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Visconti A, Qiu H. Recent advances in serum response factor posttranslational modifications and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 156:107421. [PMID: 39209126 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107421] [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: 08/17/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Serum Response Factor (SRF) is a key regulatory transcription factor present in various cell types throughout the body, playing essential roles in cellular functions under physiological conditions. Mutations and abnormal expression of SRF have been linked to the development of various diseases and disorders. Recent evidence highlights that post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical for regulating SRF function in different cell types and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Targeting SRF-related PTMs is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for treating SRF-associated diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding SRF PTMs and their underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also explore the implications of SRF-PTM in related cardiovascular and neurological diseases and their potential for therapeutic intervention. This information underscores the significance of SRF PTMs in both physiological and pathological contexts, enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Visconti
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; Clinical Translational Sciences (CTS) and Bio5 Institution, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Kilanowski-Doroh IM, McNally AB, Wong T, Visniauskas B, Blessinger SA, Sugi AI, Richard C, Diaz Z, Horton A, Natale CA, Ogola BO, Lindsey SH. Ovariectomy-Induced Arterial Stiffening Differs From Vascular Aging and Is Reversed by GPER Activation. Hypertension 2024; 81:e51-e62. [PMID: 38445498 PMCID: PMC11023783 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22024] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arterial stiffness is a cardiovascular risk factor and dramatically increases as women transition through menopause. The current study assessed whether a mouse model of menopause increases arterial stiffness in a similar manner to aging and whether activation of the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor could reverse stiffness. METHODS Female C57Bl/6J mice were ovariectomized at 10 weeks of age or aged to 52 weeks, and some mice were treated with G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor agonists. RESULTS Ovariectomy and aging increased pulse wave velocity to a similar extent independent of changes in blood pressure. Aging increased carotid wall thickness, while ovariectomy increased material stiffness without altering vascular geometry. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that ovariectomy downregulated smooth muscle contractile genes. The enantiomerically pure G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor agonist, LNS8801, reversed stiffness in ovariectomy mice to a greater degree than the racemic agonist G-1. In summary, ovariectomy and aging induced arterial stiffening via potentially different mechanisms. Aging was associated with inward remodeling, while ovariectomy-induced material stiffness independent of geometry and a loss of the contractile phenotype. CONCLUSIONS This study enhances our understanding of the impact of estrogen loss on vascular health in a murine model and warrants further studies to examine the ability of LNS8801 to improve vascular health in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tristen Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Bruna Visniauskas
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | | | | | - Chase Richard
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Zaidmara Diaz
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Alec Horton
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - Benard O. Ogola
- Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Sarah H. Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
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Choi YJ, Kim WR, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yoo JH. Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:69. [PMID: 38454492 PMCID: PMC10921617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03678-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). METHODS UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model. RESULTS In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. CONCLUSIONS Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jun Hwan Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
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Günter A, Sothilingam V, Orlich MM, Nordheim A, Seeliger MW, Mühlfriedel R. Mural Serum Response Factor (SRF) Deficiency Provides Insights into Retinal Vascular Functionality and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12597. [PMID: 37628776 PMCID: PMC10454173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612597] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) controls the expression of muscle contraction and motility genes in mural cells (MCs) of the vasculature. In the retina, MC-SRF is important for correct angiogenesis during development and the continuing maintenance of the vascular tone. The purpose of this study was to provide further insights into the effects of MC SRF deficiency on the vasculature and function of the mature retina in SrfiMCKO mice that carry a MC-specific deletion of Srf. Retinal morphology and vascular integrity were analyzed in vivo via scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retinal function was evaluated with full-field electroretinography (ERG). We found that retinal blood vessels of these mutants exhibited different degrees of morphological and functional alterations. With increasing severity, we found vascular bulging, the formation of arteriovenous (AV) anastomoses, and ultimately, a retinal detachment (RD). The associated irregular retinal blood pressure and flow distribution eventually induced hypoxia, indicated by a negative ERG waveform shape. Further, the high frequency of interocular differences in the phenotype of individual SrfiMCKO mice points to a secondary nature of these developments far downstream of the genetic defect and rather dependent on the local retinal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Günter
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Michael M. Orlich
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Alfred Nordheim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
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Zhang J, Xie SA, Wang J, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhou S, Li X, Han L, Pang W, Yao W, Fu Y, Kong W, Ye M, Zhou J. Echinatin maintains glutathione homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells to protect against matrix remodeling and arterial stiffening. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:1-18. [PMID: 36958467 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Decreased vascular compliance of the large arteries as indicated by increased pulse wave velocity is shown to be associated with atherosclerosis and the related cardiovascular events. The positive correlation between arterial stiffening and disease progression derives a hypothesis that softening the arterial wall may protect against atherosclerosis, despite that the mechanisms controlling the cellular pathological changes in disease progression remain unknown. Here, we established a mechanical-property-based screening to look for compounds alleviating the arterial wall stiffness through their actions on the interaction between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the wall extracellular matrix (ECM). We found that echinatin, a chalcone preferentially accumulated in roots and rhizomes of licorice (Glycyrrhiza inflata), reduced the stiffness of ECM surrounding cultured VSMCs. We examined the potential beneficial effects of echinatin on mitigating arterial stiffening and atherosclerosis, and explored the mechanistic basis by which the compound exert the effects. Administration of echinatin in mice fed on an adenine diet and in hyperlipidemia mice subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy mitigated arterial stiffening and atherosclerosis. Mechanistic insights were gained from the RNA-sequencing results showing that echinatin upregulated the expression of glutamate cysteine ligases (GCLs), both the catalytic (GCLC) and modulatory (GCLM) subunits. Further study indicated that upregulation of GCLC/GCLM in VSMCs by echinatin maintains the homeostasis of glutathione (GSH) metabolism; adequate availability of GSH is critical for counteracting arterial stiffening. As a consequence of regulating the GSH synthesis, echinatin inhibits ferroptosis and matrix remodeling that being considered two contributors of arterial stiffening and atherosclerosis. These data demonstrate a pivotal role of GSH dysregulation in damaging the proper VSMC-ECM interaction and uncover a beneficial activity of echinatin in preventing vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrui Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Si-An Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Yueqi Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Xixi Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lili Han
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weijuan Yao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Wei Kong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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
| | - Min Ye
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, 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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Mengozzi A, Costantino S, Mongelli A, Mohammed SA, Gorica E, Delfine V, Masi S, Virdis A, Ruschitzka F, Paneni F. Epigenetic Signatures in Arterial Hypertension: Focus on the Microvasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054854. [PMID: 36902291 PMCID: PMC10003673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic arterial hypertension (AH) is a multifaceted disease characterized by accelerated vascular aging and high cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive work in the field, the pathogenesis of AH is still incompletely understood, and its treatment remains challenging. Recent evidence has shown a deep involvement of epigenetic signals in the regulation of transcriptional programs underpinning maladaptive vascular remodeling, sympathetic activation and cardiometabolic alterations, all factors predisposing to AH. After occurring, these epigenetic changes have a long-lasting effect on gene dysregulation and do not seem to be reversible upon intensive treatment or the control of cardiovascular risk factors. Among the factors involved in arterial hypertension, microvascular dysfunction plays a central role. This review will focus on the emerging role of epigenetic changes in hypertensive-related microvascular disease, including the different cell types and tissues (endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and perivascular adipose tissue) as well as the involvement of mechanical/hemodynamic factors, namely, shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mengozzi
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Mongelli
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Shafeeq A. Mohammed
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Era Gorica
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Delfine
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Masi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Agostino Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: or francesco.paneni@uzh; Tel.: +41-44-6355096
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Liang M, Cai Z, Jiang Y, Huo H, Shen L, He B. SENP2 Promotes VSMC Phenotypic Switching via Myocardin De-SUMOylation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012637. [PMID: 36293488 PMCID: PMC9603890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardin is a master regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation, which induces the expression of smooth-muscle-specific genes through its direct association with serum response factor (SRF). During the past two decades, significant insights have been obtained regarding the regulatory control of myocardin expression and transcriptional activity at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. However, whether and how SUMOylation plays important roles in modulating myocardin function remain elusive. In this study, we found that myocardin is modified by SUMO-1 at lysine 573, which can be reversibly de-conjugated by SENP2. SUMO-1 modification promotes myocardin protein stability, whereas SENP2 facilitates its proteasome-dependent degradation. Moreover, we found that PIAS4 is the SUMO E3 ligase that enhances the SUMOylation and protein stability of myocardin. Most importantly, we found that SENP2 promotes phenotypic switching of VSMC. We therefore concluded that SENP2 promotes VSMC phenotypic switching via de-SUMOylation of myocardin and regulation of its protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ben He
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (B.H.)
