1
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Pak B, Kim M, Han O, Lee HW, Dubrac A, Choi W, Yang JM, Boyé K, Cho H, Citrin KM, Kim I, Eichmann A, Bautch VL, Jin SW. ACVR1/ALK2-p21 signaling axis modulates proliferation of the venous endothelium in the retinal vasculature. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6. [PMID: 38955953 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of the endothelium is a highly coordinated process to ensure the emergence, expansion, and homeostasis of the vasculature. While Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling fine-tunes the behaviors of endothelium in health and disease, how BMP signaling influences the proliferation of endothelium and therefore, modulates angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the role of Activin A Type I Receptor (ACVR1/ALK2), a key BMP receptor in the endothelium, in modulating the proliferation of endothelial cells. We show that ACVR1/ALK2 is a key modulator for the proliferation of endothelium in the retinal vessels. Loss of endothelial ALK2 leads to a significant reduction in endothelial proliferation and results in fewer branches/endothelial cells in the retinal vessels. Interestingly, venous endothelium appears to be more susceptible to ALK2 deletion. Mechanistically, ACVR1/ALK2 inhibits the expression of CDKN1A/p21, a critical negative regulator of cell cycle progression, in a SMAD1/5-dependent manner, thereby enabling the venous endothelium to undergo active proliferation by suppressing CDKN1A/p21. Taken together, our findings show that BMP signaling mediated by ACVR1/ALK2 provides a critical yet previously underappreciated input to modulate the proliferation of venous endothelium, thereby fine-tuning the context of angiogenesis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boryeong Pak
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Orjin Han
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, and Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Woosoung Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jee Myung Yang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kevin Boyé
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Heewon Cho
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kathryn M Citrin
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Injune Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea.
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Hughes CCW, Fang J, Hatch C, Andrejecsk J, Trigt WV, Juat D, Chen YH, Matsumoto S, Lee A. A Microphysiological HHT-on-a-Chip Platform Recapitulates Patient Vascular Lesions. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4578507. [PMID: 38947000 PMCID: PMC11213165 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4578507/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare congenital disease in which fragile vascular malformations (VM) - including small telangiectasias and large arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) - focally develop in multiple organs. There are few treatment options and no cure for HHT. Most HHT patients are heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations affecting Endoglin (ENG) or Alk1 (ACVRL1); however, why loss of these genes manifests as VMs remains poorly understood. To complement ongoing work in animal models, we have developed a fully human, cell-based microphysiological model based on our Vascularized Micro-organ (VMO) platform (the HHT-VMO) that recapitulates HHT patient VMs. Using inducible ACVRL1 -knockdown, we control timing and extent of endogenous Alk1 expression in primary human endothelial cells (EC). Resulting HHT-VMO VMs develop over several days. Interestingly, in chimera experiments AVM-like lesions can be comprised of both Alk1-intact and Alk1-deficient EC, suggesting possible cell non-autonomous effects. Single cell RNA sequencing data are consistent with microvessel pruning/regression as contributing to AVM formation, while loss of PDGFB implicates mural cell recruitment. Finally, lesion formation is blocked by the VEGFR inhibitor pazopanib, mirroring positive effects of this drug in patients. In summary, we have developed a novel HHT-on-a-chip model that faithfully reproduces HHT patient lesions and that can be used to better understand HHT disease biology and identify potential new HHT drugs.
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Raza Q, Nadeem T, Youn SW, Swaminathan B, Gupta A, Sargis T, Du J, Cuervo H, Eichmann A, Ackerman SL, Naiche LA, Kitajewski J. Notch signaling regulates UNC5B to suppress endothelial proliferation, migration, junction activity, and retinal plexus branching. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13603. [PMID: 38866944 PMCID: PMC11169293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64375-z] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling guides vascular development and function by regulating diverse endothelial cell behaviors, including migration, proliferation, vascular density, endothelial junctions, and polarization in response to flow. Notch proteins form transcriptional activation complexes that regulate endothelial gene expression, but few of the downstream effectors that enable these phenotypic changes have been characterized in endothelial cells, limiting our understanding of vascular Notch activities. Using an unbiased screen of translated mRNA rapidly regulated by Notch signaling, we identified novel in vivo targets of Notch signaling in neonatal mouse brain endothelium, including UNC5B, a member of the netrin family of angiogenic-regulatory receptors. Endothelial Notch signaling rapidly upregulates UNC5B in multiple endothelial cell types. Loss or gain of UNC5B recapitulated specific Notch-regulated phenotypes. UNC5B expression inhibited endothelial migration and proliferation and was required for stabilization of endothelial junctions in response to shear stress. Loss of UNC5B partially or wholly blocked the ability of Notch activation to regulate these endothelial cell behaviors. In the developing mouse retina, endothelial-specific loss of UNC5B led to excessive vascularization, including increased vascular outgrowth, density, and branchpoint count. These data indicate that Notch signaling upregulates UNC5B as an effector protein to control specific endothelial cell behaviors and inhibit angiogenic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qanber Raza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Taliha Nadeem
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Seock-Won Youn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Bhairavi Swaminathan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ahana Gupta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Timothy Sargis
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jing Du
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Henar Cuervo
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III- CNIC- (F.S.P), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - L A Naiche
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Jan Kitajewski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1853 W Polk St, Rm 522 (MC 901), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, USA
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4
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Tanke NT, Liu Z, Gore MT, Bougaran P, Linares MB, Marvin A, Sharma A, Oatley M, Yu T, Quigley K, Vest S, Cook JG, Bautch VL. Endothelial Cell Flow-Mediated Quiescence Is Temporally Regulated and Utilizes the Cell Cycle Inhibitor p27. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1265-1282. [PMID: 38602102 PMCID: PMC11238946 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.320671] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial cells regulate their cell cycle as blood vessels remodel and transition to quiescence downstream of blood flow-induced mechanotransduction. Laminar blood flow leads to quiescence, but how flow-mediated quiescence is established and maintained is poorly understood. METHODS Primary human endothelial cells were exposed to laminar flow regimens and gene expression manipulations, and quiescence depth was analyzed via time-to-cell cycle reentry after flow cessation. Mouse and zebrafish endothelial expression patterns were examined via scRNA-seq (single-cell RNA sequencing) analysis, and mutant or morphant fish lacking p27 were analyzed for endothelial cell cycle regulation and in vivo cellular behaviors. RESULTS Arterial flow-exposed endothelial cells had a distinct transcriptome, and they first entered a deep quiescence, then transitioned to shallow quiescence under homeostatic maintenance conditions. In contrast, venous flow-exposed endothelial cells entered deep quiescence early that did not change with homeostasis. The cell cycle inhibitor p27 (CDKN1B) was required to establish endothelial flow-mediated quiescence, and expression levels positively correlated with quiescence depth. p27 loss in vivo led to endothelial cell cycle upregulation and ectopic sprouting, consistent with loss of quiescence. HES1 and ID3, transcriptional repressors of p27 upregulated by arterial flow, were required for quiescence depth changes and the reduced p27 levels associated with shallow quiescence. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial cell flow-mediated quiescence has unique properties and temporal regulation of quiescence depth that depends on the flow stimulus. These findings are consistent with a model whereby flow-mediated endothelial cell quiescence depth is temporally regulated downstream of p27 transcriptional regulation by HES1 and ID3. The findings are important in understanding endothelial cell quiescence misregulation that leads to vascular dysfunction and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie T Tanke
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology (N.T.T., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Michaelanthony T Gore
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Pauline Bougaran
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Mary B Linares
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Allison Marvin
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Arya Sharma
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Kaitlyn Quigley
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Sarah Vest
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (J.G.C.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology (N.T.T., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Biology (Z.L., M.T.G., P.B., M.B.L., A.M., A.S., M.O., T.Y., K.Q., S.V., V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- McAllister Heart Institute (V.L.B.), The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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5
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Huang M, Tabib T, Khanna D, Assassi S, Domsic R, Lafyatis R. Single-cell transcriptomes and chromatin accessibility of endothelial cells unravel transcription factors associated with dysregulated angiogenesis in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225415. [PMID: 38754983 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vasculopathy emerges early in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and links to endothelial cell (EC) injury and angiogenesis. Understanding EC transcriptomes and epigenomes is crucial for unravelling the mechanisms involved. METHODS Transcriptomes and chromatin accessibility were assessed by single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleus transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing. Immunofluorescent staining of skin and proteomics assay were employed to confirm the altered SSc EC phenotypes. Gain-of-function assay was used to evaluate the effects of ETS transcription factors on human dermal ECs (hDECs). RESULTS Both control and SSc ECs shared transcriptomic signatures of vascular linages (arterial, capillary and venous ECs) and lymphatic ECs. Arterial ECs in SSc showed reduced number and increased expression of genes associated with apoptosis. Two distinct EC subpopulations, tip and proliferating ECs, were markedly upregulated in SSc, indicating enhanced proangiogenic and proliferative activities. Molecular features of aberrant SSc-ECs were associated with disease pathogenesis and clinical traits of SSc, such as skin fibrosis and digital ulcers. Ligand-receptor analysis demonstrated altered intercellular networks of SSc EC subpopulations with perivascular and immune cells. Furthermore, the integration of open chromatin profiles with transcriptomic analysis suggested an increased accessibility of regulatory elements for ETS family transcription factors in SSc ECs. Overexpression of ETS genes in hDECs suggested ELK4, ERF and ETS1 may orchestrate arterial apoptosis and dysregulated angiogenesis in SSc. CONCLUSIONS This study unveils transcriptional and chromatin alterations in driving endovascular dysregulation in SSc, proposing ELK4, ERF and ETS1 as novel targets in ECs for addressing vascular complications in the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Huang
