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Liu H, Zhao Y, Zhao G, Deng Y, Chen YE, Zhang J. SWI/SNF Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Implications in Cardiovascular Pathologies. Cells 2024; 13:168. [PMID: 38247859 PMCID: PMC10814623 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit a remarkable degree of plasticity, a characteristic that has intrigued cardiovascular researchers for decades. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that the chromatin remodeler SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex plays a pivotal role in orchestrating chromatin conformation, which is critical for gene regulation. In this review, we provide a summary of research related to the involvement of the SWI/SNF complexes in VSMC and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), integrating these discoveries into the current landscape of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in VSMC. These novel discoveries shed light on our understanding of VSMC biology and pave the way for developing innovative therapeutic strategies in CVD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjie Deng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
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2
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Mahata B, Cabrera A, Brenner DA, Guerra-Resendez RS, Li J, Goell J, Wang K, Guo Y, Escobar M, Parthasarathy AK, Szadowski H, Bedford G, Reed DR, Kim S, Hilton IB. Compact engineered human mechanosensitive transactivation modules enable potent and versatile synthetic transcriptional control. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1716-1728. [PMID: 37813990 PMCID: PMC10630135 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Engineered transactivation domains (TADs) combined with programmable DNA binding platforms have revolutionized synthetic transcriptional control. Despite recent progress in programmable CRISPR-Cas-based transactivation (CRISPRa) technologies, the TADs used in these systems often contain poorly tolerated elements and/or are prohibitively large for many applications. Here, we defined and optimized minimal TADs built from human mechanosensitive transcription factors. We used these components to construct potent and compact multipartite transactivation modules (MSN, NMS and eN3x9) and to build the CRISPR-dCas9 recruited enhanced activation module (CRISPR-DREAM) platform. We found that CRISPR-DREAM was specific and robust across mammalian cell types, and efficiently stimulated transcription from diverse regulatory loci. We also showed that MSN and NMS were portable across Type I, II and V CRISPR systems, transcription activator-like effectors and zinc finger proteins. Further, as proofs of concept, we used dCas9-NMS to efficiently reprogram human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells and demonstrated that mechanosensitive transcription factor TADs are efficacious and well tolerated in therapeutically important primary human cell types. Finally, we leveraged the compact and potent features of these engineered TADs to build dual and all-in-one CRISPRa AAV systems. Altogether, these compact human TADs, fusion modules and delivery architectures should be valuable for synthetic transcriptional control in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barun Mahata
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alan Cabrera
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Jing Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Goell
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yannie Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mario Escobar
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Hailey Szadowski
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guy Bedford
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel R Reed
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac B Hilton
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Chen Y, Liu S, Wu L, Liu Y, Du J, Luo Z, Xu J, Guo L, Liu Y. Epigenetic regulation of chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 2 in inflammatory diseases. Cell Prolif 2023:e13428. [PMID: 36872292 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate responses to inflammation are conducive to pathogen elimination and tissue repair, while uncontrolled inflammatory reactions are likely to result in the damage of tissues. Chemokine (CC-motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) is the main chemokine and activator of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. CCL2 played a key role in amplifying and accelerating the inflammatory cascade and is closely related to chronic non-controllable inflammation (cirrhosis, neuropathic pain, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, deforming arthritis, ischemic injury, cancer, etc.). The crucial regulatory roles of CCL2 may provide potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we presented a review of the regulatory mechanisms of CCL2. Gene expression is largely affected by the state of chromatin. Different epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, histone variants, ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling, and non-coding RNA, could affect the 'open' or 'closed' state of DNA, and then significantly affect the expression of target genes. Since most epigenetic modifications are proven to be reversible, targeting the epigenetic mechanisms of CCL2 is expected to be a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the epigenetic regulation of CCL2 in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Chen
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyan Liu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Wu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yitong Liu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junji Xu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijia Guo
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Wu T, Li N, Zhang Q, Liu R, Zhao H, Fan Z, Zhuo L, Yang Y, Xu Y. MKL1 fuels ROS-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by modulating FOXM1 transcription. Redox Biol 2022; 59:102586. [PMID: 36587486 PMCID: PMC9823229 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) promotes vascular injury and neointima formation in part by stimulating proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The underlying transcriptional mechanism, however, is not completely understood. Here we report that VSMC-specific deletion of MKL1 in mice suppressed neointima formation in a classic model of vascular injury. Likewise, pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 activity by CCG-1423 similarly mollified neointima formation in mice. Over-expression of a constitutively active MKL1 in vascular smooth muscle cells enhanced proliferation in a ROS-dependent manner. On the contrary, MKL1 depletion or inhibition attenuated VSMC proliferation. PCR array based screening identified forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) as a direct target for MKL1. MKL1 interacted with E2F1 to activate FOXM1 expression. Concordantly, FOXM1 depletion ameliorated MKL1-dependent VSMC proliferation. Of interest, ROS-induced MKL1 phosphorylation through MK2 was essential for its interaction with E2F1 and consequently FOXM1 trans-activation. Importantly, a positive correlation between FOXM1 expression and VSMC proliferation was identified in arterial specimens from patients with restenosis. Taken together, our data suggest that a redox-sensitive phosphorylation-switch of MKL1 activates FOXM1 transcription and mediates ROS fueled vascular smooth muscle proliferation. Targeting the MK-2/MKL1/FOXM1 axis may be considered as a reasonable approach for treatment of restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiumei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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Tang L, Chen P, Yang L, Liu J, Zheng Y, Lin J, Chen S, Luo Y, Chen Y, Ma X, Zhang L. Transgenerational inheritance of promoter methylation changes in extrauterine growth restriction-induced pulmonary arterial pressure disorders. