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Al-Ghabkari A, Carlson DA, Haystead TAJ, MacDonald JA. Cooperative involvement of zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) and the dual-specificity cell-division cycle 14A phosphatase (CDC14A) in vascular smooth muscle cell migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.06.583600. [PMID: 38496458 PMCID: PMC10942413 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.06.583600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase with regulatory involvement in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) actin polymerization and focal adhesion assembly dynamics. ZIPK silencing can induce cytoskeletal remodeling with disassembly of actin stress fiber networks and coincident loss of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-pY397 phosphorylation. The link between ZIPK inhibition and FAK phosphorylation is unknown, and critical interactor(s) and regulator(s) are not yet defined. In this study, we further analyzed the ZIPK-FAK relationship in VSMCs. The application of HS38, a selective ZIPK inhibitor, to coronary artery vascular smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) suppressed cell migration, myosin light chain phosphorylation (pT18&pS19) and FAK-pY397 phosphorylation as well. This was associated with the translocation of cytoplasmic FAK to the nucleus. ZIPK inhibition with HS38 was consistently found to suppress the activation of FAK and attenuate the phosphorylation of other focal adhesion protein components (i.e., pCas130, paxillin, ERK). In addition, our study showed a decrease in human cell-division cycle 14A phosphatase (CDC14A) levels with ZIPK-siRNA treatment and increased CDC14A with transient transfection of ZIPK. Proximity ligation assays (PLA) revealed CDC14A localized with ZIPK and FAK. Silencing CDC14A showed an increase of FAK-pY397 phosphorylation. Ultimately, the data presented herein strongly support a regulatory mechanism of FAK in CASMCs by a ZIPK-CDC14A partnership; ZIPK may act as a key signal integrator to control CDC14A and FAK during VSMC migration.
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Carretero VJ, Ramos E, Segura-Chama P, Hernández A, Baraibar AM, Álvarez-Merz I, Muñoz FL, Egea J, Solís JM, Romero A, Hernández-Guijo JM. Non-Excitatory Amino Acids, Melatonin, and Free Radicals: Examining the Role in Stroke and Aging. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1844. [PMID: 37891922 PMCID: PMC10603966 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101844] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between melatonin, free radicals, and non-excitatory amino acids, and their role in stroke and aging. Melatonin has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse physiological functions and potential therapeutic benefits by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Melatonin has been found to mitigate ischemic brain damage caused by stroke. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, melatonin may help slow down the aging process and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, non-excitatory amino acids have been shown to possess neuroprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in stroke and aging-related conditions. They can attenuate oxidative stress, modulate calcium homeostasis, and inhibit apoptosis, thereby safeguarding neurons against damage induced by stroke and aging processes. The intracellular accumulation of certain non-excitatory amino acids could promote harmful effects during hypoxia-ischemia episodes and thus, the blockade of the amino acid transporters involved in the process could be an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage. On the other hand, the accumulation of free radicals, specifically mitochondrial reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, accelerates cellular senescence and contributes to age-related decline. Recent research suggests a complex interplay between melatonin, free radicals, and non-excitatory amino acids in stroke and aging. The neuroprotective actions of melatonin and non-excitatory amino acids converge on multiple pathways, including the regulation of calcium homeostasis, modulation of apoptosis, and reduction of inflammation. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the preservation of neuronal integrity and functions, making them promising targets for therapeutic interventions in stroke and age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Jiménez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Segura-Chama
- Investigador por México-CONAHCYT, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14370, Mexico
| | - Adan Hernández
- Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma of México, Juriquilla, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andrés M Baraibar
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Barrio Sarriena, s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López Muñoz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Camilo José Cela, C/Castillo de Alarcón 49, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i + 12), Avda. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Egea
- Molecular Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Plasticity Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Solís
