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Liu D, Billington CJ, Raja N, Wong ZC, Levin MD, Resch W, Alba C, Hupalo DN, Biamino E, Bedeschi MF, Digilio MC, Squeo GM, Villa R, Parrish PCR, Knutsen RH, Osgood S, Freeman JA, Dalgard CL, Merla G, Pober BR, Mervis CB, Roberts AE, Morris CA, Osborne LR, Kozel BA. Matrisome and Immune Pathways Contribute to Extreme Vascular Outcomes in Williams-Beuren Syndrome. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031377. [PMID: 38293922 PMCID: PMC11056152 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031377] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a characteristic feature of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Its severity varies: ~20% of people with Williams-Beuren syndrome have SVAS requiring surgical intervention, whereas ~35% have no appreciable SVAS. The remaining individuals have SVAS of intermediate severity. Little is known about genetic modifiers that contribute to this variability. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed genome sequencing on 473 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome and developed strategies for modifier discovery in this rare disease population. Approaches include extreme phenotyping and nonsynonymous variant prioritization, followed by gene set enrichment and pathway-level association tests. We next used GTEx v8 and proteomic data sets to verify expression of candidate modifiers in relevant tissues. Finally, we evaluated overlap between the genes/pathways identified here and those ascertained through larger aortic disease/trait genome-wide association studies. We show that SVAS severity in Williams-Beuren syndrome is associated with increased frequency of common and rarer variants in matrisome and immune pathways. Two implicated matrisome genes (ACAN and LTBP4) were uniquely expressed in the aorta. Many genes in the identified pathways were previously reported in genome-wide association studies for aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, or aortic size. CONCLUSIONS Smaller sample sizes in rare disease studies necessitate new approaches to detect modifiers. Our strategies identified variation in matrisome and immune pathways that are associated with SVAS severity. These findings suggest that, like other aortopathies, SVAS may be influenced by the balance of synthesis and degradation of matrisome proteins. Leveraging multiomic data and results from larger aorta-focused genome-wide association studies may accelerate modifier discovery for rare aortopathies like SVAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Charles J. Billington
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMN
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Zoe C. Wong
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Wulfgang Resch
- The High Performance Computing FacilityCenter for Information Technology, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Camille Alba
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | - Daniel N. Hupalo
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | | | | | | | - Gabriella Maria Squeo
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
| | - Roberta Villa
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Medical Genetic UnitMilanItaly
| | - Pheobe C. R. Parrish
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Joy A. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicinethe Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMD
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Section of Genetics, Department of PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Amy E. Roberts
- Department of Cardiology and Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of PediatricsBoston Children’s HospitalBostonMA
| | - Colleen A. Morris
- Department of PediatricsKirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLVLas VegasNV
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
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Brengle BM, Lin M, Roth RA, Jones KD, Wagenseil JE, Mecham RP, Halabi CM. A new mouse model of elastin haploinsufficiency highlights the importance of elastin to vascular development and blood pressure regulation. Matrix Biol 2023; 117:1-14. [PMID: 36773748 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is an autosomal dominant disease resulting from elastin (ELN) haploinsufficiency. Individuals with SVAS typically develop a thickened arterial media with an increased number of elastic lamellae and smooth muscle cell (SMC) layers and stenosis superior to the aortic valve. A mouse model of SVAS (Eln+/-) was generated that recapitulates many aspects of the human disease, including increased medial SMC layers and elastic lamellae, large artery stiffness, and hypertension. The vascular changes in these mice were thought to be responsible for the hypertension phenotype. However, a renin gene (Ren) duplication in the original 129/Sv genetic background and carried through numerous strain backcrosses raised the possibility of renin-mediated effects on blood pressure. To exclude excess renin activity as a disease modifier, we utilized the Cre-LoxP system to rederive Eln hemizygous mice on a pure C57BL/6 background (Sox2-Cre;Elnf/f). Here we show that Sox2-Cre;Eln+/f mice, with a single Ren1 gene and normal renin levels, phenocopy the original global knockout line. Characteristic traits include an increased number of elastic lamellae and SMC layers, stiff elastic arteries, and systolic hypertension with widened pulse pressure. Importantly, small resistance arteries of Sox2-Cre;Eln+/f mice exhibit a significant change in endothelial cell function and hypercontractility to angiotensin II, findings that point to pathway-specific alterations in resistance arteries that contribute to the hypertensive phenotype. These data confirm that the cardiovascular changes, particularly systolic hypertension, seen in Eln+/- mice are due to Eln hemizygosity rather than Ren duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget M Brengle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robyn A Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kara D Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, U.S.A
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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3
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Luperchio TR, Kozel BA. Extending the spectrum in aortopathy: stenosis to aneurysm. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 76:101962. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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4
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Ramachandra AB, Mikush N, Sauler M, Humphrey JD, Manning EP. Compromised Cardiopulmonary Function in Fibulin-5 Deficient Mice. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1136732. [PMID: 35171214 PMCID: PMC8990734 DOI: 10.1115/1.4053873] [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: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Competent elastic fibers are critical to the function of the lung and right circulation. Murine models of elastopathies can aid in understanding the functional roles of the elastin and elastin-associated glycoproteins that constitute elastic fibers. Here, we quantify together lung and pulmonary arterial structure, function, and mechanics with right heart function in a mouse model deficient in the elastin-associated glycoprotein fibulin-5. Differences emerged as a function of genotype, sex, and arterial region. Specifically, functional studies revealed increased lung compliance in fibulin-5 deficiency consistent with a histologically observed increased alveolar disruption. Biaxial mechanical tests revealed that the primary branch pulmonary arteries exhibit decreased elastic energy storage capacity and wall stress despite only modest differences in circumferential and axial material stiffness in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. Histological quantifications confirm a lower elastic fiber content in the fibulin-5 deficient pulmonary arteries, with fragmented elastic laminae in the outer part of the wall - likely the reason for reduced energy storage. Ultrasound measurements confirm sex differences in compromised right ventricular function in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. These results reveal compromised right heart function, but opposite effects of elastic fiber dysfunction on the lung parenchyma (significantly increased compliance) and pulmonary arteries (trend toward decreased distensibility), and call for further probing of ventilation-perfusion relationships in pulmonary pathologies. Amongst many other models, fibulin-5 deficient mice can contribute to our understanding of the complex roles of elastin in pulmonary health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay B. Ramachandra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Nicole Mikush
