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Mueller MC, Du Y, Walker LA, Magin CM. Dynamically stiffening biomaterials reveal age- and sex-specific differences in pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblast activation. Matrix Biol Plus 2024; 22:100145. [PMID: 38699486 PMCID: PMC11063519 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2024.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) frequently exhibit sexual dimorphism. Female PAH patients are more susceptible to the disease but have increased survival rates. This phenomenon is known as the estrogen paradox, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. During PAH progression in vivo, human pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts (hPAAFs) differentiate into an activated phenotype. These cells produce excess, aberrant extracellular matrix proteins that stiffen the surrounding pulmonary arterial tissues. Here, we employed dynamic poly(ethylene glycol)-alpha methacrylate (PEGαMA)-based biomaterials to study how the age and sex of human serum influenced hPAAF activation in response to microenvironmental stiffening in vitro. Results showed female and male cells responded differently to increases in microenvironmental stiffness and serum composition. Male hPAAFs were less activated than female cells on soft hydrogels and more responsive to increases in microenvironmental stiffness regardless of serum composition. Female hPAAF activation followed this pattern only when cultured in younger (age < 50) female serum or when older (age ≥ 50) female serum was supplemented with estradiol. Otherwise, female hPAAF activation was relatively high on both soft and stiffened hydrogels, with little difference in activation between the two conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that it may be possible to model the estrogen paradox observed in PAH in vitro and that it is critical for researchers to report cell sex and serum source when conducting in vitro experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikala C. Mueller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Yanmei Du
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Lori A. Walker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Chelsea M. Magin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
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2
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Gorashi RM, Baddour T, Chittle SJ, Vélez NEF, Wenning MA, Anseth KS, Mestroni L, Peña B, Guo P, Aguado BA. Y chromosome linked UTY modulates sex differences in valvular fibroblast methylation in response to nanoscale extracellular matrix cues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.593760. [PMID: 38798394 PMCID: PMC11118428 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.593760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a progressive disease wherein males develop valve calcification relative to females that develop valve fibrosis. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) aberrantly activate to myofibroblasts during AVS, driving the fibrotic valve phenotype in females. Myofibroblasts further differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and secrete calcium nanoparticles, driving valve calcification in males. We hypothesized the lysine demethylase UTY (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat containing, Y-linked) decreases methylation uniquely in response to nanoparticle cues in the valve extracellular matrix to promote an osteoblast-like phenotype. Here, we describe a bioinspired hydrogel cell culture platform to interrogate how nanoscale cues modulate sex-specific methylation states in VICs activating to myofibroblasts and osteoblast-like cells. We found UTY (ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat containing, Y-linked) modulates VIC phenotypes in response to nanoscale cues uniquely in males. Overall, we reveal a novel role of UTY in the regulation of calcification processes in males during AVS progression.
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3
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Mueller MC, Du Y, Walker LA, Magin CM. Dynamically stiffening biomaterials reveal age- and sex-specific differences in pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblast activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.11.540410. [PMID: 38168342 PMCID: PMC10760008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.11.540410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) frequently exhibit sexual dimorphism. Female PAH patients are more susceptible to the disease but have increased survival rates. This phenomenon is known as the estrogen paradox, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. During PAH progression in vivo , human pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts (hPAAFs) differentiate into an activated phenotype. These cells produce excess, aberrant extracellular matrix proteins that stiffen the surrounding pulmonary arterial tissues. Here, we employed dynamic poly(ethylene glycol)-alpha methacrylate (PEGαMA)-based biomaterials to study how the age and sex of human serum influenced hPAAF activation in response to microenvironmental stiffening in vitro . Results showed female and male cells responded differently to increases in microenvironmental stiffness and serum composition. Male hPAAFs were less activated than female cells on soft hydrogels and more responsive to increases in microenvironmental stiffness regardless of serum composition. Female hPAAF activation followed this pattern only when cultured in younger (age < 50) female serum or when older (age ≥ 50) female serum was supplemented with estradiol. Otherwise, female hPAAF activation was relatively high on both soft and stiffened hydrogels, with little difference in activation between the two conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that it may be possible to model the estrogen paradox observed in PAH in vitro and that it is critical for researchers to report cell sex and serum source when conducting in vitro experimentation.
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4
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Felisbino MB, Rubino M, Travers JG, Schuetze KB, Lemieux ME, Anseth KS, Aguado BA, McKinsey TA. Substrate stiffness modulates cardiac fibroblast activation, senescence, and proinflammatory secretory phenotype. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H61-H73. [PMID: 37889253 PMCID: PMC11213481 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00483.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
In vitro cultures of primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells of the heart, are used to determine molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. However, the supraphysiologic stiffness of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) triggers the conversion of CFs into an activated myofibroblast-like state, and serial passage of the cells results in the induction of replicative senescence. These phenotypic switches confound the interpretation of experimental data obtained with cultured CFs. In an attempt to circumvent TCPS-induced activation and senescence of CFs, we used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels as cell culture platforms with low and high stiffness formulations to mimic healthy and fibrotic hearts, respectively. Low hydrogel stiffness converted activated CFs into a quiescent state with a reduced abundance of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-containing stress fibers. Unexpectedly, lower substrate stiffness concomitantly augmented CF senescence, marked by elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and increased expression of p16 and p21, which are antiproliferative markers of senescence. Using dynamically stiffening hydrogels with phototunable cross-linking capabilities, we demonstrate that premature, substrate-induced CF senescence is partially reversible. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed widespread transcriptional reprogramming of CFs cultured on low-stiffness hydrogels, with a reduction in the expression of profibrotic genes encoding ECM proteins, and an attendant increase in expression of NF-κB-responsive inflammatory genes that typify the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Our findings demonstrate that alterations in matrix stiffness profoundly impact CF cell state transitions, and suggest mechanisms by which CFs change phenotype in vivo depending on the stiffness of the myocardial microenvironment in which they reside.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings highlight the advantages and pitfalls associated with culturing cardiac fibroblasts on hydrogels of varying stiffness. The findings also define stiffness-dependent signaling and transcriptional networks in cardiac fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina B Felisbino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Marcello Rubino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joshua G Travers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Katherine B Schuetze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Kristi S Anseth
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Timothy A McKinsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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5
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Savini C, Tenti E, Mikus E, Eligini S, Munno M, Gaspardo A, Gianazza E, Greco A, Ghilardi S, Aldini G, Tremoli E, Banfi C. Albumin Thiolation and Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1713. [PMID: 38136584 PMCID: PMC10742097 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121713] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species play an important causative role in the onset and progression of valvular diseases. Here, we analyzed the oxidative modifications of albumin (HSA) occurring on Cysteine 34 and the antioxidant capacity of the serum in 44 patients with severe aortic stenosis (36 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and 8 underwent a second aortic valve substitution due to a degenerated bioprosthetic valve), and in 10 healthy donors (controls). Before surgical intervention, patients showed an increase in the oxidized form of albumin (HSA-Cys), a decrease in the native reduced form (HSA-SH), and a significant reduction in serum free sulfhydryl groups and in the total serum antioxidant activity. Patients undergoing a second valve replacement showed levels of HSA-Cys, free sulfhydryl groups, and total antioxidant activity similar to those of controls. In vitro incubation of whole blood with aspirin (ASA) significantly increased the free sulfhydryl groups, suggesting that the in vivo treatment with ASA may contribute to reducing oxidative stress. We also found that N-acetylcysteine and its amide derivative were able to regenerate HSA-SH. In conclusion, the systemic oxidative stress reflected by high levels of HSA-Cys is increased in patients with aortic valve stenosis. Thiol-disulfide breaking agents regenerate HSA-SH, thus paving the way to the use these compounds to mitigate the oxidative stress occurring in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Savini
- GVM Care and Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (C.S.); (E.T.); (E.M.); (E.T.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Tenti
- GVM Care and Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (C.S.); (E.T.); (E.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Elisa Mikus
- GVM Care and Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (C.S.); (E.T.); (E.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Sonia Eligini
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Marco Munno
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Anna Gaspardo
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Erica Gianazza
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Arianna Greco
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Stefania Ghilardi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Elena Tremoli
- GVM Care and Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (C.S.); (E.T.); (E.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Cristina Banfi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.)
