1
|
Eijken M, Krautzberger AM, Scholze-Wittler M, Boers-Sijmons B, Koedam M, Kosiol B, Schrewe H, van Leeuwen JP, van der Eerden BC. Vasorin-deficient mice display disturbed vitamin D and mineral homeostasis in combination with a low bone mass phenotype. Bone Rep 2024; 22:101792. [PMID: 39157725 PMCID: PMC11326953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2024.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasorin (Vasn) is a pleiotropic molecule involved in various physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Vasn has also been detected in bone cells of developing skeletal tissues but no function for Vasn in bone metabolism has been implicated yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate if Vasn plays a significant role in bone biology. First, we investigated tissue distribution of Vasn expression, using lacZ knock-in reporter mice. We detected clear Vasn expression in skeletal elements of postnatal mice. In particular, osteocytes and bone forming osteoblasts showed high expression of Vasn, while the bone marrow was devoid of signal. Vasn knockout mice (Vasn -/- ) displayed postnatal growth retardation and died after four weeks. MicroCT analysis of femurs from 22- to 25-day-old Vasn -/- mice demonstrated reduced trabecular and cortical bone volume corresponding to a low bone mass phenotype. Ex vivo bone marrow cultures demonstrated that osteoclast differentiation and activity were not affected by Vasn deficiency. However, osteogenesis of Vasn -/- bone marrow cultures was disturbed, resulting in lower numbers of alkaline phosphate positive colonies, impaired mineralization and lower expression of osteoblast marker genes. In addition to the bone phenotype, these mice developed a vitamin D3-related phenotype with a strongly reduced circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and urinary loss of vitamin D binding protein. In conclusion, Vasn-deficient mice suffer from severe disturbances in bone metabolism and mineral homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Eijken
- Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - A. Michaela Krautzberger
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuela Scholze-Wittler
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marijke Koedam
- Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Kosiol
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinrich Schrewe
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murugesan S, Addis DR, Hussey H, Powell MF, Saravanakumar L, Sturdivant AB, Sinkey RG, Tubinis MD, Massey ZR, Mobley JA, Tita AN, Jilling T, Berkowitz DE. Decreased Extracellular Vesicle Vasorin in Severe Preeclampsia Plasma Mediates Endothelial Dysfunction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600441. [PMID: 38979275 PMCID: PMC11230191 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication affecting 5-8% of pregnancies globally. It is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of PE remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential role of vasorin (VASN) in PE pathogenesis by investigating its levels in extracellular vesicles (EV) and its effects on vascular function. Methods & Results We conducted unbiased proteomics on urine-derived EV from severe PE (sPE) and normotensive pregnant women (NTP), identifying differential protein abundances. Out of one hundred and twenty proteins with ≥ ±1.5-fold regulation at P<0.05 between sPE and NTP, we focused on Vasorin (VASN), which is downregulated in sPE in urinary EV, in plasma EV and in the placenta and is a known regulator of vascular function. We generated EV with high VASN content from both human and murine placenta explants (Plex EV), which recapitulated disease-state-dependent effects on vascular function observed when treating murine aorta rings (MAR) or human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) with murine or human plasma-derived EV. In normal murine pregnancy, VASN increases with gestational age (GA), and VASN is decreased in plasma EV, in placenta tissue and in Plex EV after intravenous administration of adenovirus encoding short FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1), a murine model of PE (murine-PE). VASN is decreased in plasma EV, in placenta tissue and in EV isolated from conditioned media collected from placenta explants (Plex EV) in patients with sPE as compared to NTP. Human sPE and murine-PE plasma EV and Plex EV impair migration, tube formation, and induces apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) and inhibit acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in murine vascular rings (MAR). VASN over-expression counteracts the effects of sPE EV treatment in HAEC and MAR. RNA sequencing revealed that over-expression or knock down of VASN in HAEC results in contrasting effects on transcript levels of hundreds of genes associated with vasculogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Conclusions The data suggest that VASN, delivered to the endothelium via EV, regulates vascular function and that the loss of EV VASN may be one of the mechanistic drivers of PE. CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE What is NewVASN in circulating plasma EV in sPE is reduced compared with VASN content in plasma EV of gestational age-matched pregnant women.VASN is encapsulated and transported in EV and plays a pro-angiogenic role during pregnancy.VASN should be explored both for its pro-angiogenic mechanistic role and as a novel biomarker and potential predictive diagnostic marker for the onset and severity of PE.What Are the Clinical Implications?VASN plays a role in maintaining vascular health and the normal adaptive cardiovascular response in pregnancy. A decrease of VASN is observed in sPE patients contributing to cardiovascular maladaptation.Strategies to boost diminished VASN levels and/or to pharmacologically manipulate mechanisms downstream of VASN may be explored for potential therapeutic benefit in PE.The decrease in EV-associated VASN could potentially be used as a (predictive) biomarker for PE.