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Vass Z, Shenker-Horváth K, Bányai B, Vető KN, Török V, Gém JB, Nádasy GL, Kovács KB, Horváth EM, Jakus Z, Hunyady L, Szekeres M, Dörnyei G. Investigating the Role of Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptors in Vascular Function and Remodeling in a Hypercholesterolemic Mouse Model with Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Double Knockout Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9537. [PMID: 39273484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia forms the background of several cardiovascular pathologies. LDL receptor-knockout (LDLR-KO) mice kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) develop high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis (AS). Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) induce vasodilation, although their role in cardiovascular pathologies is still controversial. We aimed to reveal the effects of CB1Rs on vascular function and remodeling in hypercholesterolemic AS-prone LDLR-KO mice. Experiments were performed on a newly established LDLR and CB1R double-knockout (KO) mouse model, in which KO and wild-type (WT) mice were kept on an HFD or a control diet (CD) for 5 months. The vascular functions of abdominal aorta rings were tested with wire myography. The vasorelaxation effects of acetylcholine (Ach, 1 nM-1 µM) were obtained after phenylephrine precontraction, which was repeated with inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX), Nω-nitro-L-arginine (LNA), and indomethacin (INDO), respectively. Blood pressure was measured with the tail-cuff method. Immunostaining of endothelial NOS (eNOS) was carried out. An HFD significantly elevated the cholesterol levels in the LDLR-KO mice more than in the corresponding WT mice (mean values: 1039 ± 162 mg/dL vs. 91 ± 18 mg/dL), and they were not influenced by the presence of the CB1R gene. However, with the defect of the CB1R gene, damage to the Ach relaxation ability was moderated. The blood pressure was higher in the LDLR-KO mice compared to their WT counterparts (systolic/diastolic values: 110/84 ± 5.8/6.8 vs. 102/80 ± 3.3/2.5 mmHg), which was significantly elevated with an HFD (118/96 ± 1.9/2 vs. 100/77 ± 3.4/3.1 mmHg, p < 0.05) but attenuated in the CB1R-KO HFD mice. The expression of eNOS was depressed in the HFD WT mice compared to those on the CD, but it was augmented if CB1R was knocked out. This newly established double-knockout mouse model provides a tool for studying the involvement of CB1Rs in the development of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that knocking out the CB1R gene significantly attenuates vascular damage in hypercholesterolemic mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Hypercholesterolemia/metabolism
- Hypercholesterolemia/genetics
- Hypercholesterolemia/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Disease Models, Animal
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Male
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/etiology
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Acetylcholine/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Vass
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Shenker-Horváth
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
- Center for Sports Nutrition Science, Hungarian University of Sports Science, 42-48 Alkotás Street, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Bányai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Nóra Vető
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Török
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janka Borbála Gém
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György L Nádasy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Bernadett Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Mária Horváth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Jakus
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Hunyady
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 2 Magyar Tudósok Körútja, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Szekeres
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 37-47 Tűzoltó Street, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Dörnyei
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, 17 Vas Street, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Cai Z, Satyanarayana G, Song P, Zhao F, You S, Liu Z, Mu J, Ding Y, He B, Zou MH. Regulation of Ptbp1-controlled alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle by Liver kinase b1 governs vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity in vivo. Cardiovasc Res 2024:cvae187. [PMID: 39189621 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity is a state in which VSMCs undergo phenotypic switching from a quiescent contractile phenotype into other functionally distinct phenotypes. Although emerging evidence suggest that VSMC plasticity plays critical roles in the development of vascular diseases, little is known about the key determinant for controlling VSMC plasticity and fate. METHODS AND RESULTS We found that smooth muscle cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 in tamoxifen-inducible Lkb1flox/flox; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice spontaneously and progressively induced aortic/arterial dilation, aneurysm, rupture, and premature death. Single-cell RNA sequencing and imaging-based lineage tracing showed that Lkb1-deficient VSMCs transdifferentiated gradually from early modulated VSMCs to fibroblast-like and chondrocyte-like cells, leading to ossification and blood-vessel rupture. Mechanistically, Lkb1 regulates polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) expression and controls alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoforms 1 and 2. Lkb1 loss in VSMC results in an increased PKM2/PKM1 ratio and alters the metabolic profile by promoting aerobic glycolysis. Treatment with PKM2 activator TEPP-46 rescues VSMC transformation and aortic dilation in Lkb1flox/flox; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice. Furthermore, we found that Lkb1 expression decreased in human aortic aneurysm tissue compared to control tissue, along with changes in markers of VSMC fate. CONCLUSIONS Lkb1, via its regulation of Ptbp1-dependent alterative splicing of PKM, maintains VSMC in contractile states by suppressing VSMC plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohua Cai
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ganesh Satyanarayana
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Ping Song
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Fujie Zhao
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Shaojin You
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhixue Liu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Jing Mu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Ye Ding
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
| | - Ben He
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zou
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303
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3
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Li Z, Li J, Li Y, Guo L, Xu P, Du H, Lin N, Xu Y. The role of Cistanches Herba and its ingredients in improving reproductive outcomes: A comprehensive review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155681. [PMID: 38718638 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility patients account for an astonishing proportion of individuals worldwide. Due to its complex etiology and challenging treatment, infertility has imposed significant psychological and economic burdens on many patients. C. Herba (Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight and Cistanche deserticola Ma), renowned as one of the most prominent Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), is abundant in diverse bioactive compounds that exhibit therapeutic effects on many diseases related to oxidative stress (OS) and disorders of sex hormone levels. OBJECTIVE Due to the limited drugs currently used in clinical practice to improve reproductive outcomes and their inevitable side effects, developing safe and effective new medications for infertility is of significance. This article comprehensively reviewed the phytochemicals of C. Herba, focusing on their efficacy and mechanisms on infertility and their safety for the first time, aiming to offer valuable insights for the development and application of C. Herba, and for developing novel strategies for treating infertility. METHODS We used "Cistanche" and its known bioactive components in combination with "sperm", "testicles", "epididymis", "ovaries", "uterus", and "infertility" as keywords to search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI up to November 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline was followed. RESULTS The therapeutic effects of C. Herba on infertility are mainly attributed to echinacoside (ECH), verbascoside (VB), salidroside (SAL), polysaccharides, and betaine. They can effectively improve spermatogenic dysfunction, gonadal dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (ED) by exerting anti-oxidation, sex hormones regulation and anti-hypoxia. Moreover, they can also improve premature ovarian failure (POF), ovarian and uterine cancer, oocyte maturation by exerting anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-cancer. C. Herba and its active ingredients also exhibit pleasing safety. CONCLUSION C. Herba is a promising source of natural medicine for infertility. Additionally, compared to current therapeutic drugs, its favorable safety also supports its development as a nutritional supplement. However, high-quality clinical studies are required to validate its effectiveness for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiashan Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Li Guo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Panyu Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hanqian Du
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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4
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Joung H, Liu H. 2‑D08 mediates notable anticancer effects through multiple cellular pathways in uterine leiomyosarcoma cells. Oncol Rep 2024; 52:97. [PMID: 38874019 PMCID: PMC11200159 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
2',3',4'‑trihydroxyflavone (2‑D08), a SUMO E2 inhibitor, has several biological functions, including anticancer activity, but its effects on uterine leiomyosarcoma (Ut‑LMS) are unknown. The anticancer activity of 2‑D08 was explored in an in vitro model using SK‑LMS‑1 and SK‑UT‑1B cells (human Ut‑LMS cells). Treatment with 2‑D08 inhibited cell viability in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner and significantly inhibited the colony‑forming ability of Ut‑LMS cells. In SK‑UT‑1B cells treated with 2‑D08, flow cytometric analysis revealed a slight increase in apoptotic rates, while cell cycle progression remained unaffected. Western blotting revealed elevated levels of RIP1, indicating induction of necrosis, but LC3B levels remained unchanged, suggesting no effect on autophagy. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay confirmed increased LDH release, further supporting the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by 2‑D08 in SK‑UT‑1B cells. 2‑D08‑induced production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis progression were observed in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Using Ki67 staining and bromodeoxyuridine assays, it was found that 2‑D08 suppressed proliferation in SK‑LMS‑1 cells, while treatment for 48 h led to cell‑cycle arrest. 2‑D08 upregulated p21 protein expression in SK‑LMS‑1 cells and promoted apoptosis through caspase‑3. Evaluation of α‑SM‑actin, calponin 1 and TAGLN expression indicated that 2‑D08 did not directly initiate smooth muscle phenotypic switching in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Transcriptome analysis on 2‑D08‑treated SK‑LMS‑1 cells identified significant differences in gene expression and suggested that 2‑D08 modulates cell‑cycle‑ and apoptosis‑related pathways. The analysis identified several differentially expressed genes and significant enrichment for biological processes related to DNA replication and molecular functions associated with the apoptotic process. It was concluded that 2‑D08 exerts antitumor effects in Ut‑LMS cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways and that 2‑D08 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of human Ut‑LMS. The present study expanded and developed knowledge regarding Ut‑LMS management and indicated that 2‑D08 represents a notable finding in the exploration of fresh treatment options for such cancerous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosouk Joung
- Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Jeonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju 61453, Republic of Korea
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5
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Raman R. Biofabrication of Living Actuators. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 26:223-245. [PMID: 38959387 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-110122-013805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The impact of tissue engineering has extended beyond a traditional focus in medicine to the rapidly growing realm of biohybrid robotics. Leveraging living actuators as functional components in machines has been a central focus of this field, generating a range of compelling demonstrations of robots capable of muscle-powered swimming, walking, pumping, gripping, and even computation. In this review, we highlight key advances in fabricating tissue-scale cardiac and skeletal muscle actuators for a range of functional applications. We discuss areas for future growth including scalable manufacturing, integrated feedback control, and predictive modeling and also propose methods for ensuring inclusive and bioethics-focused pedagogy in this emerging discipline. We hope this review motivates the next generation of biomedical engineers to advance rational design and practical use of living machines for applications ranging from telesurgery to manufacturing to on- and off-world exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Raman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
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6
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Biswas PK, Park J. Applications, challenges, and prospects of induced pluripotent stem cells for vascular disease. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100077. [PMID: 38825189 PMCID: PMC11260847 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, is one of the leading causes of death and disability and represents a significant global health issue. Since the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in 2007, hiPSCs have provided unique and tremendous opportunities for studying human pathophysiology, disease modeling, and drug discovery in the field of regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss vascular physiology and related diseases, the current methods for generating vascular cells (eg, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes) from hiPSCs, and describe the opportunities and challenges to the clinical applications of vascular organoids, tissue-engineered blood vessels, and vessels-on-a-chip. We then explore how hiPSCs can be used to study and treat inherited vascular diseases and discuss the current challenges and future prospects. In the future, it will be essential to develop vascularized organoids or tissues that can simultaneously undergo shear stress and cyclic stretching. This development will not only increase their maturity and function but also enable effective and innovative disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polash Kumar Biswas
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24252, South Korea
| | - Jinkyu Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24252, South Korea; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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7
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Paul SK, Oshima M, Patil A, Sone M, Kato H, Maezawa Y, Kaneko H, Fukuyo M, Rahmutulla B, Ouchi Y, Tsujimura K, Nakanishi M, Kaneda A, Iwama A, Yokote K, Eto K, Takayama N. Retrotransposons in Werner syndrome-derived macrophages trigger type I interferon-dependent inflammation in an atherosclerosis model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4772. [PMID: 38858384 PMCID: PMC11164933 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48663-w] [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: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis, the second leading cause of death among Werner syndrome (WS) patients, are not fully understood. Here, we establish an in vitro co-culture system using macrophages (iMφs), vascular endothelial cells (iVECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (iVSMCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. In co-culture, WS-iMφs induces endothelial dysfunction in WS-iVECs and characteristics of the synthetic phenotype in WS-iVSMCs. Transcriptomics and open chromatin analysis reveal accelerated activation of type I interferon signaling and reduced chromatin accessibility of several transcriptional binding sites required for cellular homeostasis in WS-iMφs. Furthermore, the H3K9me3 levels show an inverse correlation with retrotransposable elements, and retrotransposable element-derived double-stranded RNA activates the DExH-box helicase 58 (DHX58)-dependent cytoplasmic RNA sensing pathway in WS-iMφs. Conversely, silencing type I interferon signaling in WS-iMφs rescues cell proliferation and suppresses cellular senescence and inflammation. These findings suggest that Mφ-specific inhibition of type I interferon signaling could be targeted to treat atherosclerosis in WS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Kumar Paul
