10546407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) therapy with improved molecular cut-off dialyzers exerts beneficial effects on lowering uremia-associated chronic systemic microinflammation, a driver of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms are still at an early stage. Here, we identify the (endothelial) transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and its associated molecular signalling pathways as key targets and regulators of uremia-induced endothelial micro-inflammation in the HD/ESRD setting, which is crucial for vascular homeostasis and controlling detrimental vascular inflammation. Methods and results First, we found that human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and other typical endothelial and kidney model cell lines (e.g. HUVECs, HREC, and HEK) exposed to uremic serum from patients treated with two different hemodialysis regimens in the Permeability Enhancement to Reduce Chronic Inflammation II (PERCI-II) crossover clinical trial - comparing High-Flux (HF) and Medium Cut-Off (MCO) membranes - exhibited strongly reduced expression of vasculoprotective KLF2 with HF dialyzers, while dialysis with MCO dialyzers led to the maintenance and restoration of physiological KLF2 levels in HMECs. Mechanistic follow-up revealed that the strong downmodulation of KLF2 in HMECs exposed to uremic serum was mediated by a dominant engagement of detrimental ERK instead of beneficial AKT signalling, with subsequent AP1-/c-FOS binding in the KLF2 promoter region, followed by the detrimental triggering of pleiotropic inflammatory mediators, while the introduction of a KLF2 overexpression plasmid could restore physiological KLF2 levels and downmodulate the detrimental vascular inflammation in a mechanistic rescue approach. Conclusion Uremia downmodulates vasculoprotective KLF2 in endothelium, leading to detrimental vascular inflammation, while MCO dialysis with the novel improved HDx therapy approach can maintain physiological levels of vasculoprotective KLF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfan Zhao
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dashan Wu
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Adu Gyamfi
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pinchao Wang
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Luecht
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Julian Kamhieh-Milz
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janusz Witowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Duska Dragun
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Schindler
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Zickler
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) and Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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10
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Santoni D, Ghosh N, Derelitto C, Saha I. Transcription Factor Driven Gene Regulation in COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051188. [PMID: 37243274 DOI: 10.3390/v15051188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have caused a worldwide emergency. Host cells colonised by SARS-CoV-2 present a significantly different gene expression landscape. As expected, this is particularly true for genes that directly interact with virus proteins. Thus, understanding the role that transcription factors can play in driving differential regulation in patients affected by COVID-19 is a focal point to unveil virus infection. In this regard, we have identified 19 transcription factors which are predicted to target human proteins interacting with Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Transcriptomics RNA-Seq data derived from 13 human organs are used to analyse expression correlation between identified transcription factors and related target genes in both COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. This resulted in the identification of transcription factors showing the most relevant impact in terms of most evident differential correlation between COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. This analysis has also identified five organs such as the blood, heart, lung, nasopharynx and respiratory tract in which a major effect of differential regulation mediated by transcription factors is observed. These organs are also known to be affected by COVID-19, thereby providing consistency to our analysis. Furthermore, 31 key human genes differentially regulated by the transcription factors in the five organs are identified and the corresponding KEGG pathways and GO enrichment are also reported. Finally, the drugs targeting those 31 genes are also put forth. This in silico study explores the effects of transcription factors on human genes interacting with Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and intends to provide new insights to inhibit the virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Santoni
- Institute for System Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nimisha Ghosh
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Institute of Technical Education and Research, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar 751030, India
| | - Carlo Derelitto
- Institute for System Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council of Italy, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Indrajit Saha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technical Teachers' Training and Research, Kolkata 700106, India
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11
