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Walters R, Vasilaki E, Aman J, Chen CN, Wu Y, Liang OD, Ashek A, Dubois O, Zhao L, Sabrin F, Cebola I, Ferrer J, Morrell NW, Klinger JR, Wilkins MR, Zhao L, Rhodes CJ. SOX17 Enhancer Variants Disrupt Transcription Factor Binding And Enhancer Inactivity Drives Pulmonary Hypertension. Circulation 2023; 147:1606-1621. [PMID: 37066790 PMCID: PMC7614572 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary arteries, increased vascular resistance, and right-sided heart failure. Genome-wide association studies of idiopathic/heritable PAH established novel genetic risk variants, including conserved enhancers upstream of transcription factor (TF) SOX17 containing 2 independent signals. SOX17 is an important TF in embryonic development and in the homeostasis of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (hPAEC) in the adult. Rare pathogenic mutations in SOX17 cause heritable PAH. We hypothesized that PAH risk alleles in an enhancer region impair TF-binding upstream of SOX17, which in turn reduces SOX17 expression and contributes to disturbed endothelial cell function and PAH development. METHODS CRISPR manipulation and siRNA were used to modulate SOX17 expression. Electromobility shift assays were used to confirm in silico-predicted TF differential binding to the SOX17 variants. Functional assays in hPAECs were used to establish the biological consequences of SOX17 loss. In silico analysis with the connectivity map was used to predict compounds that rescue disturbed SOX17 signaling. Mice with deletion of the SOX17-signal 1 enhancer region (SOX17-4593/enhKO) were phenotyped in response to chronic hypoxia and SU5416/hypoxia. RESULTS CRISPR inhibition of SOX17-signal 2 and deletion of SOX17-signal 1 specifically decreased SOX17 expression. Electromobility shift assays demonstrated differential binding of hPAEC nuclear proteins to the risk and nonrisk alleles from both SOX17 signals. Candidate TFs HOXA5 and ROR-α were identified through in silico analysis and antibody electromobility shift assays. Analysis of the hPAEC transcriptomes revealed alteration of PAH-relevant pathways on SOX17 silencing, including extracellular matrix regulation. SOX17 silencing in hPAECs resulted in increased apoptosis, proliferation, and disturbance of barrier function. With the use of the connectivity map, compounds were identified that reversed the SOX17-dysfunction transcriptomic signatures in hPAECs. SOX17 enhancer knockout in mice reduced lung SOX17 expression, resulting in more severe pulmonary vascular leak and hypoxia or SU5416/hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Common PAH risk variants upstream of the SOX17 promoter reduce endothelial SOX17 expression, at least in part, through differential binding of HOXA5 and ROR-α. Reduced SOX17 expression results in disturbed hPAEC function and PAH. Existing drug compounds can reverse the disturbed SOX17 pulmonary endothelial transcriptomic signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Walters
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Eleni Vasilaki
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Jurjan Aman
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands (J.A.)
| | - Chien-Nien Chen
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Yukyee Wu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Olin D Liang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine (O.D.L.), Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence
| | - Ali Ashek
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Olivier Dubois
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Lin Zhao
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Farah Sabrin
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Inês Cebola
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (I.C., J.F.)
| | - Jorge Ferrer
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (I.C., J.F.)
- Computational Biology and Health Genomics Programme, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Spain (J.F.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Barcelona, Spain (J.F.)
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
- NIHR BioResource for Translational Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
- On Behalf of the British Heart Foundation/Medical Research Council UK PAH Cohort Consortium (N.W.M., M.R.W., C.J.R.)
| | - James R Klinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (J.R.K.), Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
- On Behalf of the British Heart Foundation/Medical Research Council UK PAH Cohort Consortium (N.W.M., M.R.W., C.J.R.)
| | - Lan Zhao
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
| | - Christopher J Rhodes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom (R.W., E.V., J.A., C.-N.C., Y.W., A.A., O.D., L.Z., F.S., M.R.W., L.Z., C.J.R.)