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1551. [PMID: 34790757 PMCID: PMC8576681 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the influence of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) on pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and the transgenerational inheritance of promoter methylation changes in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) of 2 consecutive generations under EUGR stress. Methods After modeling, PAP values of F1 and F2 pups were investigated at 9-week-old. The methyl-DNA immune precipitation chip was used to analyze DNA methylation profiling. Differential enrichment peaks (DEPs) and regions of interest (ROIs) were identified, based on which Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and reactome pathway enrichments were analyzed. Results The F1 male rats in the EUGR group had significantly increased PAP levels compared to the control group; however, this increase was not observed in female rats. Interestingly, in F2 female rats, the EUGR group had decreased PAP. In the X chromosome of the F1 males, there were 16 differential ROI genes in the F1 generation, while in F2 females, there were 86 differential ROI genes. Similarly, there were 105 DEPs in the F1 generation and 38 DEPs in the F2 generation. In combination with the 5 common ROIs and 14 common DEPs, 18 genes were regarded as the key candidate genes associated with hereditable PAP variation in the EUGR model. Enrichment analysis showed that synaptic and neurotransmitter relative pathways might be involved in the process of EUGR-induced PAH development. Among common DEPs, Smad1 and Serpine1 were also found in 102 PAH-associated genes in the MalaCards database. Conclusions Together, there is a transgenerational inheritance of promoter methylation changes in the X chromosome in EUGR-induced PAP disorders, which involves the participation of synaptic and neurotransmitter relative pathways. Also, attenuated methylation of Smad1 and Serpine1 in the promoter region may be a partial driver of PAH in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tang
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Unimed Scientific Inc., Wuxi, China
| | - Jiyuan Liu
- Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuanfang Zheng
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jincai Lin
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Senhua Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yinzhu Luo
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Ma
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Fuzhou Children Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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6
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Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Liu L, Bankell E, Rippe C, Morén B, Stenkula KG, Nilsson BO, Swärd K. Cell Type Dependent Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators by Myocardin Related Transcription Factors. Front Physiol 2021; 12:732564. [PMID: 34671275 PMCID: PMC8521029 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.732564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardin related transcription factors (MRTFs: MYOCD/myocardin, MRTF-A, and MRTF-B) play a key role in smooth muscle cell differentiation by activating contractile genes. In atherosclerosis, MRTF levels change, and most notable is a fall of MYOCD. Previous work described anti-inflammatory properties of MRTF-A and MYOCD, occurring through RelA binding, suggesting that MYOCD reduction could contribute to vascular inflammation. Recent studies have muddled this picture showing that MRTFs may show both anti- and pro-inflammatory properties, but the basis of these discrepancies remain unclear. Moreover, the impact of MRTFs on inflammatory signaling pathways in tissues relevant to human arterial disease is uncertain. The current work aimed to address these issues. RNA-sequencing after forced expression of myocardin in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs) showed reduction of pro-inflammatory transcripts, including CCL2, CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B. Side-by-side comparison of MYOCD, MRTF-A, and MRTF-B in hCASMCs, showed that the anti-inflammatory impact was shared among MRTFs. Correlation analyses using human arterial transcriptomic datasets revealed negative correlations between MYOCD, MRTFA, and SRF, on the one hand, and the inflammatory transcripts, on the other. A pro-inflammatory drive from lipopolysaccharide, did not change the size of the suppressive effect of MRTF-A in hCASMCs on either mRNA or protein levels. To examine cell type-dependence, we compared the anti-inflammatory impact in hCASMCs, with that in human bladder SMCs, in endothelial cells, and in monocytes (THP-1 cells). Surprisingly, little anti-inflammatory activity was seen in endothelial cells and monocytes, and in bladder SMCs, MRTF-A was pro-inflammatory. CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B were increased by the MRTF-SRF inhibitor CCG-1423 and by MRTF-A silencing in hCASMCs, but depolymerization of actin, known to inhibit MRTF activity, had no stimulatory effect, an exception being IL1B. Co-immunoprecipitation supported binding of MRTF-A to RelA, supporting sequestration of this important pro-inflammatory mediator as a mechanism. Dexamethasone treatment and silencing of RelA (by 76 ± 1%) however only eliminated a fraction of the MRTF-A effect (≈25%), suggesting mechanisms beyond RelA binding. Indeed, SRF silencing suggested that MRTF-A suppression of IL1B and CXCL8 depends on SRF. This work thus supports an anti-inflammatory impact of MRTF-SRF signaling in hCASMCs and in intact human arteries, but not in several other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Urology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, China
| | | | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Morén
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
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Zhang Z, Chen B, Zhu Y, Zhang T, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Xu Y. The Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylase Homolog 1D/lysine Demethylase 7A (JHDM1D/KDM7A) Is an Epigenetic Activator of RHOJ Transcription in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:664375. [PMID: 34249916 PMCID: PMC8262595 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.664375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase RHOJ is a key regulator of breast cancer metastasis by promoting cell migration and invasion. The prometastatic stimulus TGF-β activates RHOJ transcription via megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not clear. Here, we report that MKL1 deficiency led to disrupted assembly of the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex on the RHOJ promoter in breast cancer cells. This could be partially explained by histone H3K9/H3K27 methylation status. Further analysis confirmed that the H3K9/H3K27 dual demethylase JHDM1D/KDM7A was essential for TGF-β-induced RHOJ transcription in breast cancer cells. MKL1 interacted with and recruited KDM7A to the RHOJ promoter to cooperatively activate RHOJ transcription. KDM7A knockdown attenuated migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and mitigated the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells in nude mice. KDM7A expression level, either singularly or in combination with that of RHOJ, could be used to predict prognosis in breast cancer patients. Of interest, KDM7A appeared to be a direct transcriptional target of TGF-β signaling. A SMAD2/SMAD4 complex bound to the KDM7A promoter and mediated TGF-β-induced KDM7A transcription. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel epigenetic mechanism whereby TGF-β regulates the transcription of the prometastatic small GTPase RHOJ. Screening for small-molecule inhibitors of KDM7A may yield effective therapeutic solutions to treat malignant breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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10
