Laminar flow inhibits the Hippo/YAP pathway via autophagy and SIRT1-mediated deacetylation against atherosclerosis

A highly sensitive reporter system to monitor endogenous YAP1/TAZ activity and its application in various human cells

The activation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) has been implicated in both regeneration and tumorigenesis, thus representing a double-edged sword in tissue homeostasis. However, how the activity of YAP1/TAZ is regulated or what leads to its dysregulation in these processes remains unknown. To explore the upstream stimuli modulating the cellular activity of YAP1/TAZ, we developed a highly sensitive YAP1/TAZ/TEAD-responsive DNA element (YRE) and incorporated it into a lentivirus-based reporter cell system to allow for sensitive and specific monitoring of the endogenous activity of YAP1/TAZ in terms of luciferase activity in vitro and Venus fluorescence in vivo. Furthermore, by replacing YRE with TCF- and NF-κB-binding DNA elements, we demonstrated the applicability of this reporter system to other pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin/TCF- and IL-1β/NF-κB-mediated signaling, respectively. The practicality of this system was evaluated by performing cell-based reporter screening of a chemical compound library consisting of 364 known inhibitors, using reporter-introduced cells capable of quantifying YAP1/TAZ- and β-catenin-mediated transcription activities, which led to the identification of multiple inhibitors, including previously known as well as novel modulators of these signaling pathways. We further confirmed that novel YAP1/TAZ modulators, such as potassium ionophores, Janus kinase inhibitors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitors, and genotoxic stress inducers, alter the protein level or phosphorylation of endogenous YAP1/TAZ and the expression of their target genes. Thus, this reporter system provides a powerful tool to monitor endogenous signaling activities of interest (even in living cells) and search for modulators in various cellular contexts.

Deciphering the dynamics: Exploring the impact of mechanical forces on histone acetylation

Living cells navigate a complex landscape of mechanical cues that influence their behavior and fate, originating from both internal and external sources. At the molecular level, the translation of these physical stimuli into cellular responses relies on the intricate coordination of mechanosensors and transducers, ultimately impacting chromatin compaction and gene expression. Notably, epigenetic modifications on histone tails govern the accessibility of gene-regulatory sites, thereby regulating gene expression. Among these modifications, histone acetylation emerges as particularly responsive to the mechanical microenvironment, exerting significant control over cellular activities. However, the precise role of histone acetylation in mechanosensing and transduction remains elusive due to the complexity of the acetylation network. To address this gap, our aim is to systematically explore the key regulators of histone acetylation and their multifaceted roles in response to biomechanical stimuli. In this review, we initially introduce the ubiquitous force experienced by cells and then explore the dynamic alterations in histone acetylation and its associated co-factors, including HDACs, HATs, and acetyl-CoA, in response to these biomechanical cues. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate interactions between histone acetylation and mechanosensors/mechanotransducers, offering a comprehensive analysis. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the nuanced interplay between histone acetylation and mechanical forces within an academic framework.

KAT6A/YAP/TEAD4 pathway modulates osteoclastogenesis by regulating the RANKL/OPG ratio on the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a dynamic equilibrium of bone remodeling, involving the osteogenesis of new bone and the osteoclastogenesis of old bone, which is mediated by mechanical force. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLCSs) in the periodontal ligament (PDL) space can transmit mechanical signals and regulate osteoclastogenesis during OTM. KAT6A is a histone acetyltransferase that plays a part in the differentiation of stem cells. However, whether KAT6A is involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by PDLSCs remains unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, we used the force-induced OTM model and observed that KAT6A was increased on the compression side of PDL during OTM, and also increased in PDLSCs under compression force in vitro. Repression of KAT6A by WM1119, a KAT6A inhibitor, markedly decreased the distance of OTM. Knockdown of KAT6A in PDLSCs decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio and osteoclastogenesis of THP-1. Mechanistically, KAT6A promoted osteoclastogenesis by binding and acetylating YAP, simultaneously regulating the YAP/TEAD axis and increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio in PDLSCs. TED-347, a YAP-TEAD4 interaction inhibitor, partly attenuated the elevation of the RANKL/OPG ratio induced by mechanical force.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the PDLSCs modulated osteoclastogenesis and increased the RANKL/OPG ratio under mechanical force through the KAT6A/YAP/TEAD4 pathway. KAT6A might be a novel target to accelerate OTM.

New perspective for pathomechanism and clinical applications of animal toxins: Programmed cell death

Various animal toxins pose a significant threat to human safety, necessitating urgent attention to their treatment and research. The clinical potential of programmed cell death (PCD) is widely regarded as a target for envenomation, given its crucial role in regulating physiological and pathophysiological processes. Current research on animal toxins examines their specific components in pathomechanisms and injuries, as well as their clinical applications. This review explores the relationship between various toxins and several types of PCD, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, to provide a reference for future understanding of the pathophysiology of toxins and the development of their potential clinical value.

Innovative Substrate Design with Basement Membrane Components for Enhanced Endothelial Cell Function and Endothelization

Enhancing endothelial cell growth on small-diameter vascular grafts produced from decellularized tissues or synthetic substrates is pivotal for preventing thrombosis. While optimized decellularization protocols can preserve the structure and many components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the process can still lead to the loss of crucial basement membrane proteins, such as laminin, collagen IV, and perlecan, which are pivotal for endothelial cell adherence and functional growth. This loss can result in poor endothelialization and endothelial cell activation causing thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. To address this, the basement membrane's ECM is emulated on fiber substrates, providing a more physiological environment for endothelial cells. Thus, fibroblasts are cultured on fiber substrates to produce an ECM membrane substrate (EMMS) with basement membrane proteins. The EMMS then underwent antigen removal (AR) treatment to eliminate antigens from the membrane while preserving essential proteins and producing an AR-treated membrane substrate (AMS). Subsequently, human endothelial cells cultured on the AMS exhibited superior proliferation, nitric oxide production, and increased expression of endothelial markers of quiescence/homeostasis, along with autophagy and antithrombotic factors, compared to those on the decellularized aortic tissue. This strategy showed the potential of pre-endowing fiber substrates with a basement membrane to enable better endothelization.

