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Elkrief L, Hernandez-Gea V, Senzolo M, Albillos A, Baiges A, Berzigotti A, Bureau C, Murad SD, De Gottardi A, Durand F, Garcia-Pagan JC, Lisman T, Mandorfer M, McLin V, Moga L, Nery F, Northup P, Nuzzo A, Paradis V, Patch D, Payancé A, Plaforet V, Plessier A, Poisson J, Roberts L, Salem R, Sarin S, Shukla A, Toso C, Tripathi D, Valla D, Ronot M, Rautou PE. Portal vein thrombosis: diagnosis, management, and endpoints for future clinical studies. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:859-883. [PMID: 38996577 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to the development of a non-malignant obstruction of the portal vein, its branches, its radicles, or a combination. This Review first provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of PVT, namely the specifics of the portal venous system, the risk factors for PVT, the pathophysiology of portal hypertension in PVT, the interest in non-invasive tests, as well as therapeutic approaches including the effect of treating risk factors for PVT or cause of cirrhosis, anticoagulation, portal vein recanalisation by interventional radiology, and prevention and management of variceal bleeding in patients with PVT. Specific issues are also addressed including portal cholangiopathy, mesenteric ischaemia and intestinal necrosis, quality of life, fertility, contraception and pregnancy, and PVT in children. This Review will then present endpoints for future clinical studies in PVT, both in patients with and without cirrhosis, agreed by a large panel of experts through a Delphi consensus process. These endpoints include classification of portal vein thrombus extension, classification of PVT evolution, timing of assessment of PVT, and global endpoints for studies on PVT including clinical outcomes. These endpoints will help homogenise studies on PVT and thus facilitate reporting, comparison between studies, and validation of future studies and trials on PVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Elkrief
- Faculté de médecine de Tours, et service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Le Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France; Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Virginia Hernandez-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Agustin Albillos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Baiges
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Bureau
- Service d'Hépatologie Hôpital Rangueil, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sarwa Darwish Murad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andrea De Gottardi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - François Durand
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Juan-Carlos Garcia-Pagan
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ton Lisman
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valérie McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucile Moga
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Filipe Nery
- Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology Department, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrick Northup
- Transplant Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, NYU Langone, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandre Nuzzo
- Intestinal Stroke Center, Department of Gastroenterology, IBD and Intestinal Failure, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France; Laboratory for Vascular and Translational Science, INSERM UMR 1148, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Department of Pathology, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - David Patch
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Audrey Payancé
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | | | - Aurélie Plessier
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Johanne Poisson
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service de Gériatrie, Hôpital Corentin Celton (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Lara Roberts
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Riad Salem
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shiv Sarin
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Akash Shukla
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Christian Toso
- Service de Chirurgie Viscérale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dhiraj Tripathi
- Department of Liver and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dominique Valla
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Maxime Ronot
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service de Radiologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Centre de recherche sur l'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
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Arévalo-Martinez M, Ede J, van der Have O, Ritsvall O, Zetterberg FR, Nilsson UJ, Leffler H, Holmberg J, Albinsson S. Myocardin related transcription factor and galectin-3 drive lipid accumulation in human blood vessels. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 156:107383. [PMID: 38830455 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes and hypertension are important risk factors for vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. A driving factor in this process is lipid accumulation in smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall. The glucose- and mechano-sensitive transcriptional coactivator, myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A/MKL1) can promote lipid accumulation in cultured human smooth muscle cells and contribute to the formation of smooth muscle-derived foam cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if intact human blood vessels ex vivo can be used to evaluate lipid accumulation in the vascular wall, and if this process is dependent on MRTF and/or galectin-3/LGALS3. Galectin-3 is an early marker of smooth muscle transdifferentiation and a potential mediator for foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Human mammary arteries and saphenous veins were exposed to altered cholesterol and glucose levels in an organ culture model. Accumulation of lipids, quantified by Oil Red O, was increased by cholesterol loading and elevated glucose concentrations. Pharmacological inhibition of MRTF with CCG-203971 decreased lipid accumulation, whereas adenoviral-mediated overexpression of MRTF-A had the opposite effect. Cholesterol-induced expression of galectin-3 was decreased after inhibition of MRTF. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of galectin-3 with GB1107 reduced lipid accumulation in the vascular wall after cholesterol loading. CONCLUSION Ex vivo organ culture of human arteries and veins can be used to evaluate lipid accumulation in the intact vascular wall, as well as adenoviral transduction and pharmacological inhibition. Although MRTF and galectin-3 may have beneficial, anti-inflammatory effects under certain circumstances, our results, which demonstrate a significant decrease in lipid accumulation, support further evaluation of MRTF- and galectin-3-inhibitors for therapeutic intervention against atherosclerotic vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marycarmen Arévalo-Martinez
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jacob Ede
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oscar van der Have
- Vessel Wall Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olivia Ritsvall
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik R Zetterberg
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Lund, Sweden; Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section MIG, Lund University BMC-C1228b, Klinikgatan 28, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden.
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Cheng S, Xia IF, Wanner R, Abello J, Stratman AN, Nicoli S. Hemodynamics regulate spatiotemporal artery muscularization in the developing circle of Willis. eLife 2024; 13:RP94094. [PMID: 38985140 PMCID: PMC11236418 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) envelop vertebrate brain arteries and play a crucial role in regulating cerebral blood flow and neurovascular coupling. The dedifferentiation of VSMCs is implicated in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Despite its importance, the process of VSMC differentiation on brain arteries during development remains inadequately characterized. Understanding this process could aid in reprogramming and regenerating dedifferentiated VSMCs in cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated VSMC differentiation on zebrafish circle of Willis (CoW), comprising major arteries that supply blood to the vertebrate brain. We observed that arterial specification of CoW endothelial cells (ECs) occurs after their migration from cranial venous plexus to form CoW arteries. Subsequently, acta2+ VSMCs differentiate from pdgfrb+ mural cell progenitors after they were recruited to CoW arteries. The progression of VSMC differentiation exhibits a spatiotemporal pattern, advancing from anterior to posterior CoW arteries. Analysis of blood flow suggests that earlier VSMC differentiation in anterior CoW arteries correlates with higher red blood cell velocity and wall shear stress. Furthermore, pulsatile flow induces differentiation of human brain PDGFRB+ mural cells into VSMCs, and blood flow is required for VSMC differentiation on zebrafish CoW arteries. Consistently, flow-responsive transcription factor klf2a is activated in ECs of CoW arteries prior to VSMC differentiation, and klf2a knockdown delays VSMC differentiation on anterior CoW arteries. In summary, our findings highlight blood flow activation of endothelial klf2a as a mechanism regulating initial VSMC differentiation on vertebrate brain arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Ivan Fan Xia
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Renate Wanner
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Javier Abello
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, United States
| | - Amber N Stratman
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, United States
| | - Stefania Nicoli
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
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Ritsvall O, Albinsson S. Emerging role of YAP/TAZ in vascular mechanotransduction and disease. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12838. [PMID: 38011540 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cells have an incredible ability to physically interact with neighboring cells and their environment. They can detect and respond to mechanical forces by converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. This is a key process for the adaption of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells to altered flow and pressure conditions. Mechanical stimuli, referring to a physical force exerted on cells, are primarily sensed by transmembrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton, which initiate a cascade of intracellular events, including the activation of signaling pathways, ion channels, and transcriptional regulators. Recent work has highlighted an important role of the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ for mechanotransduction in vascular cells. Interestingly, the activity of YAP/TAZ decreases with age, providing a potential mechanism for the detrimental effects of aging in the vascular wall. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the functional role of YAP and TAZ in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells for mechanotransduction in homeostasis and disease. In particular, the review is focused on in vivo observations from conditional knockout (KO) models of YAP/TAZ and the potential implications these studies may have for our understanding of vascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ritsvall
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Williams MD, Bullock MT, Johnson SC, Holland NA, Vuncannon DM, Oswald JZ, Adderley SP, Tulis DA. Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Controls Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2-Dependent Manner. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:213-226. [PMID: 37778342 PMCID: PMC10614497 DOI: 10.1159/000532032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disorders are characterized by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) transition from a contractile to proliferative state. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) involvement in this phenotypic conversion remains unclear. We hypothesized that PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation in phenotype-dependent manner and through specific protein kinases. METHODS Rat clonal low (PLo; P3-P6) and high passage (PHi; P10-P15) VSM cells were established as respective models of quiescent and proliferative cells, based on reduced PKG-1 and VASP. Western blotting determined expression of cytoskeletal/contractile proteins, PAR2, and select protein kinases. DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were measured 24-72 h following PAR2 agonism (SLIGRL; 100 nM-10 μm) with/without PKA (PKI; 10 μm), MEK1/2 (PD98059; 10 μm), and PI3K (LY294002; 1 μm) blockade. RESULTS PKG-1, VASP, SM22α, calponin, cofilin, and PAR2 were reduced in PHi versus PLo cells. Following PAR2 agonism, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation increased in PLo cells but decreased in PHi cells. Western analyses showed reduced PKA, MEK1/2, and PI3K in PHi versus PLo cells, and kinase blockade revealed PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation through PKA/MEK1/2. DISCUSSION Findings highlight PAR2 and PAR2-driven PKA/MEK1/2 in control of VSM cell growth and provide evidence for continued investigation of PAR2 in VSM pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison D Williams
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael T Bullock
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sean C Johnson
- Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan A Holland
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle M Vuncannon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joani Zary Oswald
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - David A Tulis
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Daoud F, Arévalo Martínez M, Holst J, Holmberg J, Albinsson S, Swärd K. Role of smooth muscle YAP and TAZ in protection against phenotypic modulation, inflammation, and aneurysm development. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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De Moudt S, Hendrickx JO, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Basal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Tone in eNOS Knockout Mice Can Be Reversed by Cyclic Stretch and Is Independent of Age. Front Physiol 2022; 13:882527. [PMID: 35574444 PMCID: PMC9096105 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.882527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) knockout mice develop pronounced cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we describe the alterations in aortic physiology and biomechanics of eNOS knockout and C57Bl/6 control mice at 2–12 months of age, including a thorough physiological investigation of age and cyclic stretch-dependent VSMC contractility and aortic stiffness. Methods and Results: Peripheral blood pressure and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured in vivo, and aortic biomechanical studies and isometric contractions were investigated ex vivo. Age-dependent progression of aortic stiffness, peripheral hypertension, and aortic contractility in eNOS knockout mice was absent, attenuated, or similar to C57Bl/6 control mice. Voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-dependent calcium influx inversely affected isometric contraction and aortic stiffening by α1-adrenergic stimulation in eNOS knockout mice. Baseline aortic stiffness was selectively reduced in eNOS knockout mice after ex vivo cyclic stretch exposure in an amplitude-dependent manner, which prompted us to investigate cyclic stretch dependent regulation of aortic contractility and stiffness. Aortic stiffness, both in baseline conditions and after activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction, was reduced with increasing cyclic stretch amplitude. This cyclic stretch dependency was attenuated with age, although aged eNOS knockout mice displayed better preservation of cyclic stretch-dependency compared to C57Bl/6 control mice. Store operated calcium entry-medicated aortic stiffening as induced by inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pumps with 10 µM CPA was most pronounced in the aorta of aged mice and at low cyclic stretch amplitude, but independent of eNOS. Basal aortic tonus and VSMC depolarization were highly dependent on eNOS, and were most pronounced at low cyclic stretch, with attenuation at increasing cyclic stretch amplitude. Conclusion: eNOS knockout mice display attenuated progression of arterial disease as compared to C57Bl/6 control mice. Basal VSMC tone in eNOS knockout mice could be reduced by ex vivo exposure to cyclic stretch through stretch-dependent regulation of cytosolic calcium. Both baseline and active aortic stiffness were highly dependent on cyclic stretch regulation, which was more pronounced in young versus aged mice. Other mediators of VSMC contraction and calcium handling were dependent on cyclic stretch mechanotransduction, but independent of eNOS.
