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Leng J, Wang C, Liang Z, Qiu F, Zhang S, Yang Y. An updated review of YAP: A promising therapeutic target against cardiac aging? Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127670. [PMID: 37913886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) functions as a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays a crucial role in cardiomyocyte survival. In its non-phosphorylated activated state, YAP binds to transcription factors, activating the transcription of downstream target genes. It also regulates cell proliferation and survival by selectively binding to enhancers and activating target genes. However, the upregulation of the Hippo pathway in human heart failure inhibits cardiac regeneration and disrupts astrogenesis, thus preventing the nuclear translocation of YAP. Existing literature indicates that the Hippo/YAP axis contributes to inflammation and fibrosis, potentially playing a role in the development of cardiac, vascular and renal injuries. Moreover, it is a key mediator of myofibroblast differentiation and fibrosis in the infarcted heart. Given these insights, can we harness YAP's regenerative potential in a targeted manner? In this review, we provide a detailed discussion of the Hippo signaling pathway and consolidate concepts for the development and intervention of cardiac anti-aging drugs to leverage YAP signaling as a pivotal target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Leng
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China
| | - Chuanzhi Wang
- College of Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhide Liang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanghui Qiu
- School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China.
| | - Yuan Yang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, China.
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2
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Olcum M, Fan S, Rouhi L, Cheedipudi S, Cathcart B, Jeong HH, Zhao Z, Gurha P, Marian AJ. Genetic inactivation of β-catenin is salubrious, whereas its activation is deleterious in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2712-2728. [PMID: 37625794 PMCID: PMC11032201 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Mutations in the DSP gene encoding desmoplakin, a constituent of the desmosomes at the intercalated discs (IDs), cause a phenotype that spans arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) and dilated cardiomyopathy. It is typically characterized by biventricular enlargement and dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, cell death, and arrhythmias. The canonical wingless-related integration (cWNT)/β-catenin pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of ACM. The β-catenin is an indispensable co-transcriptional regulator of the cWNT pathway and a member of the IDs. We genetically inactivated or activated β-catenin to determine its role in the pathogenesis of desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS The Dsp gene was conditionally deleted in the 2-week-old post-natal cardiac myocytes using tamoxifen-inducible MerCreMer mice (Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F). The cWNT/β-catenin pathway was markedly dysregulated in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F cardiac myocytes, as indicated by a concomitant increase in the expression of cWNT/β-catenin target genes, isoforms of its key co-effectors, and the inhibitors of the pathway. The β-catenin was inactivated or activated upon inducible deletion of its transcriptional or degron domain, respectively, in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F cardiac myocytes. Genetic inactivation of β-catenin in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F mice prolonged survival, improved cardiac function, reduced cardiac arrhythmias, and attenuated myocardial fibrosis, and cell death caused by apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, i.e. PANoptosis. In contrast, activation of β-catenin had the opposite effects. The deleterious and the salubrious effects were independent of changes in the expression levels of the cWNT target genes and were associated with changes in several molecular and biological pathways, including cell death programmes. CONCLUSION The cWNT/β-catenin was markedly dysregulated in the cardiac myocytes in a mouse model of desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. Inactivation of β-catenin attenuated, whereas its activation aggravated the phenotype, through multiple molecular pathways, independent of the cWNT transcriptional activity. Thus, suppression but not activation of β-catenin might be beneficial in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Olcum
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Siyang Fan
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Leila Rouhi
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sirisha Cheedipudi
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin Cathcart
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyun-Hwan Jeong
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Priyatansh Gurha
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ali J Marian
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Celeghin R, Risato G, Beffagna G, Cason M, Bueno Marinas M, Della Barbera M, Facchinello N, Giuliodori A, Brañas Casas R, Caichiolo M, Vettori A, Grisan E, Rizzo S, Dalla Valle L, Argenton F, Thiene G, Tiso N, Pilichou K, Basso C. A novel DSP zebrafish model reveals training- and drug-induced modulation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:441. [PMID: 38057295 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive loss of the ventricular myocardium causing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, syncope and sudden cardiac death in young and athletes. About 40% of AC cases carry one or more mutations in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins, including Desmoplakin (Dsp). We present here the first stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line able to model cardiac alterations and cell signalling dysregulation, characteristic of the AC disease, on which environmental factors and candidate drugs can be tested. Our stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line was characterized by cardiac alterations, oedema and bradycardia at larval stages. Histological analysis of mutated adult hearts showed reduced contractile structures and abnormal shape of the ventricle, with thinning of the myocardial layer, vessels dilation and presence of adipocytes within the myocardium. Moreover, TEM analysis revealed "pale", disorganized and delocalized desmosomes. Intensive physical training protocol caused a global worsening of the cardiac phenotype, accelerating the progression of the disease. Of note, we detected a decrease of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, recently associated with AC pathogenesis, as well as Hippo/YAP-TAZ and TGF-β pathway dysregulation. Pharmacological treatment of mutated larvae with SB216763, a Wnt/β-catenin agonist, rescued pathway expression and cardiac abnormalities, stabilizing the heart rhythm. Overall, our Dsp KO zebrafish line recapitulates many AC features observed in human patients, pointing at zebrafish as a suitable system for in vivo analysis of environmental modulators, such as the physical exercise, and the screening of pathway-targeted drugs, especially related to the Wnt/β-catenin signalling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Giovanni Risato
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.
| | - Marco Cason
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Maria Bueno Marinas
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Mila Della Barbera
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Alice Giuliodori
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | | | - Micol Caichiolo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Enrico Grisan
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | | | | | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy.
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, 35128, Italy.
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Fan X, Yang G, Duru F, Grilli M, Akin I, Zhou X, Saguner AM, Ei-Battrawy I. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: from Preclinical Models to Genotype-phenotype Correlation and Pathophysiology. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2683-2708. [PMID: 37731079 PMCID: PMC10661732 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a hereditary myocardial disease characterized by the replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibrous fatty deposits. ACM is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable penetrance and expressivity, which is mainly related to ventricular tachyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Importantly, significant progress has been made in determining the genetic background of ACM due to the development of new techniques for genetic analysis. The exact molecular pathomechanism of ACM, however, is not completely clear and the genotype-phenotype correlations have not been fully elucidated, which are useful to predict the prognosis and treatment of ACM patients. Different gene-targeted and transgenic animal models, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) models, and heterologous expression systems have been developed. Here, this review aims to summarize preclinical ACM models and platforms promoting our understanding of the pathogenesis of ACM and assess their value in elucidating the ACM genotype-phenotype relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology, and Medical Intensive Care, Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Center for AngioScience (ECAS), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim, and Centre for Cardiovascular Acute Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Germany
| | - Guoqiang Yang
- Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology, and Medical Intensive Care, Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Imaging Probes, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Firat Duru
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Grilli
- Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim (UMM), University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Akin
- Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology, and Medical Intensive Care, Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Center for AngioScience (ECAS), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim, and Centre for Cardiovascular Acute Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- Cardiology, Angiology, Haemostaseology, and Medical Intensive Care, Medical Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- European Center for AngioScience (ECAS), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim, and Centre for Cardiovascular Acute Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Germany.
