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He Y, Qin XX, Liu MW, Sun W. Morin, a matrix metalloproteinase 9 inhibitor, attenuates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis by downregulating Notch-1 signaling. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:683-695. [PMID: 39572351 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease poses a significant health challenge globally. Recent findings highlight the pivotal role of the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in atherosclerosis. Morin is a bioflavonoid mainly extracted from white mulberry, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study examines whether morin can alleviate atherosclerosis by suppressing EndMT and seeks to elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS We induced an in vitro EndMT model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by stimulating the cells with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (10 ng/mL) for 48 h. The in vivo experiments were performed in an atherosclerosis model using apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice in the intervention group were given morin (50 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. Molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis were assayed to understand the interactions between morin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). RESULTS Morin inhibited the expression of EndMT markers in a dose-dependent manner in TGF-β1-treated HUVECs. Administering 50 μmol/L morin suppressed the upregulation of MMP-9 and Notch-1 signaling in TGF-β1-induced EndMT. Moreover, the overexpression of MMP-9 activated Notch-1 signaling, thereby reversing morin's inhibitory effect on EndMT. In the HFD-induced atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice, morin notably reduced aortic intimal hyperplasia and plaque formation by suppressing EndMT. Furthermore, morin demonstrated a strong binding affinity for MMP-9. CONCLUSION Morin acts as an MMP-9 inhibitor to disrupt EndMT in atherosclerosis by limiting the activation of Notch-1 signaling. This study underscores morin's potential utility in the development of anti-atherosclerotic medication. Please cite this article as: He Y, Qin XX, Liu MW, Sun W. Morin, a matrix metalloproteinase 9 inhibitor, attenuates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis by downregulating Notch-1 Signaling. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(6): 684-696.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan He
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Qin
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Wei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Yu Y, Cai Y, Yang F, Yang Y, Cui Z, Shi D, Bai R. Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in atherosclerosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37727. [PMID: 39309965 PMCID: PMC11416558 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37727] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex pathology process involving intricate interactions among various cells and biological processes. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in normal arteries, and under atherosclerotic stimuli, VSMCs respond to altered blood flow and microenvironment changes by downregulating contractile markers and switching their phenotype. This review overviews the diverse phenotypes of VSMCs, including the canonical contractile VSMCs, synthetic VSMCs, and phenotypes resembling macrophages, foam cells, myofibroblasts, osteoblasts/chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. We summarize their presumed protective and pro-atherosclerotic roles in AS development. Additionally, we underscore the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing VSMC phenotypic switching, encompassing transcriptional regulation, biochemical factors, plaque microenvironment, epigenetics, miRNAs, and the cytoskeleton, emphasizing their significance in AS development. Finally, we outline probable future research directions targeting VSMCs, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for AS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiao Yu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yajie Cai
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Furong Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yankai Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhuorui Cui
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Dazhuo Shi
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Ruina Bai
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
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Pernomian L, Waigi EW, Nguyen V, Mohammed AD, da Costa TJ, Fontes MT, Kubinak JL, Aitken A, Biancardi VC, Sinclair DA, McCarthy CG, Wang Y, Tan W, Wenceslau CF. A Single-Short Partial Reprogramming of the Endothelial Cells decreases Blood Pressure via attenuation of EndMT in Hypertensive Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.20.595057. [PMID: 38826452 PMCID: PMC11142064 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.595057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Small artery remodeling and endothelial dysfunction are hallmarks of hypertension. Growing evidence supports a likely causal association between cardiovascular diseases and the presence of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a cellular transdifferentiation process in which endothelial cells (ECs) partially lose their identity and acquire additional mesenchymal phenotypes. EC reprogramming represents an innovative strategy in regenerative medicine to prevent deleterious effects induced by cardiovascular diseases. Methods Using a partial reprogramming of ECs, via overexpression of Oct-3/4, Sox-2, and Klf-4 (OSK) transcription factors, we aimed to bring ECs back to a youthful phenotype in hypertensive mice. Primary ECs were infected with lentiviral vectors (LV) containing the specific EC marker cadherin 5 (Cdh5) and the fluorescent reporter enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) with empty vector (LVCO) or with OSK (LV-OSK). Confocal microscopy and western blotting analysis were used to confirm the OSK overexpression. Cellular migration, senescence, and apoptosis were evaluated. Human aortic ECs (HAoECs) from male and female normotensive and hypertensive patients were analyzed after OSK or control treatments for their endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels, nitric oxide (NO), and genetic profile. Male and female normotensive (BPN/3J) and hypertensive (BPH/2J) mice were treated with an intravenous (i.v.) injection of LVCO or LV-OSK and evaluated 10 days post-infection. The blood pressure, cardiac function, vascular reactivity of small arteries, in vivo EGFP signal and EndMT inhibition were analyzed. Results OSK overexpression induced partial EC reprogramming in vitro , and these cells showed endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-like features with lower migratory capability. OSK treatment of hypertensive BPH/2J mice normalized blood pressure and resistance arteries hypercontractility, via the attenuation of EndMT and elastin breaks. EGFP signal was detected in vivo in the prefrontal cortex of both BPN/3J and BPH/2J-treated mice, but OSK induced angiogenesis only in male BPN/3J mice. OSK-treated human ECs from hypertensive patients showed high eNOS activation and NO production, with low ROS formation. Single-cell RNA analysis showed that OSK alleviated EC senescence and EndMT, restoring their phenotypes in human ECs from hypertensive patients. Conclusion Overall, these data indicate that OSK treatment and EC reprogramming can decrease blood pressure and reverse hypertension-induced vascular damage.
