1
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Xiong J, Chen G, Lin B, Zhong L, Jiang X, Lu H. Integrative analysis of single-Cell RNA sequencing and experimental validation in the study of abdominal aortic aneurysm progression. Gene 2024; 929:148820. [PMID: 39103059 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148820] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex vascular disorder characterized by the progressive dilation of the abdominal aorta, with a high risk of rupture and mortality. Understanding the cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms underlying AAA development is critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets. METHODS This study utilized datasets GSE197748, GSE164678 and GSE183464 from the GEO database, encompassing bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data from AAA and control samples. We performed principal component analysis, differential expression analysis, and functional enrichment analysis to identify key pathways involved in AAA. Cell-cell interactions were investigated using CellPhoneDB, focusing on fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and macrophages. We further validated our findings using a mouse model of AAA induced by porcine pancreatic enzyme infusion, followed by gene expression analysis and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. RESULTS Our analysis revealed significant alterations in gene expression profiles between AAA and control samples, with a pronounced immune response and cell adhesion pathways being implicated. Single-cell RNA sequencing data highlighted an increased proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages, along with changes in the composition of fibroblasts and VSMCs in AAA. CellPhoneDB analysis identified critical ligand-receptor interactions, notably collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1)/COL1A2-CD18 and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1)-CD3, suggesting complex communication networks between fibroblasts and VSMCs. In vivo experiments confirmed the upregulation of these genes in AAA mice and demonstrated the functional interaction between COL1A1/COL1A2 and CD18. CONCLUSION The interaction between fibroblasts and VSMCs, mediated by specific ligand-receptor pairs such as COL1A1/COL1A2-CD18 and THBS1-CD3, plays a pivotal role in AAA pathogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Animals
- Mice
- Single-Cell Analysis/methods
- Humans
- Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Disease Progression
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Cell Communication/genetics
- Collagen Type I/genetics
- Collagen Type I/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Beiyou Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Lintao Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Hongyun Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai 519000, China.
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2
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Jia K, Luo X, Yi J, Zhang C. Hormonal influence: unraveling the impact of sex hormones on vascular smooth muscle cells. Biol Res 2024; 57:61. [PMID: 39227995 PMCID: PMC11373308 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00542-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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones play a pivotal role as endocrine hormones that exert profound effects on the biological characteristics and vascular function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). By modulating intracellular signaling pathways, activating nuclear receptors, and regulating gene expression, sex hormones intricately influence the morphology, function, and physiological state of VSMCs, thereby impacting the biological properties of vascular contraction, relaxation, and growth. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal phenotypic changes in VSMCs contribute to the initiation of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Therefore, understanding the factors governing phenotypic alterations in VSMCs and elucidating the underlying mechanisms can provide crucial insights for refining interventions targeted at vascular diseases. Additionally, the varying levels of different types of sex hormones in the human body, influenced by sex and age, may also affect the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs. This review aims to explore the influence of sex hormones on the phenotypic switching of VSMCs and the development of associated vascular diseases in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keran Jia
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jingyan Yi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
| | - Chunxiang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
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3
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Yuan Z, Shu L, Fu J, Yang P, Wang Y, Sun J, Zheng M, Liu Z, Yang J, Song J, Song S, Cai Z. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Deconstructs the Distribution of Immune Cells Within Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1986-2003. [PMID: 39051127 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.321129] [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: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is a key component in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), yet insights into the roles of immune cells and their interactions in this process are limited. METHODS Using single-cell RNA transcriptomic analysis, we deconstructed the CD45+ cell population in elastase-induced murine AAA at the single-cell level. We isolated each group of immune cells from murine AAA tissue at different time points and divided them into several subtypes, listed the remarkable differentially expressed genes, explored the developmental trajectories of immune cells, and demonstrated the interactions among them. RESULTS Our findings reveal significant differences in several immune cell subsets, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, within the AAA microenvironment compared with the normal aorta. Especially, conventional dendritic cell type 1 exclusively existed in the AAA tissue rather than the normal aortas. Via CellChat analysis, we identified several intercellular communication pathways like visfatin, which targets monocyte differentiation and neutrophil extracellular trap-mediated interaction between neutrophils and dendritic cells, which might contribute to AAA development. Some of these pathways were validated in human AAA. CONCLUSIONS Despite the absence of external pathogenic stimuli, AAA tissues develop a complex inflammatory microenvironment involving numerous immune cells. In-depth studies of the inflammatory network shall provide new strategies for patients with AAA.
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MESH Headings
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/immunology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Animals
- Single-Cell Analysis
- Disease Models, Animal
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aorta, Abdominal/immunology
- Mice
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/immunology
- Male
- Transcriptome
- RNA-Seq
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Pancreatic Elastase
- Cell Communication
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yuan
- Departments of Cardiology (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
| | - Li Shu
- Departments of Cardiology (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
| | - Jiantao Fu
- Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, China (J.F., P.Y., J.Y.)
| | - Peipei Yang
- Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, China (J.F., P.Y., J.Y.)
| | - Yidong Wang
- Departments of Cardiology (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
| | - Jie Sun
- Pathology (J. Sun, M.Z.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengsha Zheng
- Pathology (J. Sun, M.Z.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Vascular Surgery (Z.L.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, China (J.F., P.Y., J.Y.)
| | - Jiangping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China (J. Song, S.S.)
| | - Shen Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China (J. Song, S.S.)
| | - Zhejun Cai
- Departments of Cardiology (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
- Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Z.Y., L.S., Y.W., Z.C.)
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4
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Natarajan N, Florentin J, Johny E, Xiao H, O'Neil SP, Lei L, Shen J, Ohayon L, Johnson AR, Rao K, Li X, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Tavakoli S, Shiva S, Das J, Dutta P. Aberrant mitochondrial DNA synthesis in macrophages exacerbates inflammation and atherosclerosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7337. [PMID: 39187565 PMCID: PMC11347661 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51780-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a large body of evidence that cellular metabolism governs inflammation, and that inflammation contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. However, whether mitochondrial DNA synthesis affects macrophage function and atherosclerosis pathology is not fully understood. Here we show, by transcriptomic analyzes of plaque macrophages, spatial single cell transcriptomics of atherosclerotic plaques, and functional experiments, that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages are triggered by vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) under inflammatory conditions in both humans and mice. Mechanistically, VCAM-1 activates C/EBPα, which binds to the promoters of key mitochondrial biogenesis genes - Cmpk2 and Pgc1a. Increased CMPK2 and PGC-1α expression triggers mtDNA synthesis, which activates STING-mediated inflammation. Consistently, atherosclerosis and inflammation are less severe in Apoe-/- mice lacking Vcam1 in macrophages. Downregulation of macrophage-specific VCAM-1 in vivo leads to decreased expression of LYZ1 and FCOR, involved in STING signalling. Finally, VCAM-1 expression in human carotid plaque macrophages correlates with necrotic core area, mitochondrial volume, and oxidative damage to DNA. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of macrophage VCAM-1 in inflammation and atherogenesis pathology and proposes a self-acerbating pathway involving increased mtDNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjana Natarajan
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jonathan Florentin
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ebin Johny
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hanxi Xiao
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Joint CMU-Pitt PhD program in Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Scott Patrick O'Neil
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Liqun Lei
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jixing Shen
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Lee Ohayon
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Aaron R Johnson
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Krithika Rao
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yanwu Zhao
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sina Tavakoli
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sruti Shiva
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Systems Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Partha Dutta
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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5
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Mackay CDA, Meechem MB, Patel VB. Macrophages in vascular disease: Roles of mitochondria and metabolic mechanisms. Vascul Pharmacol 2024:107419. [PMID: 39181483 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107419] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are a dynamic cell type of the immune system implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and are a major contributor to pathological inflammation. Excessive macrophage accumulation, activation, and polarization is observed in aortic aneurysm (AA), atherosclerosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In general, macrophages become activated and polarized to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which dramatically changes cell behavior to become pro-inflammatory and infiltrative. These cell types become cumbersome and fail to be cleared by normal mechanisms such as autophagy. The result is a hyper-inflammatory environment causing the recruitment of adjacent cells and circulating immune cells to further augment the inflammatory response. In AA, this leads to excessive ECM degradation and chemokine secretion, ultimately causing macrophages to dominate the immune cell landscape in the aortic wall. In atherosclerosis, monocytes are recruited to the vascular wall, where they polarize to the pro-inflammatory phenotype and induce inflammatory pathway activation. This leads to the development of foam cells, which significantly contribute to neointima and necrotic core formation in atherosclerotic plaques. Pro-inflammatory macrophages, which affect other vascular diseases, present with fragmented mitochondria and corresponding metabolic dysfunction. Targeting macrophage mitochondrial dynamics has proved to be an exciting potential therapeutic approach to combat vascular disease. This review will summarize mitochondrial and metabolic mechanisms of macrophage activation, polarization, and accumulation in vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron D A Mackay
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan B Meechem
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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6
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Zhu J, Meganathan I, MacAruthur R, Kassiri Z. Inflammation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: cause or co-morbidity? Can J Cardiol 2024:S0828-282X(24)00926-7. [PMID: 39181326 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.08.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a potentially deadly disease. It is chronic degeneration of the aortic wall that involves an inflammatory response and the immune system, aberrant remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and maladaptive transformation of the aortic cells. This review article focuses on the role of the inflammatory cells in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Studies in human aneurysmal specimens and animal models have identified various inflammatory cell types that could contribute to aneurysm formation and or expansion. These include the commonly studied leukocytes (neutrophils and macrophages) as well as the less commonly explored natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T- and B-cells. Despite the well-demonstrated contribution of inflammatory cells and the related signaling pathways to aneurysm development and expansion, anti-inflammatory therapy approaches have demonstrated limitations and may require additional considerations, such as a combinational approach in targeting multiple pathways for significant beneficial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiechun Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ilamaran Meganathan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roderick MacAruthur