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Ardan Muammer Saguner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ibrahim Ei-Battrawy
- European Center for AngioScience (ECAS), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim, and Centre for Cardiovascular Acute Medicine Mannheim (ZKAM), Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Partner Site, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany; Institute of Physiology, Department of Cellular and Translational Physiology and Institut für Forschung und Lehre (IFL), Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, Ruhr- University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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5
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Thiene G, Basso C, Pilichou K, Bueno Marinas M. Desmosomal Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: The Story Telling of a Genetically Determined Heart Muscle Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2018. [PMID: 37509658 PMCID: PMC10377062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) as a genetically determined desmosomal disease started since the original discovery by Lancisi in a four-generation family, published in 1728. Contemporary history at the University of Padua started with Dalla Volta, who haemodynamically investigated patients with "auricularization" of the right ventricle, and with Nava, who confirmed familiarity. The contemporary knowledge advances consisted of (a) AC as a heart muscle disease with peculiar electrical instability of the right ventricle; (b) the finding of pathological substrates, in keeping with a myocardial dystrophy; (c) the inclusion of AC in the cardiomyopathies classification; (d) AC as the main cause of sudden death in athletes; (e) the discovery of the culprit genes coding proteins of the intercalated disc (desmosome); (f) progression in clinical diagnosis with specific ECG abnormalities, angiocardiography, endomyocardial biopsy, 2D echocardiography, electron anatomic mapping and cardiac magnetic resonance; (g) the discovery of left ventricular AC; (h) prevention of SCD with the invention and application of the lifesaving implantable cardioverter defibrillator and external defibrillator scattered in public places and playgrounds as well as the ineligibility for competitive sport activity for AC patients; (i) genetic screening of the proband family to unmask asymptomatic carriers. Nondesmosomal ACs, with a phenotype overlapping desmosomal AC, are also treated, including genetics: Transmembrane protein 43, SCN5A, Desmin, Phospholamban, Lamin A/C, Filamin C, Cadherin 2, Tight junction protein 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Bueno Marinas
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Medical School, University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Reisqs JB, Moreau A, Sleiman Y, Boutjdir M, Richard S, Chevalier P. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy as a myogenic disease: highlights from cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1191965. [PMID: 37250123 PMCID: PMC10210147 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by the replacement of myocardium by fibro-fatty infiltration and cardiomyocyte loss. ACM predisposes to a high risk for ventricular arrhythmias. ACM has initially been defined as a desmosomal disease because most of the known variants causing the disease concern genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Studying this pathology is complex, in particular because human samples are rare and, when available, reflect the most advanced stages of the disease. Usual cellular and animal models cannot reproduce all the hallmarks of human pathology. In the last decade, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) have been proposed as an innovative human cellular model. The differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) is now well-controlled and widely used in many laboratories. This hiPSC-CM model recapitulates critical features of the pathology and enables a cardiomyocyte-centered comprehensive approach to the disease and the screening of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) prescribed sometimes empirically to the patient. In this regard, this model provides unique opportunities to explore and develop new therapeutic approaches. The use of hiPSC-CMs will undoubtedly help the development of precision medicine to better cure patients suffering from ACM. This review aims to summarize the recent advances allowing the use of hiPSCs in the ACM context.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. B. Reisqs
- Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - A. Moreau
- Université de Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, PhyMedExp, Montpellier, France
| | - Y. Sleiman
- Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - M. Boutjdir
- Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Cell Biology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, NY, United States
| | - S. Richard
- Université de Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, PhyMedExp, Montpellier, France
| | - P. Chevalier
- Neuromyogene Institute, Claude Bernard University, Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Rythmologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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7
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Tesoriero C, Greco F, Cannone E, Ghirotto F, Facchinello N, Schiavone M, Vettori A. Modeling Human Muscular Dystrophies in Zebrafish: Mutant Lines, Transgenic Fluorescent Biosensors, and Phenotyping Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8314. [PMID: 37176020 PMCID: PMC10179009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of myopathies characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to death from heart or respiratory failure. MDs are caused by mutations in genes involved in both the development and organization of muscle fibers. Several animal models harboring mutations in MD-associated genes have been developed so far. Together with rodents, the zebrafish is one of the most popular animal models used to reproduce MDs because of the high level of sequence homology with the human genome and its genetic manipulability. This review describes the most important zebrafish mutant models of MD and the most advanced tools used to generate and characterize all these valuable transgenic lines. Zebrafish models of MDs have been generated by introducing mutations to muscle-specific genes with different genetic techniques, such as (i) N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treatment, (ii) the injection of specific morpholino, (iii) tol2-based transgenesis, (iv) TALEN, (v) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. All these models are extensively used either to study muscle development and function or understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of MDs. Several tools have also been developed to characterize these zebrafish models by checking (i) motor behavior, (ii) muscle fiber structure, (iii) oxidative stress, and (iv) mitochondrial function and dynamics. Further, living biosensor models, based on the expression of fluorescent reporter proteins under the control of muscle-specific promoters or responsive elements, have been revealed to be powerful tools to follow molecular dynamics at the level of a single muscle fiber. Thus, zebrafish models of MDs can also be a powerful tool to search for new drugs or gene therapies able to block or slow down disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tesoriero
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Elena Cannone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ghirotto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
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Mignani L, Facchinello N, Varinelli M, Massardi E, Tiso N, Ravelli C, Mitola S, Schu P, Monti E, Finazzi D, Borsani G, Zizioli D. Deficiency of AP1 Complex Ap1g1 in Zebrafish Model Led to Perturbation of Neurodevelopment, Female and Male Fertility; New Insight to Understand Adaptinopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087108. [PMID: 37108275 PMCID: PMC10138411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, two homologous heterotetrameric AP1 complexes regulate the intracellular protein sorting via vesicles. AP-1 complexes are ubiquitously expressed and are composed of four different subunits: γ, β1, μ1 and σ1. Two different complexes are present in eukaryotic cells, AP1G1 (contains γ1 subunit) and AP1G2 (contains γ2 subunit); both are indispensable for development. One additional tissue-specific isoform exists for μ1A, the polarized epithelial cells specific to μ1B; two additional tissue-specific isoforms exist for σ1A: σ1B and σ1C. Both AP1 complexes fulfil specific functions at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. The use of different animal models demonstrated their crucial role in the development of multicellular organisms and the specification of neuronal and epithelial cells. Ap1g1 (γ1) knockout mice cease development at the blastocyst stage, while Ap1m1 (μ1A) knockouts cease during mid-organogenesis. A growing number of human diseases have been associated with mutations in genes encoding for the subunits of adaptor protein complexes. Recently, a new class of neurocutaneous and neurometabolic disorders affecting intracellular vesicular traffic have been referred to as adaptinopathies. To better understand the functional role of AP1G1 in adaptinopathies, we generated a zebrafish ap1g1 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Zebrafish ap1g1 knockout embryos cease their development at the blastula stage. Interestingly, heterozygous females and males have reduced fertility and showed morphological alterations in the brain, gonads and intestinal epithelium. An analysis of mRNA profiles of different marker proteins and altered tissue morphologies revealed dysregulated cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. These data demonstrate that the zebrafish model organism enables us to study the molecular details of adaptinopathies and thus also develop treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Varinelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Massardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- CN3 "Sviluppo di Terapia Genica e Farmaci con Tecnologia ad RNA", 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Peter Schu