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Xu SW, Ilyas I, Weng JP. Endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19: an overview of evidence, biomarkers, mechanisms and potential therapies. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:695-709. [PMID: 36253560 PMCID: PMC9574180 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is still raging. However, the pathophysiology of acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 (long COVID-19) is understudied. Endothelial cells are sentinels lining the innermost layer of blood vessel that gatekeep micro- and macro-vascular health by sensing pathogen/danger signals and secreting vasoactive molecules. SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily affects the pulmonary system, but accumulating evidence suggests that it also affects the pan-vasculature in the extrapulmonary systems by directly (via virus infection) or indirectly (via cytokine storm), causing endothelial dysfunction (endotheliitis, endothelialitis and endotheliopathy) and multi-organ injury. Mounting evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to multiple instances of endothelial dysfunction, including reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, glycocalyx/barrier disruption, hyperpermeability, inflammation/leukocyte adhesion, senescence, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), hypercoagulability, thrombosis and many others. Thus, COVID-19 is deemed as a (micro)vascular and endothelial disease. Of translational relevance, several candidate drugs which are endothelial protective have been shown to improve clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this review is to provide a latest summary of biomarkers associated with endothelial cell activation in COVID-19 and offer mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of endothelial activation/dysfunction in macro- and micro-vasculature of COVID-19 patients. We envisage further development of cellular models and suitable animal models mimicking endothelial dysfunction aspect of COVID-19 being able to accelerate the discovery of new drugs targeting endothelial dysfunction in pan-vasculature from COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Jian-Ping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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12
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Chrysanthopoulou A, Antoniadou C, Natsi AM, Gavriilidis E, Papadopoulos V, Xingi E, Didaskalou S, Mikroulis D, Tsironidou V, Kambas K, Koffa M, Skendros P, Ritis K. Down-regulation of KLF2 in lung fibroblasts is linked with COVID-19 immunofibrosis and restored by combined inhibition of NETs, JAK-1/2 and IL-6 signaling. Clin Immunol 2023; 247:109240. [PMID: 36693535 PMCID: PMC9862710 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) has been linked with fibrosis and neutrophil-associated thromboinflammation; however, its role in COVID-19 remains elusive. We investigated the effect of disease microenvironment on the fibrotic potential of human lung fibroblasts (LFs) and its association with KLF2 expression. LFs stimulated with plasma from severe COVID-19 patients down-regulated KLF2 expression at mRNA/protein and functional level acquiring a pre-fibrotic phenotype, as indicated by increased CCN2/collagen levels. Pre-incubation with the COMBI-treatment-agents (DNase I and JAKs/IL-6 inhibitors baricitinib/tocilizumab) restored KLF2 levels of LFs to normal abolishing their fibrotic activity. LFs stimulated with plasma from COMBI-treated patients at day-7 expressed lower CCN2 and higher KLF2 levels, compared to plasma prior-to-treatment, an effect not observed in standard-of-care treatment. In line with this, COMBI-treated patients had better outcome than standard-of-care group. These data link fibroblast KLF2 with NETosis and JAK/IL-6 signaling, suggesting the potential of combined therapeutic strategies in immunofibrotic diseases, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christina Antoniadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia-Maria Natsi
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Efstratios Gavriilidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Didaskalou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mikroulis
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Victoria Tsironidou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kambas
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Ritis
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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13
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Li Y, Chen L, Li Y, Deng P, Yang C, Li Y, Liao L, Zhu Z, Wang Y, Huang R. miR-2188-5p promotes GCRV replication by the targeted degradation of klf2a in Ctenopharyngodon idellus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 138:104516. [PMID: 36084755 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies on host immunity evasion by aquatic viruses have largely focused on coding genes. There is accumulating evidence for the important biological functions of non-coding miRNAs in virus-host interactions. The regulatory functions of non-coding miRNAs in fish reovirus-host interactions remain unknown. Here, miR-2188-5p in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), a miRNA specific to teleosts, was predicted to target the 3' UTR of the transcription factor klf2a. A correlation analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-2188-5p could induce the degradation of klf2a. The expression of miR-2188-5p induced the degradation of klf2a in a dose-dependent manner, suppressing the type I interferon response and promoting grass carp reovirus (GCRV) replication. As determined by a co-expression analysis, klf2a inhibited viral infection when miR-2188-5p was overexpressed. The targeted degradation of klf2a by miR-2188-5p could inhibit the type I interferon response and promote the replication of GCRV; however, this targeted degradation ability was insufficient to fully inhibit GCRV infection. These results provide novel insights into the regulatory effects and biological functions of non-coding miRNAs in fish-virus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liangming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430207, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yongming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lanjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Rong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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14