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6
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Khawaja M, Virk HUH, Bandyopadhyay D, Rodriguez M, Escobar J, Alam M, Jneid H, Krittanawong C. Aortic Stenosis Phenotypes and Precision Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:265. [PMID: 37504521 PMCID: PMC10380398 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070265] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with a clinical indication for aortic valve replacement can either undergo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). There are many different factors that go into determining which type of replacement to undergo, including age, life expectancy, comorbidities, frailty, and patient preference. While both options offer significant benefits to patients in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life, there is growing interest in expanding the indications for TAVI due to its minimally invasive approach. However, it is worth noting that there are several discrepancies in TAVI outcomes in regards to various endpoints, including death, stroke, and major cardiovascular events. It is unclear why these discrepancies exist, but potential explanations include the diversity of etiologies for aortic stenosis, complex patient comorbidities, and ongoing advancements in both medical therapies and devices. Of these possibilities, we propose that phenotypic variation of aortic stenosis has the most significant impact on post-TAVI clinical outcomes. Such variability in phenotypes is often due to a complex interplay between underlying comorbidities and environmental and inherent patient risk factors. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that patient genetics may also play a role in aortic stenosis pathology. As such, we propose that the selection and management of TAVI patients should emphasize a precision medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzamil Khawaja
- Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk
- Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Dhrubajyoti Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Centre, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Mario Rodriguez
- Division of Cardiology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Johao Escobar
- Division of Cardiology, Harlem Cardiology, New York, NY 10035, USA
| | - Mahboob Alam
- Division of Cardiology, The Texas Heart Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hani Jneid
- Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chayakrit Krittanawong
- Cardiology Division, NYU Langone Health and NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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7
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Abstract
Although sex differences have been noted in cellular function and behavior, therapy efficacy, and disease incidence and outcomes, the adoption of sex as a biological variable in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine remains limited. Furthering the development of personalized, precision medicine requires considering biological sex at the bench and in the clinic. This review provides the basis for considering biological sex when designing tissue-engineered constructs and regenerative therapies by contextualizing sex as a biological variable within the tissue engineering triad of cells, matrices, and signals. To achieve equity in biological sex within medicine requires a cultural shift in science and engineering research, with active engagement by researchers, clinicians, companies, policymakers, and funding agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
| | - Christopher Ludtka
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
| | - Bryan D James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Iqbal F, Schlotter F, Becker-Greene D, Lupieri A, Goettsch C, Hutcheson JD, Rogers MA, Itoh S, Halu A, Lee LH, Blaser MC, Mlynarchik AK, Hagita S, Kuraoka S, Chen HY, Engert JC, Passos LSA, Jha PK, Osborn EA, Jaffer FA, Body SC, Robson SC, Thanassoulis G, Aikawa M, Singh SA, Sonawane AR, Aikawa E. Sortilin enhances fibrosis and calcification in aortic valve disease by inducing interstitial cell heterogeneity. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:885-898. [PMID: 36660854 PMCID: PMC9991042 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valve disease, which consists of a chronic interplay of inflammation, fibrosis, and calcification. In this study, sortilin (SORT1) was identified as a novel key player in the pathophysiology of CAVD, and its role in the transformation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into pathological phenotypes is explored. METHODS AND RESULTS An aortic valve (AV) wire injury (AVWI) mouse model with sortilin deficiency was used to determine the effects of sortilin on AV stenosis, fibrosis, and calcification. In vitro experiments employed human primary VICs cultured in osteogenic conditions for 7, 14, and 21 days; and processed for imaging, proteomics, and transcriptomics including single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). The AVWI mouse model showed reduced AV fibrosis, calcification, and stenosis in sortilin-deficient mice vs. littermate controls. Protein studies identified the transition of human VICs into a myofibroblast-like phenotype mediated by sortilin. Sortilin loss-of-function decreased in vitro VIC calcification. ScRNA-seq identified 12 differentially expressed cell clusters in human VIC samples, where a novel combined inflammatory myofibroblastic-osteogenic VIC (IMO-VIC) phenotype was detected with increased expression of SORT1, COL1A1, WNT5A, IL-6, and serum amyloid A1. VICs sequenced with sortilin deficiency showed decreased IMO-VIC phenotype. CONCLUSION Sortilin promotes CAVD by mediating valvular fibrosis and calcification, and a newly identified phenotype (IMO-VIC). This is the first study to examine the role of sortilin in valvular calcification and it may render it a therapeutic target to inhibit IMO-VIC emergence by simultaneously reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and calcification, the three key pathological processes underlying CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farwah Iqbal
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Schlotter
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dakota Becker-Greene
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrien Lupieri
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Goettsch
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maximillian A Rogers
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shinsuke Itoh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arda Halu
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C Blaser
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew K Mlynarchik
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sumihiko Hagita
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shiori Kuraoka
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Yu Chen
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - James C Engert
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Livia S A Passos
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prabhash K Jha
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric A Osborn
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Farouc A Jaffer
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon C Body
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon C Robson
- Center for Inflammation Research, Department of Anesthesia, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Masanori Aikawa
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sasha A Singh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abhijeet R Sonawane
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Wang KX, Ye C, Yang X, Ma P, Yan C, Luo L. New Insights into the Understanding of Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Heart Disease. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:12-29. [PMID: 36598620 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Cancer patients who receive high-dose thoracic radiotherapy may develop radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). The clinical presentation of RIHD comprises coronary artery atherosclerosis, valvular disease, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, and conduction defects. These complications have significantly reduced due to the improved radiotherapy techniques. However, such methods still could not avoid heart radiation exposure. Furthermore, people who received relatively low-dose radiation exposures have exhibited significantly elevated RIHD risks in cohort studies of atomic bomb survivors and occupational exposures. The increased potential in exposure to natural and artificial ionizing radiation sources has emphasized the necessity to understand the development of RIHD. The pathological processes of RIHD include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. The underlying mechanisms may involve the changes in oxidative stress, DNA damage response, telomere erosion, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic regulation, circulation factors, protein post-translational modification, and metabolites. This review will discuss the recent advances in the mechanisms of RIHD at cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xuan Wang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Ye
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Yang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lan Luo