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Christofidou ED, Tomazou M, Voutouri C, Michael C, Stylianopoulos T, Spyrou GM, Strati K. Oct4 is a gatekeeper of epithelial identity by regulating cytoskeletal organization in skin keratinocytes. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113859. [PMID: 38421873 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113859] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oct4 is a pioneer transcription factor regulating pluripotency. However, it is not well known whether Oct4 has an impact on epidermal cells. We generated OCT4 knockout clonal cell lines using immortalized human skin keratinocytes to identify a functional role for the protein. Here, we report that Oct4-deficient cells transitioned into a mesenchymal-like phenotype with enlarged size and shape, exhibited accelerated migratory behavior, decreased adhesion, and appeared arrested at the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint. Oct4 absence had a profound impact on cortical actin organization, with loss of microfilaments from the cell membrane, increased puncta deposition in the cytoplasm, and stress fiber formation. E-cadherin, β-catenin, and ZO1 were almost absent from cell-cell contacts, while fibronectin deposition was markedly increased in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Mapping of the transcriptional and chromatin profiles of Oct4-deficient cells revealed that Oct4 controls the levels of cytoskeletal, ECM, and differentiation-related genes, whereas epithelial identity is preserved through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marios Tomazou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Christina Michael
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus.
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Lin A, Ramaswamy Y, Misra A. Developmental heterogeneity of vascular cells: Insights into cellular plasticity in atherosclerosis? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:3-15. [PMID: 37316416 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.06.002] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and macrophages display remarkable heterogeneity within the healthy vasculature and under pathological conditions. During development, these cells arise from numerous embryological origins, which confound with different microenvironments to generate postnatal vascular cell diversity. In the atherosclerotic plaque milieu, all these cell types exhibit astonishing plasticity, generating a variety of plaque burdening or plaque stabilizing phenotypes. And yet how developmental origin influences intraplaque cell plasticity remains largely unexplored despite evidence suggesting this may be the case. Uncovering the diversity and plasticity of vascular cells is being revolutionized by unbiased single cell whole transcriptome analysis techniques that will likely continue to pave the way for therapeutic research. Cellular plasticity is only just emerging as a target for future therapeutics, and uncovering how intraplaque plasticity differs across vascular beds may provide key insights into why different plaques behave differently and may confer different risks of subsequent cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lin
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yogambha Ramaswamy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashish Misra
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Consuegra-Sánchez L, Esteban-Luque A, Kaski JC. Modulating the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells via LKB1, a new pharmacologic target to strike atherosclerosis? Int J Cardiol 2024; 395:131427. [PMID: 37816458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Carlos Kaski
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
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Yin J, Chen Z, You N, Li F, Zhang H, Xue J, Ma H, Zhao Q, Yu L, Zeng S, Zhu F. VARIDT 3.0: the phenotypic and regulatory variability of drug transporter. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1490-D1502. [PMID: 37819041 PMCID: PMC10767864 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic and regulatory variability of drug transporter (DT) are vital for the understanding of drug responses, drug-drug interactions, multidrug resistances, and so on. The ADME property of a drug is collectively determined by multiple types of variability, such as: microbiota influence (MBI), transcriptional regulation (TSR), epigenetics regulation (EGR), exogenous modulation (EGM) and post-translational modification (PTM). However, no database has yet been available to comprehensively describe these valuable variabilities of DTs. In this study, a major update of VARIDT was therefore conducted, which gave 2072 MBIs, 10 610 TSRs, 46 748 EGRs, 12 209 EGMs and 10 255 PTMs. These variability data were closely related to the transportation of 585 approved and 301 clinical trial drugs for treating 572 diseases. Moreover, the majority of the DTs in this database were found with multiple variabilities, which allowed a collective consideration in determining the ADME properties of a drug. All in all, VARIDT 3.0 is expected to be a popular data repository that could become an essential complement to existing pharmaceutical databases, and is freely accessible without any login requirement at: https://idrblab.org/varidt/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nanxin You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fengcheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia Xue
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lushan Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Su Zeng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