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Motohiko Oshima
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Masamitsu Sone
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Hibernation Metabolism, Physiology and Development Group, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hisaya Kato
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Maezawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiyori Kaneko
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukuyo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Bahityar Rahmutulla
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuo Ouchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kyoko Tsujimura
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Kaneda
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwama
- Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Koji Eto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Naoya Takayama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
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Han JH, Park SY, Myung SH, Park J, Chang JH, Kim TH. Suppression of neointimal hyperplasia induced by arteriovenous anastomosis and balloon injury in rats by multimeric tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100075. [PMID: 38823606 PMCID: PMC11227017 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive blood vessel wall thickening, known as intimal hyperplasia, can result from injury or inflammation and increase the risk of vascular diseases. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) plays key roles in tumor surveillance, autoimmune diseases, and apoptosis; however, its role in vascular stenosis remains controversial. Treatment with recombinant isoleucine zipper hexamerization domain soluble TRAIL (ILz(6):TRAIL) significantly inhibited the progression of neointimal hyperplasia (NH) induced by anastomosis of the carotid artery and jugular vein dose dependently, and adenovirus expressing secretable ILz(6):TRAIL also inhibited NH induced by balloon injury in the femoral artery of rats. This study demonstrated the preventive and partial regressive effects of ILz(6):TRAIL on anastomosis of the carotid artery and jugular vein- or balloon-induced NH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Han
- Department of Biochemistry, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Young Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Myung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghee Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Chang
- Surgery Department, Chang Surgical Clinic, Gwangju 62274, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyoung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Chang X, Chi S, Zhang X, Li X, Yu C, Zhou Y, Tang S. Inhibition of Notch3/Hey1 ameliorates peribiliary hypoxia by preventing hypertrophic hepatic arteriopathy in biliary atresia progression. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:461-476. [PMID: 38597939 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02278-w] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates the presence of vascular abnormalities and ischemia in biliary atresia (BA), although specific mechanisms remain undefined. This study examined both human and experimental BA. Structural and hemodynamic features of hepatic arteries were investigated by Doppler ultrasound, indocyanine green angiography, microscopic histology, and invasive arterial pressure measurement. Opal multiplex immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT-PCR were applied to assess Notch3 expression and the phenotype of hepatic arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). We established animal models of Notch3 inhibition, overexpression, and knockout to evaluate the differences in overall survival, hepatic artery morphology, peribiliary hypoxia, and HASMC phenotype. Hypertrophic hepatic arteriopathy was evidenced by an increased wall-to-lumen ratio and clinically manifested as hepatic arterial hypertension, decreased hepatic artery perfusion, and formation of hepatic subcapsular vascular plexuses (HSVPs). We observed a correlation between overactivation of Notch3 and phenotypic disruption of HASMCs with the exacerbation of peribiliary hypoxia. Notch3 signaling mediated the phenotype alteration of HASMCs, resulting in arterial wall thickening and impaired oxygen supply in the portal microenvironment. Inhibition of Notch3/Hey1 ameliorates portal hypoxia by restoring the balance of contractile/synthetic HASMCs, thereby preventing hypertrophic arteriopathy in BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopan Chang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Shuiqing Chi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China
| | - Shaotao Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430019, China.
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10
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Scotti MM, Wilson BK, Bubenik JL, Yu F, Swanson MS, Allen JB. Spaceflight effects on human vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38548798 PMCID: PMC10979029 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is strongly impacted by the hazards of spaceflight. Astronauts spending steadily increasing lengths of time in microgravity are subject to cardiovascular deconditioning resulting in loss of vascular tone, reduced total blood volume, and diminished cardiac output. Appreciating the mechanisms by which the cells of the vasculature are altered during spaceflight will be integral to understanding and combating these deleterious effects as the human presence in space advances. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis coupled with review by QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured for 3 days in microgravity and aboard the International Space Station to assess the transcriptomic changes that occur during spaceflight. The results of our RNA-Seq analysis show that SMCs undergo a wide range of transcriptional alteration while in space, significantly affecting 4422 genes. SMCs largely down-regulate markers of the contractile, synthetic, and osteogenic phenotypes including smooth muscle alpha actin (αSMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Additionally, components of several cellular signaling pathways were strongly impacted including the STAT3, NFκB, PI3K/AKT, HIF1α, and Endothelin pathways. This study highlights the significant changes in transcriptional behavior SMCs exhibit during spaceflight and puts these changes in context to better understand vascular function in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Scotti
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon K Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jodi L Bubenik
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fahong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maurice S Swanson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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11
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Ibarrola J, Xiang RR, Sun Z, Lu Q, Hill MA, Jaffe IZ. Inhibition of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 induces vascular stiffness. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:251-268. [PMID: 38362910 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Vascular stiffness increases with aging, obesity and hypertension and predicts cardiovascular risk. The levels of histone H3-lysine-27 methylation (H3K27me) and the histone methyltransferase EZH2 both decrease in aging vessels, driving vascular stiffness. The impact of EZH2 inhibitors on vascular stiffness is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126, currently in development for cancer treatment, increases vascular stiffness and explored underlying molecular mechanisms. Young (3 month) and middle-aged (12 month) male mice were treated with GSK126 for 1-2 months and primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) from young male and female donors were treated with GSK126 for 24-48 h. Stiffness was measured in vivo by pulse wave velocity and in vitro by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and vascular structure was quantified histologically. Extracellular matrix proteins were studied by qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, zymography and chromatin immunoprecipitation. GSK126 treatment decreased H3K27 methylation (H3K27me) and increased acetylation (H3K27ac) in mouse vessels and in HASMCs. In GSK126-treated mice, aortic stiffness increased without changes in vascular fibrosis. EZH2 inhibition enhanced elastin fiber degradation and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP2) expression. In HASMCs, GSK126 treatment increased synthetic phenotype markers and intrinsic HASMCs stiffness by AFM with altered cytoskeletal structure and increased nuclear actin staining. GSK126 also increased MMP2 protein expression, activity and enrichment of H3K27ac at the MMP2 promoter in HASMCs. GSK126 causes vascular stiffening, inducing MMP2 activity, elastin degradation, and modulation of SMC phenotype and cytoskeletal stiffness. These findings suggest that EZH2 inhibitors used to treat cancer could negatively impact the vasculature by enhancing stiffness and merits examination in human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Ibarrola
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A
| | - Rachel R Xiang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A
| | - Zhe Sun
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, U.S.A
| | - Qing Lu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A
| | - Michael A Hill
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, U.S.A
| | - Iris Z Jaffe
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A
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12
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Ibrahim N, Bleichert S, Klopf J, Kurzreiter G, Hayden H, Knöbl V, Artner T, Krall M, Stiglbauer-Tscholakoff A, Oehler R, Petzelbauer P, Busch A, Bailey MA, Eilenberg W, Neumayer C, Brostjan C. Reducing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression by Blocking Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Depends on Thrombus Formation. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:342-360. [PMID: 38559632 PMCID: PMC10978405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), located in adventitia and intraluminal thrombus. We compared the therapeutic potential of targeting upstream or downstream effector molecules of NET formation in 2 murine AAA models based on angiotensin II or peri-adventitial elastase application. In both models, NETs were detected in formed aneurysms at treatment start. Although NET inhibitors failed in the elastase model, they prevented progression of angiotensin II-induced aneurysms with thrombus, which resembles established human disease (including thrombus development). Blockade of upstream NET mediators was more effective than interference with downstream NET molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Ibrahim
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Bleichert
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Klopf
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Kurzreiter
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hubert Hayden
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Knöbl
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tyler Artner
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Moritz Krall
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Stiglbauer-Tscholakoff
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Oehler
- Division of Visceral Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Petzelbauer
- Skin and Endothelium Research Division, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Busch
- Department for Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Technical University of Dresden and University Hospital Carl-Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc A. Bailey
- Leeds Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Wolf Eilenberg
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Neumayer
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Brostjan
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Lee S, Baek SW, Kim DS, Park SY, Kim JH, Jung JW, Lee JK, Park GM, Park CG, Han DK. Injectable Microparticle-containing hydrogel with controlled release of bioactive molecules for facial rejuvenation. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100890. [PMID: 38162281 PMCID: PMC10755792 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ and a crucial barrier for protection against various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, the skin's components become more vulnerable to damage, forming wrinkles. Among different procedures, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel has been extensively utilized for skin regeneration and reducing wrinkles. However, it has limitations like low retention and weak mechanical properties. In this study, we suggested the poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) microparticles containing alkaline magnesium hydroxide and nitric oxide-generating zinc oxide and rejuvenative hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels including these functional microparticles and asiaticoside, creating a novel delivery system for skin rejuvenation and regeneration. The fabricated rejuvenative hydrogels have exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, pH neutralization, reactive oxygen species scavenging, collagen biosynthesis, and angiogenesis capabilities in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an excellent volume retention ability was demonstrated due to the numerous hydrogen bonds that formed between hyaluronic acid and asiaticoside. Overall, our advanced injectable hydrogel containing functional microparticles, with controlled release of bioactive molecules, has a significant potential for enhancing the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - Seung-Woon Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyenggi 16419, South Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyenggi 16419, South Korea
| | - Da-Seul Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - So-Yeon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Jun Hyuk Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - Ji-Won Jung
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - Gi-Min Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyenggi 16419, South Korea
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyenggi 16419, South Korea
| | - Dong Keun Han
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyenggi 13488, South Korea
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14
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Luu N, Bajpai A, Li R, Park S, Noor M, Ma X, Chen W. Aging-associated decline in vascular smooth muscle cell mechanosensation is mediated by Piezo1 channel. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14036. [PMID: 37941511 PMCID: PMC10861209 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14036] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging of the vasculature is associated with detrimental changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mechanosensitivity to extrinsic forces in their surrounding microenvironment. However, how chronological aging alters VSMCs' ability to sense and adapt to mechanical perturbations remains unexplored. Here, we show defective VSMC mechanosensation in aging measured with ultrasound tweezers-based micromechanical system, force instantaneous frequency spectrum, and transcriptome analyses. The study reveals that aged VSMCs adapt to a relatively inert mechanobiological state with altered actin cytoskeletal integrity, resulting in an impairment in their mechanosensitivity and dynamic mechanoresponse to mechanical perturbations. The aging-associated decline in mechanosensation behaviors is mediated by hyperactivity of Piezo1-dependent calcium signaling. Inhibition of Piezo1 alleviates vascular aging and partially restores the loss in dynamic contractile properties in aged cells. Altogether, our study reveals the signaling pathway underlying aging-associated aberrant mechanosensation in VSMC and identifies Piezo1 as a potential therapeutic mechanobiological target to alleviate vascular aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Luu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Apratim Bajpai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Seojin Park