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robyn Domsic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Abdelilah-Seyfried S, Ola R. Shear stress and pathophysiological PI3K involvement in vascular malformations. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172843. [PMID: 38747293 PMCID: PMC11093608 DOI: 10.1172/jci172843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular characterization of vascular anomalies has revealed that affected endothelial cells (ECs) harbor gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the gene encoding the catalytic α subunit of PI3Kα (PIK3CA). These PIK3CA mutations are known to cause solid cancers when occurring in other tissues. PIK3CA-related vascular anomalies, or "PIKopathies," range from simple, i.e., restricted to a particular form of malformation, to complex, i.e., presenting with a range of hyperplasia phenotypes, including the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Interestingly, development of PIKopathies is affected by fluid shear stress (FSS), a physiological stimulus caused by blood or lymph flow. These findings implicate PI3K in mediating physiological EC responses to FSS conditions characteristic of lymphatic and capillary vessel beds. Consistent with this hypothesis, increased PI3K signaling also contributes to cerebral cavernous malformations, a vascular disorder that affects low-perfused brain venous capillaries. Because the GOF activity of PI3K and its signaling partners are excellent drug targets, understanding PIK3CA's role in the development of vascular anomalies may inform therapeutic strategies to normalize EC responses in the diseased state. This Review focuses on PIK3CA's role in mediating EC responses to FSS and discusses current understanding of PIK3CA dysregulation in a range of vascular anomalies that particularly affect low-perfused regions of the vasculature. We also discuss recent surprising findings linking increased PI3K signaling to fast-flow arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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7
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Abbey CA, Duran CL, Chen Z, Chen Y, Roy S, Coffell A, Sveeggen TM, Chakraborty S, Wells GB, Chang J, Bayless KJ. Identification of New Markers of Angiogenic Sprouting Using Transcriptomics: New Role for RND3. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:e145-e167. [PMID: 38482696 PMCID: PMC11043006 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New blood vessel formation requires endothelial cells to transition from a quiescent to an invasive phenotype. Transcriptional changes are vital for this switch, but a comprehensive genome-wide approach focused exclusively on endothelial cell sprout initiation has not been reported. METHODS Using a model of human endothelial cell sprout initiation, we developed a protocol to physically separate cells that initiate the process of new blood vessel formation (invading cells) from noninvading cells. We used this model to perform multiple transcriptomics analyses from independent donors to monitor endothelial gene expression changes. RESULTS Single-cell population analyses, single-cell cluster analyses, and bulk RNA sequencing revealed common transcriptomic changes associated with invading cells. We also found that collagenase digestion used to isolate single cells upregulated the Fos proto-oncogene transcription factor. Exclusion of Fos proto-oncogene expressing cells revealed a gene signature consistent with activation of signal transduction, morphogenesis, and immune responses. Many of the genes were previously shown to regulate angiogenesis and included multiple tip cell markers. Upregulation of SNAI1 (snail family transcriptional repressor 1), PTGS2 (prostaglandin synthase 2), and JUNB (JunB proto-oncogene) protein expression was confirmed in invading cells, and silencing JunB and SNAI1 significantly reduced invasion responses. Separate studies investigated rounding 3, also known as RhoE, which has not yet been implicated in angiogenesis. Silencing rounding 3 reduced endothelial invasion distance as well as filopodia length, fitting with a pathfinding role for rounding 3 via regulation of filopodial extensions. Analysis of in vivo retinal angiogenesis in Rnd3 heterozygous mice confirmed a decrease in filopodial length compared with wild-type littermates. CONCLUSIONS Validation of multiple genes, including rounding 3, revealed a functional role for this gene signature early in the angiogenic process. This study expands the list of genes associated with the acquisition of a tip cell phenotype during endothelial cell sprout initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette A. Abbey
- Texas A&M Health, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan TX
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Camille L. Duran
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Zhishi Chen
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Yanping Chen
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Sukanya Roy
- Texas A&M Health, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan TX
| | - Ashley Coffell
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Timothy M. Sveeggen
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Texas A&M Health, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan TX
| | - Gregg B. Wells
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Jiang Chang
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Kayla J. Bayless
- Texas A&M Health, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan TX
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX
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8
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Lin Y, Gahn J, Banerjee K, Dobreva G, Singhal M, Dubrac A, Ola R. Role of endothelial PDGFB in arterio-venous malformations pathogenesis. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:193-209. [PMID: 38070064 PMCID: PMC11021264 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Arterial-venous malformations (AVMs) are direct connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed. Either familial inherited or sporadically occurring, localized pericytes (PCs) drop is among the AVMs' hallmarks. Whether impaired PC coverage triggers AVMs or it is a secondary event is unclear. Here we evaluated the role of the master regulator of PC recruitment, Platelet derived growth factor B (PDGFB) in AVM pathogenesis. Using tamoxifen-inducible deletion of Pdgfb in endothelial cells (ECs), we show that disruption of EC Pdgfb-mediated PC recruitment and maintenance leads to capillary enlargement and organotypic AVM-like structures. These vascular lesions contain non-proliferative hyperplastic, hypertrophic and miss-oriented capillary ECs with an altered capillary EC fate identity. Mechanistically, we propose that PDGFB maintains capillary EC size and caliber to limit hemodynamic changes, thus restricting expression of Krüppel like factor 4 and activation of Bone morphogenic protein, Transforming growth factor β and NOTCH signaling in ECs. Furthermore, our study emphasizes that inducing or activating PDGFB signaling may be a viable therapeutic approach for treating vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhu Lin
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Gahn
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kuheli Banerjee
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gergana Dobreva
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahak Singhal
- Laboratory of AngioRhythms, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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9
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Marder M, Remmert C, Perschel JA, Otgonbayar M, von Toerne C, Hauck S, Bushe J, Feuchtinger A, Sheikh B, Moussus M, Meier M. Stem cell-derived vessels-on-chip for cardiovascular disease modeling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114008. [PMID: 38536819 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114008] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome is accompanied by vascular complications. Human in vitro disease models are hence required to better understand vascular dysfunctions and guide clinical therapies. Here, we engineered an open microfluidic vessel-on-chip platform that integrates human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (SC-ECs). The open microfluidic design enables seamless integration with state-of-the-art analytical technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics by mass spectrometry, and high-resolution imaging. Beyond previous systems, we report SC-EC maturation by means of barrier formation, arterial toning, and high nitric oxide synthesis levels under gravity-driven flow. Functionally, we corroborate the hallmarks of early-onset atherosclerosis with low sample volumes and cell numbers under flow conditions by determining proteome and secretome changes in SC-ECs stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein and free fatty acids. More broadly, our organ-on-chip platform enables the modeling of patient-specific human endothelial tissue and has the potential to become a general tool for animal-free vascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Marder
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Remmert
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius A Perschel
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Stefanie Hauck
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Bushe
- Core Facility Pathology & Tissue Analytics, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Core Facility Pathology & Tissue Analytics, Helmholtz Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bilal Sheikh
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Leipzig, Germany; Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michel Moussus
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Meier
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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10
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Stewen J, Kruse K, Godoi-Filip AT, Zenia, Jeong HW, Adams S, Berkenfeld F, Stehling M, Red-Horse K, Adams RH, Pitulescu ME. Eph-ephrin signaling couples endothelial cell sorting and arterial specification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2539. [PMID: 38570531 PMCID: PMC10991410 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46300-0] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell segregation allows the compartmentalization of cells with similar fates during morphogenesis, which can be enhanced by cell fate plasticity in response to local molecular and biomechanical cues. Endothelial tip cells in the growing retina, which lead vessel sprouts, give rise to arterial endothelial cells and thereby mediate arterial growth. Here, we have combined cell type-specific and inducible mouse genetics, flow experiments in vitro, single-cell RNA sequencing and biochemistry to show that the balance between ephrin-B2 and its receptor EphB4 is critical for arterial specification, cell sorting and arteriovenous patterning. At the molecular level, elevated ephrin-B2 function after loss of EphB4 enhances signaling responses by the Notch pathway, VEGF and the transcription factor Dach1, which is influenced by endothelial shear stress. Our findings reveal how Eph-ephrin interactions integrate cell segregation and arteriovenous specification in the vasculature, which has potential relevance for human vascular malformations caused by EPHB4 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Stewen
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Kai Kruse
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
- Bioinformatics Service Unit, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Anca T Godoi-Filip
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Zenia
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
- Sequencing Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Susanne Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Berkenfeld
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Stehling
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Mara E Pitulescu
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, D-48149, Münster, Germany.
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11
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Lin PK, Sun Z, Davis GE. Defining the Functional Influence of Endothelial Cell-Expressed Oncogenic Activating Mutations on Vascular Morphogenesis and Capillary Assembly. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:574-598. [PMID: 37838010 PMCID: PMC10988768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to define key molecules and signals controlling major steps in vascular morphogenesis, and how these signals regulate pericyte recruitment and pericyte-induced basement membrane deposition. The morphogenic impact of endothelial cell (EC) expression of activating mutants of Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (kRas), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (Mek1), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), Akt serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1), Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) expression versus controls was evaluated, along with EC signaling events, pharmacologic inhibitor assays, and siRNA suppression experiments. Primary stimulators of EC lumen formation included kRas, Akt1, and Mek1, whereas PIK3CA and Akt1 stimulated a specialized type of cystic lumen formation. In contrast, the key drivers of EC sprouting behavior were Jak2, Stat3, Mek1, PIK3CA, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor). These conclusions are further supported by pharmacologic inhibitor and siRNA suppression experiments. EC expression of active Akt1, kRas, and PIK3CA led to markedly dysregulated lumen formation coupled to strongly inhibited pericyte recruitment and basement membrane deposition. For example, activated Akt1 expression in ECs excessively stimulated lumen formation, decreased EC sprouting behavior, and showed minimal pericyte recruitment with reduced mRNA expression of platelet-derived growth factor-BB, platelet-derived growth factor-DD, and endothelin-1, critical EC-derived factors known to stimulate pericyte invasion. The study identified key signals controlling fundamental steps in capillary morphogenesis and maturation and provided mechanistic details on why EC activating mutations induced a capillary deficiency state with abnormal lumens, impaired pericyte recruitment, and basement deposition: predisposing stimuli for the development of vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca K Lin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zheying Sun
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - George E Davis
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.