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Liu L, Zhao Q, Lin L, Yang G, Yu L, Zhuo L, Yang Y, Xu Y. Myeloid MKL1 Disseminates Cues to Promote Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583492. [PMID: 33898415 PMCID: PMC8063155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a key pathophysiological process in the heart in response to stress cues. Although taking place in cardiomyocytes, the hypertrophic response is influenced by other cell types, both within the heart and derived from circulation. In the present study we investigated the myeloid-specific role of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) in cardiac hypertrophy. Following transverse aortic constriction (TAC), myeloid MKL1 conditional knockout (MFCKO) mice exhibit an attenuated phenotype of cardiac hypertrophy compared to the WT mice. In accordance, the MFCKO mice were protected from excessive cardiac inflammation and fibrosis as opposed to the WT mice. Conditioned media collected from macrophages enhanced the pro-hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes exposed to endothelin in an MKL1-dependent manner. Of interest, expression levels of macrophage derived miR-155, known to promote cardiac hypertrophy, were down-regulated in the MFCKO mice compared to the WT mice. MKL1 depletion or inhibition repressed miR-155 expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, MKL1 interacted with NF-κB to activate miR-155 transcription in macrophages. In conclusion, our data suggest that MKL1 may contribute to pathological hypertrophy via regulating macrophage-derived miR-155 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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11
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Epigenetic Regulation of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Induced Vascular and Right Ventricular Remodeling: New Opportunities? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238901. [PMID: 33255338 PMCID: PMC7727715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease with high impact on patients’ quality of life and currently no available cure. PAH is characterized by constant remodeling of the pulmonary artery by increased proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), fibroblasts (FBs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This remodeling eventually leads to increased pressure in the right ventricle (RV) and subsequent right ventricle hypertrophy (RVH) which, when left untreated, progresses into right ventricle failure (RVF). PAH can not only originate from heritable mutations, but also develop as a consequence of congenital heart disease, exposure to drugs or toxins, HIV, connective tissue disease or be idiopathic. While much attention was drawn into investigating and developing therapies related to the most well understood signaling pathways in PAH, in the last decade, a shift towards understanding the epigenetic mechanisms driving the disease occurred. In this review, we reflect on the different epigenetic regulatory factors that are associated with the pathology of RV remodeling, and on their relevance towards a better understanding of the disease and subsequently, the development of new and more efficient therapeutic strategies.
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12
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Epigenetic activation of the small GTPase TCL contributes to colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:86. [PMID: 32999272 PMCID: PMC7528090 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TC10-like (TCL) is a small GTPase that has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Elevated TCL expression has been observed in many different types of cancers although the underlying epigenetic mechanism is poorly understood. Here we report that TCL up-regulation was associated with high malignancy in both human colorectal cancer biopsy specimens and in cultured colorectal cancer cells. Hypoxia, a pro-metastatic stimulus, up-regulated TCL expression in HT-29 cells. Further studies revealed that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) promoted migration and invasion of HT-29 cells in a TCL-dependent manner. MRTF-A directly bound to the proximal TCL promoter in response to hypoxia to activate TCL transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that hypoxia stimulation specifically enhanced acetylation of histone H4K16 surrounding the TCL promoter, which was abolished by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, MRTF-A interacted with and recruited the H4K16 acetyltransferase hMOF to the TCL promoter to cooperatively regulate TCL transcription. hMOF depletion or inhibition attenuated hypoxia-induced TCL expression and migration/invasion of HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our data identify a novel MRTF-A-hMOF-TCL axis that contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis.
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13
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Ito S, Hashimoto Y, Majima R, Nakao E, Aoki H, Nishihara M, Ohno-Urabe S, Furusho A, Hirakata S, Nishida N, Hayashi M, Kuwahara K, Fukumoto Y. MRTF-A promotes angiotensin II-induced inflammatory response and aortic dissection in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229888. [PMID: 32208430 PMCID: PMC7092993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic dissection (AD) is a major cause of acute aortic syndrome with high mortality due to the destruction of aortic walls. Although recent studies indicate the critical role of inflammation in the disease mechanism of AD, it is unclear how inflammatory response is initiated. Here, we demonstrate that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a signal transducer of humoral and mechanical stress, plays an important role in pathogenesis of AD in a mouse model. A mouse model of AD was created by continuous infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) that induced MRTF-A expression and caused AD in 4 days. Systemic deletion of Mrtfa gene resulted in a marked suppression of AD development. Transcriptome and gene annotation enrichment analyses revealed that AngII infusion for 1 day caused pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic responses before AD development, which were suppressed by Mrtfa deletion. AngII infusion for 1 day induced pro-inflammatory response, as demonstrated by expressions of Il6, Tnf, and Ccl2, and apoptosis of aortic wall cells, as detected by TUNEL staining, in an MRTF-A-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of MRTF-A by CCG-203971 during AngII infusion partially suppressed AD phenotype, indicating that acute suppression of MRTF-A is effective in preventing the aortic wall destruction. These results indicate that MRTF-A transduces the stress of AngII challenge to the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic responses, ultimately leading to AD development. Intervening this pathway may represent a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohei Ito
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yohei Hashimoto
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ryohei Majima
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Eichi Nakao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hiroki Aoki
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Michihide Nishihara
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Satoko Ohno-Urabe
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Aya Furusho
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Saki Hirakata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Norifumi Nishida
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Makiko Hayashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kuwahara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fukumoto
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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14
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Abstract
The vasculature not only transports oxygenated blood, metabolites, and waste products but also serves as a conduit for hormonal communication between distant tissues. Therefore, it is important to maintain homeostasis within the vasculature. Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of the regulation of vasculature development and vascular-related diseases at the epigenetic level, including by protein posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs. Integrating epigenetic mechanisms into the pathophysiologic conceptualization of complex and multifactorial vascular-related diseases may provide promising therapeutic approaches. Several reviews have presented detailed discussions of epigenetic mechanisms not including histone methylation in vascular biology. In this review, we primarily discuss histone methylation in vascular development and maturity, and in vascular diseases.