- Neurobiology-Research Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Functional Remodeling of the Contractile Smooth Muscle Cell Cortex, a Provocative Concept, Supported by Direct Visualization of Cortical Remodeling. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050662. [PMID: 35625390 PMCID: PMC9138025 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary As a key element of the smooth muscle cell contractile apparatus, the actin cytoskeleton participates in the development of force by acting as a molecular track for the myosin cross bridge motor. At the same time, the actin cytoskeleton must transmit the force developed during contraction to the extracellular matrix and, thus, to neighboring cells. This propagation of force to the cell periphery and beyond is initiated in part on specifically localized cellular cortical actin filaments also involved in mechano-chemical transduction. During the contractile process itself and in response to extracellular structural and chemical alterations, the smooth muscle actin cytoskeletal remodels. This indicates that the cytoskeleton is a dynamic cellular organelle that adapts to the changes in cell shape and chemical cues. Current evidence connecting contractile function and mechano-transduction mechanisms to the plasticity of the vascular smooth muscle actin cytoskeleton is reviewed; we then describe new evidence for cytoskeletal remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, using immunoelectron microscopy, we visualize the actin binding proteins filamin A, zyxin and talin in these cells and show that they participate in the cortical cell cytoskeletal alteration, thus supporting the premise that smooth muscle cell remodeling occurs during contraction. Abstract Considerable controversy has surrounded the functional anatomy of the cytoskeleton of the contractile vascular smooth muscle cell. Recent studies have suggested a dynamic nature of the cortical cytoskeleton of these cells, but direct proof has been lacking. Here, we review past studies in this area suggesting a plasticity of smooth muscle cells. We also present images testing these suggestions by using the technique of immunoelectron microscopy of metal replicas to directly visualize the cortical actin cytoskeleton of the contractile smooth muscle cell along with interactions by representative cytoskeletal binding proteins. We find the cortical cytoskeletal matrix to be a branched, interconnected network of linear actin bundles. Here, the focal adhesion proteins talin and zyxin were localized with nanometer accuracy. Talin is reported in past studies to span the integrin–cytoplasm distance in fibroblasts and zyxin is known to be an adaptor protein between alpha-actinin and VASP. In response to activation of signal transduction with the alpha-agonist phenylephrine, we found that no movement of talin was detectable but that the zyxin-zyxin spacing was statistically significantly decreased in the smooth muscle cells examined. Contractile smooth muscle is often assumed to have a fixed cytoskeletal structure. Thus, the results included here are important in that they directly support the concept at the electron microscopic level that the focal adhesion of the contractile smooth muscle cell has a dynamic nature and that the protein–protein interfaces showing plasticity are protein-specific.
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Erdener ŞE, Küreli G, Dalkara T. Contractile apparatus in CNS capillary pericytes. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:021904. [PMID: 35106320 PMCID: PMC8785978 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.2.021904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Whether or not capillary pericytes contribute to blood flow regulation in the brain and retina has long been debated. This was partly caused by failure of detecting the contractile protein α -smooth muscle actin ( α -SMA) in capillary pericytes. Aim: The aim of this review is to summarize recent developments in detecting α -SMA and contractility in capillary pericytes and the relevant literature on the biology of actin filaments. Results: Evidence suggests that for visualization of the small amounts of α -SMA in downstream mid-capillary pericytes, actin depolymerization must be prevented during tissue processing. Actin filaments turnover is mainly based on de/re-polymerization rather than transcription of the monomeric form, hence, small amounts of α -SMA mRNA may evade detection by transcriptomic studies. Similarly, transgenic mice expressing fluorescent reporters under the α -SMA promoter may yield low fluorescence due to limited transcriptional activity in mid-capillary pericytes. Recent studies show that pericytes including mid-capillary ones express several actin isoforms and myosin heavy chain type 11, the partner of α -SMA in mediating contraction. Emerging evidence also suggests that actin polymerization in pericytes may have a role in regulating the tone of downstream capillaries. Conclusions: With guidance of actin biology, innovative labeling and imaging techniques can reveal the molecular machinery of contraction in pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şefik E. Erdener
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gülce Küreli
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Turgay Dalkara
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
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Li S, Tao W, Huang Z, Yan L, Chen B, Zeng C, Chen F. The Transcriptional Landscapes and Key Genes in Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Progression in a Venous Hypertension Rat Model Revealed by RNA Sequencing. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1381-1397. [PMID: 35250290 PMCID: PMC8893156 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s347754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) are abnormal vascular lesions characterized by direct connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed. The primary goal for brain AVM treatment is to prevent rupture and hemorrhage; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Methods We constructed venous hypertension (VH) rat model with end-to-end anastomosis of the proximal left common carotid artery and the left distal external jugular vein. Thirty-eight adult rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the 0-week (n=5), the 1-week VH group (n=12), the 3-week VH group (n=9), and the 6-week VH group (n=12). We measured the hemodynamics and diameter of the arterialized veins. An RNA sequencing of arterialized veins was conducted, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to identify key genes and biological pathways involved in VH progression. The candidate genes from RNA-Seq were validated by RT-qPCR and immunostaining in human tissues. Results We observed high-flow and low resistance characteristics in VH models. A total