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Daoud F, Arévalo Martinez M, Holmberg J, Alajbegovic A, Ali N, Rippe C, Swärd K, Albinsson S. YAP and TAZ in Vascular Smooth Muscle Confer Protection Against Hypertensive Vasculopathy. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:428-443. [PMID: 35196875 PMCID: PMC8939708 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.317365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesize that appropriate mechanotransduction and contractile function in vascular smooth muscle cells are crucial to maintain vascular wall integrity. The Hippo pathway effectors YAP (yes-associated protein 1) and TAZ (WW domain containing transcription regulator 1) have been identified as mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivators. However, their role in vascular smooth muscle cell mechanotransduction has not been investigated in vivo. METHODS We performed physiological and molecular analyses utilizing an inducible smooth muscle-specific YAP/TAZ knockout mouse model. RESULTS Arteries lacking YAP/TAZ have reduced agonist-mediated contraction, decreased myogenic response, and attenuated stretch-induced transcriptional regulation of smooth muscle markers. Moreover, in established hypertension, YAP/TAZ knockout results in severe vascular lesions in small mesenteric arteries characterized by neointimal hyperplasia, elastin degradation, and adventitial thickening. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a protective role of YAP/TAZ against hypertensive vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Daoud
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Marycarmen Arévalo Martinez
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Azra Alajbegovic
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Neserin Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopaedics, Clinical Epidemiology Unit (N.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (F.D., M.A.M., J.H., A.A., C.R., K.S., S.A.), Lund University, Sweden
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9
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Chiang HY, Chu PH, Chen SC, Lee TH. MFG-E8 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration Through Dose-Dependent Mediation of Actin Polymerization. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e020870. [PMID: 34041925 PMCID: PMC8483510 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.020870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the main contributor to neointimal formation. The Arp2/3 (actin-related proteins 2 and 3) complex activates actin polymerization and is involved in lamellipodia formation during VSMC migration. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a glycoprotein expressed in VSMCs. We hypothesized that MFG-E8 regulates VSMC migration through modulation of Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization. Methods and Results To determine whether MFG-E8 is essential for VSMC migration, a model of neointimal hyperplasia was induced in the common carotid artery of wild-type and MFG-E8 knockout mice, and the extent of neointimal formation was evaluated. Genetic deletion of MFG-E8 in mice attenuated injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Cultured VSMCs deficient in MFG-E8 exhibited decreased cell migration. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting revealed decreased Arp2 but not Arp3 expression in the common carotid arteries and VSMCs deficient in MFG-E8. Exogenous administration of recombinant MFG-E8 biphasically and dose-dependently regulated the cultured VSMCs. At a low concentration, MFG-E8 upregulated Arp2 expression. By contrast, MFG-E8 at a high concentration reduced the Arp2 level and significantly attenuated actin assembly. Arp2 upregulation mediated by low-dose MFG-E8 was abolished by treating cultured VSMCs with β1 integrin function-blocking antibody and Rac1 inhibitors. Moreover, treatment of the artery with a high dose of recombinant MFG-E8 diminished injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia and reduced VSMC migration. Conclusions MFG-E8 plays a critical role in VSMC migration through dose-dependent regulation of Arp2-mediated actin polymerization. These findings suggest that high doses of MFG-E8 may have therapeutic potential for treating vascular occlusive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Yu Chiang
- Department of Anatomy College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Taiwan
| | - Pao-Hsien Chu
- Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Taiwan.,College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chi Chen
- Department of Anatomy College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Ting-Hein Lee
- Department of Anatomy College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences College of Medicine Chang Gung University Taoyuan Taiwan.,Division of Cardiology Department of Internal Medicine Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Taiwan
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10
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Donadon M, Santoro MM. The origin and mechanisms of smooth muscle cell development in vertebrates. Development 2021; 148:148/7/dev197384. [PMID: 33789914 DOI: 10.1242/dev.197384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) represent a major structural and functional component of many organs during embryonic development and adulthood. These cells are a crucial component of vertebrate structure and physiology, and an updated overview of the developmental and functional process of smooth muscle during organogenesis is desirable. Here, we describe the developmental origin of SMCs within different tissues by comparing their specification and differentiation with other organs, including the cardiovascular, respiratory and intestinal systems. We then discuss the instructive roles of smooth muscle in the development of such organs through signaling and mechanical feedback mechanisms. By understanding SMC development, we hope to advance therapeutic approaches related to tissue regeneration and other smooth muscle-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Donadon
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Massimo M Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padua, Italy
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11
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Alajbegovic A, Holmberg J, Daoud F, Rippe C, Kalliokoski G, Ekman M, Daudi S, Ragnarsson S, Swärd K, Albinsson S. MRTFA overexpression promotes conversion of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells into lipid-laden foam cells. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 138:106837. [PMID: 33516965 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smooth muscle cells contribute significantly to lipid-laden foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the underlying mechanisms transforming smooth muscle cells into foam cells are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating smooth muscle foam cell formation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using human coronary artery smooth muscle cells we found that the transcriptional co-activator MRTFA promotes lipid accumulation via several mechanisms, including direct transcriptional control of LDL receptor, enhanced fluid-phase pinocytosis and reduced lipid efflux. Inhibition of MRTF activity with CCG1423 and CCG203971 significantly reduced lipid accumulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate enhanced MRTFA expression in vascular remodeling of human vessels. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a novel role for MRTFA as an important regulator of lipid homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus, MRTFA could potentially be a new therapeutic target for inhibition of vascular lipid accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Alajbegovic
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden.
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Fatima Daoud
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | | | - Mari Ekman
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Sébastien Daudi
- Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
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12
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Creamer TJ, Bramel EE, MacFarlane EG. Insights on the Pathogenesis of Aneurysm through the Study of Hereditary Aortopathies. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:183. [PMID: 33514025 PMCID: PMC7912671 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are permanent and localized dilations of the aorta that predispose patients to a life-threatening risk of aortic dissection or rupture. The identification of pathogenic variants that cause hereditary forms of TAA has delineated fundamental molecular processes required to maintain aortic homeostasis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) elaborate and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to mechanical and biochemical cues from their environment. Causal variants for hereditary forms of aneurysm compromise the function of gene products involved in the transmission or interpretation of these signals, initiating processes that eventually lead to degeneration and mechanical failure of the vessel. These include mutations that interfere with transduction of stimuli from the matrix to the actin-myosin cytoskeleton through integrins, and those that impair signaling pathways activated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In this review, we summarize the features of the healthy aortic wall, the major pathways involved in the modulation of VSMC phenotypes, and the basic molecular functions impaired by TAA-associated mutations. We also discuss how the heterogeneity and balance of adaptive and maladaptive responses to the initial genetic insult might contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Creamer
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Emily E. Bramel
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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13
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Xie X, Mahmood SR, Gjorgjieva T, Percipalle P. Emerging roles of cytoskeletal proteins in regulating gene expression and genome organization during differentiation. Nucleus 2020; 11:53-65. [PMID: 32212905 PMCID: PMC7289583 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2020.1742066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the eukaryotic cell nucleus, cytoskeletal proteins are emerging as essential players in nuclear function. In particular, actin regulates chromatin as part of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, it modulates transcription and it is incorporated into nascent ribonucleoprotein complexes, accompanying them from the site of transcription to polyribosomes. The nuclear actin pool is undistinguishable from the cytoplasmic one in terms of its ability to undergo polymerization and it has also been implicated in the dynamics of chromatin, regulating heterochromatin segregation at the nuclear lamina and maintaining heterochromatin levels in the nuclear interiors. One of the next frontiers is, therefore, to determine a possible involvement of nuclear actin in the functional architecture of the cell nucleus by regulating the hierarchical organization of chromatin and, thus, genome organization. Here, we discuss the repertoire of these potential actin functions and how they are likely to play a role in the context of cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Science Division, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - S Raza Mahmood
- Science Division, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tamara Gjorgjieva
- Science Division, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Piergiorgio Percipalle
- Science Division, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Gurung R, Choong AM, Woo CC, Foo R, Sorokin V. Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176334. [PMID: 32878347 PMCID: PMC7504666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to the localized dilatation of the infra-renal aorta, in which the diameter exceeds 3.0 cm. Loss of vascular smooth muscle cells, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), vascular inflammation, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of AAA pathogenesis and contribute to the progressive thinning of the media and adventitia of the aortic wall. With increasing AAA diameter, and left untreated, aortic rupture ensues with high mortality. Collective evidence of recent genetic and epigenetic studies has shown that phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) towards dedifferentiation and proliferative state, which associate with the ECM remodeling of the vascular wall and accompanied with increased cell senescence and inflammation, is seen in in vitro and in vivo models of the disease. This review critically analyses existing publications on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the complex role of SMCs within the aortic wall in AAA formation and reflects the importance of SMCs plasticity in AAA formation. Although evidence from the wide variety of mouse models is convincing, how this knowledge is applied to human biology needs to be addressed urgently leveraging modern in vitro and in vivo experimental technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rijan Gurung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Andrew Mark Choong
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Chin Cheng Woo
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
| | - Roger Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Vitaly Sorokin
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6779-5555
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15
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Cell signaling model for arterial mechanobiology. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1008161. [PMID: 32834001 PMCID: PMC7470387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial growth and remodeling at the tissue level is driven by mechanobiological processes at cellular and sub-cellular levels. Although it is widely accepted that cells seek to promote tissue homeostasis in response to biochemical and biomechanical cues—such as increased wall stress in hypertension—the ways by which these cues translate into tissue maintenance, adaptation, or maladaptation are far from understood. In this paper, we present a logic-based computational model for cell signaling within the arterial wall, aiming to predict changes in extracellular matrix turnover and cell phenotype in response to pressure-induced wall stress, flow-induced wall shear stress, and exogenous sources of angiotensin II, with particular interest in mouse models of hypertension. We simulate a number of experiments from the literature at both the cell and tissue level, involving single or combined inputs, and achieve high qualitative agreement in most cases. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of this modeling approach for simulating alterations (in this case knockdowns) of individual nodes within the signaling network. Continued modeling of cellular signaling will enable improved mechanistic understanding of arterial growth and remodeling in health and disease, and will be crucial when considering potential pharmacological interventions. Biological soft tissues are characterized by continuous production and removal of material, which endows them with a remarkable ability to adapt to changes in their biochemical and biomechanical environments. For arteries, mechanical stimuli result primarily from changes in blood pressure or flow, and biochemical changes are induced by multiple factors, including pharmacological intervention. In order to understand how arterial properties are maintained in health, or how they adapt or fail to adapt in disease, we must understand better how these diverse stimuli affect material turnover. Extracellular matrix is tightly regulated by mechano-sensing and mechano-regulation, and therefore cell signaling, thus we present a computational model of relevant signaling pathways within the vascular wall, with the aim of predicting changes in wall composition and function in response to three main inputs: pressure-induced wall stress, flow-induced wall shear stress, and exogenous angiotensin II. We obtain qualitative agreement with a range of experimental studies from the literature, and provide illustrative examples demonstrating how such models can be used to further our understanding of arterial remodeling.