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15
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Lu Y, Lv F, Kong M, Chen X, Duan Y, Chen X, Sun D, Fang M, Xu Y. A cAbl-MRTF-A Feedback Loop Contributes to Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:243. [PMID: 31681772 PMCID: PMC6805704 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trans-differentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to myofibroblasts is a hallmark event in liver fibrosis. Previous studies have led to the discovery that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) is a key regulator of HSC trans-differentiation or, activation. In the present study we investigated the interplay between MRTF-A and c-Abl (encoded by Abl1), a tyrosine kinase, in this process. We report that hepatic expression levels of c-Abl were down-regulated in MRTF-A knockout (KO) mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates in several different models of liver fibrosis. MRTF-A deficiency also resulted in c-Abl down-regulation in freshly isolated HSCs from the fibrotic livers of mice. MRTF-A knockdown or inhibition repressed c-Abl in cultured HSCs in vitro. Further analyses revealed that MRTF-A directly bound to the Abl1 promoter to activate transcription by interacting with Sp1. Reciprocally, pharmaceutical inhibition of c-Abl suppressed MRTF-A activity. Mechanistically, c-Abl activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which in turn phosphorylated MRTF-A and promoted MRTF-A nuclear trans-localization. In conclusion, our data suggest that a c-Abl-MRTF-A positive feedback loop contributes to HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfei Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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16
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Cheng X, Wang Y, Du L. Epigenetic Modulation in the Initiation and Progression of Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension 2019; 74:733-739. [PMID: 31476913 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe disease with multiple etiologies. In addition to genetics, recent studies have revealed the epigenetic modulation in the initiation and progression of PH. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PH, specifically, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. We further emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these epigenetic hallmarks in PH. Finally, we highlight the developmental reprogramming in adult-onset PH because of adverse perinatal exposures such as intrauterine growth restriction and extrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, epigenetic modifications provide promise for the therapy and prevention of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cheng
- From the Department of Pediatrics, (X.C., Y.W.) Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- From the Department of Pediatrics, (X.C., Y.W.) Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Yu L, Yang G, Zhang X, Wang P, Weng X, Yang Y, Li Z, Fang M, Xu Y, Sun A, Ge J. Megakaryocytic Leukemia 1 Bridges Epigenetic Activation of NADPH Oxidase in Macrophages to Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Circulation 2019; 138:2820-2836. [PMID: 30018168 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.035377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalyzed by the NADPH oxidases (NOX), is involved in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The underlying epigenetic mechanism remains elusive. METHODS We evaluated the potential role of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1), as a bridge linking epigenetic activation of NOX to ROS production and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. RESULTS Following IR injury, MKL1-deficient (knockout) mice exhibited smaller myocardial infarction along with improved heart function compared with wild-type littermates. Similarly, pharmaceutical inhibition of MKL1 with CCG-1423 also attenuated myocardial infarction and improved heart function in mice. Amelioration of IR injury as a result of MKL1 deletion or inhibition was accompanied by reduced ROS in vivo and in vitro. In response to IR, MKL1 levels were specifically elevated in macrophages, but not in cardiomyocytes, in the heart. Of note, macrophage-specific deletion (MϕcKO), instead of cardiomyocyte-restricted ablation (CMcKO), of MKL1 in mice led to similar improvements of infarct size, heart function, and myocardial ROS generation. Reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that MKL1 directly bound to the promoters of NOX genes to activate NOX transcription. Mechanistically, MKL1 recruited the histone acetyltransferase MOF (male absent on the first) to modify the chromatin structure surrounding the NOX promoters. Knockdown of MOF in macrophages blocked hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced NOX transactivation and ROS accumulation. Of importance, pharmaceutical inhibition of MOF with MG149 significantly downregulated NOX1/NOX4 expression, dampened ROS production, and normalized myocardial function in mice exposed to IR injury. Finally, administration of a specific NOX1/4 inhibitor GKT137831 dampened ROS generation and rescued heart function after IR in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data delineate an MKL1-MOF-NOX axis in macrophages that contributes to IR injury, and as such we have provided novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Xinjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Peng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Weng
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China (Y.Y.)
| | - Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.).,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China (Z.L., Y.X.)
| | - Mingming Fang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.)
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, China (L.Y., G.Y., X.Z., Z.L., M.F., Y.X.).,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China (Z.L., Y.X.)
| | - Aijun Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences (P.W., X.W., A.S., J.G.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Cheng X, Xu S, Pan J, Zheng J, Wang X, Yu H, Bao J, Xu Y, Guan H, Zhang L. MKL1 overexpression predicts poor prognosis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer and promotes nodal metastasis. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.231399. [PMID: 31363007 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.231399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common thyroid malignancy, has a strong propensity for cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM), which increases the risk of locoregional recurrence and decreases survival probability in some high-risk groups. Hence, there is a pressing requirement for a reliable biomarker to predict LNM in thyroid cancer. In the present study, MKL1 (also known as MRTFA) expression was significantly increased in PTC patients with LNM compared with those without. Further receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that MKL1 expression had a diagnostic value in the differentiation of LNM in PTC. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high MKL1 expression was associated with significantly decreased survival in PTC. Additionally, our study indicated that MKL1 promoted the migration and invasion of PTC cells. MKL1 interacted with and recruited Smad3 to the promoter of MMP2 to activate MMP2 transcription upon treatment with TGF-β. Moreover, there was significant correlation between expression of TGF-β, MKL1 and MMP2 in our clinical cohort of specimens from individuals with PTC. Our results suggest that the detection of MKL1 expression could be used to predict cervical LNM and inform post-operative follow-up in individuals with PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shichen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huixin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiandong Bao
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism and Institute of Endocrinology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Crosswhite PL. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in embryonic vascular development and hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H575-H580. [PMID: 31398060 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00147.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension, a chronic elevation in blood pressure, is the largest single contributing factor to mortality worldwide and the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure increases the risk for someone to experience a number of adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, stroke, or aneurysm. Despite advancements in understanding factors that contribute to hypertension, the etiology remains elusive and there remains a critical need to develop innovative study approaches to develop more effective therapeutics. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are dynamic regulators of DNA-histone bonds and thus gene expression. The goal of this review is to highlight and summarize reports of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers contribution to the development or maintenance of hypertension. Emerging evidence from hypertensive animal models suggests that induction of chromatin remodeler activity increases proinflammatory genes and increases blood pressure, whereas human studies demonstrate how chromatin remodelers may act as stress-response sensors to harmful physiological stimuli. Importantly, genomic studies have linked patients with hypertension to mutations in chromatin remodeler genes. Collectively, evidence linking chromatin remodelers and hypertension warrants additional research and ultimately could reveal novel therapeutic approaches for treating this complex and devastating disease.