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Maor Sauler
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- e-mail:
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Edward P. Manning
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510; West Haven Connecticut VA and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
- Corresponding author. e-mail:
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Tsang KM, Knutsen RH, Billington CJ, Lindberg E, Steenbock H, Fu YP, Wardlaw-Pickett A, Liu D, Malide D, Yu ZX, Bleck CKE, Brinckmann J, Kozel BA. Copper-Binding Domain Variation in a Novel Murine Lysyl Oxidase Model Produces Structurally Inferior Aortic Elastic Fibers Whose Failure Is Modified by Age, Sex, and Blood Pressure. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6749. [PMID: 35743192 PMCID: PMC9223555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-binding enzyme that cross-links elastin and collagen. The dominant LOX variation contributes to familial thoracic aortic aneurysm. Previously reported murine Lox mutants had a mild phenotype and did not dilate without drug-induced provocation. Here, we present a new, more severe mutant, Loxb2b370.2Clo (c.G854T; p.Cys285Phe), whose mutation falls just N-terminal to the copper-binding domain. Unlike the other mutants, the C285F Lox protein was stably produced/secreted, and male C57Bl/6J Lox+/C285F mice exhibit increased systolic blood pressure (BP; p < 0.05) and reduced caliber aortas (p < 0.01 at 100mmHg) at 3 months that independently dilate by 6 months (p < 0.0001). Multimodal imaging reveals markedly irregular elastic sheets in the mutant (p = 2.8 × 10−8 for breaks by histology) that become increasingly disrupted with age (p < 0.05) and breeding into a high BP background (p = 6.8 × 10−4). Aortic dilation was amplified in males vs. females (p < 0.0001 at 100mmHg) and ameliorated by castration. The transcriptome of young Lox mutants showed alteration in dexamethasone (p = 9.83 × 10−30) and TGFβ-responsive genes (p = 7.42 × 10−29), and aortas from older C57Bl/6J Lox+/C285F mice showed both enhanced susceptibility to elastase (p < 0.01 by ANOVA) and increased deposition of aggrecan (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the secreted Lox+/C285F mutants produce dysfunctional elastic fibers that show increased susceptibility to proteolytic damage. Over time, the progressive weakening of the connective tissue, modified by sex and blood pressure, leads to worsening aortic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Man Tsang
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Charles J. Billington
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Eric Lindberg
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Heiko Steenbock
- Institute of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (H.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Amanda Wardlaw-Pickett
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD 20724, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Daniela Malide
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Christopher K. E. Bleck
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
| | - Jürgen Brinckmann
- Institute of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (H.S.); (J.B.)
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.T.); (R.H.K.); (C.J.B.J.); (E.L.); (Y.-P.F.); (A.W.-P.); (D.L.); (D.M.); (Z.-X.Y.); (C.K.E.B.)
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Kronquist EK, Kaur M, Gober LM, Knutsen RH, Fu YP, Yu ZX, Donahue DR, Chen MY, Osgood S, Raja N, Levin MD, Barochia A, Kozel BA. Airflow Obstruction in Adults with Williams Syndrome and Mice with Elastin Insufficiency. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061438. [PMID: 35741248 PMCID: PMC9221558 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams−Beuren syndrome (WS) results from the deletion of 25−27 coding genes, including elastin (ELN), on human chromosome 7q11.23. Elastin provides recoil to tissues; emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been linked to its destruction. Consequently, we hypothesized that elastin insufficiency would predispose to obstructive features. Twenty-two adults with WS (aged 18−55) and controls underwent pulmonary function testing, 6 min walk, and chest computed tomography (CT). Lung and airspace dimensions were assessed in Eln+/− and control mice via microCT and histology. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in adults with WS (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The FEV1/FVC ratio was more frequently below the lower limit of normal in cases (p < 0.01). The ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC, percent predicted) was higher in cases (p < 0.01), suggesting air trapping. People with WS showed reduced exercise capacity (p < 0.0001). In Eln+/− mice, ex vivo lung volumes were increased (p < 0.0001), with larger airspaces (p < 0.001). Together these data show that elastin insufficiency impacts lung physiology in the form of increased air trapping and obstruction, suggesting a role for lung function monitoring in adults with WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise K. Kronquist
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Maninder Kaur
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Leah M. Gober
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Danielle R. Donahue
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA;
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Amisha Barochia
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (E.K.K.); (M.K.); (L.M.G.); (R.H.K.); (Y.-P.F.); (Z.-X.Y.); (M.Y.C.); (S.O.); (N.R.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-451-2888
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7
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Knutsen RH, Gober LM, Kronquist EK, Kaur M, Donahue DR, Springer D, Yu ZX, Chen MY, Fu YP, Choobdar F, Nguyen ML, Osgood S, Freeman JL, Raja N, Levin MD, Kozel BA. Elastin Insufficiency Confers Proximal and Distal Pulmonary Vasculopathy in Mice, Partially Remedied by the KATP Channel Opener Minoxidil: Considerations and Cautions for the Treatment of People With Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:886813. [PMID: 35665242 PMCID: PMC9160528 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.886813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a recurrent microdeletion disorder that removes one copy of elastin (ELN), resulting in large artery vasculopathy. Early stenosis of the pulmonary vascular tree is common, but few data are available on longer-term implications of the condition. Methods Computed tomography (CT) angiogram (n = 11) and echocardiogram (n = 20) were performed in children with WBS aged 3.4–17.8 years. Controls (n = 11, aged 4.4–16.8 years) also underwent echocardiogram. Eln+/− mice were analyzed by invasive catheter, echocardiogram, micro-CT (μCT), histology, and pressure myography. We subsequently tested whether minoxidil resulted in improved pulmonary vascular endpoints. Results WBS participants with a history of main or branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis requiring intervention continued to exhibit increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, echocardiogram) relative to their peers without intervention (p < 0.01), with no clear difference in PA size. Untreated Eln+/− mice also show elevated RVSP by invasive catheterization (p < 0.0001), increased normalized right heart mass (p < 0.01) and reduced caliber branch PAs by pressure myography (p < 0.0001). Eln+/− main PA medias are thickened histologically relative to Eln+/+ (p < 0.0001). Most Eln+/− phenotypes are shared by both sexes, but PA medial thickness is substantially greater in Eln+/− males (p < 0.001). Eln+/− mice showed more acute proximal branching angles (p < 0.0001) and longer vascular segment lengths (p < 0.0001) (μCT), with genotype differences emerging by P7. Diminished PA acceleration time (p < 0.001) and systolic notching (p < 0.0001) were also observed in Eln+/− echocardiography. Vascular casting plus μCT revealed longer generation-specific PA arcade length (p < 0.0001), with increased PA branching detectable by P90 (p < 0.0001). Post-weaning minoxidil decreased RVSP (p < 0.01) and normalized PA caliber (p < 0.0001) but not early-onset proximal branching angle or segment length, nor later-developing peripheral branch number. Conclusions Vascular deficiencies beyond arterial caliber persist in individuals with WBS who have undergone PA stenosis intervention. Evaluation of Eln+/− mice reveals complex vascular changes that affect the proximal and distal vasculatures. Minoxidil, given post-weaning, decreases RVSP and improves lumen diameter, but does not alter other earlier-onset vascular patterns. Our data suggest additional therapies including minoxidil could be a useful adjunct to surgical therapy, and future trials should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Leah M. Gober