- Department of Cardiac surgery, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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7
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Xing M, Chen W, Ji Y, Song W. SLC44A2-mediated phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to aortic aneurysm. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e183527. [PMID: 39145443 PMCID: PMC11324288 DOI: 10.1172/jci183527] [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: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic switch of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic state is associated with the development and progression of aortic aneurysm (AA). However, the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Song et al. identified SLC44A2 as a regulator of the phenotypic switch in VSMCs. Inhibition of SLC44A2 facilitated the switch to the synthetic state, contributing to the development of AA. Mechanistically, SLC44A2 interacted with NRP1 and ITGB3 to activate the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, resulting in VSMCs with a contractile phenotype. Furthermore, VSMC-specific SLC44A2 overexpression by genetic or pharmacological manipulation reduced AA in mouse models. These findings suggest the potential of targeting the SLC44A2 signaling pathway for AA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengen Xing
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanqi Chen
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yachen Ji
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihong Song
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health and Affiliated Kangning Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Li G, Yang H, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Liu B, Wang Y, Zhou H, Xu ZX, Wang Y. The role of macrophages in fibrosis of chronic kidney disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117079. [PMID: 38968801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117079] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are widely distributed throughout various tissues of the body, and mounting evidence suggests their involvement in regulating the tissue microenvironment, thereby influencing disease onset and progression through direct or indirect actions. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), disturbances in renal functional homeostasis lead to inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular expansion, glomerular atrophy, and subsequent renal fibrosis. Macrophages play a pivotal role in this pathological process. Therefore, understanding their role is imperative for investigating CKD progression, mitigating its advancement, and offering novel research perspectives for fibrosis treatment from an immunological standpoint. This review primarily delves into the intrinsic characteristics of macrophages, their origins, diverse subtypes, and their associations with renal fibrosis. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition between M1 and M2 phenotypes. In late-stage CKD, there is a shift from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, accompanied by an increased prevalence of M2 macrophages. This transition is governed by the activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 and JAK/STAT pathways, which facilitate macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). The tyrosine kinase Src is involved in both signaling cascades. By thoroughly elucidating macrophage functions and comprehending the modes and molecular mechanisms of macrophage-fibroblast interaction in the kidney, novel, tailored therapeutic strategies for preventing or attenuating the progression of CKD can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hongxia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yanghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuxiong Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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9
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Zhai L, Hu W, Li J, Li D, Xia N, Tang T, Nie S, Zhang M, Jiao J, Lv B, Yang F, Lu Y, Zha L, Gu M, Hu X, Wen S, Hu D, Zhang L, Wang W, Cheng X. Unravelling CD4 + T cell diversity and tissue adaptation of Tregs in abdominal aortic aneurysms through single-cell sequencing. Immunology 2024; 172:600-613. [PMID: 38637948 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13796] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell infiltration is a significant pathological process in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, are essential immune cells responsible for substantial infiltration of the aorta. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in AAA have been identified as tissue-specific; however, the time, location, and mechanism of acquiring the tissue-specific phenotype are still unknown. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on CD4+ T cells from the AAA aorta and spleen, we discovered heterogeneity among CD4+ T cells and identified activated, proliferating and developed aorta Tregs. These Tregs originate in the peripheral tissues and acquire the tissue-specific phenotype in the aorta. The identification of precursors for Tregs in AAA provides new insight into the pathogenesis of AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Zhai
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wangling Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ni Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaofang Nie
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingjie Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuzhi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingfeng Zha
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Muyang Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiajun Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Wen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Desheng Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Xiao X, Li C, Huang X, Chen G, Huang X, Song F, Zhou Y, Liu X, Zhou X, Meng J, Bellou A, Zhong L, Li X. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that NRF2 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in abdominal aortic aneurysm. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23707. [PMID: 38995239 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400001rr] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease characterized by extensive membrane destruction in the vascular wall that is closely associated with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching. A thorough understanding of the changes in regulatory factors during VSMC phenotypic switching is essential for managing AAA therapy. In this study, we revealed the impact of NRF2 on the modulation of VSMC phenotype and the development of AAA based on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. By utilizing a murine model of VSMC-specific knockout of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), we observed that the absence of NRF2 in VSMCs exacerbated AAA formation in an angiotensin II-induced AAA model. The downregulation of NRF2 promoted VSMC phenotypic switching, leading to an enhanced inflammatory response. Through genome-wide transcriptome analysis and loss- or gain-of-function experiments, we discovered that NRF2 upregulated the expression of VSMC contractile phenotype-specific genes by facilitating microRNA-145 (miR-145) expression. Our data identified NRF2 as a novel regulator involved in maintaining the VSMC contractile phenotype while also influencing AAA formation through an miR-145-dependent regulatory mechanism.
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MESH Headings
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Animals
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mice
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Male
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- Mice, Knockout
- Single-Cell Analysis
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Disease Models, Animal
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Xiao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenglin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojia Huang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guona Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoran Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feier Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Division of Vascular Surgery, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Vascular Disease Treatment, Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangdong Engineering Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueke Zhou
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinxiu Meng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Abdelouahab Bellou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lintao Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Department, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Zhao W, Li B, Hao J, Sun R, He P, Lv H, He M, Shen J, Han Y. Therapeutic potential of natural products and underlying targets for the treatment of aortic aneurysm. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 259:108652. [PMID: 38657777 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108652] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a vascular disease characterized by irreversible vasodilatation that can lead to dissection and rupture of the aortic aneurysm, a life-threatening condition. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are two main types. The typical treatments for aortic aneurysms are open surgery and endovascular aortic repair, which are only indicated for more severe patients. Most patients with aneurysms have an insidious onset and slow progression, and there are no effective drugs to treat this stage. The inability of current animal models to perfectly simulate all the pathophysiological states of human aneurysms may be the key to this issue. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this disease, finding new therapeutic targets, and developing effective drugs to inhibit the development of aneurysms are the main issues of current research. Natural products have been applied for thousands of years to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China and other Asian countries. In recent years, natural products have combined multi-omics, computational biology, and integrated pharmacology to accurately analyze drug components and targets. Therefore, the multi-component and multi-target complexity of natural products have made them a potentially ideal treatment for multifactorial diseases such as aortic aneurysms. Natural products have regained popularity worldwide. This review provides an overview of the known natural products for the treatment of TAA and AAA and searches for potential cardiovascular-targeted natural products that may treat TAA and AAA based on various cellular molecular mechanisms associated with aneurysm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Bufan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jinjun Hao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ruochen Sun
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Peng He
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongyu Lv
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mou He
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jie Shen
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yantao Han
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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12
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Song T, Zhao S, Luo S, Chen C, Liu X, Wu X, Sun Z, Cao J, Wang Z, Wang Y, Yu B, Zhang Z, Du X, Li X, Han Z, Chen H, Chen F, Wang L, Wang H, Sun K, Han Y, Xie L, Ji Y. SLC44A2 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and aortic aneurysm. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173690. [PMID: 38916960 PMCID: PMC11324303 DOI: 10.1172/jci173690] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening disease with limited interventions that is closely related to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching. SLC44A2, a member of the solute carrier series 44 (SLC44) family, remains undercharacterized in the context of cardiovascular diseases. Venn diagram analysis based on microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing identified SLC44A2 as a major regulator of VSMC phenotypic switching in aortic aneurysm. Screening for Slc44a2 among aortic cell lineages demonstrated its predominant location in VSMCs. Elevated levels of SLC44A2 were evident in the aorta of both patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and angiotensin II-infused (Ang II-infused) Apoe-/- mice. In vitro, SLC44A2 silencing promoted VSMCs toward a synthetic phenotype, while SLC44A2 overexpression attenuated VSMC phenotypic switching. VSMC-specific SLC44A2-knockout mice were more susceptible to aortic aneurysm under Ang II infusion, while SLC44A2 overexpression showed protective effects. Mechanistically, SLC44A2's interaction with NRP1 and ITGB3 activates TGF-β/SMAD signaling, thereby promoting contractile gene expression. Elevated SLC44A2 in aortic aneurysm is associated with upregulated runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). Furthermore, low-dose lenalidomide (LEN; 20 mg/kg/day) suppressed aortic aneurysm progression by enhancing SLC44A2 expression. These findings reveal that the SLC44A2-NRP1-ITGB3 complex is a major regulator of VSMC phenotypic switching and provide a potential therapeutic approach (LEN) for aortic aneurysm treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Aortic Aneurysm/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- Signal Transduction
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Song
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Luo
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingeng Liu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxu Sun
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Cao
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yineng Wang
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), and
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), and
- Department of Cardiology, Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, and
| | - Liansheng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kangyun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Han
- Critical Care Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), and
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13