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Li Y, Chen L, Li Y, Yang C, Gui B, Li Y, Liao L, Zhu Z, Huang R, Wang Y. Krüppel-like factor 2a (KLF2A) suppresses GCRV replication by upregulating serpinc1 expression in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:1118-1124. [PMID: 36400369 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.11.017] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 2a (KLF2A), a transcription factor of the krüppel-like family, is involved in regulating the immune molecules and is associated with viral infection. However, the function of KLF2A during viral infections in fish remains unclear. In this study, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) was used to predict the target genes regulated by KLF2A. The results showed that the candidate target genes included four members of the serpin gene family (serpinb1l2, serpinc1, serpinh1a, and serpinh1b). Dual-luciferase experiments showed that klf2a positively regulates serpinc1 expression. Dose-dependent klf2a overexpression in C. idellus kidney (CIK) cells significantly upregulated the expression of serpinc1. Overexpressing klf2a or serpinc1 in CIK cells activated interferon responses and suppressed grass carp reovirus (GCRV) replication. Klf2a and serpinc1 co-expression inhibited GCRV replication. These results show that klf2a upregulates serpinc1 mRNA expression, promotes type 1 interferon responses, and suppresses GCRV infection. This study provides insights into the regulatory role and biological functions of KLF2A in host-virus interactions in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liangming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Bin Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lanjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zuoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Rong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Yaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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15
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Pelisek J, Reutersberg B, Greber UF, Zimmermann A. Vascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: update on SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells and the role of long non-coding RNAs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1571-1590. [PMID: 36367091 PMCID: PMC9652506 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, it may affect also the cardiovascular system. COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disorder (CVD) develop a more severe disease course with a significantly higher mortality rate than non-CVD patients. A common denominator of CVD is the dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs), increased vascular permeability, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, coagulation, and inflammation. It has been assumed that clinical complications in COVID-19 patients suffering from CVD are caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection of ECs through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the cellular transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the consequent dysfunction of the infected vascular cells. Meanwhile, other factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells have been described, including disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17), the C-type lectin CD209L or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Here, we discuss the current data about the putative entry of SARS-CoV-2 into endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affecting vascular permeability in CVD, a process that might exacerbate disease in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Switzerland
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16
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Engin AB, Engin ED, Engin A. Can iron, zinc, copper and selenium status be a prognostic determinant in COVID-19 patients? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103937. [PMID: 35882309 PMCID: PMC9307469 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In severe COVID-19, the levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), do not only regulate host immune responses, but modify the viral genome, as well. While low serum Fe concentration is an independent risk factor for the increased death rate, Zn controls oxidative stress, synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and viral replication. Therefore, Zn deficiency associates with a worse prognosis. Although Cu exposure inactivates the viral genome and exhibits spike protein dispersal, increase in Cu/Zn due to high serum Cu levels, are correlated with enhanced risk of infections. Se levels are significantly higher in surviving COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, both Zn and Se suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Since the balance between the deficiency and oversupply of these metals due to a reciprocal relationship, has decisive effect on the prognosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, monitoring their concentrations may facilitate improved outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Evren Doruk Engin
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Gumusdere Campus, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atilla Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Turkey
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SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Airway Epithelium Triggers Pulmonary Endothelial Cell Activation and Senescence Associated with Type I IFN Production. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182912. [PMID: 36139488 PMCID: PMC9496907 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells represent the main target of SARS-CoV-2 replication but several pieces of evidence suggest that endothelial cells (ECs), lining pulmonary blood vessels, are key players in lung injury in COVID-19 patients. Although in vivo evidence of SARS-CoV-2 affecting the vascular endothelium exists, in vitro data are limited. In the present study, we set up an organotypic model to dissect the crosstalk between airway epithelium and pulmonary endothelial cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We showed that SARS-CoV-2 infected airway epithelium triggers the induction of endothelial adhesion molecules in ECs, suggesting a bystander effect of dangerous soluble signals from the infected epithelium. The endothelial activation was correlated with inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and with the viral replication in the airway epithelium. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection determined a modulation of endothelial p21, which could be partially reversed by inhibiting IFN-β production from ECs when co-cultured with HAE. Altogether, we demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infected epithelium triggers activation/senescence processes in ECs involving type I IFN-β production, suggesting possible antiviral/damage mechanisms occurring in the endothelium.