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12
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Genet G, Genet N, Paila U, Cain SR, Cwiek A, Chavkin NW, Serbulea V, Figueras A, Cerdà P, McDonnell SP, Sankaranarayanan D, Huba M, Nelson EA, Riera-Mestre A, Hirschi KK. Induced Endothelial Cell Cycle Arrest Prevents Arteriovenous Malformations in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Circulation 2024; 149:944-962. [PMID: 38126211 PMCID: PMC10954087 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.062952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distinct endothelial cell cycle states (early G1 versus late G1) provide different "windows of opportunity" to enable the differential expression of genes that regulate venous versus arterial specification, respectively. Endothelial cell cycle control and arteriovenous identities are disrupted in vascular malformations including arteriovenous shunts, the hallmark of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). To date, the mechanistic link between endothelial cell cycle regulation and the development of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in HHT is not known. METHODS We used BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) 9/10 blocking antibodies and endothelial-specific deletion of activin A receptor like type 1 (Alk1) to induce HHT in Fucci (fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator) 2 mice to assess endothelial cell cycle states in AVMs. We also assessed the therapeutic potential of inducing endothelial cell cycle G1 state in HHT to prevent AVMs by repurposing the Food and Drug Administration-approved CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) palbociclib. RESULTS We found that endothelial cell cycle state and associated gene expressions are dysregulated during the pathogenesis of vascular malformations in HHT. We also showed that palbociclib treatment prevented AVM development induced by BMP9/10 inhibition and Alk1 genetic deletion. Mechanistically, endothelial cell late G1 state induced by palbociclib modulates the expression of genes regulating arteriovenous identity, endothelial cell migration, metabolism, and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) and BMP9 signaling that collectively contribute to the prevention of vascular malformations. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms leading to HHT by defining how endothelial cell cycle is dysregulated in AVMs because of BMP9/10 and Alk1 signaling deficiencies, and how restoration of endothelial cell cycle control may be used to treat AVMs in patients with HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gael Genet
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nafiisha Genet
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Umadevi Paila
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Shelby R Cain
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Aleksandra Cwiek
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nicholas W Chavkin
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (N.W.C., V.S., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Vlad Serbulea
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (N.W.C., V.S., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Agnès Figueras
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance, Institut Catala d'Oncologia, Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain (A.F.)
- Oncobell Program (A.F.), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Cerdà
- (P.C., A.R.-M.), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- HHT Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain (P.C., A.R.-M.)
| | - Stephanie P McDonnell
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Danya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Mahalia Huba
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Elizabeth A Nelson
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Antoni Riera-Mestre
- (P.C., A.R.-M.), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- HHT Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain (P.C., A.R.-M.)
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain (A.R.-M.)
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Cell Biology (G.G., N.G., U.P., S.R.C., A.C., S.P.M., D.S., M.H., E.A.N., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (N.W.C., V.S., K.K.H.), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (K.K.H.)
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13
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Fang JS, Hatch CJ, Andrejecsk J, Trigt WV, Juat DJ, Chen YH, Matsumoto S, Lee AP, Hughes CCW. A Microphysiological HHT-on-a-Chip Platform Recapitulates Patient Vascular Lesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584490. [PMID: 38559155 PMCID: PMC10979959 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare congenital disease in which fragile vascular malformations focally develop in multiple organs. These can be small (telangiectasias) or large (arteriovenous malformations, AVMs) and may rupture leading to frequent, uncontrolled bleeding. There are few treatment options and no cure for HHT. Most HHT patients are heterozygous for loss-of-function mutations for Endoglin (ENG) or Alk1 (ACVRL1), however, why loss of these genes manifests as vascular malformations remains poorly understood. To complement ongoing work in animal models, we have developed a microphysiological system model of HHT. Based on our existing vessel-on-a-chip (VMO) platform, our fully human cell-based HHT-VMO recapitulates HHT patient vascular lesions. Using inducible ACVRL1 (Alk1)-knockdown, we control timing and extent of endogenous Alk1 expression in primary human endothelial cells (EC) in the HHT-VMO. HHT-VMO vascular lesions develop over several days, and are dependent upon timing of Alk1 knockdown. Interestingly, in chimera experiments AVM-like lesions can be comprised of both Alk1-intact and Alk1-deficient EC, suggesting possible cell non-autonomous effects. Single cell RNA sequencing data are consistent with microvessel pruning/regression as contributing to AVM formation, while loss of PDGFB expression implicates mural cell recruitment. Finally, lesion formation is blocked by the VEGFR inhibitor pazopanib, mirroring the positive effects of this drug in patients. In summary, we have developed a novel HHT-on-a-chip model that faithfully reproduces HHT patient lesions and that is sensitive to a treatment effective in patients. The VMO-HHT can be used to better understand HHT disease biology and identify potential new HHT drugs. Significance This manuscript describes development of an organ-on-a-chip model of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic disease involving development of vascular malformations. Our VMO-HHT model produces vascular malformations similar to those seen in human HHT patients, including small (telangiectasias) and large (arteriovenous malformations) lesions. We show that VMO-HHT lesions are sensitive to a drug, pazopanib, that appears to be effective in HHT human patients. We further use the VMO-HHT platform to demonstrate that there is a critical window during vessel formation in which the HHT gene, Alk1, is required to prevent vascular malformation. Lastly, we show that lesions in the VMO-HHT model are comprised of both Alk1-deficient and Alk1-intact endothelial cells.
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14
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Loh KM, Ang LT. Building human artery and vein endothelial cells from pluripotent stem cells, and enduring mysteries surrounding arteriovenous development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:62-75. [PMID: 37393122 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their manifold roles in health and disease, there have been intense efforts to synthetically generate blood vessels in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). However, there are multiple types of blood vessel, including arteries and veins, which are molecularly and functionally different. How can we specifically generate either arterial or venous endothelial cells (ECs) from hPSCs in vitro? Here, we summarize how arterial or venous ECs arise during embryonic development. VEGF and NOTCH arbitrate the bifurcation of arterial vs. venous ECs in vivo. While manipulating these two signaling pathways biases hPSC differentiation towards arterial and venous identities, efficiently generating these two subtypes of ECs has remained challenging until recently. Numerous questions remain to be fully addressed. What is the complete identity, timing and combination of extracellular signals that specify arterial vs. venous identities? How do these extracellular signals intersect with fluid flow to modulate arteriovenous fate? What is a unified definition for endothelial progenitors or angioblasts, and when do arterial vs. venous potentials segregate? How can we regulate hPSC-derived arterial and venous ECs in vitro, and generate organ-specific ECs? In turn, answers to these questions could avail the production of arterial and venous ECs from hPSCs, accelerating vascular research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Loh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Lay Teng Ang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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15
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McCracken IR, Smart N. Control of coronary vascular cell fate in development and regeneration. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:50-61. [PMID: 37714806 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The coronary vasculature consists of a complex hierarchal network of arteries, veins, and capillaries which collectively function to perfuse the myocardium. However, the pathways controlling the temporally and spatially restricted mechanisms underlying the formation of this vascular network remain poorly understood. In recent years, the increasing use and refinement of transgenic mouse models has played an instrumental role in offering new insights into the cellular origins of the coronary vasculature, as well as identifying a continuum of transitioning cell states preceding the full maturation of the coronary vasculature. Coupled with the emergence of single cell RNA sequencing platforms, these technologies have begun to uncover the key regulatory factors mediating the convergence of distinct cellular origins to ensure the formation of a collectively functional, yet phenotypically diverse, vascular network. Furthermore, improved understanding of the key regulatory factors governing coronary vessel formation in the embryo may provide crucial clues into future therapeutic strategies to reactivate these developmentally functional mechanisms to drive the revascularisation of the ischaemic adult heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R McCracken
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Smart
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom.