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Gedney JR, Mattia V, Figueroa M, Barksdale C, Fannin E, Silverman J, Xiong Y, Mukherjee R, Jones JA, Ruddy JM. Biomechanical dysregulation of SGK-1 dependent aortic pathologic markers in hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1359734. [PMID: 38903966 PMCID: PMC11187291 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1359734] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In hypertension (HTN), biomechanical stress may drive matrix remodeling through dysfunctional VSMC activity. Prior evidence has indicated VSMC tension-induced signaling through the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase-1 (SGK-1) can impact cytokine abundance. Here, we hypothesize that SGK-1 impacts production of additional aortic pathologic markers (APMs) representing VSMC dysfunction in HTN. Methods Aortic VSMC expression of APMs was quantified by QPCR in cyclic biaxial stretch (Stretch) +/- AngiotensinII (AngII). APMs were selected to represent VSMC dedifferentiated transcriptional activity, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Cathepsin S (CtsS), Cystatin C (CysC), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Tenascin C (TNC). To further assess the effect of tension alone, abdominal aortic rings from C57Bl/6 WT mice were held in a myograph at experimentally derived optimal tension (OT) or OT + 30% +/-AngII. Dependence on SGK-1 was assessed by treating with EMD638683 (SGK-1 inhibitor) and APMs were measured by QPCR. Then, WT and smooth muscle cell specific SGK-1 heterozygous knockout (SMC-SGK-1KO+/-) mice had AngII-induced HTN. Systolic blood pressure and mechanical stress parameters were assessed on Day 0 and Day 21. Plasma was analyzed by ELISA to quantify APMs. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results In cultured aortic VSMCs, expression of all APMs was increased in response to biomechanical stimuli (Stretch +/-AngII,). Integrating the matrix contribution to signal transduction in the aortic rings led to IL-6 and CysC demonstrating SGK-1 dependence in response to elevated tension and interactive effect with concurrent AngII stimulation. CtsS and TNC, on the other hand, primarily responded to AngII, and OPG expression was unaffected in aortic ring experimentation. Both mouse strains had >30% increase in blood pressure with AngII infusion, reduced aortic distensibility and increased PPV, indicating increased aortic stiffness. In WT + AngII mice, IL-6, CtsS, CysC, and TNC plasma levels were significantly elevated, but these APMs were unaffected by HTN in the SMC-SGK-1KO+/- +AngII mice, suggesting SGK-1 plays a major role in VSMC biomechanical signaling to promote dysfunctional production of selected APMs. Conclusion In HTN, changes in the plasma levels of markers associated with aortic matrix homeostasis can reflect remodeling driven by mechanobiologic signaling in dysfunctional VSMCs, potentially through the activity of SGK-1. Further defining these pathways may identify therapeutic targets to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ryan Gedney
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Victoria Mattia
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Mario Figueroa
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Christian Barksdale
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ethan Fannin
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jonah Silverman
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ying Xiong
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Ralph H Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Rupak Mukherjee
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. Jones
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Ralph H Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jean Marie Ruddy
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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14
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Karbasion N, Xu Y, Snider JC, Bersi MR. Primary Mouse Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Exhibit Region- and Sex-Dependent Biological Responses In Vitro. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:060904. [PMID: 38421345 PMCID: PMC11005860 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064965] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite advancements in elucidating biological mechanisms of cardiovascular remodeling, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. When stratified by sex, clear differences in CVD prevalence and mortality between males and females emerge. Regional differences in phenotype and biological response of cardiovascular cells are important for localizing the initiation and progression of CVD. Thus, to better understand region and sex differences in CVD presentation, we have focused on characterizing in vitro behaviors of primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the thoracic and abdominal aorta of male and female mice. VSMC contractility was assessed by traction force microscopy (TFM; single cell) and collagen gel contraction (collective) with and without stimulation by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and cell proliferation was assessed by a colorimetric metabolic assay (MTT). Gene expression and TFM analysis revealed region- and sex-dependent behaviors, whereas collagen gel contraction was consistent across sex and aortic region under baseline conditions. Thoracic VSMCs showed a sex-dependent sensitivity to TGF-β1-induced collagen gel contraction (female > male; p = 0.025) and a sex-dependent proliferative response (female > male; p < 0.001) that was not apparent in abdominal VSMCs. Although primary VSMCs exhibit intrinsic region and sex differences in biological responses that may be relevant for CVD presentation, several factors-such as inflammation and sex hormones-were not included in this study. Such factors should be included in future studies of in vitro mechanobiological responses relevant to CVD differences in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyousha Karbasion
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Yujun Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Washington University in St. Louis
| | - J. Caleb Snider
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
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15
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Chen R, Zhang H, Tang B, Luo Y, Yang Y, Zhong X, Chen S, Xu X, Huang S, Liu C. Macrophages in cardiovascular diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:130. [PMID: 38816371 PMCID: PMC11139930 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01840-1] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune response holds a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease development. As multifunctional cells of the innate immune system, macrophages play an essential role in initial inflammatory response that occurs following cardiovascular injury, thereby inducing subsequent damage while also facilitating recovery. Meanwhile, the diverse phenotypes and phenotypic alterations of macrophages strongly associate with distinct types and severity of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, valvular disease, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atherosclerosis and aneurysm, which underscores the importance of investigating macrophage regulatory mechanisms within the context of specific diseases. Besides, recent strides in single-cell sequencing technologies have revealed macrophage heterogeneity, cell-cell interactions, and downstream mechanisms of therapeutic targets at a higher resolution, which brings new perspectives into macrophage-mediated mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases. Remarkably, myocardial fibrosis, a prevalent characteristic in most cardiac diseases, remains a formidable clinical challenge, necessitating a profound investigation into the impact of macrophages on myocardial fibrosis within the context of cardiac diseases. In this review, we systematically summarize the diverse phenotypic and functional plasticity of macrophages in regulatory mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and unprecedented insights introduced by single-cell sequencing technologies, with a focus on different causes and characteristics of diseases, especially the relationship between inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac diseases (myocardial infarction, pressure overload, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiac aging) and the relationship between inflammation and vascular injury in vascular diseases (atherosclerosis and aneurysm). Finally, we also highlight the preclinical/clinical macrophage targeting strategies and translational implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runkai Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Hongrui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Botao Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yukun Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Sifei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xinjie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Shengkang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Canzhao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Heart Center, Heart Center, Translational Medicine Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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16
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Chu S, Shan D, He L, Yang S, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Yu J. Anemoside B4 attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm by limiting smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation and its mediated inflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1412022. [PMID: 38881898 PMCID: PMC11176519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1412022] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by local abnormal dilation of the aorta accompanied by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and chronic inflammation. VSMC dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential causes of AAA formation. Previous studies from us and others have shown that Anemoside B4 (AB4), a saponin from Pulsatilla chinensis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and regulatory effects on VSMC dedifferentiation. The current study aimed to investigate whether AB4 inhibits AAA development and its underlying mechanisms. By using an Ang II induced AAA model in vivo and cholesterol loading mediated VSMC to macrophage transdifferentiation model in vitro, our study demonstrated that AB4 could attenuate AAA pathogenesis, prevent VSMC dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation to macrophage-like cells, decrease vascular inflammation, and suppress MMP expression and activity. Furthermore, KLF4 overexpression attenuated the effects of AB4 on VSMC to macrophage-like cell transition and VSMC inflammation in vitro. In conclusion, AB4 protects against AAA formation in mice by inhibiting KLF4 mediated VSMC transdifferentiation and inflammation. Our study provides the first proof of concept of using AB4 for AAA management.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/prevention & control
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Cell Transdifferentiation/drug effects
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4/metabolism
- Mice
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Saponins/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Humans
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Chu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Luling He
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shilin Yang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center (NPEC) for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulin Feng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center (NPEC) for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Wen Y, Liu Y, Li Q, Tan J, Fu X, Liang Y, Tuo Y, Liu L, Zhou X, LiuFu D, Fan X, Chen C, Chen Z, Wang Z, Fan S, Liu R, Pan L, Zhang Y, Tang WH. Spatiotemporal ATF3 Expression Determines VSMC Fate in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Circ Res 2024; 134:1495-1511. [PMID: 38686580 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.324323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a catastrophic disease with little effective therapy, likely due to the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying AAA development and progression. ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3) has been increasingly recognized as a key regulator of cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of ATF3 in AAA development and progression remains elusive. METHODS Genome-wide RNA sequencing analysis was performed on the aorta isolated from saline or Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced AAA mice, and ATF3 was identified as the potential key gene for AAA development. To examine the role of ATF3 in AAA development, vascular smooth muscle cell-specific ATF3 knockdown or overexpressed mice by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors carrying ATF3, or shRNA-ATF3 with SM22α (smooth muscle protein 22-α) promoter were used in Ang II-induced AAA mice. In human and murine vascular smooth muscle cells, gain or loss of function experiments were performed to investigate the role of ATF3 in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS In both Ang II-induced AAA mice and patients with AAA, the expression of ATF3 was reduced in aneurysm tissues but increased in aortic lesion tissues. The deficiency of ATF3 in vascular smooth muscle cell promoted AAA formation in Ang II-induced AAA mice. PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor receptor β) was identified as the target of ATF3, which mediated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-α) at the early stage of AAA. ATF3 suppressed the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis at the advanced stage by upregulating its direct target BCL2. Our chromatin immunoprecipitation results also demonstrated that the recruitment of NFκB1 and P300/BAF/H3K27ac complex to the ATF3 promoter induces ATF3 transcription via enhancer activation. NFKB1 inhibitor (andrographolide) inhibits the expression of ATF3 by blocking the recruiters NFKB1 and ATF3-enhancer to the ATF3-promoter region, ultimately leading to AAA development. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role of ATF3 in AAA development and progression, and ATF3 may serve as a novel therapeutic and prognostic marker for AAA.
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MESH Headings
- Activating Transcription Factor 3/genetics
- Activating Transcription Factor 3/metabolism
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Humans
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Mice
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Apoptosis
- Cells, Cultured
- Angiotensin II
- Cell Proliferation
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wen
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery (Q.L.), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Jinlin Tan
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xing Fu
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yiwen Liang
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China (Y. Liang)
| | - Yonghua Tuo
- Department of Neurosurgery (Y.T.), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Luhao Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation (L.L., Z.C.), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, China (X.Z.)
| | - Dongkai LiuFu
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xuejiao Fan
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Chaofei Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Organ Transplantation (L.L., Z.C.), the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- Department of Cardiology (Z.W.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Shunyang Fan
- Heart Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China (S.F., W.H.T.)
| | - Renjing Liu
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia (R.L.)
| | - Lei Pan
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (L.P.)
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
| | - Wai Ho Tang
- Institute of Pediatrics (Y.W., Y. Liu, J.T., X.F., D.L., X.F., C.C., Y.Z., W.H.T.), Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, China
- Heart Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China (S.F., W.H.T.)
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (W.H.T.)