Influence of Substrate Structure and Associated Properties on Endothelial Cell Behavior in the Context of Behaviors Associated with Laminar Flow Conditions

In order to treat most vascular diseases, arterial grafts are commonly employed for replacing small-diameter vessels, yet they often cause thrombosis. The growth of endothelial cells along the interior surfaces of these grafts (substrates) is critical to mitigate thrombosis. Typically, endothelial cells are cultured inside these grafts under laminar flow conditions to emulate the native environment of blood vessels and produce an endothelium. Alternatively, the substrate structure could have a similar influence on endothelial cell behavior as laminar flow conditions. In this study, we investigated whether substrates with aligned fiber structures could induce responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) akin to those elicited by laminar flow. Our observations revealed that HUVECs on aligned substrates displayed significant morphological changes, aligning parallel to the fibers, similar to effects reported under laminar flow conditions. Conversely, HUVECs on random substrates maintained their characteristic cobblestone appearance. Notably, cell migration was more significant on aligned substrates. Also, we observed that while vWF expression was similar between both substrates, the HUVECs on aligned substrates showed more expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31), laminin, and collagen IV. Additionally, these cells exhibited increased gene expression related to critical functions such as proliferation, extracellular matrix production, cytoskeletal reorganization, autophagy, and antithrombotic activity. These findings indicated that aligned substrates enhanced endothelial growth and behavior compared to random substrates. These improvements are similar to the beneficial effects of laminar flow on endothelial cells, which are well-documented compared to static or turbulent flow conditions.

Oral Nanoformulations in Cardiovascular Medicine: Advances in Atherosclerosis Treatment

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow. If this occurs in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels may be completely blocked, resulting in myocardial infarction; if it occurs in the blood vessels of the brain, the blood vessels may be blocked, resulting in cerebral infarction, i.e., stroke. Studies have shown that the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves the processes of inflammation, lipid infiltration, oxidative stress, and endothelial damage, etc. SIRT, as a key factor regulating the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging, has an important impact on the pathogenesis of plaque formation, progression, and vulnerability. Statistics show that AS accounts for about 50 per cent of deaths in Western countries. Currently, oral medication is the mainstay of AS treatment, but its development is limited by side effects, low bioavailability and other unfavourable factors. In recent years, with the rapid development of nano-preparations, researchers have combined statins and natural product drugs within nanopreparations to improve their bioavailability. Based on this, this paper summarises the main pathogenesis of AS and also proposes new oral nanoformulations such as liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocapsules to improve their application in the treatment of AS.

A review on decoding the roles of YAP/TAZ signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases: Bridging molecular mechanisms to therapeutic insights

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) serve as transcriptional co-activators that dynamically shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus, resulting in either the suppression or enhancement of their downstream gene expression. Recent emerging evidence demonstrates that YAP/TAZ is strongly implicated in the pathophysiological processes that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the cardiovascular system, YAP/TAZ is involved in the orchestration of a range of biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, proliferation, and autophagy. Furthermore, YAP/TAZ has been revealed to be closely associated with the initiation and development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy. In this review, we delve into recent studies surrounding YAP and TAZ, along with delineating their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of CVDs with a link to various physiological processes in the cardiovascular system. Additionally, we highlight the current potential drugs targeting YAP/TAZ for CVDs therapy and discuss their challenges for translational application. Overall, this review may offer novel insights for understanding and treating cardiovascular disorders.

Shear Stress-Induced AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Modulation in Endothelial Cells: Its Role in Metabolic Adaptions and Cardiovascular Disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surface of all blood vessels and form a barrier that facilitates the controlled transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the circulatory system to surrounding tissues. Exposed to both laminar and turbulent blood flow, ECs are continuously subject to differential mechanical stimulation. It has been well established that the shear stress associated with laminar flow (LF) is atheroprotective, while shear stress in areas with turbulent flow (TF) correlates with EC dysfunction. Moreover, ECs show metabolic adaptions to physiological changes, such as metabolic shifts from quiescence to a proliferative state during angiogenesis. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is at the center of these phenomena. AMPK has a central role as a metabolic sensor in several cell types. Moreover, in ECs, AMPK is mechanosensitive, linking mechanosensation with metabolic adaptions. Finally, recent studies indicate that AMPK dysregulation is at the center of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that pharmacological targeting of AMPK is a promising and novel strategy to treat CVDs such as atherosclerosis or ischemic injury. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge relevant to this topic, with a focus on shear stress-induced AMPK modulation and its consequences for vascular health and disease.

Endometrial stem cell-derived exosomes repair cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure via Hippo signaling pathway

Stem cells have been documented as a new therapeutic method for ovarian injuries such as premature ovarian failure (POF). However, effects of exosomes (Exos) derived from human endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) on diminished ovarian failure remain to be carefully elucidated. Our study aims to investigate the mechanisms of EnSC-Exos in the recovery of the cisplatin-induced granulosa cell injury model in vitro or POF mouses model in vivo and whether the Hippo signaling pathway is involved in the regulation. In this study, we established successful construction of the cisplatin-induced granulosa cell injury model and evaluated Hippo signaling pathway activation in cisplatin-damaged granulosa cells (GCs). Furthermore, laser scanning confocal microscope and immunofluorescence demonstrated that EnSC-Exos can be transferred to cisplatin-damaged GCs to decrease apoptosis. In addition, the enhanced expression of YAP at the protein level as well as YAP/TEAD target genes, such as CTGF, ANKRD1, and the increase of YAP into the nucleus in immunofluorescence staining after the addition of EnSC-Exos to cisplatin-damaged GCs confirmed the suppression of Hippo signaling pathway. While in vivo, EnSC-Exos successfully remedied POF in a mouse model. Collectively, our findings suggest that chemotherapy-induced POF was associated with the activating of Hippo signaling pathway. Human EnSC-Exos significantly elevated the proliferation of ovarian GCs and the ovarian function by regulating Hippo signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights for further understanding of EnSC-Exos in the recovery of ovary function.

The Plasma Membrane and Mechanoregulation in Cells

Cells inhabit a mechanical microenvironment that they continuously sense and adapt to. The plasma membrane (PM), serving as the boundary of the cell, plays a pivotal role in this process of adaptation. In this Review, we begin by examining well-studied processes where mechanoregulation proves significant. Specifically, we highlight examples from the immune system and stem cells, besides discussing processes involving fibroblasts and other cell types. Subsequently, we discuss the common molecular players that facilitate the sensing of the mechanical signal and transform it into a chemical response covering integrins YAP/TAZ and Piezo. We then review how this understanding of molecular elements is leveraged in drug discovery and tissue engineering alongside a discussion of the methodologies used to measure mechanical properties. Focusing on the processes of endocytosis, we discuss how cells may respond to altered membrane mechanics using endo- and exocytosis. Through the process of depleting/adding the membrane area, these could also impact membrane mechanics. We compare pathways from studies illustrating the involvement of endocytosis in mechanoregulation, including clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and the CLIC/GEEC (CG) pathway as central examples. Lastly, we review studies on cell-cell fusion during myogenesis, the mechanical integrity of muscle fibers, and the reported and anticipated roles of various molecular players and processes like endocytosis, thereby emphasizing the significance of mechanoregulation at the PM.