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Shin J, Hong J, Edwards-Glenn J, Krukovets I, Tkachenko S, Adelus ML, Romanoski CE, Rajagopalan S, Podrez E, Byzova TV, Stenina-Adongravi O, Cherepanova OA. Unraveling the Role of Sex in Endothelial Cell Dysfunction: Evidence From Lineage Tracing Mice and Cultured Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:238-253. [PMID: 38031841 PMCID: PMC10842863 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319833] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological sex differences play a vital role in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The endothelium is a critical contributor to cardiovascular pathologies since endothelial cells (ECs) regulate vascular tone, redox balance, and inflammatory reactions. Although EC activation and dysfunction play an essential role in the early and late stages of atherosclerosis development, little is known about sex-dependent differences in EC. METHODS We used human and mouse aortic EC as well as EC-lineage tracing (Cdh5-CreERT2 Rosa-YFP [yellow fluorescence protein]) atherosclerotic Apoe-/- mice to investigate the biological sexual dimorphism of the EC functions in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on male and female mouse aortic EC and human lung and aortic EC. RESULTS In vitro, female human and mouse aortic ECs showed more apoptosis and higher cellular reactive oxygen species levels than male EC. In addition, female mouse aortic EC had lower mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), lower TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A) levels, and decreased angiogenic potential (tube formation, cell viability, and proliferation) compared with male mouse aortic EC. In vivo, female mice had significantly higher lipid accumulation within the aortas, impaired glucose tolerance, and lower endothelial-mediated vasorelaxation than males. Using the EC-lineage tracing approach, we found that female lesions had significantly lower rates of intraplaque neovascularization and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition within advanced atherosclerotic lesions but higher incidents of missing EC lumen coverage and higher levels of oxidative products and apoptosis. RNA-seq analyses revealed that both mouse and human female EC had higher expression of genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis and lower expression of genes related to angiogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation than male EC. CONCLUSIONS Our study delineates critical sex-specific differences in EC relevant to proinflammatory, pro-oxidant, and angiogenic characteristics, which are entirely consistent with a vulnerable phenotype in females. Our results provide a biological basis for sex-specific proatherosclerotic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchul Shin
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Junyoung Hong
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonnelle Edwards-Glenn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Irene Krukovets
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Maria L. Adelus
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Casey E. Romanoski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eugene Podrez
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tatiana V. Byzova
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Olga Stenina-Adongravi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Olga A. Cherepanova
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Pernomian L, Tan W, McCarthy C, Wenceslau CF. Reprogramming endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells to prevent and treat hypertension. Med Hypotheses 2023; 179:111162. [PMID: 37744557 PMCID: PMC10512690 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2023.111162] [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] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The major pathophysiological characteristic of hypertension is the occurrence of small artery remodeling and endothelial dysfunction. There is also solid evidence showing that microcirculation abnormalities occur prior to the onset of hypertension. However, the mechanism(s) that trigger these changes prior to the elevation of blood pressure are unknown, and this may limit our ability to identify the cause of this disease and effectively treat it. In hypertension, as with aging, the vasculature becomes less susceptible to repair. One of the reasons is because endothelial cells start to deteriorate and present with exacerbated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Likewise, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) also dedifferentiate into a synthetic phenotype, whereby they start to produce and secrete extracellular vesicles with a high migration and proliferation capacity for repairing vascular injury. Uncontrolled EndMT and/or VSMC phenotype switching contributes to vascular diseases, but the initial trigger for these conditions is unidentified. Importantly, EndMT and synthetic VSMC exhibit plasticity and can return to adopt an endothelial cell-like fate and present contractile phenotype again, respectively. Therefore, in this hypothesis we will take advantage of this plasticity, and we propose to manipulate this fate by inducing partial cellular reprogramming without passing through the pluripotent state. Specifically, we suggest that activation of the three master transcription factors, Oct-4, Sox-2, and Klf-4 (collectively termed OSK) will reprogram endothelial cells and prevent and reduce EndMT and VSMC synthetic phenotype. It was recently shown that activation of OSK was able to restore lost vision in old mice, and cancer risk was reduced by excluding c-Myc. Therefore, OSK treatment could provide new possibilities for vascular rejuvenation and treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laena Pernomian
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
| | - Wenbin Tan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
| | - Cameron McCarthy