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Schroeder ME, Batan D, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Speckl KF, Peters DK, Kirkpatrick BE, Hach GK, Walker CJ, Grim JC, Aguado BA, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Osteopontin activity modulates sex-specific calcification in engineered valve tissue mimics. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10358. [PMID: 36684107 PMCID: PMC9842038 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) have sexually dimorphic phenotypes in their valve tissue, where male valvular tissue adopts a calcified phenotype and female tissue becomes more fibrotic. The molecular mechanisms that regulate sex-specific calcification in valvular tissue remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the role of osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrotic but anti-calcific bone sialoprotein, in regulating the calcification of female aortic valve tissue. Recognizing that OPN mediates calcification processes, we hypothesized that aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in female tissue have reduced expression of osteogenic markers in the presence of elevated OPN relative to male VICs. Human female valve leaflets displayed reduced and smaller microcalcifications, but increased OPN expression relative to male leaflets. To understand how OPN expression contributes to observed sex dimorphisms in valve tissue, we employed enzymatically degradable hydrogels as a 3D cell culture platform to recapitulate male or female VIC interactions with the extracellular matrix. Using this system, we recapitulated sex differences observed in human tissue, specifically demonstrating that female VICs exposed to calcifying medium have smaller mineral deposits within the hydrogel relative to male VICs. We identified a change in OPN dynamics in female VICs in the presence of calcification stimuli, where OPN deposition localized from the extracellular matrix to perinuclear regions. Additionally, exogenously delivered endothelin-1 to encapsulated VICs increased OPN gene expression in male cells, which resulted in reduced calcification. Collectively, our results suggest that increased OPN in female valve tissue may play a sex-specific role in mitigating mineralization during AVS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Schroeder
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Dilara Batan
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Kelly F. Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Douglas K. Peters
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Cierra J. Walker
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Joseph C. Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
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11
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Vogt BJ, Peters DK, Anseth KS, Aguado BA. Inflammatory serum factors from aortic valve stenosis patients modulate sex differences in valvular myofibroblast activation and osteoblast-like differentiation. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6341-6353. [PMID: 36226463 PMCID: PMC9741081 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00844k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a sexually dimorphic cardiovascular disease that is driven by fibrosis and calcification of the aortic valve leaflets. Circulating inflammatory factors present in serum from AVS patients contribute to sex differences in valve fibro-calcification by driving the activation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to myofibroblasts and/or osteoblast-like cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which inflammatory factors contribute to sex-specific valve fibro-calcification remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified inflammatory factors present in serum samples from AVS patients that regulate sex-specific myofibroblast activation and osteoblast-like differentiation. After correlating serum proteomic datasets with clinical and in vitro myofibroblast datasets, we identified annexin A2 and cystatin C as candidate inflammatory factors that correlate with both AVS patient severity and myofibroblast activation measurements in vitro. Validation experiments utilizing hydrogel biomaterials as cell culture platforms that mimic the valve extracellular matrix confirmed that annexin A2 and cystatin C promote sex-specific VIC activation to myofibroblasts via p38 MAPK signaling. Additionally, annexin A2 and cystatin C increase osteoblast-like differentiation primarily in male VICs. Our results implicate serum inflammatory factors as potential AVS biomarkers that also contribute to sexually dimorphic AVS progression by driving VIC myofibroblast activation and/or osteoblast-like differentiation. Collectively, the results herein further our overall understanding as to how biological sex may impact inflammation-driven AVS and may lead to the development of sex-specific drug treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Vogt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Douglas K Peters
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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12
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Félix Vélez NE, Gorashi RM, Aguado BA. Chemical and molecular tools to probe biological sex differences at multiple length scales. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:7089-7098. [PMID: 36043366 PMCID: PMC9632480 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00871h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biological sex differences are observed at multiple different length scales and across organ systems. Gaps in knowledge remain regarding our understanding of how molecular, cellular, and environmental factors contribute to physiological sex differences. Here, we provide our perspective on how chemical and molecular tools can be leveraged to explore sex differences in biology at the molecular, intracellular, extracellular, tissue, and organ length scales. We provide examples where chemical and molecular tools were used to explore sex differences in the cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. We also provide a future outlook where chemical and molecular tools can be applied to continue investigating sex differences in biology, with the ultimate goal of addressing inequities in biomedical research and approaches to clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Félix Vélez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rayyan M Gorashi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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13
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Salido-Medina AB, Gil A, Expósito V, Martínez F, Redondo JM, Hurlé MA, Nistal JF, García R. BMP7-based peptide agonists of BMPR1A protect the left ventricle against pathological remodeling induced by pressure overload. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112910. [PMID: 35616049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic stenosis (AS) exposes the left ventricle (LV) to pressure overload leading to detrimental LV remodeling and heart failure. In animal models of cardiac injury or hemodynamic stress, bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7) protects LV against remodeling by counteracting TGF-β effects. BMP receptor 1A (BMPR1A) might mediate BMP7 antifibrotic effects. Herein we evaluated BMP7-based peptides, THR123 and THR184, agonists of BMPR1A, as cardioprotective drugs in a pressure overload model. We studied patients with AS, mice subjected to four-week transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and TAC release (de-TAC). The LV of AS patients and TAC mice featured Bmpr1a downregulation. Also, pSMAD1/5/(8)9 was reduced in TAC mice. Pre-emptive treatment of mice with THR123 and THR184, during the four-week TAC period, normalized pSMAD1/5/(8)9 levels in the LV, attenuated overexpression of remodeling-related genes (Col 1α1, β-MHC, BNP), palliated structural damage (hypertrophy and fibrosis) and alleviated LV dysfunction (systolic and diastolic). THR184 administration, starting fifteen days after TAC, halted the ongoing remodeling and partially reversed LV dysfunction. The reverse remodeling after pressure overload release was facilitated by THR184. Both peptides diminished the TGF-β1-induced hypertrophic gene program in cardiomyocytes, collagen transcriptional activation in fibroblasts, and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Molecular docking suggests that both peptides bind with similar binding energies to the BMP7 binding domain at the BMPR1A. The present study results provide a preclinical proof-of-concept of potential therapeutic benefits of BMP7-based small peptides, which function as agonists of BMPR1A, against the pathological LV remodeling in the context of aortic stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aritz Gil
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecillla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (HUMV), Santander, Spain
| | - Víctor Expósito
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecillla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (HUMV), Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en RED en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Redondo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en RED en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain; Gene regulation in cardiovascular remodeling and inflammation group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María A Hurlé
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecillla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - J Francisco Nistal
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecillla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en RED en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Servicio de Cirugía Cardiovascular, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (HUMV), Santander, Spain.