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GJD Modulates Cardiac/Vascular Inflammation and Decreases Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:7345116. [PMID: 36164390 PMCID: PMC9509256 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7345116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gedan Jiangya decoction (GJD) (aqueous ethanol extract), a traditional Chinese medicine formula which contain six botanical drugs (Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Prunella vulgaris L., and Achyranthes bidentata Blume) was designed to treat hypertension; however, the underlying mechanism of action is unclear. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms of action of GJD in the treatment of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Male SHRs were randomly divided into five groups: GJD doses were low (1.36 g/kg/d), medium (2.72 g/kg/d), and high (5.44 g/kg/d), captopril (13.5 mg/kg/d), and SHR groups, with Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) serving as the control. Every rat was gavaged once a day. The ALC-NIBP, a noninvasive blood pressure device, measured systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures. Six weeks following treatment, all rats were anesthetized. The blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta and then serum isolated to assess endothelin-1 and angiotensin II, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and TNF-alpha. The left ventricular and thoracic aortas were taken for HE staining, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and western blot examination. Following GJD therapy, SBP and DBP were significantly lowered, as were serum levels of endothelin-1 and angiotensin II. The thickness of the left ventricular and thoracic aorta walls reduced, as did type I collagen, type III collagen, and alpha-SMA expression in the left ventricular and aortic tissues. The GJD treatment significantly reduced serum levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, TNF-alpha, TAK1, and NF-κB/p65 levels were significantly reduced in left ventricular and aortic tissues, whereas IkB-alpha levels were significantly elevated. GJD has a dose-dependent effect on all parameters. In conclusion, GJD has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular remodeling, and reduce inflammation via regulating NF-κB in SHRs.
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De Moudt S, Hendrickx JO, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Disparate biomechanical properties of the aorta in non-aneurysmal and aneurysmal mice treated with angiotensin II. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15410. [PMID: 36117398 PMCID: PMC9483617 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo angiotensin II (AngII)-treatment is a widely used experimental model to induce cardiovascular disease and results in a high likelihood of abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) formation. This involves progressive and irreversible focal dilation of the abdominal aorta and induces adverse aortic connective tissue remodeling contributing to aortic wall stiffening through inflammation, elastin degradation, and collagen restructuring. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate how AAA formation in AngII-treated mice affects aortic function and biomechanics. To this end, C57Bl/6J mice were treated with AngII (1000 ng/[kg.min]) or PBS infusion for 28 days. Peripheral blood pressure, echocardiography, and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured in vivo. Thoracic aorta rings were studied ex vivo in organ chambers, while aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype was investigated histologically. We confirmed peripheral hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, aortic stiffening, and increased VSMC proliferation and migration after AngII-treatment. Abdominal aorta aneurysm formation was observed in 8/13 AngII-treated mice. Ex vivo thoracic aortic rings of both aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal AngII-treated mice showed high isobaric aortic stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, heightened α1 -adrenergic contractility, and altered VSMC contractile calcium signaling. However, aortic biomechanics were differently affected, with heightened α1 -adrenoreceptor mediated aortic stiffening in non-aneurysmal mice, whereas contraction-dependent stiffening was impaired in aneurysmal mice. In conclusion, although aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal 4-week AngII-treated mice displayed similar changes in aortic physiology, aortic biomechanics were dissimilarly affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie De Moudt
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | | | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
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Ma B, Melton E, Wiener R, Zhou N, Wu W, Lai L, Wang C, Costa KD, Qiu H. Age and Blood Pressure Contribute to Aortic Cell and Tissue Stiffness Through Distinct Mechanisms. Hypertension 2022; 79:1777-1788. [PMID: 35766034 PMCID: PMC9308762 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic stiffening is strongly associated with both aging and hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that aging-induced aortic stiffness is mediated by a mechanism differing from hypertension. METHODS We conducted comprehensive in vivo and in vitro experiments using multiple rat models to dissect the different mechanisms of aortic stiffening mediated by aging and hypertension. RESULTS A time-course study in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats showed more pronounced aging-associated aortic stiffening in SHR versus WKY. Angiotensin II-induced hypertension was associated with more significant aortic stiffening in older versus young WKY rats. Hypertension aggravated aging effects on aortic wall thickness and extracellular matrix content, indicating combinational effects of aging and hypertension on aortic stiffening. Intrinsic stiffness of isolated aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) increased with age in WKY rats, although no significant difference between older SHR and older WKY VSMCs was observed in 2-dimensional culture, reconstituted 3-dimensional tissues were stiffer for older SHR versus older WKY. A selective inhibitor that reduced hypertension-mediated aortic stiffening did not decrease age-related stiffening in aortic VSMCs and aortic wall. Integrin β1 and SM22 (smooth muscle-specific SM22 protein) expression were negligibly changed in WKY VSMCs during aging but were markedly increased by hypertension in older versus young WKY VSMCs. A notable shift of filamin isoforms from B to A was detected in older WKY VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate distinct mechanisms mediating aging-associated aortic VSMC and vessel stiffness, providing new insights into aortic stiffening and the pathogenesis of hypertension in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ma
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (B.M., E.M., W.W., L.L., H.Q.).,Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences (B.M., N.Z., H.Q.), School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA
| | - Elaina Melton
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (B.M., E.M., W.W., L.L., H.Q.)
| | - Robert Wiener
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (R.W., K.D.C.)
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences (B.M., N.Z., H.Q.), School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA
| | - Wenqian Wu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (B.M., E.M., W.W., L.L., H.Q.)
| | - Lo Lai
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (B.M., E.M., W.W., L.L., H.Q.)
| | - Charles Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences & Center for Genomics (C.W.), School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA
| | - Kevin D Costa
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (R.W., K.D.C.)
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA (B.M., E.M., W.W., L.L., H.Q.).,Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences (B.M., N.Z., H.Q.), School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, CA
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11
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Orlich MM, Diéguez-Hurtado R, Muehlfriedel R, Sothilingam V, Wolburg H, Oender CE, Woelffing P, Betsholtz C, Gaengel K, Seeliger M, Adams RH, Nordheim A. Mural Cell SRF Controls Pericyte Migration, Vessel Patterning and Blood Flow. Circ Res 2022; 131:308-327. [PMID: 35862101 PMCID: PMC9348820 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, collectively known as mural cells, are recruited through PDGFB (platelet-derived growth factor B)-PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta) signaling. MCs are essential for vascular integrity, and their loss has been associated with numerous diseases. Most of this knowledge is based on studies in which MCs are insufficiently recruited or fully absent upon inducible ablation. In contrast, little is known about the physiological consequences that result from impairment of specific MC functions. Here, we characterize the role of the transcription factor SRF (serum response factor) in MCs and study its function in developmental and pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Orlich
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., C.E.O., P.W., A.N.)
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “From Molecules to Organisms,” Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., A.N.)
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden (M.M.O., C.B., K.G.)
- Now with Rudbeck Laboratory C11, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden (M.M.O.)
| | - Rodrigo Diéguez-Hurtado
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany (R.D.-H., R.H.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany (R.D.-H., R.H.A.)
| | - Regine Muehlfriedel
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinic Tuebingen (UKT), Germany. (R.M., V.S., M.S.)
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinic Tuebingen (UKT), Germany. (R.M., V.S., M.S.)
| | - Hartwig Wolburg
- Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Clinic Tuebingen (UKT), Germany. (H.W.)
| | - Cansu Ebru Oender
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., C.E.O., P.W., A.N.)
| | - Pascal Woelffing
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., C.E.O., P.W., A.N.)
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden (M.M.O., C.B., K.G.)
| | - Konstantin Gaengel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden (M.M.O., C.B., K.G.)
| | - Mathias Seeliger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinic Tuebingen (UKT), Germany. (R.M., V.S., M.S.)
| | - Ralf H. Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster, Germany (R.D.-H., R.H.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany (R.D.-H., R.H.A.)
| | - Alfred Nordheim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., C.E.O., P.W., A.N.)
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “From Molecules to Organisms,” Tuebingen, Germany (M.M.O., A.N.)
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12
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Rubies C, Batlle M, Sanz-de la Garza M, Dantas AP, Jorba I, Fernandez G, Sangüesa G, Abuli M, Brugada J, Sitges M, Navajas D, Mont L, Guasch E. Long-Term Strenuous Exercise Promotes Vascular Injury by Selectively Damaging the Tunica Media. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:681-693. [PMID: 35958697 PMCID: PMC9357576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long-term strenuous endurance training promotes a deleterious vascular remodeling, in contrast to the beneficial effects of moderate exercise. Tunica media fibrosis, possibly mediated by miR-212, miR-132, and miR-146b down-regulation, and intrinsic vascular smooth muscle cell stiffening may contribute to aortic stiffening. Endothelial function improves in a similar intensity after moderate and strenuous training. However, in the INT group, a larger NO-mediated vasorelaxation is compensated by more intense vasoconstriction, leading to a potentially unstable balance. Strenuous exercise-induced vascular stiffening and changes in endothelial function remain after ceasing physical activity.