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16
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Chen J, Zhou Y, Liu S, Li C. Biomechanical signal communication in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2020; 14:357-376. [PMID: 32780323 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00576-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical stresses are closely associated with cardiovascular development and diseases. In vivo, vascular smooth muscle cells are constantly stimulated by biomechanical factors caused by increased blood pressure leading to the non-specific activation of cell transmembrane proteins. Thus, various intracellular signal molecules are simultaneously activated via signaling cascades, which are closely related to alterations in the differentiation, phenotype, inflammation, migration, pyroptosis, calcification, proliferation, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Meanwhile, mechanical stress-induced miRNAs and epigenetics modification on vascular smooth muscle cells play critical roles as well. Eventually, the overall pathophysiology of the cells is altered, resulting in the development of many major clinical diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, grafted venous atherosclerosis, and aneurysm, among others. In this paper, important advances in mechanical signal communication in vascular smooth muscle cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuying Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chaohong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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17
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Huycke TR, Miller BM, Gill HK, Nerurkar NL, Sprinzak D, Mahadevan L, Tabin CJ. Genetic and Mechanical Regulation of Intestinal Smooth Muscle Development. Cell 2020; 179:90-105.e21. [PMID: 31539501 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is enveloped by concentric and orthogonally aligned layers of smooth muscle; however, an understanding of the mechanisms by which these muscles become patterned and aligned in the embryo has been lacking. We find that Hedgehog acts through Bmp to delineate the position of the circumferentially oriented inner muscle layer, whereas localized Bmp inhibition is critical for allowing formation of the later-forming, longitudinally oriented outer layer. Because the layers form at different developmental stages, the muscle cells are exposed to unique mechanical stimuli that direct their alignments. Differential growth within the early gut tube generates residual strains that orient the first layer circumferentially, and when formed, the spontaneous contractions of this layer align the second layer longitudinally. Our data link morphogen-based patterning to mechanically controlled smooth muscle cell alignment and provide a mechanistic context for potentially understanding smooth muscle organization in a wide variety of tubular organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R Huycke
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bess M Miller
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hasreet K Gill
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nandan L Nerurkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - David Sprinzak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - L Mahadevan
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Kavli Institute for Bionano Science and Technology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Clifford J Tabin
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Bai X, Mangum K, Kakoki M, Smithies O, Mack CP, Taylor JM. GRAF3 serves as a blood volume-sensitive rheostat to control smooth muscle contractility and blood pressure. Small GTPases 2020; 11:194-203. [PMID: 29099324 PMCID: PMC7549679 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1375602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular resistance is a major determinant of BP and is controlled, in large part, by RhoA-dependent smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction within small peripheral arterioles and previous studies from our lab indicate that GRAF3 is a critical regulator of RhoA in vascular SMC. The elevated contractile responses we observed in GRAF3 deficient vessels coupled with the hypertensive phenotype provided a mechanistic link for the hypertensive locus recently identified within the GRAF3 gene. On the basis of our previous findings that the RhoA signaling axis also controls SMC contractile gene expression and that GRAF3 expression was itself controlled by this pathway, we postulated that GRAF3 serves as an important counter-regulator of SMC phenotype. Indeed, our new findings presented herein indicate that GRAF3 expression acts as a pressure-sensitive rheostat to control vessel tone by both reducing calcium sensitivity and restraining expression of the SMC-specific contractile proteins that support this function. Collectively, these studies highlight the potential therapeutic value of GRAF3 in the control of human hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kevin Mangum
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Masao Kakoki
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Oliver Smithies
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher P. Mack
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joan M. Taylor
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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19
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Hansson B, Morén B, Fryklund C, Vliex L, Wasserstrom S, Albinsson S, Berger K, Stenkula KG. Adipose cell size changes are associated with a drastic actin remodeling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12941. [PMID: 31506540 PMCID: PMC6736966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue plays a major role in regulating whole-body insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism. To accommodate surplus energy, the tissue rapidly expands by increasing adipose cell size (hypertrophy) and cell number (hyperplasia). Previous studies have shown that enlarged, hypertrophic adipocytes are less responsive to insulin, and that adipocyte size could serve as a predictor for the development of type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we demonstrate that changes in adipocyte size correlate with a drastic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Expansion of primary adipocytes following 2 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD)-feeding in C57BL6/J mice was associated with a drastic increase in filamentous (F)-actin as assessed by fluorescence microscopy, increased Rho-kinase activity, and changed expression of actin-regulating proteins, favoring actin polymerization. At the same time, increased cell size was associated with impaired insulin response, while the interaction between the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein IQGAP1 and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 remained intact. Reversed feeding from HFD to chow restored cell size, insulin response, expression of actin-regulatory proteins and decreased the amount of F-actin filaments. Together, we report a drastic cytoskeletal remodeling during adipocyte expansion, a process which could contribute to deteriorating adipocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Hansson
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Morén
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Fryklund
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Vliex
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden.,Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Karin Berger
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin G Stenkula
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden.
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20
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Montel L, Sotiropoulos A, Hénon S. The nature and intensity of mechanical stimulation drive different dynamics of MRTF-A nuclear redistribution after actin remodeling in myoblasts. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214385. [PMID: 30921405 PMCID: PMC6438519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor and its cofactor myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) are key elements of muscle-mass adaptation to workload. The transcription of target genes is activated when MRTF is present in the nucleus. The localization of MRTF is controlled by its binding to G-actin. Thus, the pathway can be mechanically activated through the mechanosensitivity of the actin cytoskeleton. The pathway has been widely investigated from a biochemical point of view, but its mechanical activation and the timescales involved are poorly understood. Here, we applied local and global mechanical cues to myoblasts through two custom-built set-ups, magnetic tweezers and stretchable substrates. Both induced nuclear accumulation of MRTF-A. However, the dynamics of the response varied with the nature and level of mechanical stimulation and correlated with the polymerization of different actin sub-structures. Local repeated force induced local actin polymerization and nuclear accumulation of MRTF-A by 30 minutes, whereas a global static strain induced both rapid (minutes) transient nuclear accumulation, associated with the polymerization of an actin cap above the nucleus, and long-term accumulation, with a global increase in polymerized actin. Conversely, high strain induced actin depolymerization at intermediate times, associated with cytoplasmic MRTF accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Montel
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, CNRS UMR 7057, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Athanassia Sotiropoulos
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Hénon
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes, CNRS UMR 7057, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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21
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Mechanobiology of mice cervix: expression profile of mechano-related molecules during pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 376:443-456. [PMID: 30671632 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-02983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a known reciprocation between the chronic exertion of force on tissue and both increased tissue density (e.g., bone) and hypertrophy (e.g., heart). This can also be seen in cervical tissue where the excessive gravitational forces associated with multiple fetal pregnancies promote preterm births. While there is a well-known regulation of cervical remodeling (CR) by sex steroid hormones and growth factors, the role of mechanical force is less appreciated. Using proteome-wide technology, we previously provided evidence for the presence of and alteration in mechano-related signaling molecules in the mouse cervix during pregnancy. Here, we profile the expression of select cytoskeletal factors (filamin-A, gelsolin, vimentin, actinin-1, caveolin-1, transgelin, keratin-8, profilin-1) and their associated signaling molecules [focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Rho GTPases CDC42, RHOA, and RHOB] in cervices of pregnant mice by real-time PCR and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Messenger RNA and protein levels increased for each of these 12 factors, except for 3 (keratin-8, profilin-1, RHOA) that decreased during the course of pregnancy and this corresponded with an increase in gravitational force exerted by the fetus on the cervix. We therefore conclude that size or weight of the growing fetus likely plays a key role in CR through mechanotransduction processes.