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Gottingen, Germany
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Finazzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borsani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Using Zebrafish Animal Model to Study the Genetic Underpinning and Mechanism of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044106. [PMID: 36835518 PMCID: PMC9966228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is largely an autosomal dominant genetic disorder manifesting fibrofatty infiltration and ventricular arrhythmia with predominantly right ventricular involvement. ACM is one of the major conditions associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, most notably in young individuals and athletes. ACM has strong genetic determinants, and genetic variants in more than 25 genes have been identified to be associated with ACM, accounting for approximately 60% of ACM cases. Genetic studies of ACM in vertebrate animal models such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), which are highly amenable to large-scale genetic and drug screenings, offer unique opportunities to identify and functionally assess new genetic variants associated with ACM and to dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms at the whole-organism level. Here, we summarize key genes implicated in ACM. We discuss the use of zebrafish models, categorized according to gene manipulation approaches, such as gene knockdown, gene knock-out, transgenic overexpression, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in, to study the genetic underpinning and mechanism of ACM. Information gained from genetic and pharmacogenomic studies in such animal models can not only increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of disease progression, but also guide disease diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Wang K, Zhou M, Zhang Y, Du Y, Li P, Guan C, Huang Z. IRX2 activated by jumonji domain-containing protein 2A is crucial for cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in response to the hypertrophic stimuli. Int J Cardiol 2023; 371:332-344. [PMID: 36181956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iroquois homeobox 2 (IRX2) is a member of the Iroquois family whose upregulation has been potentially correlated to cardiac hypertrophy. This work studied the function of IRX2 and its related molecules in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS A GEO dataset GSE32453 was analyzed to identify aberrantly expressed genes in HCM. Altered expression of IRX2 was induced in mice by lentivirus injection, followed by angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment to induce HCM. The function of IRX2 knockdown in ventricular dysfunction, heart volume and pathological changes in mice, and in surface area, oxidative stress and apoptosis of isolated cardiomyocytes were examined. Binding relationship between jumonji domain-containing protein 2A (JMJD2A) and IRX2 was predicted by online tools and validated. The interaction between JMJD2A and IRX2 in HCM development was examined by joint interventions. RESULTS IRX2 was highly expressed in heart tissues with HCM. IRX2 knockdown prevented mice from Ang II-induced ventricular dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation and fibrosis in mouse heart, and it decreased the levels of cardiac hypertrophy-related markers, oxidative stress response, and apoptosis of Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes. JMJD2A catalyzed demethylation of H3K9me3 near the IRX2 promoter to activate its transcription. JMJD2A knockdown similarly exerted protective functions against cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro, but the protection was blocked upon further IRX2 upregulation. IRX2 was found to increase the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. CONCLUSION This work reports that JMJD2A activates IRX2 transcription and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling to induce cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Youhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yipeng Du
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Peixin Li
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chang Guan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, PR China.
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11
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Piquer-Gil M, Domenech-Dauder S, Sepúlveda-Gómez M, Machí-Camacho C, Braza-Boïls A, Zorio E. Non Coding RNAs as Regulators of Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2619. [PMID: 36289882 PMCID: PMC9599412 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy histologically characterized by the replacement of myocardium by fibrofatty infiltration, cardiomyocyte loss, and inflammation. ACM has been defined as a desmosomal disease because most of the mutations causing the disease are located in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Interestingly, the instable structures of these intercellular junctions in this disease are closely related to a perturbed Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Imbalance in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and also in the crosslinked Hippo pathway leads to the transcription of proadipogenic and profibrotic genes. Aiming to shed light on the mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulate the progression of the pathological ACM phenotype, the study of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has emerged as a potential source of actionable targets. ncRNAs comprise a wide range of RNA species (short, large, linear, circular) which are able to finely tune gene expression and determine the final phenotype. Some share recognition sites, thus referred to as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and ensure a coordinating action. Recent cancer research studies regarding the key role of ceRNAs in Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways modulation pave the way to better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Piquer-Gil
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sofía Domenech-Dauder
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Sepúlveda-Gómez
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Machí-Camacho
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Aitana Braza-Boïls
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Zorio
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CaFaMuSMe), Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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12
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Towards a Better Understanding of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations and Therapeutic Targets for Cardiocutaneous Genes: The Importance of Functional Studies above Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810765. [PMID: 36142674 PMCID: PMC9503274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in gene-encoding proteins involved in cell−cell connecting structures, such as desmosomes and gap junctions, may cause a skin and/or cardiac phenotype, of which the combination is called cardiocutaneous syndrome. The cardiac phenotype is characterized by cardiomyopathy and/or arrhythmias, while the skin particularly displays phenotypes such as keratoderma, hair abnormalities and skin fragility. The reported variants associated with cardiocutaneous syndrome, in genes DSP, JUP, DSC2, KLHL24, GJA1, are classified by interpretation guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The genotype−phenotype correlation, however, remains poorly understood. By providing an overview of variants that are assessed for a functional protein pathology, we show that this number (n = 115) is low compared to the number of variants that are assessed by in silico algorithms (>5000). As expected, there is a mismatch between the prediction of variant pathogenicity and the prediction of the functional effect compared to the real functional evidence. Aiding to improve genotype−phenotype correlations, we separate variants into ‘protein reducing’ or ‘altered protein’ variants and provide general conclusions about the skin and heart phenotype involved. We conclude by stipulating that adequate prognoses can only be given, and targeted therapies can only be designed, upon full knowledge of the protein pathology through functional investigation.
