1
|
Haridhasapavalan KK, Sundaravadivelu PK, Joshi N, Das NJ, Mohapatra A, Voorkara U, Kaveeshwar V, Thummer RP. Generation of a recombinant version of a biologically active cell-permeant human HAND2 transcription factor from E. coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16129. [PMID: 36167810 PMCID: PMC9515176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19745-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor HAND2 has a significant role in vascularization, angiogenesis, and cardiac neural crest development. It is one of the key cardiac factors crucial for the enhanced derivation of functional and mature myocytes from non-myocyte cells. Here, we report the generation of the recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein from the heterologous system. First, we cloned the full-length human HAND2 gene (only protein-coding sequence) after codon optimization along with the fusion tags (for cell penetration, nuclear translocation, and affinity purification) into the expression vector. We then transformed and expressed it in Escherichia coli strain, BL21(DE3). Next, the effect (in terms of expression) of tagging fusion tags with this recombinant protein at two different terminals was also investigated. Using affinity chromatography, we established the one-step homogeneous purification of recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein; and through circular dichroism spectroscopy, we established that this purified protein had retained its secondary structure. We then showed that this purified human protein could transduce the human cells and translocate to its nucleus. The generated recombinant HAND2 fusion protein showed angiogenic potential in the ex vivo chicken embryo model. Following transduction in MEF2C overexpressing cardiomyoblast cells, this purified recombinant protein synergistically activated the α-MHC promoter and induced GFP expression in the α-MHC-eGFP reporter assay. Prospectively, the purified bioactive recombinant HAND2 protein can potentially be a safe and effective molecular tool in the direct cardiac reprogramming process and other biological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kumar Haridhasapavalan
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sundaravadivelu
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Neha Joshi
- Organelle Biology and Cellular Ageing Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Nayan Jyoti Das
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anshuman Mohapatra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Udayashree Voorkara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, 580009, Karnataka, India
| | - Vishwas Kaveeshwar
- Central Research Laboratory, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, 580009, Karnataka, India.
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hand2 Selectively Reorganizes Chromatin Accessibility to Induce Pacemaker-like Transcriptional Reprogramming. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2354-2369.e7. [PMID: 31116981 PMCID: PMC6657359 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gata4, Hand2, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GHMT) can reprogram transduced fibroblasts into induced pacemaker-like myocytes (iPMs), but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we explore the role of Hand2 in iPM formation by using a combination of transcriptome, genome, and biochemical as-says. We found many shared transcriptional signatures between iPMs and the endogenous sinoatrial node (SAN), yet key regulatory networks remain missing. We demonstrate that Hand2 augments chromatin accessibility at loci involved in sarcomere organization, electrical coupling, and membrane depolarization. Focusing on an established cardiac Hand2 cistrome, we observe selective reorganization of chromatin accessibility to promote pacemaker-specific gene expression. Moreover, we identify a Hand2 cardiac subtype diversity (CSD) domain through biochemical analysis of the N terminus. By integrating our RNA-seq and ATAC-seq datasets, we highlight desmosome organization as a hallmark feature of iPM formation. Collectively, our results illuminate Hand2-dependent mechanisms that may guide future efforts to rationally improve iPM formation. Gata4, Hand2, Mef2c, and Tbx5 can reprogram fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells, including induced pacemakers (iPMs). Fernandez-Perez et al. show that Hand2 coordinates this process by influencing chromatin accessibility and gene expression in fibroblasts undergoing iPM lineage conversion. These insights could eventually inform the production of superior replacement cells.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang M, Ling W, Xiong C, Xie D, Chu X, Li Y, Qiu X, Li Y, Xiao X. Potential Strategies for Cardiac Diseases: Lineage Reprogramming of Somatic Cells into Induced Cardiomyocytes. Cell Reprogram 2019; 21:63-77. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2018.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Wang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenhui Ling
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunxia Xiong
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dengfeng Xie
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyue Chu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunxin Li
