1
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Chen MH, Deng ES, Yamada JM, Choudhury S, Scotellaro J, Kelley L, Isselbacher E, Lindsay ME, Walsh CA, Doan RN. Contributions of Germline and Somatic Mosaic Genetics to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in Nonsyndromic Individuals. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033232. [PMID: 38958128 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although individuals with family histories of TAA often undergo clinical molecular genetic testing, adults with nonsyndromic TAA are not typically evaluated for genetic causes. We sought to understand the genetic contribution of both germline and somatic mosaic variants in a cohort of adult individuals with nonsyndromic TAA at a single center. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred eighty-one consecutive patients <60 years who presented with nonsyndromic TAA at the Massachusetts General Hospital underwent deep (>500×) targeted sequencing across 114 candidate genes associated with TAA and its related functional pathways. Samples from 354 age- and sex-matched individuals without TAA were also sequenced, with a 2:1 matching. We found significant enrichments for germline (odds ratio [OR], 2.44, P=4.6×10-6 [95% CI, 1.67-3.58]) and also somatic mosaic variants (OR, 4.71, P=0.026 [95% CI, 1.20-18.43]) between individuals with and without TAA. Likely genetic causes were present in 24% with nonsyndromic TAA, of which 21% arose from germline variants and 3% from somatic mosaic alleles. The 3 most frequently mutated genes in our cohort were FLNA (encoding Filamin A), NOTCH3 (encoding Notch receptor 3), and FBN1 (encoding Fibrillin-1). There was increased frequency of both missense and loss of function variants in TAA individuals. CONCLUSIONS Likely contributory dominant acting genetic variants were found in almost one quarter of nonsyndromic adults with TAA. Our findings suggest a more extensive genetic architecture to TAA than expected and that genetic testing may improve the care and clinical management of adults with nonsyndromic TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Hui Chen
- Department of Cardiology Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Ellen S Deng
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Jessica M Yamada
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Sangita Choudhury
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Julia Scotellaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Lily Kelley
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Eric Isselbacher
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Mark E Lindsay
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
- Department of Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
| | - Ryan N Doan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
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2
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Brückner A, Brandtner A, Rieck S, Matthey M, Geisen C, Fels B, Stei M, Kusche-Vihrog K, Fleischmann BK, Wenzel D. Site-specific genetic and functional signatures of aortic endothelial cells at aneurysm predilection sites in healthy and AngII ApoE -/- mice. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09933-9. [PMID: 38965173 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is characterized by a pathological dilation at specific predilection sites of the vessel and potentially results in life-threatening vascular rupture. Herein, we established a modified "Häutchen method" for the local isolation of endothelial cells (ECs) from mouse aorta to analyze their spatial heterogeneity and potential role in site-specific disease development. When we compared ECs from aneurysm predilection sites of healthy mice with adjacent control segments we found regulation of genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and inflammation, all pathways playing a critical role in aneurysm development. We also detected enhanced cortical stiffness of the endothelium at these sites. Gene expression of ECs from aneurysms of the AngII ApoE-/- model when compared to sham animals mimicked expression patterns from predilection sites of healthy animals. Thus, this work highlights a striking genetic and functional regional heterogeneity in aortic ECs of healthy mice, which defines the location of aortic aneurysm formation in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Brückner
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adrian Brandtner
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Rieck
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Matthey
- Department of Systems Physiology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Caroline Geisen
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benedikt Fels
- Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner SiteHamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Marta Stei
- Heart Center Bonn, Clinic for Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kristina Kusche-Vihrog
- Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner SiteHamburg/Luebeck/Kiel, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Bernd K Fleischmann
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Wenzel
- Life&Brain Center, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Systems Physiology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University of Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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3