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16
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Shin YJ, Lee JH. Exploring the Molecular and Developmental Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Differentiation. Int J Stem Cells 2024; 17:15-29. [PMID: 37879853 PMCID: PMC10899884 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental processes with significant implications for both health and disease. ECs, which are found in all organs and blood vessels, play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient and waste exchange and maintaining proper vessel function. Understanding the intricate signaling pathways involved in EC development holds great promise for enhancing vascularization, tissue engineering, and vascular regeneration. Hematopoietic stem cells originating from hemogenic ECs, give rise to diverse immune cell populations, and the interaction between ECs and immune cells is vital for maintaining vascular integrity and regulating immune responses. Dysregulation of vascular development pathways can lead to various diseases, including cancer, where tumor-specific ECs promote tumor growth through angiogenesis. Recent advancements in single-cell genomics and in vivo genetic labeling have shed light on EC development, plasticity, and heterogeneity, uncovering tissue-specific gene expression and crucial signaling pathways. This review explores the potential of ECs in various applications, presenting novel opportunities for advancing vascular medicine and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jung Shin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jung Hyun Lee
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Nakamura F. The Role of Mechanotransduction in Contact Inhibition of Locomotion and Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2135. [PMID: 38396812 PMCID: PMC10889191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Contact inhibition (CI) represents a crucial tumor-suppressive mechanism responsible for controlling the unbridled growth of cells, thus preventing the formation of cancerous tissues. CI can be further categorized into two distinct yet interrelated components: CI of locomotion (CIL) and CI of proliferation (CIP). These two components of CI have historically been viewed as separate processes, but emerging research suggests that they may be regulated by both distinct and shared pathways. Specifically, recent studies have indicated that both CIP and CIL utilize mechanotransduction pathways, a process that involves cells sensing and responding to mechanical forces. This review article describes the role of mechanotransduction in CI, shedding light on how mechanical forces regulate CIL and CIP. Emphasis is placed on filamin A (FLNA)-mediated mechanotransduction, elucidating how FLNA senses mechanical forces and translates them into crucial biochemical signals that regulate cell locomotion and proliferation. In addition to FLNA, trans-acting factors (TAFs), which are proteins or regulatory RNAs capable of directly or indirectly binding to specific DNA sequences in distant genes to regulate gene expression, emerge as sensitive players in both the mechanotransduction and signaling pathways of CI. This article presents methods for identifying these TAF proteins and profiling the associated changes in chromatin structure, offering valuable insights into CI and other biological functions mediated by mechanotransduction. Finally, it addresses unanswered research questions in these fields and delineates their possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Nakamura
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
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18
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Chen D, Rukhlenko OS, Coon BG, Joshi D, Chakraborty R, Martin KA, Kholodenko BN, Schwartz MA, Simons M. VEGF counteracts shear stress-determined arterial fate specification during capillary remodeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.23.576920. [PMID: 38328237 PMCID: PMC10849567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.576920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A key feature of arteriogenesis is capillary-to-arterial endothelial cell fate transition. Although a number of studies in the past two decades suggested this process is driven by VEGF activation of Notch signaling, how arteriogenesis is regulated remains poorly understood. Here we report that arterial specification is mediated by fluid shear stress (FSS) independent of VEGFR2 signaling and that a decline in VEGFR2 signaling is required for arteriogenesis to fully take place. VEGF does not induce arterial fate in capillary ECs and, instead, counteracts FSS-driven capillary-to-arterial cell fate transition. Mechanistically, FSS-driven arterial program involves both Notch-dependent and Notch-independent events. Sox17 is the key mediator of the FSS-induced arterial specification and a target of VEGF-FSS competition. These findings suggest a new paradigm of VEGF-FSS crosstalk coordinating angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and capillary maintenance.
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19
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Lee J, Honjo M, Aihara M. A MEK inhibitor arrests the cell cycle of human conjunctival fibroblasts and improves the outcome of glaucoma filtration surgery. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1871. [PMID: 38253821 PMCID: PMC10803501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52359-y] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Better agents are needed to improve glaucoma filtration surgery outcomes compared to current ones. The purpose of this study is to determine whether mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors can effectively arrest the cell cycle of human conjunctival fibroblasts (HCFs) and inhibit the formation of fibrosis and scarring following glaucoma filtration surgery. A cell counting kit‑8 assay revealed that the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 exhibited concentration-dependent growth inhibition of HCFs. Quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting demonstrated decreased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 and increased expression of p27 in HCFs treated with PD0325901. Flow cytometry indicated that PD0325901 arrested the cell cycle of HCFs in the G0/1 phase. The cell-migration assay showed that HCF migration rate was significantly suppressed by PD0325901 exposure. Rabbits were divided into PD0325901-treatment and control groups, and glaucoma filtration surgery was performed. Although intraocular pressure did not differ between PD0325901-treatment and control groups, bleb height was greater in the treatment group. Histopathological evaluation revealed that fibrotic changes were significantly attenuated in the PD0325901-treatment group compared to the control group. In conclusion, the MEK inhibitor impedes HCF proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and may be beneficial for glaucoma filtration surgery by reducing bleb scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhee Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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20
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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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21
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Tanke NT, Liu Z, Gore MT, Bougaran P, Linares MB, Marvin A, Sharma A, Oatley M, Yu T, Quigley K, Vest S, Cook JG, Bautch VL. Endothelial cell flow-mediated quiescence is temporally regulated and utilizes the cell cycle inhibitor p27. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.09.544403. [PMID: 37662222 PMCID: PMC10473767 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Endothelial cells regulate their cell cycle as blood vessels remodel and transition to quiescence downstream of blood flow-induced mechanotransduction. Laminar blood flow leads to quiescence, but how flow-mediated quiescence is established and maintained is poorly understood. Methods Primary human endothelial cells were exposed to laminar flow regimens and gene expression manipulations, and quiescence depth was analyzed via time to cell cycle re-entry after flow cessation. Mouse and zebrafish endothelial expression patterns were examined via scRNA seq analysis, and mutant or morphant fish lacking p27 were analyzed for endothelial cell cycle regulation and in vivo cellular behaviors. Results Arterial flow-exposed endothelial cells had a distinct transcriptome, and they first entered a deep quiescence, then transitioned to shallow quiescence under homeostatic maintenance conditions. In contrast, venous-flow exposed endothelial cells entered deep quiescence early that did not change with homeostasis. The cell cycle inhibitor p27 (CDKN1B) was required to establish endothelial flow-mediated quiescence, and expression levels positively correlated with quiescence depth. p27 loss in vivo led to endothelial cell cycle upregulation and ectopic sprouting, consistent with loss of quiescence. HES1 and ID3, transcriptional repressors of p27 upregulated by arterial flow, were required for quiescence depth changes and the reduced p27 levels associated with shallow quiescence. Conclusions Endothelial cell flow-mediated quiescence has unique properties and temporal regulation of quiescence depth that depends on the flow stimulus. These findings are consistent with a model whereby flow-mediated endothelial cell quiescence depth is temporally regulated downstream of p27 transcriptional regulation by HES1 and ID3. The findings are important in understanding endothelial cell quiescence mis-regulation that leads to vascular dysfunction and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie T Tanke
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Michaelanthony T Gore
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Pauline Bougaran
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Mary B Linares
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Allison Marvin
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Arya Sharma
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Quigley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Sarah Vest
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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22
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Ma F, Tsou PS, Gharaee-Kermani M, Plazyo O, Xing X, Kirma J, Wasikowski R, Hile GA, Harms PW, Jiang Y, Xing E, Nakamura M, Ochocki D, Brodie WD, Pillai S, Maverakis E, Pellegrini M, Modlin RL, Varga J, Tsoi LC, Lafyatis R, Kahlenberg JM, Billi AC, Khanna D, Gudjonsson JE. Systems-based identification of the Hippo pathway for promoting fibrotic mesenchymal differentiation in systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:210. [PMID: 38172207 PMCID: PMC10764940 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by excessive production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis of skin and other internal organs. However, the main cellular participants in SSc skin fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Here using differentiation trajectories at a single cell level, we demonstrate a dual source of extracellular matrix deposition in SSc skin from both myofibroblasts and endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transitioning cells (EndoMT). We further define a central role of Hippo pathway effectors in differentiation and homeostasis of myofibroblast and EndoMT, respectively, and show that myofibroblasts and EndoMTs function as central communication hubs that drive key pro-fibrotic signaling pathways in SSc. Together, our data help characterize myofibroblast differentiation and EndoMT phenotypes in SSc skin, and hint that modulation of the Hippo pathway may contribute in reversing the pro-fibrotic phenotypes in myofibroblasts and EndoMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Ma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mehrnaz Gharaee-Kermani
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olesya Plazyo
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianying Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joseph Kirma
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachael Wasikowski
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace A Hile
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanyun Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Enze Xing
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mio Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle Ochocki
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Brodie
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shiv Pillai
- Ragon Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert L Modlin
- Dept of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Michelle Kahlenberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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23
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Huo R, Yang Y, Xu H, Zhao S, Song D, Weng J, Ma R, Sun Y, Wang J, Jiao Y, Zhang J, He Q, Wu R, Wang S, Zhao JZ, Zhang J, Wang J, Cao Y. Somatic GJA4 mutation in intracranial extra-axial cavernous hemangiomas. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2023; 8:453-462. [PMID: 37072338 PMCID: PMC10800255 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2022-002227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extra-axial cavernous hemangiomas (ECHs) are sporadic and rare intracranial occupational lesions that usually occur within the cavernous sinus. The aetiology of ECHs remains unknown. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed on ECH lesions from 12 patients (discovery cohort) and droplet digital polymerase-chain-reaction (ddPCR) was used to confirm the identified mutation in 46 additional cases (validation cohort). Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was carried out to capture and characterise subgroups of tissue cells. Mechanistic and functional investigations were carried out in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and a newly established mouse model. RESULTS We detected somatic GJA4 mutation (c.121G>T, p.G41C) in 5/12 patients with ECH in the discovery cohort and confirmed the finding in the validation cohort (16/46). LCM followed by ddPCR revealed that the mutation was enriched in lesional endothelium. In vitro experiments in endothelial cells demonstrated that the GJA4 mutation activated SGK-1 signalling that in turn upregulated key genes involved in cell hyperproliferation and the loss of arterial specification. Compared with wild-type littermates, mice overexpressing the GJA4 mutation developed ECH-like pathological morphological characteristics (dilated venous lumen and elevated vascular density) in the retinal superficial vascular plexus at the postnatal 3 weeks, which were reversed by an SGK1 inhibitor, EMD638683. CONCLUSIONS We identified a somatic GJA4 mutation that presents in over one-third of ECH lesions and proposed that ECHs are vascular malformations due to GJA4-induced activation of the SGK1 signalling pathway in brain endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxi Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongyuan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shaozhi Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Song
- Division of Life Science, Center for Systems Biology and Human Health and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiancong Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruochen Ma
- Division of Life Science, Center for Systems Biology and Human Health and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingfan Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Junze Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qiheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ruolei Wu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Zong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Junting Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jiguang Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Division of Life Science, Center for Systems Biology and Human Health and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, InnoHK, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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24
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Cuervo H, Mühleder S, García-Gónzalez I, Benedito R. Notch-mediated cellular interactions between vascular cells. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102254. [PMID: 37832167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Vessel formation and differentiation to a proper hierarchical vasculature requires a coordinated effort from endothelial and mural cells. Over the last decade Notch was identified as a key player in this process by promoting vascular arterialization and modulating endothelial tip-stalk phenotypes. Recent work has identified that Notch fine-tunes the diverse endothelial phenotypes through regulation of canonical cell-cycle and metabolism regulators, such as ERK and Myc. During arterialization, Notch signaling inhibits the cell-cycle and metabolism of endothelial cells which coincides with the acquisition of arterial identity. During angiogenesis, the same molecular machinery prevents the hypermitogenic arrest and excessive sprouting of vessels. Notch also signals in pericytes and smooth muscle cells promoting vascular coverage and maturation. Here, we will review the latest findings on how Notch signals regulate the differentiation and interactions among vascular cells during organ development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henar Cuervo
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Severin Mühleder
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Irene García-Gónzalez
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P), Madrid 28029, Spain.