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18
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Ma X, Su M, He Q, Zhang Z, Zhang F, Liu Z, Sun L, Weng J, Xu S. PHACTR1, a coronary artery disease risk gene, mediates endothelial dysfunction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958677. [PMID: 36091033 PMCID: PMC9457086 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently identified phosphatase and actin regulator-1 (PHACTR1) as a critical risk gene associated with polyvascular diseases. However, it remains largely unclear how PHACTR1 is involved in endothelial dysfunction. Here, by mining published datasets of human stable and vulnerable/ruptured plaque tissues, we observed upregulated expression of PHACTR1 in vulnerable/ruptured plaques. Congruent with these data, we demonstrated increased Phactr1 gene expression in aortic endothelium from ApoE-/- mice fed a western type diet compared with that in normal C57BL/6J mice. Relevantly, PHACTR1 gene expression was upregulated by pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic stimuli, including TNF-α, IL-1β and oxidized LDL (oxLDL). By employing next-generation RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that PHACTR1 overexpression disrupts pathways associated with endothelial homeostasis. Cell biological studies unravel that PHACTR1 mediates endothelial inflammation and monocyte adhesion by activating NF-κB dependent intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) expression. In addition, overexpression of PHACTR1 also reduces the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting Akt/eNOS activation. In-house compound screening of vasoprotective drugs identifies several drugs, including lipid-lowering statins, decreases PHACTR1 gene expression. However, PHACTR1 gene expression was not affected by another lipid-lowering drug-fenofibrate. We also performed a proteomic study to reveal PHACTR1 interacting proteins and validated that PHACTR1 can interact with heat shock protein A8 (HSPA8) which was reported to be associated with coronary artery disease and eNOS degradation. Further studies are warranted to confirm the precise mechanism of PHACTR1 in driving endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, by using systems biology approach and molecular validation, we disclose the deleterious effects of PHACTR1 on endothelial function by inducing endothelial inflammation and reducing NO production, highlighting the potential to prevent endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis by targeting PHACTR1 expression. The precise role of endothelial cell PHACTR1 in polyvascular diseases remains to be validated in diseased conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Suowen Xu
- *Correspondence: Suowen Xu, ; Jianping Weng,
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19
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Liu L, Jing H, Wu X, Xiang M, Novakovic VA, Wang S, Shi J. The cross-talk of lung and heart complications in COVID-19: Endothelial cells dysfunction, thrombosis, and treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:957006. [PMID: 35990983 PMCID: PMC9390946 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.957006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic respiratory illness SARS-CoV-2 has increasingly been shown to be a systemic disease that can also have profound impacts on the cardiovascular system. Although associated cardiopulmonary sequelae can persist after infection, the link between viral infection and these complications remains unclear. There is now a recognized link between endothelial cell dysfunction and thrombosis. Its role in stimulating platelet activation and thrombotic inflammation has been widely reported. However, the procoagulant role of microparticles (MPs) in COVID-19 seems to have been neglected. As membrane vesicles released after cell injury or apoptosis, MPs exert procoagulant activity mainly by exposing phosphatidylserine (PS) on their lipid membranes. It can provide a catalytic surface for the assembly of the prothrombinase complex. Therefore, inhibiting PS externalization is a potential therapeutic strategy. In this paper, we describe the pathophysiological mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 induces lung and heart complications through injury of endothelial cells, emphasizing the procoagulant effect of MPs and PS, and demonstrate the importance of early antithrombotic therapy. In addition, we will detail the mechanisms underlying hypoxia, another serious pulmonary complication related to SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial cells injury and discuss the use of oxygen therapy. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, virus invades endothelial cells through direct infection, hypoxia, imbalance of the RAAS, and cytokine storm. These factors cause endothelial cells to release MPs, form MPs storm, and eventually lead to thrombosis. This, in turn, accelerates hypoxia and cytokine storms, forming a positive feedback loop. Given the important role of thrombosis in the disease, early antithrombotic therapy is an important tool for COVID-19. It may maintain normal blood circulation, accelerating the clearance of viruses, waning the formation of MPs storm, and avoiding disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langjiao Liu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haijiao Jing
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengqi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Valerie A. Novakovic
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shuye Wang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Shuye Wang
| | - Jialan Shi
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jialan Shi ;
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20
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Abstract
