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Kang K, Xiang J, Zhang X, Xie Y, Zhou M, Zeng L, Zhuang J, Kuang J, Lin Y, Hu B, Xiong Q, Yin Q, Su Q, Liao X, Wang J, Niu Y, Liu C, Tian J, Gou D. N6-methyladenosine modification of KLF2 may contribute to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary hypertension. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:69. [PMID: 38741032 PMCID: PMC11089701 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00590-w] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Increasing evidence indicates that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) is a pivotal trigger initiating this remodeling. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying EndMT in PH are still not fully understood. METHODS Cytokine-induced hPAECs were assessed using RNA methylation quantification, qRT-PCR, and western blotting to determine the involvement of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in EndMT. Lentivirus-mediated silencing, overexpression, tube formation, and wound healing assays were utilized to investigate the function of METTL3 in EndMT. Endothelial-specific gene knockout, hemodynamic measurement, and immunostaining were performed to explore the roles of METTL3 in pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. RNA-seq, RNA Immunoprecipitation-based qPCR, mRNA stability assay, m6A mutation, and dual-luciferase assays were employed to elucidate the mechanisms of RNA methylation in EndMT. RESULTS The global levels of m6A and METTL3 expression were found to decrease in TNF-α- and TGF-β1-induced EndMT in human PAECs (hPAECs). METTL3 inhibition led to reduced endothelial markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and increased mesenchymal markers (SM22 and N-cadherin) as well as EndMT-related transcription factors (Snail, Zeb1, Zeb2, and Slug). The endothelial-specific knockout of Mettl3 promoted EndMT and exacerbated pulmonary vascular remodeling and hypoxia-induced PH (HPH) in mice. Mechanistically, METTL3-mediated m6A modification of kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) plays a crucial role in the EndMT process. KLF2 overexpression increased CD31 and VE-cadherin levels while decreasing SM22, N-cadherin, and EndMT-related transcription factors, thereby mitigating EndMT in PH. Mutations in the m6A site of KLF2 mRNA compromise KLF2 expression, subsequently diminishing its protective effect against EndMT. Furthermore, KLF2 modulates SM22 expression through direct binding to its promoter. CONCLUSIONS Our findings unveil a novel METTL3/KLF2 pathway critical for protecting hPAECs against EndMT, highlighting a promising avenue for therapeutic investigation in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingshi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengting Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Junhao Zhuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Kuang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bozhe Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianmin Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Su
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yanqin Niu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Cuilian Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jinglin Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Deming Gou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Carson International Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Prabhakar A, Kumar R, Wadhwa M, Ghatpande P, Zhang J, Zhao Z, Lizama CO, Kharbikar BN, Gräf S, Treacy CM, Morrell NW, Graham BB, Lagna G, Hata A. Reversal of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease phenotypes by inhibition of the integrated stress response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.27.568924. [PMID: 38076809 PMCID: PMC10705277 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.27.568924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension arising from EIF2AK4 gene mutations or mitomycin C (MMC) administration. The lack of effective PVOD therapies is compounded by a limited understanding of the mechanisms driving the vascular remodeling in PVOD. We show that the administration of MMC in rats mediates the activation of protein kinase R (PKR) and the integrated stress response (ISR), which lead to the release of the endothelial adhesion molecule VE-Cadherin in the complex with Rad51 to the circulation, disruption of endothelial barrier, and vascular remodeling. Pharmacological inhibition of PKR or ISR attenuates the depletion of VE-Cadherin, elevation of vascular permeability, and vascular remodeling instigated by MMC, suggesting potential clinical intervention for PVOD. Finally, the severity of PVOD phenotypes was increased by a heterozygous BMPR2 mutation that truncates the carboxyl tail of BMPR2, underscoring the role of deregulated BMP signal in the development of PVOD.