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuemin Li
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Xiao
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yoo J, Kohlbrenner E, Kim O, Hajjar RJ, Jeong D. Enhancing atrial-specific gene expression using a calsequestrin cis-regulatory module 4 with a sarcolipin promoter. J Gene Med 2018; 20:e3060. [PMID: 30393908 PMCID: PMC6519042 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac gene therapy using the adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 vector is widely used because of its efficient transduction. However, the promoters used to drive expression often cause off‐target localization. To overcome this, studies have applied cardiac‐specific promoters, although expression is debilitated compared to that of ubiquitous promoters. To address these issues in the context of atrial‐specific gene expression, an enhancer calsequestrin cis‐regulatory module 4 (CRM4) and the highly atrial‐specific promoter sarcolipin were combined to enhance expression and minimize off tissue expression. Methods To observe expression and bio‐distribution, constructs were generated using two different reporter genes: luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The ubiquitous cytomegalovirus (CMV), sarcolipin (SLN) and CRM4 combined with sarcolipin (CRM4.SLN) were compared and analyzed using the luciferase assay, western blotting, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence imaging. Results The CMV promoter containing vectors showed the strongest expression in vitro and in vivo. However, the module SLN combination showed enhanced atrial expression and a minimized off‐target effect even when compared with the individual SLN promoter. Conclusions For gene therapy involving atrial gene transfer, the CRM4.SLN combination is a promising alternative to the use of the CMV promoter. CRM4.SLN had significant atrial expression and minimized extra‐atrial expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erik Kohlbrenner
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Okkil Kim
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roger J Hajjar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
LU CAIXIA, GONG HAIRONG, LIU XINGYUAN, WANG JUAN, ZHAO CUIMEI, HUANG RITAI, XUE SONG, YANG YIQING. A novel HAND2 loss-of-function mutation responsible for tetralogy of Fallot. Int J Mol Med 2015; 37:445-51. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
6
|
Yao CX, Shi JC, Ma CX, Xiong CJ, Song YL, Zhang SF, Zhang SF, Zang MX, Xue LX. EGF Protects Cells Against Dox-Induced Growth Arrest Through Activating Cyclin D1 Expression. J Cell Biochem 2015; 116:1755-65. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xia Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Jia-Chen Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Cai-Xia Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Cheng-Juan Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Yang-Liu Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhang
- The People's Hospital of Henan Province; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Henan 450001 China
| | - Shan-Feng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Ming-Xi Zang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou City Henan 450001 China
| | - Li-Xiang Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ma CX, Song YL, Xiao L, Xue LX, Li WJ, Laforest B, Komati H, Wang WP, Jia ZQ, Zhou CY, Zou Y, Nemer M, Zhang SF, Bai X, Wu H, Zang MX. EGF is required for cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells through interaction with GATA-4 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2005-22. [PMID: 25504289 PMCID: PMC11113121 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of cardiac differentiation is critical for maintaining normal cardiac development and function. The precise mechanisms whereby cardiac differentiation is regulated remain uncertain. Here, we have identified a GATA-4 target, EGF, which is essential for cardiogenesis and regulates cardiac differentiation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, EGF demonstrates functional interaction with GATA-4 in inducing the cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Biochemically, GATA-4 forms a complex with STAT3 to bind to the EGF promoter in response to EGF stimulation and cooperatively activate the EGF promoter. Functionally, the cooperation during EGF activation results in the subsequent activation of cyclin D1 expression, which partly accounts for the lack of additional induction of cardiac differentiation by the GATA-4/STAT3 complex. Thus, we propose a model in which the regulatory cascade of cardiac differentiation involves GATA-4, EGF, and cyclin D1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Xia Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ke Xue Da Dao 100, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Yang-Liu Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ke Xue Da Dao 100, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Liyun Xiao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Ling Gong Road, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Li-Xiang Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Wen-Juan Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Brigitte Laforest