COVID-19 is a primary respiratory illness that is frequently complicated by systemic involvement of the vasculature. Vascular involvement leads to an array of complications ranging from thrombosis to pulmonary edema secondary to loss of barrier function. This review will address the vasculopathy of COVID-19 with a focus on the role of the endothelium in orchestrating the systemic response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The endothelial receptor systems and molecular pathways activated in the setting of COVID-19 and the consequences of these inflammatory and prothrombotic changes on endothelial cell function will be discussed. The sequelae of COVID-19 vascular involvement at the level of organ systems will also be addressed, with an emphasis on the pulmonary vasculature but with consideration of effects on other vascular beds. The dramatic changes in endothelial phenotypes associated with COVID-19 has enabled the identification of biomarkers that could help guide therapy and predict outcomes. Knowledge of vascular pathogenesis in COVID-19 has also informed therapeutic approaches that may control its systemic sequelae. Because our understanding of vascular response in COVID-19 continues to evolve, we will consider areas of controversy, such as the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 directly infects endothelium and the degree to which vascular responses to SARS-CoV-2 are unique or common to those of other viruses capable of causing severe respiratory disease. This conceptual framework describing how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects endothelial inflammation, prothrombotic transformation, and barrier dysfunction will provide a context for interpreting new information as it arises addressing the vascular complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alec A Schmaier
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis and
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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21
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Potential of Microneedle Systems for COVID-19 Vaccination: Current Trends and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051066. [PMID: 35631652 PMCID: PMC9144974 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aid restoration to prepandemic normality, global mass vaccination is urgently needed. Inducing herd immunity through mass vaccination has proven to be a highly effective strategy for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, which protects the most vulnerable population groups that are unable to develop immunity, such as people with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems due to underlying medical or debilitating conditions. In achieving global outreach, the maintenance of the vaccine potency, transportation, and needle waste generation become major issues. Moreover, needle phobia and vaccine hesitancy act as hurdles to successful mass vaccination. The use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination could act as a major paradigm shift in attaining the desired goal to vaccinate billions in the shortest time possible. In addressing these points, we discuss the potential of the use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination based on the current literature.
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22
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Esposito S, D’Abrosca G, Antolak A, Pedone PV, Isernia C, Malgieri G. Host and Viral Zinc-Finger Proteins in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073711. [PMID: 35409070 PMCID: PMC8998646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An unprecedented effort to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has characterized the activity of the global scientific community over the last two years. Hundreds of published studies have focused on the comprehension of the immune response to the virus and on the definition of the functional role of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Proteins containing zinc fingers, both belonging to SARS-CoV-2 or to the host, play critical roles in COVID-19 participating in antiviral defenses and regulation of viral life cycle. Differentially expressed zinc finger proteins and their distinct activities could thus be important in determining the severity of the disease and represent important targets for drug development. Therefore, we here review the mechanisms of action of host and viral zinc finger proteins in COVID-19 as a contribution to the comprehension of the disease and also highlight strategies for therapeutic developments.
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23
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DiNicolantonio JJ, McCarty MF, Assanga SI, Lujan LL, O'Keefe JH. Ferulic acid and berberine, via Sirt1 and AMPK, may act as cell cleansing promoters of healthy longevity. Open Heart 2022; 9:openhrt-2021-001801. [PMID: 35301252 PMCID: PMC8932268 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid, a bacterial metabolite of anthocyanins, seems likely to be a primary mediator of the health benefits associated with anthocyanin-rich diets, and has long been employed in Chinese cardiovascular medicine. In rodent studies, it has exerted wide-ranging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the molecular basis of which remains rather obscure. However, recent studies indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of ferulic acid can boost expression of Sirt1 at mRNA and protein levels in a range of tissues. Sirt1, a class III deacetylase, functions to detect a paucity of oxidisable substrate, and in response works in various ways to promote cellular survival and healthful longevity. Sirt1 promotes ‘cell cleansing’ and cell survival by boosting autophagy, mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, phase 2 induction of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf2, and DNA repair—while inhibiting NF-kB-driven inflammation, apoptosis, and cellular senescence, and boosting endothelial expression of the protective transcription factor kruppel-like factor 2. A deficit of the latter appears to mediate the endothelial toxicity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Ferulic acid also enhances the activation of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) by increasing expression and activity of its activating kinase LKB1—whereas AMPK in turn amplifies Sirt1 activity by promoting induction of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltranferase, rate-limiting for generation of Sirt1’s obligate substrate NAD+. Curiously, AMPK acts by independent mechanisms to potentiate many of the effects mediated by Sirt1. Hence, it is proposed that ferulic acid may exert complementary or synergistic health-promoting effects when used in conjunction with clinically useful AMPK activators, such as the nutraceutical berberine. Additional nutraceuticals which might have potential for amplifying certain protective effects of ferulic acid/berberine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J DiNicolantonio