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Mahad Noor
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer CenterNYU Langone HealthNew YorkUSA
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15
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Carrabba M, Fagnano M, Ghorbel MT, Rapetto F, Su B, De Maria C, Vozzi G, Biglino G, Perriman AW, Caputo M, Madeddu P. Development of a Novel Hierarchically Biofabricated Blood Vessel Mimic Decorated with Three Vascular Cell Populations for the Reconstruction of Small-Diameter Arteries. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:adfm.202300621. [PMID: 39257639 PMCID: PMC7616429 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202300621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The availability of grafts to replace small-diameter arteries remains an unmet clinical need. Here, the validated methodology is reported for a novel hybrid tissue-engineered vascular graft that aims to match the natural structure of small-size arteries. The blood vessel mimic (BVM) comprises an internal conduit of co-electrospun gelatin and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (corresponding to the tunica intima of an artery), reinforced by an additional layer of PCL aligned fibers (the internal elastic membrane). Endothelial cells are deposited onto the luminal surface using a rotative bioreactor. A bioprinting system extrudes two concentric cell-laden hydrogel layers containing respectively vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes to create the tunica media and adventitia. The semi-automated cellularization process reduces the production and maturation time to 6 days. After the evaluation of mechanical properties, cellular viability, hemocompatibility, and suturability, the BVM is successfully implanted in the left pulmonary artery of swine. Here, the BVM showed good hemostatic properties, capability to withstand blood pressure, and patency at 5 weeks post-implantation. These promising data open a new avenue to developing an artery-like product for reconstructing small-diameter blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carrabba
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Marco Fagnano
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Mohamed T Ghorbel
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Filippo Rapetto
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
- Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Bristol, NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Bo Su
- Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Carmelo De Maria
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vozzi
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Biglino
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
- Cardiorespiratory Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Adam W Perriman
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Massimo Caputo
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
- Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Bristol, NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
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16
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Luo Y, Luo J, An P, Zhao Y, Zhao W, Fang Z, Xia Y, Zhu L, Xu T, Zhang X, Zhou S, Yang M, Li J, Zhu J, Liu Y, Li H, Gong M, Liu Y, Han J, Guo H, Zhang H, Jiang W, Ren F. The activator protein-1 complex governs a vascular degenerative transcriptional programme in smooth muscle cells to trigger aortic dissection and rupture. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:287-305. [PMID: 37992083 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Stanford type A aortic dissection (AD) is a degenerative aortic remodelling disease marked by an exceedingly high mortality without effective pharmacologic therapies. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) lining tunica media adopt a range of states, and their transformation from contractile to synthetic phenotypes fundamentally triggers AD. However, the underlying pathomechanisms governing this population shift and subsequent AD, particularly at distinct disease temporal stages, remain elusive. METHODS Ascending aortas from nine patients undergoing ascending aorta replacement and five individuals undergoing heart transplantation were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing. The pathogenic targets governing the phenotypic switch of SMCs were identified by trajectory inference, functional scoring, single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering, regulon, and interactome analyses and confirmed using human ascending aortas, primary SMCs, and a β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate-induced AD model. RESULTS The transcriptional profiles of 93 397 cells revealed a dynamic temporal-specific phenotypic transition and marked elevation of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, actively enabling synthetic SMC expansion. Mechanistically, tumour necrosis factor signalling enhanced AP-1 transcriptional activity by dampening mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Targeting this axis with the OXPHOS enhancer coenzyme Q10 or AP-1-specific inhibitor T-5224 impedes phenotypic transition and aortic degeneration while improving survival by 42.88% (58.3%-83.3% for coenzyme Q10 treatment), 150.15% (33.3%-83.3% for 2-week T-5224), and 175.38% (33.3%-91.7% for 3-week T-5224) in the β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate-induced AD model. CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional compendium of cellular atlas of human ascending aortas during AD progression provides previously unappreciated insights into a transcriptional programme permitting aortic degeneration, highlighting a translational proof of concept for an anti-remodelling intervention as an attractive strategy to manage temporal-specific AD by modulating the tumour necrosis factor-OXPHOS-AP-1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Luo
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjie Luo
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Peng An
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuanfei Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhou Fang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Teng Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mingyan Yang
- Analytical Biosciences Limited, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiayao Li
- Analytical Biosciences Limited, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Junming Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yongmin Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Haiyang Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ming Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yuyong Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Huiyuan Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongjia Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wenjian Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Fazheng Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, No. 10 Tianxiu Road, Haidian District, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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17
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Vaes RDW, van Bijnen AA, Damink SWMO, Rensen SS. Pancreatic Tumor Organoid-Derived Factors from Cachectic Patients Disrupt Contractile Smooth Muscle Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:542. [PMID: 38339292 PMCID: PMC10854749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic cancer often suffer from cachexia and experience gastrointestinal symptoms that may be related to intestinal smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction. We hypothesized that pancreatic tumor organoids from cachectic patients release factors that perturb the SMC's contractile characteristics. Human visceral SMCs were exposed to conditioned medium (CM) from the pancreatic tumor organoid cultures of cachectic (n = 2) and non-cachectic (n = 2) patients. Contractile proteins and markers of inflammation, muscle atrophy, and proliferation were evaluated by qPCR and Western blot. SMC proliferation and migration were monitored by live cell imaging. The Ki-67-positive cell fraction was determined in the intestinal smooth musculature of pancreatic cancer patients. CM from the pancreatic tumor organoids of cachectic patients did not affect IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, or Atrogin-1 expression. However, CM reduced the α-SMA, γ-SMA, and SM22-α levels, which was accompanied by a reduced SMC doubling time and increased expression of S100A4, a Ca2+-binding protein associated with the synthetic SMC phenotype. In line with this, Ki-67-positive nuclei were increased in the intestinal smooth musculature of patients with a low versus high L3-SMI. In conclusion, patient-derived pancreatic tumor organoids release factors that compromise the contractile SMC phenotype and increase SMC proliferation. This may contribute to the frequently observed gastrointestinal motility problems in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne D. W. Vaes
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A. van Bijnen
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven W. M. Olde Damink
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sander S. Rensen
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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18
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Ranjbar J, Yang Y, Harper AGS. Developing human tissue engineered arterial constructs to simulate human in vivo thrombus formation. Platelets 2023; 34:2153823. [PMID: 36550074 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2153823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is highly dependent upon the physico-chemical environment in which it is triggered. Our ability to understand how thrombus formation is initiated, regulated, and resolved in the human body is dependent upon our ability to replicate the mechanical and biological properties of the arterial wall. Current in vitro thrombosis models principally use reductionist approaches to model the complex biochemical and cellular milieu present in the arterial wall, and so researcher have favored the use of in vivo models. The field of vascular tissue engineering has developed a range of techniques for culturing artificial human arteries for use as vascular grafts. These techniques therefore provide a basis for developing more sophisticated 3D replicas of the arterial wall that can be used in in vitro thrombosis models. In this review, we consider how tissue engineering approaches can be used to generate 3D models of the arterial wall that improve upon current in vivo and in vitro approaches. We consider the current benefits and limitations of reported 3D tissue engineered models and consider what additional evidence is required to validate them as alternatives to current in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy & Bioengineering, Keele University, Keele, UK
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19
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Krajnik A, Nimmer E, Brazzo JA, Biber JC, Drewes R, Tumenbayar BI, Sullivan A, Pham K, Krug A, Heo Y, Kolega J, Heo SJ, Lee K, Weil BR, Kim DH, Gupte SA, Bae Y. Survivin regulates intracellular stiffness and extracellular matrix production in vascular smooth muscle cells. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046104. [PMID: 37868708 PMCID: PMC10590228 DOI: 10.1063/5.0157549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction is a common cause of cardiovascular diseases characterized by the narrowing and stiffening of arteries, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension. Arterial narrowing results from the aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and their increased synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These, in turn, are modulated by arterial stiffness, but the mechanism for this is not fully understood. We found that survivin is an important regulator of stiffness-mediated ECM synthesis and intracellular stiffness in VSMCs. Whole-transcriptome analysis and cell culture experiments showed that survivin expression is upregulated in injured femoral arteries in mice and in human VSMCs cultured on stiff fibronectin-coated hydrogels. Suppressed expression of survivin in human VSMCs significantly decreased the stiffness-mediated expression of ECM components related to arterial stiffening, such as collagen-I, fibronectin, and lysyl oxidase. By contrast, expression of these ECM proteins was rescued by ectopic expression of survivin in human VSMCs cultured on soft hydrogels. Interestingly, atomic force microscopy analysis showed that suppressed or ectopic expression of survivin decreases or increases intracellular stiffness, respectively. Furthermore, we observed that inhibiting Rac and Rho reduces survivin expression, elucidating a mechanical pathway connecting intracellular tension, mediated by Rac and Rho, to survivin induction. Finally, we found that survivin inhibition decreases FAK phosphorylation, indicating that survivin-dependent intracellular tension feeds back to maintain signaling through FAK. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which survivin potentially modulates arterial stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Krajnik
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Erik Nimmer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
| | - Joseph A. Brazzo
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - John C. Biber
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Rhonda Drewes
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Bat-Ider Tumenbayar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Andra Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
| | - Khanh Pham
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Alanna Krug
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
| | | | - John Kolega
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Su-Jin Heo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | - Brian R. Weil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Sachin A. Gupte
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
| | - Yongho Bae
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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20
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Lee JH, Shores KL, Breithaupt JJ, Lee CS, Fodera DM, Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Myers KM, Evison BJ, Suchowerska AK, Gersbach CA, Leong KW, Truskey GA. PCSK9 activation promotes early atherosclerosis in a vascular microphysiological system. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046103. [PMID: 37854060 PMCID: PMC10581720 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a primary precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. While proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) contributes to CVD by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) and altering lipid metabolism, PCSK9 also influences vascular inflammation, further promoting atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a vascular microphysiological system to test the effect of PCSK9 activation or repression on the initiation of atherosclerosis and to screen the efficacy of a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. We have generated PCSK9 over-expressed (P+) or repressed (P-) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiated them to smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) or endothelial cells (viECs). Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) made from P+ viSMCs and viECs resulted in increased monocyte adhesion compared to the wild type (WT) or P- equivalents when treated with enzyme-modified LDL (eLDL) and TNF-α. We also found significant viEC dysfunction, such as increased secretion of VCAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, in P+ viECs treated with eLDL and TNF-α. A small molecule compound, NYX-1492, that was originally designed to block PCSK9 binding with the LDLR was tested in TEBVs to determine its effect on lowering PCSK9-induced inflammation. The compound reduced monocyte adhesion in P+ TEBVs with evidence of lowering secretion of VCAM-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that PCSK9 inhibition may decrease vascular inflammation in addition to lowering plasma LDL levels, enhancing its anti-atherosclerotic effects, particularly in patients with elevated chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jounghyun H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Kevin L. Shores
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jason J. Breithaupt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Caleb S. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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21