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Hiba Komati
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Wei-Ping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Zhu-Qing Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Mona Nemer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Shan-Feng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ke Xue Da Dao 100, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| | - Xiaowen Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226 USA
| | - Huijian Wu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Ling Gong Road, Dalian, 116024 China
| | - Ming-Xi Zang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ke Xue Da Dao 100, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang J, Sontag D, Cattini PA. Heart-specific expression of FGF-16 and a potential role in postnatal cardioprotection. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:59-66. [PMID: 25106133 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 16 (FGF-16) was originally cloned from rat heart. Subsequent investigation of mouse FGF-16, including generation of null mice, revealed a specific pattern of expression in the endocardium and epicardium, and role for FGF-16 during embryonic heart development. FGF-16 is expressed mainly in brown adipose tissue during rat embryonic development, but is expressed mainly in the murine heart after birth. There is also an apparent switch from limited endocardial and epicardial expression in the embryo to the myocardium in the perinatal period. The FGF-16 gene and its location on the X chromosome are conserved between human and murine species, and no other member of the FGF family shows this pattern of spatial and temporal expression. The human and murine FGF-16 gene promoter regions also share an equivalent location for TATA sequences, as well as adjacent putative binding sites for transcription factors linked to cardiac expression and response to stress. Recent evidence has implicated nonsense mutation of FGF-16 with increased cardiovascular risk, and FGF-16 supplementation with cardioprotection. Here we review the important role of FGF-16 in embryonic heart development, its gene regulation, and evidence for FGF-16 as an endogenous and exogenous cardiac-specific and protective factor in the postnatal heart. Moreover, given the conservation of the FGF-16 gene and its chromosomal location between species, the question of support for a cardiac role in the human population is also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - David Sontag
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Peter A Cattini
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clowes C, Boylan MGS, Ridge LA, Barnes E, Wright JA, Hentges KE. The functional diversity of essential genes required for mammalian cardiac development. Genesis 2014; 52:713-37. [PMID: 24866031 PMCID: PMC4141749 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Genes required for an organism to develop to maturity (for which no other gene can compensate) are considered essential. The continuing functional annotation of the mouse genome has enabled the identification of many essential genes required for specific developmental processes including cardiac development. Patterns are now emerging regarding the functional nature of genes required at specific points throughout gestation. Essential genes required for development beyond cardiac progenitor cell migration and induction include a small and functionally homogenous group encoding transcription factors, ligands and receptors. Actions of core cardiogenic transcription factors from the Gata, Nkx, Mef, Hand, and Tbx families trigger a marked expansion in the functional diversity of essential genes from midgestation onwards. As the embryo grows in size and complexity, genes required to maintain a functional heartbeat and to provide muscular strength and regulate blood flow are well represented. These essential genes regulate further specialization and polarization of cell types along with proliferative, migratory, adhesive, contractile, and structural processes. The identification of patterns regarding the functional nature of essential genes across numerous developmental systems may aid prediction of further essential genes and those important to development and/or progression of disease. genesis 52:713–737, 2014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Clowes
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xiong CJ, Li PF, Song YL, Xue LX, Jia ZQ, Yao CX, Wei QX, Zhang SF, Zhang SF, Zhang YY, Zhao JM, Wang TQ, Guo MF, Zang MX. Insulin induces C2C12 cell proliferation and apoptosis through regulation of cyclin D1 and BAD expression. J Cell Biochem 2014; 114:2708-17. [PMID: 23794242 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Insulin is a secreted peptide hormone identified in human pancreas to promote glucose utilization. Insulin has been observed to induce cell proliferation and myogenesis in C2C12 cells. The precise mechanisms underlying the proliferation of C2C12 cells induced by insulin remain unclear. In this study, we observed for the first time that 10 nM insulin treatment promotes C2C12 cell proliferation. Additionally, 50 and 100 nM insulin treatment induces C2C12 cell apoptosis. By utilizing