- On Behalf of the British Heart Foundation/Medical Research Council UK PAH Cohort Consortium (N.W.M., M.R.W., C.J.R.)
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2
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Welcome MO, Dogo D, Nikos E Mastorakis. Cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways linking bitter taste receptor signalling to cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:89-117. [PMID: 36471190 PMCID: PMC9734786 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heart diseases and related complications constitute a leading cause of death and socioeconomic threat worldwide. Despite intense efforts and research on the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. Several lines of evidence indicate a critical role of inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the development and progression of heart diseases. Nevertheless, the molecular machinery that drives cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress is not completely known. Recent data suggest an important role of cardiac bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the pathogenetic mechanism of heart diseases. Independent groups of researchers have demonstrated a central role of TAS2Rs in mediating inflammatory, oxidative stress responses, autophagy, impulse generation/propagation and contractile activities in the heart, suggesting that dysfunctional TAS2R signalling may predispose to cardiac inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders, characterised by contractile dysfunction and arrhythmia. Moreover, cardiac TAS2Rs act as gateway surveillance units that monitor and detect toxigenic or pathogenic molecules, including microbial components, and initiate responses that ultimately culminate in protection of the host against the aggression. Unfortunately, however, the molecular mechanisms that link TAS2R sensing of the cardiac milieu to inflammatory and oxidative stress responses are not clearly known. Therefore, we sought to review the possible role of TAS2R signalling in the pathophysiology of cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Potential therapeutic significance of targeting TAS2R or its downstream signalling molecules in cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Plot 681 Cadastral Zone, C-00 Research and Institution Area, Jabi Airport Road Bypass, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | - Dilli Dogo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nikos E Mastorakis
- Technical University of Sofia, Klement Ohridksi 8, Sofia, 1000, Bulgaria
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3
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Burboa PC, Puebla M, Gaete PS, Durán WN, Lillo MA. Connexin and Pannexin Large-Pore Channels in Microcirculation and Neurovascular Coupling Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137303. [PMID: 35806312 PMCID: PMC9266979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation homeostasis depends on several channels permeable to ions and/or small molecules that facilitate the regulation of the vasomotor tone, hyperpermeability, the blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular coupling function. Connexin (Cxs) and Pannexin (Panxs) large-pore channel proteins are implicated in several aspects of vascular physiology. The permeation of ions (i.e., Ca2+) and key metabolites (ATP, prostaglandins, D-serine, etc.) through Cxs (i.e., gap junction channels or hemichannels) and Panxs proteins plays a vital role in intercellular communication and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation or genetic pathologies associated with these channels promote deleterious tissue consequences. This review provides an overview of current knowledge concerning the physiological role of these large-pore molecule channels in microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and in the neurovascular coupling function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pía C. Burboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Mariela Puebla
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Pablo S. Gaete
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Walter N. Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Correspondence:
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4
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Qin X, Gao A, Hou X, Xu X, Chen L, Sun L, Hao Y, Shi Y. Connexins may play a critical role in cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary hypertension. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1609-1621. [PMID: 35344070 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and remodeling. It causes a gradual increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right-sided heart failure, and may be fatal. Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is an essential risk factor for PH group 3; however, smoking continues to be prevalent and smoking cessation is reported to be difficult. A majority of smokers exhibit PH, which leads to a concomitant increase in the risk of mortality. The current treatments for PH group 3 focus on vasodilation and long-term oxygen supplementation, and fail to stop or reverse PH-associated continuous vascular remodeling. Recent studies have suggested that pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by CS exposure may be an initial event in the natural history of PH, which in turn may be associated with abnormal alterations in connexin (Cx) expression. The relationship between Cx and CS-induced PH development has not yet been directly investigated. Therefore, this review will describe the roles of CS and Cx in the development of PH and discuss the related downstream pathways. We also discuss the possible role of Cx in CS-induced PH. It is hoped that this review may provide new perspectives for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang Qin
