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Ma S, Xie X, Yuan R, Xin Q, Miao Y, Leng SX, Chen K, Cong W. Vascular Aging and Atherosclerosis: A Perspective on Aging. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0201-1. [PMID: 38502584 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging (VA) is recognized as a pivotal factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Although various epidemiological and clinical research has demonstrated an intimate connection between aging and AS, the candidate mechanisms still require thorough examination. This review adopts an aging-centric perspective to deepen the comprehension of the intricate relationship between biological aging, vascular cell senescence, and AS. Various aging-related physiological factors influence the physical system's reactions, including oxygen radicals, inflammation, lipids, angiotensin II, mechanical forces, glucose levels, and insulin resistance. These factors cause endothelial dysfunction, barrier damage, sclerosis, and inflammation for VA and promote AS via distinct or shared pathways. Furthermore, the increase of senescent cells inside the vascular tissues, caused by genetic damage, dysregulation, secretome changes, and epigenetic modifications, might be the primary cause of VA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudong Ma
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuena Xie
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Rong Yuan
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Xin
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Miao
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sean Xiao Leng
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Keji Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Cong
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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Faleeva M, Ahmad S, Theofilatos K, Lynham S, Watson G, Whitehead M, Marhuenda E, Iskratsch T, Cox S, Shanahan CM. Sox9 Accelerates Vascular Aging by Regulating Extracellular Matrix Composition and Stiffness. Circ Res 2024; 134:307-324. [PMID: 38179698 PMCID: PMC10826924 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular calcification and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness are hallmarks of vascular aging. Sox9 (SRY-box transcription factor 9) has been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteo/chondrogenic conversion; however, its relationship with aging and calcification has not been studied. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed on human aortic samples from young and aged patients. Young and senescent primary human VSMCs were induced to produce ECM, and Sox9 expression was manipulated using adenoviral overexpression and depletion. ECM properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy and proteomics, and VSMC phenotype on hydrogels and the ECM were examined using confocal microscopy. RESULTS In vivo, Sox9 was not spatially associated with vascular calcification but correlated with the senescence marker p16 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A). In vitro Sox9 showed mechanosensitive responses with increased expression and nuclear translocation in senescent cells and on stiff matrices. Sox9 was found to regulate ECM stiffness and organization by orchestrating changes in collagen (Col) expression and reducing VSMC contractility, leading to the formation of an ECM that mirrored that of senescent cells. These ECM changes promoted phenotypic modulation of VSMCs, whereby senescent cells plated on ECM synthesized from cells depleted of Sox9 returned to a proliferative state, while proliferating cells on a matrix produced by Sox9 expressing cells showed reduced proliferation and increased DNA damage, reiterating features of senescent cells. LH3 (procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 3) was identified as an Sox9 target and key regulator of ECM stiffness. LH3 is packaged into extracellular vesicles and Sox9 promotes extracellular vesicle secretion, leading to increased LH3 deposition within the ECM. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the crucial role of ECM structure and composition in regulating VSMC phenotype. We identify a positive feedback cycle, whereby cellular senescence and increased ECM stiffening promote Sox9 expression, which, in turn, drives further ECM modifications to further accelerate stiffening and senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Faleeva
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Sadia Ahmad
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Theofilatos
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Lynham
- Proteomics Facility, Centre of Excellence for Mass Spectrometry (S.L.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Watson
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Meredith Whitehead
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Emilie Marhuenda
- School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (E.M., T.I.)
| | - Thomas Iskratsch
- School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (E.M., T.I.)