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Zhang G, Cui X, Qin Z, Wang Z, Lu Y, Xu Y, Xu S, Tang L, Zhang L, Liu G, Wang X, Zhang J, Tang J. Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability quantification system for clinical and biological interpretability. iScience 2023; 26:107587. [PMID: 37664595 PMCID: PMC10470306 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction dominates coronary artery disease mortality. Identifying bio-signatures for plaque destabilization and rupture is important for preventing the transition from coronary stability to instability and the occurrence of thrombosis events. This computational systems biology study enrolled 2,235 samples from 22 independent bulks cohorts and 14 samples from two single-cell cohorts. A machine-learning integrative program containing nine learners was developed to generate a warning classifier linked to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability signature (APVS). The classifier displays the reliable performance and robustness for distinguishing ST-elevation myocardial infarction from chronic coronary syndrome at presentation, and revealed higher accuracy to 33 pathogenic biomarkers. We also developed an APVS-based quantification system (APVSLevel) for comprehensively quantifying atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, empowering early-warning capabilities, and accurate assessment of atherosclerosis severity. It unraveled the multidimensional dysregulated mechanisms at high resolution. This study provides a potential tool for macro-level differential diagnosis and evaluation of subtle genetic pathological changes in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xiaolin Cui
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Zhen Qin
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yongzheng Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yanyan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Shuai Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Laiyi Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Gangqiong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Junnan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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11
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Zhao J, Zhao C, Yang F, Jiang Z, Zhu J, Yao W, Pang W, Zhou J. DNMT1 mediates the disturbed flow-induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition through disrupting β-alanine and carnosine homeostasis. Theranostics 2023; 13:4392-4411. [PMID: 37649604 PMCID: PMC10465216 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84427] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence suggests that hemodynamic disturbed flow induces endothelial dysfunction via a complex biological process so-called endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Recently, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) was reported as a key molecular mediator to promote EndoMT. Our understanding of how DNMTs, particularly the maintenance DNMTs, DNMT1, coordinate EndoMT is still lacking. Methods: A parallel-plate flow apparatus and perfusion devices were used to apply fluid with endothelial protective pulsatile shear (PS, to mimic the laminar flow) or harmful oscillatory shear (OS, to mimic the disturbed flow) to cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Endothelial lineage tracing mice and conditional EC Dnmt1 knockout mice were subjected to a surgery of carotid partial ligation to generate the flow-accelerated atherogenesis models. Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining, methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, endothelial functional assays, and assessments for neointimal formation and atherosclerosis were performed. Results: Inhibition of DNMTs with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) suppressed the disturbed flow/OS-induced EndoMT, both in cultured cells and the endothelial lineage tracing mice. 5-Aza also ameliorated the downregulation of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) and β-alanine biosynthesis caused by disturbed flow/OS. Knockdown of the ALDH family proteins, ALDH2, ALDH3A1, and ALDH6A1, showed an EndoMT-induction effect as OS. Supplementation of cells with the functional metabolites of β-alanine, carnosine and acetyl-CoA (acetate), reversed EndoMT, likely via inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Endothelial-specific knockout of Dnmt1 protected the vasculature from disturbed flow-induced remodeling and atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Endothelial DNMT1 acts as one of the key epigenetic factors to mediate the hemodynamically regulated EndoMT at least through repressing the expression of ALDH2, ALDH3A1, and ALDH6A1. Supplementation with carnosine and acetate may have a great potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chuanrong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhitong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weijuan Yao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Hemorheology Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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12
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Immanuel J, Yun S. Vascular Inflammatory Diseases and Endothelial Phenotypes. Cells 2023; 12:1640. [PMID: 37371110 PMCID: PMC10297687 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endothelial cells control vascular tone, permeability, inflammation, and angiogenesis, which significantly help to maintain a healthy vascular system. Several cardiovascular diseases are characterized by endothelial cell activation or dysfunction triggered by external stimuli such as disturbed flow, hypoxia, growth factors, and cytokines in response to high levels of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, aging, drugs, and smoking. Increasing evidence suggests that uncontrolled proinflammatory signaling and further alteration in endothelial cell phenotypes such as barrier disruption, increased permeability, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and metabolic reprogramming further induce vascular diseases, and multiple studies are focusing on finding the pathways and mechanisms involved in it. This review highlights the main proinflammatory stimuli and their effects on endothelial cell function. In order to provide a rational direction for future research, we also compiled the most recent data regarding the impact of endothelial cell dysfunction on vascular diseases and potential targets that impede the pathogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanguk Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Inje University, Gimhae-si 50834, Republic of Korea;