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
- China Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Anqi Gao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaomin Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- China Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinrong Xu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Liangjin Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin Sun
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuxuan Hao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yiwei Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, 85 Jiefang South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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5
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Si R, Cabrera JTO, Tsuji-Hosokawa A, Guo R, Watanabe M, Gao L, Lee YS, Moon JS, Scott BT, Wang J, Ashton AW, Rao JN, Wang JY, Yuan JXJ, Makino A. HuR/Cx40 downregulation causes coronary microvascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. JCI Insight 2021; 6:147982. [PMID: 34747371 PMCID: PMC8663561 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes with coronary microvascular disease (CMD) exhibit higher cardiac mortality than patients without CMD. However, the molecular mechanism by which diabetes promotes CMD is poorly understood. RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a key regulator of mRNA stability and translation; therefore, we investigated the role of HuR in the development of CMD in mice with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic mice exhibited decreases in coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR; a determinant of coronary microvascular function) and capillary density in the left ventricle. HuR levels in cardiac endothelial cells (CECs) were significantly lower in diabetic mice and patients with diabetes than the controls. Endothelial-specific HuR-KO mice also displayed significant reductions in CFVR and capillary density. By examining mRNA levels of 92 genes associated with endothelial function, we found that HuR, Cx40, and Nox4 levels were decreased in CECs from diabetic and HuR-KO mice compared with control mice. Cx40 expression and HuR binding to Cx40 mRNA were downregulated in CECs from diabetic mice. Cx40-KO mice exhibited decreased CFVR and capillary density, whereas endothelium-specific Cx40 overexpression increased capillary density and improved CFVR in diabetic mice. These data suggest that decreased HuR contributes to the development of CMD in diabetes through downregulation of gap junction protein Cx40 in CECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Si
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi, China
| | | | | | - Rui Guo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yun Sok Lee
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jae-Su Moon
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Brian T Scott
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaladanki N Rao
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ayako Makino
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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6
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Han XJ, Zhang WF, Wang Q, Li M, Zhang CB, Yang ZJ, Tan RJ, Gan LJ, Zhang LL, Lan XM, Zhang FL, Hong T, Jiang LP. HIF-1α promotes the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via activation of Cx43. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10663-10673. [PMID: 34698450 PMCID: PMC8581339 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is an important cause of pulmonary vascular remodelling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). However, its underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays crucial roles in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in various cardiovascular diseases. Here, the male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 21 days to induce rat HPH model. PASMCs were treated with CoCl2 (200 µM) for 24 h to establish the HPH cell model. It was found that hypoxia up-regulated the expression of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in rat pulmonary arteries and PASMCs, and stimulated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin attenuated the CoCl2 -induced Cx43 expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in PASMCs. The interaction between HIF-1α and Cx43 promotor was also identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, Cx43 specific blocker (37,43 Gap27) or knockdown of Cx43 efficiently alleviated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs under chemically induced hypoxia. Therefore, the results above suggest that HIF-1α, as an upstream regulator, promotes the expression of Cx43, and the HIF-1α/Cx43 axis regulates the proliferation and migration of PASMCs in HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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7