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elise K. Kronquist
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maninder Kaur
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle R. Donahue
- Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle Springer
- Murine Phenotyping Core, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zu Xi Yu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Feri Choobdar
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - My-Le Nguyen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joy L. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Beth A. Kozel
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8
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Lin M, Roth RA, Kozel BA, Mecham RP, Halabi CM. Loss of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Improves Blood Pressure in Elastin Insufficiency. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:782138. [PMID: 34790711 PMCID: PMC8591102 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.782138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is ample evidence supporting a role for angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) in counterbalancing the effects of angiotensin II (ang II) through the angiotensin II type 1 receptor by promoting vasodilation and having anti-inflammatory effects. Elastin insufficiency in both humans and mice results in large artery stiffness and systolic hypertension. Unexpectedly, mesenteric arteries from elastin insufficient (Eln+/−) mice were shown to have significant vasoconstriction to AT2R agonism in vitro suggesting that AT2R may have vasoconstrictor effects in elastin insufficiency. Given the potential promise for the use of AT2R agonists clinically, the goal of this study was to determine whether AT2R has vasoconstrictive effects in elastin insufficiency in vivo. To avoid off-target effects of agonists and antagonists, mice lacking AT2R (Agtr2−/Y) were bred to Eln+/− mice and cardiovascular parameters were assessed in wild-type (WT), Agtr2−/Y, Eln+/−, and Agtr2−/Y;Eln+/− littermates. As previously published, Agtr2−/Y mice were normotensive at baseline and had no large artery stiffness, while Eln+/− mice exhibited systolic hypertension and large artery stiffness. Loss of AT2R in Eln+/− mice did not affect large artery stiffness or arterial structure but resulted in significant reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These data support a potential vasocontractile role for AT2R in elastin insufficiency. Careful consideration and investigation are necessary to determine the patient population that might benefit from the use of AT2R agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Robyn A Roth
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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9
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Parrish PCR, Liu D, Knutsen RH, Billington CJ, Mecham RP, Fu YP, Kozel BA. Whole exome sequencing in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome followed by disease modeling in mice points to four novel pathways that may modify stenosis risk. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2035-2050. [PMID: 32412588 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a narrowing of the aorta caused by elastin (ELN) haploinsufficiency. SVAS severity varies among patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a rare disorder that removes one copy of ELN and 25-27 other genes. Twenty percent of children with WBS require one or more invasive and often risky procedures to correct the defect while 30% have no appreciable stenosis, despite sharing the same basic genetic lesion. There is no known medical therapy. Consequently, identifying genes that modify SVAS offers the potential for novel modifier-based therapeutics. To improve statistical power in our rare-disease cohort (N = 104 exomes), we utilized extreme-phenotype cohorting, functional variant filtration and pathway-based analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis of exome-wide association data identified increased adaptive immune system variant burden among genes associated with SVAS severity. Additional enrichment, using only potentially pathogenic variants known to differ in frequency between the extreme phenotype subsets, identified significant association of SVAS severity with not only immune pathway genes, but also genes involved with the extracellular matrix, G protein-coupled receptor signaling and lipid metabolism using both SKAT-O and RQTest. Complementary studies in Eln+/-; Rag1-/- mice, which lack a functional adaptive immune system, showed improvement in cardiovascular features of ELN insufficiency. Similarly, studies in mixed background Eln+/- mice confirmed that variations in genes that increase elastic fiber deposition also had positive impact on aortic caliber. By using tools to improve statistical power in combination with orthogonal analyses in mice, we detected four main pathways that contribute to SVAS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe C R Parrish
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Russell H Knutsen
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Charles J Billington
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- Office of Biostatistics Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Spronck B, Latorre M, Wang M, Mehta S, Caulk AW, Ren P, Ramachandra AB, Murtada SI, Rojas A, He CS, Jiang B, Bersi MR, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Excessive adventitial stress drives inflammation-mediated fibrosis in hypertensive aortic remodelling in mice. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210336. [PMID: 34314650 PMCID: PMC8315831 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension induces significant aortic remodelling, often adaptive but sometimes not. To identify immuno-mechanical mechanisms responsible for differential remodelling, we studied thoracic aortas from 129S6/SvEvTac and C57BL/6 J mice before and after continuous 14-day angiotensin II infusion, which elevated blood pressure similarly in both strains. Histological and biomechanical assessments of excised vessels were similar at baseline, suggesting a common homeostatic set-point for mean wall stress. Histology further revealed near mechano-adaptive remodelling of the hypertensive 129S6/SvEvTac aortas, but a grossly maladaptive remodelling of C57BL/6 J aortas. Bulk RNA sequencing suggested that increased smooth muscle contractile processes promoted mechano-adaptation of 129S6/SvEvTac aortas while immune processes prevented adaptation of C57BL/6 J aortas. Functional studies confirmed an increased vasoconstrictive capacity of the former while immunohistochemistry demonstrated marked increases in inflammatory cells in the latter. We then used multiple computational biomechanical models to test the hypothesis that excessive adventitial wall stress correlates with inflammatory cell infiltration. These models consistently predicted that increased vasoconstriction against an increased pressure coupled with modest deposition of new matrix thickens the wall appropriately, restoring wall stress towards homeostatic consistent with adaptive remodelling. By contrast, insufficient vasoconstriction permits high wall stresses and exuberant inflammation-driven matrix deposition, especially in the adventitia, reflecting compromised homeostasis and gross maladaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Spronck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcos Latorre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sameet Mehta
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander W. Caulk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexia Rojas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chang-Shun He
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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11