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22
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Dee RA, Mangum KD, Bai X, Mack CP, Taylor JM. Druggable targets in the Rho pathway and their promise for therapeutic control of blood pressure. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 193:121-134. [PMID: 30189292 PMCID: PMC7235948 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) has steadily increased over the last few decades. Known as a silent killer, hypertension increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and associated sequela. While numerous hypertensive therapies are currently available, it is estimated that only half of medicated patients exhibit blood pressure control. This signifies the need for a better understanding of the underlying cause of disease and for more effective therapies. While blood pressure homeostasis is very complex and involves the integrated control of multiple body systems, smooth muscle contractility and arterial resistance are important contributors. Strong evidence from pre-clinical animal models and genome-wide association studies indicate that smooth muscle contraction and BP homeostasis are governed by the small GTPase RhoA and its downstream target, Rho kinase. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways and regulators that impart tight spatial-temporal control of RhoA activity in smooth muscle cells and discuss current therapeutic strategies to target these RhoA pathway components. We also discuss known allelic variations in the RhoA pathway and consider how these polymorphisms may affect genetic risk for hypertension and its clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Dee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kevin D Mangum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Christopher P Mack
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joan M Taylor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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23
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Mahavadi S, Nalli AD, Wang H, Kendig DM, Crowe MS, Lyall V, Grider JR, Murthy KS. Regulation of gastric smooth muscle contraction via Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent actin polymerization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209359. [PMID: 30571746 PMCID: PMC6301582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In gastrointestinal smooth muscle, acetylcholine induced muscle contraction is biphasic, initial peak followed by sustained contraction. Contraction is regulated by phosphorylation of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC) at Ser19, interaction of actin and myosin, and actin polymerization. The present study characterized the signaling mechanisms involved in actin polymerization during initial and sustained muscle contraction in response to muscarinic M3 receptor activation in gastric smooth muscle cells by targeting the effectors of initial (phospholipase C (PLC)-β/Ca2+ pathway) and sustained (RhoA/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Rho kinase pathway) contraction. The initial Ca2+ dependent contraction and actin polymerization is mediated by sequential activation of PLC-β1 via Gαq, IP3 formation, Ca2+ release and Ca2+ dependent phosphorylation of proline-rich-tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) at Tyr402. The sustained Ca2+ independent contraction and actin polymerization is mediated by activation of RhoA, and phosphorylation of FAK at Tyr397. Both phosphorylation of Pyk2 and FAK leads to phosphorylation of paxillin at Tyr118 and association of phosphorylated paxillin with the GEF proteins p21-activated kinase (PAK) interacting exchange factor α, β (α and β PIX) and DOCK 180. These GEF proteins stimulate Cdc42 leading to the activation of nucleation promoting factor N-WASP (neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein), which interacts with actin related protein complex 2/3 (Arp2/3) to induce actin polymerization and muscle contraction. Acetylcholine induced muscle contraction is inhibited by actin polymerization inhibitors. Thus, our results suggest that a novel mechanism for the regulation of smooth muscle contraction is mediated by actin polymerization in gastrointestinal smooth muscle which is independent of MLC20 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunila Mahavadi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ancy D. Nalli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Derek M. Kendig
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Molly S. Crowe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Vijay Lyall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John R. Grider
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Karnam S. Murthy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, VCU Program in Enteric Neuromuscular Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
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24
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Imsirovic J, Bartolák-Suki E, Jawde SB, Parameswaran H, Suki B. Blood pressure-induced physiological strain variability modulates wall structure and function in aorta rings. Physiol Meas 2018; 39:105014. [PMID: 30376453 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aae65f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells respond to mechanical stretch by reorganizing their cytoskeletal and contractile elements. Recently, we showed that contractile forces in rat aorta rings were maintained when the rings were exposed to 4 h of physiological variability in cycle-by-cycle strain, called variable stretch (VS), mimicking beat-to-beat blood pressure variability. Contractility, however, was reduced when the aorta was exposed to monotonous stretch (MS) with an amplitude equal to the mean peak strain of VS. OBJECTIVE Here we reanalyzed the data to obtain wall stiffness as well as added new histologic and inhibitor studies to test the effects of VS on the extracellular matrix. MAIN RESULTS The results demonstrate that while the stiffness of the aorta did not change during 4 h MS or VS, nonlinearity in mechanical behavior was slightly stronger following MS. The inhibitor studies also showed that mitochondrial energy production and cytoskeletal organization were involved in this fluctuation-driven mechanotransduction. Reorganization of β-actin in the smooth muscle layer quantified from immunohistochemically labeled images correlated with contractile forces during contraction. Histologic analysis of wall structure provided evidence of reorganization of elastin and collagen fibers following MS but less so following VS. The results suggested that the loss of muscle contraction in MS was compensated by reorganization of fiber structure leading to similar wall stiffness as in VS. SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that muscle tone modulated by variability in stretch plays a role in maintaining aortic wall structural and mechanical homeostasis with implications for vascular conditions characterized by a loss or an increase in blood pressure variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Imsirovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America. These authors contributed equally to this work
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25
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Holmberg J, Bhattachariya A, Alajbegovic A, Rippe C, Ekman M, Dahan D, Hien TT, Boettger T, Braun T, Swärd K, Hellstrand P, Albinsson S. Loss of Vascular Myogenic Tone in miR-143/145 Knockout Mice Is Associated With Hypertension-Induced Vascular Lesions in Small Mesenteric Arteries. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:414-424. [PMID: 29217510 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pressure-induced myogenic tone is involved in autoregulation of local blood flow and confers protection against excessive pressure levels in small arteries and capillaries. Myogenic tone is dependent on smooth muscle microRNAs (miRNAs), but the identity of these miRNAs is unclear. Furthermore, the consequences of altered myogenic tone for hypertension-induced damage to small arteries are not well understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS The importance of smooth muscle-enriched microRNAs, miR-143/145, for myogenic tone was evaluated in miR-143/145 knockout mice. Furthermore, hypertension-induced vascular injury was evaluated in mesenteric arteries in vivo after angiotensin II infusion. Myogenic tone was abolished in miR-143/145 knockout mesenteric arteries, whereas contraction in response to calyculin A and potassium chloride was reduced by ≈30%. Furthermore, myogenic responsiveness was potentiated by angiotensin II in wild-type but not in knockout mice. Angiotensin II administration in vivo elevated systemic blood pressure in both genotypes. Hypertensive knockout mice developed severe vascular lesions characterized by vascular inflammation, adventitial fibrosis, and neointimal hyperplasia in small mesenteric arteries. This was associated with depolymerization of actin filaments and fragmentation of the elastic laminae at the sites of vascular lesions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that miR-143/145 expression is essential for myogenic responsiveness. During hypertension, loss of myogenic tone results in potentially damaging levels of mechanical stress and detrimental effects on small arteries. The results presented herein provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of vascular disease and emphasize the importance of controlling mechanical factors to maintain structural integrity of the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Holmberg
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Anirban Bhattachariya
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Azra Alajbegovic
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Catarina Rippe
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Mari Ekman
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Diana Dahan
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Tran Thi Hien
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Thomas Boettger
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Thomas Braun
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Karl Swärd
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Per Hellstrand
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun)
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden (J.H., A.B., A.A., C.R., M.E., D.D., T.T.H., K.S., P.H., S.A.); and Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany (T. Boettger, T. Braun).
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26
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Shaifta Y, MacKay CE, Irechukwu N, O'Brien KA, Wright DB, Ward JPT, Knock GA. Transforming growth factor-β enhances Rho-kinase activity and contraction in airway smooth muscle via the nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1. J Physiol 2017; 596:47-66. [PMID: 29071730 PMCID: PMC5746525 DOI: 10.1113/jp275033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Key points Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood. We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle. TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content). TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively. ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice. ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.
Abstract Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), RhoA/Rho‐kinase and Src‐family kinases (SrcFK) have independently been implicated in airway hyper‐responsiveness, but how they interact to regulate airway smooth muscle contractility is not fully understood. We found that TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced acute contractile responses to bradykinin (BK) in isolated rat bronchioles, and inhibitors of RhoGEFs (Y16) and Rho‐kinase (Y27632), but not the SrcFK inhibitor PP2, prevented this enhancement. In cultured human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs), TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced the protein expression of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1, MLC20, MYPT‐1 and the actin‐severing protein cofilin, but not of RhoA, ROCK2 or c‐Src. In hASMCs, acute treatment with BK triggered subcellular translocation of ARHGEF1 and RhoA and enhanced auto‐phosphorylation of SrcFK and phosphorylation of MYPT1 and MLC20, but induced de‐phosphorylation of cofilin. TGF‐β pre‐treatment amplified the effects of BK on RhoA translocation and MYPT1/MLC20 phosphorylation, but suppressed the effects of BK on RhoA‐GTP content, SrcFK auto‐phosphorylation and cofilin de‐phosphorylation. In hASMCs, an ARHGEF1 small interfering RNA suppressed the effects of BK and TGF‐β on RhoA‐GTP content, RhoA translocation and MYPT1 and MLC20 phosphorylation, but minimally influenced the effects of TGF‐β on cofilin expression and phosphorylation. ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in ASMCs of asthmatic patients and in lungs of ovalbumin‐sensitized mice. Our data indicate that TGF‐β enhances BK‐induced contraction, RhoA translocation and Rho‐kinase activity in airway smooth muscle largely via ARHGEF1, but independently of SrcFK and total RhoA‐GTP content. A role for smooth muscle ARHGEF1 in asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness is worthy of further investigation. Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood. We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle. TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content). TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively. ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice. ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Shaifta
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Charles E MacKay
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Nneka Irechukwu
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Katie A O'Brien
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - David B Wright
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Jeremy P T Ward
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Greg A Knock
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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27
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Abstract
Smooth muscle contraction requires both myosin activation and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Actin cytoskeletal reorganization facilitates smooth muscle contraction by promoting force transmission between the contractile unit and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and by enhancing intercellular mechanical transduction. Myosin may be viewed to serve as an "engine" for smooth muscle contraction whereas the actin cytoskeleton may function as a "transmission system" in smooth muscle. The actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle also undergoes restructuring upon activation with growth factors or the ECM, which controls smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Abnormal smooth muscle contraction, cell proliferation, and motility contribute to the development of vascular and pulmonary diseases. A number of actin-regulatory proteins including protein kinases have been discovered to orchestrate actin dynamics in smooth muscle. In particular, Abelson tyrosine kinase (c-Abl) is an important molecule that controls actin dynamics, contraction, growth, and motility in smooth muscle. Moreover, c-Abl coordinates the regulation of blood pressure and contributes to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness and vascular/airway remodeling in vivo. Thus, c-Abl may be a novel pharmacological target for the development of new therapy to treat smooth muscle diseases such as hypertension and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale D Tang
- Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States.