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Dong G, Huang X, Xu Y, Chen R, Chen S. Mechanical stress induced EndoMT in endothelial cells through PPARγ downregulation. Cell Signal 2023; 110:110812. [PMID: 37468053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110812] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a group of clinical syndromes induced by increased portal system pressure due to various etiologies including cirrhosis. When portal hypertension develops, the portal vein dilates and endothelial cells (ECs) in the portal vein are subjected to mechanical stretch. In this study, elastic silicone chambers were used to simulate the effects of mechanical stretch on ECs under portal hypertension. We found that mechanical stretch decreased PPARγ expression in ECs by blocking the PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway or increasing NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of PPARγ. Moreover, PPARγ downregulation triggered Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in ECs under stretch by promoting Smad3 phosphorylation. The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone mitigated stretch-induced EndoMT in vitro and alleviated EndoMT of the portal vein endothelium in cirrhotic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoquan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shiyao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy, Shanghai, China; Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Takeda K, Naito A, Sugiura T, Ishige M, Shikano K, Abe M, Kasai H, Miyakuni S, Yamashita S, Shigeta A, Sakao S, Suzuki T. Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease that Developed Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Intern Med 2023; 62:275-279. [PMID: 35705278 PMCID: PMC9908400 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9811-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We herein report a case of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) induced by allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in a 48-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Five months after transplantation, he developed dyspnea and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension based on right heart catheterization. Although he received treatment with pulmonary vasodilators, diuretics, and corticosteroids, his pulmonary artery pressure did not decrease, and his pulmonary edema worsened. Based on the clinical course, hypoxemia, diffusion impairment, and computed tomography findings, the patient was diagnosed with HSCT-related PVOD. Critical attention should be paid to dyspnea after HSCT for the early diagnosis of PVOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Takeda
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Akira Naito
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Sugiura
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishige
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Kohei Shikano
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Abe
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Hajime Kasai
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | | | - Shu Yamashita
- Department of Cardiology, Kameda Medical Center, Japan
| | - Ayako Shigeta
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Sakao
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan
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Wu XH, Ma JL, Ding D, Ma YJ, Wei YP, Jing ZC. Experimental animal models of pulmonary hypertension: Development and challenges. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:207-216. [PMID: 35333455 PMCID: PMC9240731 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is clinically divided into 5 major types, characterized by elevation in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), finally leading to right heart failure and death. The pathogenesis of this arteriopathy remains unclear, leaving it impossible to target pulmonary vascular remodeling and reverse the deterioration of right ventricular (RV) function. Different animal models have been designed to reflect the complex mechanistic origins and pathology of PH, roughly divided into 4 categories according to the modeling methods: non‐invasive models in vivo, invasive models in vivo, gene editing models, and multi‐means joint modeling. Though each model shares some molecular and pathological changes with different classes of human PH, in most cases the molecular etiology of human PH is poorly known. The appropriate use of classic and novel PH animal models is essential for the hunt of molecular targets to reverse severe phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Wu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie-Ling Ma
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Ding
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Jiao Ma
- Medical Science Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Peng Wei
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Jing
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Song Q, Chen P, Wu SJ, Chen Y, Zhang Y. Differential Expression Profile of microRNAs and Tight Junction in the Lung Tissues of Rat With Mitomycin-C-Induced Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:746888. [PMID: 35252374 PMCID: PMC8889576 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.746888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment. It is of great significance to explore molecular targets for treatment. This study investigated the differential expression profile of miRNAs and tight junction in the lung tissues of rats with mitomycin-C (MMC)-induced PVOD. Methods A total of 14 rats were divided into the control group and he PVOD group. We measured mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Pathological changes including those in lung tissues, pulmonary venules, and capillary were detected by H&E and orcein staining. Western blot was used to detect