Moderate exercise has well-founded benefits in cardiovascular health. However, increasing, yet controversial, evidence suggests that extremely trained athletes may not be protected from cardiovascular events as much as moderately trained individuals. In our rodent model, intensive but not moderate training promoted aorta and carotid stiffening and elastic lamina ruptures, tunica media thickening of intramyocardial arteries, and an imbalance between vasoconstrictor and relaxation agents. An up-regulation of angiotensin-converter enzyme, miR-212, miR-132, and miR-146b might account for this deleterious remodeling. Most changes remained after a 4-week detraining. In conclusion, our results suggest that intensive training blunts the benefits of moderate exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cira Rubies
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Sanz-de la Garza
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana-Paula Dantas
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red–Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guerau Fernandez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Genetics and Molecular Medicine Service, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues Del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Gemma Sangüesa
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Abuli
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Brugada
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Sitges
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Navajas
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red–Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lluís Mont
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Dr Lluís Mont, Cardiovascular Institute–Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, C/ Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - Cardiovascular (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Address for correspondence: Dr Eduard Guasch, Cardiovascular Institute–Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, C/ Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. @EduGuasch
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13
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Huang S, Wang X, Zhang M, Huang M, Yan Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Xu J, Bu L, Fan R, Tang H, Zeng C, Zhang L, Zhang L. Activin B-activated Cdc42 signaling plays a key role in regulating adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-mediated skin wound healing. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:248. [PMID: 35690801 PMCID: PMC9188063 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02918-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous study, activin B in combination with ADSCs enhances skin wound healing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well studied. Cdc42 is recognized to play a critical role in the regulation of stem cells. METHODS Pull-down assay was performed to investigate the activity of Cdc42. The dominant-negative mutant of Cdc42 (Cdc42N17) was used to explore the role of Cdc42 in activin B-induced ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion in vitro. Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs were injected into a full-thickness excisional wound model to explore their efficiency in wound healing in vivo. The wound healing efficacy was evaluated by the wound closure rates and histological examination. The neovascularization and wound contraction were detected by immunohistochemistry staining of CD31 and α-SMA. Finally, the underlying mechanisms were explored by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Cdc42N17 inhibited ADSCs migration, proliferation, and secretion induced by activin B. Furthermore, Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs inhibited the wound closure rate and suppressed the expression of CD31 and α-SMA induced by activin B in vivo. The RNA sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in Cdc42N17-transfected ADSCs versus ADSCs were associated with cell migration, proliferation, and adhesion. Further study revealed that the Cdc42-Erk-Srf pathway was required for activin B-induced proliferation in ADSCs. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that Cdc42 plays a crucial role in ADSCs-mediated skin wound healing induced by activin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueer Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Mianbo Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghua Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfu Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingwei Bu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyi Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyi Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Canjun Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Academy of Orthopedics Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Deshpande A, Shetty PMV, Frey N, Rangrez AY. SRF: a seriously responsible factor in cardiac development and disease. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:38. [PMID: 35681202 PMCID: PMC9185982 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that regulate embryogenesis and cardiac development are calibrated by multiple signal transduction pathways within or between different cell lineages via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms of action. The heart is the first functional organ to form during development, which highlights the importance of this organ in later stages of growth. Knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms underlying cardiac development and adult cardiac homeostasis paves the way for discovering therapeutic possibilities for cardiac disease treatment. Serum response factor (SRF) is a major transcription factor that controls both embryonic and adult cardiac development. SRF expression is needed through the duration of development, from the first mesodermal cell in a developing embryo to the last cell damaged by infarction in the myocardium. Precise regulation of SRF expression is critical for mesoderm formation and cardiac crescent formation in the embryo, and altered SRF levels lead to cardiomyopathies in the adult heart, suggesting the vital role played by SRF in cardiac development and disease. This review provides a detailed overview of SRF and its partners in their various functions and discusses the future scope and possible therapeutic potential of SRF in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Deshpande
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Prithviraj Manohar Vijaya Shetty
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Du X, Sun Z, Cao Z, Zhou X, Wang D, Wang K, Li X, Zuo G. Atorvastatin regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation by epigenetically modulating contractile proteins and mediating Akt/FOXO4 axis. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:167. [PMID: 35475577 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Du
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Zhongnan Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhong Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Kuan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xuebin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Guoxing Zuo
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
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16
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Cardiovascular protection effect of a Northeastern Brazilian lyophilized red wine in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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17
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Aerobic Exercise Attenuates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction through Promoting Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation and Increasing Muscle Mass. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8279369. [PMID: 34819985 PMCID: PMC8608514 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8279369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Aerobic exercise has been proven to have a positive effect on cardiac function after hypertension; however, the mechanism is not entirely clarified. Skeletal muscle mass and microcirculation are closely associated with blood pressure and cardiac function. Objective This study was designed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the skeletal muscle capillary and muscle mass, to explore the possible mechanisms involved in exercise-induced mitigation of cardiac dysfunction in pressure overload mice. Methods In this study, 60 BALB/C mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (CON), TAC, and TAC plus exercise (TAE) group and utilized transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to establish hypertensive model; meanwhile, treadmill training is used for aerobic exercise. After 5 days of recovery, mice in the TAE group were subjected to 10-week aerobic exercise. Carotid pressure and cardiac function were examined before mice were executed by Millar catheter and ultrasound, respectively. Muscle mass of gastrocnemius was weighed; cross-sectional area and the number of capillaries of gastrocnemius were detected by HE and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of VEGF in skeletal muscle were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results We found that ① 10-week aerobic exercise counteracted hypertension and attenuated cardiac dysfunction in TAC-induced hypertensive mice; ② TAC decreased muscle mass of gastrocnemius and resulted in muscle atrophy, while 10-week aerobic exercise could reserve transverse aortic constriction-induced the decline of muscle mass and muscle atrophy; and ③ TAC reduced the number of capillaries and the protein level of VEGF in gastrocnemius, whereas 10-week aerobic exercise augmented the number of capillaries, the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF in mice were subjected to TAC surgery. Conclusions This study indicates that 10-week aerobic exercise might fulfill its blood pressure-lowering effect via improving skeletal muscle microcirculation and increasing muscle mass.
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18
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Sun X, Zhou N, Ma B, Wu W, Stoll S, Lai L, Qin G, Qiu H. Functional Inhibition of Valosin-Containing Protein Induces Cardiac Dilation and Dysfunction in a New Dominant-Negative Transgenic Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 10:2891. [PMID: 34831118 PMCID: PMC8616236 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Valosin-containing protein (VCP) was found to play a vital protective role against cardiac stresses. Genetic mutations of VCP are associated with human dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the essential role of VCP in the heart during the physiological condition remains unknown since the VCP knockout in mice is embryonically lethal. We generated a cardiac-specific dominant-negative VCP transgenic (DN-VCP TG) mouse to determine the effects of impaired VCP activity on the heart. Using echocardiography, we showed that cardiac-specific overexpression of DN-VCP induced a remarkable cardiac dilation and progressively declined cardiac function during the aging transition. Mechanistically, DN-VCP did not affect the endogenous VCP (EN-VCP) expression but significantly reduced cardiac ATPase activity in the DN-VCP TG mouse hearts, indicating a functional inhibition. DN-VCP significantly impaired the aging-related cytoplasmic/nuclear shuffling of EN-VCP and its co-factors in the heart tissues and interrupted the balance of the VCP-cofactors interaction between the activating co-factors, ubiquitin fusion degradation protein 1 (UFD-1)/nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL-4) complex, and its inhibiting co-factor P47, leading to the binding preference with the inhibitory co-factor, resulting in functional repression of VCP. This DN-VCP TG mouse provides a unique functional-inactivation model for investigating VCP in the heart in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Sun
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.S.); (B.M.); (W.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92318, USA; (N.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Ben Ma
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.S.); (B.M.); (W.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Wenqian Wu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.S.); (B.M.); (W.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92318, USA; (N.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Lo Lai
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.S.); (B.M.); (W.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Gangjian Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (X.S.); (B.M.); (W.W.); (L.L.)
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92318, USA; (N.Z.); (S.S.)
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cecelja
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St Thomas' Hospital, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, United Kingdom (M.C.)
| | - Catherine M Shanahan
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, United Kingdom (C.M.S.)