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Kozel BA, Barak B, Ae Kim C, Mervis CB, Osborne LR, Porter M, Pober BR. Williams syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:42. [PMID: 34140529 PMCID: PMC9437774 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a relatively rare microdeletion disorder that occurs in as many as 1:7,500 individuals. WS arises due to the mispairing of low-copy DNA repetitive elements at meiosis. The deletion size is similar across most individuals with WS and leads to the loss of one copy of 25-27 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. The resulting unique disorder affects multiple systems, with cardinal features including but not limited to cardiovascular disease (characteristically stenosis of the great arteries and most notably supravalvar aortic stenosis), a distinctive craniofacial appearance, and a specific cognitive and behavioural profile that includes intellectual disability and hypersociability. Genotype-phenotype evidence is strongest for ELN, the gene encoding elastin, which is responsible for the vascular and connective tissue features of WS, and for the transcription factor genes GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, which are known to affect intellectual ability, social functioning and anxiety. Mounting evidence also ascribes phenotypic consequences to the deletion of BAZ1B, LIMK1, STX1A and MLXIPL, but more work is needed to understand the mechanism by which these deletions contribute to clinical outcomes. The age of diagnosis has fallen in regions of the world where technological advances, such as chromosomal microarray, enable clinicians to make the diagnosis of WS without formally suspecting it, allowing earlier intervention by medical and developmental specialists. Phenotypic variability is considerable for all cardinal features of WS but the specific sources of this variability remain unknown. Further investigation to identify the factors responsible for these differences may lead to mechanism-based rather than symptom-based therapies and should therefore be a high research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A. Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience and The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Porter
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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12
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Ferrari M, Stagi S. Oxidative Stress in Down and Williams-Beuren Syndromes: An Overview. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113139. [PMID: 34073948 PMCID: PMC8197362 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance in the redox state in a cell or a tissue. When the production of free radicals, which are physiologically essential for signaling, exceeds the antioxidant capability, pathological outcomes including oxidative damage to macromolecules, aberrant signaling, and inflammation can occur. Down syndrome (DS) and Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) are well-known and common genetic conditions with multi-systemic involvement. Their etiology is linked to oxidative stress with important causative genes, such as SOD-1 and NCF-1, respectively, of the diseases being primarily involved in the regulation of the redox state. Early aging, dementia, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation are some of the main characteristics of these conditions that can be associated with oxidative stress. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the possible role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathology of these conditions. However, at present, few studies have investigated these correlations. We provide an overview of the current literature concerning the role of oxidative stress and oxidative damage in genetic syndromes with a focus on Down syndrome and WBS. We hope to provide new insights to improve the management of complications related to these diseases.
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13
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Troia A, Knutsen RH, Halabi CM, Malide D, Yu ZX, Wardlaw-Pickett A, Kronquist EK, Tsang KM, Kovacs A, Mecham RP, Kozel BA. Inhibition of NOX1 Mitigates Blood Pressure Increases in Elastin Insufficiency. FUNCTION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2021; 2:zqab015. [PMID: 34223172 PMCID: PMC8248879 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Elastin (ELN) insufficiency leads to the cardiovascular hallmarks of the contiguous gene deletion disorder, Williams-Beuren syndrome, including hypertension and vascular stiffness. Previous studies showed that Williams-Beuren syndrome deletions, which extended to include the NCF1 gene, were associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and reduced vascular stiffness. NCF1 encodes for p47phox, the regulatory component of the NOX1 NADPH oxidase complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vascular wall. Dihydroethidium and 8-hydroxyguanosine staining of mouse aortas confirmed that Eln heterozygotes (Eln+/- ) had greater ROS levels than the wild-types (Eln+/+ ), a finding that was negated in vessels cultured without hemodynamic stressors. To analyze the Nox effect on ELN insufficiency, we used both genetic and chemical manipulations. Both Ncf1 haploinsufficiency (Ncf1+/- ) and Nox1 insufficiency (Nox1-/y ) decreased oxidative stress and systolic BP in Eln+/- without modifying vascular structure. Chronic treatment with apocynin, a p47phox inhibitor, lowered systolic BP in Eln+/- , but had no impact on Eln+/+ controls. In vivo dosing with phenylephrine (PE) produced an augmented BP response in Eln+/- relative to Eln+/+ , and genetic modifications or drug-based interventions that lower Nox1 expression reduced the hypercontractile response to PE in Eln+/- mice to Eln+/+ levels. These results indicate that the mechanical and structural differences caused by ELN insufficiency leading to oscillatory flow can perpetuate oxidative stress conditions, which are linked to hypertension, and that by lowering the Nox1-mediated capacity for vascular ROS production, BP differences can be normalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Troia
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Russell H Knutsen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniela Malide
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zu Xi Yu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Wardlaw-Pickett
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elise K Kronquist
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kit Man Tsang
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Attila Kovacs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,Address correspondence to B.A.K. (e-mail: )
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14
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Egea G, Jiménez-Altayó F, Campuzano V. Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Genetic Diseases of the Connective Tissue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101013. [PMID: 33086603 PMCID: PMC7603119 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue is known to provide structural and functional “glue” properties to other tissues. It contains cellular and molecular components that are arranged in several dynamic organizations. Connective tissue is the focus of numerous genetic and nongenetic diseases. Genetic diseases of the connective tissue are minority or rare, but no less important than the nongenetic diseases. Here we review the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress on the onset and/or progression of diseases that directly affect connective tissue and have a genetic origin. It is important to consider that ROS and oxidative stress are not synonymous, although they are often closely linked. In a normal range, ROS have a relevant physiological role, whose levels result from a fine balance between ROS producers and ROS scavenge enzymatic systems. However, pathology arises or worsens when such balance is lost, like when ROS production is abnormally and constantly high and/or when ROS scavenge (enzymatic) systems are impaired. These concepts apply to numerous diseases, and connective tissue is no exception. We have organized this review around the two basic structural molecular components of connective tissue: The ground substance and fibers (collagen and elastic fibers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Egea
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Nanociencies I Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934-021-909
| | - Francesc Jiménez-Altayó
- Departament of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology, Neuroscience Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
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15