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Biber JC, Sullivan A, Brazzo JA, Heo Y, Tumenbayar BI, Krajnik A, Poppenberg KE, Tutino VM, Heo SJ, Kolega J, Lee K, Bae Y. Survivin as a mediator of stiffness-induced cell cycle progression and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046108. [PMID: 37915752 PMCID: PMC10618027 DOI: 10.1063/5.0150532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stiffened arteries are a pathology of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease and a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease events. The increased stiffness of arteries triggers a phenotypic switch, hypermigration, and hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), leading to neointimal hyperplasia and accelerated neointima formation. However, the mechanism underlying this trigger remains unknown. Our analyses of whole-transcriptome microarray data from mouse VSMCs cultured on stiff hydrogels simulating arterial pathology identified 623 genes that were significantly and differentially expressed (360 upregulated and 263 downregulated) relative to expression in VSMCs cultured on soft hydrogels. Functional enrichment and gene network analyses revealed that these stiffness-sensitive genes are linked to cell cycle progression and proliferation. Importantly, we found that survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, mediates stiffness-dependent cell cycle progression and proliferation as determined by gene network and pathway analyses, RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and cell proliferation assays. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of cell cycle progression did not reduce survivin expression, suggesting that survivin functions as an upstream regulator of cell cycle progression and proliferation in response to ECM stiffness. Mechanistically, we found that the stiffness signal is mechanotransduced via the FAK-E2F1 signaling axis to regulate survivin expression, establishing a regulatory pathway for how the stiffness of the cellular microenvironment affects VSMC behaviors. Overall, our findings indicate that survivin is necessary for VSMC cycling and proliferation and plays a role in regulating stiffness-responsive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Biber
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Andra Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260, USA
| | - Joseph A. Brazzo
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | | | - Bat-Ider Tumenbayar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Amanda Krajnik
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | | | | | - Su-Jin Heo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - John Kolega
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Kwonmoo Lee
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yongho Bae
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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22
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Wan H, Li Y, Qin Y, An Y, Yan H, Liu X, Zhang H, Hu C, Li L, Fu D, Yang Y, Dai Y, Luo R, Yang L, Zhang B, Wang Y. Polyphenol-mediated sandwich-like coating promotes endothelialization and vascular healing. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122346. [PMID: 37832504 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Drug-eluting stents have become one of the most effective methods to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, this therapeutic strategy may lead to thrombosis, stent restenosis, and intimal hyperplasia and prevent re-endothelialization. In this study, we selected 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid and carboxylate chitosan as polyelectrolyte layers and embedded an epigallocatechin-3-gallate-tanshinone IIA sulfonic sodium (EGCG-TSS) complex to develop a sandwich-like layer-by-layer coating. The introduction of a functional molecular EGCG-TSS complex improved not only the biocompatibility of the coating but also its stability by enriching the interaction between the polyelectrolyte coatings through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and covalent bonding. We further elucidated the effectiveness of sandwich-like coatings in regulating the inflammatory response, smooth muscle cell growth behavior, stent thrombosis and restenosis suppression, and vessel re-endothelialization acceleration via in vivo and in vitro. Conclusively, we demonstrated that sandwich-like coating assisted by an EGCG-TSS complex may be an effective surface modification strategy for cardiovascular therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huining Wan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yumei Qin
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yongqi An
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Hui Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Linhua Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Daihua Fu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Sichuan Xingtai Pule Medical Technology Co Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610045, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Sichuan Xingtai Pule Medical Technology Co Ltd, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610045, China
| | - Rifang Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Li Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China.
| | - Yunbing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
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23
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Yarboro MT, Boatwright N, Sekulich DC, Hooper CW, Wong T, Poole SD, Berger CD, Brown AJ, Jetter CS, Sucre JMS, Shelton EL, Reese J. A novel role for PGE 2-EP 4 in the developmental programming of the mouse ductus arteriosus: consequences for vessel maturation and function. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H687-H701. [PMID: 37566109 PMCID: PMC10643004 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00294.2023] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a vascular shunt that allows oxygenated blood to bypass the developing lungs in utero. Fetal DA patency requires vasodilatory signaling via the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP4. However, in humans and mice, disrupted PGE2-EP4 signaling in utero causes unexpected patency of the DA (PDA) after birth, suggesting another role for EP4 during development. We used EP4-knockout (KO) mice and acute versus chronic pharmacological approaches to investigate EP4 signaling in DA development and function. Expression analyses identified EP4 as the primary EP receptor in the DA from midgestation to term; inhibitor studies verified EP4 as the primary dilator during this period. Chronic antagonism recapitulated the EP4 KO phenotype and revealed a narrow developmental window when EP4 stimulation is required for postnatal DA closure. Myography studies indicate that despite reduced contractile properties, the EP4 KO DA maintains an intact oxygen response. In newborns, hyperoxia constricted the EP4 KO DA but survival was not improved, and permanent remodeling was disrupted. Vasomotion and increased nitric oxide (NO) sensitivity in the EP4 KO DA suggest incomplete DA development. Analysis of DA maturity markers confirmed a partially immature EP4 KO DA phenotype. Together, our data suggest that EP4 signaling in late gestation plays a key developmental role in establishing a functional term DA. When disrupted in EP4 KO mice, the postnatal DA exhibits signaling and contractile properties characteristic of an immature DA, including impairments in the first, muscular phase of DA closure, in addition to known abnormalities in the second permanent remodeling phase.NEW & NOTEWORTHY EP4 is the primary EP receptor in the ductus arteriosus (DA) and is critical during late gestation for its development and eventual closure. The "paradoxical" patent DA (PDA) phenotype of EP4-knockout mice arises from a combination of impaired contractile potential, altered signaling properties, and a failure to remodel associated with an underdeveloped immature vessel. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into women who receive NSAIDs to treat preterm labor, whose infants have unexplained PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Yarboro
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Naoko Boatwright
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Deanna C Sekulich
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Christopher W Hooper
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ting Wong
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Stanley D Poole
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Courtney D Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Alexus J Brown
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Christopher S Jetter
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jennifer M S Sucre
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Elaine L Shelton
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jeff Reese
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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24
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Pineda-Castillo SA, Acar H, Detamore MS, Holzapfel GA, Lee CH. Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype for Translation of Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:574-588. [PMID: 37166394 PMCID: PMC10618830 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Translation of small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains an unfulfilled promise. This is largely due to the limited integration of TEVGs into the native vascular wall-a process hampered by the insufficient smooth muscle cell (SMC) infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition, and low vasoactivity. These processes can be promoted through the judicious modulation of the SMC toward a synthetic phenotype to promote remodeling and vascular integration; however, the expression of synthetic markers is often accompanied by a decrease in the expression of contractile proteins. Therefore, techniques that can precisely modulate the SMC phenotypical behavior could have the potential to advance the translation of TEVGs. In this review, we describe the phenotypic diversity of SMCs and the different environmental cues that allow the modulation of SMC gene expression. Furthermore, we describe the emerging biomaterial approaches to modulate the SMC phenotype in TEVG design and discuss the limitations of current techniques. In addition, we found that current studies in tissue engineering limit the analysis of the SMC phenotype to a few markers, which are often the characteristic of early differentiation only. This limited scope has reduced the potential of tissue engineering to modulate the SMC toward specific behaviors and applications. Therefore, we recommend using the techniques presented in this review, in addition to modern single-cell proteomics analysis techniques to comprehensively characterize the phenotypic modulation of SMCs. Expanding the holistic potential of SMC modulation presents a great opportunity to advance the translation of living conduits for CAD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Pineda-Castillo
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Design Laboratory, School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Handan Acar
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Michael S. Detamore
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Gerhard A. Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chung-Hao Lee
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Design Laboratory, School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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25
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Williams MD, Bullock MT, Johnson SC, Holland NA, Vuncannon DM, Oswald JZ, Adderley SP, Tulis DA. Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Controls Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2-Dependent Manner. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:213-226. [PMID: 37778342 PMCID: PMC10614497 DOI: 10.1159/000532032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disorders are characterized by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) transition from a contractile to proliferative state. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) involvement in this phenotypic conversion remains unclear. We hypothesized that PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation in phenotype-dependent manner and through specific protein kinases. METHODS Rat clonal low (PLo; P3-P6) and high passage (PHi; P10-P15) VSM cells were established as respective models of quiescent and proliferative cells, based on reduced PKG-1 and VASP. Western blotting determined expression of cytoskeletal/contractile proteins, PAR2, and select protein kinases. DNA synthesis and cell proliferation were measured 24-72 h following PAR2 agonism (SLIGRL; 100 nM-10 μm) with/without PKA (PKI; 10 μm), MEK1/2 (PD98059; 10 μm), and PI3K (LY294002; 1 μm) blockade. RESULTS PKG-1, VASP, SM22α, calponin, cofilin, and PAR2 were reduced in PHi versus PLo cells. Following PAR2 agonism, DNA synthesis and cell proliferation increased in PLo cells but decreased in PHi cells. Western analyses showed reduced PKA, MEK1/2, and PI3K in PHi versus PLo cells, and kinase blockade revealed PAR2 controls VSM cell proliferation through PKA/MEK1/2. DISCUSSION Findings highlight PAR2 and PAR2-driven PKA/MEK1/2 in control of VSM cell growth and provide evidence for continued investigation of PAR2 in VSM pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison D Williams
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael T Bullock
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sean C Johnson
- Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan A Holland
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Danielle M Vuncannon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joani Zary Oswald
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - David A Tulis
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Chakraborty A, Li Y, Zhang C, Li Y, Rebello KR, Li S, Xu S, Vasquez HG, Zhang L, Luo W, Wang G, Chen K, Coselli JS, LeMaire SA, Shen YH. Epigenetic Induction of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Alterations in Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections. Circulation 2023; 148:959-977. [PMID: 37555319 PMCID: PMC10529114 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.063332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching has been increasingly detected in aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) tissues. However, the diverse SMC phenotypes in AAD tissues and the mechanisms driving SMC phenotypic alterations remain to be identified. METHODS We examined the transcriptomic and epigenomic dynamics of aortic SMC phenotypic changes in mice with angiotensin II-induced AAD by using single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin. SMC phenotypic alteration in aortas from patients with ascending thoracic AAD was examined by using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that aortic stress induced the transition of SMCs from a primary contractile phenotype to proliferative, extracellular matrix-producing, and inflammatory phenotypes. Lineage tracing showed the complete transformation of SMCs to fibroblasts and macrophages. Single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin analysis indicated that these phenotypic alterations were controlled by chromatin remodeling marked by the reduced chromatin accessibility of contractile genes and the induced chromatin accessibility of genes involved in proliferation, extracellular matrix, and inflammation. IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3), a proinflammatory transcription factor activated by cytosolic DNA, was identified as a key driver of the transition of aortic SMCs from a contractile phenotype to an inflammatory phenotype. In cultured SMCs, cytosolic DNA signaled through its sensor STING (stimulator of interferon genes)-TBK1 (tank-binding kinase 1) to activate IRF3, which bound and recruited EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) to contractile genes to induce repressive H3K27me3 modification and gene suppression. In contrast, double-stranded DNA-STING-IRF3 signaling induced inflammatory gene expression in SMCs. In Sting-/- mice, the aortic stress-induced transition of SMCs into an inflammatory phenotype was prevented, and SMC populations were preserved. Finally, profound SMC phenotypic alterations toward diverse directions were detected in human ascending thoracic AAD tissues. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the dynamic epigenetic induction of SMC phenotypic alterations in AAD. DNA damage and cytosolic leakage drive SMCs from a contractile phenotype to an inflammatory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Chakraborty
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Yanming Li
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Chen Zhang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Kimberly R Rebello
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Shengyu Li
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, TX (S.L., G.W.)