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McNair AJ, Wilson KS, Martin PE, Welsh DJ, Dempsie Y. Connexin 43 plays a role in proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial fibroblasts in response to hypoxia. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020937134. [PMID: 32670564 PMCID: PMC7338651 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020937134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease associated with vasoconstriction and remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature. Pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PAFs) play an important role in hypoxic-induced remodelling. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in cellular communication and regulation of the pulmonary vasculature. Using both in vitro and in vivo models of PH, the aims of this study were to (i) investigate the role of Cx43 in hypoxic-induced proliferation and migration of rat PAFs (rPAFs) and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) and (ii) determine whether Cx43 expression is dysregulated in the rat sugen5416/hypoxic model of PH. The role of Cx43 in hypoxic-induced proliferation and migration was investigated using Gap27 (a pharmacological inhibitor of Cx43) or genetic knockdown of Cx43 using siRNA. Cx43 protein expression was increased by hypoxia in rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Hypoxic exposure, in the presence of serum, resulted in an increase in proliferation of rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Hypoxic exposure caused migration of rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK1/2 were increased by hypoxia in rPAFs. The effects of hypoxia on proliferation, migration and MAPK phosphorylation in rPAFs were attenuated in the presence of Gap27 or Cx43 siRNA. Cx43 protein expression was increased in sugen5416/hypoxic rat lung; this increased expression was not observed in sugen5416/hypoxic rats treated with the MAPK pathway inhibitor GS-444217. In conclusion, Cx43 is involved in the proliferation and migration of rPAFs in response to hypoxia via the MAPK signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J McNair
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn S Wilson
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - David J Welsh
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yvonne Dempsie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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8
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Bouvard C, Genet N, Phan C, Rode B, Thuillet R, Tu L, Robillard P, Campagnac M, Soleti R, Dumas De La Roque E, Delcambre F, Cronier L, Parpaite T, Maurat E, Berger P, Savineau JP, Marthan R, Guignabert C, Freund-Michel V, Guibert C. Connexin-43 is a promising target for pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxaemic lung disease. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.00169-2019. [PMID: 31862763 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00169-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying pulmonary hypertension (PH) are complex and multifactorial, and involve different cell types that are interconnected through gap junctional channels. Although connexin (Cx)-43 is the most abundant gap junction protein in the heart and lungs, and critically governs intercellular signalling communication, its contribution to PH remains unknown. The focus of the present study is thus to evaluate Cx43 as a potential new target in PH.Expressions of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 were studied in lung specimens from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or PH associated with chronic hypoxaemic lung diseases (chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (CH-PH)). Heterozygous Cx43 knockdown CD1 (Cx43+/-) and wild-type littermate (Cx43+/+) mice at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was maintained in room air and the other exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen) for 3 weeks. We evaluated pulmonary haemodynamics, remodelling processes in cardiac tissues and pulmonary arteries (PAs), lung inflammation and PA vasoreactivity.Cx43 levels were increased in PAs from CH-PH patients and decreased in PAs from IPAH patients; however, no difference in Cx37 or Cx40 levels was noted. Upon hypoxia treatment, the Cx43+/- mice were partially protected against CH-PH when compared to Cx43+/+ mice, with reduced pulmonary arterial muscularisation and inflammatory infiltration. Interestingly, the adaptive changes in cardiac remodelling in Cx43+/- mice were not affected. PA contraction due to endothelin-1 (ET-1) was increased in Cx43+/- mice under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.Taken together, these results indicate that targeting Cx43 may have beneficial therapeutic effects in PH without affecting compensatory cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bouvard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nafiisha Genet
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carole Phan
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Baptiste Rode
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Paul Robillard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marilyne Campagnac
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Eric Dumas De La Roque