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The Progress of Advanced Ultrasonography in Assessing Aortic Stiffness and the Application Discrepancy between Humans and Rodents. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030454. [PMID: 33800855 PMCID: PMC8001300 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic stiffening is a fundamental pathological alteration of atherosclerosis and other various aging-associated vascular diseases, and it is also an independent risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonography is a critical non-invasive method widely used in assessing aortic structure, function, and hemodynamics in humans, playing a crucial role in predicting the pathogenesis and adverse outcomes of vascular diseases. However, its applications in rodent models remain relatively limited, hindering the progress of the research. Here, we summarized the progress of the advanced ultrasonographic techniques applied in evaluating aortic stiffness. With multiple illustrative images, we mainly characterized various ultrasound techniques in assessing aortic stiffness based on the alterations of aortic structure, hemodynamics, and tissue motion. We also discussed the discrepancy of their applications in humans and rodents and explored the potential optimized strategies in the experimental research with animal models. This updated information would help to better understand the nature of ultrasound techniques and provide a valuable prospect for their applications in assessing aortic stiffness in basic science research, particularly with small animals.
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21
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Sprenkeler EGG, Guenther C, Faisal I, Kuijpers TW, Fagerholm SC. Molecular Mechanisms of Leukocyte Migration and Its Potential Targeting-Lessons Learned From MKL1/SRF-Related Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:615477. [PMID: 33692789 PMCID: PMC7938309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.615477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) deficiency is one of the most recently discovered primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) caused by cytoskeletal abnormalities. These immunological “actinopathies” primarily affect hematopoietic cells, resulting in defects in both the innate immune system (phagocyte defects) and adaptive immune system (T-cell and B-cell defects). MKL1 is a transcriptional coactivator that operates together with serum response factor (SRF) to regulate gene transcription. The MKL/SRF pathway has been originally described to have important functions in actin regulation in cells. Recent results indicate that MKL1 also has very important roles in immune cells, and that MKL1 deficiency results in an immunodeficiency affecting the migration and function of primarily myeloid cells such as neutrophils. Interestingly, several actinopathies are caused by mutations in genes which are recognized MKL(1/2)-dependent SRF-target genes, namely ACTB, WIPF1, WDR1, and MSN. Here we summarize these and related (ARPC1B) actinopathies and their effects on immune cell function, especially focusing on their effects on leukocyte adhesion and migration. Furthermore, we summarize recent therapeutic efforts targeting the MKL/SRF pathway in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien G G Sprenkeler
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carla Guenther
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Imrul Faisal
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susanna C Fagerholm
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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22
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Abstract
: Hypertension is a worldwide known cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, renal complications and heart failure. Although the mechanisms of hypertension remain largely unknown, a recent new concept is that aortic stiffening is a cause of hypertension in middle-aged and older individuals, which highlighted the importance of aortic stiffening in the development of age-related hypertension. Understanding the pathogenesis of aortic stiffness therefore became one of the important approaches to preventing and controlling hypertension. This review discusses the recent progress of the potential causes of aortic stiffening and its implication on the pathogenesis of hypertension, in terms of aging, inflammation, metabolic syndromes, neuroendocrine and the interaction among these causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O. ONUH
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30303
| | - Hongyu QIU
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 30303
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23
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Onuh JO, Qiu H. Serum response factor-cofactor interactions and their implications in disease. FEBS J 2020; 288:3120-3134. [PMID: 32885587 PMCID: PMC7925694 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a member of the Mcm1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF (MADS) box transcription factor, is widely expressed in all cell types and plays a crucial role in the physiological function and development of diseases. SRF regulates its downstream genes by binding to their CArG DNA box by interacting with various cofactors. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, therefore attracting increasing research attention due to the importance of this topic. This review's objective is to discuss the new progress in the studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of SRF and its impacts in physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, we summarized the recent studies on the interaction of SRF with its two main types of cofactors belonging to the myocardin families of transcription factors and the members of the ternary complex factors. The knowledge of these mechanisms will create new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of many traits and disease pathogenesis especially, cardiovascular diseases and cancer that could serve as targets for pharmacological control and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oloche Onuh
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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24
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Wu T, Wang H, Xin X, Yang J, Hou Y, Fang M, Lu X, Xu Y. An MRTF-A-Sp1-PDE5 Axis Mediates Angiotensin-II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:839. [PMID: 33015041 PMCID: PMC7509415 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a critical intermediate step in the pathogenesis of heart failure. A myriad of signaling networks converge on cardiomyocytes to elicit hypertrophic growth in response to various injurious stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the cardiomyocyte-specific role of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanism. We report that conditional MRTF-A deletion in cardiomyocytes attenuated Ang-II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Similarly, MRTF-A knockdown or inhibition suppressed Ang-II-induced prohypertrophic response in cultured cardiomyocytes. Of note, Ang II treatment upregulated expression of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a known mediator of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, in cardiomyocytes, which was blocked by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, MRTF-A activated expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), which in turn bound to the PDE5 promoter and upregulated PDE5 transcription to promote hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in response to Ang II stimulation. Therefore, our data unveil a novel MRTF-A–Sp1–PDE5 axis that mediates Ang-II-induced hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes. Targeting this newly identified MRTF-A–Sp1–PDE5 axis may yield novel interventional solutions against heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojun Xin
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yannan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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25
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RhoA/ROCK Pathway Activation is Regulated by AT1 Receptor and Participates in Smooth Muscle Migration and Dedifferentiation via Promoting Actin Cytoskeleton Polymerization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155398. [PMID: 32751352 PMCID: PMC7432407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Rho GTPases signaling on Ang II-mediated cell migration and dedifferentiation in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) and an Ang II-infusion mouse model. METHODS Cells were pretreated with different inhibitors or Ang II. Cell migration was detected by Wound healing and Transwell assay. Mice were treated with Ad-RhoA-shRNA virus or Irbesartan or fasudil and then infused with Ang II. RESULTS Ang II treatment induced HA-VSMCs migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner and reduced the expression of VSMC contractile proteins. These effects were significantly suppressed by the inhibition of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor), RhoA, and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Furthermore, Ang II treatment promoted the activation of RhoA and ROCK, which was reduced by AT1 receptor inhibition. Meanwhile, Ang II treatment induced F-actin polymerization, which was inhibited after ROCK inhibition. In mice, Ang II infusion increased VSMC migration into the neointima and reduced VSMC differentiation proteins levels, and these effects were shown to be dependent on AT1 receptor and RhoA/ROCK pathway. CONCLUSION This study reveals a novel mechanism by which Ang II regulates RhoA/ROCK signaling and actin polymerization via AT1 receptor and then affects VSMC dedifferentiation.
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26
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Ferreira JPS, Kuang M, Parente MPL, Natal Jorge RM, Wang R, Eppell SJ, Damaser M. Altered mechanics of vaginal smooth muscle cells due to the lysyl oxidase-like1 knockout. Acta Biomater 2020; 110:175-187. [PMID: 32335309 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The remodeling mechanisms that cause connective tissue of the vaginal wall, consisting mostly of smooth muscle, to weaken after vaginal delivery are not fully understood. Abnormal remodeling after delivery can contribute to development of pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders. The present study used vaginal smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) isolated from knockout mice lacking the expression of the lysyl oxidase-like1 (LOXL1) enzyme, a well-characterized animal model for pelvic organ prolapse. We tested if vaginal smooth muscle cells from LOXL1 knockout mice have altered mechanics including stiffness and surface adhesion. Using atomic force microscopy, we performed nanoindentations on both isolated and confluent cells to evaluate the effect of LOXL1 knockout on in vitro cultures of vSMCs cells from nulliparous mice. The results show that LOXL1 knockout vSMCs have increased stiffness in pre-confluent but decreased stiffness in confluent cultures (p* < 0.05) and significant decreased surface adhesion in pre-confluent cultures (p* < 0.05). This study provides evidence that the weakening of vaginal connective tissue in the absense of LOXL1 changes the mechanical properties of the vSMCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition affecting millions of women worldwide, which significantly impacts their quality of life. Alterations in vaginal and pelvic floor mechanical properties can change their ability to support the pelvic organs. This study provides evidence of altered stiffness of vaginal smooth muscle cells from mice resembling pelvic organ prolapse. The results from this study set a foundation to develop pathophysiology-driven therapies focused on the interplay between smooth muscle mechanics and extracellular matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P S Ferreira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA.