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28
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Schubert KM, Qiu J, Blodow S, Wiedenmann M, Lubomirov LT, Pfitzer G, Pohl U, Schneider H. The AMP-Related Kinase (AMPK) Induces Ca
2+
-Independent Dilation of Resistance Arteries by Interfering With Actin Filament Formation. Circ Res 2017; 121:149-161. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.116.309962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rationale:
Decreasing Ca
2+
sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) allows for vasodilation without lowering of cytosolic Ca
2+
. This may be particularly important in states requiring maintained dilation, such as hypoxia. AMP-related kinase (AMPK) is an important cellular energy sensor in VSM. Regulation of Ca
2+
sensitivity usually is attributed to myosin light chain phosphatase activity, but findings in non-VSM identified changes in the actin cytoskeleton. The potential role of AMPK in this setting is widely unknown.
Objective:
To assess the influence of AMPK on the actin cytoskeleton in VSM of resistance arteries with regard to potential Ca
2+
desensitization of VSM contractile apparatus.
Methods and Results:
AMPK induced a slowly developing dilation at unchanged cytosolic Ca
2+
levels in potassium chloride–constricted intact arteries isolated from mouse mesenteric tissue. This dilation was not associated with changes in phosphorylation of myosin light chain or of myosin light chain phosphatase regulatory subunit. Using ultracentrifugation and confocal microscopy, we found that AMPK induced depolymerization of F-actin (filamentous actin). Imaging of arteries from LifeAct mice showed F-actin rarefaction in the midcellular portion of VSM. Immunoblotting revealed that this was associated with activation of the actin severing factor cofilin. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that AMPK leads to the liberation of cofilin from 14-3-3 protein.
Conclusions:
AMPK induces actin depolymerization, which reduces vascular tone and the response to vasoconstrictors. Our findings demonstrate a new role of AMPK in the control of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, potentially allowing for long-term dilation of microvessels without substantial changes in cytosolic Ca
2+
.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Michael Schubert
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Jiehua Qiu
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Stephanie Blodow
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Margarethe Wiedenmann
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Lubomir T. Lubomirov
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Gabriele Pfitzer
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Ulrich Pohl
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
| | - Holger Schneider
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Biomedical Center of LMU, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (K.M.S., J.Q., S.B., M.W., U.P., H.S.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); Deutsches Zentrum für Herz- Kreislauf-Forschung (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (K.M.S., S.B., U.P., H.S.); and Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Germany (L.T
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29
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Ribas J, Zhang YS, Pitrez PR, Leijten J, Miscuglio M, Rouwkema J, Dokmeci MR, Nissan X, Ferreira L, Khademhosseini A. Biomechanical Strain Exacerbates Inflammation on a Progeria-on-a-Chip Model. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:10.1002/smll.201603737. [PMID: 28211642 PMCID: PMC5545787 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201603737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip platforms seek to recapitulate the complex microenvironment of human organs using miniaturized microfluidic devices. Besides modeling healthy organs, these devices have been used to model diseases, yielding new insights into pathophysiology. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a premature aging disease showing accelerated vascular aging, leading to the death of patients due to cardiovascular diseases. HGPS targets primarily vascular cells, which reside in mechanically active tissues. Here, a progeria-on-a-chip model is developed and the effects of biomechanical strain are examined in the context of vascular aging and disease. Physiological strain induces a contractile phenotype in primary smooth muscle cells (SMCs), while a pathological strain induces a hypertensive phenotype similar to that of angiotensin II treatment. Interestingly, SMCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells of HGPS donors (HGPS iPS-SMCs), but not from healthy donors, show an exacerbated inflammatory response to strain. In particular, increased levels of inflammation markers as well as DNA damage are observed. Pharmacological intervention reverses the strain-induced damage by shifting gene expression profile away from inflammation. The progeria-on-a-chip is a relevant platform to study biomechanics in vascular biology, particularly in the setting of vascular disease and aging, while simultaneously facilitating the discovery of new drugs and/or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Ribas
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Doctoral Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrícia R. Pitrez
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Miscuglio
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeroen Rouwkema
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xavier Nissan
- INSERM U861, I-STEM, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, Evry Cedex 91030, France
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30
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Bai X, Mangum KD, Dee RA, Stouffer GA, Lee CR, Oni-Orisan A, Patterson C, Schisler JC, Viera AJ, Taylor JM, Mack CP. Blood pressure-associated polymorphism controls ARHGAP42 expression via serum response factor DNA binding. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:670-680. [PMID: 28112683 PMCID: PMC5272192 DOI: 10.1172/jci88899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that selective expression of the Rho GTPase-activating protein ARHGAP42 in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) controls blood pressure by inhibiting RhoA-dependent contractility, providing a mechanism for the blood pressure-associated locus within the ARHGAP42 gene. The goals of the current study were to identify polymorphisms that affect ARHGAP42 expression and to better assess ARHGAP42's role in the development of hypertension. Using DNase I hypersensitivity methods and ENCODE data, we have identified a regulatory element encompassing the ARHGAP42 SNP rs604723 that exhibits strong SMC-selective, allele-specific activity. Importantly, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of this element in cultured human SMCs markedly reduced endogenous ARHGAP42 expression. DNA binding and transcription assays demonstrated that the minor T allele variation at rs604723 increased the activity of this fragment by promoting serum response transcription factor binding to a cryptic cis-element. ARHGAP42 expression was increased by cell stretch and sphingosine 1-phosphate in a RhoA-dependent manner, and deletion of ARHGAP42 enhanced the progression of hypertension in mice treated with DOCA-salt. Our analysis of a well-characterized cohort of untreated borderline hypertensive patients suggested that ARHGAP42 genotype has important implications in regard to hypertension risk. Taken together, our data add insight into the genetic mechanisms that control blood pressure and provide a potential target for individualized antihypertensive therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blood Pressure
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- GTPase-Activating Proteins/genetics
- GTPase-Activating Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Hypertension/chemically induced
- Hypertension/genetics
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Serum Response Factor/genetics
- Serum Response Factor/metabolism
- Sodium Chloride, Dietary/adverse effects
- Sodium Chloride, Dietary/pharmacology
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/genetics
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Craig R. Lee
- McAllister Heart Institute, and
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Akinyemi Oni-Orisan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cam Patterson
- New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Anthony J. Viera
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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31
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Alajbegovic A, Turczyńska KM, Hien TT, Cidad P, Swärd K, Hellstrand P, Della Corte A, Forte A, Albinsson S. Regulation of microRNA expression in vascular smooth muscle by MRTF-A and actin polymerization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1864:1088-1098. [PMID: 27939432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic properties of the actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle cells play an important role in a number of cardiovascular disease states. The state of actin does not only mediate mechanical stability and contractile function but can also regulate gene expression via myocardin related transcription factors (MRTFs). These transcriptional co-activators regulate genes encoding contractile and cytoskeletal proteins in smooth muscle. Regulation of small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) by actin polymerization may mediate some of these effects. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression by post-transcriptional regulation of target messenger RNA. In this study we aimed to determine a profile of miRNAs that were 1) regulated by actin/MRTF-A, 2) associated with the contractile smooth muscle phenotype and 3) enriched in muscle cells. This analysis was performed using cardiovascular disease-focused miRNA arrays in both mouse and human cells. The potential clinical importance of actin polymerization in aortic aneurysm was evaluated using biopsies from mildly dilated human thoracic aorta in patients with stenotic tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valve. By integrating information from multiple qPCR based miRNA arrays we identified a group of five miRNAs (miR-1, miR-22, miR-143, miR-145 and miR-378a) that were sensitive to actin polymerization and MRTF-A overexpression in both mouse and human vascular smooth muscle. With the exception of miR-22, these miRNAs were also relatively enriched in striated and/or smooth muscle containing tissues. Actin polymerization was found to be dramatically reduced in the aorta from patients with mild aortic dilations. This was associated with a decrease in actin/MRTF-regulated miRNAs. In conclusion, the transcriptional co-activator MRTF-A and actin polymerization regulated a subset of miRNAs in vascular smooth muscle. Identification of novel miRNAs regulated by actin/MRTF-A may provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying vascular disease states, such as aortic aneurysm, as well as novel ideas regarding therapeutic strategies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Alajbegovic
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Tran Thi Hien
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pilar Cidad
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Hellstrand
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Amalia Forte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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32
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Swärd K, Stenkula KG, Rippe C, Alajbegovic A, Gomez MF, Albinsson S. Emerging roles of the myocardin family of proteins in lipid and glucose metabolism. J Physiol 2016; 594:4741-52. [PMID: 27060572 DOI: 10.1113/jp271913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the myocardin family bind to the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) and act as coactivators controlling genes of relevance for myogenic differentiation and motile function. Binding of SRF to DNA is mediated by genetic elements called CArG boxes, found often but not exclusively in muscle and growth controlling genes. Studies aimed at defining the full spectrum of these CArG elements in the genome (i.e. the CArGome) have in recent years, unveiled unexpected roles of the myocardin family proteins in lipid and glucose homeostasis. This coactivator family includes the protein myocardin (MYOCD), the myocardin-related transcription factors A and B (MRTF-A/MKL1 and MRTF-B/MKL2) and MASTR (MAMSTR). Here we discuss growing evidence that SRF-driven transcription is controlled by extracellular glucose through activation of the Rho-kinase pathway and actin polymerization. We also describe data showing that adipogenesis is influenced by MLK activity through actions upstream of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ with consequences for whole body fat mass and insulin sensitivity. The recently demonstrated involvement of myocardin coactivators in the biogenesis of caveolae, Ω-shaped membrane invaginations of importance for lipid and glucose metabolism, is finally discussed. These novel roles of myocardin proteins may open the way for new unexplored strategies to combat metabolic diseases such as diabetes, which, at the current incidence, is expected to reach 333 million people worldwide by 2025. This review highlights newly discovered roles of myocardin-related transcription factors in lipid and glucose metabolism as well as novel insights into their well-established role as mediators of stretch-dependent effects in smooth muscle. As co-factors for serum response factor (SRF), MKLs regulates transcription of genes involved in the contractile function of smooth muscle cells. In addition to mechanical stimuli, this regulation has now been found to be promoted by extracellular glucose levels in smooth muscle. Recent reports also suggest that MKLs can regulate a subset of genes involved in the formation of lipid-rich invaginations in the cell membrane called caveolae. Finally, a potential role of MKLs in non-muscle cells has been discovered as they negatively influence adipocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin G Stenkula
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Azra Alajbegovic
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria F Gomez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, CRC, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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33
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Hien TT, Turczyńska KM, Dahan D, Ekman M, Grossi M, Sjögren J, Nilsson J, Braun T, Boettger T, Garcia-Vaz E, Stenkula K, Swärd K, Gomez MF, Albinsson S. Elevated Glucose Levels Promote Contractile and Cytoskeletal Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle via Rho/Protein Kinase C and Actin Polymerization. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:3552-68. [PMID: 26683376 PMCID: PMC4751395 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.654384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is in part attributed to the effects of hyperglycemia on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In diabetic animal models, hyperglycemia results in hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle possibly due to increased activation of Rho-kinase. The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulation of contractile smooth muscle markers by glucose and to determine the signaling pathways that are activated by hyperglycemia in smooth muscle cells. Microarray, quantitative PCR, and Western blot analyses revealed that both mRNA and protein expression of contractile smooth muscle markers were increased in isolated smooth muscle cells cultured under high compared with low glucose conditions. This effect was also observed in hyperglycemic Akita mice and in diabetic patients. Elevated glucose activated the protein kinase C and Rho/Rho-kinase signaling pathways and stimulated actin polymerization. Glucose-induced expression of contractile smooth muscle markers in cultured cells could be partially or completely repressed by inhibitors of advanced glycation end products, L-type calcium channels, protein kinase C, Rho-kinase, actin polymerization, and myocardin-related transcription factors. Furthermore, genetic ablation of the miR-143/145 cluster prevented the effects of glucose on smooth muscle marker expression. In conclusion, these data demonstrate a possible link between hyperglycemia and vascular disease states associated with smooth muscle contractility.