real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis, we found that the mRNA levels of cyclinD1 and BAD are induced upon 10 and 50 nM/100 nM insulin treatment, respectively. The similar results were observed in C2C12 cells expressing GATA-6 or PPARα. Our results identify for the first time the downstream targets of insulin, cyclin D1, and BAD, elucidate a new molecular mechanism of insulin in promoting cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Juan Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan, 450001, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yao CX, Wei QX, Zhang YY, Wang WP, Xue LX, Yang F, Zhang SF, Xiong CJ, Li WY, Wei ZR, Zou Y, Zang MX. miR-200b targets GATA-4 during cell growth and differentiation. RNA Biol 2013; 10:465-80. [PMID: 23558708 PMCID: PMC3710353 DOI: 10.4161/rna.24370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA-4 is an important transcription factor involved in several developmental processes of the heart, such as cardiac myocyte proliferation, differentiation and survival. The precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of GATA-4 remain unclear, this is especially true for the mechanisms that mediate the post-transcriptional regulation of GATA-4. Here, we demonstrate that miR-200b, a member of the miR-200 family, is a critical regulator of GATA-4. Overexpression of miR-200b leads to the downregulation of GATA-4 mRNA and a decrease in GATA-4 protein levels. Moreover, miR-200b not only inhibits cell growth and differentiation but also reverses the growth response mediated by GATA-4, whereas depletion of miR-200b leads to a slight reversal of the anti-growth response achieved by knocking down endogenous GATA-4. More importantly, the cell cycle-associated gene cyclin D1, which is a downstream target of GATA-4, is also regulated by miR-200b. Thus, miR-200b targets GATA-4 to downregulate the expression of cyclin D1 and myosin heavy chain (MHC), thereby regulating cell growth and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xia Yao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heart repair by reprogramming non-myocytes with cardiac transcription factors. Nature 2012; 485:599-604. [PMID: 22660318 PMCID: PMC3367390 DOI: 10.1038/nature11139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 878] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart possesses little regenerative potential following injury. Fibrosis due to activation of cardiac fibroblasts impedes cardiac regeneration and contributes to loss of contractile function, pathological remodelling and susceptibility to arrhythmias. Cardiac fibroblasts account for a majority of cells in the heart and represent a potential cellular source for restoration of cardiac function following injury through phenotypic reprogramming to a myocardial cell fate. Here we show that four transcription factors, GATA4, HAND2, MEF2C and TBX5, can cooperatively reprogram adult mouse tail-tip and cardiac fibroblasts into beating cardiac-like myocytes in vitro. Forced expression of these factors in dividing non-cardiomyocytes in mice reprograms these cells into functional cardiac-like myocytes, improves cardiac function and reduces adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction. Our results suggest a strategy for cardiac repair through reprogramming fibroblasts resident in the heart with cardiogenic transcription factors or other molecules.
Collapse
|
13
|
Stephens AS, Stephens SR, Hobbs C, Hutmacher DW, Bacic-Welsh D, Woodruff MA, Morrison NA. Myocyte enhancer factor 2c, an osteoblast transcription factor identified by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-enhanced mineralization. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:30071-86. [PMID: 21652706 PMCID: PMC3191047 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.253518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid mineralization of cultured osteoblasts could be a useful characteristic in stem cell-mediated therapies for fracture and other orthopedic problems. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a small amphipathic solvent molecule capable of stimulating cell differentiation. We report that, in primary human osteoblasts, DMSO dose-dependently enhanced the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization. Furthermore, similar DMSO-mediated mineralization enhancement was observed in primary osteoblast-like cells differentiated from mouse mesenchymal cells derived from fat, a promising source of starter cells for cell-based therapy. Using a convenient mouse pre-osteoblast model cell line MC3T3-E1, we further investigated this phenomenon showing that numerous osteoblast-expressed genes were elevated in response to DMSO treatment and correlated with enhanced mineralization. Myocyte enhancer factor 2c (Mef2c) was identified as the transcription factor most induced by DMSO, among the numerous DMSO-induced genes, suggesting a role for Mef2c in osteoblast gene regulation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of Mef2c in osteoblast-like cells in mouse mandible, cortical, and trabecular bone. shRNAi-mediated Mef2c gene silencing resulted in defective osteoblast differentiation, decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix mineralization and knockdown of osteoblast specific gene expression, including osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein. A flow on knockdown of bone-specific transcription factors, Runx2 and osterix by shRNAi knockdown of Mef2c, suggests that Mef2c lies upstream of these two important factors in the cascade of gene expression in osteoblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre S. Stephens