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13
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Risato G, Celeghin R, Brañas Casas R, Dinarello A, Zuppardo A, Vettori A, Pilichou K, Thiene G, Basso C, Argenton F, Visentin S, Cosmi E, Tiso N, Beffagna G. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways in human and zebrafish foetal growth restriction models: Implications for pharmacological rescue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943127. [PMID: 36051436 PMCID: PMC9424487 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR), previously known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is an obstetrical condition due to placental insufficiency, affecting yearly about 30 million newborns worldwide. In this work, we aimed to identify and pharmacologically target signalling pathways specifically involved in the FGR condition, focusing on FGR-related cardiovascular phenotypes. The transcriptional profile of human umbilical cords from FGR and control cases was compared with the response to hypoxia of zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic lines reporting in vivo the activity of twelve signalling pathways involved in embryonic development. Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 were found as key pathways significantly dysregulated in both human and zebrafish samples. This information was used in a chemical-genetic analysis to test drugs targeting Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways to rescue a set of FGR phenotypes, including growth restriction and cardiovascular modifications. Treatments with the Wnt/β-catenin agonist SB216763 successfully rescued body dimensions, cardiac shape, and vessel organization in zebrafish FGR models. Our data support the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a key FGR marker and a promising target for pharmacological intervention in the FGR condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Risato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | | | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Lu W, Li Y, Dai Y, Chen K. Dominant Myocardial Fibrosis and Complex Immune Microenvironment Jointly Shape the Pathogenesis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:900810. [PMID: 35845067 PMCID: PMC9278650 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.900810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heritable life-threatening myocardial disease characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Few studies used RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to analyze gene expression profiles, hub genes, dominant pathogenic processes, immune microenvironment in ARVC. This study aimed to explore these questions via integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods RNA-sequencing datasets of GSE107475, GSE107311, GSE107156, and GSE107125 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including right and left ventricular myocardium from ARVC patients and normal controls. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified the ARVC hub modules and genes. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis were performed by Metascape and STRING. Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to assess immune cell infiltration. Transcription regulator (TF) analysis was performed by TRRUST. Results Three ARVC hub modules with 25 hub genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis of the hub genes indicated that myocardial fibrosis was the dominant pathogenic process. Higher myocardial fibrosis activity existed in ARVC than in normal controls. A complex immune microenvironment was discovered that type 2 T helper cell, type 1 T helper cell, regulatory T cell, plasmacytoid dendritic cell, neutrophil, mast cell, central memory CD4 T cell, macrophage, CD56dim natural killer cell, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, memory B cell, natural killer T cell, and activated CD8 T cell were highly infiltrated in ARVC myocardium. The immune-related hub module was enriched in immune processes and inflammatory disease pathways, with hub genes including CD74, HLA-DRA, ITGAM, CTSS, CYBB, and IRF8. A positive linear correlation existed between immune cell infiltration and fibrosis activity in ARVC. NFKB1 and RELA were the shared TFs of ARVC hub genes and immune-related hub module genes, indicating the critical role of NFκB signaling in both mechanisms. Finally, the potential lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network for ARVC hub genes was constructed. Conclusion Myocardial fibrosis is the dominant pathogenic process in end-stage ARVC patients. A complex immune microenvironment exists in the diseased myocardium of ARVC, in which T cell subsets are the primary category. A tight relationship exists between myocardial fibrosis activity and immune cell infiltration. NFκB signaling pathway possibly contributes to both mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Keping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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15
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has paved the way for new in vitro models of human cardiomyopathy. Herein, we will review existing models of disease as well as strengths and limitations of the system. Recent Findings Preclinical studies have now demonstrated that iPSCs generated from patients with both acquired or heritable genetic diseases retain properties of the disease in vitro and can be used as a model to study novel therapeutics. iPSCs can be differentiated in vitro into the cardiomyocyte lineage into cells resembling adult ventricular myocytes that retain properties of cardiovascular disease from their respective donor. iPSC pluripotency allows for them to be frozen, stored, and continually used to generate iPSC-derived myocytes for future experiments without need for invasive procedures or repeat myocyte isolations to obtain animal or human cardiac tissues. Summary While not without their limitations, iPSC models offer new ways for studying patient-specific cardiomyopathies. iPSCs offer a high-throughput avenue for drug development, modeling of disease pathophysiology in vitro, and enabling experimental repair strategies without need for invasive procedures to obtain cardiac tissues.
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16
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Elfatih A, Da’as SI, Abdelrahman D, Mbarek H, Mohammed I, Hasan W, Fakhro KA, Estivill X, Mifsud B. Analysis of incidental findings in Qatar genome participants reveals novel functional variants in LMNA and DSP. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2796-2809. [PMID: 35348702 PMCID: PMC9402234 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to report clinically actionable incidental findings in genetic testing, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommended the evaluation of variants in 59 genes associated with highly penetrant mutations. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on medically actionable rare variants in these genes in Arab populations. We used whole genome sequencing data from 6045 participants from the Qatar Genome Programme and integrated it with phenotypic data collected by the Qatar Biobank. We identified novel putative pathogenic variants in the 59 ACMG genes by filtering previously unrecorded variants based on computational prediction of pathogenicity, variant rarity and segregation evidence. We assessed the phenotypic associations of candidate variants in genes linked to cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we used a zebrafish knockdown and synthetic human mRNA co-injection assay to functionally characterize two of these novel variants. We assessed the zebrafish cardiac function in terms of heart rate, rhythm and hemodynamics, as well as the heart structure. We identified 52 492 novel variants, which have not been reported in global and disease-specific databases. A total of 74 novel variants were selected with potentially pathogenic effect. We prioritized two novel cardiovascular variants, DSP c.1841A > G (p.Asp614Gly) and LMNA c.326 T > G (p.Val109Gly) for functional characterization. Our results showed that both variants resulted in abnormal zebrafish heart rate, rhythm and structure. This study highlights medically actionable variants that are specific to the Middle Eastern Qatari population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Elfatih
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sahar I Da’as
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hamdi Mbarek
- Qatar Genome Programme, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Idris Mohammed
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Waseem Hasan
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalid A Fakhro
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Xavier Estivill
- Quantitative Genomics Laboratories (qGenomics), 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Borbala Mifsud
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University London, EC1M 6BQ London, United Kingdom
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Gauvrit S, Bossaer J, Lee J, Collins MM. Modeling Human Cardiac Arrhythmias: Insights from Zebrafish. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9010013. [PMID: 35050223 PMCID: PMC8779270 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, is associated with morbidity and mortality and is described as one of the most important future public health challenges. Therefore, developing new models of cardiac arrhythmia is critical for understanding disease mechanisms, determining genetic underpinnings, and developing new therapeutic strategies. In the last few decades, the zebrafish has emerged as an attractive model to reproduce in vivo human cardiac pathologies, including arrhythmias. Here, we highlight the contribution of zebrafish to the field and discuss the available cardiac arrhythmia models. Further, we outline techniques to assess potential heart rhythm defects in larval and adult zebrafish. As genetic tools in zebrafish continue to bloom, this model will be crucial for functional genomics studies and to develop personalized anti-arrhythmic therapies.