| | - Raquel García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecillla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
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14
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Batan D, Peters DK, Schroeder ME, Aguado BA, Young MW, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Hydrogel cultures reveal Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 regulation of myofibroblast activation and proliferation in valvular interstitial cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22306. [PMID: 35385164 PMCID: PMC9009405 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101863r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As aortic valve stenosis develops, valve tissue becomes stiffer. In response to this change in environmental mechanical stiffness, valvular interstitial cells (VICs) activate into myofibroblasts. We aimed to investigate the role of mechanosensitive calcium channel Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) in stiffness induced myofibroblast activation. We verified TRPV4 functionality in VICs using live calcium imaging during application of small molecule modulators of TRPV4 activity. We designed hydrogel biomaterials that mimic mechanical features of healthy or diseased valve tissue microenvironments, respectively, to investigate the role of TRPV4 in myofibroblast activation and proliferation. Our results show that TRPV4 regulates VIC proliferation in a microenvironment stiffness-independent manner. While there was a trend toward inhibiting myofibroblast activation on soft microenvironments during TRPV4 inhibition, we observed near complete deactivation of myofibroblasts on stiff microenvironments. We further identified Yes-activated protein (YAP) as a downstream target for TRPV4 activity on stiff microenvironments. Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channels regulate VIC myofibroblast activation, whereas proliferation regulation is independent of the microenvironmental stiffness. Collectively, the data suggests differential regulation of stiffness-induced proliferation and myofibroblast activation. Our data further suggest a regulatory role for TRPV4 regarding YAP nuclear localization. TRPV4 is an important regulator for VIC myofibroblast activation, which is linked to the initiation of valve fibrosis. Although more validation studies are necessary, we suggest TRPV4 as a promising pharmaceutical target to slow aortic valve stenosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Batan
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303 USA
| | - Douglas K. Peters
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Megan E. Schroeder
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Brian A. Aguado
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Mark W. Young
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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15
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Tay A. Creating a science legacy. Nature 2022:10.1038/d41586-022-00950-6. [PMID: 35383304 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00950-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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16
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Dayawansa NH, Baratchi S, Peter K. Uncoupling the Vicious Cycle of Mechanical Stress and Inflammation in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:783543. [PMID: 35355968 PMCID: PMC8959593 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.783543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common acquired valvulopathy, which carries a high burden of mortality. Chronic inflammation has been postulated as the predominant pathophysiological process underlying CAVD. So far, no effective medical therapies exist to halt the progression of CAVD. This review aims to outline the known pathways of inflammation and calcification in CAVD, focussing on the critical roles of mechanical stress and mechanosensing in the perpetuation of valvular inflammation. Following initiation of valvular inflammation, dysregulation of proinflammatory and osteoregulatory signalling pathways stimulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition of valvular endothelial cells (VECs) and differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into active myofibroblastic and osteoblastic phenotypes, which in turn mediate valvular extracellular matrix remodelling and calcification. Mechanosensitive signalling pathways convert mechanical forces experienced by valve leaflets and circulating cells into biochemical signals and may provide the positive feedback loop that promotes acceleration of disease progression in the advanced stages of CAVD. Mechanosensing is implicated in multiple aspects of CAVD pathophysiology. The mechanosensitive RhoA/ROCK and YAP/TAZ systems are implicated in aortic valve leaflet mineralisation in response to increased substrate stiffness. Exposure of aortic valve leaflets, endothelial cells and platelets to high shear stress results in increased expression of mediators of VIC differentiation. Upregulation of the Piezo1 mechanoreceptor has been demonstrated to promote inflammation in CAVD, which normalises following transcatheter valve replacement. Genetic variants and inhibition of Notch signalling accentuate VIC responses to altered mechanical stresses. The study of mechanosensing pathways has revealed promising insights into the mechanisms that perpetuate inflammation and calcification in CAVD. Mechanotransduction of altered mechanical stresses may provide the sought-after coupling link that drives a vicious cycle of chronic inflammation in CAVD. Mechanosensing pathways may yield promising targets for therapeutic interventions and prognostic biomarkers with the potential to improve the management of CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalin H. Dayawansa
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Rogers JD, Aguado BA, Watts KM, Anseth KS, Richardson WJ. Network modeling predicts personalized gene expression and drug responses in valve myofibroblasts cultured with patient sera. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117323119. [PMID: 35181609 PMCID: PMC8872767 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117323119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) patients experience pathogenic valve leaflet stiffening due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Numerous microenvironmental cues influence pathogenic expression of ECM remodeling genes in tissue-resident valvular myofibroblasts, and the regulation of complex myofibroblast signaling networks depends on patient-specific extracellular factors. Here, we combined a manually curated myofibroblast signaling network with a data-driven transcription factor network to predict patient-specific myofibroblast gene expression signatures and drug responses. Using transcriptomic data from myofibroblasts cultured with AVS patient sera, we produced a large-scale, logic-gated differential equation model in which 11 biochemical and biomechanical signals were transduced via a network of 334 signaling and transcription reactions to accurately predict the expression of 27 fibrosis-related genes. Correlations were found between personalized model-predicted gene expression and AVS patient echocardiography data, suggesting links between fibrosis-related signaling and patient-specific AVS severity. Further, global network perturbation analyses revealed signaling molecules with the most influence over network-wide activity, including endothelin 1 (ET1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), along with downstream mediators c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Lastly, we performed virtual drug screening to identify patient-specific drug responses, which were experimentally validated via fibrotic gene expression measurements in valvular interstitial cells cultured with AVS patient sera and treated with or without bosentan-a clinically approved ET1 receptor inhibitor. In sum, our work advances the ability of computational approaches to provide a mechanistic basis for clinical decisions including patient stratification and personalized drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Rogers
- Bioengineering Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
- Bioengineering Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Stem Cell Program, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Kelsey M Watts
- Bioengineering Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309;
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18