| | - M Kuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA
| | - M P L Parente
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - R M Natal Jorge
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S J Eppell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - M Damaser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute and Glickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA; Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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27
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Titus AS, V H, Kailasam S. Coordinated regulation of cell survival and cell cycle pathways by DDR2-dependent SRF transcription factor in cardiac fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1538-H1558. [PMID: 32412792 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00740.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Relative resistance to apoptosis and the ability to proliferate and produce a collagen-rich scar determine the critical role of cardiac fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue remodeling following myocardial injury. Identification of cardiac fibroblast-specific factors and mechanisms underlying these aspects of cardiac fibroblast function is therefore of considerable scientific and clinical interest. In the present study, gene knockdown and overexpression approaches and promoter binding assays showed that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a mesenchymal cell-specific collagen receptor tyrosine kinase localized predominantly in fibroblasts in the heart, acts via ERK1/2 MAPK-activated serum response factor (SRF) transcription factor to enhance the expression of antiapoptotic cIAP2 in cardiac fibroblasts, conferring resistance against oxidative injury. Furthermore, DDR2 was found to act via ERK1/2 MAPK-activated SRF to transcriptionally upregulate Skp2 that in turn facilitated post-translational degradation of p27, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that causes cell cycle arrest, to promote G1-S transition, as evidenced by Rb phosphorylation, increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and flow cytometry. DDR2-dependent ERK1/2 MAPK activation also suppressed forkhead box O 3a (FoxO3a)-mediated transcriptional induction of p27. Inhibition of the binding of collagen type I to DDR2 using WRG-28 indicated the obligate role of collagen type I in the activation of DDR2 and its regulatory role in cell survival and cell cycle protein expression. Notably, DDR2 levels positively correlated with SRF, cIAP2, and PCNA levels in cardiac fibroblasts from spontaneously hypertensive rats. To conclude, DDR2-mediated ERK1/2 MAPK activation facilitates coordinated regulation of cell survival and cell cycle progression in cardiac fibroblasts via SRF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Relative resistance to apoptosis and the ability to proliferate and produce a collagen-rich scar enable cardiac fibroblasts to play a central role in myocardial response to injury. This study reports novel findings that mitogen-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts exploit a common regulatory mechanism involving collagen receptor (DDR2)-dependent activation of ERK1/2 MAPK and serum response factor to achieve coordinated regulation of apoptosis resistance and cell cycle progression, which could facilitate their survival and function in the injured myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Sam Titus
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Harikrishnan V
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Shivakumar Kailasam
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
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28
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Reindl M, Tiller C, Holzknecht M, Lechner I, Hein N, Pamminger M, Henninger B, Mayr A, Feistritzer HJ, Klug G, Bauer A, Metzler B, Reinstadler SJ. Aortic Stiffness and Infarct Healing in Survivors of Acute ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e014740. [PMID: 32003271 PMCID: PMC7033867 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background In survivors of acute ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), increased aortic stiffness is associated with worse clinical outcome; however, the underlying pathomechanisms are incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate associations between aortic stiffness and infarct healing using comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute STEMI. Methods and Results This was a prospective observational study including 103 consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), the reference standard for aortic stiffness assessment, was determined by a validated phase‐contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging protocol within the first week after STEMI. Infarct healing, defined as relative infarct size reduction from baseline to 4 months post‐STEMI, was determined using late gadolinium‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance. Median infarct size significantly decreased from 17% of left ventricular mass (interquartile range 9% to 28%) at baseline to 12% (6% to 17%) at 4‐month follow‐up (P<0.001). Relative infarct size reduction was 36% (interquartile range 15% to 52%). Patients with a reduction >36% were younger (P=0.01) and had lower baseline NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide) concentrations (P=0.047) and aortic PWV values (P=0.003). In a continuous (odds ratio 0.64 [95% CI, 0.49–0.84]; P=0.001) as well as categorical (PWV <7 m/s; odds ratio 4.80 [95% CI, 1.89–12.20]; P=0.001) multivariable logistic regression model, the relation between aortic PWV and relative infarct size reduction remained significant after adjustment for baseline infarct size, age, NT‐proBNP, and C‐reactive protein. Conclusions Aortic PWV independently predicted infarct size reduction as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance, revealing a novel pathophysiological link between aortic stiffness and adverse infarct healing during the early phase after STEMI treated with contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reindl
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Christina Tiller
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Magdalena Holzknecht
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Ivan Lechner
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Nicolas Hein
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Mathias Pamminger
- University Clinic of Radiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | | | - Agnes Mayr
- University Clinic of Radiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Hans-Josef Feistritzer
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig Germany
| | - Gert Klug
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Axel Bauer
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Bernhard Metzler
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Sebastian J Reinstadler
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine III Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
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29
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Tian X, Zhou N, Yuan J, Lu L, Zhang Q, Wei M, Zou Y, Yuan L. Heat shock transcription factor 1 regulates exercise-induced myocardial angiogenesis after pressure overload via HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2178-2188. [PMID: 31930683 PMCID: PMC7011135 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise training is believed to have a positive effect on cardiac hypertrophy after hypertension. However, its mechanism is still not fully understood. Herein, our findings suggest that heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) improves exercise‐initiated myocardial angiogenesis after pressure overload. A sustained narrowing of the diagonal aorta (TAC) and moderately‐ intense exercise training protocol were imposed on HSF1 heterozygote (KO) and their littermate wild‐type (WT) male mice. After two months, the cardiac function was assessed using the adaptive responses to exercise training, or TAC, or both of them such as catheterization and echocardiography. The HE stains assessed the area of myocyte cross‐sectional. The Western blot and real‐time PCR measured the levels of expression for heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) in cardiac tissues. The anti‐CD31 antibody immunohistochemical staining was done to examine how exercise training influenced cardiac ontogeny. The outcome illustrated that exercise training significantly improved the cardiac ontogeny in TAC mice, which was convoyed by elevated levels of expression for VEGF and HIF‐1α and preserved the heart microvascular density. More importantly, HSF1 deficiency impaired these effects induced by exercise training in TAC mice. In conclusion, exercise training encourages cardiac ontogeny by means of HSF1 activation and successive HIF‐1α/VEGF up‐regulation in endothelial cells during continued pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Tian
- Department of Kinesiology, Institute of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Section of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Lu
- Department of Kinesiology, Institute of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Kinesiology, Institute of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Wei
- Department of Kinesiology, Institute of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyan Yuan
- Department of Kinesiology, Institute of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Small HY, Guzik TJ. High impact Cardiovascular Research: beyond the heart and vessels. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 115:e166-e171. [PMID: 31697316 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Y Small
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, 126 University Place, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, 126 University Place, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Internal and Agricultural Medicine, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, 31-008 Anny 12, Krakow, Poland
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31
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Khachigian LM. Transcription Factors Targeted by miRNAs Regulating Smooth Muscle Cell Growth and Intimal Thickening after Vascular Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215445. [PMID: 31683712 PMCID: PMC6861964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neointima formation after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a manifestation of “phenotype switching” by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), a process that involves de-differentiation from a contractile quiescent phenotype to one that is richly synthetic. In response to injury, SMCs migrate, proliferate, down-regulate SMC-specific differentiation genes, and later, can revert to the contractile phenotype. The vascular response to injury is regulated by microRNAs (or miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression. Interactions between miRNAs and transcription factors impact gene regulatory networks. This article briefly reviews the roles of a range of miRNAs in molecular and cellular processes that control intimal thickening, focusing mainly on transcription factors, some of which are encoded by immediate-early genes. Examples include Egr-1, junB, KLF4, KLF5, Elk-1, Ets-1, HMGB1, Smad1, Smad3, FoxO4, SRF, Rb, Sp1 and c-Myb. Such mechanistic information could inform the development of strategies that block SMC growth, neointima formation, and potentially overcome limitations of lasting efficacy following PCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
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32
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Choi YJ, Koo JB, Kim HY, Seo JW, Lee EJ, Kim WR, Cho JY, Hahm KB, Hong SP, Kim DH, Yoo JH. Umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit fibrogenic activation in human intestinal myofibroblasts via inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor A. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:291. [PMID: 31547873 PMCID: PMC6757442 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis is a large unmet need in inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Previous studies have found that perinatal tissue (umbilical cord, UC; placenta, PL)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduce fibrosis in several organs. However, their effects on human intestinal fibrosis are poorly understood. This study investigated the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of MSCs derived from UC and PL (UC/PL-MSCs) on human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). Methods The HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-cultured with UC/PL-MSCs. We used a small molecular inhibitor CCG-100602 to examine whether serum response factor (SRF) and its transcriptional cofactor myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) are involved in TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs. The anti-fibrogenic mechanism of UC/PL-MSCs on HIMFs was analyzed by detecting the expression of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF in HIMFs. Results UC/PL-MSCs reduced TGF-β1-induced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs. This anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSCs. TGF-β1 stimulation increased the expressions of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF in the HIMFs. TGF-β1 induced the synthesis of procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin through a MRTF-A/SRF-dependent mechanism. Co-culture with the UC/PL-MSCs downregulated fibrogenesis by inhibition of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. Conclusions UC/PL-MSCs suppress TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and could be considered as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1385-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jun Bon Koo
- Clinical Research Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | - Jin Won Seo
- CHA Biotech, Co. Ltd., Seongnam, South Korea
| | | | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Joo Young Cho
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Ki Baik Hahm
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Sung Pyo Hong
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea.
| | - Jun-Hwan Yoo
- Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 463-712, South Korea. .,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea.