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Staiculescu MC, Cocciolone AJ, Procknow JD, Kim J, Wagenseil JE. Comparative gene array analyses of severe elastic fiber defects in late embryonic and newborn mouse aorta. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:988-1001. [PMID: 30312140 PMCID: PMC6293116 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00080.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastic fibers provide reversible elasticity to the large arteries and are assembled during development when hemodynamic forces are increasing. Mutations in elastic fiber genes are associated with cardiovascular disease. Mice lacking expression of the elastic fiber genes elastin ( Eln-/-), fibulin-4 ( Efemp2-/-), or lysyl oxidase ( Lox-/-) die at birth with severe cardiovascular malformations. All three genetic knockout models have elastic fiber defects, aortic wall thickening, and arterial tortuosity. However, Eln-/- mice develop arterial stenoses, while Efemp2-/- and Lox-/- mice develop ascending aortic aneurysms. We performed comparative gene array analyses of these three genetic models for two vascular locations and developmental stages to determine differentially expressed genes and pathways that may explain the common and divergent phenotypes. We first examined arterial morphology and wall structure in newborn mice to confirm that the lack of elastin, fibulin-4, or lysyl oxidase expression provided the expected phenotypes. We then compared gene expression levels for each genetic model by three-way ANOVA for genotype, vascular location, and developmental stage. We found three genes upregulated by genotype in all three models, Col8a1, Igfbp2, and Thbs1, indicative of a common response to severe elastic fiber defects in developing mouse aorta. Genes that are differentially regulated by vascular location or developmental stage in all three models suggest mechanisms for location or stage-specific disease pathology. Comparison of signaling pathways enriched in all three models shows upregulation of integrins and matrix proteins involved in early wound healing, but not of mature matrix molecules such as elastic fiber proteins or fibrillar collagens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin J Cocciolone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jesse D Procknow
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jungsil Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
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16
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Knutsen RH, Beeman SC, Broekelmann TJ, Liu D, Tsang KM, Kovacs A, Ye L, Danback JR, Watson A, Wardlaw A, Wagenseil JE, Garbow JR, Shoykhet M, Kozel BA. Minoxidil improves vascular compliance, restores cerebral blood flow, and alters extracellular matrix gene expression in a model of chronic vascular stiffness. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H18-H32. [PMID: 29498532 PMCID: PMC6087770 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00683.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increased vascular stiffness correlates with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in aging adults. Elastin (ELN) insufficiency, as observed in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome or with familial supravalvular aortic stenosis, also increases vascular stiffness and leads to arterial narrowing. We used Eln+/- mice to test the hypothesis that pathologically increased vascular stiffness with concomitant arterial narrowing leads to decreased blood flow to end organs such as the brain. We also hypothesized that drugs that remodel arteries and increase lumen diameter would improve flow. To test these hypotheses, we compared carotid blood flow using ultrasound and cerebral blood flow using MRI-based arterial spin labeling in wild-type (WT) and Eln+/- mice. We then studied how minoxidil, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener and vasodilator, affects vessel mechanics, blood flow, and gene expression. Both carotid and cerebral blood flows were lower in Eln+/- mice than in WT mice. Treatment of Eln+/- mice with minoxidil lowered blood pressure and reduced functional arterial stiffness to WT levels. Minoxidil also improved arterial diameter and restored carotid and cerebral blood flows in Eln+/- mice. The beneficial effects persisted for weeks after drug removal. RNA-Seq analysis revealed differential expression of 127 extracellular matrix-related genes among the treatment groups. These results indicate that ELN insufficiency impairs end-organ perfusion, which may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk. Minoxidil, despite lowering blood pressure, improves end-organ perfusion. Changes in matrix gene expression and persistence of treatment effects after drug withdrawal suggest arterial remodeling. Such remodeling may benefit patients with genetic or age-dependent ELN insufficiency. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our work with a model of chronic vascular stiffness, the elastin ( Eln)+/- mouse, shows reduced brain perfusion as measured by carotid ultrasound and MRI arterial spin labeling. Vessel caliber, functional stiffness, and blood flow improved with minoxidil. The ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener increased Eln gene expression and altered 126 other matrix-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell H Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Scott C Beeman
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Thomas J Broekelmann
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Delong Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kit Man Tsang
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Attila Kovacs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joshua R Danback
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anderson Watson
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amanda Wardlaw
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Joel R Garbow
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael Shoykhet
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
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17
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Lin CJ, Lin CY, Stitziel NO. Genetics of the extracellular matrix in aortic aneurysmal diseases. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:128-143. [PMID: 29656146 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysms are morbid conditions that can lead to rupture or dissection and are categorized as thoracic (TAA) or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) depending on their location. While AAA shares overlapping risk factors with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, TAA exhibits strong heritability. Human genetic studies in the past two decades have successfully identified numerous genes involved in both familial and sporadic forms of aortic aneurysm. In this review we will discuss the genetic basis of aortic aneurysm, focusing on the extracellular matrix and how insights from these studies have informed our understanding of human biology and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Lin
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nathan O Stitziel
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; McDonell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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18
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Cocciolone AJ, Hawes JZ, Staiculescu MC, Johnson EO, Murshed M, Wagenseil JE. Elastin, arterial mechanics, and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H189-H205. [PMID: 29631368 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00087.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Large, elastic arteries are composed of cells and a specialized extracellular matrix that provides reversible elasticity and strength. Elastin is the matrix protein responsible for this reversible elasticity that reduces the workload on the heart and dampens pulsatile flow in distal arteries. Here, we summarize the elastin protein biochemistry, self-association behavior, cross-linking process, and multistep elastic fiber assembly that provide large arteries with their unique mechanical properties. We present measures of passive arterial mechanics that depend on elastic fiber amounts and integrity such as the Windkessel effect, structural and material stiffness, and energy storage. We discuss supravalvular aortic stenosis and autosomal dominant cutis laxa-1, which are genetic disorders caused by mutations in the elastin gene. We present mouse models of supravalvular aortic stenosis, autosomal dominant cutis laxa-1, and graded elastin amounts that have been invaluable for understanding the role of elastin in arterial mechanics and cardiovascular disease. We summarize acquired diseases associated with elastic fiber defects, including hypertension and arterial stiffness, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, calcification, and aneurysms and dissections. We mention animal models that have helped delineate the role of elastic fiber defects in these acquired diseases. We briefly summarize challenges and recent advances in generating functional elastic fibers in tissue-engineered arteries. We conclude with suggestions for future research and opportunities for therapeutic intervention in genetic and acquired elastinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Cocciolone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jie Z Hawes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Marius C Staiculescu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elizabeth O Johnson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Monzur Murshed