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25
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Badaoui M, Chanson M. Intercellular Communication in Airway Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Roles of Connexins and Pannexins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16160. [PMID: 38003349 PMCID: PMC10671439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216160] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins that can form direct (gap junctions) or indirect (connexons, pannexons) intercellular communication channels. By propagating ions, metabolites, sugars, nucleotides, miRNAs, and/or second messengers, they participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defense. There is solid evidence supporting a role for intercellular signaling in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases where alteration of connexin/pannexin channel functional expression occurs, thus leading to abnormal intercellular communication pathways and contributing to pathophysiological aspects, such as innate immune defense and remodeling. The integrity of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense against invading microbes, is established and maintained by a repair mechanism that involves processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge on the contribution of connexins and pannexins to necessary processes of tissue repair and speculate on their possible involvement in the shaping of the airway epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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26
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Chiang IKN, Humphrey D, Mills RJ, Kaltzis P, Pachauri S, Graus M, Saha D, Wu Z, Young P, Sim CB, Davidson T, Hernandez‐Garcia A, Shaw CA, Renwick A, Scott DA, Porrello ER, Wong ES, Hudson JE, Red‐Horse K, del Monte‐Nieto G, Francois M. Sox7-positive endothelial progenitors establish coronary arteries and govern ventricular compaction. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55043. [PMID: 37551717 PMCID: PMC10561369 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255043] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac endothelium influences ventricular chamber development by coordinating trabeculation and compaction. However, the endothelial-specific molecular mechanisms mediating this coordination are not fully understood. Here, we identify the Sox7 transcription factor as a critical cue instructing cardiac endothelium identity during ventricular chamber development. Endothelial-specific loss of Sox7 function in mice results in cardiac ventricular defects similar to non-compaction cardiomyopathy, with a change in the proportions of trabecular and compact cardiomyocytes in the mutant hearts. This phenotype is paralleled by abnormal coronary artery formation. Loss of Sox7 function disrupts the transcriptional regulation of the Notch pathway and connexins 37 and 40, which govern coronary arterial specification. Upon Sox7 endothelial-specific deletion, single-nuclei transcriptomics analysis identifies the depletion of a subset of Sox9/Gpc3-positive endocardial progenitor cells and an increase in erythro-myeloid cell lineages. Fate mapping analysis reveals that a subset of Sox7-null endothelial cells transdifferentiate into hematopoietic but not cardiomyocyte lineages. Our findings determine that Sox7 maintains cardiac endothelial cell identity, which is crucial to the cellular cross-talk that drives ventricular compaction and coronary artery development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy KN Chiang
- Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - David Humphrey
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
| | - Richard J Mills
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Peter Kaltzis
- The Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Shikha Pachauri
- Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Matthew Graus
- Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Diptarka Saha
- The Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Zhijian Wu
- The Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Paul Young
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
| | - Choon Boon Sim
- The Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Tara Davidson
- Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | - Chad A Shaw
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Alexander Renwick
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Daryl A Scott
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Enzo R Porrello
- The Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia
- Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative MedicineThe Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Emily S Wong
- The Victor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteDarlinghurstNSWAustralia
| | - James E Hudson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | | | - Mathias Francois
- Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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27
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McCracken IR, Baker AH, Smart N, De Val S. Transcriptional regulators of arterial and venous identity in the developing mammalian embryo. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 35:None. [PMID: 38328689 PMCID: PMC10844100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The complex and hierarchical vascular network of arteries, veins, and capillaries features considerable endothelial heterogeneity, yet the regulatory pathways directing arteriovenous specification, differentiation, and identity are still not fully understood. Recent advances in analysis of endothelial-specific gene-regulatory elements, single-cell RNA sequencing, and cell lineage tracing have both emphasized the importance of transcriptional regulation in this process and shed considerable light on the mechanism and regulation of specification within the endothelium. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how endothelial cells acquire arterial and venous identity and the role different transcription factors play in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R McCracken
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Smart
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah De Val
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, United Kingdom
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28
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Dinakaran S, Zhao H, Tang Y, Wang Z, Ruiz S, Nomura-Kitabayashi A, Blanc L, Faughnan ME, Marambaud P. CDK6-mediated endothelial cell cycle acceleration drives arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.15.554413. [PMID: 37745444 PMCID: PMC10515892 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.554413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Increased endothelial cell (EC) proliferation is a hallmark of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The underlying mechanism and disease relevance of this abnormal cell proliferative state of the ECs remain unknown. Here, we report the identification of a CDK6-driven mechanism of cell cycle progression deregulation directly involved in EC proliferation and HHT vascular pathology. Specifically, HHT mouse liver ECs exhibited defects in their cell cycle control characterized by a G1/S checkpoint bypass and acceleration of cell cycle speed. Phosphorylated retinoblastoma (p-RB1)-a marker of G1/S transition through the restriction point-significantly accumulated in ECs of HHT mouse retinal AVMs and HHT patient skin telangiectasias. Mechanistically, ALK1 loss of function increased the expression of key restriction point mediators, and treatment with palbociclib or ribociclib, two CDK4/6 inhibitors, blocked p-RB1 increase and retinal AVMs in HHT mice. Palbociclib also improved vascular pathology in the brain and slowed down endothelial cell cycle speed and EC proliferation. Specific deletion of Cdk6 in ECs was sufficient to protect HHT mice from AVM pathology. Thus, CDK6-mediated endothelial cell cycle acceleration controls EC proliferation in AVMs and is a central determinant of HHT pathogenesis. We propose that clinically approved CDK4/6 inhibitors have repurposing potential in HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajeth Dinakaran
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Haitian Zhao
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Yuefeng Tang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Aya Nomura-Kitabayashi
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Lionel Blanc
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
- Division of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
| | - Marie E. Faughnan
- Toronto HHT Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philippe Marambaud
- Litwin-Zucker Alzheimer’s Research Center, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
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Banerjee K, Lin Y, Gahn J, Cordero J, Gupta P, Mohamed I, Graupera M, Dobreva G, Schwartz MA, Ola R. SMAD4 maintains the fluid shear stress set point to protect against arterial-venous malformations. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168352. [PMID: 37490341 PMCID: PMC10503796 DOI: 10.1172/jci168352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular networks form, remodel, and mature under the influence of both fluid shear stress (FSS) and soluble factors. Physiological FSS promotes and maintains vascular stability via synergy with bone morphogenic proteins 9 and 10 (BMP9 and BMP10). Conversely, mutation of the BMP receptors activin-like kinase 1 (ALK1), endoglin (ENG), or the downstream effector, SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) leads to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), characterized by fragile and leaky arterial-venous malformations (AVMs). How endothelial cells (ECs) integrate FSS and BMP signals in vascular development and homeostasis and how mutations give rise to vascular malformations is not well understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of synergy between FSS and SMAD signaling in vascular stability and how disruption of this synergy leads to AVMs. We found that loss of Smad4 increased the sensitivity of ECs to flow by lowering the FSS set point, with resulting AVMs exhibiting features of excessive flow-mediated morphological responses. Mechanistically, loss of SMAD4 disinhibits flow-mediated KLF4-TIE2-PI3K/Akt signaling, leading to cell cycle progression-mediated loss of arterial identity due to KLF4-mediated repression of cyclin dependent Kinase (CDK) inhibitors CDKN2A and CDKN2B. Thus, AVMs caused by Smad4 deletion are characterized by chronic high flow remodeling with excessive EC proliferation and loss of arterial identity as triggering events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanzhu Lin
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM) and
| | | | - Julio Cordero
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Mariona Graupera
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Gergana Dobreva
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin A. Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM) and
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30
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Sahai-Hernandez P, Pouget C, Eyal S, Svoboda O, Chacon J, Grimm L, Gjøen T, Traver D. Dermomyotome-derived endothelial cells migrate to the dorsal aorta to support hematopoietic stem cell emergence. eLife 2023; 12:e58300. [PMID: 37695317 PMCID: PMC10495111 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58300] [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: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the dorsal aorta is a key step in the establishment of the adult blood-forming system, since hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) arise from ventral aortic endothelium in all vertebrate animals studied. Work in zebrafish has demonstrated that arterial and venous endothelial precursors arise from distinct subsets of lateral plate mesoderm. Here, we profile the transcriptome of the earliest detectable endothelial cells (ECs) during zebrafish embryogenesis to demonstrate that tissue-specific EC programs initiate much earlier than previously appreciated, by the end of gastrulation. Classic studies in the chick embryo showed that paraxial mesoderm generates a subset of somite-derived endothelial cells (SDECs) that incorporate into the dorsal aorta to replace HSPCs as they exit the aorta and enter circulation. We describe a conserved program in the zebrafish, where a rare population of endothelial precursors delaminates from the dermomyotome to incorporate exclusively into the developing dorsal aorta. Although SDECs lack hematopoietic potential, they act as a local niche to support the emergence of HSPCs from neighboring hemogenic endothelium. Thus, at least three subsets of ECs contribute to the developing dorsal aorta: vascular ECs, hemogenic ECs, and SDECs. Taken together, our findings indicate that the distinct spatial origins of endothelial precursors dictate different cellular potentials within the developing dorsal aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sahai-Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Claire Pouget
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Shai Eyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Ondrej Svoboda
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
- Department of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic v.v.i, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jose Chacon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Lin Grimm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Tor Gjøen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David Traver
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
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31
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Huang L, Sun H, Liu Y, Xu L, Hu M, Yang Y, Wang N, Wu Y, Guo W. GNAQ R183Q somatic mutation contributes to aberrant arteriovenous specification in Sturge-Weber syndrome through Notch signaling. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23148. [PMID: 37606556 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300608r] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Episcleral vasculature malformation is a significant feature of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma, the density and diameter of which are correlated with increased intraocular pressure. We previously reported that the GNAQ R183Q somatic mutation was located in the SWS episclera. However, the mechanism by which GNAQ R183Q leads to episcleral vascular malformation remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the correlation between GNAQ R183Q and episcleral vascular malformation via surgical specimens, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the HUVEC cell line EA.hy926. Our findings demonstrated a positive correlation between episcleral vessel diameter and the frequency of the GNAQ R183Q variant. Furthermore, the upregulation of genes from the Notch signaling pathway and abnormal coexpression of the arterial marker EphrinB2 and venous marker EphB4 were demonstrated in the scleral vasculature of SWS. Analysis of HUVECs overexpressing GNAQ R183Q in vitro confirmed the upregulation of Notch signaling and arterial markers. In addition, knocking down of Notch1 diminished the upregulation of arterial markers induced by GNAQ R183Q. Our findings strongly suggest that GNAQ R183Q leads to malformed episcleral vasculatures through Notch-induced aberrant arteriovenous specification. These insights into the molecular basis of episcleral vascular malformation will provide new pathways for the development of effective treatments for SWS secondary glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghan Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Besin V, Yulianti T, Notopuro PB, Humardani FM. Genetic Polymorphisms of Ischemic Stroke in Asians. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 549:117527. [PMID: 37666385 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of ischemic stroke emphasizes the necessity for early detection and preventive strategies. Diagnostic biomarkers currently available for ischemic stroke only become detectable shortly before the manifestation of stroke symptoms. Genetic variants associated with ischemic stroke offer a potential solution to address this diagnostic limitation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that genetic variants cannot be modified in the same way as epigenetic changes. Nevertheless, individuals carrying risk or protective variants can modify their lifestyle to potentially influence the associated epigenetic factors. This study aims to summarize specific variants relevant to Asian populations that may aid in the early detection of ischemic stroke and explore their impact on the disease's pathophysiology. These variants give us important information about the genes that play a role in ischemic stroke by affecting things like atherosclerosis pathway, blood coagulation pathway, homocysteine metabolism, transporter function, transcription, and the activity of neurons regulation. It is important to recognize the variations in genetic variants among different ethnicities and avoid generalizing the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentinus Besin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia
| | - Trilis Yulianti
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia
| | - Paulus Budiono Notopuro
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60132, Indonesia
| | - Farizky Martriano Humardani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia; Magister in Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65112, Indonesia.