| | - Samantha Xu
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Hernan G Vasquez
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Lin Zhang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Wei Luo
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, TX (S.L., G.W.)
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (K.C.)
| | - Joseph S Coselli
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Scott A LeMaire
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute, Houston (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L.)
| | - Ying H Shen
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (A.C., Y.L., C.Z., K.R.R., Y.L., S.X., W.L., H.G.V., L.Z., J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.S.C., S.A.L., Y.H.S.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Atkinson G, Bianco R, Di Gregoli K, Johnson JL. The contribution of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors to the development, progression, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1248561. [PMID: 37799778 PMCID: PMC10549934 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1248561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) account for up to 8% of deaths in men aged 65 years and over and 2.2% of women. Patients with AAAs often have atherosclerosis, and intimal atherosclerosis is generally present in AAAs. Accordingly, AAAs are considered a form of atherosclerosis and are frequently referred to as atherosclerotic aneurysms. Pathological observations advocate inflammatory cell infiltration alongside adverse extracellular matrix degradation as key contributing factors to the formation of human atherosclerotic AAAs. Therefore, macrophage production of proteolytic enzymes is deemed responsible for the damaging loss of ECM proteins, especially elastin and fibrillar collagens, which characterise AAA progression and rupture. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their regulation by tissue inhibitors metalloproteinases (TIMPs) can orchestrate not only ECM remodelling, but also moderate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of resident aortic cells, alongside the recruitment and subsequent behaviour of inflammatory cells. Accordingly, MMPs are thought to play a central regulatory role in the development, progression, and eventual rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Together, clinical and animal studies have shed light on the complex and often diverse effects MMPs and TIMPs impart during the development of AAAs. This dichotomy is underlined from evidence utilising broad-spectrum MMP inhibition in animal models and clinical trials which have failed to provide consistent protection from AAA progression, although more encouraging results have been observed through deployment of selective inhibitors. This review provides a summary of the supporting evidence connecting the contribution of individual MMPs to AAA development, progression, and eventual rupture. Topics discussed include structural, functional, and cell-specific diversity of MMP members; evidence from animal models of AAA and comparisons with findings in humans; the dual role of MMPs and the requirement to selectively target individual MMPs; and the advances in identifying aberrant MMP activity. As evidenced, our developing understanding of the multifaceted roles individual MMPs perform during the progression and rupture of AAAs, should motivate clinical trials assessing the therapeutic potential of selective MMP inhibitors, which could restrict AAA-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jason L. Johnson
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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28
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Hu Y, Zhao Y, Li P, Lu H, Li H, Ge J. Hypoxia and panvascular diseases: exploring the role of hypoxia-inducible factors in vascular smooth muscle cells under panvascular pathologies. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:1954-1974. [PMID: 37541793 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging discipline, panvascular diseases are a set of vascular diseases with atherosclerosis as the common pathogenic hallmark, which mostly affect vital organs like the heart, brain, kidney, and limbs. As the major responser to the most common stressor in the vasculature (hypoxia)-hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), and the primary regulator of pressure and oxygen delivery in the vasculature-vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), their own multifaceted nature and their interactions with each other are fascinating. Abnormally active VSMCs (e.g., atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension) or abnormally dysfunctional VSMCs (e.g., aneurysms, vascular calcification) are associated with HIFs. These widespread systemic diseases also reflect the interdisciplinary nature of panvascular medicine. Moreover, given the comparable proliferative characteristics exhibited by VSMCs and cancer cells, and the delicate equilibrium between angiogenesis and cancer progression, there is a pressing need for more accurate modulation targets or combination approaches to bolster the effectiveness of HIF targeting therapies. Based on the aforementioned content, this review primarily focused on the significance of integrating the overall and local perspectives, as well as temporal and spatial balance, in the context of the HIF signaling pathway in VSMC-related panvascular diseases. Furthermore, the review discussed the implications of HIF-targeting drugs on panvascular disorders, while considering the trade-offs involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongchao Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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29
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Francisco JT, Holt AW, Bullock MT, Williams MD, Poovey CE, Holland NA, Brault JJ, Tulis DA. FoxO3 normalizes Smad3-induced arterial smooth muscle cell growth. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1136998. [PMID: 37693008 PMCID: PMC10483145 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1136998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Transition of arterial smooth muscle (ASM) from a quiescent, contractile state to a growth-promoting state is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and worldwide. While many individual signals have been identified as important mechanisms in this phenotypic conversion, the combined impact of the transcription factors Smad3 and FoxO3 in ASM growth is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine that a coordinated, phosphorylation-specific relationship exists between Smad3 and FoxO3 in the control of ASM cell growth. Using a rat in vivo arterial injury model and rat primary ASM cell lysates and fractions, validated low and high serum in vitro models of respective quiescent and growth states, and adenoviral (Ad-) gene delivery for overexpression (OE) of individual and combined Smad3 and/or FoxO3, we hypothesized that FoxO3 can moderate Smad3-induced ASM cell growth. Key findings revealed unique cellular distribution of Smad3 and FoxO3 under growth conditions, with induction of both nuclear and cytosolic Smad3 yet primarily cytosolic FoxO3; Ad-Smad3 OE leading to cytosolic and nuclear expression of phosphorylated and total Smad3, with almost complete reversal of each with Ad-FoxO3 co-infection in quiescent and growth conditions; Ad-FoxO3 OE leading to enhanced cytosolic expression of phosphorylated and total FoxO3, both reduced with Ad-Smad3 co-infection in quiescent and growth conditions; Ad-FoxO3 inducing expression and activity of the ubiquitin ligase MuRF-1, which was reversed with concomitant Ad-Smad3 OE; and combined Smad3/FoxO3 OE reversing both the pro-growth impact of singular Smad3 and the cytostatic impact of singular FoxO3. A primary takeaway from these observations is the capacity of FoxO3 to reverse growth-promoting effects of Smad3 in ASM cells. Additional findings lend support for reciprocal antagonism of Smad3 on FoxO3-induced cytostasis, and these effects are dependent upon discrete phosphorylation states and cellular localization and involve MuRF-1 in the control of ASM cell growth. Lastly, results showing capacity of FoxO3 to normalize Smad3-induced ASM cell growth largely support our hypothesis, and overall findings provide evidence for utility of Smad3 and/or FoxO3 as potential therapeutic targets against abnormal ASM growth in the context of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David A. Tulis
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Daily N, Elson J, Wakatsuki T. Aging Model for Analyzing Drug-Induced Proarrhythmia Risks Using Cardiomyocytes Differentiated from Progeria-Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11959. [PMID: 37569335 PMCID: PMC10418415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511959] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Among various cardiac safety concerns, proarrhythmia risks, including QT prolongation leading to Torsade de Pointes, is one of major cause for drugs being withdrawn (~45% 1975-2007). Preclinical study requires the evaluation of proarrhythmia using in silico, in vitro, and/or animal models. Considering that the primary consumers of prescription drugs are elderly patients, applications of "aging-in-a-dish" models would be appropriate for screening proarrhythmia risks. However, acquiring such models, including cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), presents extensive challenges. We proposed the hypothesis that CMs differentiated from iPSCs derived from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS, progeria) patients, an ultra-rare premature aging syndrome, can mimic the phenotypes of aging CMs. Our objective, therefore, was to examine this hypothesis by analyzing the response of 11 reference compounds utilized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) using progeria and control CMs. As a sensitive surrogate marker of modulating cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, we evaluated drug-induced changes in calcium transient (CaT). We observed that the 80% CaT peak duration in the progeria CMs (0.98 ± 0.04 s) was significantly longer than that of control CMs (0.70 ± 0.05 s). Furthermore, when the progeria CMs were subjected to four doses of 11 compounds from low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories, they demonstrated greater arrhythmia susceptibility than control cells, as shown through six-parameter CaT profile analyses. We also employed the regression analysis established by CiPA to classify the 11 reference compounds and compared proarrhythmia susceptibilities between the progeria and control CMs. This analysis revealed a greater proarrhythmia susceptibility in the progeria CMs compared to the control CMs. Interestingly, in both CMs, the compounds categorized as low risk did not exceed the safety risk threshold of 0.8. In conclusion, our study demonstrates increased proarrhythmia sensitivity in progeria CMs when tested with reference compounds. Future studies are needed to analyze underlying mechanisms and further validate our findings using a larger array of reference compounds.