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20
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Fan Z, Li N, Xu Z, Wu J, Fan X, Xu Y. An interaction between MKL1, BRG1, and C/EBPβ mediates palmitate induced CRP transcription in hepatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194412. [PMID: 31356989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.194412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most predominant disorders in metabolic syndrome. Induction of pro-inflammatory mediators in hepatocytes exposed to free fatty acids represents a hallmark event during NASH pathogenesis. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototypical pro-inflammatory mediator. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) mediates palmitate (PA) induced CRP transcription in hepatocytes. We report that over-expression of MKL1, but not MKL2, activated the CRP promoter whereas depletion or inhibition of MKL1 repressed the CRP promoter. MKL1 potentiated the induction of the CRP promoter activity by PA treatment. Importantly, MKL1 knockdown by siRNA or pharmaceutical inhibition by CCG-1423 attenuated the induction of endogenous CRP expression in hepatocytes. Similarly, primary hepatocytes isolated from wild type (WT) mice produced more CRP than those isolated from MKL1 deficient (KO) mice when stimulated with PA. Mechanistically, the sequence-specific transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ) interacted with MKL1 and recruited MKL1 to activate CRP transcription. Reciprocally, MKL1 modulated C/EBPβ activity by recruiting the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 to the CRP promoter to alter histone modifications. In conclusion, our data delineate a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying augmented hepatic inflammation during NASH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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A non-autonomous role of MKL1 in the activation of hepatic stellate cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:609-618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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22
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Xu W, Zhao Q, Wu M, Fang M, Xu Y. MKL1 mediates TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory transcription by bridging the crosstalk between BRG1 and WDR5. J Biomed Res 2019; 33:164-172. [PMID: 29109331 PMCID: PMC6551423 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.32.20170025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine that can potently stimulate the synthesis of a range of pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages. The underlying epigenetic mechanism, however, is underexplored. Here we report that the transcriptional modulator megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is associated with a histone H3K4 methyltransferase activity. Re-ChIP assay suggests that MKL1 interacts with and recruits WDR5, a component of the COMPASS complex responsible for H3K4 methylation, to the promoter regions of pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages treated with TNF-α. WDR5 enhances the ability of MKL1 to stimulate the promoter activities of pro-inflammatory genes. In contrast, silencing of WDR5 attenuates TNF-α induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators and erases the H3K4 methylation from the gene promoters. Of interest, the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 also plays an essential role in maintaining H3K4 methylation on MKL1 target promoters by interacting with WDR5. MKL1 knockdown disrupts the interaction between BRG1 and WDR5. Together, our data illustrate a role for MKL1 in moderating the crosstalk between BRG1 and WDR5 to activate TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory transcription in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Xu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational College, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211800, China
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational College, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211800, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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23
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The role of epigenetics in cardiovascular health and ageing: A focus on physical activity and nutrition. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 174:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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24
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Li N, Kong M, Zeng S, Xu Z, Li M, Hong W, Chu X, Sun X, Zhu M, Xu Y. The chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 regulates APAP-induced liver injury by modulating CYP3A11 transcription in hepatocyte. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3487-3495. [PMID: 30293568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose represents the most frequent cause of acute liver failure. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study we investigated the mechanism whereby the chromatin remodeling protein brahma related gene 1 (Brg1) regulates APAP induced liver injury in mice. We report that hepatocyte-specific deletion of Brg1 attenuated APAP induced liver injury in mice as evidenced by reduced plasma ALT and AST levels, decreased liver necrosis, amelioration of GSH depletion, and prolonged survival. Brg1 regulated APAP-induced liver injury likely by stimulating the transcription of Cyp3a11, a key cytochrome enzyme involved in APAP metabolism. Immunoprecipitation coupled with DNA affinity microarray identified hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) as a novel binding partner for Brg1. HNF4 recruited Brg1 to the Cyp3a11 promoter and formed a complex with Brg1 to trans-activate Cyp3a11. In contrast, BRG1 deficiency attenuated HNF4 binding to the Cyp3a11 promoter and dampened Cyp3a11 transcription. Therefore, our data suggest that Brg1 might play an essential role mediating APAP induced liver injury in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxuan Hong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehui Chu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xitai Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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25
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Li Z, Chen B, Dong W, Xu W, Song M, Fang M, Guo J, Xu Y. Epigenetic activation of PERP transcription by MKL1 contributes to ROS-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:S1874-9399(18)30177-9. [PMID: 30056131 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes irreparable damages to cells and commit cells to programmed cell death or apoptosis. A panel of well-documented pro-apoptotic genes, including p53 apoptosis effector related to PMP-22 (PERP), are up-regulated and collectively mediate ROS induced apoptosis. The epigenetic mechanism whereby ROS stimulates PERP transcription, however, lacks in-depth characterization. Here we report that the transcriptional modulator megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) is activated by H2O2 treatment in skeletal muscle cells (C2C12). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated silencing or small-molecule compound (CCG-1423) mediated inhibition of MKL1 attenuated H2O2 induced apoptosis of C2C12 cells. Over-expression of MKL1 potentiated trans-activation of PERP whereas MKL1 ablation/inhibition abrogated the induction of PERP by H2O2 in C2C12 cells. Mechanistically, MKL1 interacted with and was recruited to the PERP promoter by the transcription factor E2F1. Once bound to the PERP promoter, MKL1 engaged the histone demethylase KDM3A to modulate the chromatin structure surrounding the PERP promoter thereby leading to PERP trans-activation. Depletion of either E2F1 or KDM3A blocked the induction of PERP by H2O2. In conclusion, our data illustrate a novel epigenetic pathway that links PERP transcription to ROS-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Baoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenping Xu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingzi Song