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Kohela A, van Rooij E. Fibro-fatty remodelling in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Basic Res Cardiol 2022; 117:22. [PMID: 35441328 PMCID: PMC9018639 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-022-00929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited disorder characterized by lethal arrhythmias and a risk to sudden cardiac death. A hallmark feature of AC is the progressive replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue, which can act as an arrhythmogenic substrate further exacerbating cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, identifying the processes underlying this pathological remodelling would help understand AC pathogenesis and support the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarize our knowledge on the different models designed to identify the cellular origin and molecular pathways underlying cardiac fibroblast and adipocyte cell differentiation in AC patients. We further outline future perspectives and how targeting the fibro-fatty remodelling process can contribute to novel AC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Kohela
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva van Rooij
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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LncRNA4930473A02Rik promotes cardiac hypertrophy by regulating TCF7 via sponging miR-135a in mice. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:378. [PMID: 34876564 PMCID: PMC8651675 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00775-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a common pathological change accompanied by various cardiovascular diseases; however, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Mounting evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are novel transcripts involved in regulating multiple biological processes. However, little is known about their role in regulating cardiac hypertrophy. This study revealed a novel lncRNA4930473A02Rik (abbreviated as lncRNAA02Rik), which showed considerably increased expression in hypertrophic mouse hearts in vivo and angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes in vitro. Notably, lncRNAA02Rik knockdown partly ameliorated Ang-II induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes in vitro and hypertrophic mouse heart function in vivo, whereas lncRNAA02Rik overexpression promoted cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. Furthermore, lncRNAA02Rik acted as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-135a, while forced expression of lncRNAA02Rik could repress its activity and expression. Furthermore, forcing miR-135a overexpression exerted a significant protective effect against cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the activity of its downstream target TCF7, a critical member of Wnt signaling, and the protective effect could be reversed by AMO-135a. Luciferase assay showed direct interactions among lncRNAA02Rik, miR-135a, and TCF7. Altogether, our study demonstrated that lncRNAA02Rik upregulation could promote cardiac hypertrophy development via modulating miR-135a expression levels and TCF7 activity. Therefore, lncRNAA02Rik inhibition might be considered as a novel potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac hypertrophy.
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Basso C, Zaglia T, Pilichou K. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: the ongoing search for mechanism-driven therapies meets extracellular vesicles. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:3572-3574. [PMID: 34417602 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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21
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Gerull B, Brodehl A. Insights Into Genetics and Pathophysiology of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2021; 18:378-390. [PMID: 34478111 PMCID: PMC8616880 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-021-00532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disease characterized by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in apparently healthy young adults. Mutations in genes encoding for cellular junctions can be found in about half of the patients. However, disease onset and severity, risk of arrhythmias, and outcome are highly variable and drug-targeted treatment is currently unavailable. Recent Findings This review focuses on advances in clinical risk stratification, genetic etiology, and pathophysiological concepts. The desmosome is the central part of the disease, but other intercalated disc and associated structural proteins not only broaden the genetic spectrum but also provide novel molecular and cellular insights into the pathogenesis of ACM. Signaling pathways and the role of inflammation will be discussed and targets for novel therapeutic approaches outlined. Summary Genetic discoveries and experimental-driven preclinical research contributed significantly to the understanding of ACM towards mutation- and pathway-specific personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Gerull
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Medicine I, University Clinic Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Brodehl
- Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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22
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Peron M, Dinarello A, Meneghetti G, Martorano L, Betto RM, Facchinello N, Tesoriere A, Tiso N, Martello G, Argenton F. Y705 and S727 are required for the mitochondrial import and transcriptional activities of STAT3, and for regulation of stem cell proliferation. Development 2021; 148:272054. [PMID: 34473253 PMCID: PMC8451946 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The STAT3 transcription factor, acting both in the nucleus and mitochondria, maintains embryonic stem cell pluripotency and promotes their proliferation. In this work, using zebrafish, we determined in vivo that mitochondrial STAT3 regulates mtDNA transcription in embryonic and larval stem cell niches and that this activity affects their proliferation rates. As a result, we demonstrated that import of STAT3 inside mitochondria requires Y705 phosphorylation by Jak, whereas its mitochondrial transcriptional activity, as well as its effect on proliferation, depends on the MAPK target S727. These data were confirmed using mouse embryonic stem cells: although the Y705-mutated STAT3 cannot enter mitochondria, the S727 mutation does not affect import into the organelle and is responsible for STAT3-dependent mitochondrial transcription. Surprisingly, STAT3-dependent increase of mitochondrial transcription appears to be independent from STAT3 binding to STAT3-responsive elements. Finally, loss-of-function experiments, with chemical inhibition of the JAK/STAT3 pathway or genetic ablation of stat3 gene, demonstrated that STAT3 is also required for cell proliferation in the intestine of zebrafish. Summary: Mitochondrial import of STAT3 requires Y705 phosphorylation by Jak, whereas STAT3 mitochondrial transcriptional activity and its effect on proliferation depend on the MAPK target S727.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Peron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Martorano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo M Betto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121, Padova, Italy
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23
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Qi YY, Lu JZ, Zhang L, Cao HX, Zhu HY, Bai ZH, Zhang SM, Qiao ZB, Jia WW, Liu ZM. An induced pluripotent stem cell line (EHTJUi004-A) generated from a neonate with c.4683_4684delCT:p.Leu1563fs mutation in the gene DSP causing Familial Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD). Stem Cell Res 2021; 53:102369. [PMID: 34087998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is a primary cardiomyopathy characterized by the abnormality of the right ventricular muscle. ARVD may be life-threatening due to the induction of paroxysmal refractory ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular arrhythmia. A human induced pluripotent stem cell line (EHTJUi004-A) was generated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMCs) of a female neonate with heterozygous mutation of p.Leu1563fs (c.4683_4684delCT) in the DSP gene. This iPS cell line resource provides an ideal in vitro model to study the pathological mechanism of ARVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yao Qi
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ji-Zhen Lu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong-Xia Cao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Han-Yu Zhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Bai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shou-Mei Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Qiao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wen-Wen Jia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhong-Min Liu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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24