of 317 upregulated and 258 downregulated common genes were consistently differentially expressed during VH progression. Thirteen co-expression modules were obtained by WGCNA analysis, and 4 key modules were identified. Thirteen genes: Adamts8, Adamtsl3, Spon2, Adamtsl2, Chad, Itga7, Comp, Itga8, Bmp6, Fst, Smad6, Smad7, Grem1, and Nog with differential expressions were identified using the density of maximum neighborhood component (DMNC) algorithm in Cytohubba. The expression of five potential genes (Adamts8, Adamtsl3, Spon2, Adamtsl2, Itga8) were increased in RT-qPCR, while in human bAVM tissue, the protein levels of Adamtsl2 and Itga8 were significant elevated and Spon2 and Adamtsl3 were decreased. Conclusion The identified gene networks of Adamtsl3, Spon2, Adamtsl2, and Itga8 provided key genes for further intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wengui Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Langchao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chudai Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Fenghua Chen, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Johnson RT, Solanki R, Warren DT. Mechanical programming of arterial smooth muscle cells in health and ageing. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:757-768. [PMID: 34745374 PMCID: PMC8553715 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), the predominant cell type within the arterial wall, detect and respond to external mechanical forces. These forces can be derived from blood flow (i.e. pressure and stretch) or from the supporting extracellular matrix (i.e. stiffness and topography). The healthy arterial wall is elastic, allowing the artery to change shape in response to changes in blood pressure, a property known as arterial compliance. As we age, the mechanical forces applied to ASMCs change; blood pressure and arterial wall rigidity increase and result in a reduction in arterial compliance. These changes in mechanical environment enhance ASMC contractility and promote disease-associated changes in ASMC phenotype. For mechanical stimuli to programme ASMCs, forces must influence the cell's load-bearing apparatus, the cytoskeleton. Comprised of an interconnected network of actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments, each cytoskeletal component has distinct mechanical properties that enable ASMCs to respond to changes within the mechanical environment whilst maintaining cell integrity. In this review, we discuss how mechanically driven cytoskeletal reorganisation programmes ASMC function and phenotypic switching.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reesha Solanki
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Derek T. Warren
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
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7
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Kajuluri LP, Singh K, Morgan KG. Vascular aging, the vascular cytoskeleton and aortic stiffness. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:186-197. [PMID: 34414394 PMCID: PMC8372409 DOI: 10.37349/emed.2021.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging, aortic stiffness and hypertension are mechanistically interrelated. The perspective presented here will focus mainly on the molecular mechanisms of age-associated increases in the stiffness of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). This review will highlight the mechanisms by which the VSMC contributes to disorders of vascular aging. Distinct functional sub-components of the vascular cell and the molecular mechanisms of the protein-protein interactions, signaling mechanisms and intracellular trafficking processes in the setting of the aging aorta will be detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176061, India
| | - Kathleen G Morgan
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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8
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Kureli G, Yilmaz-Ozcan S, Erdener SE, Donmez-Demir B, Yemisci M, Karatas H, Dalkara T. F-actin polymerization contributes to pericyte contractility in retinal capillaries. Exp Neurol 2020; 332:113392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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9
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Miyauchi A, Kim-Kaneyama JR, Lei XF, Chang SH, Saito T, Haraguchi S, Miyazaki T, Miyazaki A. Alleviation of murine osteoarthritis by deletion of the focal adhesion mechanosensitive adapter, Hic-5. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15770. [PMID: 31673109 PMCID: PMC6823501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive mechanical stress is a major cause of knee osteoarthritis. However, the mechanism by which the mechanical stress begets osteoarthritis development remains elusive. Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone-5 (Hic-5; TGFβ1i1), a TGF-β inducible focal adhesion adaptor, has previously been reported as a mediator of mechanotransduction. In this study, we analyzed the in vivo function of Hic-5 in development of osteoarthritis, and found that mice lacking Hic-5 showed a significant reduction in development of osteoarthritis in the knee. Furthermore, we found reduced expression of catabolic genes, such as metalloproteinase-13 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 in osteoarthritic lesions in mice lacking Hic-5. During osteoarthritis development, Hic-5 is detected in chondrocytes of articular cartilage. To investigate the role of Hic-5 in chondrocytes, we isolated chondrocytes from articular cartilage of wild type and Hic-5-deficient mice. In these primary cultured chondrocytes, Hic-5 deficiency resulted in suppression of catabolic gene expression induced by osteoarthritis-related cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β. Furthermore, Hic-5 deficiency in chondrocytes suppressed catabolic gene expression induced by mechanical stress. Revealing the regulation of chondrocyte catabolism by Hic-5 contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis induced by mechanical stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Miyauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joo-Ri Kim-Kaneyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Xiao-Feng Lei