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Medicine, and Shriners Hospital for Children, McGill University , Montreal, Quebec , Canada
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
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19
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Duque Lasio ML, Kozel BA. Elastin-driven genetic diseases. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:144-160. [PMID: 29501665 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Elastic fibers provide recoil to tissues that undergo repeated deformation, such as blood vessels, lungs and skin. Composed of elastin and its accessory proteins, the fibers are produced within a restricted developmental window and are stable for decades. Their eventual breakdown is associated with a loss of tissue resiliency and aging. Rare alteration of the elastin (ELN) gene produces disease by impacting protein dosage (supravalvar aortic stenosis, Williams Beuren syndrome and Williams Beuren region duplication syndrome) and protein function (autosomal dominant cutis laxa). This review highlights aspects of the elastin molecule and its assembly process that contribute to human disease and also discusses potential therapies aimed at treating diseases of elastin insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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20
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Genetik der angeborenen Herzfehler. MED GENET-BERLIN 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11825-017-0131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Strukturelle Herzfehler sind eine der häufigsten menschlichen Fehlbildungen. Es lassen sich mehrere morphologische Gruppen unterscheiden, wobei auch Überlappungen mit verschiedenen Formen der Kardiomyopathien, unter anderem mit der Non-Compaction Kardiomyopathie, beobachtet werden. Zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt liegt nur ein sehr eingeschränktes Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden genetischen Ursachen vor. Dies liegt zum einen an einer „komplexen Genetik“, bei welcher häufig reduzierte Penetranz und variable Expressivität vorliegen, zum anderen aber auch an heterogenen Literaturangaben, bei denen nur unzureichende genetische Evidenzen bestehen. Der Fokus dieses Reviews ist es, anhand von stringenten Evidenzkriterien die bekannten Gene für strukturelle Herzfehler darzustellen. Speziell durch die Nutzung von Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) können zunehmend mehr relevante genetische Zusammenhänge geklärt werden. Dies gilt nicht nur für die Validierung von Genotyp-Phänotyp-Assoziationen, sondern auch für die Identifizierung neuer Gene für angeborene Herzfehler (AHF), was besonders wegen des seltenen Vorkommens rekurrenter AHF-assoziierter Mutationen im gleichen Gen in Zukunft notwendig sein wird. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, ist es notwendig, große deutschlandweite oder internationale Studien zu etablieren und bereits publizierte Datensätze öffentlich zugänglich zu machen. Dies sollte auch für diagnostische Datensätze gelten. Mit einem derartigen Ansatz könnte nicht nur eine Gen-Panel-Diagnostik, sondern auch die Eingruppierung der Herzfehler in therapeutische Subgruppen erreicht werden.
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Loss of Elastic Fiber Integrity Compromises Common Carotid Artery Function: Implications for Vascular Aging. Artery Res 2016; 14:41-52. [PMID: 27570569 DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Competent elastic fibers endow central arteries with the compliance and resilience that are fundamental to their primary mechanical function in vertebrates. That is, by enabling elastic energy to be stored in the arterial wall during systole and then to be used to work on the blood during diastole, elastic fibers decrease ventricular workload and augment blood flow in pulsatile systems. Indeed, because elastic fibers are formed during development and stretched during somatic growth, their continual tendency to recoil contributes to the undulation of the stiffer collagen fibers, which facilitates further the overall compliance of the wall under physiologic pressures while allowing the collagen to limit over-distension during acute increases in blood pressure. In this paper, we use consistent methods of measurement and quantification to compare the biaxial material stiffness, structural stiffness, and energy storage capacity of murine common carotid arteries having graded degrees of elastic fiber integrity - normal, elastin-deficient, fibrillin-1 deficient, fibulin-5 null, and elastase-treated. The finding that the intrinsic material stiffness tends to be maintained nearly constant suggests that intramural cells seek to maintain a favorable micromechanical environment in which to function. Nevertheless, a loss of elastic energy storage capability due to the loss of elastic fiber integrity severely compromises the primary function of these central arteries.
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22
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Dale MA, Suh MK, Zhao S, Meisinger T, Gu L, Swier VJ, Agrawal DK, Greiner TC, Carson JS, Baxter BT, Xiong W. Background differences in baseline and stimulated MMP levels influence abdominal aortic aneurysm susceptibility. Atherosclerosis 2015; 243:621-9. [PMID: 26546710 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence has demonstrated profound influence of genetic background on cardiovascular phenotypes. Murine models in Marfan syndrome (MFS) have shown that genetic background-related variations affect thoracic aortic aneurysm formation, rupture, and lifespan of mice. MFS mice with C57Bl/6 genetic background are less susceptible to aneurysm formation compared to the 129/SvEv genetic background. In this study, we hypothesize that susceptibility to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) will be increased in 129/SvEv mice versus C57Bl/6 mice. We tested this hypothesis by assessing differences in aneurysm size, tissue properties, immune response, and MMP expression. METHODS Mice of C57Bl/6 or 129/SvEv background underwent AAA induction by periaortic application of CaCl2. Baseline aortic diameters, tissue properties and MMP levels were measured. After aneurysm induction, diameters, MMP expression, and immune response (macrophage infiltration and bone marrow transplantation) were measured. RESULTS Aneurysms were larger in 129/SvEv mice than C57Bl/6 mice (83.0% ± 13.6 increase compared to 57.8% ± 6.4). The aorta was stiffer in the 129/SvEv mice compared to C57Bl/6 mice (952.5 kPa ± 93.6 versus 621.4 kPa ± 84.2). Baseline MMP-2 and post-aneurysm MMP-2 and -9 levels were higher in 129/SvEv aortas compared to C57Bl/6 aortas. Elastic lamella disruption/fragmentation and macrophage infiltration were increased in 129/SvEv mice. Myelogenous cell reversal by bone marrow transplantation did not affect aneurysm size. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that 129/SvEv mice are more susceptible to AAA compared to C57Bl/6 mice. Intrinsic properties of the aorta between the two strains of mice, including baseline expression of MMP-2, influence susceptibility to AAA.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/enzymology
- Aorta, Abdominal/immunology
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/enzymology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/immunology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Calcium Chloride
- Dilatation, Pathologic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Elastic Modulus
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Macrophages/enzymology
- Macrophages/immunology
- Male
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pancreatic Elastase/metabolism
- Species Specificity
- Tropoelastin/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
- Vascular Stiffness
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Dale
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Melissa K Suh
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shijia Zhao
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Trevor Meisinger