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MESH Headings
- Actin Cytoskeleton/metabolism
- Actin Cytoskeleton/pathology
- Aged
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/enzymology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Contractile Proteins/agonists
- Contractile Proteins/genetics
- Contractile Proteins/metabolism
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/agonists
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetic Angiopathies/enzymology
- Diabetic Angiopathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Angiopathies/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Protein Kinase C/chemistry
- Protein Kinase C/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/agonists
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- rho-Associated Kinases/chemistry
- rho-Associated Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Thi Hien
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | | | - Diana Dahan
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | - Mari Ekman
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | - Mario Grossi
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | - Johan Sjögren
- Clinical Sciences, Lund University, BMC D12, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden and
| | - Johan Nilsson
- Clinical Sciences, Lund University, BMC D12, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden and
| | - Thomas Braun
- the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany, and
| | - Thomas Boettger
- the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany, and
| | - Eliana Garcia-Vaz
- the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karin Stenkula
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | - Karl Swärd
- From the Departments of Experimental Medical Sciences and
| | - Maria F Gomez
- the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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34
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Rao KN, Li L, Zhang W, Brush RS, Rajala RVS, Khanna H. Loss of human disease protein retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) differentially affects rod or cone-enriched retina. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1345-56. [PMID: 26908598 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
It is unclear how genes, such as RPGR (retinitis pigmentosa guanine triphosphatase regulator) that are expressed in both rods and cones, cause variable disease pathogenesis. Using transcriptomic analysis, we show that loss of RPGR in a rod-dominant mouse retina (Rpgr(ko)) results in predominant alterations in genes involved in actin cytoskeletal dynamics, prior to onset of degeneration. We validated these findings and found an increase in activated RhoA-GTP levels and polymerized F-actin in the Rpgr(ko) mouse retina. To assess the effect of the loss of RPGR in the all-cone region of the human retina, we used Nrl(-/-) (neural retina leucine zipper) mice, to generate Rpgr(ko)::Nrl(-/-) double-knock-out (Rpgr-DKO) mice. These mice exhibited supranormal cone response to light and substantially retained retinal architecture. Transcriptomic analysis revealed predominant up-regulation of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE)-specific genes associated with visual cycle, whereas fatty acid analysis showed mild decrease in docosahexaenoic acid in the retina of the Rpgr-DKO mice when compared with the Nrl(-/-) mice. Our data reveal new insights into distinct intracellular pathways that are involved in RPGR-associated rod and cone dysfunction and provide a platform to design new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kollu N Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation St, Albert Sherman Center AS6-2043, Worcester, MA 01605, USA and
| | - Linjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation St, Albert Sherman Center AS6-2043, Worcester, MA 01605, USA and
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation St, Albert Sherman Center AS6-2043, Worcester, MA 01605, USA and
| | - Richard S Brush
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Raju V S Rajala
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation St, Albert Sherman Center AS6-2043, Worcester, MA 01605, USA and
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35
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Bhattachariya A, Dahan D, Ekman M, Boettger T, Braun T, Swärd K, Hellstrand P, Albinsson S. Spontaneous activity and stretch-induced contractile differentiation are reduced in vascular smooth muscle of miR-143/145 knockout mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 215:133-43. [PMID: 26052659 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM Stretch is essential for maintaining the contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells, and small non-coding microRNAs are known to be important in this process. Using a Dicer knockout model, we have previously reported that microRNAs are essential for stretch-induced differentiation and regulation of L-type calcium channel expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the smooth muscle-enriched miR-143/145 microRNA cluster for stretch-induced differentiation of the portal vein. METHODS Contractile force and depolarization-induced calcium influx were determined in portal veins from wild-type and miR-143/145 knockout mice. Stretch-induced contractile differentiation was investigated by determination of mRNA expression following organ culture for 24 h under longitudinal load by a hanging weight. RESULTS In the absence of miR-143/145, stretch-induced mRNA expression of contractile markers in the portal vein was reduced. This was associated with decreased amplitude of spontaneous activity and depolarization-induced contractile and intracellular calcium responses, while contractile responses to 5-HT were largely maintained. We found that these effects correlated with a reduced basal expression of the pore-forming subunit of L-type calcium channels and an increased expression of CaMKIIδ and the transcriptional repressor DREAM. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the microRNA-143/145 cluster plays a role in maintaining stretch-induced contractile differentiation and calcium signalling in the portal vein. This may have important implications for the use of these microRNAs as therapeutic targets in vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bhattachariya
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - D Dahan
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M Ekman
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - T Boettger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - T Braun
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - K Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - P Hellstrand
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - S Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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36
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Postolow F, Fediuk J, Nolette N, Hinton M, Dakshinamurti S. Thromboxane promotes smooth muscle phenotype commitment but not remodeling of hypoxic neonatal pulmonary artery. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2015; 8:20. [PMID: 26583045 PMCID: PMC4650498 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-015-0037-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is characterized by vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Remodeling is believed to be a response to physical or chemical stimuli including pro-mitotic inflammatory mediators such as thromboxane. Our objective was to examine the effects of hypoxia and thromboxane signaling ex vivo and in vitro on phenotype commitment, cell cycle entry, and proliferation of PPHN and control neonatal pulmonary artery (PA) myocytes in tissue culture. Methods To examine concurrent effects of hypoxia and thromboxane on myocyte growth, serum-fed first-passage newborn porcine PA myocytes were randomized into normoxic (21 % O2) or hypoxic (10 % O2) culture for 3 days, with daily addition of thromboxane mimetic U46619 (10−9 to 10−5 M) or diluent. Cell survival was detected by MTT assay. To determine the effect of chronic thromboxane exposure (versus whole serum) on activation of arterial remodeling, PPHN was induced in newborn piglets by a 3-day hypoxic exposure (FiO2 0.10); controls were 3 day-old normoxic and day 0 piglets. Third-generation PA were segmented and cultured for 3 days in physiologic buffer, Ham’s F-12 media (in the presence or absence of 10 % fetal calf serum), or media with 10−6 M U46619. DNA synthesis was measured by 3H-thymidine uptake, protein synthesis by 3H-leucine uptake, and proliferation by immunostaining for Ki67. Cell cycle entry was studied by laser scanning cytometry of nuclei in arterial tunica media after propidium iodide staining. Phenotype commitment was determined by immunostaining tunica media for myosin heavy chain and desmin, quantified by laser scanning cytometry. Results Contractile and synthetic myocyte subpopulations had differing responses to thromboxane challenge. U46619 decreased proliferation of synthetic and contractile myocytes. PPHN arteries exhibited decreased protein synthesis under all culture conditions. Serum-supplemented PA treated with U46619 had decreased G1/G0 phase myocytes and an increase in S and G2/M. When serum-deprived, PPHN PA incubated with U46619 showed arrested cell cycle entry (increased G0/G1, decreased S and G2/M) and increased abundance of contractile phenotype markers. Conclusions We conclude that thromboxane does not initiate phenotypic dedifferentiation and proliferative activation in PPHN PA. Exposure to thromboxane triggers cell cycle exit and myocyte commitment to contractile phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Postolow
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
| | - Jena Fediuk
- Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ; Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
| | - Nora Nolette
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
| | - Martha Hinton
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada
| | - Shyamala Dakshinamurti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ; Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ; Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ; Section of Neonatology, WS012 Women's Hospital, 735 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0L8 Canada
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37
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Kim HJ, Kim JH, Song YJ, Seo YK, Park JK, Kim CW. Overexpressed Calponin3 by Subsonic Vibration Induces Neural Differentiation of hUC-MSCs by Regulating the Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 177:48-62. [PMID: 26175098 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we used proteomics to investigate the effects of sonic vibration (SV) on mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cords (hUC-MSCs) during neural differentiation to understand how SV enhances neural differentiation of hUC-MSCs. We investigated the levels of gene and protein related to neural differentiation after 3 or 5 days in a group treated with 40-Hz SV. In addition, protein expression patterns were compared between the control and the 40-Hz SV-treated hUC-MSC groups via a proteomic approach. Among these proteins, calponin3 (CNN3) was confirmed to have 299 % higher expression in the 40-Hz SV stimulated hUC-MSCs group than that in the control by Western blotting. Notably, overexpression of CNN3-GFP in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells had positive effects on the stability and reorganization of F-actin compared with that in GFP-transfected cells. Moreover, CNN3 changed the morphology of the cells by making a neurite-like form. After being subjected to SV, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of glutamate receptors such as PSD95, GluR1, and NR1 as well as intracellular calcium levels were upregulated. These results suggest that the activity of glutamate receptors increased because of CNN3 characteristics. Taken together, these results demonstrate that overexpressed CNN3 during SV increases expression of glutamate receptors and promotes functional neural differentiation of hUC-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Kim
- College of Life of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, 1-5, Anam Dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Korea
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38
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Adaptation of active tone in the mouse descending thoracic aorta under acute changes in loading. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2015. [PMID: 26220455 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-015-0711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Arteries can adapt to sustained changes in blood pressure and flow, and it is thought that these adaptive processes often begin with an altered smooth muscle cell activity that precedes any detectable changes in the passive wall components. Yet, due to the intrinsic coupling between the active and passive properties of the arterial wall, it has been difficult to delineate the adaptive contributions of active smooth muscle. To address this need, we used a novel experimental-computational approach to quantify adaptive functions of active smooth muscle in arterial rings excised from the proximal descending thoracic aorta of mice and subjected to short-term sustained circumferential stretches while stimulated with various agonists. A new mathematical model of the adaptive processes was derived and fit to data to describe and predict the effects of active tone adaptation. It was found that active tone was maintained when the artery was adapted close to the optimal stretch for maximal active force production, but it was reduced when adapted below the optimal stretch; there was no significant change in passive behavior in either case. Such active adaptations occurred only upon smooth muscle stimulation with phenylephrine, however, not stimulation with KCl or angiotensin II. Numerical simulations using the proposed model suggested further that active tone adaptation in vascular smooth muscle could play a stabilizing role for wall stress in large elastic arteries.