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Aguado BA, Walker CJ, Grim JC, Schroeder ME, Batan D, Vogt BJ, Rodriguez AG, Schwisow JA, Moulton KS, Weiss RM, Heistad DD, Leinwand LA, Anseth KS. Genes That Escape X Chromosome Inactivation Modulate Sex Differences in Valve Myofibroblasts. Circulation 2022; 145:513-530. [PMID: 35000411 PMCID: PMC8844107 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic valve stenosis is a sexually dimorphic disease, with women often presenting with sustained fibrosis and men with more extensive calcification. However, the intracellular molecular mechanisms that drive these clinically important sex differences remain underexplored. METHODS Hydrogel biomaterials were designed to recapitulate key aspects of the valve tissue microenvironment and to serve as a culture platform for sex-specific valvular interstitial cells (VICs; precursors to profibrotic myofibroblasts). The hydrogel culture system was used to interrogate intracellular pathways involved in sex-dependent VIC-to-myofibroblast activation and deactivation. RNA sequencing was used to define pathways involved in driving sex-dependent activation. Interventions with small molecule inhibitors and siRNA transfections were performed to provide mechanistic insight into sex-specific cellular responses to microenvironmental cues, including matrix stiffness and exogenously delivered biochemical factors. RESULTS In both healthy porcine and human aortic valves, female leaflets had higher baseline activation of the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin compared with male leaflets. When isolated and cultured, female porcine and human VICs had higher levels of basal α-smooth muscle actin stress fibers that further increased in response to the hydrogel matrix stiffness, both of which were higher than in male VICs. A transcriptomic analysis of male and female porcine VICs revealed Rho-associated protein kinase signaling as a potential driver of this sex-dependent myofibroblast activation. Furthermore, we found that genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation such as BMX and STS (encoding for Bmx nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and steroid sulfatase, respectively) partially regulate the elevated female myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. This finding was confirmed by treating male and female VICs with endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, factors that are secreted by endothelial cells and known to drive myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. CONCLUSIONS Together, in vivo and in vitro results confirm sex dependencies in myofibroblast activation pathways and implicate genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation in regulating sex differences in myofibroblast activation and subsequent aortic valve stenosis progression. Our results underscore the importance of considering sex as a biological variable to understand the molecular mechanisms of aortic valve stenosis and to help guide sex-based precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cierra J. Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C. Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Megan E. Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Dilara Batan
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Brandon J. Vogt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Jessica A. Schwisow
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Karen S. Moulton
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Donald D. Heistad
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Leslie A. Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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19
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Rogers JD, Richardson WJ. Fibroblast mechanotransduction network predicts targets for mechano-adaptive infarct therapies. eLife 2022; 11:e62856. [PMID: 35138248 PMCID: PMC8849334 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional control of fibrosis after myocardial infarction is critical for maintaining structural integrity in the infarct while preventing collagen accumulation in non-infarcted areas. Cardiac fibroblasts modulate matrix turnover in response to biochemical and biomechanical cues, but the complex interactions between signaling pathways confound efforts to develop therapies for regional scar formation. We employed a logic-based ordinary differential equation model of fibroblast mechano-chemo signal transduction to predict matrix protein expression in response to canonical biochemical stimuli and mechanical tension. Functional analysis of mechano-chemo interactions showed extensive pathway crosstalk with tension amplifying, dampening, or reversing responses to biochemical stimuli. Comprehensive drug target screens identified 13 mechano-adaptive therapies that promote matrix accumulation in regions where it is needed and reduce matrix levels in regions where it is not needed. Our predictions suggest that mechano-chemo interactions likely mediate cell behavior across many tissues and demonstrate the utility of multi-pathway signaling networks in discovering therapies for context-specific disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Rogers
- Department of Bioengineering; Clemson UniversityClemsonUnited States
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20
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Walker CJ, Crocini C, Ramirez D, Killaars AR, Grim JC, Aguado BA, Clark K, Allen MA, Dowell RD, Leinwand LA, Anseth KS. Nuclear mechanosensing drives chromatin remodelling in persistently activated fibroblasts. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1485-1499. [PMID: 33875841 PMCID: PMC9102466 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00709-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic disease is caused by the continuous deposition of extracellular matrix by persistently activated fibroblasts (also known as myofibroblasts), even after the resolution of the injury. Using fibroblasts from porcine aortic valves cultured on hydrogels that can be softened via exposure to ultraviolet light, here we show that increased extracellular stiffness activates the fibroblasts, and that cumulative tension on the nuclear membrane and increases in the activity of histone deacetylases transform transiently activated fibroblasts into myofibroblasts displaying condensed chromatin with genome-wide alterations. The condensed structure of the myofibroblasts is associated with cytoskeletal stability, as indicated by the inhibition of chromatin condensation and myofibroblast persistence after detachment of the nucleus from the cytoskeleton via the displacement of endogenous nesprins from the nuclear envelope. We also show that the chromatin structure of myofibroblasts from patients with aortic valve stenosis is more condensed than that of myofibroblasts from healthy donors. Our findings suggest that nuclear mechanosensing drives distinct chromatin signatures in persistently activated fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Claudia Crocini
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Ramirez
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Anouk R Killaars
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Brian A Aguado
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kyle Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Mary A Allen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Robin D Dowell
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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21
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Walker CJ, Schroeder ME, Aguado BA, Anseth KS, Leinwand LA. Matters of the heart: Cellular sex differences. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 160:42-55. [PMID: 34166708 PMCID: PMC8571046 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nearly all cardiovascular diseases show sexual dimorphisms in prevalence, presentation, and outcomes. Until recently, most clinical trials were carried out in males, and many animal studies either failed to identify the sex of the animals or combined data obtained from males and females. Cellular sex in the heart is relatively understudied and many studies fail to report the sex of the cells used for in vitro experiments. Moreover, in the small number of studies in which sex is reported, most of those studies use male cells. The observation that cells from males and females are inherently different is becoming increasingly clear - either due to acquired differences from hormones and other factors or due to intrinsic differences in genotype (XX or XY). Because of the likely contribution of cellular sex differences in cardiac health and disease, here, we explore differences in mammalian male and female cells in the heart, including the less-studied non-myocyte cell populations. We discuss how the heart's microenvironment impacts male and female cellular phenotypes and vice versa, including how secretory profiles are dependent on cellular sex, and how hormones contribute to sexually dimorphic phenotypes and cellular functions. Intracellular mechanisms that contribute to sex differences, including gene expression and epigenetic remodeling, are also described. Recent single-cell sequencing studies have revealed unexpected sex differences in the composition of cell types in the heart which we discuss. Finally, future recommendations for considering cellular sex differences in the design of bioengineered in vitro disease models of the heart are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America.