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Yang Y, Feng H, Tang Y, Wang Z, Qiu P, Huang X, Chang L, Zhang J, Chen YE, Mizrak D, Yang B. Bioengineered vascular grafts with a pathogenic TGFBR1 variant model aneurysm formation in vivo and reveal underlying collagen defects. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg6298. [PMID: 38718134 PMCID: PMC11193908 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg6298] [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] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease frequently associated with underlying genetic causes. An inadequate understanding of human TAA pathogenesis highlights the need for better disease models. Here, we established a functional human TAA model in an animal host by combining human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), bioengineered vascular grafts (BVGs), and gene editing. We generated BVGs from isogenic control hiPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and mutant SMCs gene-edited to carry a Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS)-associated pathogenic variant (TGFBR1A230T). We also generated hiPSC-derived BVGs using cells from a patient with LDS (PatientA230T/+) and using genetically corrected cells (Patient+/+). Control and experimental BVGs were then implanted into the common carotid arteries of nude rats. The TGFBR1A230T variant led to impaired mechanical properties of BVGs, resulting in lower burst pressure and suture retention strength. BVGs carrying the variant dilated over time in vivo, resembling human TAA formation. Spatial transcriptomics profiling revealed defective expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) formation genes in PatientA230T/+ BVGs compared with Patient+/+ BVGs. Histological analysis and protein assays validated quantitative and qualitative ECM defects in PatientA230T/+ BVGs and patient tissue, including decreased collagen hydroxylation. SMC organization was also impaired in PatientA230T/+ BVGs as confirmed by vascular contraction testing. Silencing of collagen-modifying enzymes with small interfering RNAs reduced collagen proline hydroxylation in SMC-derived tissue constructs. These studies demonstrated the utility of BVGs to model human TAA formation in an animal host and highlighted the role of reduced collagen modifying enzyme activity in human TAA formation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/metabolism
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I/genetics
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Collagen/metabolism
- Blood Vessel Prosthesis
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Rats, Nude
- Disease Models, Animal
- Rats
- Bioengineering
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Gene Editing
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome/genetics
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome/pathology
- Male
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ping Qiu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xihua Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuqing Eugene Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dogukan Mizrak
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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Wu LF, Zhou Y, Wang DP, Zhang JJ, Zheng ZF, Guo J, Shen J, Shi JY, Liu QH, Wang XN, Wang HX, Du WJ, Li ML, Cao JM. Nerve growth factor (Ngf) gene-driven semaphorin 3a (Sema3a) expression exacerbates thoracic aortic aneurysm dissection in mice. J Hypertens 2024; 42:816-827. [PMID: 38165021 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening disease and currently there is no pharmacological therapy. Sympathetic nerve overactivity plays an important role in the development of TAAD. Sympathetic innervation is mainly controlled by nerve growth factor (NGF, a key neural chemoattractant) and semaphoring 3A (Sema3A, a key neural chemorepellent), while the roles of these two factors in aortic sympathetic innervation and especially TAAD are unknown. We hypothesized that genetically manipulating the NGF/Sema3A ratio by the Ngf -driven Sema3a expression approach may reduce aortic sympathetic nerve innervation and mitigate TAAD progression. A mouse strain of Ngf gene-driven Sema3a expression (namely NgfSema3a/Sema3a mouse) was established by inserting the 2A-Sema3A expression frame to the Ngf terminating codon using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. TAAD was induced by β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN) both in NgfSema3a/Sema3a mice and wild type (WT) littermates. Contrary to our expectation, the BAPN-induced TAAD was severer in NgfSema3a/Sema3a mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, NgfSema3a/Sema3a mice showed higher aortic sympathetic innervation, inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation than the WT mice after BAPN treatment. The aortic vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from NgfSema3a/Sema3a mice and pretreated with BAPN in vivo for two weeks showed stronger capabilities of proliferation and migration than that from the WT mice. We conclude that the strategy of Ngf -driven Sema3a expression cannot suppress but worsens the BAPN-induced TAAD. By investigating the aortic phenotype of NgfSema3a/Sema3a mouse strain, we unexpectedly find a path to exacerbate BAPN-induced TAAD which might be useful in future TAAD studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - De-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Jiao-Jiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Zhi-Fa Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital
| | - Jia Guo
- Center for Hypertension Care, Shanxi Medical University First Hospital
| | - Jing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Jian-Yun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shanxi Medical University
| | - Xue-Ning Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital
| | - Hai-Xiong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital, Taiyuan
| | - Wen-Jing Du
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Miao-Ling Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology at Southwest Medical University, Ministry of Education, and the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ji-Min Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University