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Luu N, Bajpai A, Li R, Park S, Noor M, Ma X, Chen W. Aging-associated Decline in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Mechanosensation is Mediated by Piezo1 Channel. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.27.538557. [PMID: 37163041 PMCID: PMC10168328 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.27.538557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Aging of the vasculature is associated with detrimental changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mechanosensitivity to extrinsic forces in their surrounding microenvironment. However, how chronological aging alters VSMCs' ability to sense and adapt to mechanical perturbations remains unexplored. Here, we show defective VSMC mechanosensation in aging measured with ultrasound tweezers-based micromechanical system, force instantaneous frequency spectrum and transcriptome analyses. The mechanobiological study reveals that aged VSMCs adapt a relatively inert solid-like state with altered actin cytoskeletal integrity, resulting in an impairment in their mechanosensitivity and dynamic mechanoresponse to mechanical perturbations. The aging-associated decline in mechanosensation behaviors is mediated by hyperactivity of Piezo1-dependent calcium signaling. Inhibition of Piezo1 alleviates vascular aging and partially restores the loss in dynamic contractile properties in aged cells. Altogether, our study reveals the novel signaling pathway underlying aging-associated aberrant mechanosensation in VSMC and identifies Piezo1 as a potential therapeutic mechanobiological target to alleviate vascular aging.
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Derhambakhsh S, Mohammadi J, Shokrgozar MA, Rabbani H, Sadeghi N, Nekounam H, Mohammadi S, Lee KB, Khakbiz M. Investigation of electrical stimulation on phenotypic vascular smooth muscle cells differentiation in tissue-engineered small-diameter vascular graft. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:101996. [PMID: 36657256 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the development of vascular tissue engineering, particularly in the case of small diameter vessels, one of the key obstacles is the blockage of these veins once they enter the in vivo environment. One of the contributing factors to this problem is the aberrant proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the media layer of the artery to the interior of the channel. Two distinct phenotypes have been identified for smooth muscle cells, namely synthetic and contractile. Since the synthetic phenotype plays an essential role in the unusual growth and migration, the aim of this study was to convert the synthetic phenotype into the contractile one, which is a solution to prevent the abnormal growth of VSMCs. To achieve this goal, these cells were subjected to electrical signals, using a 1000 μA sinusoidal stimulation at 10 Hz for four days, with 20 min duration per 24 h. The morphological transformations and changes in the expression of vimentin, nestin, and β-actin proteins were then studied using ICC and flow cytometry assays. Also, the expression of VSMC specific markers such as smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) and smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA) were evaluated using RT-PCR test. In the final phase of this study, the sheep decellularized vessel was employed as a scaffold for seeding these cells. Based on the results, electrical stimulation resulted in some morphological alterations in VSMCs. Furthermore, the observed reductions in the expression levels of vimentin, nestin and β-actin proteins and increase in the expression of SMMHC and α-SMA markers showed that it is possible to convert the synthetic phenotype to the contractile one using the studied regime of electrical stimulation. Finally, it can be concluded that electrical stimulation can significantly affect the phenotype of VSMCs, as demonstrated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Derhambakhsh
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Life Science, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 439957131, Iran
| | - Javad Mohammadi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Life Science, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 439957131, Iran.
| | | | - Hodjattallah Rabbani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Houra Nekounam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sotoudeh Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ki-Bum Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mehrdad Khakbiz
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Life Science, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 439957131, Iran.
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33
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Clark-Patterson GL, Buchanan LM, Ogola BO, Florian-Rodriguez M, Lindsey SH, De Vita R, Miller KS. Smooth muscle contribution to vaginal viscoelastic response. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 140:105702. [PMID: 36764168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells contribute to the mechanical function of various soft tissues, however, their contribution to the viscoelastic response when subjected to multiaxial loading remains unknown. The vagina is a fibromuscular viscoelastic organ that is exposed to prolonged and increased pressures with daily activities and physiologic processes such as vaginal birth. The vagina changes in geometry over time under prolonged pressure, known as creep. Vaginal smooth muscle cells may contribute to creep. This may be critical for the function of vaginal and other soft tissues that experience fluctuations in their biomechanical environment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop methods to evaluate the contribution of smooth muscle to vaginal creep under multiaxial loading using extension - inflation tests. The vaginas from wildtype mice (C57BL/6 × 129SvEv; 3-6 months; n = 10) were stimulated with various concentrations of potassium chloride then subjected to the measured in vivo pressure (7 mmHg) for 100 s. In a different cohort of mice (n = 5), the vagina was stimulated with a single concentration of potassium chloride then subjected to 5 and 15 mmHg. A laser micrometer measured vaginal outer diameter in real-time. Immunofluorescence evaluated the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and myosin heavy chain in the vaginal muscularis (n = 6). When smooth muscle contraction was activated, vaginal creep behavior increased compared to the relaxed state. However, increased pressure decreased the active creep response. This study demonstrated that extension - inflation protocols can be used to evaluate smooth muscle contribution to the viscoelastic response of tubular soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lily M Buchanan
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Benard O Ogola
- Augusta University, Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Maria Florian-Rodriguez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and Cecil H and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-9032, USA.
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Raffaella De Vita
- Virginia Tech,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, 330 A Kelly Hall, 325 Stanger St, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Kristin S Miller
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA; University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
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34
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Jafarkhani S, Khakbiz M, Amoabediny G, Mohammadi J, Tahmasebipour M, Rabbani H, Salimi A, Lee KB. A novel co-culture assay to evaluate the effects of sympathetic innervation on vascular smooth muscle differentiation. Bioorg Chem 2023; 133:106233. [PMID: 36731293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a functional phenotype to an inverse synthetic phenotype is a symptom of cardiovascular disorders, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is an essential regulator of the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In addition, numerous studies suggest that SNS also stimulates VSMCs to retain their contractile phenotype. However, the molecular mechanisms for this stimulation have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we used a novel in vitro co-culture method to evaluate the effective cellular interactions and stimulatory effects of sympathetic neurons on the differentiation of VSMCs. We co-cultured rat neural-like pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and rat aortic VSMCs with this method. Expression of VSMCs contractile genes, including smooth muscle actin (acta2), myosin heavy chain (myh11), elastin (eln), and smoothelin (smtn), were determined by quantitative real-time-PCR analysis as an indicator of VSMCs differentiation. Fold changes for specific contractile genes in VSMCs grown in vitro for seven days in the presence (innervated) and absence (non-innervated) of sympathetic neurons were 3.5 for acta2, 6.5 for myh11, 4.19 for eln, and 4 for smtn (normalized to Tata Binding Protein (TBP)). As a result, these data suggest that sympathetic innervation promotes VSMCs' contractile gene expression and also maintains VSMCs' functional phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Jafarkhani
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, North Karegar Ave., PO Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Khakbiz
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, North Karegar Ave., PO Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Ghasem Amoabediny
- Research Center for New Technologies in Life Science Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mohammadi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, North Karegar Ave., PO Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Tahmasebipour
- Department of Interdisciplinary Technology, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, North Karegar Ave., PO Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hodjattallah Rabbani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Salimi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ki-Bum Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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BMPER Improves Vascular Remodeling and the Contractile Vascular SMC Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054950. [PMID: 36902380 PMCID: PMC10002482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) play an essential role in neointima formation, and we now aim to investigate the role of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) modulator BMPER (BMP endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator) in neointima formation. To assess BMPER expression in arterial restenosis, we used a mouse carotid ligation model with perivascular cuff placement. Overall BMPER expression after vessel injury was increased; however, expression in the tunica media was decreased compared to untreated control. Consistently, BMPER expression was decreased in proliferative, dedifferentiated vSMC in vitro. C57BL/6_Bmper+/- mice displayed increased neointima formation 21 days after carotid ligation and enhanced expression of Col3A1, MMP2, and MMP9. Silencing of BMPER increased the proliferation and migration capacity of primary vSMCs, as well as reduced contractibility and expression of contractile markers, whereas stimulation with recombinant BMPER protein had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, we showed that BMPER binds insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), resulting in the modulation of IGF signaling. Furthermore, perivascular application of recombinant BMPER protein prevented neointima formation and ECM deposition in C57BL/6N mice after carotid ligation. Our data demonstrate that BMPER stimulation causes a contractile vSMC phenotype and suggest that BMPER has the potential for a future therapeutic agent in occlusive cardiovascular diseases.
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Reolizo LM, Williams H, Wadey K, Frankow A, Li Z, Gaston K, Jayaraman PS, Johnson JL, George SJ. Inhibition of Intimal Thickening By PRH (Proline-Rich Homeodomain) in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:456-473. [PMID: 36700427 PMCID: PMC9944393 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late vein graft failure is caused by intimal thickening resulting from endothelial cell (EC) damage and inflammation which promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation, migration, and proliferation. Nonphosphorylatable PRH (proline-rich homeodomain) S163C:S177C offers enhanced stability and sustained antimitotic effect. Therefore, we investigated whether adenovirus-delivered PRH S163C:S177C protein attenuates intimal thickening via VSMC phenotype modification without detrimental effects on ECs. METHODS PRH S163C:S177C was expressed in vitro (human saphenous vein-VSMCs and human saphenous vein-ECs) and in vivo (ligated mouse carotid arteries) by adenoviruses. Proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were quantified and phenotype was assessed using Western blotting for contractile filament proteins and collagen gel contraction. EC inflammation was quantified using VCAM (vascular cell adhesion protein)-1, ICAM (intercellular adhesion molecule)-1, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic factor-1 measurement and monocyte adhesion. Next Generation Sequencing was utilized to identify novel downstream mediators of PRH action and these and intimal thickening were investigated in vivo. RESULTS PRH S163C:S177C inhibited proliferation, migration, and apoptosis and promoted contractile phenotype (enhanced contractile filament proteins and collagen gel contraction) compared with virus control in human saphenous vein-VSMCs. PRH S163C:S177C expression in human saphenous vein-ECs significantly reduced apoptosis, without affecting cell proliferation and migration, while reducing TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and monocyte adhesion and suppressing interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic factor-1 protein levels. PRH S163C:S177C expression in ligated murine carotid arteries significantly impaired carotid artery ligation-induced neointimal proliferation and thickening without reducing endothelial coverage. Next Generation Sequencing revealed STAT-1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) and HDAC-9 (histone deacetylase 9) as mediators of PRH action and was supported by in vitro and in vivo analyses. CONCLUSIONS We observed PRH S163C:S177C attenuated VSMC proliferation, and migration and enhanced VSMC differentiation at least in part via STAT-1 and HDAC-9 signaling while promoting endothelial repair and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings highlight the potential for PRH S163C:S177C to preserve endothelial function whilst suppressing intimal thickening, and reducing late vein graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien M. Reolizo
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Helen Williams
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Kerry Wadey
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Aleksandra Frankow
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Ze Li
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Kevin Gaston
- School of Medicine and Biodiscovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK (K.G., P.-S.J.)
| | - Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- School of Medicine and Biodiscovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK (K.G., P.-S.J.)
| | - Jason L. Johnson
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
| | - Sarah J. George
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, UK (L.M.R., H.W., K.W., A.F., Z.L., J.L.J., S.J.G.)