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Cardiovascular Disease and Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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26
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Dieffenbach PB, Maracle M, Tschumperlin DJ, Fredenburgh LE. Mechanobiological Feedback in Pulmonary Vascular Disease. Front Physiol 2018; 9:951. [PMID: 30090065 PMCID: PMC6068271 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular stiffening in the pulmonary arterial bed is increasingly recognized as an early disease marker and contributor to right ventricular workload in pulmonary hypertension. Changes in pulmonary artery stiffness throughout the pulmonary vascular tree lead to physiologic alterations in pressure and flow characteristics that may contribute to disease progression. These findings have led to a greater focus on the potential contributions of extracellular matrix remodeling and mechanical signaling to pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the cellular response to vascular stiffness includes upregulation of signaling pathways that precipitate further vascular remodeling, a process known as mechanobiological feedback. The extracellular matrix modifiers, mechanosensors, and mechanotransducers responsible for this process have become increasingly well-recognized. In this review, we discuss the impact of vascular stiffening on pulmonary hypertension morbidity and mortality, evidence in favor of mechanobiological feedback in pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis, and the major contributors to mechanical signaling in the pulmonary vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Dieffenbach
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marcy Maracle
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Laura E Fredenburgh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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27
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Liu L, Wu X, Xu H, Yu L, Zhang X, Li L, Jin J, Zhang T, Xu Y. Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) contributes to acute kidney injury by regulating macrophage ROS production. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3109-3121. [PMID: 29908908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A host of pathogenic factors induce acute kidney injury (AKI) leading to insufficiencies of renal function. In the present study we evaluated the role of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in the pathogenesis of AKI. We report that systemic deletion of MRTF-A or inhibition of MRTF-A activity with CCG-1423 significantly attenuated AKI in mice induced by either ischemia-reperfusion or LPS injection. Of note, MRTF-A deficiency or suppression resulted in diminished renal ROS production in AKI models with down-regulation of NAPDH oxdiase 1 (NOX1) and NOX4 expression. In cultured macrophages, MRTF-A promoted NOX1 transcription in response to either hypoxia-reoxygenation or LPS treatment. Interestingly, macrophage-specific MRTF-A deletion ameliorated AKI in mice. Mechanistic analyses revealed that MRTF-A played a role in regulating histone H4K16 acetylation surrounding the NOX gene promoters by interacting with the acetyltransferase MYST1. MYST1 depletion repressed NOX transcription in macrophages. Finally, administration of a MYST1 inhibitor MG149 alleviated AKI in mice. Therefore, we data illustrate a novel epigenetic pathway that controls ROS production in macrophages contributing to AKI. Targeting the MRTF-A-MYST1-NOX axis may yield novel therapeutic strategies to combat AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianliang Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Renal Medicine, Jiangsu Remin Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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28
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Liu L, Chen J, Sun L, Xu Y. RhoJ promotes hypoxia induced endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by activating WDR5 expression. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:3384-3393. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine,Department of PathophysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Junliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine,Department of PathophysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Pathophysiology, Wuxi College of MedicineJiangnan UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Lina Sun
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine,Department of PathophysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Pathology and PathophysiologySoochow UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine,Department of PathophysiologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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29
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HADC5 deacetylates MKL1 to dampen TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory gene transcription in macrophages. Oncotarget 2017; 8:94235-94246. [PMID: 29212224 PMCID: PMC5706870 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage-dependent inflammatory response on the one hand functions as a key line of defense in host immunity but on the other hand underlies the pathogenesis of a host of human pathologies when aberrantly activated. Our previous investigations have led to the identification of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) as a key co-factor of NF-κB/p65 participating in TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory transcription in macrophages. How post-translational modifications contribute to the modulation of MKL1 activity remains an underexplored subject matter. Here we report that the lysine deacetylase HDAC5 interacts with and deacetylates MKL1 in cells. TNF-α treatment down-regulates HDAC5 expression and expels HDAC5 from the promoters of pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages. In contrast, over-expression of HDAC5 attenuates TNF-α induced pro-inflammatory transcription. Mechanistically, HDAC5-mediated MKL1 deacetylation disrupts the interaction between MKL1 and p65. In addition, deacetylation of MKL1 by HDAC5 blocks its nuclear translocation in response to TNF-α treatment. In conclusion, our work has identified an important pathway that contributes to the regulation of pro-inflammatory response in macrophages.