Shear-Sensitive circRNA-LONP2 Promotes Endothelial Inflammation and Atherosclerosis by Targeting NRF2/HO1 Signaling

Hemodynamic shear stress is a frictional force that acts on vascular endothelial cells and is essential for endothelial homeostasis. Physiological laminar shear stress (LSS) suppresses endothelial inflammation and protects arteries from atherosclerosis. Herein, we screened differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) that were significantly altered in LSS-stimulated endothelial cells and found that circRNA-LONP2 was involved in modulating the flow-dependent inflammatory response. Furthermore, endothelial circRNA-LONP2 overexpression promoted endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRNA-LONP2 competitively sponged miR-200a-3p and subsequently promoted Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, Yes-associated protein 1, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression, thereby inactivating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling, promoting oxidative stress and endothelial inflammation, and accelerating atherosclerosis. LSS-induced down-regulation of circRNA-LONP2 suppresses endothelial inflammation, at least in part, by activating the miR-200a-3p-mediated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway. CircRNA-LONP2 may serve as a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Recent advances of mechanosensitive genes in vascular endothelial cells for the formation and treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its complications are a high-incidence disease worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that blood flow shear has a huge impact on the function of vascular endothelial cells, and it plays an important role in gene regulation of pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, pro-oxidative stress, and cell permeability. Many important endothelial cell mechanosensitive genes have been discovered, including KLK10, CCN gene family, NRP2, YAP, TAZ, HIF-1α, NF-κB, FOS, JUN, TFEB, KLF2/KLF4, NRF2, and ID1. Some of them have been intensively studied, whereas the relevant regulatory mechanism of other genes remains unclear. Focusing on these mechanosensitive genes will provide new strategies for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Thus, this article reviews the mechanosensitive genes affecting vascular endothelial cells, including classical pathways and some newly screened genes, and summarizes the latest research progress on their roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to reveal effective therapeutic targets of drugs and provide new insights for anti-atherosclerosis.

The roles of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in physical therapy

Cellular behavior is regulated by mechanical signals within the cellular microenvironment. Additionally, changes of temperature, blood flow, and muscle contraction also affect cellular state and the development of diseases. In clinical practice, physical therapy techniques such as ultrasound, vibration, exercise, cold therapy, and hyperthermia are commonly employed to alleviate pain and treat diseases. However, the molecular mechanism about how these physiotherapy methods stimulate local tissues and control gene expression remains unknow. Fortunately, the discovery of YAP filled this gap, which has been reported has the ability to sense and convert a wide variety of mechanical signals into cell-specific programs for transcription, thereby offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms by which physiotherapy treat different diseases. This review examines the involvement of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in various diseases and its role in different physical therapy approaches on diseases. Furthermore, we explore the potential therapeutic implications of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and address the limitations and controversies surrounding its application in physiotherapy.

Decoding the Impact of the Hippo Pathway on Different Cell Types in Heart Failure

The evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway plays a pivotal role in governing a variety of biological processes. Heart failure (HF) is a major global health problem with a significant risk of mortality. This review provides a contemporary understanding of the Hippo pathway in regulating different cell types during HF. Through a systematic analysis of each component's regulatory mechanisms within the Hippo pathway, we elucidate their specific effects on cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages in response to various cardiac injuries. Insights gleaned from both in vitro and in vivo studies highlight the therapeutic promise of targeting the Hippo pathway to address cardiovascular diseases, particularly HF.

CTRP9 prevents atherosclerosis progression through changing autophagic status of macrophages by activating USP22 mediated-de-ubiquitination on Sirt1 in vitro

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis (AS) is commonly regarded as a key driver accounted for the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A growing body of evidence indicates that autophagy in macrophages involved in AS might be a potential therapeutic target. C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP9) has been proven to delay the progression of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relations between CTRP9 and Sirt1, as well as their effects on macrophages autophagy have not been fully explored.

METHODS

Macrophages were differentiated from mononuclear cells collected from peripheral blood samples of healthy donors. The in vitro AS models were constructed by ox-LDL treatment. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. Immunofluorescence assay of LC3 was implemented for evaluating autophagy activity. Oil Red O staining was performed for lipid accumulation detection. ELISA, cholesterol concentration assay and cholesterol efflux analysis were conducted using commercial kits. Cycloheximide assay was implemented for revealing protein stability. RT-qPCR was used for mRNA expression detection, and western blotting was performed for protein level monitoring.

RESULTS

CTRP9 attenuated impaired cell viability, autophagy inhibition and increased lipid accumulation induced by ox-LDL. Moreover, CTRP9 maintained Sirt1 protein level through enhancing its stability through de-ubiquitination, which was mediated by upregulated USP22 level. CRTP9 exerted its protective role in promoting autophagy and reducing lipid accumulation through the USP22/Sirt1 axis.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, CTRP9 alleviates lipid accumulation and facilitated the macrophages autophagy by upregulating USP22 level and maintaining Sirt1 protein expression, thereby exerting a protective role in AS progression in vitro.

Biomimetic nanodrug targets inflammation and suppresses YAP/TAZ to ameliorate atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is the primary cause of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) contributes to plaque development, making YAP/TAZ potential therapeutic targets. However, systemic modulation of YAP/TAZ expression or activities risks serious off-target effects, limiting clinical applicability. To address the challenge, this study develops monocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles (MoNP) as a targeted delivery system for activated and inflamed endothelium lining the plaque surface. The MoNP system is used to deliver verteporfin (VP), aimed at inhibiting YAP/TAZ specifically within arterial regions prone to atherosclerosis. The results reveal that MoNP significantly enhance payload delivery to inflamed endothelial cells (EC) while avoiding phagocytic cells. When administered in mice, MoNP predominantly accumulate in intima of the atheroprone artery. MoNP-mediated delivery of VP substantially reduces YAP/TAZ expression, thereby suppressing inflammatory gene expression and macrophage infiltration in cultured EC and mouse arteries exposed to atherogenic stimuli. Importantly, this targeted VP nanodrug effectively decreases plaque development in mice without causing noticeable histopathological changes in major organs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a lesion-targeted and pathway-specific biomimetic nanodrug, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular Mechano-Epigenetics: Force-Dependent Regulation of Histone Modifications and Gene Regulation

The local mechanical microenvironment impacts on the cell behavior. In the cardiovascular system, cells in both the heart and the vessels are exposed to continuous blood flow, blood pressure, stretching forces, and changing extracellular matrix stiffness. The force-induced signals travel all the way to the nucleus regulating epigenetic changes such as chromatin dynamics and gene expression. Mechanical cues are needed at the very early stage for a faultless embryological development, while later in life, aberrant mechanical signaling can lead to a range of pathologies, including diverse cardiovascular diseases. Hence, an investigation of force-generated epigenetic alteration at different time scales is needed to understand fully the phenotypic changes in disease onset and progression. That being so, cardiovascular mechano-epigenetics emerges as an attractive field of study. Given the rapid advances in this emergent field of research, this short review aims to provide an analysis of the state of knowledge of force-induced epigenetic changes in the cardiovascular field.