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang M, McGraw KR, Monticone RE, Giordo R, Eid AH, Pintus G. Enhanced vasorin signaling mitigates adverse cardiovascular remodeling. Aging Med (Milton) 2024; 7:414-423. [PMID: 38975316 PMCID: PMC11222745 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Arterial stiffening is a critical risk factor contributing to the exponential rise in age-associated cardiovascular disease incidence. This process involves age-induced arterial proinflammation, collagen deposition, and calcification, which collectively contribute to arterial stiffening. The primary driver of proinflammatory processes leading to collagen deposition in the arterial wall is the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Activation of this signaling is pivotal in driving vascular extracellular remodeling, eventually leading to arterial fibrosis and calcification. Interestingly, the glycosylated protein vasorin (VASN) physically interacts with TGF-β1, and functionally restraining its proinflammatory fibrotic signaling in arterial walls and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Notably, as age advances, matrix metalloproteinase type II (MMP-2) is activated, which effectively cleaves VASN protein in both arterial walls and VSMCs. This age-associated/MMP-2-mediated decrease in VASN levels exacerbates TGF-β1 activation, amplifying arterial fibrosis and calcification in the arterial wall. Importantly, TGF-β1 is a downstream molecule of the angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling pathway in the arterial wall and VSMCs, which is modulated by VASN. Indeed, chronic administration of Ang II to young rats significantly activates MMP-2 and diminishes the VASN expression to levels comparable to untreated older control rats. This review highlights and discusses the role played by VASN in mitigating fibrosis and calcification by alleviating TGF-β1 activation and signaling in arterial walls and VSMCs. Understanding these molecular physical and functional interactions may pave the way for establishing VASN-based therapeutic strategies to counteract adverse age-associated cardiovascular remodeling, eventually reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Wang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBiomedical Research Center (BRC)BaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Kimberly Raginski McGraw
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBiomedical Research Center (BRC)BaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Robert E. Monticone
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthBiomedical Research Center (BRC)BaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU HealthQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Y, Peng R, Qian Y, Lu Y, Chen L, Yu M, Jiang M, Wu W, Lu S. Genome-wide analysis in PC6 electroacupuncture to ameliorate carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Gene 2024; 897:148090. [PMID: 38110043 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148090] [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: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Carfilzomib (CFZ), a proteasome inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), exhibits limited clinical application due to its cardiotoxicity. In our study, electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan acupoint (PC6) effectively reversed CFZ-induced reduction in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), demonstrating great potential effect for heart protection. Through comparative analysis of the transcriptome profile from heart samples of mice treated with DMSO control, CFZ injection, and EA stimulation, we identified a total of 770 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CFZ (vs. Control) group and 329 DEGs in EA (vs. CFZ) group. Specifically, CFZ (vs. Control) group exhibited 65 up-regulated DEGs and 705 down-regulated DEGs, while EA (vs. CFZ) group displayed 251 up-regulated DEGs and 78 down-regulated DEGs. Metascape analysis revealed that among these treatment groups, there were 137 co-expressed DEGs remarkably enriched in skeletal system development, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, negative regulation of Wnt signaling pathway, and muscle contraction. The expression patterns of miR-8114, Myl4, Col1a1, Tmem163, Myl7, Sln, and Fxyd3, which belong to the top 30 DEGs, were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). In summary, this study firstly discloses novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying PC6-based EA therapy against CFZ-induced cardiotoxicity, potentially serving as a theoretical foundation for further clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Chen
- No.1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Rou Peng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yi Qian
- No.3 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yizhou Lu
- No.1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Liyao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Meiling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Minjiao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shengfeng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Long X, Wei J, Fang Q, Yuan X, Du J. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptional heterogeneity of Tbx18-positive cardiac cells during heart development. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:18. [PMID: 38265516 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01290-6] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The T-box family transcription factor 18 (Tbx18) has been found to play a critical role in regulating the development of the mammalian heart during the primary stages of embryonic development while the cellular heterogeneity and landscape of Tbx18-positive (Tbx18+) cardiac cells remain incompletely characterized. Here, we analyzed prior published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) mouse heart data to explore the heterogeneity of Tbx18+ cardiac cell subpopulations and provide a comprehensive transcriptional landscape of Tbx18+ cardiac cells during their development. Bioinformatic analysis methods were utilized to identify the heterogeneity between cell groups. Based on the gene expression characteristics, Tbx18+ cardiac cells can be classified into a minimum of two distinct cell populations, namely fibroblast-like cells and cardiomyocytes. In terms of temporal heterogeneity, these cells exhibit three developmental stages, namely the MEM stage, ML_P0 stage, and P stage Tbx18+ cardiac cells. Furthermore, Tbx18+ cardiac cells encompass several cell types, including cardiac progenitor-like cells, cardiomyocytes, and epicardial/stromal cells, as determined by specific transcriptional regulatory networks. The scRNA-seq results revealed the involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) signals and epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the development of Tbx18+ cardiac cells. The utilization of a lineage-tracing model served to validate the crucial function of Tbx18 in the differentiation of cardiac cells. Consequently, these findings offer a comprehensive depiction of the cellular heterogeneity within Tbx18+ cardiac cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianglin Long
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jiangjun Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qinghua Fang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Jianlin Du