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33
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Zhu Y, Qu J, He L, Zhang F, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhou Y. Calcium in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Elasticity and Adhesion: Novel Insights Into the Mechanism of Action. Front Physiol 2019; 10:852. [PMID: 31440163 PMCID: PMC6693425 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the arterial wall. These cells play a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis including vasoconstriction and vasodilatation through active contraction and relaxation. Dysregulation of VSMC function alters the response of blood vessels to mechanical stress, contributing to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and hypertension. The stiffness of VSMCs is a major regulator of vascular function. Previous studies suggest that intracellular Ca2+ controls the stiffness of VSMCs by a mechanism involving myosin contractile apparatus. More recent studies highlight important functions of cytoskeletal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α5β1 integrin, and integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in Ca2+-dependent regulation of VSMC stiffness and adhesion to the ECM, providing novel insights into the mechanism of calcium action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jing Qu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Feng Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanzhong Yang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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34
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Stoll S, Xi J, Ma B, Leimena C, Behringer EJ, Qin G, Qiu H. The valosin-containing protein protects the heart against pathological Ca2+ overload by modulating Ca2+ uptake proteins. Toxicol Sci 2019; 171:473-484. [PMID: 31368507 PMCID: PMC6760276 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) overload is a key cellular toxic effectors and a trigger of cardiomyocyte death during cardiac ischemic injury through the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). We previously found that the valosin-containing protein (VCP), an ATPase-associated protein, protects cardiomyocytes against stress-induced death and also inhibits mPTP opening in vitro. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we tested our hypothesis that VCP acts as a novel regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake proteins and resists cardiac mitochondrial Ca2+ overload by modulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. By using a cardiac-specific transgenic (TG) mouse model in which VCP is overexpressed by 3.5 folds in the heart compared to the wild type (WT) mouse, we found that, under the pathological extra-mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, Ca2+ entry into cardiac mitochondria was reduced in VCP TG mice compared to their little-matched WT mice, subsequently preventing mPTP opening and ATP depletion under the Ca2+ challenge. Mechanistically, overexpression of VCP in the heart resulted in post-translational protein degradation of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake protein 1 (MICU1), an activator of the mitochondria Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) that is responsible for mitochondrial calcium uptake. Together, our results reveal a new regulatory role of VCP in cardiac mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and unlock the potential mechanism by which VCP confers its cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University; 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Jing Xi
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University; 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ben Ma
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University; 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institution of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Christiana Leimena
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University; 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Erik J Behringer
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gangjian Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Cardiology Program, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham. 1720 2nd Ave S, Volker Hall G094L, Birmingham, AL
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University; 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institution of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
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35
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Abstract
Arterial aging engages a plethora of key signalling pathways that act in concert to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic changes leading to vascular degeneration and extracellular matrix degradation responsible for alterations of the mechanical properties of the vascular wall. This review highlights proof-of-concept examples of components of the extracellular matrix, VSMC receptors which connect extracellular and intracellular structures, and signalling pathways regulating changes in mechanotransduction and vascular homeostasis in aging. Furthermore, it provides a new framework for understanding how VSMC stiffness and adhesion to extracellular matrix contribute to arterial stiffness and how interactions with endothelial cells, platelets, and immune cells can regulate vascular aging. The identification of the key players of VSMC changes operating in large and small-sized arteries in response to increased mechanical load may be useful to better elucidate the causes and consequences of vascular aging and associated progression of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lacolley
- INSERM, U1116, Faculte de Medecine, 9 Avenue de la forêt de Haye, CS 50184, 54505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Veronique Regnault
- INSERM, U1116, Faculte de Medecine, 9 Avenue de la forêt de Haye, CS 50184, 54505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Alberto P Avolio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2 Technology Place, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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36
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Park C, Park J, Shim MK, Rhyu MR, Yoon BK, Kim KS, Lee Y. Indazole-Cl inhibits hypoxia-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 63:27-38. [PMID: 31075756 DOI: 10.1530/jme-19-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the most common root cause of arterial disease, such as coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease. Hypoxia is associated with the formation of macrophages and increased inflammation and is known to be present in lesions of atherosclerotic. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the major components of blood vessels, and hypoxic conditions affect VSMC inflammation, proliferation and migration, which contribute to vascular stenosis and play a major role in the atherosclerotic process. Estrogen receptor (ER)-β is thought to play an important role in preventing the inflammatory response in VSMCs. In this report, we studied the anti-inflammatory effect of indazole (In)-Cl, an ERβ-specific agonist, under conditions of hypoxia. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 reduced by hypoxia was inhibited by In-Cl treatment in VSMCs, and this effect was antagonized by an anti-estrogen compound. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species induced under conditions of hypoxia was reduced by treatment with In-Cl. Increased cell migration and invasion by hypoxia were also dramatically decreased following treatment with In-Cl. The increase in cell proliferation following treatment with platelet-derived growth factor was attenuated by In-Cl in VSMCs. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify changes in inflammation-related genes following In-Cl treatment in the hypoxic state. Our results suggest that ERβ is a potential therapeutic target for the suppression of hypoxia-induced inflammation in VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choa Park
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joonwoo Park
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myeong Kuk Shim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mee-Ra Rhyu
- Division of Functional Food Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Byung-Koo Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - YoungJoo Lee
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
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37
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Safar ME, Asmar R, Benetos A, Blacher J, Boutouyrie P, Lacolley P, Laurent S, London G, Pannier B, Protogerou A, Regnault V. Interaction Between Hypertension and Arterial Stiffness. Hypertension 2019; 72:796-805. [PMID: 30354723 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michel E Safar
- From the Diagnosis and Therapeutics Center, Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, Paris, France (M.E.S., J.B.)
| | - Roland Asmar
- Foundation-Medical Research Institutes, Geneva, Switzerland/Beirut, Lebanon (R.A.)
| | - Athanase Benetos
- Department of Geriatrics, Nancy University Hospital, Université de Lorraine, Inserm U1116, DCAC, France (A.B.)
| | - Jacques Blacher
- From the Diagnosis and Therapeutics Center, Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, Paris, France (M.E.S., J.B.)
| | - Pierre Boutouyrie
- Department of Pharmacology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Georges Pompidou European Hospital; Paris-Descartes University; PARCC-Inserm U970, Paris, France (P.B., S.L.)
| | - Patrick Lacolley
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm U1116, DCAC, Nancy, France (P.L., V.R.)
| | - Stéphane Laurent
- Department of Pharmacology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Georges Pompidou European Hospital; Paris-Descartes University; PARCC-Inserm U970, Paris, France (P.B., S.L.)
| | - Gérard London
- PARCC-Inserm U970, Paris, France (G.L., B.P.); Department of Nephrology, Manhès Hospital, Fleury-Mérogis, France (G.L., B.P.)
| | - Bruno Pannier
- PARCC-Inserm U970, Paris, France (G.L., B.P.); Department of Nephrology, Manhès Hospital, Fleury-Mérogis, France (G.L., B.P.)
| | - Athanase Protogerou
- Cardiovascular Prevention and Research Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece (A.P.)
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38
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Small HY, Migliarino S, Czesnikiewicz-Guzik M, Guzik TJ. Hypertension: Focus on autoimmunity and oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 125:104-115. [PMID: 29857140 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the causal role of the immune and inflammatory responses in hypertension has led to questions regarding the links between hypertension and autoimmunity. Immune pathology in primary hypertension mimics several autoimmune mechanisms observed in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. More importantly, the prevalence of hypertension in patients with these autoimmune diseases is significantly increased, when compared to control populations. Clinical and epidemiological evidence is reviewed along with possible mechanisms linking hypertension and autoimmunity. Inflammation and oxidative stress are linked in a self-perpetuating cycle that significantly contributes to the vascular dysfunction and renal damage associated with hypertension. T cell, B cell, macrophage and NK cell infiltration into these organs is essential for this pathology. Effector cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 affect Na+/H+ exchangers in the kidney. In blood vessels, they lead to endothelial dysfunction and loss of nitric oxide bioavailability and cause vasoconstriction. Both renal and vascular effects are, in part, mediated through induction of reactive oxygen species-producing enzymes such as superoxide anion generating NADPH oxidases and dysfunction of anti-oxidant systems. These mechanisms have recently become important therapeutic targets of novel therapies focused on scavenging oxidative (isolevuglandin) modification of neo-antigenic peptides. Effects of classical immune targeted therapies focused on immunosuppression and anti-cytokine treatments are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Y Small
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Serena Migliarino
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marta Czesnikiewicz-Guzik
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Dental Prophylaxis and Experimental Dentistry, Dental School of Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Internal and Agricultural Medicine, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Krakow, Poland.