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18
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Zhang YF, Yi ZJ, Zhang WF, Yang L, Qi F, Yu T, Zhu Z, Li MJ, Cheng Y, Zhao L, Gong JP, Li PZ. Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals MYOF-Enriched Monocyte/Macrophage Subcluster as a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Sepsis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300673. [PMID: 38456367 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300673] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This research utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to map the immune cell landscape in sepsis, revealing 28 distinct cell clusters and categorizing them into nine major types. Delving into the monocyte/macrophage subclusters, 12 unique subclusters are identified and pathway enrichment analyses are conducted using KEGG and GO, discovering enriched pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation and antigen processing. Further GSVA and AUCell assessments show varied activation of interferon pathways, especially in subclusters 4 and 11. The clinical correlation analysis reveals genes significantly linked to survival outcomes. Additionally, cellular differentiation in these subclusters is explored. Building on these insights, the differential gene expression within these subclusters is specifically scrutinized, which reveal MYOF as a key gene with elevated expression levels in the survivor group. This finding is further supported by in-depth pathway enrichment analysis and the examination of cellular differentiation trajectories, where MYOF's role became evident in the context of immune response regulation and sepsis progression. Validating the role of the MYOF gene in sepsis, a dose-dependent response to LPS in THP-1 cells and C57 mice is observed. Finally, inter-cellular communications are analyzed, particularly focusing on the MYOF+Mono/Macro subcluster, which indicates a pivotal role in immune regulation and potential therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404100, China
| | - Wen-Feng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ming-Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jian-Ping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Pei-Zhi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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19
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Adelus ML, Ding J, Tran BT, Conklin AC, Golebiewski AK, Stolze LK, Whalen MB, Cusanovich DA, Romanoski CE. Single-cell 'omic profiles of human aortic endothelial cells in vitro and human atherosclerotic lesions ex vivo reveal heterogeneity of endothelial subtype and response to activating perturbations. eLife 2024; 12:RP91729. [PMID: 38578680 PMCID: PMC10997331 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity in endothelial cell (EC) sub-phenotypes is becoming increasingly appreciated in atherosclerosis progression. Still, studies quantifying EC heterogeneity across whole transcriptomes and epigenomes in both in vitro and in vivo models are lacking. Multiomic profiling concurrently measuring transcriptomes and accessible chromatin in the same single cells was performed on six distinct primary cultures of human aortic ECs (HAECs) exposed to activating environments characteristic of the atherosclerotic microenvironment in vitro. Meta-analysis of single-cell transcriptomes across 17 human ex vivo arterial specimens was performed and two computational approaches quantitatively evaluated the similarity in molecular profiles between heterogeneous in vitro and ex vivo cell profiles. HAEC cultures were reproducibly populated by four major clusters with distinct pathway enrichment profiles and modest heterogeneous responses: EC1-angiogenic, EC2-proliferative, EC3-activated/mesenchymal-like, and EC4-mesenchymal. Quantitative comparisons between in vitro and ex vivo transcriptomes confirmed EC1 and EC2 as most canonically EC-like, and EC4 as most mesenchymal with minimal effects elicited by siERG and IL1B. Lastly, accessible chromatin regions unique to EC2 and EC4 were most enriched for coronary artery disease (CAD)-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), suggesting that these cell phenotypes harbor CAD-modulating mechanisms. Primary EC cultures contain markedly heterogeneous cell subtypes defined by their molecular profiles. Surprisingly, the perturbations used here only modestly shifted cells between subpopulations, suggesting relatively stable molecular phenotypes in culture. Identifying consistently heterogeneous EC subpopulations between in vitro and ex vivo models should pave the way for improving in vitro systems while enabling the mechanisms governing heterogeneous cell state decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Adelus
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- The Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Jiacheng Ding
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Binh T Tran
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Austin C Conklin
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Anna K Golebiewski
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Lindsey K Stolze
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Michael B Whalen
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Darren A Cusanovich
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Casey E Romanoski
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- The Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
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20
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Wei X, Li Y, Jiang T, Luo P, Dai Y, Wang Q, Xu M, Yan J, Li Y, Gao J, Liu L, Zhang C, Liu Y. Terazosin attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by downregulating Peg3 expression to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and senescence. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176397. [PMID: 38331337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176397] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a vascular degenerative disease, is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by the loss of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite the severity of AAA, effective drugs for treatment are scarce. At low doses, terazosin (TZ) exerts antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in several diseases, but its potential to protect against AAA remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the effects of TZ in two AAA animal models: Angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in Apoe-/- mice and calcium chloride application in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were orally administered with TZ (100 or 1000 μg/kg/day). The in vivo results indicated that low-dose TZ alleviated AAA formation in both models. Low-dose TZ significantly reduced aortic pulse wave velocity without exerting an apparent antihypertensive effect in the Ang II-induced AAA model. Paternally expressed gene 3 (Peg3) was identified via RNA sequencing as a novel TZ target. PEG3 expression was significantly elevated in both mouse and human AAA tissues. TZ suppressed PEG3 expression and reduced the abundance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2/MMP9) in the tunica media. Functional experiments and molecular analyses revealed that TZ (10 nM) treatment and Peg3 knockdown effectively prevented Ang II-induced VSMC senescence and apoptosis in vitro. Thus, Peg3, a novel target of TZ, mediates inflammation-induced VSMC apoptosis and senescence. Low-dose TZ downregulates Peg3 expression to attenuate AAA formation and ECM degradation, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxian Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mulin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Department of General Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinhua Yan
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 DaHua Road, Dong Dan, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jingwen Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology School of Basic Medicine, Capital Medical University, Youanmen, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology School of Basic Medicine, Capital Medical University, Youanmen, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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21
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Ouyang Y, Hong Y, Mai C, Yang H, Wu Z, Gao X, Zeng W, Deng X, Liu B, Zhang Y, Fu Q, Huang X, Liu J, Li X. Transcriptome analysis reveals therapeutic potential of NAMPT in protecting against abdominal aortic aneurysm in human and mouse. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:17-36. [PMID: 38173843 PMCID: PMC10761368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.020] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease characterized by the weakening and ballooning of the abdominal aorta, which has no effective therapeutic approaches due to unclear molecular mechanisms. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we analyzed the molecular profile of individual cells within control and AAA abdominal aortas. We found cellular heterogeneity, with increased plasmacytoid dendritic cells and reduced endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in AAA. Up-regulated genes in AAA were associated with muscle tissue development and apoptosis. Genes controlling VSMCs aberrant switch from contractile to synthetic phenotype were significantly enriched in AAA. Additionally, VSMCs in AAA exhibited cell senescence and impaired oxidative phosphorylation. Similar observations were made in a mouse model of AAA induced by Angiotensin II, further affirming the relevance of our findings to human AAA. The concurrence of gene expression changes between human and mouse highlighted the impairment of oxidative phosphorylation as a potential target for intervention. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT, also named VISFATIN) signaling emerged as a signature event in AAA. NAMPT was significantly downregulated in AAA. NAMPT-extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells restored NAMPT levels, and offered protection against AAA. Furthermore, NAMPT-EVs not only repressed injuries, such as cell senescence and DNA damage, but also rescued impairments of oxidative phosphorylation in both mouse and human AAA models, suggesting NAMPT supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for AAA treatment. These findings shed light on the cellular heterogeneity and injuries in AAA, and offered promising therapeutic intervention for AAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ouyang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies , The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Yimei Hong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Cong Mai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Hangzhen Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
- Global Health Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zicong Wu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Extracellular Vesicle Research and Clinical Translational Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Weiyue Zeng
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Extracellular Vesicle Research and Clinical Translational Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Baojuan Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Qingling Fu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Extracellular Vesicle Research and Clinical Translational Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Xiaojia Huang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Juli Liu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510006, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
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22
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Gibson Hughes TA, Dona MSI, Sobey CG, Pinto AR, Drummond GR, Vinh A, Jelinic M. Aortic Cellular Heterogeneity in Health and Disease: Novel Insights Into Aortic Diseases From Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomic Data Sets. Hypertension 2024; 81:738-751. [PMID: 38318714 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.20597] [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: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Aortic diseases such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, and aortic stiffening are significant complications that can have significant impact on end-stage cardiovascular disease. With limited pharmacological therapeutic strategies that target the structural changes in the aorta, surgical intervention remains the only option for some patients with these diseases. Although there have been significant contributions to our understanding of the cellular architecture of the diseased aorta, particularly in the context of atherosclerosis, furthering our insight into the cellular drivers of disease is required. The major cell types of the aorta are well defined; however, the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing provides unrivaled insights into the cellular heterogeneity of each aortic cell type and the inferred biological processes associated with each cell in health and disease. This review discusses previous concepts that have now been enhanced with recent advances made by single-cell RNA sequencing with a focus on aortic cellular heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayla A Gibson Hughes
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
| | - Malathi S I Dona
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (M.S.I.D., A.R.P.)
| | - Christopher G Sobey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
| | - Alexander R Pinto
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (M.S.I.D., A.R.P.)
| | - Grant R Drummond
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
| | - Antony Vinh
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
| | - Maria Jelinic
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia (T.A.G.H., C.G.S., A.R.P., G.R.D., A.V., M.J.)