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Linxia Gu
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Vicki J Swier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Timothy C Greiner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Carson
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - B Timothy Baxter
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wanfen Xiong
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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23
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Diebold BA, Smith SM, Li Y, Lambeth JD. NOX2 As a Target for Drug Development: Indications, Possible Complications, and Progress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 23:375-405. [PMID: 24512192 PMCID: PMC4545678 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.5862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE NOX2 is important for host defense, and yet is implicated in a large number of diseases in which inflammation plays a role in pathogenesis. These include acute and chronic lung inflammatory diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. RECENT ADVANCES Recent drug development programs have targeted several NOX isoforms that are implicated in a variety of diseases. The focus has been primarily on NOX4 and NOX1 rather than on NOX2, due, in part, to concerns about possible immunosuppressive side effects. Nevertheless, NOX2 clearly contributes to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, and its inhibition is predicted to provide a novel therapeutic approach. CRITICAL ISSUES Possible side effects that might arise from targeting NOX2 are discussed, including the possibility that such inhibition will contribute to increased infections and/or autoimmune disorders. The state of the field with regard to existing NOX2 inhibitors and targeted development of novel inhibitors is also summarized. FUTURE DIRECTIONS NOX2 inhibitors show particular promise for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, both acute and chronic. Theoretical side effects include pro-inflammatory and autoimmune complications and should be considered in any therapeutic program, but in our opinion, available data do not indicate that they are sufficiently likely to eliminate NOX2 as a drug target, particularly when weighed against the seriousness of many NOX2-related indications. Model studies demonstrating efficacy with minimal side effects are needed to encourage future development of NOX2 inhibitors as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky A. Diebold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan M.E. Smith
- Department of Biology and Physics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - J. David Lambeth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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24
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Couri BM, Borazjani A, Lenis AT, Balog B, Kuang M, Lin DL, Damaser MS. Validation of genetically matched wild-type strain and lysyl oxidase-like 1 knockout mouse model of pelvic organ prolapse. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2014; 20:287-92. [PMID: 25181380 PMCID: PMC4155759 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lysyl oxidase-like 1 knockout (Loxl1) mice demonstrate deficient elastin homeostasis associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To further investigate the pathophysiology of POP in these animals, a genetically matched homozygous positive (Loxl1) or wild-type strain is needed. This study sought to create and validate genetically matched Loxl1 and Loxl1 strains. METHODS Female Loxl1 mice were backcrossed with male wild-type mice. The resultant heterozygous mice were bred to produce Loxl1 and Loxl1 mice, whose genotype was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multiparous female Loxl1 (n = 7) and Loxl1 (n = 9) mice were assessed for POP weekly for 12 weeks after their first vaginal delivery. Pelvic organ prolapse was compared between groups using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve with P of less than 0.05 indicating a significant difference. Vaginal connective tissue histologic finding was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in age or parity. Of the 7 Loxl1 mice, 4 developed prolapse by 8 weeks and 6 by 12 weeks postpartum. No Loxl1 mouse prolapsed. Loxl1 mice had significantly larger vaginas as determined by area within the lumen and total cross-sectional tissue area. Striated muscle fibers of the urethra in Loxl1 mice were less organized, shorter, and thinner than in Loxl1 mice. CONCLUSIONS Genetically matched Loxl1 and Loxl1 strains can be reliably created by a backcross method and differentiate in their prolapse phenotype. Loxl1 mice demonstrate pathology primarily characterized by enlargement of the vagina. Further studies are needed to elucidate the cause of this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna M. Couri
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Ali Borazjani
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Dept. of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State Univ., Cleveland, OH
| | - Andrew T. Lenis
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Brian Balog
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Mei Kuang
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Dept of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Dan Li Lin
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Margot S. Damaser
- Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Dept. of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State Univ., Cleveland, OH
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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25
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Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. Despite considerable advances in care, CHD remains a major contributor to newborn mortality and is associated with substantial morbidities and premature death. Genetic abnormalities appear to be the primary cause of CHD, but identifying precise defects has proven challenging, principally because CHD is a complex genetic trait. Mainly because of recent advances in genomic technology such as next-generation DNA sequencing, scientists have begun to identify the genetic variants underlying CHD. In this article, the roles of modifier genes, de novo mutations, copy number variants, common variants, and noncoding mutations in the pathogenesis of CHD are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce D Gelb
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute and Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics and Genomics Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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26
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Osei-Owusu P, Knutsen RH, Kozel BA, Dietrich HH, Blumer KJ, Mecham RP. Altered reactivity of resistance vasculature contributes to hypertension in elastin insufficiency. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 306:H654-66. [PMID: 24414067 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00601.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Elastin (Eln) insufficiency in mice and humans is associated with hypertension and altered structure and mechanical properties of large arteries. However, it is not known to what extent functional or structural changes in resistance arteries contribute to the elevated blood pressure that is characteristic of Eln insufficiency. Here, we investigated how Eln insufficiency affects the structure and function of the resistance vasculature. A functional profile of resistance vasculature in Eln(+/-) mice was generated by assessing small mesenteric artery (MA) contractile and vasodilatory responses to vasoactive agents. We found that Eln haploinsufficiency had a modest effect on phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction, whereas ANG II-evoked vasoconstriction was markedly increased. Blockade of ANG II type 2 receptors with PD-123319 or modulation of Rho kinase activity with the inhibitor Y-27632 attenuated the augmented vasoconstriction, whereas acute Y-27632 administration normalized blood pressure in Eln(+/-) mice. Sodium nitroprusside- and isoproterenol-induced vasodilatation were normal, whereas ACh-induced vasodilatation was severely impaired in Eln(+/-) MAs. Histologically, the number of smooth muscle layers did not change in Eln(+/-) MAs; however, an additional discontinuous layer of Eln appeared between the smooth muscle layers that was absent in wild-type arteries. We conclude that high blood pressure arising from Eln insufficiency is due partly to permanent changes in vascular tone as a result of increased sensitivity of the resistance vasculature to circulating ANG II and to impaired vasodilatory mechanisms arising from endothelial dysfunction characterized by impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Eln insufficiency causes augmented ANG II-induced vasoconstriction in part through a novel mechanism that facilitates contraction evoked by ANG II type 2 receptors and altered G protein signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Osei-Owusu