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Salemi S, Schori LJ, Gerwinn T, Horst M, Eberli D. Myostatin Overexpression and Smad Pathway in Detrusor Derived from Pediatric Patients with End-Stage Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054462. [PMID: 36901894 PMCID: PMC10003571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies and tissue engineering approaches using smooth muscle cells (SMCs) may provide treatment alternatives for end-stage lower urinary tract dysfunction (ESLUTD). Myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, is a promising target to improve muscle function through tissue engineering. The ultimate goal of our project was to investigate the expression of myostatin and its potential impact in SMCs derived from healthy pediatric bladders and pediatric ESLUTD patients. Human bladder tissue samples were evaluated histologically, and SMCs were isolated and characterized. The proliferation of SMCs was assessed by WST-1 assay. The expression pattern of myostatin, its pathway and the contractile phenotype of the cells were investigated at gene and protein levels by real-time PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, WES and gel contraction assay. Our results show that myostatin is expressed in human bladder smooth muscle tissue and in isolated SMCs at gene and protein levels. A higher expression of myostatin was detected in ESLUTD-derived compared to control SMCs. Histological assessment of bladder tissue confirmed structural changes and decreased muscle-to-collagen ratios in ESLUTD bladders. A decrease in cell proliferation and in the expression of key contractile genes and proteins, α-SMA, calponin, smoothelin and MyH11, as well as a lower degree of in vitro contractility was observed in ESLUTD-derived compared to control SMCs. A reduction in the myostatin-related proteins Smad 2 and follistatin, and an upregulation in the proteins p-Smad 2 and Smad 7 were observed in ESLUTD SMC samples. This is the first demonstration of myostatin expression in bladder tissue and cells. The increased expression of myostatin and the changes in the Smad pathways were observed in ESLUTD patients. Therefore, myostatin inhibitors could be considered for the enhancement of SMCs for tissue engineering applications and as a therapeutic option for patients with ESLUTD and other smooth muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souzan Salemi
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zürich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-795-788-654
| | - Larissa J. Schori
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zürich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Tim Gerwinn
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maya Horst
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zürich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
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38
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Planta D, Gerwinn T, Salemi S, Horst M. Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Spinal Dysraphism: Morphological and Molecular Evidence in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043692. [PMID: 36835106 PMCID: PMC9959703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal dysraphism, most commonly myelomeningocele, is the typical cause of a neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in childhood. The structural changes in the bladder wall in spinal dysraphism already occur in the fetal period and affect all bladder wall compartments. The progressive decrease in smooth muscle and the gradual increase in fibrosis in the detrusor, the impairment of the barrier function of the urothelium, and the global decrease in nerve density, lead to severe functional impairment characterized by reduced compliance and increased elastic modulus. Children present a particular challenge, as their diseases and capabilities evolve with age. An increased understanding of the signaling pathways involved in lower urinary tract development and function could also fill an important knowledge gap at the interface between basic science and clinical implications, leading to new opportunities for prenatal screening, diagnosis, and therapy. In this review, we aim to summarize the evidence on structural, functional, and molecular changes in the NLUTD bladder in children with spinal dysraphism and discuss possible strategies for improved management and for the development of new therapeutic approaches for affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafni Planta
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Gerwinn
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Souzan Salemi
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maya Horst
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Song W, Qin L, Chen Y, Chen J, Wei L. Single-cell transcriptome analysis identifies Versican(+) myofibroblast as a hallmark for thoracic aortic aneurysm marked by activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 643:175-185. [PMID: 36621113 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a silent but dangerous cardiovascular disease. Understanding molecular mechanisms of TAA on single-cell level might provide new strategies for preventing and treating TAA. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on control and aneurysmal thoracic aorta to find out specific cell clusters and cell types. Western blot and histological staining were used to verify the findings of single-cell transcriptome analysis. Characteristics of Versican (VCAN) overexpressed myofibroblast was evaluated through bioinformatic methods and experimental validation. RESULTS A total of 3 control and 8 TAA specimens were used for single-cell transcriptome analysis including 48,128 thoracic aortic cells. Among these cells, we found out a specific cell cluster containing both hallmarks of smooth muscle cell (SMC) and fibroblast. Thus, we defined these cells as myofibroblast. Further single-cell transcriptome analysis identified VCAN as a cellular marker of myofibroblast. Western blot and histological staining revealed that VCAN(+) myofibroblast was significantly increased in TAA specimens compared with control individuals. Differential analysis, functional, pathway enrichment analysis and cell-cell communication analysis demonstrated that VCAN(+) myofibroblast was closely associated with previous reported TAA associated pathological process including SMC proliferation, SMC migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. Pathway analysis found out significant activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway within VCAN(+) myofibroblast, which was further confirmed by experimental validation. CONCLUSIONS Single-cell RNA sequencing identified VCAN(+) myofibroblast as a typical cellular hallmark of TAA. These cells might participate in the pathogenesis of TAA through activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to link SMC proliferation, SMC migration and ECM disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lieyang Qin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yifu Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jinmiao Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Vascularized Tissue Organoids. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020124. [PMID: 36829618 PMCID: PMC9951914 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue organoids hold enormous potential as tools for a variety of applications, including disease modeling and drug screening. To effectively mimic the native tissue environment, it is critical to integrate a microvasculature with the parenchyma and stroma. In addition to providing a means to physiologically perfuse the organoids, the microvasculature also contributes to the cellular dynamics of the tissue model via the cells of the perivascular niche, thereby further modulating tissue function. In this review, we discuss current and developing strategies for vascularizing organoids, consider tissue-specific vascularization approaches, discuss the importance of perfusion, and provide perspectives on the state of the field.
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Chu C, Liu S, Ding J, Xu P, Wang J, Hu L, Mao Z, Li K, Yu Y, Yu Y, Qian W, Chen F. Swietenine Alleviates Vascular Remodelling by Enhancing Mitophagy of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:646-659. [PMID: 36641049 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular remodelling during pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by the phenotypic transformation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Swietenine (Swi), extracted from the seeds of traditional medicine Swietenia mahagoni, has been used to treat cardiac remodelling, but the effect of Swi on PH is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Swi on hypoxia-induced phenotypic transformation of PASMCs in experimental PH. METHODS In our research, C57BL/6 mice were treated with SU5416 and exposed to hypoxia for 4 weeks to establish HySu-PH model. Mice in the Swi treatment group were subjected to HySu with daily administration of Swi. Hemodynamic parameters, echocardiography, and degree of vascular muscularization were measured to evaluate the PH model. Proliferation of PASMC was assessed by Ki67 and EdU assay. Cell migration was detected by wound-healing assay. Mitophagy levels were evaluated by mito-tracker and lyso-tracker, autophagic flux, and protein expression of Pink1 and Lc3Ⅱ. The molecular docking was used to validate the interaction of Swi with Nrf2. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the subcellular localization of Nrf2. RESULTS The results showed that Swi attenuated hypoxia-induced increase of right ventricle systolic pressure, Fulton index, and vascular remodelling and decreased PASMC proliferation, migration, and enhanced mitophagy. Furthermore, the interaction of Swi with Nrf2 promoted the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, resulting in the induction of Pink1. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that Swi prevents vascular remodelling in experimental PH through inhibition of phenotypic transformation and hyperproliferation of PASMCs caused by reversing hypoxia-induced inhibition of mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Chu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shoubai Liu
- Department of Key Laboratory of Genetics and Germplasm Innovation of Tropical Special Forest Trees and Omamental Plants, Hainan University, Hainan, China
| | - Jingjing Ding
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhensheng Mao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanfang Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youjia Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Weichun Qian
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Huang Z, Zhang Y, Liu R, Li Y, Rafique M, Midgley AC, Wan Y, Yan H, Si J, Wang T, Chen C, Wang P, Shafiq M, Li J, Zhao L, Kong D, Wang K. Cobalt loaded electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) grafts promote antibacterial activity and vascular regeneration in a diabetic rat model. Biomaterials 2022; 291:121901. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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43
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Szczepanski HE, Flannigan KL, Mainoli B, Alston L, Baruta GM, Lee JW, Venu VKP, Shearer J, Dufour A, Hirota SA. NR4A1 modulates intestinal smooth muscle cell phenotype and dampens inflammation-associated intestinal remodeling. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22609. [PMID: 36250380 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101817rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Stricture formation is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), driven by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and expansion of the intestinal smooth muscle layers. Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that exhibits anti-proliferative effects in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We hypothesized that NR4A1 regulates intestinal SMC proliferation and muscle thickening in the context of inflammation. Intestinal SMCs isolated from Nr4a1+/+ and Nr4a1-/- littermates were subjected to shotgun proteomic analysis, proliferation, and bioenergetic assays. Proliferation was assessed in the presence and absence of NR4A1 agonists, cytosporone-B (Csn-B) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). In vivo, we compared colonic smooth muscle thickening in Nr4a1+/+ and Nr4a1-/- mice using the chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis. Second, SAMP1/YitFc mice (a model of spontaneous ileitis) were treated with Csn-B and small intestinal smooth muscle thickening was assessed. SMCs isolated from Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased abundance of proteins related to cell proliferation, metabolism, and ECM production, whereas Nr4a1+/+ SMCs highly expressed proteins related to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and contractile processes. SMCs isolated from Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased proliferation and alterations in cellular metabolism, whereas activation of NR4A1 attenuated proliferation. In vivo, Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased colonic smooth muscle thickness following repeated cycles of DSS. Activating NR4A1 with Csn-B, in the context of established inflammation, reduced ileal smooth muscle thickening in SAMP1/YitFc mice. Targeting NR4A1 may provide a novel approach to regulate intestinal SMC phenotype, limiting excessive proliferation that contributes to stricture development in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Szczepanski
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kyle L Flannigan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara Mainoli
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laurie Alston
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Grace M Baruta
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joshua W Lee
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivek Krishna Pulakazhi Venu
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jane Shearer
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon A Hirota
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Song G, Hu P, Song J, Liu J, Ruan Y. Molecular pathogenesis and treatment of cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction: A narrative review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1029650. [PMID: 36277218 PMCID: PMC9582663 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1029650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), and it seriously affects the quality of life in patients and their partners. The primary trigger of postoperative ED is surgical injury to the cavernous nerves that control penile erection and run along the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. Despite the introduction and ongoing innovation of nerve-sparing techniques, a significant number of patients still suffer from moderate cavernous nerve injury (CNI), which is thought to be transient and reversible. Therefore, early postoperative penile rehabilitation therapy may salvage patients’ erectile function by promoting cavernous nerve regeneration and preventing penile structural alterations.Aims: To present a comprehensive overview of the current molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED, as well as novel therapeutic strategies and their potential mechanisms.Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed. Search terms included erectile dysfunction, cavernous nerve injury, pathogenesis, pathway, and treatment.Results: The NOS/NO pathway, oxidative stress-related pathway, RhoA/ROCK pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of CNI-induced ED. Multiple neurotrophins, including brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurturin (NTN), were found to promote cavernous nerve regeneration. Emerging therapeutic approaches can be roughly summarized into four categories, namely small molecule and drug, stem cell-based therapy (SCT), micro-energy therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.Conclusion: These pathways collectively lead to the irreversible damage to the penile structure after CNI. The combined early rehabilitation strategies of promoting upstream nerve regeneration and recovering abnormal molecular signals of downstream penis are presumed to save patients’ erectile function after RP. In future studies, the cross-talk between these molecular pathways needs to be further clarified, and the questions of how denervation injury induces the molecular alterations in the penis also need to be addressed.