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Song Ho Chang
- Sensory & Motor System Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Sensory & Motor System Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Haraguchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Liu S, Zheng F, Cai Y, Zhang W, Dun Y. Effect of Long-Term Exercise Training on lncRNAs Expression in the Vascular Injury of Insulin Resistance. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2018; 11:459-469. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-018-9830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Nicholson CJ, Singh K, Saphirstein RJ, Gao YZ, Li Q, Chiu JG, Leavis P, Verwoert GC, Mitchell GF, Porter T, Morgan KG. Reversal of Aging-Induced Increases in Aortic Stiffness by Targeting Cytoskeletal Protein-Protein Interfaces. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e008926. [PMID: 30021807 PMCID: PMC6201469 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.008926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proximal aorta normally functions as a critical shock absorber that protects small downstream vessels from damage by pressure and flow pulsatility generated by the heart during systole. This shock absorber function is impaired with age because of aortic stiffening. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined the contribution of common genetic variation to aortic stiffness in humans by interrogating results from the AortaGen Consortium genome-wide association study of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Common genetic variation in the N-WASP (WASL) locus is associated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (rs600420, P=0.0051). Thus, we tested the hypothesis that decoy proteins designed to disrupt the interaction of cytoskeletal proteins such as N-WASP with its binding partners in the vascular smooth muscle cytoskeleton could decrease ex vivo stiffness of aortas from a mouse model of aging. A synthetic decoy peptide construct of N-WASP significantly reduced activated stiffness in ex vivo aortas of aged mice. Two other cytoskeletal constructs targeted to VASP and talin-vinculin interfaces similarly decreased aging-induced ex vivo active stiffness by on-target specific actions. Furthermore, packaging these decoy peptides into microbubbles enables the peptides to be ultrasound-targeted to the wall of the proximal aorta to attenuate ex vivo active stiffness. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that decoy peptides targeted to vascular smooth muscle cytoskeletal protein-protein interfaces and microbubble packaged can decrease aortic stiffness ex vivo. Our results provide proof of concept at the ex vivo level that decoy peptides targeted to cytoskeletal protein-protein interfaces may lead to substantive dynamic modulation of aortic stiffness.
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MESH Headings
- Aging
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Blood Pressure
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- DNA/genetics
- Genome-Wide Association Study/methods
- Humans
- Hypertension/genetics
- Hypertension/pathology
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Pulse Wave Analysis
- Vascular Stiffness/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College Boston University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Yuan Z Gao
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Joanna G Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Paul Leavis
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Germaine C Verwoert
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tyrone Porter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Kathleen G Morgan
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College Boston University, Boston, MA
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12
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Gold nanoparticles functionalized with angiogenin-mimicking peptides modulate cell membrane interactions. Biointerphases 2018; 13:03C401. [PMID: 29660986 DOI: 10.1116/1.5022295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenin is a protein crucial in angiogenesis, and it is overexpressed in many cancers and downregulated in neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. The protein interaction with actin, through the loop encompassing the 60-68 residues, is an essential step in the cellular cytoskeleton reorganization. This, in turn, influences the cell proliferation and migration processes. In this work, hybrid nanoassemblies of gold nanoparticles with angiogenin fragments containing the 60-68 sequence were prepared and characterized in their interaction with both model membranes of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and cellular membranes of cancer (neuroblastoma) and normal (fibroblasts) cell lines. The comparison between physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms was performed by the parallel investigation of the 60-68 sequence and the peptide analogous containing an extra cysteine residue. Moreover, steric hindrance and charge effects were considered with a third analogous peptide sequence, conjugated with a fluorescent carboxyfluorescein (Fam) moiety. The hybrid nanobiointerface was characterized by means of ultraviolet-visible, atomic force microscopy and circular dichroism, to scrutinize plasmonic changes, nanoparticles coverage and conformational features, respectively. Lateral diffusion measurements on SLBs "perturbed" by the interaction with the gold nanoparticles-peptides point to a stronger membrane interaction in comparison with the uncoated nanoparticles. Cell viability and proliferation assays indicate a slight nanotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells and a proliferative activity in fibroblasts. The actin staining confirms different levels of interaction between the hybrid assemblies and the cell membranes.