- Preventive Cardiology, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Simon Iloki Assanga
- Department of Research and Postgraduate in Food Science, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Lidianys Lewis Lujan
- Department of Research and Postgraduate in Food Science, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - James H O'Keefe
- Charles and Barbara Duboc Cardio Health & Wellness Center, St Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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24
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Ning Q, Wu D, Wang X, Xi D, Chen T, Chen G, Wang H, Lu H, Wang M, Zhu L, Hu J, Liu T, Ma K, Han M, Luo X. The mechanism underlying extrapulmonary complications of the coronavirus disease 2019 and its therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:57. [PMID: 35197452 PMCID: PMC8863906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that poses a major threat to global public health. Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, causing severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases, it can also result in multiple extrapulmonary complications. The pathogenesis of extrapulmonary damage in patients with COVID-19 is probably multifactorial, involving both the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 and the indirect mechanisms associated with the host inflammatory response. Recognition of features and pathogenesis of extrapulmonary complications has clinical implications for identifying disease progression and designing therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of the extrapulmonary complications of COVID-19 from immunological and pathophysiologic perspectives and focuses on the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ning
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Di Wu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Xi
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Chen
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiling Lu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Wang
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjian Hu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ma
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meifang Han
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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25
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Wu X, Xu M, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Luo S, Zheng X, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 prevents endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:106043. [PMID: 34954030 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation associated endothelial dysfunction represents a pivotal contributor to atherosclerosis. Increasingly, evidence has demonstrated that interleukin 1 receptor (IL1-R) / toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling participates in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent large-scale clinical trials have supported the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory therapies targeting IL-1β and IL-6 in reducing atherosclerosis. The present study examined the pharmacological effects of IL-1R-associated kinase 1 and 4 inhibitors (IRAK1/4i) in regulating inflammation of the endothelium and atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that dual pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 by an IRAK1/4i is more effective against LPS induced endothelial inflammation, compared with IRAK1 inhibitor or IRAK4 inhibitor monotherapy. IRAK1/4i showed little endothelial cell toxicity at concentrations from 1 μM up to 10 μM. Inhibition of IRAK1/4 reduced endothelial activation induced by LPS in vitro as evidenced by attenuated monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Mechanistically, blockade of IRAK1/4 ameliorated the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. To assess the pharmacological effects of IRAK1/4i on atherosclerosis in vivo, ApoE-/- mice were orally administered IRAK1/4i (20 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. We show that IRAK1/4i reduced atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic sinus and increased hepatic LDLR protein levels as well as lowered LDL-C level, without affecting other lipid parameters or glucose tolerance. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that dual pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 attenuates endothelial inflammation, lowers LDL-C levels and reduces atherosclerosis. Our study reinforces the evolving standing of anti-inflammatory approaches in cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000 Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000 Guangzhou, China; Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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26
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Endothelial dysfunction contributes to severe COVID-19 in combination with dysregulated lymphocyte responses and cytokine networks. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:418. [PMID: 34893580 PMCID: PMC8661333 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic processes involved in the manifestation of life-threatening COVID-19 and in disease recovery are still incompletely understood, despite investigations focusing on the dysregulation of immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection. To define hallmarks of severe COVID-19 in acute disease (n = 58) and in disease recovery in convalescent patients (n = 28) from Hannover Medical School, we used flow cytometry and proteomics data with unsupervised clustering analyses. In our observational study, we combined analyses of immune cells and cytokine/chemokine networks with endothelial activation and injury. ICU patients displayed an altered immune signature with prolonged lymphopenia but the expansion of granulocytes and plasmablasts along with activated and terminally differentiated T and NK cells and high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. The core signature of seven plasma proteins revealed a highly inflammatory microenvironment in addition to endothelial injury in severe COVID-19. Changes within this signature were associated with either disease progression or recovery. In summary, our data suggest that besides a strong inflammatory response, severe COVID-19 is driven by endothelial activation and barrier disruption, whereby recovery depends on the regeneration of the endothelial integrity.