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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27
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Euteneuer J, Carvalho CMB, Kulkarni S, Vineyard M, Grady RM, Lupski JR, Shinawi M. Molecular and phenotypic characterization of atypical Williams-Beuren syndrome. Clin Genet 2013; 86:487-91. [PMID: 24246242 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic genomic disorder typically caused by a recurrent ˜1.5-1.8 Mb deletion on 7q11.23. Atypical deletions can provide important insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of a girl with a de novo 81.8 kb deletion in the WBS critical region, which involves the ELN and LIMK1 genes only. The patient presented at 2 months of age with extensive vascular abnormalities, mild facial dysmorphism and delays in her fine motor skills. We discuss potential molecular mechanisms and the role of ELN and LIMK1 in the different phenotypic features. We compare the findings in our patient with previously reported overlapping deletions. The phenotypic variability among these patients suggests that other factors are important in the phenotype and possibly include: position effects related to copy number variation size, variations in the non-deleted alleles, genetic modifiers elsewhere in the genome, or reduced penetrance for specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Euteneuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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28
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Kozel BA, Danback JR, Waxler JL, Knutsen RH, de Las Fuentes L, Reusz GS, Kis E, Bhatt AB, Pober BR. Williams syndrome predisposes to vascular stiffness modified by antihypertensive use and copy number changes in NCF1. Hypertension 2013; 63:74-9. [PMID: 24126171 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of 26 to 28 genes, including elastin, on human chromosome 7. Elastin insufficiency leads to the cardiovascular hallmarks of this condition, namely focal stenosis and hypertension. Extrapolation from the Eln(+/-) mouse suggests that affected people may also have stiff vasculature, a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death. NCF1, one of the variably deleted Williams genes, is a component of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex and is involved in the generation of oxidative stress, making it an interesting candidate modifier for vascular stiffness. Using a case-control design, vascular stiffness was evaluated by pulse wave velocity in 77 Williams cases and matched controls. Cases had stiffer conducting vessels than controls (P<0.001), with increased stiffness observed in even the youngest children with Williams syndrome. Pulse wave velocity increased with age at comparable rates in cases and controls, and although the degree of vascular stiffness varied, it was seen in both hypertensive and normotensive Williams participants. Use of antihypertensive medication and extension of the Williams deletion to include NCF1 were associated with protection from vascular stiffness. These findings demonstrate that vascular stiffness is a primary vascular phenotype in Williams syndrome and that treatment with antihypertensives or agents inhibiting oxidative stress may be important in managing patients with this condition, potentially even those who are not overtly hypertensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Kozel
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid, Campus Box 8208, St. Louis, MO 63110.
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29
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Zhang P, Huang A, Morales-Ruiz M, Starcher BC, Huang Y, Sessa WC, Niklason LE, Giordano FJ. Engineered zinc-finger proteins can compensate genetic haploinsufficiency by transcriptional activation of the wild-type allele: application to Willams-Beuren syndrome and supravalvular aortic stenosis. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 23:1186-99. [PMID: 22891920 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) are genetic syndromes marked by the propensity to develop severe vascular stenoses. Vascular lesions in both syndromes are caused by haploinsufficiency of the elastin gene. We used these distinct genetic syndromes as models to evaluate the feasibility of using engineered zinc-finger protein transcription factors (ZFPs) to achieve compensatory expression of haploinsufficient genes by inducing augmented expression from the remaining wild-type allele. For complex genes with multiple splice variants, this approach could have distinct advantages over cDNA-based gene replacement strategies. Targeting the elastin gene, we show that transcriptional activation by engineered ZFPs can induce compensatory expression from the wild-type allele in the setting of classic WBS and SVAS genetic mutations, increase elastin expression in wild-type cells, induce expression of the major elastin splice variants, and recapitulate their natural stoichiometry. Further, we establish that transcriptional activation of the mutant allele in SVAS does not overcome nonsense-mediated decay, and thus ZFP-mediated transcriptional activation is not likely to induce production of a mutant protein, a crucial consideration. Finally, we show in bioengineered blood vessels that ZFP-mediated induction of elastin expression is capable of stimulating functional elastogenesis. Haploinsufficiency is a common mechanism of genetic disease. These findings have significant implications for WBS and SVAS, and establish that haploinsufficiency can be overcome by targeted transcriptional activation without inducing protein expression from the mutant allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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30
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Kinnear C, Chang WY, Khattak S, Hinek A, Thompson T, de Carvalho Rodrigues D, Kennedy K, Mahmut N, Pasceri P, Stanford WL, Ellis J, Mital S. Modeling and rescue of the vascular phenotype of Williams-Beuren syndrome in patient induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2012; 2:2-15. [PMID: 23283491 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2012-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin haploinsufficiency in Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) leads to increased vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and stenoses. Our objective was to generate a human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cell model for in vitro assessment of the WBS phenotype and to test the ability of candidate agents to rescue the phenotype. hiPS cells were reprogrammed from skin fibroblasts of a WBS patient with aortic and pulmonary stenosis and healthy control BJ fibroblasts using four-factor retrovirus reprogramming and were differentiated into SMCs. Differentiated SMCs were treated with synthetic elastin-binding protein ligand 2 (EBPL2) (20 μg/ml) or the antiproliferative drug rapamycin (100 nM) for 5 days. We generated four WBS induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines that expressed pluripotency genes and differentiated into all three germ layers. Directed differentiation of BJ iPS cells yielded an 85%-92% pure SMC population that expressed differentiated SMC markers, were functionally contractile, and formed tube-like structures on three-dimensional gel assay. Unlike BJ iPS cells, WBS iPS cells generated immature SMCs that were highly proliferative, showed lower expression of differentiated SMC markers, reduced response to the vasoactive agonists, carbachol and endothelin-1, impaired vascular tube formation, and reduced calcium flux. EBPL2 partially rescued and rapamycin fully rescued the abnormal SMC phenotype by decreasing the smooth muscle proliferation rate and enhancing differentiation and tube formation. WBS iPS cell-derived SMCs demonstrate an immature proliferative phenotype with reduced functional and contractile properties, thereby recapitulating the human disease phenotype. The ability of rapamycin to rescue the phenotype provides an attractive therapeutic candidate for patients with WBS and vascular stenoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kinnear
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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