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23
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Hu X, Zhang Z, Long L, Gu M, Chen W, Pan B, Wu X, Wang C, Li C, Zheng L, Sheng P. Deconvolution of synovial myeloid cell subsets across pathotypes and role of COL3A1+ macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis remission. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1307748. [PMID: 38601143 PMCID: PMC11005452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1307748] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Monocyte/macrophage (Mo/Mp) is a critical cell population involved in immune modulation of rheumatoid synovitis (RA) across different pathotypes. This study aims to investigate the contribution of Mo/Mp clusters to RA activity, and the biological function of particular subtypes in RA remission. Methods We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from 4 published and 1 in-house studies using Liger selected by comparison. We estimated the abundance of Mo/Mp subtypes in bulk RNA-seq data from the 81 patients of the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort (PEAC) using deconvolution analysis. Correlations between Mo/Mp subtypes and RA clinical metrics were assessed. A particular cell type was identified using multicolor immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in vivo and successfully induced from a cell line in vitro. Potential immune modulation function of it was performed using immunohistochemical staining, adhesion assay, and RT-qPCR. Results We identified 8 Mo/Mp clusters. As a particular subtype among them, COL3A1+ Mp (CD68+, COL3A1+, ACTA2-) enriched in myeloid pathotype and negatively correlated with RA severity metrics in all pathotypes. Flow cytometry and multicolor immunofluorescence evidenced the enrichment and M2-like phenotype of COL3A1+ Mp in the myeloid pathotype. Further assays suggested that COL3A1+ Mp potentially attenuates RA severity via expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing Mp adhesion, and forming a physical barrier at the synovial lining. Conclusion This study reported unexplored associations between different pathologies and myeloid cell subtypes. We also identified a fibroblast-and-M2-like cluster named COL3A1+ Mp, which potentially contributes to synovial immune homeostasis. Targeting the development of COL3A1+ Mp may hold promise for inducing RA remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuantao Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziji Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingli Long
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghu Gu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weishen Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiqi Pan
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengxin Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linli Zheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Puyi Sheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Chen M, Yang D, Zhou Y, Yang C, Lin W, Li J, Liu J, Ye J, Huang W, Ma W, Li W, Chen J, Zhang Y, Shi GP, Luo J, Li J, Luo S. Colchicine Blocks Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development by Maintaining Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Homeostasis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2092-2110. [PMID: 38617538 PMCID: PMC11008260 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.93544] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of non-surgical treatment of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has clinical significance. Colchicine emerges as an effective therapeutic regimen in cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether colchicine slows AAA growth remain controversy. Here, we demonstrated that daily intragastric administration of low-dose colchicine blocked AAA formation, prevented vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype switching and apoptosis, and vascular inflammation in both peri-aortic CaPO4 injury and subcutaneous angiotensin-II infusion induced experimental AAA mice models. Mechanistically, colchicine increased global mRNA stability by inhibiting the METTL14/YTHDC1-mediated m6A modification, resulting in increased sclerostin (SOST) expression and consequent inactivation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in vascular SMCs from mouse AAA lesions and in cultured human aortic SMCs. Moreover, human and mouse AAA lesions all showed increased m6A methylation, decreased SOST expression, and skewed synthetic SMC de-differentiation phenotype, compared to those without AAA. This study uncovers a novel mechanism of colchicine in slowing AAA development by using the METTL14/SOST/WNT/β-catenin axis to control vascular SMC homeostasis in mouse aortic vessels and in human aortic SMCs. Therefore, use of colchicine may benefit AAA patients in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dafeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangzhao Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chongzhe Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jitao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Zhuhai Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiyan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Ping Shi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jianfang Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Geriatrics, National Key Clinic Specialty, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songyuan Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Ganzhou Hospital of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Ganzhou Municipal Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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25
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Liu B, Yang H, Song YS, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Thrombospondin-1 in vascular development, vascular function, and vascular disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:32-44. [PMID: 37507331 PMCID: PMC10811293 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is vital to developmental, regenerative and repair processes. It is normally regulated by a balanced production of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. Alterations in this balance under pathological conditions are generally mediated through up-regulation of pro-angiogenic and/or downregulation of anti-angiogenic factors, leading to growth of new and abnormal blood vessels. The pathological manifestation of many diseases including cancer, ocular and vascular diseases are dependent on the growth of these new and abnormal blood vessels. Thrompospondin-1 (TSP1) was the first endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor identified and its anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities have been the subject of many studies. Studies examining the role TSP1 plays in pathogenesis of various ocular diseases and vascular dysfunctions are limited. Here we will discuss the recent studies focused on delineating the role TSP1 plays in ocular vascular development and homeostasis, and pathophysiology of various ocular and vascular diseases with a significant clinical relevance to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Wang K, Zhou Z, Huang L, Kan Q, Wang Z, Wu W, Yao C. PINK1 dominated mitochondria associated genes signature predicts abdominal aortic aneurysm with metabolic syndrome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166919. [PMID: 38251428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166919] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is typically asymptomatic but a devastating cardiovascular disorder, with overall mortality exceeding 80 % once it ruptures. Some patients with AAA may also have comorbid metabolic syndrome (MS), suggesting a potential common underlying pathogenesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported as a key factor contributing to the deterioration of both AAA and MS. However, the intricate interplay between metabolism and mitochondrial function, both contributing to the development of AAA, has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we identified candidate genes related to mitochondrial function in AAA and MS. Subsequently, we developed a nomoscore model comprising hub genes (PINK1, ACSL1, CYP27A1, and SLC25A11), identified through the application of two machine learning algorithms, to predict AAA. We observed a marked disparity in immune infiltration profiles between high- and low-nomoscore groups. Furthermore, we confirmed a significant upregulation of the expression of the four hub genes in AAA tissues. Among these, ACSL1 showed relatively higher expression in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cell lines, while CYP27A1 exhibited a notable decrease. Moreover, SLC25A11 displayed a significant upregulation in AngII-treated VSMCs. Conversely, the expression level of PINK1 declined in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell lines but significantly increased in AngII-treated VSMCs. In vivo experiments revealed that the activation of PINK1-mediated mitophagy inhibited the development of AAA in mice. In this current study, we have innovatively identified four mitochondrial function-related genes through integrated bioinformatic analysis. This discovery sheds light on the regulatory mechanisms and unveils promising therapeutic targets for the comorbidity of AAA and MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjie Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhihao Zhou
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qinghui Kan
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhecun Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Weibin Wu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Chen Yao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510800, China; National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Raghavan A, Pirruccello JP, Ellinor PT, Lindsay ME. Using Genomics to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets for Aortic Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:334-351. [PMID: 38095107 PMCID: PMC10843699 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318771] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Aortic disease, including dissection, aneurysm, and rupture, carries significant morbidity and mortality and is a notable cause of sudden cardiac death. Much of our knowledge regarding the genetic basis of aortic disease has relied on the study of individuals with Mendelian aortopathies and, until recently, the genetic determinants of population-level variance in aortic phenotypes remained unclear. However, the application of machine learning methodologies to large imaging datasets has enabled researchers to rapidly define aortic traits and mine dozens of novel genetic associations for phenotypes such as aortic diameter and distensibility. In this review, we highlight the emerging potential of genomics for identifying causal genes and candidate drug targets for aortic disease. We describe how deep learning technologies have accelerated the pace of genetic discovery in this field. We then provide a blueprint for translating genetic associations to biological insights, reviewing techniques for locus and cell type prioritization, high-throughput functional screening, and disease modeling using cellular and animal models of aortic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avanthi Raghavan
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James P. Pirruccello
- Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark E. Lindsay
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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28
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Adelus ML, Ding J, Tran BT, Conklin AC, Golebiewski AK, Stolze LK, Whalen MB, Cusanovich DA, Romanoski CE. Single cell 'omic profiles of human aortic endothelial cells in vitro and human atherosclerotic lesions ex vivo reveals heterogeneity of endothelial subtype and response to activating perturbations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.03.535495. [PMID: 37066416 PMCID: PMC10104082 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective Endothelial cells (ECs), macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are major cell types in atherosclerosis progression, and heterogeneity in EC sub-phenotypes are becoming increasingly appreciated. Still, studies quantifying EC heterogeneity across whole transcriptomes and epigenomes in both in vitro and in vivo models are lacking. Approach and Results To create an in vitro dataset to study human EC heterogeneity, multiomic profiling concurrently measuring transcriptomes and accessible chromatin in the same single cells was performed on six distinct primary cultures of human aortic ECs (HAECs). To model pro-inflammatory and activating environments characteristic of the atherosclerotic microenvironment in vitro, HAECs from at least three donors were exposed to three distinct perturbations with their respective controls: transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFB2), interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), and siRNA-mediated knock-down of the endothelial transcription factor ERG (siERG). To form a comprehensive in vivo/ex vivo dataset of human atherosclerotic cell types, meta-analysis of single cell transcriptomes across 17 human arterial specimens was performed. Two computational approaches quantitatively evaluated the similarity in molecular profiles between heterogeneous in vitro and in vivo cell profiles. HAEC cultures were reproducibly populated by 4 major clusters with distinct pathway enrichment profiles: EC1-angiogenic, EC2-proliferative, EC3-activated/mesenchymal-like, and EC4-mesenchymal. Exposure to siERG, IL1B or TGFB2 elicited mostly distinct transcriptional and accessible chromatin responses. EC1 and EC2, the most canonically 'healthy' EC populations, were affected predominantly by siERG; the activated cluster EC3 was most responsive to IL1B; and the mesenchymal population EC4 was most affected by TGFB2. Quantitative comparisons between in vitro and in vivo transcriptomes confirmed EC1 and EC2 as most canonically EC-like, and EC4 as most mesenchymal with minimal effects elicited by siERG and IL1B. Lastly, accessible chromatin regions unique to EC2 and EC4 were most enriched for coronary artery disease (CAD)-associated SNPs from GWAS, suggesting these cell phenotypes harbor CAD-modulating mechanisms. Conclusion Primary EC cultures contain markedly heterogeneous cell subtypes defined by their molecular profiles. Surprisingly, the perturbations used here, which have been reported by others to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as well as induce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), only modestly shifted cells between subpopulations, suggesting relatively stable molecular phenotypes in culture. Identifying consistently heterogeneous EC subpopulations between in vitro and in vivo models should pave the way for improving in vitro systems while enabling the mechanisms governing heterogeneous cell state decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L. Adelus
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- The Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jiacheng Ding
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Binh T. Tran
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Austin C. Conklin
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Anna K. Golebiewski
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Lindsey K. Stolze
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Michael B. Whalen
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Darren A. Cusanovich
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Casey E. Romanoski
- The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- The Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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Liu H, Zhao Y, Zhao G, Deng Y, Chen YE, Zhang J. SWI/SNF Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Implications in Cardiovascular Pathologies. Cells 2024; 13:168. [PMID: 38247859 PMCID: PMC10814623 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020168] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit a remarkable degree of plasticity, a characteristic that has intrigued cardiovascular researchers for decades. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that the chromatin remodeler SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex plays a pivotal role in orchestrating chromatin conformation, which is critical for gene regulation. In this review, we provide a summary of research related to the involvement of the SWI/SNF complexes in VSMC and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), integrating these discoveries into the current landscape of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in VSMC. These novel discoveries shed light on our understanding of VSMC biology and pave the way for developing innovative therapeutic strategies in CVD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjie Deng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
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Fu M, Hua X, Shu S, Xu X, Zhang H, Peng Z, Mo H, Liu Y, Chen X, Yang Y, Zhang N, Wang X, Liu Z, Yue G, Hu S, Song J. Single-cell RNA sequencing in donor and end-stage heart failure patients identifies NLRP3 as a therapeutic target for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. BMC Med 2024; 22:11. [PMID: 38185631 PMCID: PMC10773142 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03232-8] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dilation may be the first right ventricular change and accelerates the progression of threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias and heart failure for patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), but the treatment for right ventricular dilation remains limited. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of blood and biventricular myocardium from 8 study participants was performed, including 6 end-stage heart failure patients with ARVC and 2 normal controls. ScRNA-seq data was then deeply analyzed, including cluster annotation, cellular proportion calculation, and characterization of cellular developmental trajectories and interactions. An integrative analysis of our single-cell data and published genome-wide association study-based data provided insights into the cell-specific contributions to the cardiac arrhythmia phenotype of ARVC. Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2)mut/mut mice were used as the ARVC model to verify the therapeutic effects of pharmacological intervention on identified cellular cluster. RESULTS Right ventricle of ARVC was enriched of CCL3+ proinflammatory macrophages and TNMD+ fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were preferentially affected in ARVC and perturbations associated with ARVC overlap with those reside in genetic variants associated with cardiac arrhythmia. Proinflammatory macrophages strongly interact with fibroblast. Pharmacological inhibition of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), a transcriptional factor predominantly expressed by the CCL3+ proinflammatory macrophages and several other myeloid subclusters, could significantly alleviate right ventricular dilation and dysfunction in Dsg2mut/mut mice (an ARVC mouse model). CONCLUSIONS This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the lineage-specific changes in the blood and myocardium from ARVC patients at a single-cell resolution. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 could prevent right ventricular dilation and dysfunction of mice with ARVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxia Fu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
- Galactophore Department, Galactophore Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumeng Hua
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Songren Shu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Xinjie Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Zhiming Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Han Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yanyun Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Zirui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Guangxin Yue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Shengshou Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China.