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Louvet L, Lenglet G, Krautzberger AM, Mentaverri R, Hague F, Kowalewski C, Mahtal N, Lesieur J, Bonnet A, Andrique C, Gaucher C, Gomila C, Schrewe H, Tharaux P, Kamel S, Chaussain C, Six I. Vasorin plays a critical role in vascular smooth muscle cells and arterial functions. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3845-3859. [PMID: 35892191 PMCID: PMC9796581 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Within the cardiovascular system, the protein vasorin (Vasn) is predominantly expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the coronary arteries and the aorta. Vasn knockout (Vasn-/- ) mice die within 3 weeks of birth. In the present study, we investigated the role of vascular Vasn expression on vascular function. We used inducible Vasn knockout mice (VasnCRE-ERT KO and VasnSMMHC-CRE-ERT2 KO , in which respectively all cells or SMCs only are targeted) to analyze the consequences of total or selective Vasn loss on vascular function. Furthermore, in vivo effects were investigated in vitro using human VSMCs. The death of VasnCRE-ERT KO mice 21 days after tamoxifen injection was concomitant with decreases in blood pressure, angiotensin II levels, and vessel contractibility to phenylephrine. The VasnSMMHC-CRE-ERT2 KO mice displayed concomitant changes in vessel contractibility in response to phenylephrine and angiotensin II levels. In vitro, VASN deficiency was associated with a shift toward the SMC contractile phenotype, an increase in basal intracellular Ca2+ levels, and a decrease in the SMCs' ability to generate a calcium signal in response to carbachol or phenylephrine. Additionally, impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation (due to changes in nitric oxide signaling) was observed in all Vasn knockout mice models. Our present findings highlight the role played by Vasn SMC expression in the maintenance of vascular functions. The mechanistic experiments suggested that these effects are mediated by SMC phenotype switching and changes in intracellular calcium homeostasis, angiotensin II levels, and NO signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Louvet
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| | - Gaëlle Lenglet
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| | | | - Romuald Mentaverri
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance,Amiens University HospitalHuman Biology CenterAmiensFrance
| | - Frédéric Hague
- UR EA4667, UPJV, Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et MoléculairePicardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| | - Clara Kowalewski
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| | - Nassim Mahtal
- Université Paris Cité, Paris Cardiovascular CenterINSERMParisFrance
| | - Julie Lesieur
- Université Paris Cité, URP2496F‐92120MontrougeFrance
| | - Anne‐Laure Bonnet
- Université Paris Cité, URP2496F‐92120MontrougeFrance,AP‐HP, FHU DDS‐net, Services de médecine bucco‐dentaire (GH Sorbonne Université, GH Paris Nord Université de Paris, GH Henri Mondor)ParisFrance
| | | | - Céline Gaucher
- Université Paris Cité, URP2496F‐92120MontrougeFrance,AP‐HP, FHU DDS‐net, Services de médecine bucco‐dentaire (GH Sorbonne Université, GH Paris Nord Université de Paris, GH Henri Mondor)ParisFrance
| | - Cathy Gomila
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| | - Heinrich Schrewe
- Department of Developmental GeneticsMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | | | - Said Kamel
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance,Amiens University HospitalHuman Biology CenterAmiensFrance
| | - Catherine Chaussain
- Université Paris Cité, URP2496F‐92120MontrougeFrance,AP‐HP, FHU DDS‐net, Services de médecine bucco‐dentaire (GH Sorbonne Université, GH Paris Nord Université de Paris, GH Henri Mondor)ParisFrance
| | - Isabelle Six
- UR 7517 UPJV, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications (MP3CV)Picardie Jules Verne UniversityAmiensFrance
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang L, Cheng X, Shi W, Li H, Zhang Q, Huang S, Huang X, Wen S, Gan J, Liao Z, Sun J, Liang J, Ouyang Y, He M. Vasorin Deletion in C57BL/6J Mice Induces Hepatocyte Autophagy through Glycogen-Mediated mTOR Regulation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173600. [PMID: 36079859 PMCID: PMC9460126 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vasorin (Vasn) expression occurs in multiple diseases, particularly liver cancers. Vasn knockout (KO) in mice causes malnutrition, a shortened life span, and decreased physiological functions. However, the causes and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we established Vasn KO C57BL/6J mice by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The animals were weighed, and histology, immunohistochemistry, electronic microscopy, and liver function tests were used to examine any change in the livers. Autophagy markers were detected by Western blotting. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing was performed on liver samples and analyses to study the signaling pathway altered by Vasn KO. Significant reductions in mice body and liver weight, accompanied by abnormal liver function, liver injury, and reduced glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes, were observed in the Vasn KO mice. The deficiency of Vasn also significantly increased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3A/B-II/I but decreased SQSTM1/p62 levels in hepatocytes, suggesting aberrant activation of autophagy. Vasn deficiency inhibited glycogen-mediated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and activated Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling, suggesting that Vasn deletion upregulates hepatocyte autophagy through the mTOR-ULK1 signaling pathway as a possible cause of diminished life span and health. Our results indicate that Vasn is required for the homeostasis of liver glycogen metabolism upstream of hepatocyte autophagy, suggesting research values for regulating Vasn in pathways related to liver physiology and functions. Overall, this study provides new insight into the role of Vasn in liver functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojing Cheng
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Shiping Huang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xuejing Huang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Sha Wen
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ji Gan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhouxiang Liao
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Junming Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jinning Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yiqiang Ouyang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Correspondence: (Y.O.); (M.H.); Tel.: +86-771-5629860 (M.H.)