Research Progress on Histone Deacetylases Regulating Programmed Cell Death in Atherosclerosis

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic modifying enzyme that is closely related to chromatin structure and gene transcription, and numerous studies have found that HDACs play an important regulatory role in atherosclerosis disease. Apoptosis, autophagy and programmed necrosis as the three typical programmed cell death modalities that can lead to cell loss and are closely related to the developmental process of atherosclerosis. In recent years, accumulating evidence has shown that the programmed cell death mediated by HDACs is increasingly important in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. This paper first gives a brief overview of HDACs, the mechanism of programmed cell death, and their role in atherosclerosis, and then further elaborates on the role and mechanism of HDACs in regulating apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis in atherosclerosis, respectively, to provide new effective measures and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Glycyrrhizic acid alleviated MI/R-induced injuries by inhibiting Hippo/YAP signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Previous research has demonstrated that glycyrrhizic acid (GA) exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic characteristics. Using myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury as a case study, this study aims to clarify the functional significance of GA and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, an MI/R injury model was established both in vivo and in vitro to investigate the impact of GA on MI/R injury. The viability of H9c2 cells was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8. Myocardial damage was assessed through the measurement of creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), HE staining, and MASSON staining. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α) were measured to determine the presence of inflammation. Cellular oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring ROS and MMP levels, while cardiac function was assessed using cardiac color Doppler ultrasound. Immunofluorescence staining to determine the nuclear translocation of YAP, TUNEL to determine apoptosis, and western blotting to determine gene expression.

RESULTS

GA treatment effectively alleviated myocardial injury induced by MI/R, as evidenced by reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) and cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH) in MI/R rats. Moreover, There was a significant increase in cell viability in vitro after GA treatment and inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxidative stress, while also increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in vitro. The Western blot findings indicate that GA treatment effectively suppressed apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Additionally, GA demonstrated inhibitory effects on the activation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway triggered by MI/R and facilitated YAP nuclear translocation both in vitro and in vivo. It has been found, however, in vitro, that silencing the YAP gene negates GA's protective effect against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced myocardial injury.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that GA regulates YAP nuclear translocation by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, which protects ists against MI/R injury. This finding may present a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of MI/R.

The AMPK-Sirtuin 1-YAP axis is regulated by fluid flow intensity and controls autophagy flux in kidney epithelial cells

Shear stress generated by urinary fluid flow is an important regulator of renal function. Its dysregulation is observed in various chronic and acute kidney diseases. Previously, we demonstrated that primary cilium-dependent autophagy allows kidney epithelial cells to adapt their metabolism in response to fluid flow. Here, we show that nuclear YAP/TAZ negatively regulates autophagy flux in kidney epithelial cells subjected to fluid flow. This crosstalk is supported by a primary cilium-dependent activation of AMPK and SIRT1, independently of the Hippo pathway. We confirm the relevance of the YAP/TAZ-autophagy molecular dialog in vivo using a zebrafish model of kidney development and a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model. In addition, an in vitro assay simulating pathological accelerated flow observed at early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) activates YAP, leading to a primary cilium-dependent inhibition of autophagic flux. We confirm this YAP/autophagy relationship in renal biopsies from patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of CKD. Our findings demonstrate the importance of YAP/TAZ and autophagy in the translation of fluid flow into cellular and physiological responses. Dysregulation of this pathway is associated with the early onset of CKD.

New Dawn for Atherosclerosis: Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence and Death

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner linings of blood vessels, and are directly exposed to endogenous hazard signals and metabolites in the circulatory system. The senescence and death of ECs are not only adverse outcomes, but also causal contributors to endothelial dysfunction, an early risk marker of atherosclerosis. The pathophysiological process of EC senescence involves both structural and functional changes and has been linked to various factors, including oxidative stress, dysregulated cell cycle, hyperuricemia, vascular inflammation, and aberrant metabolite sensing and signaling. Multiple forms of EC death have been documented in atherosclerosis, including autophagic cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC senescence or death in atherogenesis are not fully understood. To provide a comprehensive update on the subject, this review examines the historic and latest findings on the molecular mechanisms and functional alterations associated with EC senescence and death in different stages of atherosclerosis.

Mechanobiology of the endothelium in vascular health and disease: in vitro shear stress models

In recent years, there has been growing evidence that vascular pathologies arise in sites experiencing an altered haemodynamic environment. Fluid shear stress (FSS) is an important contributor to vascular homeostasis and regulates endothelial cell (EC) gene expression, morphology, and behaviour through specialised mechanosensitive signalling pathways. The presence of an altered FSS profile is a pathological characteristic of many vascular diseases, with the most established example being the preferential localisation of atherosclerotic plaque development. However, the precise haemodynamic contributions to other vascular pathologies including coronary artery vein graft failure remains poorly defined. To evaluate potential novel therapeutics for the treatment of vascular diseases via targeting EC behaviour, it is important to undertake in vitro experiments using appropriate culture conditions, particularly FSS. There are a wide range of in vitro models used to study the effect of FSS on the cultured endothelium, each with the ability to generate FSS flow profiles through which the investigator can control haemodynamic parameters including flow magnitude and directionality. An important consideration for selection of an appropriate model of FSS exposure is the FSS profile that the model can generate, in comparison to the physiological and pathophysiological haemodynamic environment of the vessel of interest. A resource bringing together the haemodynamic environment characteristic of atherosclerosis pathology and the flow profiles generated by in vitro methods of applying FSS would be beneficial to researchers when selecting the appropriate model for their research. Consequently, here we summarise the widely used methods of exposing cultured endothelium to FSS, the flow profile they generate and their advantages and limitations in investigating the pathological contribution of altered FSS to vascular disease and evaluating novel therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of vascular disease.

Vascular Electrical Stimulation with Wireless, Battery-Free, and Fully Implantable Features Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation Through Sirt1-Mediated Autophagy

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a safe and effective procedure in clinical rehabilitation with few adverse effects. However, studies on ES for atherosclerosis (AS) are scarce because ES does not provide a long-term intervention for chronic disease processes. Battery-free implants and surgically mounted them in the abdominal aorta of high-fat-fed Apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/- ) mice are used, which are electrically stimulated for four weeks using a wireless ES device to observe changes in atherosclerotic plaques. Results showed that there is almost no growth of atherosclerotic plaque at the stimulated site in AopE-/- mice after ES. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of Thp-1 macrophages reveal that the transcriptional activity of autophagy-related genes increase substantially after ES. Additionally, ES reduces lipid accumulation in macrophages by restoring ABCA1- and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that ES reduced lipid accumulation through Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/Autophagy related 5 (Atg5) pathway-mediated autophagy. Furthermore, ES reverse autophagic dysfunction in macrophages of AopE-/- mouse plaques by restoring Sirt1, blunting P62 accumulation, and inhibiting the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, resulting in the alleviation of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Here, a novel approach is shown in which ES can be used as a promising therapeutic strategy for AS treatment through Sirt1/Atg5 pathway-mediated autophagy.