GCN2, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression. We analyzed the miRNAs profile in the rat lung tissues by high-throughput sequencing. The top differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results There were severe pulmonary artery hypertrophy/hyperplasia, thickening, and occlusion in the small pulmonary veins, pulmonary edema, and dilated capillaries in MMC-induced rats with PVOD. In addition, mPAP and RVHI were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expression of GCN2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). A total of 106 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. According to the fold changes, the top ten upregulated miRNAs were miRNA-543-3p, miRNA-802-5p, miRNA-493-3p, miRNA-539-3p, miRNA-495, miRNA-380-5p, miRNA-214-5p, miRNA-539-5p, miRNA-190a-3p, and miRNA-431. The top 10 downregulated miRNAs were miRNA-201-3p, miRNA-141-3p, miRNA-1912-3p, miRNA-500-5p, miRNA-3585-5p, miRNA-448-3p, miRNA-509-5p, miRNA-3585-3p, miRNA-449c-5p, and miRNA-509-3p. RT-PCR confirmed that miRNA-214-5p was upregulated, while miRNA-141-3p was downregulated (P < 0.05). Functional analysis showed various signaling pathways and metabolic processes, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, tight junction, and the mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, the expression of the tight junction-related protein of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 was significantly decreased in rats with PVOD (P < 0.05). Conclusion miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of PVOD. Furthermore, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 verification confirmed that the tight junction may be involved in the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shang-Jie Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Zhang
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Mao Y, Jiang L. MiR-200c-3p promotes ox-LDL-induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through SMAD7/YAP pathway. J Physiol Sci 2021; 71:30. [PMID: 34525946 PMCID: PMC10717414 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-021-00815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) participates in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). MiR-200c-3p has been implicated in EndMT. However, the functional role of miR-200c-3p in AS remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated the critical role of miR-200c-3p in regulating EndMT in AS. METHODS ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS mouse model, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic AS cell model. The expression of miR-200c-3p, SMAD7 and YAP in ApoE-/- mice and HUVECs was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Rhodamine phalloidin staining and Western blot were performed to observe cell morphology and EndMT marker expression of HUVECs. Luciferase reporter assay and Co-Immunoprecipitation were performed to verify the relationship among miR-200c-3p, SMAD7, and YAP. RESULTS MiR-200c-3p was highly expressed, and SMAD7 and YAP were down-regulated in the aortic tissues of ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p overexpression promoted the transformation of ox-LDL-treated HUVECs from cobblestone-like epithelial phenotype to a spindle-like mesenchymal phenotype. Meanwhile, miR-200c-3p up-regulation repressed the expression of endothelial markers CD31 and vWF and promoted the expression of mesenchymal markers α-SMA and vimentin in the ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. MiR-200c-3p inhibited SMAD7 and YAP expression by interacting with 3' untranslated region of SMAD7. Moreover, miR-200c-3p promoted EndMT in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs by inhibiting SMAD7/YAP pathway. CONCLUSION This work demonstrated that MiR-200c-3p promoted ox-LDL-induced EndMT in HUVECs through SMAD7/YAP pathway, which may be important for the onset of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhong Mao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
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Dugina VB, Shagieva GS, Shakhov AS, Alieva IB. The Cytoplasmic Actins in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157836. [PMID: 34360602 PMCID: PMC8345992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary function of the endothelial cells (EC) lining the inner surface of all vessels is to regulate permeability of vascular walls and to control exchange between circulating blood and tissue fluids of organs. The EC actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining endothelial barrier function. Actin cytoskeleton reorganization result in EC contraction and provides a structural basis for the increase in vascular permeability, which is typical for many diseases. Actin cytoskeleton in non-muscle cells presented two actin isoforms: non-muscle β-cytoplasmic and γ-cytoplasmic actins (β-actins and γ-actins), which are encoded by ACTB and ACTG1 genes, respectively. They are ubiquitously expressed in the different cells in vivo and in vitro and the β/γ-actin ratio depends on the cell type. Both cytoplasmic actins are essential for cell survival, but they perform various functions in the interphase and cell division and play different roles in neoplastic transformation. In this review, we briefly summarize the research results of recent years and consider the features of the cytoplasmic actins: The spatial organization in close connection with their functional activity in different cell types by focusing on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera B. Dugina
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Galina S. Shagieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Anton S. Shakhov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Irina B. Alieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia; (V.B.D.); (G.S.S.); (A.S.S.)
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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