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5
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Terriaca S, Monastero R, Orlandi A, Balistreri CR. The key role of miRNA in syndromic and sporadic forms of ascending aortic aneurysms as biomarkers and targets of novel therapeutic strategies. Front Genet 2024; 15:1365711. [PMID: 38450200 PMCID: PMC10915088 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1365711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that epigenetics also plays a key role in regulating the pathogenetic mechanism of all types of aortic aneurysms. It is well-known that epigenetic factors modulate gene expression. This mechanism appears to be of interest especially knowing the relevance of genetic susceptibility and genetic factors in the complex pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms, and of sporadic forms; in fact, the latter are the result of a close interaction between genetic and modifiable lifestyle factors (i.e., nutrition, smoking, infections, use of drugs, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, etc.). Epigenetic factors include DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and non-coding RNA. Here, our attention is focused on the role of miRNA in syndromic and sporadic forms of thoracic aortic aneurysms. They could be both biomarkers and targets of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Terriaca
- Pathological Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Section of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Pathological Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular, and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi N D), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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6
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Singh AA, Shetty DK, Jacob AG, Bayraktar S, Sinha S. Understanding genomic medicine for thoracic aortic disease through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1349548. [PMID: 38440211 PMCID: PMC10910110 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1349548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic disease (TAD) is often silent until a life-threatening complication occurs. However, genetic information can inform both identification and treatment at an early stage. Indeed, a diagnosis is important for personalised surveillance and intervention plans, as well as cascade screening of family members. Currently, only 20% of heritable TAD patients have a causative mutation identified and, consequently, further advances in genetic coverage are required to define the remaining molecular landscape. The rapid expansion of next generation sequencing technologies is providing a huge resource of genetic data, but a critical issue remains in functionally validating these findings. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are patient-derived, reprogrammed cell lines which allow mechanistic insights, complex modelling of genetic disease and a platform to study aortic genetic variants. This review will address the need for iPSCs as a frontline diagnostic tool to evaluate variants identified by genomic discovery studies and explore their evolving role in biological insight through to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Sinha
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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7
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Domagała D, Data K, Szyller H, Farzaneh M, Mozdziak P, Woźniak S, Zabel M, Dzięgiel P, Kempisty B. Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Aortic Aneurysm-Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Cells 2024; 13:274. [PMID: 38334666 PMCID: PMC10854611 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A disturbance of the structure of the aortic wall results in the formation of aortic aneurysm, which is characterized by a significant bulge on the vessel surface that may have consequences, such as distention and finally rupture. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a major pathological condition because it affects approximately 8% of elderly men and 1.5% of elderly women. The pathogenesis of AAA involves multiple interlocking mechanisms, including inflammation, immune cell activation, protein degradation and cellular malalignments. The expression of inflammatory factors, such as cytokines and chemokines, induce the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the wall of the aorta, including macrophages, natural killer cells (NK cells) and T and B lymphocytes. Protein degradation occurs with a high expression not only of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) but also of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and chymases. The loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to cell apoptosis and phenotype switching reduces tissue density and may contribute to AAA. It is important to consider the key mechanisms of initiating and promoting AAA to achieve better preventative and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Domagała
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (K.D.); (H.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Krzysztof Data
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (K.D.); (H.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Hubert Szyller
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (K.D.); (H.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran;
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA;
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27613, USA
| | - Sławomir Woźniak
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (K.D.); (H.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (P.D.)
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (P.D.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.D.); (K.D.); (H.S.); (S.W.)