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Arolkar G, Kumar SK, Wang H, Gonzalez KM, Kumar S, Bishnoi B, Rios Coronado PE, Woo YJ, Red-Horse K, Das S. Dedifferentiation and Proliferation of Artery Endothelial Cells Drive Coronary Collateral Development in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:1455-1477. [PMID: 37345524 PMCID: PMC10364966 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collateral arteries act as natural bypasses which reroute blood flow to ischemic regions and facilitate tissue regeneration. In an injured heart, neonatal artery endothelial cells orchestrate a systematic series of cellular events, which includes their outward migration, proliferation, and coalescence into fully functional collateral arteries. This process, called artery reassembly, aids complete cardiac regeneration in neonatal hearts but is absent in adults. The reason for this age-dependent disparity in artery cell response is completely unknown. In this study, we investigated if regenerative potential of coronary arteries is dictated by their ability to dedifferentiate. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing of coronary endothelial cells was performed to identify differences in molecular profiles of neonatal and adult endothelial cells in mice. Findings from this in silico analyses were confirmed with in vivo experiments using genetic lineage tracing, whole organ immunostaining, confocal imaging, and cardiac functional assays in mice. RESULTS Upon coronary occlusion, neonates showed a significant increase in actively cycling artery cells and expressed prominent dedifferentiation markers. Data from in silico pathway analyses and in vivo experiments suggested that upon myocardial infarction, cell cycle reentry of preexisting neonatal artery cells, the subsequent collateral artery formation, and recovery of cardiac function are dependent on arterial VegfR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2). This subpopulation of dedifferentiated and proliferating artery cells was absent in nonregenerative postnatal day 7 or adult hearts. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that adult artery endothelial cells fail to drive collateral artery development due to their limited ability to dedifferentiate and proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Arolkar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India (G.A., S.K.K., S.K., B.B., S.D.)
| | - Sneha K. Kumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India (G.A., S.K.K., S.K., B.B., S.D.)
| | - Hanjay Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (H.W., Y.J.W.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Karen M. Gonzalez
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (K.M.G., K.R.-H.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Department of Biology (K.M.G., K.R.-H.), Stanford University, CA
| | - Suraj Kumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India (G.A., S.K.K., S.K., B.B., S.D.)
| | - Bhavnesh Bishnoi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India (G.A., S.K.K., S.K., B.B., S.D.)
| | | | - Y. Joseph Woo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (H.W., Y.J.W.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (K.M.G., K.R.-H.), Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
- Department of Biology (K.M.G., K.R.-H.), Stanford University, CA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD (K.R.-H.)
| | - Soumyashree Das
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India (G.A., S.K.K., S.K., B.B., S.D.)
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34
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Acharya BR, Fang JS, Jeffery ED, Chavkin NW, Genet G, Vasavada H, Nelson EA, Sheynkman GM, Humphries MJ, Hirschi KK. Connexin 37 sequestering of activated-ERK in the cytoplasm promotes p27-mediated endothelial cell cycle arrest. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201685. [PMID: 37197981 PMCID: PMC10192821 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin37-mediated regulation of cell cycle modulators and, consequently, growth arrest lack mechanistic understanding. We previously showed that arterial shear stress up-regulates Cx37 in endothelial cells and activates a Notch/Cx37/p27 signaling axis to promote G1 cell cycle arrest, and this is required to enable arterial gene expression. However, how induced expression of a gap junction protein, Cx37, up-regulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 to enable endothelial growth suppression and arterial specification is unclear. Herein, we fill this knowledge gap by expressing wild-type and regulatory domain mutants of Cx37 in cultured endothelial cells expressing the Fucci cell cycle reporter. We determined that both the channel-forming and cytoplasmic tail domains of Cx37 are required for p27 up-regulation and late G1 arrest. Mechanistically, the cytoplasmic tail domain of Cx37 interacts with, and sequesters, activated ERK in the cytoplasm. This then stabilizes pERK nuclear target Foxo3a, which up-regulates p27 transcription. Consistent with previous studies, we found this Cx37/pERK/Foxo3a/p27 signaling axis functions downstream of arterial shear stress to promote endothelial late G1 state and enable up-regulation of arterial genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipul R Acharya
- Department of Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer S Fang
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Erin D Jeffery
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nicholas W Chavkin
- Department of Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Gael Genet
- Department of Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hema Vasavada
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Nelson
- Department of Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Gloria M Sheynkman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Martin J Humphries
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Wang X, Shen Y, Shang M, Liu X, Munn LL. Endothelial mechanobiology in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1656-1675. [PMID: 37163659 PMCID: PMC10325702 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious health challenge, causing more deaths worldwide than cancer. The vascular endothelium, which forms the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a central role in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis and is in direct contact with the blood flow. Research over the past century has shown that mechanical perturbations of the vascular wall contribute to the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. While the straight part of the artery is exposed to sustained laminar flow and physiological high shear stress, flow near branch points or in curved vessels can exhibit 'disturbed' flow. Clinical studies as well as carefully controlled in vitro analyses have confirmed that these regions of disturbed flow, which can include low shear stress, recirculation, oscillation, or lateral flow, are preferential sites of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Because of their critical role in blood flow homeostasis, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) have mechanosensory mechanisms that allow them to react rapidly to changes in mechanical forces, and to execute context-specific adaptive responses to modulate EC functions. This review summarizes the current understanding of endothelial mechanobiology, which can guide the identification of new therapeutic targets to slow or reverse the progression of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Min Shang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lance L Munn
- Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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36
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Balistrieri A, Makino A, Yuan JXJ. Pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension: role of membrane receptors, ion channels, and Ca 2+ signaling. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1827-1897. [PMID: 36422993 PMCID: PMC10110735 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2021] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary circulation is a low-resistance, low-pressure, and high-compliance system that allows the lungs to receive the entire cardiac output. Pulmonary arterial pressure is a function of cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the intraluminal radius of the pulmonary artery. Therefore, a very small decrease of the pulmonary vascular lumen diameter results in a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a fatal and progressive disease with poor prognosis. Regardless of the initial pathogenic triggers, sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction, concentric vascular remodeling, occlusive intimal lesions, in situ thrombosis, and vascular wall stiffening are the major and direct causes for elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and other forms of precapillary pulmonary hypertension. In this review, we aim to discuss the basic principles and physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of lung vascular hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular function, the changes in the pulmonary vasculature that contribute to the increased vascular resistance and arterial pressure, and the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension. We focus on reviewing the pathogenic roles of membrane receptors, ion channels, and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Balistrieri
- Section of Physiology, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Section of Physiology, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Trinh LT, Osipovich AB, Liu B, Shrestha S, Cartailler JP, Wright CVE, Magnuson MA. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Sox17-Expressing Lineages Reveals Distinct Gene Regulatory Networks and Dynamic Developmental Trajectories. Stem Cells 2023; 41:643-657. [PMID: 37085274 PMCID: PMC10465087 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad030] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
During early embryogenesis, the transcription factor SOX17 contributes to hepato-pancreato-biliary system formation and vascular-hematopoietic emergence. To better understand Sox17 function in the developing endoderm and endothelium, we developed a dual-color temporal lineage-tracing strategy in mice combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze 6934 cells from Sox17-expressing lineages at embryonic days 9.0-9.5. Our analyses showed 19 distinct cellular clusters combined from all 3 germ layers. Differential gene expression, trajectory and RNA-velocity analyses of endothelial cells revealed a heterogenous population of uncommitted and specialized endothelial subtypes, including 2 hemogenic populations that arise from different origins. Similarly, analyses of posterior foregut endoderm revealed subsets of hepatic, pancreatic, and biliary progenitors with overlapping developmental potency. Calculated gene-regulatory networks predict gene regulons that are dominated by cell type-specific transcription factors unique to each lineage. Vastly different Sox17 regulons found in endoderm versus endothelial cells support the differential interactions of SOX17 with other regulatory factors thereby enabling lineage-specific regulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh T Trinh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anna B Osipovich
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryan Liu
- College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shristi Shrestha
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Christopher V E Wright
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark A Magnuson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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38
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Li X, Souilhol C, Canham L, Jia X, Diagbouga M, Ayllon BT, Serbanovic-Canic J, Evans PC. DLL4 promotes partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition at atherosclerosis-prone regions of arteries. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 150:107178. [PMID: 37137436 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Flowing blood regulates vascular development, homeostasis and disease by generating wall shear stress which has major effects on endothelial cell (EC) physiology. Low oscillatory shear stress (LOSS) induces a form of cell plasticity called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). This process has divergent effects; in embryos LOSS-induced EndMT drives the development of atrioventricular valves, whereas in adult arteries it is associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The Notch ligand DLL4 is essential for LOSS-dependent valve development; here we investigated whether DLL4 is required for responses to LOSS in adult arteries. Analysis of cultured human coronary artery EC revealed that DLL4 regulates the transcriptome to induce markers of EndMT and inflammation under LOSS conditions. Consistently, genetic deletion of Dll4 from murine EC reduced SNAIL (EndMT marker) and VCAM-1 (inflammation marker) at a LOSS region of the murine aorta. We hypothesized that endothelial Dll4 is pro-atherogenic but this analysis was confounded because endothelial Dll4 negatively regulated plasma cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic mice. We conclude that endothelial DLL4 is required for LOSS-induction of EndMT and inflammation regulators at atheroprone regions of arteries, and is also a regulator of plasma cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, LuZhou, Sichuan 646000, PR China; Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Celine Souilhol
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK.