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13
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From Physiological Redox Signalling to Oxidant Stress. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 967:335-342. [PMID: 29047097 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-63245-2_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidant stress is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, including pulmonary hypertension, but antioxidant therapies have so far proven ineffective. This is partly due to a lack of understanding of the key role played by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in physiological cell signalling, and partly to the complex interrelationships between generators of ROS (e.g. mitochondria and NADPH oxidases, NOX), cellular antioxidant systems and indeed Ca2+ signalling. At physiological levels ROS reversibly affect the function of numerous enzymes and transcription factors, most often via oxidation of specific protein thiols. Importantly, they also affect pathways that promote ROS generation by NOX or mitochondria (ROS-induced ROS release), which has an inherent propensity for positive feedback and uncontrolled oxidant production. The reason this does not occur under normal conditions reflects in part a high level of compartmentalisation of ROS signalling within the cell, akin to that for Ca2+. This article considers the physiological processes which regulate NOX and mitochondrial ROS production and degradation and their interactions with each other and Ca2+ signalling pathways, and discusses how loss of spatiotemporal constraints and activation of positive feedback pathways may impact on their dysregulation in pulmonary hypertension.
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14
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Xie Y, Han KH, Grainger N, Li W, Corrigan RD, Perrino BA. A role for focal adhesion kinase in facilitating the contractile responses of murine gastric fundus smooth muscles. J Physiol 2018. [PMID: 29528115 DOI: 10.1113/jp275406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by integrin signalling facilitates smooth muscle contraction by transmitting the force generated by myofilament activation to the extracellular matrix and throughout the smooth muscle tissue. Here we report that electrical field stimulation (EFS) of cholinergic motor neurons activates FAK in gastric fundus smooth muscles, and that FAK activation by EFS is atropine-sensitive but nicardipine-insensitive. PDBu and calyculin A contracted gastric fundus muscles Ca2+ -independently and also activated FAK. Inhibition of FAK activation inhibits the contractile responses evoked by EFS, and inhibits CPI-17 phosphorylation at T38. This study indicates that mechanical force or tension is sufficient to activate FAK, and that FAK appears to be involved in the activation of the protein kinase C-CPI-17 Ca2+ sensitization pathway in gastric fundus smooth muscles. These results reveal a novel role for FAK in gastric fundus smooth muscle contraction by facilitating CPI-17 phosphorylation. ABSTRACT Smooth muscle contraction involves regulating myosin light chain phosphorylation and dephosphorylation by myosin light chain kinase and myosin light chain phosphatase. C-kinase potentiated protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor of 17 kDa (CPI-17) and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit of myosin light-chain phosphatase (MYPT1) are crucial for regulating gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting myosin light chain phosphatase. Integrin signalling involves the dynamic recruitment of several proteins, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), to focal adhesions. FAK tyrosine kinase activation is involved in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix via integrin signalling. FAK participates in linking the force generated by myofilament activation to the extracellular matrix and throughout the smooth muscle tissue. Here, we show that cholinergic stimulation activates FAK in gastric fundus smooth muscles. Electrical field stimulation in the presence of Nω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and MRS2500 contracted gastric fundus smooth muscle strips and increased FAK Y397 phosphorylation (pY397). Atropine blocked the contractions and prevented the increase in pY397. The FAK inhibitor PF-431396 inhibited the contractions and the increase in pY397. PF-431396 also inhibited the electrical field stimulation-induced increase in CPI-17 T38 phosphorylation, and reduced MYPT1 T696 and T853, and myosin light chain S19 phosphorylation. Ca2+ influx was unaffected by PF-431396. Nicardipine inhibited the contractions but had no effect on the increase in pY397. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or calyculin A contracted gastric fundus smooth muscle strips Ca2+ independently and increased pY397. Our findings suggest that FAK is activated by mechanical forces during contraction and reveal a novel role of FAK in the regulation of CPI-17 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeming Xie
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Koon Hee Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Nathan Grainger
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Robert D Corrigan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Brian A Perrino
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
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15