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22
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Lock R, Al Asafen H, Fleischer S, Tamargo M, Zhao Y, Radisic M, Vunjak-Novakovic G. A framework for developing sex-specific engineered heart models. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:295-313. [PMID: 34691764 PMCID: PMC8527305 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of tissue engineering and patient-specific stem cell biology has enabled the engineering of in vitro tissue models that allow the study of patient-tailored treatment modalities. However, sex-related disparities in health and disease, from systemic hormonal influences to cellular-level differences, are often overlooked in stem cell biology, tissue engineering and preclinical screening. The cardiovascular system, in particular, shows considerable sex-related differences, which need to be considered in cardiac tissue engineering. In this Review, we analyse sex-related properties of the heart muscle in the context of health and disease, and discuss a framework for including sex-based differences in human cardiac tissue engineering. We highlight how sex-based features can be implemented at the cellular and tissue levels, and how sex-specific cardiac models could advance the study of cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we define design criteria for sex-specific cardiac tissue engineering and provide an outlook to future research possibilities beyond the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Hadel Al Asafen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
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23
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James BD, Allen JB. Sex-Specific Response to Combinations of Shear Stress and Substrate Stiffness by Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100735. [PMID: 34142471 PMCID: PMC8458248 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
By using a full factorial design of experiment, the combinatorial effects of biological sex, shear stress, and substrate stiffness on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) spreading and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) activity are able to be efficiently evaluated. Within the range of shear stress (0.5-1.5 Pa) and substrate stiffness (10-100 kPa), male HUVECs are smaller than female HUVECs. Only with sufficient mechanical stimulation do they spread to a similar size. More importantly, YAP1 nuclear localization in female HUVECs is invariant to mechanical stimulation within the range of tested conditions whereas for male HUVECs it increases nonlinearly with increasing shear stress and substrate stiffness. The sex-specific response of HUVECs to combinations of shear stress and substrate stiffness reinforces the need to include sex as a biological variable and multiple mechanical stimuli in experiments, informs the design of precision biomaterials, and offers insight for understanding cardiovascular disease sexual dimorphisms. Moreover, here it is illustrated that different complex mechanical microenvironments can lead to sex-specific phenotypes and sex invariant phenotypes in cultured endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D James
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
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24
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Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Schroeder ME, Grim JC, Walker CJ, Speckl KF, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Tumor necrosis factor-α promotes and exacerbates calcification in heart valve myofibroblast populations. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21382. [PMID: 33554387 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002013rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines play critical roles in regulating valvular interstitial cell (VIC) phenotypic changes that can cause heart valve fibrosis and calcification. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine known to influence VIC behavior and has been reported at high levels in calcified valves ex vivo. We sought to understand the specific effects of TNF-α on VIC phenotypes (eg, fibroblast, profibrotic activated myofibroblasts) and its link with heart valve disorders. We characterize human aortic valve tissue from patients with valve disorders and identify a high variability of fibrotic and calcific markers between tissues. These results motivated in vitro studies to explore the effects of TNF-α on defined VIC fibroblasts and profibrotic activated myofibroblasts, induced via FGF-2 and TGF-β1 treatment. Using 3D hydrogels to culture VICs, we measure the effect of TNF-α (0.1-10 ng/mL) on key markers of fibrosis (eg, αSMA, COL1A1) and calcification (eg, RUNX2, BMP2, and calcium deposits). We observe calcification in TNF-α-treated VIC activated myofibroblasts and identify the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade as a potential pathway for TNF-α mediated calcification. Conversely, VIC fibroblasts respond to TNF-α with decreased calcification. Treatment of VIC profibrotic activated myofibroblast populations with TNF-α leads to increased calcification. Our in vitro findings correlate with findings in diseased human valves and highlight the importance of understanding the effect of cytokines and signaling pathways on specific VIC phenotypes. Finally, we reveal MAPK/ERK as a potential pathway involved in VIC-mediated matrix calcification with TNF-α treatment, suggesting this pathway as a potential pharmaceutical target for aortic valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kelly F Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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25
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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Zhu AS, Mustafa T, Connell JP, Grande-Allen KJ. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta suppress myofibroblast activation via nuclear factor kappa B signaling in 3D-cultured mitral valve interstitial cells. Acta Biomater 2021; 127:159-168. [PMID: 33831572 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitral valve disease is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity throughout the world. Many different mitral valve pathologies feature fibrotic remodeling, often accompanied by an inflammatory state. Mitral valve fibrosis is mediated by valvular interstitial cells (VICs), which reside in the valve leaflets and often differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells during disease conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) on mitral VICs, since these pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to exert pleiotropic effects on various cell types in other fibrotic disorders. Using biomimetic three-dimensional culture systems, we demonstrated that TNF-α and IL-1β suppress myofibroblast differentiation in mitral VICs, as evidenced by gene and protein expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle 22 alpha. Addition of TNF-α and IL-1β also inhibited mitral VIC-mediated contraction of collagen gels. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB, which is downstream of TNF-α and IL-1β, reversed these effects. These results reveal targetable pathways for potential development of pharmaceutical treatments for alleviating fibrosis during mitral valve disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mitral valve disease is a common cardiovascular condition that is often accompanied by fibrotic tissue remodeling. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs), the fibroblast-like cells that reside in heart valve leaflets, are thought to drive fibrosis during valve disease by differentiating into activated myofibroblasts. However, the signaling pathways that regulate this process in the mitral valve are not fully understood. In the present study, we cultured mitral VICs in collagen and poly(ethylene glycol) scaffolds designed to mimic the heart valve microenvironment and treated the cell-seeded scaffolds with cytokines. Using these 3D culture models, we found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β downregulate myofibroblast and fibrosis markers in mitral VICs via the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway.
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27
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Rogers JD, Holmes JW, Saucerman JJ, Richardson WJ. Mechano-chemo signaling interactions modulate matrix production by cardiac fibroblasts. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 10:100055. [PMID: 34195592 PMCID: PMC8233457 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2020.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix remodeling after myocardial infarction occurs in a dynamic environment in which local mechanical stresses and biochemical signaling species stimulate the accumulation of collagen-rich scar tissue. It is well-known that cardiac fibroblasts regulate post-infarction matrix turnover by secreting matrix proteins, proteases, and protease inhibitors in response to both biochemical stimuli and mechanical stretch, but how these stimuli act together to dictate cellular responses is still unclear. We developed a screen of cardiac fibroblast-secreted proteins in response to combinations of biochemical agonists and cyclic uniaxial stretch in order to elucidate the relationships between stretch, biochemical signaling, and cardiac matrix turnover. We found that stretch significantly synergized with biochemical agonists to inhibit the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, with stretch either amplifying protease suppression by individual agonists or antagonizing agonist-driven upregulation of protease expression. Stretch also modulated fibroblast sensitivity towards biochemical agonists by either sensitizing cells towards agonists that suppress protease secretion or de-sensitizing cells towards agonists that upregulate protease secretion. These findings suggest that the mechanical environment can significantly alter fibrosis-related signaling in cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting caution when extrapolating in vitro data to predict effects of fibrosis-related cytokines in situations like myocardial infarction where mechanical stretch occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Rogers
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Holmes
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Medicine/Cardiovascular Disease, and Surgery/Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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28
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Peter AK, Walker CJ, Ceccato T, Trexler CL, Ozeroff CD, Lugo KR, Perry AR, Anseth KS, Leinwand LA. Cardiac Fibroblasts Mediate a Sexually Dimorphic Fibrotic Response to β-Adrenergic Stimulation. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e018876. [PMID: 33998248 PMCID: PMC8483546 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.018876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Biological sex is an important modifier of cardiovascular disease and women generally have better outcomes compared with men. However, the contribution of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to this sexual dimorphism is relatively unexplored. Methods and Results Isoproterenol (ISO) was administered to rats as a model for chronic β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR)‐mediated cardiovascular disease. ISO‐treated males had higher mortality than females and also developed fibrosis whereas females did not. Gonadectomy did not abrogate this sex difference. To determine the cellular contribution to this phenotype, CFs were studied. CFs from both sexes had increased proliferation in vivo in response to ISO, but CFs from female hearts proliferated more than male cells. In addition, male CFs were significantly more activated to myofibroblasts by ISO. To investigate potential regulatory mechanisms for the sexually dimorphic fibrotic response, β‐AR mRNA and PKA (protein kinase A) activity were measured. In response to ISO treatment, male CFs increased expression of β1‐ and β2‐ARs, whereas expression of both receptors decreased in female CFs. Moreover, ISO‐treated male CFs had higher PKA activity relative to vehicle controls, whereas ISO did not activate PKA in female CFs. Conclusions Chronic in vivo β‐AR stimulation causes fibrosis in male but not female rat hearts. Male CFs are more activated than female CFs, consistent with elevated fibrosis in male rat hearts and may be caused by higher β‐AR expression and PKA activation in male CFs. Taken together, our data suggest that CFs play a substantial role in mediating sex differences observed after cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Peter