| | - Susan Cox
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine (S.C.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine M. Shanahan
- British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (M.F., S.A., K.T., G.W., M.W., C.M.S.) King’s College London, United Kingdom
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He J, Gao Y, Yang C, Guo Y, Liu L, Lu S, He H. Navigating the landscape: Prospects and hurdles in targeting vascular smooth muscle cells for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy. J Control Release 2024; 366:261-281. [PMID: 38161032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have emerged as pivotal contributors throughout all phases of atherosclerotic plaque development, effectively dispelling prior underestimations of their prevalence and significance. Recent lineage tracing studies have unveiled the clonal nature and remarkable adaptability inherent to VSMCs, thereby illuminating their intricate and multifaceted roles in the context of atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate mechanisms and distinctive characteristics that define VSMCs across various physiological processes, firmly underscoring their paramount importance in shaping the course of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this review offers a thorough examination of the significant strides made over the past two decades in advancing imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies with a precise focus on targeting VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques, notably spotlighting meticulously engineered nanoparticles as a promising avenue. We envision the potential of VSMC-targeted nanoparticles, thoughtfully loaded with medications or combination therapies, to effectively mitigate pro-atherogenic VSMC processes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to the pivotal objective of modulating VSMC phenotypes and enhancing plaque stability. Moreover, our paper also delves into recent breakthroughs in VSMC-targeted imaging technologies, showcasing their remarkable precision in locating microcalcifications, dynamically monitoring plaque fibrous cap integrity, and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions. Lastly, we conscientiously explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in this innovative approach, providing a holistic perspective on the potential of VSMC-targeted strategies in the evolving landscape of atherosclerosis research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua He
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongliang He
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Bryja A, Zadka Ł, Farzaneh M, Zehtabi M, Ghasemian M, Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska M, Mozdziak P, Zabel M, Podhorska-Okołów M, Dzięgiel P, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Kempisty B. Small extracellular vesicles - A host for advanced bioengineering and "Trojan Horse" of non-coding RNAs. Life Sci 2023; 332:122126. [PMID: 37769803 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are a type of membranous vesicles that can be released by cells into the extracellular space. The relationship between sEVs and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is highly intricate and interdependent. This symbiotic relationship plays a pivotal role in facilitating intercellular communication and holds profound implications for a myriad of biological processes. The concept of sEVs and their ncRNA cargo as a "Trojan Horse" highlights their remarkable capacity to traverse biological barriers and surreptitiously deliver their cargo to target cells, evading detection by the host-immune system. Accumulating evidence suggests that sEVs may be harnessed as carriers to ferry therapeutic ncRNAs capable of selectively silencing disease-driving genes, particularly in conditions such as cancer. This approach presents several advantages over conventional drug delivery methods, opening up new possibilities for targeted therapy and improved treatment outcomes. However, the utilization of sEVs and ncRNAs as therapeutic agents raises valid concerns regarding the possibility of unforeseen consequences and unintended impacts that may emerge from their application. It is important to consider the fundamental attributes of sEVs and ncRNAs, including by an in-depth analysis of the practical and clinical potentials of exosomes, serving as a representative model for sEVs encapsulating ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Zadka
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Ghasemian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland; Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland; Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland; Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland; Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland.
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Madine J, Davies HA, Migrino RQ, Ruotsalainen SE, Wagner J, Neher JJ. Medin amyloid may drive arterial aging and disease in the periphery and brain. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1039-1041. [PMID: 37620584 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Madine
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hannah A Davies
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Raymond Q Migrino
- Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System and University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Sanni E Ruotsalainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jessica Wagner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas J Neher
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Whitehead M, Antonazzi M, Shanahan CM. Senescence and extracellular vesicles: novel partners in vascular amyloidosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:1232-1234. [PMID: 36863314 PMCID: PMC10042679 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Whitehead
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Marco Antonazzi
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Catherine M Shanahan
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, UK
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Milk Fat Globule Epidermal Growth Factor VIII Fragment Medin in Age-Associated Arterial Adverse Remodeling and Arterial Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020253. [PMID: 36672188 PMCID: PMC9857039 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Medin, a small 50-amino acid peptide, is an internal cleaved product from the second discoidin domain of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor VIII (MFG-E8) protein. Medin has been reported as the most common amylogenic protein in the upper part of the arterial system, including aortic, temporal, and cerebral arterial walls in the elderly. Medin has a high affinity to elastic fibers and is closely associated with arterial degenerative inflammation, elastic fiber fragmentation, calcification, and amyloidosis. In vitro, treating with the medin peptide promotes the inflammatory phenotypic shift of both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies demonstrate that medin enhances the abundance of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species produced by both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and promotes vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening. Immunostaining and immunoblotting analyses of human samples indicate that the levels of medin are increased in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm/dissection, temporal arteritis, and cerebrovascular dementia. Thus, medin peptide could be targeted as a biomarker diagnostic tool or as a potential molecular approach to curbing the arterial degenerative inflammatory remodeling that accompanies aging and disease.
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