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Nicholson CJ, Seta F, Lee S, Morgan KG. MicroRNA-203 mimics age-related aortic smooth muscle dysfunction of cytoskeletal pathways. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:81-95. [PMID: 27502584 PMCID: PMC5192880 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased aortic stiffness is a biomarker for subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. We have previously reported that vascular smooth muscle Src-dependent cytoskeletal remodelling, which contributes to aortic plasticity, is impaired with ageing. Here, we use a multi-scale approach to determine the molecular mechanisms behind defective Src-dependent signalling in an aged C57BL/6 male mouse model. Increased aortic stiffness, as measured in vivo by pulse wave velocity, was found to have a comparable time course to that in humans. Bioinformatic analyses predicted several miRs to regulate Src-dependent cytoskeletal remodelling. qRT-PCR was used to determine the relative levels of predicted miRs in aortas and, notably, the expression of miR-203 increased almost twofold in aged aorta. Increased miR-203 expression was associated with a decrease in both mRNA and protein expression of Src, caveolin-1 and paxillin in aged aorta. Probing with phospho-specific antibodies confirmed that overexpression of miR-203 significantly attenuated Src and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signalling, which we have previously found to regulate vascular smooth muscle stiffness. In addition, transfection of miR-203 into aortic tissue from young mice increased phenylephrine-induced aortic stiffness ex vivo, mimicking the aged phenotype. Upstream of miR-203, we found that DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1, 3a, and 3b are also significantly decreased in the aged mouse aorta and that DNMT inhibition significantly increases miR-203 expression. Thus, the age-induced increase in miR-203 may be caused by epigenetic promoter hypomethylation in the aorta. These findings indicate that miR-203 promotes a re-programming of Src/ERK signalling pathways in vascular smooth muscle, impairing the regulation of stiffness in aged aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Seta
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophie Lee
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Knock GA. Tyrosine kinases as key modulators of smooth muscle function in health and disease. J Physiol 2016; 593:3805-6. [PMID: 26331833 DOI: 10.1113/jp271023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G A Knock
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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17
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Brozovich FV, Nicholson CJ, Degen CV, Gao YZ, Aggarwal M, Morgan KG. Mechanisms of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and the Basis for Pharmacologic Treatment of Smooth Muscle Disorders. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:476-532. [PMID: 27037223 PMCID: PMC4819215 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The smooth muscle cell directly drives the contraction of the vascular wall and hence regulates the size of the blood vessel lumen. We review here the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which agonists, therapeutics, and diseases regulate contractility of the vascular smooth muscle cell and we place this within the context of whole body function. We also discuss the implications for personalized medicine and highlight specific potential target molecules that may provide opportunities for the future development of new therapeutics to regulate vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- F V Brozovich
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C J Nicholson
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C V Degen
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - Yuan Z Gao
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - M Aggarwal
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - K G Morgan
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
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18
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Pattabiraman PP, Rao PV. Hic-5 Regulates Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization and Expression of Fibrogenic Markers and Myocilin in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:5656-69. [PMID: 26313302 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the role of inducible focal adhesion (FA) protein Hic-5 in actin cytoskeletal reorganization, FA formation, fibrogenic activity, and expression of myocilin in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. METHODS Using primary cultures of human TM (HTM) cells, the effects of various external factors on Hic-5 protein levels, as well as the effects of recombinant Hic-5 and Hic-5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) on actin cytoskeleton, FAs, myocilin, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and collagen-1 were determined by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses. RESULTS Hic-5 distributes discretely to the FAs in HTM cells and throughout the TM and Schlemm's canal of the human aqueous humor (AH) outflow pathway. Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), endothelin-1, lysophosphatidic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and RhoA significantly increased Hic-5 protein levels in HTM cells in association with reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and FAs. While recombinant Hic-5 induced actin stress fibers, FAs, αv integrin redistribution to the FAs, increased levels of αSMA, collagen-1, and myocilin, Hic-5 siRNA suppressed most of these responses in HTM cells. Hic-5 siRNA also suppressed TGF-β2-induced fibrogenic activity and dexamethasone-induced myocilin expression in HTM cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results reveal that Hic-5, whose levels were increased by various external factors implicated in elevated intraocular pressure, induces actin cytoskeletal reorganization, FAs, expression of fibrogenic markers, and myocilin in HTM cells. These characteristics of Hic-5 in TM cells indicate its importance in regulation of AH outflow through the TM in both normal and glaucomatous eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States 2Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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