Different stimuli induce endothelial dysfunction and promote atherosclerosis through the Piezo1/YAP signaling axis

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in atherosclerosis (AS). AS tends to occur at vascular bifurcations and curves, and endothelial cells(ECs) are highly susceptible to injury due to mechanical forces induced by disturbed flow (DF) with inconsistent blood flow directions. However, the pathogenesis of endothelial cell dysfunction in AS remains unclear and needs further study. Here, we found that Piezo1 expression was significantly increased in DF- and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-treated HUVECs in vitro and a model of atherosclerotic plaque growth in ApoE-/- mice fed a Western diet. Furthermore, Piezo1 upregulated autophagy levels in the HUVECs model, which was reversed by Piezo1 knockdown with a lentivirus-mediated shRNA system. Mechanistically, the level of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional coactivator in the Hippo pathway, was significantly elevated in the DF- and ox-LDL-induced HUVECs model, and this effect was further inhibited by Piezo1 knockdown. Moreover, the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 inhibited the protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II(LC3-II) and increased the protein level of sequestosome1(p62/SQSTM1) in a dose-dependent manner, while significantly promoting the protein expression and nuclear translocation of YAP. The YAP inhibitor CA3 weakened Yoda1-mediated inhibition of autophagy. Our results suggest that Piezo1 may regulate endothelial autophagy by promoting YAP activation and nuclear translocation, thereby contributing to vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Thioridazine protects against disturbed flow-induced atherosclerosis by inhibiting RhoA/YAP-mediated endothelial inflammation

Atherosclerotic diseases remain the leading cause of adult mortality and impose heavy burdens on health systems globally. Our previous study found that disturbed flow enhanced YAP activity to provoke endothelial activation and atherosclerosis, and targeting YAP alleviated endothelial inflammation and atherogenesis. Therefore, we established a luciferase reporter assay-based drug screening platform to seek out new YAP inhibitors for anti-atherosclerotic treatment. By screening the FDA-approved drug library, we identified that an anti-psychotic drug thioridazine markedly suppressed YAP activity in human endothelial cells. Thioridazine inhibited disturbed flow-induced endothelial inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. We verified that the anti-inflammatory effects of thioridazine were mediated by inhibition of YAP. Thioridazine regulated YAP activity via restraining RhoA. Moreover, administration of thioridazine attenuated partial carotid ligation- and western diet-induced atherosclerosis in two mouse models. Overall, this work opens up the possibility of repurposing thioridazine for intervention of atherosclerotic diseases. This study also shed light on the underlying mechanisms that thioridazine inhibited endothelial activation and atherogenesis via repression of RhoA-YAP axis. As a new YAP inhibitor, thioridazine might need further investigation and development for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases in clinical practice.

Nuciferine induces autophagy to relieve vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 activation via repressing the Akt/mTOR/AP1 signal pathway in the vascular endothelium

Pro-inflammatory factor-associated vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) activation initiates cardiovascular events. This study aimed to explore the protective role of nuciferine on TNFα-induced VCAM1 activation. Nuciferine was administrated to both high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and the TNFα-exposed human vascular endothelial cell line. VCAM1 expression and further potential mechanism(s) were explored. Our data revealed that nuciferine intervention alleviated VCAM1 activation in response to both high-fat diet and TNFα exposure, and this protective effect was closely associated with autophagy activation since inhibiting autophagy by either genetic or pharmaceutical approaches blocked the beneficial role of nuciferine. Mechanistical studies revealed that Akt/mTOR inhibition, rather than AMPK, SIRT1, and p38 signal pathways, contributed to nuciferine-activated autophagy, which further ameliorated TNFα-induced VCAM1 via repressing AP1 activation, independent of transcriptional regulation by IRF1, p65, SP1, and GATA6. Collectively, our data uncovered a novel biological function for nuciferine in protecting VCAM1 activation, implying its potential application in improving cardiovascular events.

The Current State of Research on Sirtuin-Mediated Autophagy in Cardiovascular Diseases

Sirtuins belong to the class III histone deacetylases and possess nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase activity. They are involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Autophagy is a crucial adaptive cellular response to stress stimuli. Mounting evidence suggests a strong correlation between Sirtuins and autophagy, potentially involving cross-regulation and crosstalk. Sirtuin-mediated autophagy plays a crucial regulatory role in some cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, heart failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and drug-induced myocardial damage. In this context, we summarize the research advancements pertaining to various Sirtuins involved in autophagy and the molecular mechanisms regulating autophagy. We also elucidate the biological function of Sirtuins across diverse cardiovascular diseases and further discuss the development of novel drugs that regulate Sirtuin-mediated autophagy.

YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy

The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.

Identification of autophagy-associated circRNAs in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy of mice

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in sepsis-related autophagy. However, the role of circRNAs in autophagy after sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is unknown, so we explored the circRNA expression profiles associated with autophagy in an acute sepsis mouse model. At a dose of 10 mg/kg, mice were intraperitoneally administered with lipopolysaccharides. The myocardial tissue was harvested after 6 h for microarray analysis, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were evaluated, and a competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, to evaluate the role of circRNAs related to autophagy in SICM. In total, 1,735 differently expressed circRNAs were identified in the LPS-treated group, including 990 upregulated and 745 downregulated circRNAs. The expression level of the autophagy-specific protein p62 decreased, while the ratio of LC3 II to LC3 I increased. Additionally, 309 mRNAs and 187 circRNAs were correlated with autophagy in myocardial tissue after SICM. Of these, 179 circRNAs were predicted to function as "miRNA sponges". Some distinctive circRNAs and mRNAs found by ceRNA analysis might be involved in autophagy in SICM. These findings provide insights into circRNAs and identified new research targets that may be used to further explore the pathogenesis of SICM.