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Cierra J Walker
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Materials Science and Engineering Program University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO
| | - Tova Ceccato
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Christa L Trexler
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Christopher D Ozeroff
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | | | - Amy R Perry
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
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29
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Prince E, Chen Z, Khuu N, Kumacheva E. Nanofibrillar Hydrogel Recapitulates Changes Occurring in the Fibrotic Extracellular Matrix. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:2352-2362. [PMID: 33783190 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological condition that leads to excessive deposition of collagen and increased tissue stiffness. Understanding the mechanobiology of fibrotic tissue necessitates the development of effective in vitro models that recapitulate its properties and structure; however, hydrogels that are currently used for this purpose fail to mimic the filamentous structure and mechanical properties of the fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we report a nanofibrillar hydrogel composed of cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin, which addresses this challenge. By altering the composition of the hydrogel, we mimicked the changes in structure, mechanical properties, and chemistry of fibrotic ECM. Furthermore, we decoupled the variations in hydrogel structure, properties, and ligand concentration. We demonstrate that this biocompatible hydrogel supports the three-dimensional culture of cells relevant to fibrotic diseases. This versatile hydrogel can be used for in vitro studies of fibrosis of different tissues, thus enabling the development of novel treatments for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Nancy Khuu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3E5.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 4 Taddle Creek Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G9
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30
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Plasma Proteomic Profiling in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients before and after Surgical Myectomy Reveals Post-Procedural Reduction in Systemic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052474. [PMID: 33804404 PMCID: PMC7957543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction occurs in approximately 70% of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and currently requires imaging or invasive testing for diagnosis, sometimes in conjunction with provocative physiological or pharmaceutical stimuli. To identify potential biomarkers of LVOT obstruction, we performed proteomics profiling of 1305 plasma proteins in 12 HCM patients with documented LVOT obstruction, referred for surgical myectomy. Plasma was collected at the surgical preoperative visit, approximately one month prior to surgery and then at the post-surgical visit, approximately 3 months later. Proteomic profiles were generated using the aptamer-based SOMAscan assay. Principal Component Analysis using the highest statistically significant proteins separated all preoperative samples from all postoperative samples. Further analysis revealed a set of 25 proteins that distinguished the preoperative and postoperative states with a paired t-test p-value of <0.01. Ingenuity Pathway analysis facilitated the generation of protein interaction networks and the elucidation of key upstream regulators of differentially expressed proteins, such as interferon-γ, TGF-β1, and TNF. Biological pathways affected by surgery included organ inflammation, migration, and motility of leukocytes, fibrosis, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, acute coronary events, endothelial proliferation, eicosanoid metabolism, calcium flux, apoptosis, and morphology of the cardiovascular system. Our results indicate that surgical relief of dynamic outflow tract obstruction in HCM patients is associated with unique alterations in plasma proteomic profiles that likely reflect improvement in organ inflammation and physiological function.
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31
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Howsmon DP, Sacks MS. On Valve Interstitial Cell Signaling: The Link Between Multiscale Mechanics and Mechanobiology. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2021; 12:15-27. [PMID: 33527256 PMCID: PMC11046423 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Heart valves function in one of the most mechanically demanding environments in the body to ensure unidirectional blood flow. The resident valve interstitial cells respond to this mechanical environment and maintain the structure and integrity of the heart valve tissues to preserve homeostasis. While the mechanics of organ-tissue-cell heart valve function has progressed, the intracellular signaling network downstream of mechanical stimuli has not been fully elucidated. This has hindered efforts to both understand heart valve mechanobiology and rationally identify drug targets for treating valve disease. In the present work, we review the current literature on VIC mechanobiology and then propose mechanistic mathematical modeling of the mechanically-stimulated VIC signaling response to comprehend the coupling between VIC mechanobiology and valve mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Howsmon
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Sacks
- James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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32
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James BD, Guerin P, Allen JB. Let's Talk About Sex-Biological Sex Is Underreported in Biomaterial Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001034. [PMID: 33043626 PMCID: PMC7791002 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precision medicine aims to better individualize healthcare. It requires that biomaterials be designed for the physiological characteristics of a specific patient. To make this a reality, biomaterials research and development must address differences of biological sex. More specifically, biomaterials should be designed with properties optimized and appropriate for male and female patients. In analyzing research articles from seven prominent biomaterials journals, sex as a biological variable is missing from an overwhelming majority of in vitro biomaterial studies. From the survey, the reporting of the sex of primary cell cultures happened only 10.3% of the time. Contributing to this trend is that commercial vendors bias cell lines toward one sex or another by not disclosing information of cell line sex at the time of purchase; researchers do not communicate this pertinent information in published studies; and many journal policies have little to no requirements for reporting cell line characteristics. Omitting this valuable information leads to a gap in the understanding of sex-specific cell-biomaterial interactions and it creates a bias in research findings towards one sex or another. To curb this concerning trend and make precision biomaterials a reality will require the biomaterials field to "talk about sex" by reporting cell sex more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D James
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
| | - Paxton Guerin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
| | - Josephine B Allen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 206 Rhines Hall, PO Box 116400, Gainesville, FL, 32611-6400, USA
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Grim JC, Aguado BA, Vogt BJ, Batan D, Andrichik CL, Schroeder ME, Gonzalez-Rodriguez A, Yavitt FM, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Secreted Factors From Proinflammatory Macrophages Promote an Osteoblast-Like Phenotype in Valvular Interstitial Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e296-e308. [PMID: 32938214 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resident valvular interstitial cells (VICs) activate to myofibroblasts during aortic valve stenosis progression, which further promotes fibrosis or even differentiate into osteoblast-like cells that can lead to calcification of valve tissue. Inflammation is a hallmark of aortic valve stenosis, so we aimed to determine proinflammatory cytokines secreted from M1 macrophages that give rise to a transient VIC phenotype that leads to calcification of valve tissue. Approach and Results: We designed hydrogel biomaterials as valve extracellular matrix mimics enabling the culture of VICs in either their quiescent fibroblast or activated myofibroblast phenotype in response to the local matrix stiffness. When VIC fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were treated with conditioned media from THP-1-derived M1 macrophages, we observed robust reduction of αSMA (alpha smooth muscle actin) expression, reduced stress fiber formation, and increased proliferation, suggesting a potent antifibrotic effect. We further identified TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α and IL (interleukin)-1β as 2 cytokines in M1 media that cause the observed antifibrotic effect. After 7 days of culture in M1 conditioned media, VICs began differentiating into osteoblast-like cells, as measured by increased expression of RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) and osteopontin. We also identified and validated IL-6 as a critical mediator of the observed pro-osteogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS Proinflammatory cytokines in M1 conditioned media inhibit myofibroblast activation in VICs (eg, TNF-α and IL-1β) and promote their osteogenic differentiation (eg, IL-6). Together, our work suggests inflammatory M1 macrophages may drive a myofibroblast-to-osteogenic intermediate VIC phenotype, which may mediate the switch from fibrosis to calcification during aortic valve stenosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Brandon J Vogt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Dilara Batan
- BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,Division of Biochemistry (D.B.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Cassidy L Andrichik
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,Materials Science and Engineering Program (M.E.S., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Andrea Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - F Max Yavitt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (R.M.W.)