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Cason M, Celeghin R, Marinas MB, Beffagna G, Della Barbera M, Rizzo S, Remme CA, Bezzina CR, Tiso N, Bauce B, Thiene G, Basso C, Pilichou K. Novel pathogenic role for galectin-3 in early disease stages of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Heart Rhythm 2021; 18:1394-1403. [PMID: 33857645 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a myocardial disease due to desmosomal mutations whose pathogenesis is incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify molecular pathways underlying early AC by gene expression profiling in both humans and animal models. METHODS RNA sequencing for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed on the myocardium of transgenic mice overexpressing the Desmoglein2-N271S mutation before phenotype onset. Zebrafish signaling reporters were used for in vivo validation. Whole exome sequencing was undertaken in 10 genotype-negative AC patients and subsequent direct sequencing in 140 AC index cases. RESULTS Among 29 DEGs identified at early disease stages, Lgals3/GAL3 (lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble, 3) showed reduced cardiac expression in transgenic mice and in 3 AC patients who suffered sudden cardiac death without overt structural remodeling. Four rare missense variants of LGALS3 were identified in 5 human AC probands. Pharmacologic inhibition of Lgals3 in zebrafish reduced Wnt and transforming growth factor-β signaling, increased Hippo/YAP-TAZ signaling, and induced alterations in desmoplakin membrane localization, desmosome integrity and stability. Increased LGALS3 plasma expression in genotype-positive AC patients and CD98 activation supported the galectin-3 (GAL3) release by circulating macrophages pointing toward the stabilization of desmosomal assembly at the injured regions. CONCLUSION GAL3 plays a crucial role in early AC onset through regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and intercellular adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cason
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Bueno Marinas
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mila Della Barbera
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Bauce
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Cardiovascular Pathology and Cardiology Units, Department of Cardiac-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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25
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Efficient clofilium tosylate-mediated rescue of POLG-related disease phenotypes in zebrafish. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:100. [PMID: 33469036 PMCID: PMC7815880 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The DNA polymerase gamma (Polg) is a nuclear-encoded enzyme involved in DNA replication in animal mitochondria. In humans, mutations in the POLG gene underlie a set of mitochondrial diseases characterized by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion or deletion and multiorgan defects, named POLG disorders, for which an effective therapy is still needed. By applying antisense strategies, ENU- and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, we have generated embryonic, larval-lethal and adult-viable zebrafish Polg models. Morphological and functional characterizations detected a set of phenotypes remarkably associated to POLG disorders, including cardiac, skeletal muscle, hepatic and gonadal defects, as well as mitochondrial dysfunctions and, notably, a perturbed mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling (CREB and Hypoxia pathways). Next, taking advantage of preliminary evidence on the candidate molecule Clofilium tosylate (CLO), we tested CLO toxicity and then its efficacy in our zebrafish lines. Interestingly, at well tolerated doses, the CLO drug could successfully rescue mtDNA and Complex I respiratory activity to normal levels, even in mutant phenotypes worsened by treatment with Ethidium Bromide. In addition, the CLO drug could efficiently restore cardio-skeletal parameters and mitochondrial mass back to normal values. Altogether, these evidences point to zebrafish as a valuable vertebrate organism to faithfully phenocopy multiple defects detected in POLG patients. Moreover, this model represents an excellent platform to screen, at the whole-animal level, candidate molecules with therapeutic effects in POLG disorders.
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26
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Sieliwonczyk E, Matchkov VV, Vandendriessche B, Alaerts M, Bakkers J, Loeys B, Schepers D. Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmia in Zebrafish: Genetic Models and Phenotyping Tools. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 184:33-68. [PMID: 34533615 DOI: 10.1007/112_2021_65] [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: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, the field of inheritable ventricular arrhythmia disease modelling has changed significantly with a push towards the use of novel cellular cardiomyocyte based models. However, there is a growing need for new in vivo models to study the disease pathology at the tissue and organ level. Zebrafish provide an excellent opportunity for in vivo modelling of inheritable ventricular arrhythmia syndromes due to the remarkable similarity between their cardiac electrophysiology and that of humans. Additionally, many state-of-the-art methods in gene editing and electrophysiological phenotyping are available for zebrafish research. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the published zebrafish genetic models for primary electrical disorders and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. We summarise and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the different technical approaches for the generation of genetically modified zebrafish disease models, as well as the electrophysiological approaches in zebrafish phenotyping. By providing this detailed overview, we aim to draw attention to the potential of the zebrafish model for studying arrhythmia syndromes at the organ level and as a platform for personalised medicine and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sieliwonczyk
- Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Vladimir V Matchkov
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bert Vandendriessche
- Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maaike Alaerts
- Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Bakkers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Loeys
- Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dorien Schepers
- Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular, Cellular and Network Excitability, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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27
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Beffagna G, Sommariva E, Bellin M. Mechanotransduction and Adrenergic Stimulation in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: An Overview of in vitro and in vivo Models. Front Physiol 2020; 11:568535. [PMID: 33281612 PMCID: PMC7689294 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.568535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (AC) is a rare inherited heart disease, manifesting with progressive myocardium degeneration and dysfunction, and life-threatening arrhythmic events that lead to sudden cardiac death. Despite genetic determinants, most of AC patients admitted to hospital are athletes or very physically active people, implying the existence of other disease-causing factors. It is recognized that AC phenotypes are enhanced and triggered by strenuous physical activity, while excessive mechanical stretch and load, and repetitive adrenergic stimulation are mechanisms influencing disease penetrance. Different approaches have been undertaken to recapitulate and study both mechanotransduction and adrenergic signaling in AC, including the use of in vitro cellular and tissue models, and the development of in vivo models (particularly rodents but more recently also zebrafish). However, it remains challenging to reproduce mechanical load stimuli and physical activity in laboratory experimental settings. Thus, more work to drive the innovation of advanced AC models is needed to recapitulate these subtle physiological influences. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in this field both in clinical and laboratory-based modeling scenarios. Specific attention will be focused on highlighting gaps in the knowledge and how they may be resolved by utilizing novel research methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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28
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Established and Emerging Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Multifaceted Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176320. [PMID: 32878278 PMCID: PMC7503882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable myocardial disease that manifests with cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure in the advanced stages. The pathological hallmark of ACM is a gradual replacement of the myocardium by fibroadiposis, which typically starts from the epicardium. Molecular genetic studies have identified causal mutations predominantly in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins; however, non-desmosomal causal mutations have also been described, including genes coding for nuclear proteins, cytoskeleton componentsand proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. Despite the poor prognosis, currently available treatments can only partially control symptoms and to date there is no effective therapy for ACM. Inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activation of the Hippo and the TGF-β pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ACM. Yet, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and the cell source of fibroadiposis remains incomplete. Elucidation of the pathogenesis of the disease could facilitate targeted approaches for treatment. In this manuscript we will provide a comprehensive review of the proposed molecular and cellular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ACM, including the emerging evidence on abnormal calcium homeostasis and inflammatory/autoimmune response. Moreover, we will propose novel hypothesis about the role of epicardial cells and paracrine factors in the development of the phenotype. Finally, we will discuss potential innovative therapeutic approaches based on the growing knowledge in the field.