Activation of Piezo1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cell through YAP-dependent glutaminolysis

Hemodynamic overload and dysregulation of cellular metabolism are involved in development of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). However, how mechanical stress relates to metabolic changes in CAVD remains unclear. Here, we show that Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, regulated glutaminase 1 (GLS1)-mediated glutaminolysis to promote osteogenic differentiation of valve interstitial cells (VICs). In vivo, two models of aortic valve stenosis were constructed by ascending aortic constriction (AAC) and direct wire injury (DWI). Inhibition of Piezo1 and GLS1 in these models respectively mitigated aortic valve lesion. In vitro, Piezo1 activation induced by Yoda1 and oscillatory stress triggered osteogenic responses in VICs, which were prevented by Piezo1 inhibition or knockdown. Mechanistically, Piezo1 activation promoted calcium-dependent Yes-associated protein (YAP) activation. YAP modulated GLS1-mediated glutaminolysis, which enhanced osteogenic differentiation through histone acetylation of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) promoters. Together, our work provided a cross-talk between mechanotransduction and metabolism in the context of CAVD.

Mechanosensation to inflammation: Roles for YAP/TAZ in innate immune cells

Innate immune cells are responsible for eliminating foreign infectious agents and cellular debris, and their ability to perceive, respond to, and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues from their microenvironment eventually determines their behavior. In response to tissue injury, pathogen invasion, or a biomaterial implant, immune cells activate many pathways to initiate inflammation in the tissue. In addition to common inflammatory pathways, studies have demonstrated the role of the mechanosensitive proteins and transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) in inflammation and immunity. We review our knowledge of YAP/TAZ in controlling inflammation and immunity in innate immune cells. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of YAP/TAZ in inflammatory diseases, wound healing, and tissue regeneration and how they integrate mechanical cues with biochemical signaling during disease progression. Last, we comment on possible approaches that can be exploited to harness the therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in inflammatory diseases.

Lesion-specific suppression of YAP/TAZ by biomimetic nanodrug ameliorates atherosclerosis development

Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of lipid-rich plaque on the vessel wall, is the primary cause of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) contributes to plaque development, making YAP/TAZ potential therapeutic targets. However, systemic modulation of YAP/TAZ expression or activities risks serious off-target effects, limiting clinical applicability. To address the challenge, this study develops monocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles (MoNP) as a drug delivery vehicle targeting activated endothelium lining the plaque surface and utilizes MoNP to deliver verteporfin (VP), a potent YAP/TAZ inhibitor, for lesion-specific treatment of atherosclerosis. The results reveal that MoNP significantly enhance payload delivery to inflamed endothelial cells (EC) while avoiding phagocytic cells, and preferentially accumulate in atherosclerotic regions. MoNP-mediated delivery of VP substantially reduces YAP/TAZ expression, suppressing inflammatory gene expression and macrophage infiltration in cultured EC and mouse arteries exposed to atherogenic stimuli. Importantly, this lesion-targeted VP nanodrug effectively decreases plaque development in mice without causing noticeable histopathological changes in major organs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a plaque-targeted and pathway-specific biomimetic nanodrug, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for atherosclerosis.

Curaxin CBL0137 inhibits endothelial inflammation and atherogenesis via suppression of the Src-YAP signalling axis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Our previous study uncovered that endothelium-specific knockdown of YAP suppresses atherogenesis, suggesting that YAP is a promising therapeutic target against atherosclerotic vascular disease. We established a drug screening platform, which aimed to identify new YAP inhibitors for anti-atherosclerotic treatment.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Drug screening was performed by a luciferase reporter gene assay. RNA sequencing was performed to acquire the transcriptomic profile of CBL0137-treated endothelial cells. We assessed and validated the inhibitory effect of CBL0137 on YAP activity and inflammatory response in HUVECs and HAECs. We evaluated the vasoprotective effect of CBL0137 in vivo against plaque formation in ApoE^-/- mice, using both disturbed flow-induced and chronic western diet-induced atherosclerotic models.

KEY RESULTS

We identified CBL0137 as a novel YAP inhibitor from an FDA drug library. CBL0137 inhibited YAP activity by restraining its phosphorylation at Y357. CBL0137 inhibited YAP activity to repress endothelial inflammation. Mechanistically, CBL0137 suppressed YAP phosphorylation at Y357 via the tyrosine-protein kinase Src. Furthermore, administration of CBL0137 ameliorated endothelial inflammation and the atherogenesis induced by disturbed flow and consumption of an atherogenic diet in ApoE^-/- mice.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify CBL0137 as a novel YAP inhibitor. We have demonstrated that pharmacologically targeting YAP by CBL0137 inhibits atherogenesis. The present results suggest that CBL0137 holds promise as a new drug for the treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

SIRT1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and lung function decline. It is well established that COPD represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Due to the substantial economic and social burdens associated with COPD, it is necessary to discover new targets and develop novel beneficial therapies. Although the pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains to be robustly elucidated, numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, autophagy, and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase belonging to the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) family. Multiple studies have indicated that SIRT1 plays an important role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, and cellular senescence, which contributes to the pathogenesis and development of COPD. This review aimed to discuss the functions and mechanisms of SIRT1 in the progression of COPD and concluded that SIRT1 activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

The role of the Hippo pathway in autophagy in the heart

The Hippo pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism, controls organ size and tumourigenesis. Increasing lines of evidence suggest that autophagy, an important mechanism of lysosome-mediated cellular degradation, is regulated by the Hippo pathway, which thereby profoundly affects cell growth and death responses in various cell types. In the heart, Mst1, an upstream component of the Hippo pathway, not only induces apoptosis but also inhibits autophagy through phosphorylation of Beclin 1. YAP/TAZ, transcription factor co-factors and the terminal effectors of the Hippo pathway, affect autophagy through transcriptional activation of TFEB, a master regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. The cellular abundance of YAP is negatively regulated by autophagy and suppression of autophagy induces accumulation of YAP, which, in turn, acts as a feedback mechanism to induce autophagosome formation. Thus, the Hippo pathway and autophagy regulate each other, thereby profoundly affecting cardiomyocyte survival and death. This review discusses the interaction between the Hippo pathway and autophagy and its functional significance during stress conditions in the heart and the cardiomyocytes therein.

In Vitro Generation of Luminal Vasculature in Liver Organoids: From Basic Vascular Biology to Vascularized Hepatic Organoids

Liver organoids have gained much attention in recent years for their potential applications to liver disease modeling and pharmacologic drug screening. Liver organoids produced in vitro reflect some aspects of the in vivo physiological and pathological conditions of the liver. However, the generation of liver organoids with perfusable luminal vasculature remains a major challenge, hindering precise and effective modeling of liver diseases. Furthermore, vascularization is required for large organoids or assembloids to closely mimic the complexity of tissue architecture without cell death in the core region. A few studies have successfully generated liver organoids with endothelial cell networks, but most of these vascular networks produced luminal structures after being transplanted into tissues of host animals. Therefore, formation of luminal vasculature is an unmet need to overcome the limitation of liver organoids as an in vitro model investigating different acute and chronic liver diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the unique features of hepatic vasculature under pathophysiological conditions and summarize the biochemical and biophysical cues that drive vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro. We also highlight recent progress in generating vascularized liver organoids in vitro and discuss potential strategies that may enable the generation of perfusable luminal vasculature in liver organoids.