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39
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Yuan L, Qiu L, Ye Y, Wu J, Wang S, Wang X, Zhou N, Zou Y. Heat-shock transcription factor 1 is critically involved in the ischaemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy via JAK2/STAT3 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:4292-4303. [PMID: 29992755 PMCID: PMC6111827 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction (MI) is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Regression of cardiac hypertrophy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of MI patients. Here, we have been suggested that heat-shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) is a novel repressor of ischaemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Ligation of left anterior descending coronary was used to produce MI in HSF1-deficient heterozygote (KO), HSF1 transgenic (TG) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates, respectively. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were treated by hypoxia to mimic MI in vitro. The HSF1 phosphorylation was significantly reduced in the infarct border zone of mouse left ventricles (LVs) 1 week after MI and in the hypoxia-treated NRCMs. HSF1 KO mice showed more significant maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy and deteriorated cardiac dysfunction 1 week after MI compared to WT MI mice. Deficiency of HSF1 by siRNA transfection notably increased the hypoxia-induced myocardial hypertrophy in NRCMs. Mechanistically, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and its effector, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were found to be significantly increased in the LV infarct border zone of WT mice after MI as well as the NRCMs treated by hypoxia. These alterations were more significant in HSF1 KO mice and NRCMs transfected with HSF1 SiRNA. Inversely, HSF1 TG mice showed significantly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure 1 week after LAD ligation compared to their WT littermates. Our data collectively demonstrated that HSF1 is critically involved in the pathological cardiac hypertrophy after MI via modulating JAK2/STAT3 signalling and may constitute a potential therapeutic target for MI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Yuan
- Department of kinesiology, Institute of physical education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuchun Wang
- Department of Computer Tomography and Magnetic Imaging, Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China
| | - Xingxu Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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40
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Hays TT, Ma B, Zhou N, Stoll S, Pearce WJ, Qiu H. Vascular smooth muscle cells direct extracellular dysregulation in aortic stiffening of hypertensive rats. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12748. [PMID: 29603864 PMCID: PMC5946086 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic stiffening is an independent risk factor that underlies cardiovascular morbidity in the elderly. We have previously shown that intrinsic mechanical properties of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in aortic stiffening in both aging and hypertension. Here, we test the hypothesis that VSMCs also contribute to aortic stiffening through their extracellular effects. Aortic stiffening was confirmed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) vs. Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats in vivo by echocardiography and ex vivo by isometric force measurements in isolated de‐endothelized aortic vessel segments. Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from thoracic aorta and embedded in a collagen I matrix in an in vitro 3D model to form reconstituted vessels. Reconstituted vessel segments made with SHR VSMCs were significantly stiffer than vessels made with WKY VSMCs. SHR VSMCs in the reconstituted vessels exhibited different morphologies and diminished adaptability to stretch compared to WKY VSMCs, implying dual effects on both static and dynamic stiffness. SHR VSMCs increased the synthesis of collagen and induced collagen fibril disorganization in reconstituted vessels. Mechanistically, compared to WKY VSMCs, SHR VSMCs exhibited an increase in the levels of active integrin β1‐ and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1)‐mediated proteolytic cleavage of lysyl oxidase (LOX). These VSMC‐induced alterations in the SHR were attenuated by an inhibitor of serum response factor (SRF)/myocardin. Therefore, SHR VSMCs exhibit extracellular dysregulation through modulating integrin β1 and BMP1/LOX via SRF/myocardin signaling in aortic stiffening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan T. Hays
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Ben Ma
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
| | - William J. Pearce
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Physiology Department of Basic Sciences School of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
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41
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Stoll S, Wang C, Qiu H. DNA Methylation and Histone Modification in Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041174. [PMID: 29649151 PMCID: PMC5979462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic hypertension, which eventually results in heart failure, renal failure or stroke, is a common chronic human disorder that particularly affects elders. Although many signaling pathways involved in the development of hypertension have been reported over the past decades, which has led to the implementation of a wide variety of anti-hypertensive therapies, one half of all hypertensive patients still do not have their blood pressure controlled. The frontier in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hypertension has now advanced to the level of epigenomics. Particularly, increasing evidence is emerging that DNA methylation and histone modifications play an important role in gene regulation and are involved in alteration of the phenotype and function of vascular cells in response to environmental stresses. This review seeks to highlight the recent advances in our knowledge of the epigenetic regulations and mechanisms of hypertension, focusing on the role of DNA methylation and histone modification in the vascular wall. A better understanding of the epigenomic regulation in the hypertensive vessel may lead to the identification of novel target molecules that, in turn, may lead to novel drug discoveries for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Charles Wang
- Center for Genomics, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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42
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Komatsu S, Kitazawa T, Ikebe M. Visualization of stimulus-specific heterogeneous activation of individual vascular smooth muscle cells in aortic tissues. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:434-446. [PMID: 28295256 PMCID: PMC5741290 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular communication among autonomic nerves, endothelial cells (ECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a central role in an uninterrupted regulation of blood flow through vascular contractile machinery. Impairment of this communication is linked to development of vascular diseases such as hypertension, cerebral/coronary vasospasms, aortic aneurism, and erectile dysfunction. Although the basic concept of the communication as a whole has been studied, the spatiotemporal correlation of ECs/VSMCs in tissues at the cellular level is unknown. Here, we show a unique VSMC response to ECs during contraction and relaxation of isolated aorta tissues through visualization of spatiotemporal activation patterns of smooth muscle myosin II. ECs in the intimal layer dictate the stimulus-specific heterogeneous activation pattern of myosin II in VSMCs within distinct medial layers. Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation (active form of myosin II) gradually increases towards outer layers (approximately threefold higher MLC phosphorylation at the outermost layer than that of the innermost layer), presumably by release of an intercellular messenger, nitric oxide (NO). Our study also demonstrates that the MLC phosphorylation at the outermost layer in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during NO-induced relaxation is quite high and approximately 10-fold higher than that of its counterpart, the Wister-Kyoto rats (WKY), suggesting that the distinct pattern of myosin II activation within tissues is important for vascular protection against elevated blood pressure.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiology
- Biomarkers
- Cell Communication
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/physiology
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- In Vitro Techniques
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Myosin Light Chains/metabolism
- Myosin Type II/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Rats, Inbred SHR
- Rats, Inbred WKY
- Time Factors
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilation
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Komatsu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Toshio Kitazawa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Mitsuo Ikebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
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Fan J, Qiu L, Shu H, Ma B, Hagenmueller M, Riffel JH, Meryer S, Zhang M, Hardt SE, Wang L, Wang DW, Qiu H, Zhou N. Recombinant frizzled1 protein attenuated cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 9:3069-3080. [PMID: 29423029 PMCID: PMC5790446 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Postinfarct cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for heart failure and sudden death. Regression of cardiac hypertrophy has emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). Here we hypothesized that frizzled1 (FZD1), a receptor of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, is a novel mediator of ischemia-associated cardiac hypertrophy. MI was induced in mice by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary occlusion. One week after MI, the expression of FZD1 was found to be notably increased in the left ventricles (LVs) of the MI-mice compared to shams. Mouse recombinant FZD1 protein (RFP) was subcutaneously injected in the mice to provoke autoimmunization response. Anti-FZD1 antibody titer was significantly increased in the plasma of RFP-treated mice. RFP significantly mitigated the MI-induced cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac function in the MI mouse hearts. Moreover, increased heart and LV weights, myocardial size and the expression of β-myosin heavy chain in the MI-mice were also found to be attenuated by RFP. FZD1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in hypoxia-treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Silencing FZD1 by siRNA transfection notably repressed the hypoxia-induced myocardial hypertrophy in NRCMs. Mechanistically, activation of canonical Wnt signaling induced by MI, e.g., β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase-3β, was restrained in the LVs of the MI-mice treated by RFP, these inhibition on canonical Wnt signaling was further confirmed in hypoxic NRCMs transfected with FZD1 siRNA. In conclusion, immunization of RFP attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and improved cardiac function in the MI mice via blocking the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Fan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hongyang Shu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ben Ma
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Johannes H Riffel
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Soeren Meryer
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan E Hardt
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lin Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Dao Wen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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44