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29
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Khudiakov A, Zaytseva A, Perepelina K, Smolina N, Pervunina T, Vasichkina E, Karpushev A, Tomilin A, Malashicheva A, Kostareva A. Sodium current abnormalities and deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes generated from patient with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy harboring compound genetic variants in plakophilin 2 gene. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165915. [PMID: 32768677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in desmosomal genes linked to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy are commonly associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling abnormalities and reduction of the sodium current density. Inhibitors of GSK3B were reported to restore sodium current and improve heart function in various arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy models, but mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. We hypothesized that there is a crosstalk between desmosomal proteins, signaling pathways, and cardiac sodium channels. METHODS AND RESULTS To reveal molecular mechanisms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, we established human iPSC-based model of this pathology. iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from patient carrying two genetic variants in PKP2 gene demonstrated that PKP2 haploinsufficiency due to frameshift variant, in combination with the missense variant expressed from the second allele, was associated with decreased Wnt/β-catenin activity and reduced sodium current. Different approaches were tested to restore impaired cardiomyocytes functions, including wild type PKP2 transduction, GSK3B inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin signaling modulation. Inhibition of GSK3B led to the restoration of both Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity and sodium current density in patient-specific cardiomyocytes while GSK3B activation led to the reduction of sodium current density. Moreover, we found that upon inhibition GSK3B sodium current was restored through Wnt/β-catenin-independent mechanism. CONCLUSION We propose that alterations in GSK3B-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways lead to regulation of sodium current implying its role in molecular pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anastasia Zaytseva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kseniya Perepelina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Saint Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Smolina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elena Vasichkina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Karpushev
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Saint Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Gao S, Chen SN, Di Nardo C, Lombardi R. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies: Shared Histopathological Features and Pathogenic Mechanisms. Front Physiol 2020; 11:834. [PMID: 32848821 PMCID: PMC7406798 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable cardiac disease characterized by fibrotic or fibrofatty myocardial replacement, associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Originally described as a disease of the right ventricle, ACM is currently recognized as a biventricular entity, due to the increasing numbers of reports of predominant left ventricular or biventricular involvement. Research over the last 20 years has significantly advanced our knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of ACM. Several etiopathogenetic theories have been proposed; among them, the most attractive one is the dystrophic theory, based on the observation of similar histopathological features between ACM and skeletal muscle dystrophies (SMDs), such as progressive muscular degeneration, inflammation, and tissue replacement by fatty and fibrous tissue. This review will describe the pathophysiological and molecular similarities shared by ACM with SMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Gao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Carlo Di Nardo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lombardi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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31
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Gerull B, Brodehl A. Genetic Animal Models for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:624. [PMID: 32670084 PMCID: PMC7327121 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy has been clinically defined since the 1980s and causes right or biventricular cardiomyopathy associated with ventricular arrhythmia. Although it is a rare cardiac disease, it is responsible for a significant proportion of sudden cardiac deaths, especially in athletes. The majority of patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy carry one or more genetic variants in desmosomal genes. In the 1990s, several knockout mouse models of genes encoding for desmosomal proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion revealed for the first time embryonic lethality due to cardiac defects. Influenced by these initial discoveries in mice, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy received an increasing interest in human cardiovascular genetics, leading to the discovery of mutations initially in desmosomal genes and later on in more than 25 different genes. Of note, even in the clinic, routine genetic diagnostics are important for risk prediction of patients and their relatives with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Based on improvements in genetic animal engineering, different transgenic, knock-in, or cardiac-specific knockout animal models for desmosomal and nondesmosomal proteins have been generated, leading to important discoveries in this field. Here, we present an overview about the existing animal models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy with a focus on the underlying pathomechanism and its importance for understanding of this disease. Prospectively, novel mechanistic insights gained from the whole animal, organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels will lead to the development of efficient personalized therapies for treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Gerull
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andreas Brodehl
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Development, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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32
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Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Molecular Insights for Improved Therapeutic Design. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7020021. [PMID: 32466575 PMCID: PMC7345706 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited disorder characterized by structural and electrical cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial fibro-fatty replacement. Its pathological ventricular substrate predisposes subjects to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). ACM is a notorious cause of SCD in young athletes, and exercise has been documented to accelerate its progression. Although the genetic culprits are not exclusively limited to the intercalated disc, the majority of ACM-linked variants reside within desmosomal genes and are transmitted via Mendelian inheritance patterns; however, penetrance is highly variable. Its natural history features an initial “concealed phase” that results in patients being vulnerable to malignant arrhythmias prior to the onset of structural changes. Lack of effective therapies that target its pathophysiology renders management of patients challenging due to its progressive nature, and has highlighted a critical need to improve our understanding of its underlying mechanistic basis. In vitro and in vivo studies have begun to unravel the molecular consequences associated with disease causing variants, including altered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Characterization of ACM mouse models has facilitated the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches. Improved molecular insight into the condition promises to usher in novel forms of therapy that will lead to improved care at the clinical bedside.
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33
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Poller W, Haas J, Klingel K, Kühnisch J, Gast M, Kaya Z, Escher F, Kayvanpour E, Degener F, Opgen-Rhein B, Berger F, Mochmann HC, Skurk C, Heidecker B, Schultheiss HP, Monserrat L, Meder B, Landmesser U, Klaassen S. Familial Recurrent Myocarditis Triggered by Exercise in Patients With a Truncating Variant of the Desmoplakin Gene. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e015289. [PMID: 32410525 PMCID: PMC7660888 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.015289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Variants of the desmosomal protein desmoplakin are associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, an important cause of ventricular arrhythmias in children and young adults. Disease penetrance of desmoplakin variants is incomplete and variant carriers may display noncardiac, dermatologic phenotypes. We describe a novel cardiac phenotype associated with a truncating desmoplakin variant, likely causing mechanical instability of myocardial desmosomes. Methods and Results In 2 young brothers with recurrent myocarditis triggered by physical exercise, screening of 218 cardiomyopathy‐related genes identified the heterozygous truncating variant p.Arg1458Ter in desmoplakin. Screening for infections yielded no evidence of viral or nonviral infections. Myosin and troponin I autoantibodies were detected at high titers. Immunohistology failed to detect any residual DSP protein in endomyocardial biopsies, and none of the histologic criteria of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy were fulfilled. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed no features associated with right ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, but multifocal subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement was present in the left ventricles of both brothers. Screening of adult cardiomyopathy cohorts for truncating variants identified the rare genetic variants p.Gln307Ter, p.Tyr1391Ter, and p.Tyr1512Ter, suggesting that over subsequent decades critical genetic/exogenous modifiers drive pathogenesis from desmoplakin truncations toward different end points. Conclusions The described novel phenotype of familial recurrent myocarditis associated with a desmoplakin truncation in adolescents likely represents a serendipitously revealed subtype of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. It may be caused by a distinctive adverse effect of the variant desmoplakin upon the mechanical stability of myocardial desmosomes. Variant screening is advisable to allow early detection of patients with similar phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department of Cardiology Campus Benjamin Franklin Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany
| | - Jan Haas
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Heidelberg Germany.,Department of Cardiology University Hospital Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology Department of Pathology University Hospital Tübingen Germany
| | - Jirko Kühnisch
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Martina Gast
- Department of Cardiology Campus Benjamin Franklin Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Ziya Kaya
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Heidelberg Germany.,Department of Cardiology University Hospital Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Felicitas Escher