The Relationship Between Klotho and SIRT1 Expression in Renal Aging Related Disease

Background

This study focused on renal arteriosclerosis and aimed to explore the relationship between Klotho and SIRT1 by morphological staining, which will help to provide new ideas for the treatment of renal-aging-related diseases and a theoretical basis for the development of new drugs.

Methods

Kidney tissue samples were collected from patients who underwent nephrectomy. HK-2 cells were cultured. The Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Masson’s Trichrome staining, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, Immunofluorescence (ICC) and bioinformatics means were used for this study.

Results

HE staining showed that glomerulosclerosis was atrophic and cast was significantly increased luminal narrowing of renal arterioles in aging group. PAS staining showed that the number of podocytes was reduced, the mesangial matrix expansion and the intimal fibrosis of renal arterioles. Masson’s trichrome staining showed that there was massive collagen proliferation in the tubulointerstitial in aging group, as well as intimal thickening and fibrin deposition in the tubular walls of arterioles. IHC staining showed that the expression of Klotho and SIRT1 protein was downregulated in aging group and the trend of the two was positively correlated (P < 0.01). Klotho and SIRT1 co-localized in HK-2 cells and kidney tissue. The GEPIA database analysis showed a significant positive correlation between Klotho and SIRT1 in multiple human tissues and tumors.

Conclusion

Glomerulosclerosis in aging group is accompanied by low expression of Klotho and SIRT1 in renal tissue, and Klotho is positively correlated with SIRT1. Klotho-SIRT1 pathway may be involved in the occurrence and development of renal-aging-related diseases.

Shear Stress and Metabolic Disorders-Two Sides of the Same Plaque

Significance: Shear stress and metabolic disorder are the two sides of the same atherosclerotic coin. Atherosclerotic lesions are prone to develop at branches and curvatures of arteries, which are exposed to oscillatory and low shear stress exerted by blood flow. Meanwhile, metabolic disorders are pivotal contributors to the formation and advancement of atherosclerotic plaques. Recent Advances: Accumulated evidence has provided insight into the impact and mechanisms of biomechanical forces and metabolic disorder on atherogenesis, in association with mechanotransduction, epigenetic regulation, and so on. Moreover, recent studies have shed light on the cross talk between the two drivers of atherosclerosis. Critical Issues: There are extensive cross talk and interactions between shear stress and metabolic disorder during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The communications may amplify the proatherogenic effects through increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms underlying such interactions remain to be fully elucidated as the cross talk network is considerably complex. Future Directions: A better understanding of the cross talk network may confer benefits for a more comprehensive clinical management of atherosclerosis. Critical mediators of the cross talk may serve as promising therapeutic targets for atherosclerotic vascular diseases, as they can inhibit effects from both sides of the plaque. Hence, further in-depth investigations with advanced omics approaches are required to develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies against atherosclerosis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 820-841.

The Hippo-YAP pathway in various cardiovascular diseases: Focusing on the inflammatory response

The Hippo pathway was initially discovered in Drosophila melanogaster and mammals as a key regulator of tissue growth both in physiological and pathological states. Numerous studies depict the vital role of the Hippo pathway in cardiovascular development, heart regeneration, organ size and vascular remodeling through the regulation of YAP (yes-associated protein) translocation. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the Hippo-YAP pathway in inflammation and immunology. Although the Hippo-YAP pathway has been revealed to play controversial roles in different contexts and cell types in the cardiovascular system, the mechanisms regulating tissue inflammation and the immune response remain to be clarified. In this review, we summarize findings from the past decade on the function and mechanism of the Hippo-YAP pathway in CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) such as myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis. In particular, we emphasize the role of the Hippo-YAP pathway in regulating inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine activation.

The regulation of yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif and their roles in vascular endothelium

Normal endothelial function plays a pivotal role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis, while endothelial dysfunction causes the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) serve as crucial nuclear effectors in the Hippo signaling pathway, which are regulated by mechanical stress, extracellular matrix stiffness, drugs, and other factors. Increasing evidence supports that YAP/TAZ play an important role in the regulation of endothelial-related functions, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Herein, we systematically review the factors affecting YAP/TAZ, downstream target genes regulated by YAP/TAZ and the roles of YAP/TAZ in regulating endothelial functions, in order to provide novel potential targets and effective approaches to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.

Salvianolic Acid B Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia Injury by Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α Signaling Pathway

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) has been extensively investigated in our laboratory for myocardial ischemia (MI) disease. This study mainly aimed to illustrate the relationship between SIRT1 and the therapeutic effect of SalB on MI in rats and hypoxia damage in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, whether the antagonism of NLRP3 by SalB in the injuries mentioned above is related to SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α pathway-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis was further investigated. In vivo, 24 h after MI surgery, we found that SalB effectively reduced ST-segment elevation, myocardial infarct size enlargement, cardiac injury markers, myocardial structural abnormalities, and myocardial apoptotic cells in MI injury rats. In vitro, after 4 h of hypoxia exposure, SalB alleviated cell injury, inhibited the production of ROS and IL-1β, and prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Besides, SalB downregulated the critical components of the NLRP3 inflammasome and upregulated the SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α signaling pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissues and H9c2 cells. However, all the above protective effects of SalB on MI could be offset by EX527. Taken together, our findings indicated that SalB could attenuate MI injury by targeting NLRP3, which is at least partially dependent on the SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Endothelial shear stress signal transduction and atherogenesis: From mechanisms to therapeutics

Atherosclerotic vascular disease and its complications are among the top causes of mortality worldwide. In the vascular lumen, atherosclerotic plaques are not randomly distributed. Instead, they are preferentially localized at the curvature and bifurcations along the arterial tree, where shear stress is low or disturbed. Numerous studies demonstrate that endothelial cell phenotypic change (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, autophagy, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, endothelial permeability, epigenetic regulation, and endothelial metabolic adaptation) induced by oscillatory shear force play a fundamental role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Mechano-sensors, adaptor proteins, kinases, and transcriptional factors work closely at different layers to transduce the shear stress force from the plasma membrane to the nucleus in endothelial cells, thereby controlling the expression of genes that determine cell fate and phenotype. An in-depth understanding of these mechano-sensitive signaling cascades shall provide new translational strategies for therapeutic intervention of atherosclerotic vascular disease. This review updates the recent advances in endothelial mechano-transduction and its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and highlights the perspective of new anti-atherosclerosis therapies through targeting these mechano-regulated signaling molecules.