- From the School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Sebastien R. Stephens
- From the School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Carl Hobbs
- Guy's Campus, Kings College, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom, and
| | - Deitmar W. Hutmacher
- the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Desa Bacic-Welsh
- From the School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Maria Ann Woodruff
- the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Nigel A. Morrison
- From the School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4215, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Barry SP, Townsend PA. What causes a broken heart--molecular insights into heart failure. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 284:113-79. [PMID: 20875630 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(10)84003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular processes which regulate cardiac function has grown immeasurably in recent years. Even with the advent of β-blockers, angiotensin inhibitors and calcium modulating agents, heart failure (HF) still remains a seriously debilitating and life-threatening condition. Here, we review the molecular changes which occur in the heart in response to increased load and the pathways which control cardiac hypertrophy, calcium homeostasis, and immune activation during HF. These can occur as a result of genetic mutation in the case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or as a result of ischemic or hypertensive heart disease. In the majority of cases, calcineurin and CaMK respond to dysregulated calcium signaling and adrenergic drive is increased, each of which has a role to play in controlling blood pressure, heart rate, and left ventricular function. Many major pathways for pathological remodeling converge on a set of transcriptional regulators such as myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT), and GATA4 and these are opposed by the action of the natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP. Epigenetic modification has emerged in recent years as a major influence cardiac physiology and histone acetyl transferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are now known to both induce and antagonize hypertrophic growth. The newly emerging roles of microRNAs in regulating left ventricular dysfunction and fibrosis also has great potential for novel therapeutic intervention. Finally, we discuss the role of the immune system in mediating left ventricular dysfunction and fibrosis and ways this can be targeted in the setting of viral myocarditis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seán P Barry
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kamrul Hasan M, Komoike Y, Tsunesumi SI, Nakao R, Nagao H, Matsuoka R, Kawaguchi N. Myogenic differentiation in atrium-derived adult cardiac pluripotent cells and the transcriptional regulation of GATA4 and myogenin on ANP promoter. Genes Cells 2010; 15:439-54. [PMID: 20384792 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2010.01394.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We established cardiac pluripotent stem-like cells from the left atrium (LA-PCs) of adult rat hearts. These cells could differentiate not only into beating myocytes but also into cells of other lineages, including adipocytes and endothelial cells in the methylcellulose-based medium containing interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and stem cell factor (SCF). In particular, IL-3 and SCF contributed to the differentiation into cardiac troponin I-positive cells. Notably, small population of LA-PCs coexpressed GATA4 and myogenin, which are markers specific to cardiomyocytes and skeletal myocytes, respectively, and could differentiate into both cardiac and skeletal myocytes. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of these two tissue-specific transcription factors in the cardiac transcriptional activity. Coexpression of GATA4 and myogenin synergistically activated GATA4-specific promoter of the atrial natriuretic peptide gene. This combinatorial function was shown to be dependant on the GATA site, but independent of the E-box. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggested that myogenin bound to GATA4 on the GATA elements and the C-terminal Zn-finger domain of GATA4 and the N-terminal region of myogenin were required for this synergistic activation of transcription. Taken together, these two transcription factors could be involved in the myogenesis of LA-PCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Hasan