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Gerwinn T, Salemi S, Schori LJ, Planta D, Eberli D, Horst M. Improved contractile potential in detrusor microtissues from pediatric patients with end stage lower urinary tract dysfunction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007265. [PMID: 36268506 PMCID: PMC9577217 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous cell-based tissue engineering has been proposed as a treatment option for end stage lower urinary tract dysfunction (ESLUTD). However, it is generally accepted that cells isolated from patient bladders retain the pathological properties of their tissue of origin and therefore need to be improved before they can serve as a cell source for tissue engineering applications. We hypothesize that human three-dimensional (3D) microtissues of detrusor smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are valuable ex vivo disease models and potent building blocks for bladder tissue engineering. Detrusor SMCs isolated from bladder wall biopsies of pediatric ESLUTD patients and healthy controls were expanded and cultured into 3D microtissues. Gene and protein analyses were performed to explore the effect of microtissue formation on SMC viability, contractile potential, bladder wall specific extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and mediators of ECM remodeling. Through microtissue formation, remodeling and intensified cell-cell interactions, the ESLUTD SMCs lost their characteristic disease phenotype. These microtissues exhibited similar patterns of smooth muscle related contractile proteins and essential bladder wall-specific ECM components as microtissues from healthy control subjects. Thus, the presented data suggest improved contractile potential and ECM composition in detrusor SMC microtissues from pediatric ESLUTD patients. These findings are of great relevance, as 3D detrusor SMC microtissues might be an appropriate cell source for autologous cell-based bladder tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Gerwinn
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Tim Gerwinn,
| | - Souzan Salemi
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Larissa J. Schori
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dafni Planta
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maya Horst
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Fernandes A, Miéville A, Grob F, Yamashita T, Mehl J, Hosseini V, Emmert MY, Falk V, Vogel V. Endothelial-Smooth Muscle Cell Interactions in a Shear-Exposed Intimal Hyperplasia on-a-Dish Model to Evaluate Therapeutic Strategies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202317. [PMID: 35971167 PMCID: PMC9534971 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Intimal hyperplasia (IH) represents a major challenge following cardiovascular interventions. While mechanisms are poorly understood, the inefficient preventive methods incentivize the search for novel therapies. A vessel-on-a-dish platform is presented, consisting of direct-contact cocultures with human primary endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exposed to both laminar pulsatile and disturbed flow on an orbital shaker. With contractile SMCs sitting below a confluent EC layer, a model that successfully replicates the architecture of a quiescent vessel wall is created. In the novel IH model, ECs are seeded on synthetic SMCs at low density, mimicking reendothelization after vascular injury. Over 3 days of coculture, ECs transition from a network conformation to confluent 2D islands, as promoted by pulsatile flow, resulting in a "defected" EC monolayer. In defected regions, SMCs incorporated plasma fibronectin into fibers, increased proliferation, and formed multilayers, similarly to IH in vivo. These phenomena are inhibited under confluent EC layers, supporting therapeutic approaches that focus on endothelial regeneration rather than inhibiting proliferation, as illustrated in a proof-of-concept experiment with Paclitaxel. Thus, this in vitro system offers a new tool to study EC-SMC communication in IH pathophysiology, while providing an easy-to-use translational disease model platform for low-cost and high-content therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Fernandes
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Arnaud Miéville
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Franziska Grob
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Tadahiro Yamashita
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
- Present address:
Department of System Design EngineeringKeio University108‐8345YokohamaJapan
| | - Julia Mehl
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
- Present address:
Julius Wolff InstituteBerlin Institute of HealthCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlin10117BerlinGermany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryGerman Heart Center Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM)University of Zurich8006ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Volkmar Falk
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryCharité Universitätsmedizin Berlin10117BerlinGermany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryGerman Heart Center Berlin13353BerlinGermany
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied MechanobiologyInstitute of Translational MedicineDepartment of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH Zurich8093ZurichSwitzerland
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Engineering Smooth Muscle to Understand Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Vascular Disease. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9090449. [PMID: 36134994 PMCID: PMC9495899 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9090449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular smooth muscle is vital for regulating blood pressure and maintaining cardiovascular health, and the resident smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in blood vessel walls rely on specific mechanical and biochemical signals to carry out these functions. Any slight change in their surrounding environment causes swift changes in their phenotype and secretory profile, leading to changes in the structure and functionality of vessel walls that cause pathological conditions. To adequately treat vascular diseases, it is essential to understand how SMCs crosstalk with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we summarize in vivo and traditional in vitro studies of pathological vessel wall remodeling due to the SMC phenotype and, conversely, the SMC behavior in response to key ECM properties. We then analyze how three-dimensional tissue engineering approaches provide opportunities to model SMCs’ response to specific stimuli in the human body. Additionally, we review how applying biomechanical forces and biochemical stimulation, such as pulsatile fluid flow and secreted factors from other cell types, allows us to study disease mechanisms. Overall, we propose that in vitro tissue engineering of human vascular smooth muscle can facilitate a better understanding of relevant cardiovascular diseases using high throughput experiments, thus potentially leading to therapeutics or treatments to be tested in the future.
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Karakaya C, van Turnhout MC, Visser VL, Ristori T, Bouten CVC, Sahlgren CM, Loerakker S. Notch signaling regulates strain-mediated phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:910503. [PMID: 36036000 PMCID: PMC9412035 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.910503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli experienced by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and mechanosensitive Notch signaling are important regulators of vascular growth and remodeling. However, the interplay between mechanical cues and Notch signaling, and its contribution to regulate the VSMC phenotype are still unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Notch signaling in regulating strain-mediated changes in VSMC phenotype. Synthetic and contractile VSMCs were cyclically stretched for 48 h to determine the temporal changes in phenotypic features. Different magnitudes of strain were applied to investigate its effect on Notch mechanosensitivity and the phenotypic regulation of VSMCs. In addition, Notch signaling was inhibited via DAPT treatment and activated with immobilized Jagged1 ligands to understand the role of Notch on strain-mediated phenotypic changes of VSMCs. Our data demonstrate that cyclic strain induces a decrease in Notch signaling along with a loss of VSMC contractile features. Accordingly, the activation of Notch signaling during cyclic stretching partially rescued the contractile features of VSMCs. These findings demonstrate that Notch signaling has an important role in regulating strain-mediated phenotypic switching of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Karakaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Mark C. van Turnhout
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Valery L. Visser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Tommaso Ristori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V. C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Cecilia M. Sahlgren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Sandra Loerakker,
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Dora KA, Borysova L, Ye X, Powell C, Beleznai TZ, Stanley CP, Bruno VD, Starborg T, Johnson E, Pielach A, Taggart M, Smart N, Ascione R. Human coronary microvascular contractile dysfunction associates with viable synthetic smooth muscle cells. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:1978-1992. [PMID: 34173824 PMCID: PMC9239576 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Coronary microvascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) respond to luminal pressure by developing myogenic tone (MT), a process integral to the regulation of microvascular perfusion. The cellular mechanisms underlying poor myogenic reactivity in patients with heart valve disease are unknown and form the focus of this study. METHODS AND RESULTS Intramyocardial coronary micro-arteries (IMCAs) isolated from human and pig right atrial (RA) appendage and left ventricular (LV) biopsies were studied using pressure myography combined with confocal microscopy. All RA- and LV-IMCAs from organ donors and pigs developed circa 25% MT. In contrast, 44% of human RA-IMCAs from 88 patients with heart valve disease had poor (<10%) MT yet retained cell viability and an ability to raise cytoplasmic Ca2+ in response to vasoconstrictor agents. Comparing across human heart chambers and species, we found that based on patient medical history and six tests, the strongest predictor of poor MT in IMCAs was increased expression of the synthetic marker caldesmon relative to the contractile marker SM-myosin heavy chain. In addition, high resolution imaging revealed a distinct layer of longitudinally aligned SMCs between ECs and radial SMCs, and we show poor MT was associated with disruptions in these cellular alignments. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate the first use of atrial and ventricular biopsies from patients and pigs to reveal that impaired coronary MT reflects a switch of viable SMCs towards a synthetic phenotype, rather than a loss of SMC viability. These arteries represent a model for further studies of coronary microvascular contractile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Dora
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Lyudmyla Borysova
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Xi Ye
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Chloe Powell
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Timea Z Beleznai
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Christopher P Stanley
- The Vascular Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Vito D Bruno
- Bristol Heart Institute and Translational Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Tobias Starborg
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Biology, Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, B.3016 Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Errin Johnson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Anna Pielach
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Michael Taggart
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Nicola Smart
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Raimondo Ascione
- Bristol Heart Institute and Translational Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
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Jørgensen SM, Lorentzen LG, Chuang CY, Davies MJ. Peroxynitrous acid-modified extracellular matrix alters gene and protein expression in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and induces a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 186:43-52. [PMID: 35526806 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Leukocytes produce oxidants at inflammatory sites, including within the artery wall during the development of atherosclerosis. Developing lesions contain high numbers of activated leukocytes that generate reactive nitrogen species, including peroxynitrite/peroxynitrous acid (ONOO-/ONOOH), as evidenced by the presence of oxidized/nitrated molecules including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. ECM materials are critical for arterial wall integrity, function, and determine cell phenotype, with smooth muscle cells undergoing a phenotypic switch from quiescent/contractile to proliferative/synthetic during disease development. We hypothesized that ECM modification by ONOO-/ONOOH might drive this switch, and thereby potentially contribute to atherogenesis. ECM generated by primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) was treated with increasing ONOO-/ONOOH concentrations (1-1000 μM). This generated significant damage on laminin, fibronectin and versican, and lower levels on collagens and glycosaminoglycans, together with the increasing concentrations of the damage biomarker 3-nitrotyrosine. Adhesion of naïve HCASMC to ECM modified by 1 μM ONOO-/ONOOH was enhanced, but significantly diminished by higher ONOO-/ONOOH treatment. Cell proliferation and metabolic activity were significantly enhanced by 100 μM ONOO-/ONOOH pre-treatment. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of genes involved in mitosis (PCNA, CCNA1, CCNB1), ECM (LAMA4, LAMB1, VCAN, FN1) and inflammation (IL-1B, IL-6, VCAM-1), and corresponding protein secretion (except VCAM-1) into the medium. These changes induced by modified ECM are consistent with HCASMC switching to a synthetic/proliferative/pro-inflammatory phenotype, together with ECM remodelling. These changes model those in atherosclerosis, suggesting a link between oxidant-modified ECM and disease progression, and highlight the potential of targeting oxidant generation as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Jørgensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Lasse G Lorentzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Christine Y Chuang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Michael J Davies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark.
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