Laminar shear stress alleviates monocyte adhesion and atherosclerosis development via miR-29b-3p/CX3CL1 axis regulation

Laminar shear stress (Lss) is an important anti-atherosclerosis (anti-AS) factor, but its mechanism network is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify how Lss acts against AS formation from a new perspective. In this study, we analyzed high-throughput sequencing data from static and Lss-treated human aortic and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HAECs and HUVECs, respectively) and found that the expression of CX3CL1, which is a target gene closely related to AS development, was lower in the Lss group. Lss alleviated the inflammatory response in TNF-α (also known as TNF)-activated HAECs by regulating the miR-29b-3p/CX3CL1 axis, and this was achieved by blocking nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. In complementary in vivo experiments, a high-fat diet (HFD) induced inflammatory infiltration and plaque formation in the aorta, both of which were significantly reduced after injection of agomir-miRNA-29b-3p via the tail vein into HFD-fed ApoE^−/− mice. In conclusion, this study reveals that the Lss-sensitive miR-29b-3p/CX3CL1 axis is an important regulatory target that affects vascular endothelial inflammation and AS development. Our study provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of AS.

Summary: The laminar shear stress-sensitive miR-29b-3p/CX3CL1 axis significantly inhibits monocyte adhesion to activated human aortic endothelial cells, and alleviates local inflammation and plaque formation in ApoE^−/− mice fed a high-fat diet.

The biology of YAP in programmed cell death

In the last few decades, YAP has been shown to be critical in regulating tumor progression. YAP activity can be regulated by many kinase cascade pathways and proteins through phosphorylation and promotion of cytoplasmic localization. Other factors can also affect YAP activity by modulating its binding to different transcription factors (TFs). Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled suicide process present with the scope of eliminating cells unnecessary or detrimental for the proper development of the organism. In some specific states, PCD is activated and facilitates the selective elimination of certain types of tumor cells. As a candidate oncogene correlates with many regulatory factors, YAP can inhibit or induce different forms of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis. Furthermore, YAP may act as a bridge between different forms of PCD, eventually leading to different outcomes regarding tumor development. Researches on YAP and PCD may benefit the future development of novel treatment strategies for some diseases. Therefore, in this review, we provide a general overview of the cellular functions of YAP and the relationship between YAP and PCD.

Laminar shear stress inhibits inflammation by activating autophagy in human aortic endothelial cells through HMGB1 nuclear translocation

Prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) by targeting the inflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells has attracted much attention in recent years. Laminar shear stress (LSS) has well-recognized anti-AS properties, however, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that LSS could inhibit the increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) caused by TNF-α in an autophagy-dependent pathway in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor B2 (EPHB2) was a key gene in response to LSS. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that LSS could enhance the EPHB2-mediated nuclear translocation of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), which interacts with Beclin-1 (BECN1) and finally leads to autophagy. Simultaneously, we identified an LSS-sensitive long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LOC10798635, and constructed an LSS-related LOC107986345/miR-128-3p/EPHB2 regulatory axis. Further research revealed the anti-inflammatory effect of LSS depends on autophagy activation resulting from the nuclear translocation of HMGB1 via the LOC107986345/miR-128-3p/EPHB2 axis. Our study demonstrates that LSS could regulate the expression of EPHB2 in HAECs, and the LOC107986345/miR-128-3p/EPHB2 axis plays a vital role in AS development.

Endothelial Dysfunction in the Context of Blood–Brain Barrier Modeling

Here, we discuss pathophysiological approaches to the defining of endothelial dysfunction criteria (i.e., endothelial activation, impaired endothelial mechanotransduction, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, reduced nitric oxide release, compromised endothelial integrity, and loss of anti-thrombogenic properties) in different in vitro and in vivo models. The canonical definition of endothelial dysfunction includes insufficient production of vasodilators, pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory activation of endothelial cells, and pathologically increased endothelial permeability. Among the clinical consequences of endothelial dysfunction are arterial hypertension, macro- and microangiopathy, and microalbuminuria. We propose to extend the definition of endothelial dysfunction by adding altered endothelial mechanotransduction and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition to its criteria. Albeit interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and MCP-1/CCL2 dictate the pathogenic paracrine effects of dysfunctional endothelial cells and are therefore reliable endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in vitro, they are non-specific for endothelial cells and cannot be used for the diagnostics of endothelial dysfunction in vivo. Conceptual improvements in the existing methods to model endothelial dysfunction, specifically, in relation to the blood–brain barrier, include endothelial cell culturing under pulsatile flow, collagen IV coating of flow chambers, and endothelial lysate collection from the blood vessels of laboratory animals in situ for the subsequent gene and protein expression profiling. Combined with the simulation of paracrine effects by using conditioned medium from dysfunctional endothelial cells, these flow-sensitive models have a high physiological relevance, bringing the experimental conditions to the physiological scenario.

Hippo: a new hub for atherosclerotic disease

Abstract:

Hippo,an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade reaction in organisms,can respond to a set of signals,such as mechanical signals and cell metabolism,to maintain cell growth,differentiation,tissue/organ development and homeostasis.In the past ten years,HIPPO has controlled the development of tissues and organs by regulating the process of cell proliferation,especially in the field of cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction.This suggests that HIPPO signaling is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of the cardiovascular system. It is characterised by chronic inflammation of the vascular wall, mainly involving dysfunction of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages.Oxidized Low density lipoprotein (LDL) damages the barrier function of endothelial cells, which enter the middle membrane of the vascular wall, accelerates the formation of foam cells and promotes the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.Autophagy is associated with the development of atherosclerosis.However, the mechanism of HIPPO regulation of atherosclerosis has not meant to clarified.In view of the pivotal role of this signaling pathway in maintaining cell growth,proliferation and differentiation,the imbalance of Hippo is related to atherosclerosis and related diseases.In this review,we emphasized Hippo as a hub for regulating atherosclerosis and discussed its potential targets in pathophysiology,human diseases,and related pharmacology.

Matrix stiffness regulates macrophage polarization in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the pathological basis of many fatal cardiovascular diseases. Macrophages, the main inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic plaque, have a paradox role in disease progression. In response to different microenvironments, macrophages mainly have two polarized directions: pro-inflammatory macrophages and anti-inflammatory macrophages. More and more evidence shows that macrophage is mechanosensitive and matrix stiffness regulate macrophage phenotypes in atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanism of matrix stiffness regulating macrophage polarization still lacks in-depth research, which hinders the development of new anti-atherosclerotic therapies. In this review, we discuss the important role of matrix stiffness in regulating macrophage polarization through mechanical signal transduction (Hippo, Piezo, cytoskeleton, and integrin) and epigenetic mechanisms (miRNA, DNA methylation, and histone). We hope to provide a new perspective for atherosclerosis therapy by targeting matrix stiffness and macrophage polarization.