- International Research and Educational Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences (IREIIMS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Holler KL, Hendershot TJ, Troy SE, Vincentz JW, Firulli AB, Howard MJ. Targeted deletion of Hand2 in cardiac neural crest-derived cells influences cardiac gene expression and outflow tract development. Dev Biol 2010; 341:291-304. [PMID: 20144608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix DNA binding protein Hand2 has critical functions in cardiac development both in neural crest-derived and mesoderm-derived structures. Targeted deletion of Hand2 in the neural crest has allowed us to genetically dissect Hand2-dependent defects specifically in outflow tract and cardiac cushion independent of Hand2 functions in mesoderm-derived structures. Targeted deletion of Hand2 in the neural crest results in misalignment of the aortic arch arteries and outflow tract, contributing to development of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and ventricular septal defects (VSD). These neural crest-derived developmental anomalies are associated with altered expression of Hand2-target genes we have identified by gene profiling. A number of Hand2 direct target genes have been identified using ChIP and ChIP-on-chip analyses. We have identified and validated a number of genes related to cell migration, proliferation/cell cycle and intracellular signaling whose expression is affected by Hand2 deletion in the neural crest and which are associated with development of VSD and DORV. Our data suggest that Hand2 is a multifunctional DNA binding protein affecting expression of target genes associated with a number of functional interactions in neural crest-derived cells required for proper patterning of the outflow tract, generation of the appropriate number of neural crest-derived cells for elongation of the conotruncus and cardiac cushion organization. Our genetic model has made it possible to investigate the molecular genetics of neural crest contributions to outflow tract morphogenesis and cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Holler
- Department of Neurosciences and Program in Neurosciences and Degenerative Disease, Health Sciences Campus, University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614-1007, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
BARNES RALSTONM, FIRULLI ANTHONYB. A twist of insight - the role of Twist-family bHLH factors in development. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2009; 53:909-24. [PMID: 19378251 PMCID: PMC2737731 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.082747rb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Twist-family of bHLH proteins play a pivotal role in a number of essential developmental programs. Twist-family bHLH proteins function by dimerizing with other bHLH members and binding to cis- regulatory elements, called E-boxes. While Twist-family members may simply exhibit a preference in terms of high-affinity binding partners, a complex, multilevel cascade of regulation creates a dynamic role for these bHLH proteins. We summarize in this review information on each Twist-family member concerning expression pattern, function, regulation, downstream targets, and interactions with other bHLH proteins. Additionally, we focus on the phospho-regulatory mechanisms that tightly control posttranslational modification of Twist-family member bHLH proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RALSTON M. BARNES
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - ANTHONY B. FIRULLI
- Riley Heart Research Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
A role for p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase in embryonic cardiac differentiation. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:1025-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
19
|
Wang H, Chen C, Song X, Chen J, Zhen Y, Sun K, Hui R. Mef2c is an essential regulatory element required for unique expression of the cardiac-specific CARK gene. J Cell Mol Med 2007; 12:304-15. [PMID: 18021318 PMCID: PMC3823491 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac ankyrin repeat kinase (CARK) gene, also named TNNI3K for its interaction with cardiac troponin I, is both a unique expression and heart-enriched gene. To understand the mechanisms of CARK gene expression and regulation, we first cloned the full-length mRNA sequence and mapped the transcription start site of the mouse CARK gene and characterized its promoter regions. Two transcriptional isoforms of the CARK gene were identified in mouse heart tissue. Truncation analysis of the CARK promoter identified a minimal 151 bp region that has strong basal transcription activity. Mutational analysis revealed five conserved cis-acting elements in this 151-bp long minimal promoter. Mutational and loss-of-functional analysis and co-transfection studies indicated that MEF2 binding region is the most critical cis-acting element in the CARK promoter, and CARK transcription level can be down-regulated by MEF2C antisense. Binding to the MEF2 sites by Mef2c protein was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and competition and supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Wang