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Zhou N, Lee JJ, Stoll S, Ma B, Costa KD, Qiu H. Rho Kinase Regulates Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Stiffness Via Actin/SRF/Myocardin in Hypertension. Cell Physiol Biochem 2017; 44:701-715. [PMID: 29169155 PMCID: PMC6200323 DOI: 10.1159/000485284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: Our previous studies demonstrated that intrinsic aortic smooth muscle cell (VSMC) stiffening plays a pivotal role in aortic stiffening in aging and hypertension. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. We here hypothesized that Rho kinase (ROCK) acts as a novel mediator that regulates intrinsic VSMC mechanical properties through the serum response factor (SRF)/myocardin pathway and consequently regulates aortic stiffness and blood pressure in hypertension. Methods: Four-month old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were studied. Aortic stiffness was measured by echography. Intrinsic mechanical properties of VSMCs were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in vitro. Results: Compared to WKY rats, SHR showed a significant increase in aortic stiffness and blood pressure, which is accompanied by a remarkable cell stiffening and ROCK activation in thoracic aortic (TA) VSMCs. Theses alterations in SHR were abolished by Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCK. Additionally, boosted filamentous/globular actin ratio was detected in TA VSMCs from SHRversus WKY rats, resulting in an up-regulation of SRF and myocardin expression and its downstream stiffness-associated genes including α-smooth muscle actin, SM22, smoothelin and myosin heavy chain 11. Reciprocally, these alterations in SHR TA VSMCs were also suppressed by Y-27632. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor of SRF/myocardin, CCG-100602, showed a similar effect to Y-27632 in SHR in both TA VSMCs stiffness in vitro and aorta wall stiffness in vivo. Conclusion: ROCK is a novel mediator modulating aortic VSMC stiffness through SRF/myocardin signaling which offers a therapeutic target to reduce aortic stiffening in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Jia-Jye Lee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Ben Ma
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Kevin D Costa
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
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Zhou N, Ma B, Stoll S, Hays TT, Qiu H. The valosin-containing protein is a novel repressor of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by pressure overload. Aging Cell 2017; 16:1168-1179. [PMID: 28799247 PMCID: PMC5595673 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Regression of LVH has emerged as a major goal in the treatment of hypertensive patients. Here, we tested our hypothesis that the valosin‐containing protein (VCP), an ATPase associate protein, is a novel repressor of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy under the pressure overload stress. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was determined by echocardiography in 4‐month male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) vs. age‐matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. VCP expression was found to be significantly downregulated in the left ventricle (LV) tissues from SHRs vs. WKY rats. Pressure overload was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in wild‐type (WT) mice. At the end of 2 weeks, mice with TAC developed significant LVH whereas the cardiac function remained unchanged. A significant reduction of VCP at both the mRNA and protein levels in hypertrophic LV tissue was found in TAC WT mice compared to sham controls. Valosin‐containing protein VCP expression was also observed to be time‐ and dose‐dependently reduced in vitro in isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes upon the treatment of angiotensin II. Conversely, transgenic (TG) mice with cardiac‐specific overexpression of VCP showed a significant repression in TAC‐induced LVH vs. litter‐matched WT controls upon 2‐week TAC. TAC‐induced activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling observed in WT mice LVs was also significantly blunted in VCP TG mice. In conclusion, VCP acts as a novel repressor that is able to prevent cardiomyocyte hypertrophy from pressure overload by modulating the mTORC1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology; Department of Internal Medicine; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
- Division of Physiology; Department of Basic Sciences; School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Ben Ma
- Division of Physiology; Department of Basic Sciences; School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Shaunrick Stoll
- Division of Physiology; Department of Basic Sciences; School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Tristan T. Hays
- Division of Physiology; Department of Basic Sciences; School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Division of Physiology; Department of Basic Sciences; School of Medicine; Loma Linda University; Loma Linda CA USA
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46
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Sun SW, Tong WJ, Guo ZF, Tuo QH, Lei XY, Zhang CP, Liao DF, Chen JX. Curcumin enhances vascular contractility via induction of myocardin in mouse smooth muscle cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2017; 38:1329-1339. [PMID: 28504250 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of cardiovascular diseases is accompanied by the loss of vascular contractility. This study sought to investigate the effects of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound present in turmeric, on mouse vascular contractility and the underlying mechanisms. After mice were administered curcumin (100 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 6 weeks, the contractile responses of the thoracic aorta to KCl and phenylephrine were significantly enhanced compared with the control group. Furthermore, the contractility of vascular smooth muscle (SM) was significantly enhanced after incubation in curcumin (25 μmol/L) for 4 days, which was accompanied by upregulated expression of SM marker contractile proteins SM22α and SM α-actin. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), curcumin (10, 25, 50 μmol/L) significantly increased the expression of myocardin, a "master regulator" of SM gene expression. Curcumin treatment also significantly increased the levels of caveolin-1 in VSMCs. We found that as a result of the upregulation of caveolin-1, curcumin blocked the activation of notch1 and thereby abolished Notch1-inhibited myocardin expression. Knockdown of caveolin-1 or activation of Notch1 signaling with Jagged1 (2 μg/mL) diminished these effects of curcumin in VSMCs. These findings suggest that curcumin induces the expression of myocardin in mouse smooth muscle cells via a variety of mechanisms, including caveolin-1-mediated inhibition of notch1 activation and Notch1-mediated repression of myocardin expression. This may represent a novel pathway, through which curcumin protects blood vessels via the beneficial regulation of SM contractility.
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Lacolley P, Regnault V, Segers P, Laurent S. Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Arterial Stiffening: Relevance in Development, Aging, and Disease. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:1555-1617. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00003.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cushioning function of large arteries encompasses distension during systole and recoil during diastole which transforms pulsatile flow into a steady flow in the microcirculation. Arterial stiffness, the inverse of distensibility, has been implicated in various etiologies of chronic common and monogenic cardiovascular diseases and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The first components that contribute to arterial stiffening are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that support the mechanical load, while the second important components are vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which not only regulate actomyosin interactions for contraction but mediate also mechanotransduction in cell-ECM homeostasis. Eventually, VSMC plasticity and signaling in both conductance and resistance arteries are highly relevant to the physiology of normal and early vascular aging. This review summarizes current concepts of central pressure and tensile pulsatile circumferential stress as key mechanical determinants of arterial wall remodeling, cell-ECM interactions depending mainly on the architecture of cytoskeletal proteins and focal adhesion, the large/small arteries cross-talk that gives rise to target organ damage, and inflammatory pathways leading to calcification or atherosclerosis. We further speculate on the contribution of cellular stiffness along the arterial tree to vascular wall stiffness. In addition, this review provides the latest advances in the identification of gene variants affecting arterial stiffening. Now that important hemodynamic and molecular mechanisms of arterial stiffness have been elucidated, and the complex interplay between ECM, cells, and sensors identified, further research should study their potential to halt or to reverse the development of arterial stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lacolley
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; IBiTech-bioMMeda, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France; PARCC INSERM, UMR 970, Paris, France; and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Regnault
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; IBiTech-bioMMeda, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France; PARCC INSERM, UMR 970, Paris, France; and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Segers
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; IBiTech-bioMMeda, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France; PARCC INSERM, UMR 970, Paris, France; and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Laurent
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; IBiTech-bioMMeda, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France; PARCC INSERM, UMR 970, Paris, France; and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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Vimentin knockout results in increased expression of sub-endothelial basement membrane components and carotid stiffness in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11628. [PMID: 28912461 PMCID: PMC5599644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filaments are involved in stress-related cell mechanical properties and in plasticity via the regulation of focal adhesions (FAs) and the actomyosin network. We investigated whether vimentin regulates endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and thereby influences vasomotor tone and arterial stiffness. Vimentin knockout mice (Vim−/−) exhibited increased expression of laminin, fibronectin, perlecan, collagen IV and VE-cadherin as well as von Willebrand factor deposition in the subendothelial basement membrane. Smooth muscle (SM) myosin heavy chain, α-SM actin and smoothelin were decreased in Vim−/− mice. Electron microscopy revealed a denser endothelial basement membrane and increased SM cell-matrix interactions. Integrin αv, talin and vinculin present in FAs were increased in Vim−/− mice. Phosphorylated FA kinase and its targets Src and ERK1/2 were elevated in Vim−/− mice. Knockout of vimentin, but not of synemin, resulted in increased carotid stiffness and contractility and endothelial dysfunction, independently of blood pressure and the collagen/elastin ratio. The increase in arterial stiffness in Vim−/− mice likely involves vasomotor tone and endothelial basement membrane organization changes. At the tissue level, the results show the implication of FAs both in ECs and vascular SMCs in the role of vimentin in arterial stiffening.
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49
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Lacolley P, Li Z, Challande P, Regnault V. SRF/myocardin: a novel molecular axis regulating vascular smooth muscle cell stiffening in hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 113:120-122. [PMID: 28003269 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lacolley
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; .,Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06.,IBPS CNRS, UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Challande
- Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7190, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Regnault
- INSERM, U1116, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
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