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Laurent Cronier
- Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires, CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Thibaud Parpaite
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elise Maurat
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Berger
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Savineau
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Roger Marthan
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Véronique Freund-Michel
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christelle Guibert
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France .,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
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9
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Mondejar-Parreño G, Callejo M, Barreira B, Morales-Cano D, Esquivel-Ruiz S, Filice M, Moreno L, Cogolludo A, Perez-Vizcaino F. miR-1 induces endothelial dysfunction in rat pulmonary arteries. J Physiol Biochem 2019; 75:519-529. [PMID: 31432395 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-019-00696-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-strand and non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene function by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of specific mRNAs. microRNA-1 (miR-1) is upregulated in plasma from idiopathic PAH patients and in lungs from an experimental model of PAH. However, the role of miRNA-1 on endothelial dysfunction is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of miR-1 on endothelial function in rat pulmonary arteries (PA). Endothelial function was studied in PA from PAH or healthy animals and mounted in a wire myograph. Some PA from control animals were transfected with miR-1 or scramble miR. Superoxide anion production by miR-1 was quantified by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence in rat PA smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Bioinformatic analysis identified superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), connexin-43 (Cx43), caveolin 2 (CAV2) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) as potential targets of miR-1. The expression of SOD1, Cx43, CAV2, and KLF4 was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot in PASMC. PA incubated with miR-1 presented decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine. We also found an increase in the production of O2- and decreased expression of SOD1, Cx43, CAV2, and KLF4 in PASMC induced by miR-1, which may contribute to endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, these data indicate that miR-1 induces endothelial dysfunction, suggesting a pathophysiological role in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Mondejar-Parreño
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Callejo
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Barreira
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Morales-Cano
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Esquivel-Ruiz
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Filice
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Departament of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IISGM), Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Osipova ED, Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya OV, Morgun AV, Pisareva NV, Malinovskaya NA, Boitsova EB, Pozhilenkova EA, Belova OA, Salmin VV, Taranushenko TE, Noda M, Salmina AB. Gliotransmitters and cytokines in the control of blood-brain barrier permeability. Rev Neurosci 2018; 29:567-591. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe contribution of astrocytes and microglia to the regulation of neuroplasticity or neurovascular unit (NVU) is based on the coordinated secretion of gliotransmitters and cytokines and the release and uptake of metabolites. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and angiogenesis are influenced by perivascular cells contacting with the abluminal side of brain microvessel endothelial cells (pericytes, astrocytes) or by immune cells existing (microglia) or invading the NVU (macrophages) under pathologic conditions. The release of gliotransmitters or cytokines by activated astroglial and microglial cells is provided by distinct mechanisms, affects intercellular communication, and results in the establishment of microenvironment controlling BBB permeability and neuroinflammation. Glial glutamate transporters and connexin and pannexin hemichannels working in the tight functional coupling with the purinergic system serve as promising molecular targets for manipulating the intercellular communications that control BBB permeability in brain pathologies associated with excessive angiogenesis, cerebrovascular remodeling, and BBB-mediated neuroinflammation. Substantial progress in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the (patho)physiology of perivascular glia provides promising approaches to novel clinically relevant therapies for brain disorders. The present review summarizes the current understandings on the secretory machinery expressed in glial cells (glutamate transporters, connexin and pannexin hemichannels, exocytosis mechanisms, membrane-derived microvesicles, and inflammasomes) and the role of secreted gliotransmitters and cytokines in the regulation of NVU and BBB permeability in (patho)physiologic conditions.