- Sino-German Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, FuWai Cardiovascular Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ren X, Li Y, Ma X, Zheng L, Xu Y, Wang J. Activation of p38/MEF2C pathway by all-trans retinoic acid in cardiac myoblasts. Life Sci 2007; 81:89-96. [PMID: 17568621 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2007.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Revised: 04/07/2007] [Accepted: 04/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is a transcription factor particularly expressed in cardiac muscle. While the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on embryonic heart are well described, the mechanism of atRA action on MEF2C activity in cardiomyocytes is less known. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether and how atRA regulates MEF2C activity in H9c2 rat ventricular cells. Here, our results, obtained from Western blot and protein kinase assays, showed that the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MEF2C was induced by atRA in H9c2 myocardial cells. And the result from luciferase assays showed that the transactivation activity of MEF2C was upregulated by p38. Furthermore, using confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation, we found that atRA hastened p38 translocation into nuclei to interact with MEF2C, and SB202190 inhibited nuclear translocation of p38. These results suggest that atRA may mediate p38/MEF2C signaling pathway during heart development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Ren
- Laboratory of Development Molecular Biology, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aragno M, Mastrocola R, Medana C, Catalano MG, Vercellinatto I, Danni O, Boccuzzi G. Oxidative stress-dependent impairment of cardiac-specific transcription factors in experimental diabetes. Endocrinology 2006; 147:5967-74. [PMID: 16935841 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-0728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by myocyte loss and fibrosis, finally resulting in heart failure. The study looked at the downstream signaling whereby oxidative stress leads to reduced myocardial contractility in the left ventricle of diabetic rats and the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which production is suppressed in the failing heart and prevents the oxidative damage induced by hyperglycemia in several experimental models. DHEA was given orally at a dose of 4 mg/rat per day for 21 d to rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and genetic diabetic-fatty (ZDF) rats. Oxidative balance, advanced glycated end products (AGEs) and AGE receptors, cardiac myogenic factors, and myosin heavy-chain gene expression were determined in the left ventricle of treated and untreated STZ-diabetic rats and ZDF rats. Oxidative stress induced by chronic hyperglycemia increased AGE and AGE receptors and led to activation of the pleoitropic transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB. Nuclear factor-kappaB activation triggered a cascade of signaling, which finally led to the switch in the cardiac myosin heavy-chain (MHC) gene expression from the alpha-MHC isoform to the beta-MHC isoform. DHEA treatment, by preventing the activation of the oxidative pathways induced by hyperglycemia, counteracted the enhanced AGE receptor activation in the heart of STZ-diabetic rats and ZDF rats and normalized downstream signaling, thus avoiding impairment of the cardiac myogenic factors, heart autonomic nervous system and neural crest derivatives (HAND) and myogenic enhancer factor-2, and the switch in MHC gene expression, which are the early events in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Aragno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Oncology, General Pathology Section, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Müller FU, Lewin G, Baba HA, Bokník P, Fabritz L, Kirchhefer U, Kirchhof P, Loser K, Matus M, Neumann J, Riemann B, Schmitz W. Heart-directed expression of a human cardiac isoform of cAMP-response element modulator in transgenic mice. J Biol Chem 2004; 280:6906-14. [PMID: 15569686 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m407864200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional activation mediated by cAMP-response element (CRE) and transcription factors of the CRE-binding protein (CREB)/CRE modulator (CREM) family represents an important mechanism of cAMP-dependent gene regulation possibly implicated in detrimental effects of chronic beta-adrenergic stimulation in end-stage heart failure. We studied the cardiac role of CREM in transgenic mice with heart-directed expression of CREM-IbDeltaC-X, a human cardiac CREM isoform. Transgenic mice displayed atrial enlargement with atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, developed atrial fibrillation, and died prematurely. In vivo hemodynamic assessment revealed increased contractility of transgenic left ventricles probably due to a selective up-regulation of SERCA2, the cardiac Ca(2+)-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In transgenic ventricles, reduced phosphorylation of phospholamban and of the CREB was associated with increased activity of serine-threonine protein phosphatase 1. The density of beta(1)-adrenoreceptor was increased, and messenger RNAs encoding transcription factor dHAND and small G-protein RhoB were decreased in transgenic hearts as compared with wild-type controls. Our results indicate that heart-directed expression of CREM-IbDeltaC-X leads to complex cardiac alterations, suggesting CREM as a central regulator of cardiac morphology, function, and gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank U Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 12, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|