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30
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Chen D, Gao W, Wang S, Ni B, Gao Y. Critical effects of epigenetic regulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3789-3808. [PMID: 28573430 PMCID: PMC11107652 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by persistent pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The pathogenic mechanisms of PAH remain to be fully clarified and measures of effective prevention are lacking. Recent studies; however, have indicated that epigenetic processes may exert pivotal influences on PAH pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest research findings regarding epigenetic regulation in PAH, focusing on the roles of non-coding RNAs, histone modifications, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation, and discuss the potential of epigenetic-based therapies for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine of PLA, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine of PLA, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouxian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine of PLA, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine of PLA, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuqi Gao
- Institute of Medicine and Hygienic Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine of PLA, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Yu L, Li Z, Fang M, Xu Y. Acetylation of MKL1 by PCAF regulates pro-inflammatory transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:839-847. [PMID: 28571745 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is considered a fundamental host defense mechanism and, when aberrantly activated, contributes to a host of human diseases. Previously we have reported that the transcriptional regulator megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) plays a role programming cellular inflammatory response by modulating NF-κB activity. Here we report that MKL1 was acetylated in vivo and pro-inflammatory stimuli (TNF-α and LPS) augmented MKL1 acetylation accompanying increased MKL1 binding to NF-κB target promoters. Further analysis revealed that the lysine acetyltransferase PCAF mediated MKL1 acetylation: TNF-α and LPS promoted the interaction between MKL1 and PCAF whereas depletion of PCAF abrogated the induction of MKL1 acetylation by TNF-α and LPS. Acetylation of MKL1 was necessary for MKL1 to activate the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes because mutation of four conserved lysine residues in MKL1 attenuated its capacity as a trans-activator of NF-κB target genes. Mechanistically, MKL1 acetylation served to promote MKL1 nuclear enrichment, to enhance the MKL1-NF-κB interaction, and to stabilize the binding of MKL1 on target promoters. In conclusion, our data unveil an important pathway that contributes to the transcriptional regulation of inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zilong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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32
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Bauer AJ, Martin KA. Coordinating Regulation of Gene Expression in Cardiovascular Disease: Interactions between Chromatin Modifiers and Transcription Factors. Front Cardiovasc Med 2017; 4:19. [PMID: 28428957 PMCID: PMC5382160 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death with increasing economic burden. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is complex, but can arise from genetic and/or environmental risk factors. This can lead to dysregulated gene expression in numerous cell types including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and inflammatory cells. While initial studies addressed transcriptional control of gene expression, epigenetics has been increasingly appreciated to also play an important role in this process through alterations in chromatin structure and gene accessibility. Chromatin-modifying proteins including enzymes that modulate DNA methylation, histone methylation, and histone acetylation can influence gene expression in numerous ways. These chromatin modifiers and their marks can promote or prevent transcription factor recruitment to regulatory regions of genes through modifications to DNA, histones, or the transcription factors themselves. This review will focus on the emerging question of how epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors interact to coordinately regulate gene expression in cardiovascular disease. While most studies have addressed the roles of either epigenetic or transcriptional control, our understanding of the integration of these processes is only just beginning. Interrogating these interactions is challenging, and improved technical approaches will be needed to fully dissect the temporal and spatial relationships between transcription factors, chromatin modifiers, and gene expression in cardiovascular disease. We summarize the current state of the field and provide perspectives on limitations and future directions. Through studies of epigenetic and transcriptional interactions, we can advance our understanding of the basic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis to develop novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J Bauer
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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33
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Xu W, Zeng S, Li M, Fan Z, Zhou B. Aggf1 attenuates hepatic inflammation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by repressing Ccl2 transcription. J Biomed Res 2017; 31:428-436. [PMID: 28958996 PMCID: PMC5706435 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.30.20160046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver injury represents a continuum of pathophysiological processes involving a complex interplay between hepatocytes, macrophages, and hepatic stellate cells. The mechanism whereby these intercellular interactions contribute to liver injury and fibrosis is not completely understood. We report here that angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1 (Aggf1) was downregulated in the livers of cirrhotic patients compared to healthy controls and in primary hepatocytes in response to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) stimulation. Overexpression of Aggf1 attenuated macrophage chemotaxis. Aggf1 interacted with NF-κB to block its binding to theCcl2 gene promoter and repressed Ccl2 transcription in hepatocytes. Macrophages cultured in the conditioned media collected from Aggf1-overexpressing hepatocytes antagonized HSC activation. Taken together, our data illustrate a novel role for Aggf1 in regulating hepatic inflammation and provide insights on the development of interventional strategies against cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Xu
- Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Sheng Zeng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Bisheng Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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34
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Qian F, Li P, Xu X. Hypericin inhibits oligomeric amyloid β42-induced inflammation response in microglia and ameliorates cognitive deficits in an amyloid β injection mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by suppressing MKL1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 481:71-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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35
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Fan Z, Kong X, Xia J, Wu X, Li H, Xu H, Fang M, Xu Y. The arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 regulates CIITA-dependent MHC II transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:687-96. [PMID: 26972221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) dependent antigen presentation serves as a key step in mammalian adaptive immunity and host defense. In antigen presenting cells (e.g., macrophages), MHC II transcription can be activated by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and mediated by class II transactivator (CIITA). The underlying epigenetic mechanism, however, is not completely understood. Here we report that following IFN-γ stimulation, symmetrically dimethylated histone H3 arginine 2 (H3R2Me2s) accumulated on the MHC II promoter along with CIITA. IFN-γ augmented expression, nuclear translocation, and promoter binding of the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 in macrophages. Over-expression of PRMT5 potentiated IFN-γ induced activation of MHC II transcription in an enzyme activity-dependent manner. In contrast, PRMT5 silencing or inhibition of PRMT5 activity by methylthioadenosine (MTA) suppressed MHC II transactivation by IFN-γ. CIITA interacted with and recruited PRMT5 to the MHC II promoter and mediated the synergy between PRMT5 and ASH2/WDR5 to activate MHC II transcription. PRMT5 expression was down-regulated in senescent and H2O2-treated macrophages rendering ineffectual induction of MHC II transcription by IFN-γ. Taken together, our data reveal a pathophysiologically relevant role for PRMT5 in MHC II transactivation in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaocen Kong