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27613, USA
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Raghavan A, Pirruccello JP, Ellinor PT, Lindsay ME. Using Genomics to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets for Aortic Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:334-351. [PMID: 38095107 PMCID: PMC10843699 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318771] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Aortic disease, including dissection, aneurysm, and rupture, carries significant morbidity and mortality and is a notable cause of sudden cardiac death. Much of our knowledge regarding the genetic basis of aortic disease has relied on the study of individuals with Mendelian aortopathies and, until recently, the genetic determinants of population-level variance in aortic phenotypes remained unclear. However, the application of machine learning methodologies to large imaging datasets has enabled researchers to rapidly define aortic traits and mine dozens of novel genetic associations for phenotypes such as aortic diameter and distensibility. In this review, we highlight the emerging potential of genomics for identifying causal genes and candidate drug targets for aortic disease. We describe how deep learning technologies have accelerated the pace of genetic discovery in this field. We then provide a blueprint for translating genetic associations to biological insights, reviewing techniques for locus and cell type prioritization, high-throughput functional screening, and disease modeling using cellular and animal models of aortic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avanthi Raghavan
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James P. Pirruccello
- Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick T. Ellinor
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark E. Lindsay
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Chen J, Zhang X, Yao H, Pang J. Causal association between uric acid levels and the risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:515-520. [PMID: 38161112 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing numbers of studies have sought to uncover the relationship between serum uric acid (UA) levels and the risk of aortic aneurysm (AA) or aortic dissection (AD), but the causality of the associations has not been established yet. To assess this potential relationship, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using independent genetic variants for UA levels from a published genome-wide association study (GWAS). Summary statistics for instrument-outcome associations from FinnGen database for AA and AD. Various sensitivity analyses were performed using different MR methods including random effects inverse variance weighting, fix effects inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median/mode, and the contamination mixture method. Genetically predicted UA levels was associated with a higher AA risk (odds ratio (OR), 1.223; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.058-1.388; p = 0.017) in a simple size of 209,366 individuals. No association was found between uric acid levels and the risk of AD (OR,0.812; 95 % CI, 0.423-1.200; p = 0.293). CONCLUSION Our study suggests a significant and robust causal association between UA levels and risk of AA but did not support such a relationship between UA levels and AD risk, which might be interpreted with caution and further confirmed. These findings support a clinically relevant causal effect of serum urate levels on the risk of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Yao
- Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Pang
- Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Mizrak D, Zhao Y, Feng H, Macaulay J, Tang Y, Sultan Z, Zhao G, Guo Y, Zhang J, Yang B, Eugene Chen Y. Single-Molecule Spatial Transcriptomics of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Uncovers Calcification-Related CARTPT-Expressing Smooth Muscle Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2285-2297. [PMID: 37823268 PMCID: PMC10842613 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although single-cell RNA-sequencing is commonly applied to dissect the heterogeneity in human tissues, it involves the preparation of single-cell suspensions via cell dissociation, causing loss of spatial information. In this study, we employed high-resolution single-cell transcriptome imaging to reveal rare smooth muscle cell (SMC) types in human thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) tissue samples. METHODS Single-molecule spatial distribution of transcripts from 140 genes was analyzed in fresh-frozen human TAA samples with region and sex-matched controls. In vitro studies and tissue staining were performed to examine human CART prepropeptide (CARTPT) regulation and function. RESULTS We captured thousands of cells per sample including a spatially distinct CARTPT-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male TAA samples. Immunoassays confirmed human CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) protein enrichment in male TAA tissue and truncated CARTPT secretion into cell culture medium. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a cardiovascular risk factor, induced CARTPT expression, whereas CARTPT overexpression in human aortic SMCs increased the expression of key osteochondrogenic transcription factors and reduced contractile gene expression. Recombinant human CART treatment of human SMCs further confirmed this phenotype. Alizarin red staining revealed calcium deposition in male TAA samples showing similar localization with human CART staining. CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of single-molecule imaging in uncovering rare SMC subtypes in the diseased human aorta, a difficult tissue to dissociate. We identified a spatially distinct CARTPT-expressing SMC subtype enriched in male human TAA samples. Our functional studies suggest that human CART promotes osteochondrogenic switch of aortic SMCs, potentially leading to medial calcification of the thoracic aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dogukan Mizrak
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jane Macaulay