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39
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Turczyńska KM, Swärd K, Hien TT, Wohlfahrt J, Mattisson IY, Ekman M, Nilsson J, Sjögren J, Murugesan V, Hultgårdh-Nilsson A, Cidad P, Hellstrand P, Pérez-García MT, Albinsson S. Regulation of Smooth Muscle Dystrophin and Synaptopodin 2 Expression by Actin Polymerization and Vascular Injury. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:1489-97. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.305065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective—
Actin dynamics in vascular smooth muscle is known to regulate contractile differentiation and may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. However, the list of genes regulated by actin polymerization in smooth muscle remains incomprehensive. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify actin-regulated genes in smooth muscle and to demonstrate the role of these genes in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle phenotype.
Approach and Results—
Mouse aortic smooth muscle cells were treated with an actin-stabilizing agent, jasplakinolide, and analyzed by microarrays. Several transcripts were upregulated including both known and previously unknown actin-regulated genes. Dystrophin and synaptopodin 2 were selected for further analysis in models of phenotypic modulation and vascular disease. These genes were highly expressed in differentiated versus synthetic smooth muscle and their expression was promoted by the transcription factors myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor A. Furthermore, the expression of both synaptopodin 2 and dystrophin was significantly reduced in balloon-injured human arteries. Finally, using a dystrophin mutant
mdx
mouse and synaptopodin 2 knockdown, we demonstrate that these genes are involved in the regulation of smooth muscle differentiation and function.
Conclusions—
This study demonstrates novel genes that are promoted by actin polymerization, that regulate smooth muscle function, and that are deregulated in models of vascular disease. Thus, targeting actin polymerization or the genes controlled in this manner can lead to novel therapeutic options against vascular pathologies that involve phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina M. Turczyńska
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Karl Swärd
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Tran Thi Hien
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Johan Wohlfahrt
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Ingrid Yao Mattisson
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Mari Ekman
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Johan Nilsson
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Johan Sjögren
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Vignesh Murugesan
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Anna Hultgårdh-Nilsson
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Pilar Cidad
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Per Hellstrand
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - M. Teresa Pérez-García
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- From the Department of Experimental Medical Science (K.M.T., K.S., T.T.H., J.W., I.Y.M., M.E., V.M., A.H.-N., P.H., S.A.) and Department of Clinical Science (J.N., J.S.), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología and Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain (P.C., M.T.P.-G.)
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Ryer EJ, Ronning KE, Erdman R, Schworer CM, Elmore JR, Peeler TC, Nevius CD, Lillvis JH, Garvin RP, Franklin DP, Kuivaniemi H, Tromp G. The potential role of DNA methylation in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:11259-75. [PMID: 25993294 PMCID: PMC4463699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160511259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disorder that has a significant impact on the aging population. While both genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated in AAA formation, the precise genetic markers involved and the factors influencing their expression remain an area of ongoing investigation. DNA methylation has been previously used to study gene silencing in other inflammatory disorders and since AAA has an extensive inflammatory component, we sought to examine the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in mononuclear blood cells of AAA cases and matched non-AAA controls. To this end, we collected blood samples and isolated mononuclear cells for DNA and RNA extraction from four all male groups: AAA smokers (n = 11), AAA non-smokers (n = 9), control smokers (n = 10) and control non-smokers (n = 11). Methylation data were obtained using the Illumina 450k Human Methylation Bead Chip and analyzed using the R language and multiple Bioconductor packages. Principal component analysis and linear analysis of CpG island subsets identified four regions with significant differences in methylation with respect to AAA: kelch-like family member 35 (KLHL35), calponin 2 (CNN2), serpin peptidase inhibitor clade B (ovalbumin) member 9 (SERPINB9), and adenylate cyclase 10 pseudogene 1 (ADCY10P1). Follow-up studies included RT-PCR and immunostaining for CNN2 and SERPINB9. These findings are novel and suggest DNA methylation may play a role in AAA pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Ryer
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Kaitryn E Ronning
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
| | - Robert Erdman
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Charles M Schworer
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - James R Elmore
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Thomas C Peeler
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
| | - Christopher D Nevius
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - John H Lillvis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Robert P Garvin
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - David P Franklin
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
| | - Helena Kuivaniemi
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Gerard Tromp
- Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
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Albinsson S, Bhattachariya A, Hellstrand P. Stretch-dependent smooth muscle differentiation in the portal vein-role of actin polymerization, calcium signaling, and microRNAs. Microcirculation 2015; 21:230-8. [PMID: 24238368 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical forces acting on SMC in the vascular wall are known to regulate processes such as vascular remodeling and contractile differentiation. However, investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mechanotransduction in smooth muscle have been hampered by technical limitations associated with mechanical studies on pressurized small arteries, due primarily to the small amount of available tissue. The murine portal vein is a relatively large vessel showing myogenic tone that in many respects recapitulates the properties of small resistance vessels. Studies on stretched portal veins to elucidate mechanisms of mechanotransduction in the vascular wall have shown that stretch-sensitive regulation of contractile differentiation is mediated via Rho-activation and actin polymerization, while stretch-induced growth is regulated by the MAPK pathway. In this review, we have summarized findings on mechanotransduction in the portal vein with focus on stretch-induced contractile differentiation and the role of calcium, actin polymerization and miRNAs in this response.
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Ye GJC, Nesmith AP, Parker KK. The role of mechanotransduction on vascular smooth muscle myocytes' [corrected] cytoskeleton and contractile function. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 297:1758-69. [PMID: 25125187 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle (SM) exhibits a highly organized structural hierarchy that extends over multiple spatial scales to perform a wide range of functions at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Early efforts primarily focused on understanding vascular SM (VSM) function through biochemical signaling. However, accumulating evidence suggests that mechanotransduction, the process through which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical cues, is requisite for regulating contractility. Cytoskeletal proteins that comprise the extracellular, intercellular, and intracellular domains are mechanosensitive and can remodel their structure and function in response to external mechanical cues. Pathological stimuli such as malignant hypertension can act through the same mechanotransductive pathways to induce maladaptive remodeling, leading to changes in cellular shape and loss of contractile function. In both health and disease, the cytoskeletal architecture integrates the mechanical stimuli and mediates structural and functional remodeling in the VSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J C Ye
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Fediuk J, Dakshinamurti S. A role for actin polymerization in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:185-94. [PMID: 25695400 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is defined as the failure of normal pulmonary vascular relaxation at birth. Hypoxia is known to impede postnatal disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton in pulmonary arterial myocytes, resulting in elevation of smooth muscle α-actin and γ-actin content in elastic and resistance pulmonary arteries in PPHN compared with age-matched controls. This review examines the original histological characterization of PPHN with attention to cytoskeletal structural remodeling and actin isoform abundance, reviews the existing evidence for understanding the biophysical and biochemical forces at play during neonatal circulatory transition, and specifically addresses the role of the cortical actin architecture, primarily identified as γ-actin, in the transduction of mechanical force in the hypoxic PPHN pulmonary circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena Fediuk
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada., Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Dahan D, Ekman M, Larsson-Callerfelt AK, Turczyńska K, Boettger T, Braun T, Swärd K, Albinsson S. Induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme after miR-143/145 deletion is critical for impaired smooth muscle contractility. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 307:C1093-101. [PMID: 25273883 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00250.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs have emerged as regulators of smooth muscle cell phenotype with a role in smooth muscle-related disease. Studies have shown that miR-143 and miR-145 are the most highly expressed microRNAs in smooth muscle cells, controlling differentiation and function. The effect of miR-143/145 knockout has been established in the vasculature but not in smooth muscle from other organs. Using knockout mice we found that maximal contraction induced by either depolarization or phosphatase inhibition was reduced in vascular and airway smooth muscle but maintained in the urinary bladder. Furthermore, a reduction of media thickness and reduced expression of differentiation markers was seen in the aorta but not in the bladder. Supporting the view that phenotype switching depends on a tissue-specific target of miR-143/145, we found induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme in the aorta but not in the bladder where angiotensin-converting enzyme was expressed at a low level. Chronic treatment with angiotensin type-1 receptor antagonist restored contractility in miR-143/145-deficient aorta while leaving bladder contractility unaffected. This shows that tissue-specific targets are critical for the effects of miR-143/145 on smooth muscle differentiation and that angiotensin converting enzyme is one such target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Dahan
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mari Ekman
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; and
| | | | | | - Thomas Boettger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Site-specific cation release drives actin filament severing by vertebrate cofilin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17821-6. [PMID: 25468977 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413397111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin polymerization powers the directed motility of eukaryotic cells. Sustained motility requires rapid filament turnover and subunit recycling. The essential regulatory protein cofilin accelerates network remodeling by severing actin filaments and increasing the concentration of ends available for elongation and subunit exchange. Although cofilin effects on actin filament assembly dynamics have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanism of cofilin-induced filament severing is not understood. Here we demonstrate that actin filament severing by vertebrate cofilin is driven by the linked dissociation of a single cation that controls filament structure and mechanical properties. Vertebrate cofilin only weakly severs Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments lacking this "stiffness cation" unless a stiffness cation-binding site is engineered into the actin molecule. Moreover, vertebrate cofilin rescues the viability of a S. cerevisiae cofilin deletion mutant only when the stiffness cation site is simultaneously introduced into actin, demonstrating that filament severing is the essential function of cofilin in cells. This work reveals that site-specific interactions with cations serve a key regulatory function in actin filament fragmentation and dynamics.