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (J.C.G., B.A.A., B.J.V., C.L.A., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,BioFrontiers Institute (J.C.G., B.A.A., D.B., M.E.S., A.G.-R., F.M.Y., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.,Materials Science and Engineering Program (M.E.S., K.S.A.), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder
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34
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Ceccato TL, Starbuck RB, Hall JK, Walker CJ, Brown TE, Killgore JP, Anseth KS, Leinwand LA. Defining the Cardiac Fibroblast Secretome in a Fibrotic Microenvironment. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017025. [PMID: 32924724 PMCID: PMC7792426 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) have the ability to sense stiffness changes and respond to biochemical cues to modulate their states as either quiescent or activated myofibroblasts. Given the potential for secretion of bioactive molecules to modulate the cardiac microenvironment, we sought to determine how the CF secretome changes with matrix stiffness and biochemical cues and how this affects cardiac myocytes via paracrine signaling. Methods and Results Myofibroblast activation was modulated in vitro by combining stiffness cues with TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β 1) treatment using engineered poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels, and in vivo with isoproterenol treatment. Stiffness, TGFβ1, and isoproterenol treatment increased AKT (protein kinase B) phosphorylation, indicating that this pathway may be central to myofibroblast activation regardless of the treatment. Although activation of AKT was shared, different activating cues had distinct effects on downstream cytokine secretion, indicating that not all activated myofibroblasts share the same secretome. To test the effect of cytokines present in the CF secretome on paracrine signaling, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were treated with CF conditioned media. Conditioned media from myofibroblasts cultured on stiff substrates and activated by TGFβ1 caused hypertrophy, and one of the cytokines in that media was insulin growth factor 1, which is a known mediator of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions Culturing CFs on stiff substrates, treating with TGFβ1, and in vivo treatment with isoproterenol all caused myofibroblast activation. Each cue had distinct effects on the secretome or genes encoding the secretome, but only the secretome of activated myofibroblasts on stiff substrates treated with TGFβ1 caused myocyte hypertrophy, most likely through insulin growth factor 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tova L Ceccato
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO.,BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Rachel B Starbuck
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Jessica K Hall
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Cierra J Walker
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Materials Science and Engineering Program University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Tobin E Brown
- Applied Chemicals and Materials Division National Institute of Standards and Technology Boulder CO
| | - Jason P Killgore
- Applied Chemicals and Materials Division National Institute of Standards and Technology Boulder CO
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder CO
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder CO.,BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder CO
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Raddatz MA, Huffstater T, Bersi MR, Reinfeld BI, Madden MZ, Booton SE, Rathmell WK, Rathmell JC, Lindman BR, Madhur MS, Merryman WD. Macrophages Promote Aortic Valve Cell Calcification and Alter STAT3 Splicing. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e153-e165. [PMID: 32295422 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Macrophages have been described in calcific aortic valve disease, but it is unclear if they promote or counteract calcification. We aimed to determine how macrophages are involved in calcification using the Notch1+/- model of calcific aortic valve disease. Approach and Results: Macrophages in wild-type and Notch1+/- murine aortic valves were characterized by flow cytometry. Macrophages in Notch1+/- aortic valves had increased expression of MHCII (major histocompatibility complex II). We then used bone marrow transplants to test if differences in Notch1+/- macrophages drive disease. Notch1+/- mice had increased valve thickness, macrophage infiltration, and proinflammatory macrophage maturation regardless of transplanted bone marrow genotype. In vitro approaches confirm that Notch1+/- aortic valve cells promote macrophage invasion as quantified by migration index and proinflammatory phenotypes as quantified by Ly6C and CCR2 positivity independent of macrophage genotype. Finally, we found that macrophage interaction with aortic valve cells promotes osteogenic, but not dystrophic, calcification and decreases abundance of the STAT3β isoform. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that Notch1+/- aortic valve disease involves increased macrophage recruitment and maturation driven by altered aortic valve cell secretion, and that increased macrophage recruitment promotes osteogenic calcification and alters STAT3 splicing. Further investigation of STAT3 and macrophage-driven inflammation as therapeutic targets in calcific aortic valve disease is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Raddatz
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Tessa Huffstater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew R Bersi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Bradley I Reinfeld
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine (B.I.R., W.K.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew Z Madden
- From the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (M.A.R., B.I.R., M.Z.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (M.Z.M., J.C.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Sabrina E Booton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine (B.I.R., W.K.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey C Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (M.Z.M., J.C.R.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Brian R Lindman
- Structural Heart and Valve Center (B.R.L.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Meena S Madhur
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (M.S.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine (M.S.M.), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - W David Merryman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.A.R., T.H., M.R.B., S.E.B., W.D.M.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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Wang S, Friedman SL. Taming the Savage Breast From Within: Transcription Factor 21, a Regulator of Stellate Cell Deactivation. Hepatology 2020; 71:1150-1153. [PMID: 32003004 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Cardiosomal microRNAs Are Essential in Post-Infarction Myofibroblast Phenoconversion. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010201. [PMID: 31892162 PMCID: PMC6982041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of microRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular microvesicles/exosomes (named cardiosomes when deriving from cardiomyocytes) allows their active transportation and ensures cell-cell communication. We hypothesize that cardiosomal miRNAs play a pivotal role in the activation of myofibroblasts following ischemic injury. Using a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), we tested our hypothesis by measuring in isolated fibroblasts and cardiosomes the expression levels of a set of miRNAs, which are upregulated in cardiomyocytes post-MI and involved in myofibroblast phenoconversion. We found that miR-195 was significantly upregulated in cardiosomes and in fibroblasts isolated after MI compared with SHAM conditions. Moreover, primary isolated cardiac fibroblasts were activated both when incubated with cardiosomes isolated from ischemic cardiomyocytes and when cultured in conditioned medium of post-MI cardiomyocytes, whereas no significant effect was observed following incubation with cardiosomes or medium from sham cardiomyocytes. Taken together, our findings indicate for the first time that a cardiomyocyte-specific miRNA, transferred to fibroblasts in form of exosomal cargo, is crucial in the activation of myofibroblasts.
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