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China.
| | - Jiangping Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preclinical Research and Evaluation for Cardiovascular Implant Materials, Animal Experimental Centre, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 10037, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China.
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China.
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Du P, Hou Y, Su C, Gao J, Yang Y, Zhang J, Cui X, Tang J. The future for the therapeutics of abdominal aortic aneurysm: engineered nanoparticles drug delivery for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1324406. [PMID: 38249799 PMCID: PMC10796665 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1324406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease with a high mortality rate. Several screening and diagnostic methods have been developed for AAA early diagnosis. Open surgery and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) are clinically available for patients who meet the indications for surgery. However, for non-surgical patients, limited drugs exist to inhibit or reverse the progression of aneurysms due to the complex pathogenesis and biological structure of AAA, failing to accumulate precisely on the lesion to achieve sufficient concentrations. The recently developed nanotechnology offers a new strategy to address this problem by developing drug-carrying nanoparticles with enhanced water solubility and targeting capacity, prolonged duration, and reduced side effects. Despite the rising popularity, limited literature is available to highlight the progression of the field. Herein, in this review, we first discuss the pathogenesis of AAA, the methods of diagnosis and treatment that have been applied clinically, followed by the review of research progressions of constructing different drug-loaded nanoparticles for AAA treatment using engineered nanoparticles. In addition, the feasibility of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and EVs-based nanotechnology for AAA treatment in recent years are highlighted, together with the future perspective. We hope this review will provide a clear picture for the scientists and clinicians to find a new solution for AAA clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchong Du
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yachen Hou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chang Su
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Gao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Cui
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junnan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, China
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Song S, Wang J, Jin C, Jia L, Ma Y, Yuan T, Cai Z, Xiang M. IRF5 governs macrophage adventitial infiltration to fuel abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e171488. [PMID: 38175709 PMCID: PMC11143966 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171488] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the expansion of the aortic wall. One of the most significant features is the infiltration of macrophages in the adventitia, which drives vasculature remodeling. The role of macrophage-derived interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in macrophage infiltration and AAA formation remains unknown. RNA sequencing of AAA adventitia identified Irf5 as the top significantly increased transcription factor that is predominantly expressed in macrophages. Global and myeloid cell-specific deficiency of Irf5 reduced AAA progression, with a marked reduction in macrophage infiltration. Further cellular investigations indicated that IRF5 promotes macrophage migration by direct regulation of downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ, Pik3cg). Pik3cg ablation hindered AAA progression, and myeloid cell-specific salvage of Pik3cg restored AAA progression and macrophage infiltration derived from Irf5 deficiency. Finally, we found that IRF5 and PI3Kγ expression in the adventitia is significantly increased in patients with AAA. These findings reveal that the IRF5-dependent regulation of PI3Kγ is essential for AAA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shen Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Chunna Jin
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Liangliang Jia
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Yuankun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Tan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Zhejun Cai
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Meixiang Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, and
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33
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Cho MJ, Lee MR, Park JG. Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2519-2530. [PMID: 38036736 PMCID: PMC10766996 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01130-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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a chronic disease characterized by localized expansion of the aorta, including the ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. Although aortic aneurysms are generally asymptomatic, they can threaten human health by sudden death due to aortic rupture. Aortic aneurysms are estimated to lead to 150,000 ~ 200,000 deaths per year worldwide. Currently, there are no effective drugs to prevent the growth or rupture of aortic aneurysms; surgical repair or endovascular repair is the only option for treating this condition. The pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets for aortic aneurysms have been examined over the past decade; however, there are unknown pathogenic mechanisms involved in cellular heterogeneity and plasticity, the complexity of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, inflammation, cell death, intramural neovascularization, and intercellular communication. This review summarizes the latest research findings and current pathogenic mechanisms of aortic aneurysms, which may enhance our understanding of aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Cho
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ran Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Jungwon University, 85 Munmu-ro, Goesan-eup, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, 28024, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Gil Park
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Bioscience, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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34
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Mizrak D, Zhao Y, Feng H, Macaulay J, Tang Y, Sultan Z, Zhao G, Guo Y, Zhang J, Yang B, Eugene Chen Y. Single-Molecule Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Uncovers Calcification-Related CARTPT-Expressing Smooth Muscle Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2285-2297. [PMID: 37823268 PMCID: PMC10842613 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although single-cell RNA-sequencing is commonly applied to dissect the heterogeneity in human tissues, it involves the preparation of single-cell suspensions via cell dissociation, causing loss of spatial information. In this study, we employed high-resolution single-cell transcriptome imaging to reveal rare smooth muscle cell (SMC) types in human thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) tissue samples. METHODS Single-molecule spatial distribution of transcripts from 140 genes was analyzed in fresh-frozen human TAA samples with region and sex-matched controls. In vitro studies and tissue staining were performed to examine human CART prepropeptide (CARTPT) regulation and function. RESULTS We captured thousands of cells per sample including a spatially distinct CARTPT-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male TAA samples. Immunoassays confirmed human CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) protein enrichment in male TAA tissue and truncated CARTPT secretion into cell culture medium. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a cardiovascular risk factor, induced CARTPT expression, whereas CARTPT overexpression in human aortic SMCs increased the expression of key osteochondrogenic transcription factors and reduced contractile gene expression. Recombinant human CART treatment of human SMCs further confirmed this phenotype. Alizarin red staining revealed calcium deposition in male TAA samples showing similar localization with human CART staining. CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of single-molecule imaging in uncovering rare SMC subtypes in the diseased human aorta, a difficult tissue to dissociate. We identified a spatially distinct CARTPT-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male human TAA samples. Our functional studies suggest that human CART promotes osteochondrogenic switch of aortic SMCs, potentially leading to medial calcification of the thoracic aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dogukan Mizrak
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jane Macaulay
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zain Sultan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Scipione CA, Hyduk SJ, Polenz CK, Cybulsky MI. Unveiling the Hidden Landscape of Arterial Diseases at Single-Cell Resolution. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:1781-1794. [PMID: 37716639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High-resolution single-cell technologies have shed light on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases by enabling the discovery of novel cellular and transcriptomic signatures associated with various conditions, and uncovering new contributions of inflammatory processes, immunity, metabolic stress, and risk factors. We review the information obtained from studies using single-cell technologies in tissues with atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Insights are provided on the biology of endothelial, smooth muscle, and immune cells in the arterial intima and media. In addition to cellular diversity, numerous examples of plasticity and phenotype switching are highlighted and presented in the context of normal cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Scipione
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sharon J Hyduk
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chanele K Polenz
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myron I Cybulsky
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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He H, Zeng B, Wu X, Hou J, Wang Y, Wang Y, Lin Y, Wu P, Zheng C, Yin H, Wang N. Higher matrix stiffness promotes VSMC senescence by affecting mitochondria-ER contact sites and mitochondria/ER dysfunction. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23318. [PMID: 37997545 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301198rr] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a prevalent condition characterized by the weakening and bulging of the abdominal aorta. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a stiff matrix on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in AAA development. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in VSMCs of an AAA mouse model were enriched in cellular senescence and related pathways. To simulate aging-related changes, VSMCs were cultured on stiff matrices, and compared to those on soft matrices, the VSMCs cultured on stiff matrices exhibited cellular senescence. Furthermore, the mutual distance between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in VSMCs was increased, indicating altered mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs). The observed upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant gene expression, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential suggested the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction in VSMCs cultured on a stiff matrix. Additionally, the induction of ER stress-related genes indicated ER dysfunction. These findings collectively indicated impaired functionality of both mitochondria and ER in VSMCs cultured on a stiff matrix. Moreover, our data revealed that high lipid levels exacerbated the effects of high matrix stiffness on VSMCs senescence, MERC sites, and mitochondria/ER dysfunction. Importantly, treatment with the antilipemic agent CI-981 effectively reversed these detrimental effects. These findings provide insights into the role of matrix stiffness, mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, and lipid metabolism in AAA development, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baozhu Zeng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinxiang Wu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianfeng Hou
- Department of Joint and Trauma Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yannan Wang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanheng Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Lin
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Wu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changyu Zheng
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Henghui Yin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Elster C, Ommer-Bläsius M, Lang A, Vajen T, Pfeiler S, Feige M, Yau Pang T, Böttenberg M, Verheyen S, Lê Quý K, Chernigovskaya M, Kelm M, Winkels H, Schmidt SV, Greiff V, Gerdes N. Application and challenges of TCR and BCR sequencing to investigate T- and B-cell clonality in elastase-induced experimental murine abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1221620. [PMID: 38034381 PMCID: PMC10686233 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1221620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Although its pathogenesis is still poorly understood, recent evidence suggests that AAA displays autoimmune disease characteristics. Particularly, T cells responding to AAA-related antigens in the aortic wall may contribute to an initial immune response. Single-cell RNA (scRNA) T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing is a powerful tool for investigating clonality. However, difficulties such as limited numbers of isolated cells must be considered during implementation and data analysis, making biological interpretation challenging. Here, we perform a representative single-cell immune repertoire analysis in experimental murine AAA and show a reliable bioinformatic processing pipeline highlighting opportunities and limitations of this approach. Methods We performed scRNA TCR and BCR sequencing of isolated lymphocytes from the infrarenal aorta of male C57BL/6J mice 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after AAA induction via elastase perfusion of the aorta. Sham-operated mice at days 3 and 28 and non-operated mice served as controls. Results Comparison of complementarity-determining region (CDR3) length distribution of 179 B cells and 796 T cells revealed neither differences between AAA and control nor between the disease stages. We found no clonal expansion of B cells in AAA. For T cells, we identified several clones in 11 of 16 AAA samples and one of eight control samples. Immune receptor repertoire comparison indicated that only a few clones were shared between the individual AAA samples. The most frequently used V-genes in the TCR beta chain in AAA were TRBV3, TRBV19, and the splicing variant TRBV12-2 + TRBV13-2. Conclusion We found no clonal expansion of B cells but evidence for clonal expansion of T cells in elastase-induced AAA in mice. Our findings imply that a more precise characterization of TCR and BCR distribution requires a more extensive number of lymphocytes to prevent undersampling and potentially detect rare clones. Thus, further experiments are necessary to confirm our findings. In summary, this paper examines TCR and BCR sequencing results, identifies limitations and pitfalls, and offers guidance for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Elster
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Miriam Ommer-Bläsius
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Vajen
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Pfeiler
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Milena Feige
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tin Yau Pang
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Biology, Institute for Computer Science, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marius Böttenberg
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Verheyen
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Khang Lê Quý
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Chernigovskaya
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malte Kelm
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Winkels
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne V. Schmidt
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Gunasena M, Alles M, Wijewantha Y, Mulhern W, Bowman E, Gabriel J, Kettelhut A, Kumar A, Weragalaarachchi K, Kasturiratna D, Horowitz JC, Scrape S, Pannu SR, Liu SL, Vilgelm A, Wijeratne S, Bednash JS, Demberg T, Funderburg NT, Liyanage NPM. Synergistic Role of NK Cells and Monocytes in Promoting Atherogenesis in Severe COVID-19 Patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.10.23298322. [PMID: 37986806 PMCID: PMC10659469 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.23298322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Clinical data demonstrate an increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) following severe COVID-19 infection. This may be driven by a dysregulated immune response associated with severe disease. Monocytes and vascular tissue resident macrophages play a critical role in atherosclerosis, the main pathology leading to ischemic CVD. Natural killer (NK) cells are a heterogenous group of cells that are critical during viral pathogenesis and are known to be dysregulated during severe COVID-19 infection. Their role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has recently been described. However, the contribution of their altered phenotypes to atherogenesis following severe COVID-19 infection is unknown. We demonstrate for the first time that during and after severe COVID-19, circulating proinflammatory monocytes and activated NK cells act synergistically to increase uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) into vascular tissue with subsequent foam cell generation leading to atherogenesis despite recovery from acute infection. Our data provide new insights, revealing the roles of monocytes/macrophages, and NK cells in COVID-19-related atherogenesis.