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11
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Htet M, Nally JE, Shaw A, Foote BE, Martin PE, Dempsie Y. Connexin 43 Plays a Role in Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1891. [PMID: 29954114 PMCID: PMC6073802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by vascular remodeling and increased vaso-reactivity. PAH is more common in females than in males (~3:1). Connexin (Cx)43 has been shown to be involved in cellular communication within the pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, we investigated the role of Cx43 in pulmonary vascular reactivity using Cx43 heterozygous (Cx43+/−) mice and 37,43Gap27, which is a pharmacological inhibitor of Cx37 and Cx43. Contraction and relaxation responses were studied in intra-lobar pulmonary arteries (IPAs) derived from normoxic mice and hypoxic mice using wire myography. IPAs from male Cx43+/− mice displayed a small but significant increase in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (but not 5-hydroxytryptamine) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. There was no difference in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in IPAs derived from female Cx43+/−mice compared to wildtype mice. Relaxation responses to methacholine (MCh) were attenuated in IPAs from male and female Cx43+/− mice or by pre-incubation of IPAs with 37,43Gap27. Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) fully inhibited MCh-induced relaxation. In conclusion, Cx43 is involved in nitric oxide (NO)-induced pulmonary vascular relaxation and plays a gender-specific and agonist-specific role in pulmonary vascular contractility. Therefore, reduced Cx43 signaling may contribute to pulmonary vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Htet
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Jane E Nally
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Andrew Shaw
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Bradley E Foote
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Yvonne Dempsie
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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12
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Mishra JS, More AS, Hankins GDV, Kumar S. Hyperandrogenemia reduces endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation in mesenteric artery of female rats. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:1221-1230. [PMID: 28486649 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often presented with hyperandrogenemia along with vascular dysfunction and elevated blood pressure. In animal models of PCOS, anti-androgen treatment decreased blood pressure, indicating a key role for androgens in the development of hypertension. However, the underlying androgen-mediated mechanism that contributes to increased blood pressure is not known. This study determined whether elevated androgens affect endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated vascular relaxation responses through alteration in function of gap junctional proteins. Female rats were implanted with placebo or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) pellets (7.5 mg, 90-day release). After 12 weeks of DHT exposure, blood pressure was assessed through carotid arterial catheter and endothelium-dependent mesenteric arterial EDHF relaxation using wire myograph. Connexin expression in mesenteric arteries was also examined. Elevated DHT significantly increased mean arterial pressure and decreased endothelium-dependent EDHF-mediated acetylcholine relaxation. Inhibition of Cx40 did not have any effect, while inhibition of Cx37 decreased EDHF relaxation to a similar magnitude in both controls and DHT females. On the other hand, inhibition of Cx43 significantly attenuated EDHF relaxation in mesenteric arteries of controls but not DHT females. Elevated DHT did not alter Cx37 or Cx40, but decreased Cx43 mRNA and protein levels in mesenteric arteries. In vitro exposure of DHT to cultured mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells dose-dependently downregulated Cx43 expression. In conclusion, increased blood pressure in hyperandrogenic females is due, at least in part, to decreased EDHF-mediated vascular relaxation responses. Decreased Cx43 expression and activity may play a role in contributing to androgen-induced decrease in EDHF function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S Mishra
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Amar S More
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Gary D V Hankins
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA
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13
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Expression and role of connexin-based gap junctions in pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:105-19. [PMID: 27126473 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Connexins are transmembrane proteins that can generate intercellular communication channels known as gap junctions. They contribute to the direct movement of ions and larger cytoplasmic solutes between various cell types. In the lung, connexins participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defence. In addition, emerging evidence supports a role for connexins in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, lung fibrosis or cystic fibrosis. In these diseases, the altered expression of connexins leads to disruption of normal intercellular communication pathways, thus contributing to various pathophysiological aspects, such as inflammation or tissue altered reactivity and remodeling. The present review describes connexin structure and organization in gap junctions. It focuses on connexins in the lung, including pulmonary bronchial and arterial beds, by looking at their expression, regulation and physiological functions. This work also addresses the issue of connexin expression alteration in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases and describes how targeting connexin-based gap junctions with pharmacological tools, synthetic blocking peptides or genetic approaches, may open new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of these diseases.
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14
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex, multi-factorial disorder characterized by both constriction and remodelling of the distal pulmonary vasculature. This leads to increased pulmonary pressures and eventually right heart failure. Current drugs, which primarily target the vasoconstriction, serve only to prolong life and novel therapies targeting both the vasoconstriction and the remodelling are required. Aberrant signalling between cells of the pulmonary vasculature has been associated with the development of PAH. In particular, endothelial dysfunction can lead to hyperplasia of the underlying medial layer. Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins which can form intercellular communication channels known as gap junctions. This review will discuss recent evidence which shows that connexins play a role in regulation of the pulmonary vasculature and that dysregulation of connexins may contribute to PAH pathogenesis. Interaction of connexins with signalling pathways relevant to the pathogenesis of PAH, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), serotonin and oestrogen are discussed.