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27
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Saha C, Laha S, Chatterjee R, Bhattacharyya NP. Co-Regulation of Protein Coding Genes by Transcription Factor and Long Non-Coding RNA in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Cells: An In Silico Analysis. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:74. [PMID: 34940755 PMCID: PMC8708613 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of protein coding gene (PCG) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been identified in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells and tissues from COVID-19 patients. The functional role and mechanism (s) of transcriptional regulation of deregulated genes in COVID-19 remain largely unknown. In the present communication, reanalyzing publicly available gene expression data, we observed that 66 lncRNA and 5491 PCG were deregulated in more than one experimental condition. Combining our earlier published results and using different publicly available resources, it was observed that 72 deregulated lncRNA interacted with 3228 genes/proteins. Many targets of deregulated lncRNA could also interact with SARS-CoV-2 coded proteins, modulated by IFN treatment and identified in CRISPR screening to modulate SARS-CoV-2 infection. The majority of the deregulated lncRNA and PCG were targets of at least one of the transcription factors (TFs), interferon responsive factors (IRFs), signal transducer, and activator of transcription (STATs), NFκB, MYC, and RELA/p65. Deregulated 1069 PCG was joint targets of lncRNA and TF. These joint targets are significantly enriched with pathways relevant for SARS-CoV-2 infection indicating that joint regulation of PCG could be one of the mechanisms for deregulation. Over all this manuscript showed possible involvement of lncRNA and mechanisms of deregulation of PCG in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Saha
- Department of Genome Science, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India;
| | - Sayantan Laha
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 B. T. Road, Kolkata 700108, India; (S.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Raghunath Chatterjee
- Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 B. T. Road, Kolkata 700108, India; (S.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Nitai P. Bhattacharyya
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital, Kolkata 700020, India
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28
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Schmaier AA, Pajares Hurtado GM, Manickas-Hill ZJ, Sack KD, Chen SM, Bhambhani V, Quadir J, Nath AK, Collier ARY, Ngo D, Barouch DH, Shapiro NI, Gerszten RE, Yu XG, Peters KG, Flaumenhaft R, Parikh SM. Tie2 activation protects against prothrombotic endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e151527. [PMID: 34506304 PMCID: PMC8564889 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction accompanies the microvascular thrombosis commonly observed in severe COVID-19. Constitutively, the endothelial surface is anticoagulant, a property maintained at least in part via signaling through the Tie2 receptor. During inflammation, the Tie2 antagonist angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) is released from endothelial cells and inhibits Tie2, promoting a prothrombotic phenotypic shift. We sought to assess whether severe COVID-19 is associated with procoagulant endothelial dysfunction and alterations in the Tie2/angiopoietin axis. Primary HUVECs treated with plasma from patients with severe COVID-19 upregulated the expression of thromboinflammatory genes, inhibited the expression of antithrombotic genes, and promoted coagulation on the endothelial surface. Pharmacologic activation of Tie2 with the small molecule AKB-9778 reversed the prothrombotic state induced by COVID-19 plasma in primary endothelial cells. Lung autopsies from patients with COVID-19 demonstrated a prothrombotic endothelial signature. Assessment of circulating endothelial markers in a cohort of 98 patients with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 revealed endothelial dysfunction indicative of a prothrombotic state. Angpt-2 concentrations rose with increasing disease severity, and the highest levels were associated with worse survival. These data highlight the disruption of Tie2/angiopoietin signaling and procoagulant changes in endothelial cells in severe COVID-19. Our findings provide rationale for current trials of Tie2-activating therapy with AKB-9778 in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec A. Schmaier
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Kelsey D. Sack
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Siyu M. Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Victoria Bhambhani
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juweria Quadir
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anjali K. Nath
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Debby Ngo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan H. Barouch
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, and
| | - Nathan I. Shapiro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert E. Gerszten
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xu G. Yu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Infectious Diseases Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, Boston USA
| | - MGH COVID-19 Collection and Processing Team
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The MGH COVID-19 Collection and Processing Team is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | | | | | - Samir M. Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Li J, Fang Y, Wu D. Mechanical forces and metabolic changes cooperate to drive cellular memory and endothelial phenotypes. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:199-253. [PMID: 34696886 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells line the innermost layer of arterial, venous, and lymphatic vascular tree and accordingly are subject to hemodynamic, stretch, and stiffness mechanical forces. Normally quiescent, endothelial cells have a hemodynamic set point and become "activated" in response to disturbed hemodynamics, which may signal impending nutrient or gas depletion. Endothelial cells in the majority of tissue beds are normally inactivated and maintain vessel barrier functions, are anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-thrombotic. However, under aberrant mechanical forces, endothelial signaling transforms in response, resulting cellular changes that herald pathological diseases. Endothelial cell metabolism is now recognized as the primary intermediate pathway that undergirds cellular transformation. In this review, we discuss the various mechanical forces endothelial cells sense in the large vessels, microvasculature, and lymphatics, and how changes in environmental mechanical forces result in changes in metabolism, which ultimately influence cell physiology, cellular memory, and ultimately disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yun Fang
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David Wu
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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