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Fu M, Shu S, Peng Z, Liu X, Chen X, Zeng Z, Yang Y, Cui H, Zhao R, Wang X, Du L, Wu M, Feng W, Song J. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Coronary Perivascular Adipose Tissue From End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Identifies SPP1+ Macrophage Subpopulation as a Target for Alleviating Fibrosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2143-2164. [PMID: 37706320 PMCID: PMC10597444 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319828] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is vital for vascular homeostasis, and PVAT dysfunction is associated with increased atherosclerotic plaque burden. But the mechanisms underlining coronary PVAT dysfunction in coronary atherosclerosis remain elusive. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of the stromal vascular fraction of coronary PVAT from 3 groups of heart transplant recipients with end-stage heart failure, including 3 patients with nonobstructive coronary atherosclerosis, 3 patients with obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis, and 4 nonatherosclerosis control subjects. Bioinformatics was used to annotate the cellular populations, depict the cellular developmental trajectories and interactions, and explore the differences among 3 groups of coronary PVAT at the cellular and molecular levels. Pathological staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and in vitro studies were performed to validate the key findings. RESULTS Ten cell types were identified among 67 936 cells from human coronary PVAT. Several cellular subpopulations, including SPP1+ (secreted phosphoprotein 1) macrophages and profibrotic fibroadipogenic progenitor cells, were accumulated in PVAT surrounding atherosclerotic coronary arteries compared with nonatherosclerosis coronary arteries. The fibrosis percentage was increased in PVAT surrounding atherosclerotic coronary arteries, and it was positively associated with the grade of coronary artery stenosis. Cellular interaction analysis suggested OPN (osteopontin) secreted by SPP1+ macrophages interacted with CD44 (cluster of differentiation 44)/integrin on fibroadipogenic progenitor cells. Strikingly, correlation analyses uncovered that higher level of SPP1 in PVAT correlates with a more severe fibrosis degree and a higher coronary stenosis grade. In vitro studies showed that conditioned medium from atherosclerotic coronary PVAT promoted the migration and proliferation of fibroadipogenic progenitor cells, while such effect was prevented by blocking CD44 or integrin. CONCLUSIONS SPP1+ macrophages accumulated in the PVAT surrounding atherosclerotic coronary arteries, and they promoted the migration and proliferation of fibroadipogenic progenitor cells via OPN-CD44/integrin interaction and thus aggravated the fibrosis of coronary PVAT, which was positively correlated to the coronary stenosis burden. Therefore, SPP1+ macrophages in coronary PVAT may participate in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxia Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Galactophore Department, Galactophore Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital (M.F., M.W.), Capital Medical University, China
| | - Songren Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Zhiming Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Z.P.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Zhiwei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Ruojin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
| | - Leilei Du
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital (L.D.), Capital Medical University, China
| | - Min Wu
- Galactophore Department, Galactophore Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital (M.F., M.W.), Capital Medical University, China
| | - Wei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (M.F., S.S., X.L., X.C., Z.Z., Y.Y., H.C., R.Z., X.W., W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (W.F., J.S.), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Cardiomyopathy Research Group at Fuwai Hospital, China (S.S., X.L., X.C., H.C., R.Z., X.W., J.S.)
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China (J.S.)
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Zhao Y, Liu Y, Zhao G, Lu H, Liu Y, Xue C, Chang Z, Liu H, Deng Y, Liang W, Wang H, Rom O, Garcia-Barrio MT, Zhu T, Guo Y, Chang L, Lin J, Chen YE, Zhang J. Myeloid BAF60a deficiency alters metabolic homeostasis and exacerbates atherosclerosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113171. [PMID: 37768825 PMCID: PMC10842557 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113171] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a leading health concern, stems from the dynamic involvement of immune cells in vascular plaques. Despite its significance, the interplay between chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation in plaque macrophages is understudied. We discovered the reduced expression of Baf60a, a component of the switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, in macrophages from advanced plaques. Myeloid-specific Baf60a deletion compromised mitochondrial integrity and heightened adhesion, apoptosis, and plaque development. BAF60a preserves mitochondrial energy homeostasis under pro-atherogenic stimuli by retaining nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) accessibility at critical genes. Overexpression of BAF60a rescued mitochondrial dysfunction in an NRF1-dependent manner. This study illuminates the BAF60a-NRF1 axis as a mitochondrial function modulator in atherosclerosis, proposing the rejuvenation of perturbed chromatin remodeling machinery as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuhao Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yaozhong Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chao Xue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ziyi Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yongjie Deng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wenying Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Huilun Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Minerva T Garcia-Barrio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tianqing Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiandie Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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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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Yodsanit N, Shirasu T, Huang Y, Yin L, Islam ZH, Gregg AC, Riccio AM, Tang R, Kent EW, Wang Y, Xie R, Zhao Y, Ye M, Zhu J, Huang Y, Hoyt N, Zhang M, Hossack JA, Salmon M, Kent KC, Guo LW, Gong S, Wang B. Targeted PERK inhibition with biomimetic nanoclusters confers preventative and interventional benefits to elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms. Bioact Mater 2023; 26:52-63. [PMID: 36875050 PMCID: PMC9975632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive aortic dilatation, causing ∼80% mortality upon rupture. Currently, there is no approved drug therapy for AAA. Surgical repairs are invasive and risky and thus not recommended to patients with small AAAs which, however, account for ∼90% of the newly diagnosed cases. It is therefore a compelling unmet clinical need to discover effective non-invasive strategies to prevent or slow down AAA progression. We contend that the first AAA drug therapy will only arise through discoveries of both effective drug targets and innovative delivery methods. There is substantial evidence that degenerative smooth muscle cells (SMCs) orchestrate AAA pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we made an exciting finding that PERK, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress Protein Kinase R-like ER Kinase, is a potent driver of SMC degeneration and hence a potential therapeutic target. Indeed, local knockdown of PERK in elastase-challenged aorta significantly attenuated AAA lesions in vivo. In parallel, we also conceived a biomimetic nanocluster (NC) design uniquely tailored to AAA-targeting drug delivery. This NC demonstrated excellent AAA homing via a platelet-derived biomembrane coating; and when loaded with a selective PERK inhibitor (PERKi, GSK2656157), the NC therapy conferred remarkable benefits in both preventing aneurysm development and halting the progression of pre-existing aneurysmal lesions in two distinct rodent models of AAA. In summary, our current study not only establishes a new intervention target for mitigating SMC degeneration and aneurysmal pathogenesis, but also provides a powerful tool to facilitate the development of effective drug therapy of AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisakorn Yodsanit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Takuro Shirasu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yitao Huang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BIMS), School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Zain Husain Islam
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | | | - Alessandra Marie Riccio
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Runze Tang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Eric William Kent
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yuyuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Ruosen Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Mingzhou Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Jingcheng Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Nicholas Hoyt
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Mengxue Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - John A. Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Morgan Salmon
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - K. Craig Kent
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Bowen Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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Hu Y, Cai Z, He B. Smooth Muscle Heterogeneity and Plasticity in Health and Aortic Aneurysmal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11701. [PMID: 37511460 PMCID: PMC10380637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the medial layer of the aorta, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of aortic wall integrity. VSMCs have been suggested to have contractile and synthetic phenotypes and undergo phenotypic switching to contribute to the deteriorating aortic wall structure. Recently, the unprecedented heterogeneity and diversity of VSMCs and their complex relationship to aortic aneurysms (AAs) have been revealed by high-resolution research methods, such as lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing. The aortic wall consists of VSMCs from different embryonic origins that respond unevenly to genetic defects that directly or indirectly regulate VSMC contractile phenotype. This difference predisposes to hereditary AAs in the aortic root and ascending aorta. Several VSMC phenotypes with different functions, for example, secreting VSMCs, proliferative VSMCs, mesenchymal stem cell-like VSMCs, immune-related VSMCs, proinflammatory VSMCs, senescent VSMCs, and stressed VSMCs are identified in non-hereditary AAs. The transformation of VSMCs into different phenotypes is an adaptive response to deleterious stimuli but can also trigger pathological remodeling that exacerbates the pathogenesis and development of AAs. This review is intended to contribute to the understanding of VSMC diversity in health and aneurysmal diseases. Papers that give an update on VSMC phenotype diversity in health and aneurysmal disease are summarized and recent insights on the role of VSMCs in AAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwen Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhaohua Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ben He
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
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Cai C, Weng Y, Wang X, Wu Y, Li Y, Wang P, Zeng C, Yang Z, Jia B, Tang L, Chen L. Single-cell RNA landscape of cell heterogeneity and immune microenvironment in ligation-induced vascular remodeling in rat. Atherosclerosis 2023; 377:1-11. [PMID: 37343431 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular remodeling is a common pathological basis for cardiovascular diseases. Although both immune and non-immune cells have been suggested to contribute to this process, the complex cellular heterogeneity and intercellular interactions remain largely uncharacterized. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we simulated early and late vascular remodeling by ligating the rat carotid artery for 1 week and 4 weeks, respectively. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we characterized gene expression signatures and driver signals of major cell types involved in vascular remodeling. Focused analysis revealed a novel sub-population of Selenbp1hi smooth muscle cells (SMCs) associated with vascular remodeling. Results of intercellular communication analyses predicted several ligand-receptor pairs between immune cells with SMCs and endothelial cells (ECs), implicating SMCs apoptosis and repair, ECs aging and inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS We present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of vascular cells in early and late stages of ligated rat carotid artery, providing valuable insights into the understanding of the initiation and progression of vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Heart Medical Center, Fujian Institute of Coronary Heart Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yingzheng Weng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China; Department of Medicine, The Second College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xihao Wang