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Xia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - He Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Anwar MA, Al Disi SS, Eid AH. Anti-Hypertensive Herbs and Their Mechanisms of Action: Part II. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:50. [PMID: 27014064 PMCID: PMC4782109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine has a history extending back to thousands of years, and during the intervening time, man has identified the healing properties of a very broad range of plants. Globally, the use of herbal therapies to treat and manage cardiovascular disease (CVD) is on the rise. This is the second part of our comprehensive review where we discuss the mechanisms of plants and herbs used for the treatment and management of high blood pressure. Similar to the first part, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were utilized, and the following keywords and phrases were used as inclusion criteria: hypertension, high blood pressure, herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, endothelial cells, nitric oxide (NO), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, hydrogen sulfide, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), oxidative stress, and epigenetics/epigenomics. Each of the aforementioned keywords was co-joined with plant or herb in question, and where possible with its constituent molecule(s). This part deals in particular with plants that are used, albeit less frequently, for the treatment and management of hypertension. We then discuss the interplay between herbs/prescription drugs and herbs/epigenetics in the context of this disease. The review then concludes with a recommendation for more rigorous, well-developed clinical trials to concretely determine the beneficial impact of herbs and plants on hypertension and a disease-free living.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Akhtar Anwar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara S Al Disi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar UniversityDoha, Qatar; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirut, Lebanon
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37
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Tian W, Fan Z, Li J, Hao C, Li M, Xu H, Wu X, Zhou B, Zhang L, Fang M, Xu Y. Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) plays an essential role in hepatic stellate cell activation by epigenetically modulating TGF-β signaling. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 71:35-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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38
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Decoding liver injury: A regulatory role for histone modifications. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 67:188-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Fan Z, Hao C, Li M, Dai X, Qin H, Li J, Xu H, Wu X, Zhang L, Fang M, Zhou B, Tian W, Xu Y. MKL1 is an epigenetic modulator of TGF-β induced fibrogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1849:1219-28. [PMID: 26241940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) induced activation of portal fibroblast cells serves as a primary cause for liver fibrosis following cholestatic injury. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not clear. We studied the role of a transcriptional modulator, megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) in this process. We report here that MKL1 deficiency ameliorated BDL-induced liver fibrosis in mice as assessed by histological stainings and expression levels of pro-fibrogenic genes. MKL1 silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated TGF-β induced transactivation of pro-fibrogenic genes in portal fibroblast cells. TGF-β stimulated the binding of MKL1 on the promoters of pro-fibrogenic genes and promoted the interaction between MKL1 and SMAD3. While SMAD3 was necessary for MKL1 occupancy on the gene promoters, MKL1 depletion impaired SMAD3 binding reciprocally. TGF-β treatment induced the accumulation of trimethylated histone H3K4 on the gene promoters by recruiting a methyltransferase complex. Knockdown of individual members of this complex significantly weakened the binding of SMAD3 and down-regulated the activation of portal fibroblast cells. In conclusion, we have identified an epigenetic pathway that dictates TGF-β induced pro-fibrogenic transcription in portal fibroblast thereby providing novel insights for the development of therapeutic solutions to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenzhi Hao
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bisheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenfang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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40
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Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are a significant global burden for which there are limited treatment options. The effector cells of fibrosis are activated fibroblasts called myofibroblasts, a highly contractile cell type characterized by the appearance of α-smooth muscle actin stress fibers. The underlying mechanism behind myofibroblast differentiation and persistence has been under much investigation and is known to involve a complex signaling network involving transforming growth factor-β, endothelin-1, angiotensin II, CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor), and platelet-derived growth factor. This review addresses the contribution of these signaling molecules to cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- From the Departments of Dentistry and Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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41
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Czubryt MP. Going the distance: Epigenetic regulation of endothelial endothelin-1 controls cardiac hypertrophy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 82:60-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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42
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Cheng X, Yang Y, Fan Z, Yu L, Bai H, Zhou B, Wu X, Xu H, Fang M, Shen A, Chen Q, Xu Y. MKL1 potentiates lung cancer cell migration and invasion by epigenetically activating MMP9 transcription. Oncogene 2015; 34:5570-81. [PMID: 25746000 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors are exemplified by excessive proliferation and aggressive migration/invasion contributing to increased mortality of cancer patients. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression is positively correlated with lung cancer malignancy. The mechanism underlying an elevated MMP9 expression is not clearly defined. We demonstrate here that the transcriptional modulator megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) was activated by hypoxia and transforming growth factor (TGF-β), two prominent pro-malignancy factors, in cultured lung cancer cells. MKL1 levels were also increased in more invasive types of lung cancer in humans. Depletion of MKL1 in lung cancer cells attenuated migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of MKL1 potentiated the induction of MMP9 transcription by hypoxia and TGF-β, whereas MKL1 silencing diminished MMP9 expression. Of interest, MKL1 knockdown eliminated histone H3K4 methylation surrounding the MMP9 promoter. Further analyses revealed that MKL1 recruited ASH2, a component of the H3K4 methyltransferase complex, to activate MMP9 transcription. Depletion of ASH2 ameliorated cancer cell migration and invasion in an MMP9-dependent manner. Together our data indicate that MKL1 potentiates lung cancer cell migration and invasion by epigenetically activating MMP9 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Y Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Z Fan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - L Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - H Bai
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - B Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - X Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - H Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - M Fang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational University, Nanjing, China
| | - A Shen
- Department of Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Targets, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Q Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Weng X, Yu L, Liang P, Li L, Dai X, Zhou B, Wu X, Xu H, Fang M, Chen Q, Xu Y. A crosstalk between chromatin remodeling and histone H3K4 methyltransferase complexes in endothelial cells regulates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 82:48-58. [PMID: 25712920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in part by stimulating endothelin (ET-1) transcription. The involvement of the epigenetic machinery in this process is largely undefined. In the present study, we examined the epigenetic maneuvering underlying cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis following ET-1 transactivation by Ang II. In response to Ang II stimulation, core components of the mammalian chromatin remodeling complex (Brahma-related gene 1, or Brg1, and Brahma or Brm) and histone H3K4 methylation complex (Ash2, absent, small, or homeotic discs 2, or Ash2 and WD domain repeat 5, or Wdr5) were recruited to the ET-1 promoter region in endothelial cells. Over-expression of Brg1/Brm or Ash2/Wdr5 enhanced while depletion of Brg1/Brm or Ash2/Wdr5 attenuated Ang II-induced ET-1 transactivation. Endothelial-specific knockdown of Brg1/Brm or Ash2/Wdr5 ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo. More important, Brg1/Brm interacted with Ash2/Wdr5 on the ET-1 promoter to catalyze H3K4 methylation. The crosstalk between Brg11/Brm and Ash2/Wdr5 was mediated by myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A). In conclusion, our data have unveiled an epigenetic complex that links ET-1 transactivation in endothelial cells to Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Weng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bisheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Nursing, Jiangsu Jiankang Vocational University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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