- Department of Cardiology Campus Virchow Klinikum Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany.,Institute for Clinical Diagnostics and Therapy (IKDT) Berlin Germany
| | - Elham Kayvanpour
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Heidelberg Germany.,Department of Cardiology University Hospital Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Franziska Degener
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany.,German Heart Center (DHZB) Berlin Germany
| | - Bernd Opgen-Rhein
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Felix Berger
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany.,German Heart Center (DHZB) Berlin Germany.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | | | - Carsten Skurk
- Department of Cardiology Campus Benjamin Franklin Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Bettina Heidecker
- Department of Cardiology Campus Benjamin Franklin Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Meder
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Heidelberg Germany.,Department of Cardiology University Hospital Heidelberg Mannheim Germany.,Department of Genetics Stanford University School of Medicine Palo Alto CA
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology Campus Benjamin Franklin Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Sabine Klaassen
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany.,Department of Pediatric Cardiology Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany
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34
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Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disorder characterized by the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction and fibrofatty replacement of myocardial tissue. Mutations in genes that encode components of desmosomes, the adhesive junctions that connect cardiomyocytes, are the predominant cause of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and can be identified in about half of patients with the condition. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to myocardial destruction, remodelling and arrhythmic predisposition remain poorly understood. Through the development of animal, induced pluripotent stem cell and other models of disease, advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy over the past decade have brought several signalling pathways into focus. These pathways include canonical and non-canonical WNT signalling, the Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway and transforming growth factor-β signalling. These studies have begun to identify potential therapeutic targets whose modulation has shown promise in preclinical models. In this Review, we summarize and discuss the reported molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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35
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Rausch V, Hansen CG. The Hippo Pathway, YAP/TAZ, and the Plasma Membrane. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 30:32-48. [PMID: 31806419 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The plasma membrane allows the cell to sense and adapt to changes in the extracellular environment by relaying external inputs via intracellular signaling networks. One central cellular signaling pathway is the Hippo pathway, which regulates homeostasis and plays chief roles in carcinogenesis and regenerative processes. Recent studies have found that mechanical stimuli and diffusible chemical components can regulate the Hippo pathway primarily through receptors embedded in the plasma membrane. Morphologically defined structures within the plasma membrane, such as cellular junctions, focal adhesions, primary cilia, caveolae, clathrin-coated pits, and plaques play additional key roles. Here, we discuss recent evidence highlighting the importance of these specialized plasma membrane domains in cellular feedback via the Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rausch
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Carsten G Hansen
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh bioQuarter, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK.
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36
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Beffagna G. Zebrafish as a Smart Model to Understand Regeneration After Heart Injury: How Fish Could Help Humans. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:107. [PMID: 31448289 PMCID: PMC6691037 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) in humans is a common cause of cardiac injury and results in irreversible loss of myocardial cells and formation of fibrotic scar tissue. This fibrotic tissue preserves the integrity of the ventricular wall but undermines pump function, leading to congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, the mammalian heart is unable to replace cardiomyocytes, so the life expectancy for patients after an episode of MI is lower than for most common types of cancers. Whereas, humans cannot efficiently regenerate their heart after injury, the teleost zebrafish have the capability to repair a “broken” heart. The zebrafish is probably one of the most important models for developmental and regenerative biology of the heart. In the last decades, the zebrafish has become increasingly important for scientific research: it has many characteristics that make it a smart model for studying human disease. Moreover, adult zebrafish efficiently regenerate their hearts following different forms of injury. Due to these characteristics, and to the availability of genetic approaches, and biosensor zebrafish lines, it has been established useful for studying molecular mechanisms of heart regeneration. Regeneration of cardiomyocytes in zebrafish is not based on stem cells or transdifferentiation of other cells but on the proliferation of preexisting cardiomyocytes. For this reason, future studies into the zebrafish cardiac regenerative mechanisms could identify specific molecules able to regulate the proliferation of preexisting cardiomyocytes; these factors may be studied in order to understand regulation of myocardial plasticity in cardiac repair processes after injury and, in particular, after MI in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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37
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Elliott PM, Anastasakis A, Asimaki A, Basso C, Bauce B, Brooke MA, Calkins H, Corrado D, Duru F, Green KJ, Judge DP, Kelsell D, Lambiase PD, McKenna WJ, Pilichou K, Protonotarios A, Saffitz JE, Syrris P, Tandri H, Te Riele A, Thiene G, Tsatsopoulou A, van Tintelen JP. Definition and treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: an updated expert panel report. Eur J Heart Fail 2019; 21:955-964. [PMID: 31210398 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is 35 years since the first description of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and more than 20 years since the first reports establishing desmosomal gene mutations as a major cause of the disease. Early advances in the understanding of the clinical, pathological and genetic architecture of ARVC resulted in consensus diagnostic criteria, which proved to be sensitive but not entirely specific for the disease. In more recent years, clinical and genetic data from families and the recognition of a much broader spectrum of structural disorders affecting both ventricles and associated with a propensity to ventricular arrhythmia have raised many questions about pathogenesis, disease terminology and clinical management. In this paper, we present the conclusions of an expert round table that aimed to summarise the current state of the art in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies and to define future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry M Elliott
- University College London & St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Aris Anastasakis
- Unit of Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Asimaki
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St Georges University, London, UK
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua-Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Bauce
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua-Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | - Matthew A Brooke
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Domenico Corrado
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua-Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | - Firat Duru
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kathleen J Green
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel P Judge
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - David Kelsell
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pier D Lambiase
- University College London & St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - William J McKenna
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua-Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petros Syrris
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hari Tandri
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anneline Te Riele
- Division of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua-Azienda Ospedaliera, Padua, Italy
| | | | - J Peter van Tintelen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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38
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Santoro MM, Beltrame M, Panáková D, Siekmann AF, Tiso N, Venero Galanternik M, Jung HM, Weinstein BM. Advantages and Challenges of Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Studies in Zebrafish Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:89. [PMID: 31192207 PMCID: PMC6546721 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction, the zebrafish has provided an important reference system to model and study cardiovascular development as well as lymphangiogenesis in vertebrates. A scientific workshop, held at the 2018 European Zebrafish Principal Investigators Meeting in Trento (Italy) and chaired by Massimo Santoro, focused on the most recent methods and studies on cardiac, vascular and lymphatic development. Daniela Panáková and Natascia Tiso described new molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in cardiac differentiation and disease. Arndt Siekmann and Wiebke Herzog discussed novel roles for Wnt and VEGF signaling in brain angiogenesis. In addition, Brant Weinstein's lab presented data concerning the discovery of endothelium-derived macrophage-like perivascular cells in the zebrafish brain, while Monica Beltrame's studies refined the role of Sox transcription factors in vascular and lymphatic development. In this article, we will summarize the details of these recent discoveries in support of the overall value of the zebrafish model system not only to study normal development, but also associated disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo M Santoro
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Redox Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Monica Beltrame
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Panáková
- Electrochemical Signaling in Development and Disease, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HZ), Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research: DZHK, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arndt F Siekmann
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany.,Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence (CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Venero Galanternik
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hyun Min Jung
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
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