- Department of Medicine, The Second College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Yonghui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Cardiology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Chunlai Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhouxin Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Bingbing Jia
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Lijiang Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Lianglong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Fujian Heart Medical Center, Fujian Institute of Coronary Heart Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Sukhacheva TV, Penyaeva EV, Soborov MA, Garmanov SV, Rychin SV, Mironenko VA, Serov RA. Morphological Features of the Ascending Aorta Remodeling and Activation of Regeneratory Potential in Intima when Forming Aneurysm. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023:10.1007/s10517-023-05829-8. [PMID: 37336814 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05829-8] [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: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
In patients with an ascending aorta aneurysm, restructuring of all its layers and, first of all, the intima and media was revealed. The thickness of the intima was 79.3±63.1 μm in patients with aortic diameter <55 mm (group Ao<55) and 162.7±177.4 μm (p<0.05) in patients with aortic diameter ⩾55 mm (Ao⩾55 group), the thickness of the aortic media was 1184.0±198.2 and 1144.3±288.4 μm, respectively. In patients of the Ao<55 group, aortic dilatation was accompanied by compensatory thickening of the inner and middle layers of the aorta. In the Ao⩾55 group, thinning of the aortic media, fragmentation of elastic fibers, and its cystic degeneration were revealed. c-kit+ Stem cells were detected in the subendothelium of the thickened intima of the dilated ascending aorta. The appearance of c-kit+ cells correlated with intimal remodeling and its colonization with CD34+ and CD44+ myofibroblast-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Sukhacheva
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - E V Penyaeva
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Soborov
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Garmanov
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Rychin
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V A Mironenko
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - R A Serov
- A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Wang Z, Zhao X, Zhao G, Guo Y, Lu H, Mu W, Zhong J, Garcia-Barrio M, Zhang J, Chen YE, Chang L. PRDM16 deficiency in vascular smooth muscle cells aggravates abdominal aortic aneurysm. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167041. [PMID: 37079380 PMCID: PMC10393233 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is usually asymptomatic until life-threatening complications occur, predominantly involving aortic rupture. Currently, no drug-based treatments are available, primarily due to limited understanding of AAA pathogenesis. The transcriptional regulator PR domain-containing protein 16 (PRDM16) is highly expressed in the aorta, but its functions in the aorta are largely unknown. By RNA-seq analysis, we found that vascular smooth muscle cell-specific (VSMC-specific) Prdm16-knockout (Prdm16SMKO) mice already showed extensive changes in the expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammation in the abdominal aorta under normal housing conditions without any pathological stimuli. Human AAA lesions displayed lower PRDM16 expression. Periadventitial elastase application to the suprarenal region of the abdominal aorta aggravated AAA formation in Prdm16SMKO mice. During AAA development, VSMCs undergo apoptosis because of both intrinsic and environmental changes, including inflammation and ECM remodeling. Prdm16 deficiency promoted inflammation and apoptosis in VSMCs. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is a gelatinase that can degrade various ECMs. We found that ADAM12 is a target of transcriptional repression by PRDM16. Adam12 knockdown reversed VSMC apoptosis induced by Prdm16 deficiency. Our study demonstrated that PRDM16 deficiency in VSMCs promoted ADAM12 expression and aggravates AAA formation, which may provide potential targets for AAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xiangjie Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics, Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Mu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan Zhong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Minerva Garcia-Barrio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Chen G, Ren C, Xiao Y, Wang Y, Yao R, Wang Q, You G, Lu M, Yan S, Zhang X, Zhang J, Yao Y, Zhou H. Time-resolved single-cell transcriptomics reveals the landscape and dynamics of hepatic cells in sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100718. [PMID: 37122356 PMCID: PMC10130477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction often occurs early in sepsis and can exacerbate the pathology by triggering multiple organ dysfunction and increasing lethality. Nevertheless, our understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and dynamic regulation of major nonparenchymal cell lineages remains unclear. Methods Here, single-cell RNA sequencing was used to profile multiple nonparenchymal cell subsets and dissect their crosstalk during sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction in a clinically relevant polymicrobial sepsis model. The transcriptomes of major liver nonparenchymal cells from control and sepsis mice were analysed. The alterations in the endothelial cell and neutrophil subsets that were closely associated with acute liver dysfunction were validated using multiplex immunofluorescence staining. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in sepsis and sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction was explored. Results Our results present the dynamic transcriptomic landscape of major nonparenchymal cells at single-cell resolution. We observed significant alterations and heterogeneity in major hepatic nonparenchymal cell subsets during sepsis. Importantly, we identified endothelial cell (CD31+Sele+Glut1+) and neutrophil (Ly6G+Lta4h+Sort1+) subsets that were closely associated with acute liver dysfunction during sepsis progression. Furthermore, we found that ATF4 inhibition alleviated sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction, prolonging the survival of septic mice. Conclusions These results elucidate the potential mechanisms and subsequent therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction and other liver-related diseases. Impact and Implications Sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction often occurs early in sepsis and can lead to the death of the patient. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction is not yet clear. We identified the major cell types associated with acute liver dysfunction and explored their interactions during sepsis. In addition, we also found that ATF-4 inhibition could be invoked as a potential therapeutic for sepsis-induced acute liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Chen
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Corresponding authors. Addresses: Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Chao Ren
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Fourth Medical Center and Medical Innovation Research Division of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Renqi Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Fourth Medical Center and Medical Innovation Research Division of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoxing You
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzi Lu
- Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoduo Yan
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongming Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Fourth Medical Center and Medical Innovation Research Division of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Fourth Medical Center and Medical Innovation Research Division of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Hong Zhou
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Corresponding authors. Addresses: Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
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Bontekoe J, Liu B. Single-cell RNA sequencing provides novel insights to pathologic pathways in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1172080. [PMID: 37288252 PMCID: PMC10241995 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1172080] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is gaining popularity in the use of single-cell technology and analysis in studying the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). As there are no current pharmacologic therapies for impeding aneurysm growth or preventing AAA rupture, identifying key pathways involved in AAA formation is critical for the development of future therapies. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology provides an unbiased and global view of transcriptomic characteristics within each of the major cell types in aneurysmal tissues. In this brief review, we examine the current literature utilizing scRNA-seq for the analysis of AAA and discuss trends and future utility of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Bontekoe
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bo Liu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cellular and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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Becker LM, Chen SH, Rodor J, de Rooij LPMH, Baker AH, Carmeliet P. Deciphering endothelial heterogeneity in health and disease at single-cell resolution: progress and perspectives. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:6-27. [PMID: 35179567 PMCID: PMC10022871 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) constitute the inner lining of vascular beds in mammals and are crucial for homeostatic regulation of blood vessel physiology, but also play a key role in pathogenesis of many diseases, thereby representing realistic therapeutic targets. However, it has become evident that ECs are heterogeneous, encompassing several subtypes with distinct functions, which makes EC targeting and modulation in diseases challenging. The rise of the new single-cell era has led to an emergence of studies aimed at interrogating transcriptome diversity along the vascular tree, and has revolutionized our understanding of EC heterogeneity from both a physiological and pathophysiological context. Here, we discuss recent landmark studies aimed at teasing apart the heterogeneous nature of ECs. We cover driving (epi)genetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic forces underlying EC heterogeneity in health and disease, as well as current strategies used to combat disease-enriched EC phenotypes, and propose strategies to transcend largely descriptive heterogeneity towards prioritization and functional validation of therapeutically targetable drivers of EC diversity. Lastly, we provide an overview of the most recent advances and hurdles in single EC OMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrew H Baker
- Corresponding authors. Tel: +32 16 32 62 47, E-mail: (P.C.); Tel: +44 (0)131 242 6774, E-mail: (A.H.B.)
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Corresponding authors. Tel: +32 16 32 62 47, E-mail: (P.C.); Tel: +44 (0)131 242 6774, E-mail: (A.H.B.)
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Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Macrophages Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Human Sporadic Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020399. [PMID: 36830768 PMCID: PMC9952989 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play an important role in the progression of sporadic acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). The aim of this study was to characterize the cellular heterogeneity of macrophages in ATAAD tissues by scRNA-seq. Ascending aortic wall tissue from six ATAAD patients and three heart transplant donors was assessed by scRNA-seq and then analyzed and validated by various bioinformatic algorithms and histopathology experiments. The results revealed that the proportion of macrophages in ATAAD tissues (24.51%) was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (13.69%). Among the six macrophage subclusters, pro-inflammatory macrophages accounted for 14.96% of macrophages in the AD group and 0.18% in the normal group. Chemokine- and inflammation-related genes (CCL2, CCL20, S100A8, and S100A9) were expressed more intensively in macrophages in ATAAD tissue than in those in normal tissue. Additionally, intercellular communication analysis and transcription factor analysis indicated the activation of inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix in ATAAD tissue. Finally, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot experiments confirmed the overexpression of macrophage marker genes (CD68 and CD163) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP9 and MMP2) in ATAAD tissue. Collectively, our study provides a preliminary evaluation of the role of macrophages in ATAAD, and the results could aid in the development of therapeutic options in the future.
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