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15
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Zhang S, Yang T, Xu X, Wang M, Zhong L, Yang Y, Zhai Z, Xiao F, Wang C. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide signaling related biomarkers in patients with pulmonary hypertension: a case control study. BMC Pulm Med 2015; 15:50. [PMID: 25934483 PMCID: PMC4477508 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-015-0045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Whether there are associations between OS and NO signaling biomarkers and whether these biomarkers are associated with the severity of PH remain unclear. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 35 healthy controls and 35 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, n = 12) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH, n = 23). The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) were measured by right heart catheterization. We measured the derivative of reactive oxygen molecules (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) by automatic biochemical analyzer, malondialdehyde (MDA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between oxidative-antioxidative biomarkers and ADMA, as well as their association with pulmonary hemodynamics, were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with age- and gender-matched controls, there was no significant difference of d-ROMs in PAH and CTEPH patients; MDA was increased in CTEPH patients (P = 0.034); BAP and SOD were decreased in PAH (P = 0.014, P < 0.001) and CTEPH patients (P = 0.015, P < 0.001); ADMA level was significantly higher in PAH (P = 0.007) and CTEPH patients (P < 0.001). No association between oxidative-antioxidative biomarkers and ADMA was found. Serum ADMA concentration was correlated with mPAP (r = 0.762, P = 0.006) and PVRI (r = 0.603, P = 0.038) in PAH patients. CONCLUSIONS The antioxidative potential and NO signaling are impaired in PAH and CTEPH. Increased serum ADMA level is associated with unfavorable pulmonary hemodynamics in PAH patients. Thus, ADMA may be useful in the severity evaluation and risk stratification of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaomao Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linye Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanhua Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenguo Zhai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Xiao
- National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chen Wang
- National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. .,China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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16
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miR-21/DDAH1 pathway regulates pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia. Biochem J 2014; 462:103-12. [PMID: 24895913 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The NOS (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Reduced levels of the enzymes metabolizing ADMA, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH1 and DDAH2) and increased levels of miR-21 are linked to disease pathology, but the mechanisms are not understood. In the present study we assessed the potential role of miR-21 in the regulation of hypoxia-induced changes in ADMA metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Hypoxia inhibited DDAH1 and DDAH2 expression and increased ADMA levels in cultured human pulmonary endothelial cells. In contrast, in human pulmonary smooth muscle cells, only DDAH2 was reduced whereas ADMA levels remained unchanged. Endothelium-specific down-regulation of DDAH1 by miR-21 in hypoxia induced endothelial dysfunction and was prevented by overexpression of DDAH1 and miR-21 blockade. DDAH1, but not DDAH2, mRNA levels were reduced, whereas miR-21 levels were elevated in lung tissues from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and mice with pulmonary hypertension exposed to 2 weeks of hypoxia. Hypoxic mice treated with miR-21 inhibitors and DDAH1 transgenic mice showed elevated lung DDAH1, increased cGMP levels and attenuated pulmonary hypertension. Regulation of DDAH1 by miR-21 plays a role in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and may be of broader significance in pulmonary hypertension.
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17
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Duluc L, Wojciak-Stothard B. Rho GTPases in the regulation of pulmonary vascular barrier function. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 355:675-85. [PMID: 24599334 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary endothelial permeability is an important determinant of vascular adaptation to changes in oxygen tension, blood pressure, levels of growth factors or inflammatory cytokines. The Ras homologous (Rho) family of guanosine triphosphate phosphatases (Rho GTPases), key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, regulate endothelial barrier function in response to a variety of environmental factors and signalling agents via the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, changes in receptor trafficking or the phosphorylation of junctional proteins. This review provides a brief summary of recent knowledge on Rho-GTPase-mediated effects on pulmonary endothelial barrier function and focuses in particular on their role in pulmonary vascular disorders, including pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Duluc
- Centre for Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Imperial College London, London, UK
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