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zain Sultan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Li J, Yu C, Yu K, Chen Z, Xing D, Zha B, Xie W, Ouyang H. SPINT2 is involved in the proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of aortic smooth muscle cells: Implications for the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:546. [PMID: 37928510 PMCID: PMC10623238 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe and extremely dangerous cardiovascular disease. Proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are major pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of TAD. The present study was designed to investigate the expression and potential function of serine peptidase inhibitor Kunitz type 2 (SPINT2) in TAD. The gene expression profile data for ascending aorta from patients with TAD were downloaded from the GEO database with the accession number GSE52093. Bioinformatics analysis using GEO2R indicated that the differentially expressed SPINT2 was prominently decreased in TAD. The expression levels of SPINT2 mRNA and protein in aortic dissection specimens and normal aorta tissues were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. SPINT2 expression was downregulated in clinical samples from aortic dissection specimens of patients with TAD compared with the corresponding expression noted in tissues derived from patients without TAD. In vitro, platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) was applied to induce the isolated primary mouse aortic SMC phenotypic modulation (a significant upregulation in the expression levels of synthetic markers), and the SMCs were infected with the adenoviral vector, Ad-SPINT2, to construct SPINT2-overexpressed cell lines. SMC viability was detected by an MTT assay and SMC proliferation was detected via the presence of Ki-67-positive cells (immunofluorescence staining). To explore the effects of SPINT2 on SMC migration, a wound healing assay was conducted. ELISA and western blotting assays were used to measure the content and expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The expression levels of vimentin, collagen I, α-SMA and SM22α were measured using western blotting. The PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of SMCs were recovered by SPINT2 overexpression. The increase in the expression levels of SPINT2 reduced the expression levels of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9. Overexpression of SPINT2 suppressed SMC switching from a contractile to a synthetic type, as evidenced by decreased vimentin and collagen I expression levels along with increased α-smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle protein 22-α expression levels. Furthermore, activation of ERK was inhibited in SPINT2-overexpressing SMCs. A specific ERK agonist, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, reversed the SPINT2-mediated inhibition of SMC migration and the phenotypic switching. Collectively, the data indicated that SPINT2 was implicated in the proliferation, migration and phenotypic switching of aortic SMCs, suggesting that it may be involved in TAD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Changjun Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Kangmin Yu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Dan Xing
- Department of Medical Record Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Binshan Zha
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Xie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Huan Ouyang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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12
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Ma Q, Hu L, Luo Y, Wang M, Yu S, Lu A, Zhang L, Zeng H. Identification of apoptosis-related key genes and the associated regulation mechanism in thoracic aortic aneurysm. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:481. [PMID: 37770840 PMCID: PMC10540322 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03516-0] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the role of apoptosis-related genes in thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and provided more insights into TAA's pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms. MATERIAL/METHODS Two gene expression datasets (GSE9106 and GSE26155) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Apoptosis-related genes were obtained from the KEGG apoptosis pathway (hsa04210). Differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes were identified by performing differential expression analysis using limma for TAA blood and tissue samples. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed apoptosis genes was performed using the Metascape web tool. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was reconstructed using the ENCORI and miRDB databases, and functional enrichment analysis was performed on the related miRNAs using the miEAA tool. The correlation between the expression levels of differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes and genes involved in immune infiltration in TAA was calculated using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The apoptosis modification patterns mediated by differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes were systematically assessed in TAA samples. RESULTS A total of 9 differentially-expressed apoptosis-related genes were identified in TAA samples compared with normal samples. 150 miRNAs and 6 mRNAs regulatory networks were reconstructed using the ENCORI and miRDB databases. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that the GZMB had the strongest positive correlation with activated NK cells and the DFFA presented the strongest positive correlation with T cells follicular helper. 3 distinct apoptosis modification patterns mediated by 9 differentially-expressed apoptosis-related genes were identified. They differ in immune characteristics and drug sensitivity, and their biological functions in these subtypes were further studied. CONCLUSIONS This study identified key apoptosis-related genes related to TAA and evaluated the modification patterns of key apoptosis genes in TAA, providing insights into potential targets and mechanisms of TAA pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Hu
- XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yingwan Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Shui Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Aidong Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Leping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Huimin Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100000, China.