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Moreno-Domínguez A, El-Yazbi AF, Zhu HL, Colinas O, Zhong XZ, Walsh EJ, Cole DM, Kargacin GJ, Walsh MP, Cole WC. Cytoskeletal reorganization evoked by Rho-associated kinase- and protein kinase C-catalyzed phosphorylation of cofilin and heat shock protein 27, respectively, contributes to myogenic constriction of rat cerebral arteries. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:20939-52. [PMID: 24914207 PMCID: PMC4110300 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.553743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular events contributing to myogenic control of diameter in cerebral resistance arteries in response to changes in intravascular pressure, a fundamental mechanism regulating blood flow to the brain, is incomplete. Myosin light chain kinase and phosphatase activities are known to be increased and decreased, respectively, to augment phosphorylation of the 20-kDa regulatory light chain subunits (LC20) of myosin II, which permits cross-bridge cycling and force development. Here, we assessed the contribution of dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and thin filament regulation to the myogenic response and serotonin-evoked constriction of pressurized rat middle cerebral arteries. Arterial diameter and the levels of phosphorylated LC(20), calponin, caldesmon, cofilin, and HSP27, as well as G-actin content, were determined. A decline in G-actin content was observed following pressurization from 10 mm Hg to between 40 and 120 mm Hg and in three conditions in which myogenic or agonist-evoked constriction occurred in the absence of a detectable change in LC20 phosphorylation. No changes in thin filament protein phosphorylation were evident. Pressurization reduced G-actin content and elevated the levels of cofilin and HSP27 phosphorylation. Inhibitors of Rho-associated kinase and PKC prevented the decline in G-actin; reduced cofilin and HSP27 phosphoprotein content, respectively; and blocked the myogenic response. Furthermore, phosphorylation modulators of HSP27 and cofilin induced significant changes in arterial diameter and G-actin content of myogenically active arteries. Taken together, our findings suggest that dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton involving increased actin polymerization in response to Rho-associated kinase and PKC signaling contributes significantly to force generation in myogenic constriction of cerebral resistance arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed F. El-Yazbi
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Hai-Lei Zhu
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Olaia Colinas
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - X. Zoë Zhong
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Emma J. Walsh
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Dylan M. Cole
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Gary J. Kargacin
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
| | - Michael P. Walsh
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - William C. Cole
- From the Smooth Muscle Research Group, Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and
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Bhattachariya A, Turczyńska KM, Grossi M, Nordström I, Buckbinder L, Albinsson S, Hellstrand P. PYK2 selectively mediates signals for growth versus differentiation in response to stretch of spontaneously active vascular smooth muscle. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/7/e12080. [PMID: 25347863 PMCID: PMC4187569 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stretch of vascular smooth muscle stimulates growth and proliferation as well as contraction and expression of contractile/cytoskeletal proteins, all of which are also regulated by calcium‐dependent signals. We studied the role of the calcium‐ and integrin‐activated proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) in stretch‐induced responses of the rat portal vein loaded by a hanging weight ex vivo. PYK2 phosphorylation at Tyr‐402 was increased both by a 10‐min stretch and by organ culture with load over several days. Protein and DNA synthesis were reduced by the novel PYK2 inhibitor PF‐4594755 (0.5–1 μmol/L), while still sensitive to stretch. In 3‐day organ culture, PF‐4594755 caused maintained myogenic spontaneous activity but did not affect contraction in response to high‐K+ (60 mmol/L) or to α1‐adrenergic stimulation by cirazoline. Basal and stretch‐induced PYK2 phosphorylation in culture were inhibited by PF‐4594755, closely mimicking inhibition of non‐voltage‐dependent calcium influx by 2‐APB (30 μmol/L). In contrast, the L‐type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (1 μmol/L) eliminated stretch‐induced but not basal PYK2 phosphorylation. Stretch‐induced Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was eliminated by PF‐4594755. PYK2 inhibition had no effect on mRNA expression of several smooth muscle markers, and stretch‐sensitive SM22α synthesis was preserved. Culture of portal vein with the Ang II inhibitor losartan (1 μmol/L) eliminated stretch sensitivity of PYK2 and Akt phosphorylation, but did not affect mRNA expression of smooth muscle markers. The results suggest that PYK2 signaling functionally distinguishes effects of voltage‐ and non‐voltage‐dependent calcium influx. A small‐molecule inhibitor of PYK2 reduces growth and DNA synthesis but does not affect contractile differentiation of vascular smooth muscle. We studied the role of the calcium‐ and integrin‐activated proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) in stretch‐induced responses of the rat portal ex vivo. PYK2 phosphorylation at Tyr‐402 was increased both by a 10‐min stretch and by organ culture under stretch for 3 days. Protein and DNA synthesis were reduced by the novel PYK2 inhibitor PF‐4594755 (0.5–1 μmol/L), but contractile differentiation was not affected. Basal and stretch‐induced PYK2 phosphorylation in culture were inhibited by PF‐4594755, closely mimicking inhibition of non‐voltage‐dependent calcium influx by 2‐APB (30 μmol/L). In contrast, the L‐type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (1 μmol/L) eliminated stretch‐induced but not basal PYK2 phosphorylation. The results suggest that PYK2 signaling functionally distinguishes effects of voltage‐ and non‐voltage‐dependent calcium influx.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Grossi
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, SE-22184, Sweden
| | - Ina Nordström
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, SE-22184, Sweden
| | | | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, SE-22184, Sweden
| | - Per Hellstrand
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, SE-22184, Sweden
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Li Y, Shao W, Jin S, Xu T, Jiang X, Yang S, Wang Z, Dai J, Wu Q. Microgrooved poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) affects the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells through let-7a-involved regulation of actin dynamics. Biotechnol Lett 2014; 36:2125-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-014-1562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Scherer C, Pfisterer L, Wagner AH, Hödebeck M, Cattaruzza M, Hecker M, Korff T. Arterial wall stress controls NFAT5 activity in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Am Heart Assoc 2014; 3:e000626. [PMID: 24614757 PMCID: PMC4187483 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Nuclear factor of activated T‐cells 5 (NFAT5) has recently been described to control the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although an increase in wall stress or stretch (eg, elicited by hypertension) is a prototypic determinant of VSMC activation, the impact of this biomechanical force on the activity of NFAT5 is unknown. This study intended to reveal the function of NFAT5 and to explore potential signal transduction pathways leading to its activation in stretch‐stimulated VSMCs. Methods and Results Human arterial VSMCs were exposed to biomechanical stretch and subjected to immunofluorescence and protein‐biochemical analyses. Stretch promoted the translocation of NFAT5 to the nucleus within 24 hours. While the protein abundance of NFAT5 was regulated through activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase under these conditions, its translocation required prior activation of palmitoyltransferases. DNA microarray and ChiP analyses identified the matrix molecule tenascin‐C as a prominent transcriptional target of NFAT5 under these conditions that stimulates migration of VSMCs. Analyses of isolated mouse femoral arteries exposed to hypertensive perfusion conditions verified that NFAT5 translocation to the nucleus is followed by an increase in tenascin‐C abundance in the vessel wall. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggest that biomechanical stretch is sufficient to activate NFAT5 both in native and cultured VSMCs where it regulates the expression of tenascin‐C. This may contribute to an improved migratory activity of VSMCs and thus promote maladaptive vascular remodeling processes such as hypertension‐induced arterial stiffening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Scherer
- Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Lee J, Wong M, Smith Q, Baker AB. A novel system for studying mechanical strain waveform-dependent responses in vascular smooth muscle cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:4573-82. [PMID: 24096612 PMCID: PMC3909705 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc50894c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
While many studies have examined the effects mechanical forces on vSMCs, there is a limited understanding of how the different arterial strain waveforms that occur in disease and different vascular beds alter vSMC mechanotransduction and phenotype. Here, we present a novel system for applying complex, time-varying strain waveforms to cultured cells and use this system to understand how these waveforms can alter vSMC phenotype and signaling. We have developed a highly adaptable cell culture system that allows the application of mechanical strain to cells in culture and can reproduce the complex dynamic mechanical environment experienced by arterial cells in the body. Using this system, we examined whether the type of applied strain waveform altered phenotypic modulation of vSMCs by mechanical forces. Cells exposed to the brachial waveform had increased phosphorylation of AKT, EGR-1, c-Fos expression and cytoskeletal remodeling in comparison to cells treated with the aortic waveform. In addition, vSMCs exposed to physiological waveforms had adopted a more differentiated phenotype in comparison to those treated with static or sinusoidal cyclic strain, with increased expression of vSMC markers desmin, calponin and SM-22 as well as increased expression of regulatory miRNAs including miR-143, -145 and -221. Taken together, our studies demonstrate the development of a novel system for applying complex, time-varying mechanical forces to cells in culture. In addition, we have shown that physiological strain waveforms have powerful effects on vSMC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, BME 5.202D, C0800, Austin, TX, USA.
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