| | - Lindsay Canham
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Xueqi Jia
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Mannekomba Diagbouga
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Blanca Tardajos Ayllon
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Jovana Serbanovic-Canic
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul C Evans
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, UK; Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Barts and The London, Queen Mary University of London Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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39
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Parab S, Setten E, Astanina E, Bussolino F, Doronzo G. The tissue-specific transcriptional landscape underlines the involvement of endothelial cells in health and disease. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 246:108418. [PMID: 37088448 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) that line vascular and lymphatic vessels are being increasingly recognized as important to organ function in health and disease. ECs participate not only in the trafficking of gases, metabolites, and cells between the bloodstream and tissues but also in the angiocrine-based induction of heterogeneous parenchymal cells, which are unique to their specific tissue functions. The molecular mechanisms regulating EC heterogeneity between and within different tissues are modeled during embryogenesis and become fully established in adults. Any changes in adult tissue homeostasis induced by aging, stress conditions, and various noxae may reshape EC heterogeneity and induce specific transcriptional features that condition a functional phenotype. Heterogeneity is sustained via specific genetic programs organized through the combinatory effects of a discrete number of transcription factors (TFs) that, at the single tissue-level, constitute dynamic networks that are post-transcriptionally and epigenetically regulated. This review is focused on outlining the TF-based networks involved in EC specialization and physiological and pathological stressors thought to modify their architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Parab
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Elisa Setten
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Elena Astanina
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Doronzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
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40
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells form the inner layer of blood vessels where they have a key role in the development and maintenance of the functional circulatory system and provide paracrine support to surrounding non-vascular cells. Technical advances in the past 5 years in single-cell genomics and in in vivo genetic labelling have facilitated greater insights into endothelial cell development, plasticity and heterogeneity. These advances have also contributed to a new understanding of the timing of endothelial cell subtype differentiation and its relationship to the cell cycle. Identification of novel tissue-specific gene expression patterns in endothelial cells has led to the discovery of crucial signalling pathways and new interactions with other cell types that have key roles in both tissue maintenance and disease pathology. In this Review, we describe the latest findings in vascular endothelial cell development and diversity, which are often supported by large-scale, single-cell studies, and discuss the implications of these findings for vascular medicine. In addition, we highlight how techniques such as single-cell multimodal omics, which have become increasingly sophisticated over the past 2 years, are being utilized to study normal vascular physiology as well as functional perturbations in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Trimm
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Chesnais F, Joel J, Hue J, Shakib S, Di Silvio L, Grigoriadis AE, Coward T, Veschini L. Continuously perfusable, customisable, and matrix-free vasculature on a chip platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:761-772. [PMID: 36722906 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00930g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Creating vascularised cellular environments in vitro is a current challenge in tissue engineering and a bottleneck towards developing functional stem cell-derived microtissues for regenerative medicine and basic investigations. Here we have developed a new workflow to manufacture vasculature on chip (VoC) systems efficiently, quickly, and inexpensively. We have employed 3D printing for fast-prototyping of bespoke VoC and coupled them with a refined organotypic culture system (OVAA) to grow patent capillaries in vitro using tissue-specific endothelial and stromal cells. Furthermore, we have designed and implemented a pocket-size flow driver to establish physiologic perfusive flow throughout our VoC-OVAA with minimal medium use and waste. Using our platform, we have created vascularised microtissues and perfused them at physiologic flow rates for extended time (>2 weeks) observing flow-dependent vascular remodelling. Overall, we present for the first time a scalable and customisable system to grow vascularised and perfusable microtissues, a key initial step to grow mature and functional tissues in vitro. We envision that this technology will empower fast prototyping and validation of increasingly biomimetic in vitro systems, including interconnected multi-tissue systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Chesnais
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Jordan Joel
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jonas Hue
- Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Sima Shakib
- Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lucy Di Silvio
- Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Agamemnon E Grigoriadis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Trevor Coward
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Veschini
- Academic Centre of Reconstructive Science, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.
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Notch Signaling in Acute Inflammation and Sepsis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043458. [PMID: 36834869 PMCID: PMC9967996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling, a highly conserved pathway in mammals, is crucial for differentiation and homeostasis of immune cells. Besides, this pathway is also directly involved in the transmission of immune signals. Notch signaling per se does not have a clear pro- or anti-inflammatory effect, but rather its impact is highly dependent on the immune cell type and the cellular environment, modulating several inflammatory conditions including sepsis, and therefore significantly impacts the course of disease. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of Notch signaling on the clinical picture of systemic inflammatory diseases, especially sepsis. Specifically, we will review its role during immune cell development and its contribution to the modulation of organ-specific immune responses. Finally, we will evaluate to what extent manipulation of the Notch signaling pathway could be a future therapeutic strategy.