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13
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Yu L, Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu X, Wang S, Sui W, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang M. Heterogeneity of macrophages in atherosclerosis revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22810. [PMID: 36786718 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201932rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Technology at the single-cell level has advanced dramatically in characterizing molecular heterogeneity. These technologies have enabled cell subtype diversity to be seen in all tissues, including atherosclerotic plaques. Critical in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression are macrophages. Previous studies have only determined macrophage phenotypes within the plaque, mainly by bulk analysis. However, recent progress in single-cell technologies now enables the comprehensive mapping of macrophage subsets and phenotypes present in plaques. In this review, we have updated and discussed the definition and classification of macrophage subsets in mice and humans using single-cell RNA sequencing. We summarized the different classification methods and perspectives: traditional classification with an updated scoring system, inflammatory macrophages, foamy macrophages, and atherosclerotic-resident macrophages. In addition, some special types of macrophages were identified by specific markers, including IFN-inducible and cavity macrophages. Furthermore, we discussed macrophage subset-specific markers and their functions. In the future, these novel insights into the characteristics and phenotypes of these macrophage subsets within atherosclerotic plaques can provide additional therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changhao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhai Sui
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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14
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Gole S, Tkachenko S, Masannat T, Baylis RA, Cherepanova OA. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Atherosclerosis: Friend or Foe? Cells 2022; 11:cells11192946. [PMID: 36230908 PMCID: PMC9563961 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite many decades of research, complications of atherosclerosis resulting from the rupture or erosion of unstable plaques remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Advances in cellular lineage tracing techniques have allowed researchers to begin investigating the role of individual cell types in the key processes regulating plaque stability, including maintenance of the fibrous cap, a protective collagen-rich structure that underlies the endothelium. This structure was previously thought to be entirely derived from smooth muscle cells (SMC), which migrated from the vessel wall. However, recent lineage tracing studies have identified endothelial cells (EC) as an essential component of this protective barrier through an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process that has previously been implicated in pulmonary, cardiac, and kidney fibrosis. Although the presence of EndoMT in atherosclerotic plaques has been shown by several laboratories using EC-lineage tracing mouse models, whether EndoMT is detrimental (i.e., worsening disease progression) or beneficial (i.e., an athero-protective response that prevents plaque instability) remains uncertain as there are data to support both possibilities, which will be further discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarin Gole
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2109 Adelbert, RD, BRB, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tarek Masannat
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Richard A. Baylis
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St Gray 730, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Olga A. Cherepanova
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-445-7491
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15
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Mylonas KS, Karangelis D, Androutsopoulou V, Chalikias G, Tziakas D, Mikroulis D, Iliopoulos DC, Nikiteas N, Schizas D. Stem cell genes in atheromatosis: The role of
Klotho
,
HIF1α
,
OCT4
, and
BMP4. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:1003-1011. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.2667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos S. Mylonas
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center Athens Greece
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas”, School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Dimos Karangelis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace University Hospital of Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Greece
| | - Vasiliki Androutsopoulou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace University Hospital of Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Greece
| | - George Chalikias
- Cardiology Department, Democritus University of Thrace University Hospital of Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tziakas
- Cardiology Department, Democritus University of Thrace University Hospital of Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mikroulis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace University Hospital of Alexandroupolis Alexandroupolis Greece
| | - Dimitrios C. Iliopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas”, School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
- Fourth Department of Cardiac Surgery HYGEIA Hospital Athens Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikiteas
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
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