| | - Min He
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
- Correspondence: (Y.O.); (M.H.); Tel.: +86-771-5629860 (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guo X, Sun J, Liang J, Zhu S, Zhang M, Yang L, Huang X, Xue K, Mo Z, Wen S, Hu B, Liu J, Ouyang Y, He M. Vasorin contributes to lung injury via FABP4-mediated inflammation. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9335-9344. [PMID: 35945403 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07780-9] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung injury caused by pulmonary inflammation is one of the main manifestations of respiratory diseases. Vasorin (VASN) is a cell-surface glycoprotein encoded by the VASN gene and is expressed in the lungs of developing mouse foetuses. Previous research has revealed that VASN is associated with many diseases. However, its exact function in the lungs and the underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in lung disease caused by VASN deficiency, a VASN gene knockout (VASN-/-) model was established. The pathological changes in the lungs of VASN-/- mice were similar to those in a lung injury experimental mouse model. We further analysed the transcriptomes of the lungs of VASN-/- mice and wild-type mice. Genes in twenty-four signalling pathways were enriched in the lungs of VASN-/- mice, among which PPAR signalling pathway genes (3 genes, FABP4, Plin1, AdipoQ, were upregulated, while apoA5 was downregulated) were found to be closely related to lung injury. The most significantly changed lung injury-related gene, FABP4, was selected for further verification. The mRNA and protein levels of FABP4 were significantly increased in the lungs of VASN-/- mice, as were the mRNA and protein levels of the inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS We believe that these data provide molecular evidence for the regulatory role of VASN in inflammation in the context of lung injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Guo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Junming Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinning Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Siran Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lichao Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xuejing Huang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Kangning Xue
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhongxiang Mo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Sha Wen
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiajuan Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yiqiang Ouyang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Min He
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China. .,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China. .,Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clavere NG, Alqallaf A, Rostron KA, Parnell A, Mitchell R, Patel K, Boateng SY. Inhibition of activin A receptor signalling attenuates age-related pathological cardiac remodelling. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275323. [PMID: 35380160 PMCID: PMC9118092 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the heart, ageing is associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, fibrosis and activation of the activin signalling pathway, leading to cardiac dysfunction. The cardiac effects of activin signalling blockade in progeria are unknown. This study investigated the cardiac effects of progeria induced by attenuated levels of Ercc1, which is required for DNA excision and repair, and the impact of activin signalling blockade using a soluble activin receptor type IIB (sActRIIB). DNA damage and oxidative stress were significantly increased in Ercc1Δ/− hearts, but were reduced by sActRIIB treatment. sActRIIB treatment improved cardiac systolic function and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in Ercc1Δ/− hearts. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that in Ercc1Δ/− hearts, there was an increase in pro-oxidant and a decrease in antioxidant gene expression, whereas sActRIIB treatment reversed this effect. Ercc1Δ/− hearts also expressed higher levels of anti-hypertrophic genes and decreased levels of pro-hypertrophic ones, which were also reversed by sActRIIB treatment. These results show for the first time that inhibition of activin A receptor signalling attenuates cardiac dysfunction, pathological tissue remodelling and gene expression in Ercc1-deficient mice and presents a potentially novel therapeutic target for heart diseases. Summary: Attenuated DNA repair is associated with pathological cardiac remodelling and gene expression. Much of this phenotype is attenuated by inhibition of the activin signalling pathway using soluble activin receptor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Clavere
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Ali Alqallaf
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Kerry A Rostron
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Andrew Parnell
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Robert Mitchell
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Ketan Patel
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Samuel Y Boateng
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Health and Life Sciences Building, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| |
Collapse
|