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43
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Hasan SS, Fischer A. Notch Signaling in the Vasculature: Angiogenesis and Angiocrine Functions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:cshperspect.a041166. [PMID: 35667708 PMCID: PMC9899647 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Formation of a functional blood vessel network is a complex process tightly controlled by pro- and antiangiogenic signals released within the local microenvironment or delivered through the bloodstream. Endothelial cells precisely integrate such temporal and spatial changes in extracellular signals and generate an orchestrated response by modulating signaling transduction, gene expression, and metabolism. A key regulator in vessel formation is Notch signaling, which controls endothelial cell specification, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and arteriovenous differentiation. This review summarizes the molecular biology of endothelial Notch signaling and how it controls angiogenesis and maintenance of the established, quiescent vasculature. In addition, recent progress in the understanding of Notch signaling in endothelial cells for controlling organ homeostasis by transcriptional regulation of angiocrine factors and its relevance to disease will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana S Hasan
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Mandrycky CJ, Abel AN, Levy S, Marsh LM, Chassagne F, Chivukula VK, Barczay SE, Kelly CM, Kim LJ, Aliseda A, Levitt MR, Zheng Y. Endothelial Responses to Curvature-Induced Flow Patterns in Engineered Cerebral Aneurysms. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:011001. [PMID: 35838329 PMCID: PMC9445320 DOI: 10.1115/1.4054981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hemodynamic factors have long been associated with clinical outcomes in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Computational studies of cerebral aneurysm hemodynamics have provided valuable estimates of the mechanical environment experienced by the endothelium in both the parent vessel and aneurysmal dome walls and have correlated them with disease state. These computational-clinical studies have recently been correlated with the response of endothelial cells (EC) using either idealized or patient-specific models. Here, we present a robust workflow for generating anatomic-scale aneurysm models, establishing luminal cultures of ECs at physiological relevant flow profiles, and comparing EC responses to curvature mediated flow. We show that flow patterns induced by parent vessel curvature produce changes in wall shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress gradients (WSSG) that are correlated with differences in cell morphology and cellular protein localization. Cells in higher WSS regions align better with the flow and display strong Notch1-extracellular domain (ECD) polarization, while, under low WSS, differences in WSSG due to curvature change were associated with less alignment and attenuation of Notch1-ECD polarization in ECs of the corresponding regions. These proof-of-concept results highlight the use of engineered cellularized aneurysm models for connecting computational fluid dynamics to the underlying endothelial biology that mediates disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J. Mandrycky
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Ashley N. Abel
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Samuel Levy
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104
| | - Laurel M. Marsh
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | | | | | - Sari E. Barczay
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Cory M. Kelly
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104
| | - Louis J. Kim
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104; Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Alberto Aliseda
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104; Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Michael R. Levitt
- Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104; Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Ying Zheng
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109; Stroke and Applied Neuroscience Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104
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45
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Hongo H, Miyawaki S, Teranishi Y, Mitsui J, Katoh H, Komura D, Tsubota K, Matsukawa T, Watanabe M, Kurita M, Yoshimura J, Dofuku S, Ohara K, Ishigami D, Okano A, Kato M, Hakuno F, Takahashi A, Kunita A, Ishiura H, Shin M, Nakatomi H, Nagao T, Goto H, Takahashi SI, Ushiku T, Ishikawa S, Okazaki M, Morishita S, Tsuji S, Saito N. Somatic GJA4 gain-of-function mutation in orbital cavernous venous malformations. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:37-52. [PMID: 35902510 PMCID: PMC9908695 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-022-09846-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Orbital cavernous venous malformation (OCVM) is a sporadic vascular anomaly of uncertain etiology characterized by abnormally dilated vascular channels. Here, we identify a somatic missense mutation, c.121G > T (p.Gly41Cys) in GJA4, which encodes a transmembrane protein that is a component of gap junctions and hemichannels in the vascular system, in OCVM tissues from 25/26 (96.2%) individuals with OCVM. GJA4 expression was detected in OCVM tissue including endothelial cells and the stroma, through immunohistochemistry. Within OCVM tissue, the mutation allele frequency was higher in endothelial cell-enriched fractions obtained using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Whole-cell voltage clamp analysis in Xenopus oocytes revealed that GJA4 c.121G > T (p.Gly41Cys) is a gain-of-function mutation that leads to the formation of a hyperactive hemichannel. Overexpression of the mutant protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells led to a loss of cellular integrity, which was rescued by carbenoxolone, a non-specific gap junction/hemichannel inhibitor. Our data suggest that GJA4 c.121G > T (p.Gly41Cys) is a potential driver gene mutation for OCVM. We propose that hyperactive hemichannel plays a role in the development of this vascular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hongo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyawaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Yu Teranishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Jun Mitsui
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Katoh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Komura
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinya Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsukawa
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masakazu Kurita
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Yoshimura
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shogo Dofuku
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kenta Ohara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Ishigami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Atsushi Okano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Motoi Kato
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hakuno
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Takahashi
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Kunita
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ishiura
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nakatomi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nagao
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Goto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Takahashi
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shumpei Ishikawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Okazaki
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Morishita
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Medical Genomics, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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46
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Barrasa-Ramos S, Dessalles CA, Hautefeuille M, Barakat AI. Mechanical regulation of the early stages of angiogenesis. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220360. [PMID: 36475392 PMCID: PMC9727679 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Favouring or thwarting the development of a vascular network is essential in fields as diverse as oncology, cardiovascular disease or tissue engineering. As a result, understanding and controlling angiogenesis has become a major scientific challenge. Mechanical factors play a fundamental role in angiogenesis and can potentially be exploited for optimizing the architecture of the resulting vascular network. Largely focusing on in vitro systems but also supported by some in vivo evidence, the aim of this Highlight Review is dual. First, we describe the current knowledge with particular focus on the effects of fluid and solid mechanical stimuli on the early stages of the angiogenic process, most notably the destabilization of existing vessels and the initiation and elongation of new vessels. Second, we explore inherent difficulties in the field and propose future perspectives on the use of in vitro and physics-based modelling to overcome these difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barrasa-Ramos
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Claire A. Dessalles
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Mathieu Hautefeuille
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement (UMR7622), Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Abdul I. Barakat
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
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47
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Nielsen CM, Zhang X, Raygor K, Wang S, Bollen AW, Wang RA. Endothelial Rbpj deletion normalizes Notch4-induced brain arteriovenous malformation in mice. J Exp Med 2022; 220:213722. [PMID: 36441145 PMCID: PMC9700524 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of Notch signaling is associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM), a disease that lacks pharmacological treatments. Tetracycline (tet)-regulatable endothelial expression of constitutively active Notch4 (Notch4*tetEC) from birth induced bAVMs in 100% of mice by P16. To test whether targeting downstream signaling, while sustaining the causal Notch4*tetEC expression, induces AVM normalization, we deleted Rbpj, a mediator of Notch signaling, in endothelium from P16, by combining tet-repressible Notch4*tetEC with tamoxifen-inducible Rbpj deletion. Established pathologies, including AV connection diameter, AV shunting, vessel tortuosity, intracerebral hemorrhage, tissue hypoxia, life expectancy, and arterial marker expression were improved, compared with Notch4*tetEC mice without Rbpj deletion. Similarly, Rbpj deletion from P21 induced advanced bAVM regression. After complete AVM normalization induced by repression of Notch4*tetEC, virtually no bAVM relapsed, despite Notch4*tetEC re-expression in adults. Thus, inhibition of endothelial Rbpj halted Notch4*tetEC bAVM progression, normalized bAVM abnormalities, and restored microcirculation, providing proof of concept for targeting a downstream mediator to treat AVM pathologies despite a sustained causal molecular lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne M. Nielsen
- Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Xuetao Zhang
- Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kunal Raygor
- Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shaoxun Wang
- Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew W. Bollen
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Rong A. Wang
- Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Correspondence to Rong A. Wang:
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48
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Drapé E, Anquetil T, Larrivée B, Dubrac A. Brain arteriovenous malformation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: Recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:1006115. [PMID: 36504622 PMCID: PMC9729275 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1006115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by vessel dilatation, such as telangiectasia in skin and mucosa and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in internal organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and brain. AVMs are fragile and tortuous vascular anomalies that directly connect arteries and veins, bypassing healthy capillaries. Mutations in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway components, such as ENG (ENDOGLIN), ACVRL1 (ALK1), and SMAD4 (SMAD4) genes, account for most of HHT cases. 10-20% of HHT patients develop brain AVMs (bAVMs), which can lead to vessel wall rupture and intracranial hemorrhages. Though the main mutations are known, mechanisms leading to AVM formation are unclear, partially due to lack of animal models. Recent mouse models allowed significant advances in our understanding of AVMs. Endothelial-specific deletion of either Acvrl1, Eng or Smad4 is sufficient to induce AVMs, identifying endothelial cells (ECs) as primary targets of BMP signaling to promote vascular integrity. Loss of ALK1/ENG/SMAD4 signaling is associated with NOTCH signaling defects and abnormal arteriovenous EC differentiation. Moreover, cumulative evidence suggests that AVMs originate from venous ECs with defective flow-migration coupling and excessive proliferation. Mutant ECs show an increase of PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibitors of this signaling pathway rescue AVMs in HHT mouse models, revealing new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we will summarize recent advances and current knowledge of mechanisms controlling the pathogenesis of bAVMs, and discuss unresolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Drapé
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada,Département de Pharmacologie et de Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Typhaine Anquetil
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada,Département De Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada,Centre De Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Bruno Larrivée,
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada,Département De Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada,Département d’Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada,Alexandre Dubrac,
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Chavkin NW, Genet G, Poulet M, Jeffery ED, Marziano C, Genet N, Vasavada H, Nelson EA, Acharya BR, Kour A, Aragon J, McDonnell SP, Huba M, Sheynkman GM, Walsh K, Hirschi KK. Endothelial cell cycle state determines propensity for arterial-venous fate. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5891. [PMID: 36202789 PMCID: PMC9537338 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During blood vessel development, endothelial cells become specified toward arterial or venous fates to generate a circulatory network that provides nutrients and oxygen to, and removes metabolic waste from, all tissues. Arterial-venous specification occurs in conjunction with suppression of endothelial cell cycle progression; however, the mechanistic role of cell cycle state is unknown. Herein, using Cdh5-CreERT2;R26FUCCI2aR reporter mice, we find that venous endothelial cells are enriched for the FUCCI-Negative state (early G1) and BMP signaling, while arterial endothelial cells are enriched for the FUCCI-Red state (late G1) and TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, early G1 state is essential for BMP4-induced venous gene expression, whereas late G1 state is essential for TGF-β1-induced arterial gene expression. Pharmacologically induced cell cycle arrest prevents arterial-venous specification defects in mice with endothelial hyperproliferation. Collectively, our results show that distinct endothelial cell cycle states provide distinct windows of opportunity for the molecular induction of arterial vs. venous fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Chavkin
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Gael Genet
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Mathilde Poulet
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Erin D Jeffery
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Corina Marziano
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Nafiisha Genet
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Hema Vasavada
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Nelson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Bipul R Acharya
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Anupreet Kour
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jordon Aragon
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Stephanie P McDonnell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Mahalia Huba
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Gloria M Sheynkman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Hematovascular Biology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Fang JS, Burt JM. Connexin37 Regulates Cell Cycle in the Vasculature. J Vasc Res 2022; 60:73-86. [PMID: 36067749 DOI: 10.1159/000525619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of vascular cell growth responses is critical for development and maintenance of a healthy vasculature. Connexins - the proteins comprising gap junction channels - are key regulators of cell growth in diseases such as cancer, but their involvement in controlling cell growth in the vasculature is less well appreciated. Connexin37 (Cx37) is one of four connexin isotypes expressed in the vessel wall. Its primary role in blood vessels relies on its unique ability to transduce flow-sensitive signals into changes in cell cycle status of endothelial (and perhaps, mural) cells. Here, we review available evidence for Cx37's role in the regulation of vascular growth, vessel organization, and vascular tone in healthy and diseased vasculature. We propose a novel mechanism whereby Cx37 accomplishes this with a phosphorylation-dependent transition between closed (growth-suppressive) and multiple open (growth-permissive) channel conformations that result from interactions of the C-terminus with cell-cycle regulators to limit or support cell cycle progression. Lastly, we discuss Cx37 and its downstream signaling as a novel potential target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and we address outstanding research questions that still challenge the development of such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Fang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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