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13
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Costantini A, Guasto A, Cormier-Daire V. TGF-β and BMP Signaling Pathways in Skeletal Dysplasia with Short and Tall Stature. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2023; 24:225-253. [PMID: 37624666 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-120922-094107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways play a pivotal role in bone development and skeletal health. More than 30 different types of skeletal dysplasia are now known to be caused by pathogenic variants in genes that belong to the TGF-β superfamily and/or regulate TGF-β/BMP bioavailability. This review describes the latest advances in skeletal dysplasia that is due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling and results in short stature (acromelic dysplasia and cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome) or tall stature (Marfan syndrome). We thoroughly describe the clinical features of the patients, the underlying genetic findings, and the pathomolecular mechanisms leading to disease, which have been investigated mainly using patient-derived skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Although no pharmacological treatment is yet available for skeletal dysplasia due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling, in recent years advances in the use of drugs targeting TGF-β have been made, and we also discuss these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Costantini
- Paris Cité University, INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; , ,
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Guasto
- Paris Cité University, INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; , ,
| | - Valérie Cormier-Daire
- Paris Cité University, INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; , ,
- Reference Center for Skeletal Dysplasia, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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14
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Sachan N, Phoon CKL, Zilberberg L, Kugler MC, Ene T, Mintz SB, Murtada SI, Weiss D, Fishman GI, Humphrey JD, Rifkin DB. TGFβ-2 haploinsufficiency causes early death in mice with Marfan syndrome. Matrix Biol 2023; 121:41-55. [PMID: 37217119 PMCID: PMC10527763 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To assess the contribution of individual TGF-β isoforms to aortopathy in Marfan syndrome (MFS), we quantified the survival and phenotypes of mice with a combined fibrillin1 (the gene defective in MFS) hypomorphic mutation and a TGF-β1, 2, or 3 heterozygous null mutation. The loss of TGF-β2, and only TGF-β2, resulted in 80% of the double mutant animals dying earlier, by postnatal day 20, than MFS only mice. Death was not from thoracic aortic rupture, as observed in MFS mice, but was associated with hyperplastic aortic valve leaflets, aortic regurgitation, enlarged aortic root, increased heart weight, and impaired lung alveolar septation. Thus, there appears to be a relationship between loss of fibrillin1 and TGF-β2 in the postnatal development of the heart, aorta and lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalani Sachan
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Colin K L Phoon
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Lior Zilberberg
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Matthias C Kugler
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Taylor Ene
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Shana B Mintz
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Dar Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Glenn I Fishman
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel B Rifkin
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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15
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Crandall CL, Wu Y, Kailash KA, Bersi MR, Halabi CM, Wagenseil JE. Changes in transmural mass transport correlate with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm diameter in a fibulin-4 E57K knockin mouse model. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H113-H124. [PMID: 37267118 PMCID: PMC10292979 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00036.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm is characterized by dilation of the aortic diameter by greater than 50%, which can lead to dissection or rupture. Common histopathology includes extracellular matrix remodeling that may affect transmural mass transport, defined as the movement of fluids and solutes across the wall. We measured in vitro ascending thoracic aorta mass transport in a mouse model with partial aneurysm phenotype penetration due to a mutation in the extracellular matrix protein fibulin-4 [Fbln4E57K/E57K, referred to as MU-A (aneurysm) or MU-NA (no aneurysm)]. To push the aneurysm phenotype, we also included MU mice with reduced levels of lysyl oxidase [Fbln4E57K/E57K;Lox+/-, referred to as MU-XA (extreme aneurysm)] and compared all groups to wild-type (WT) littermates. The phenotype variation allows investigation of how aneurysm severity correlates with mass transport parameters and extracellular matrix organization. We found that MU-NA ascending thoracic aortae have similar hydraulic conductance (Lp) to WT, but 397% higher solute permeability (ω) for 4 kDa FITC-dextran. In contrast, MU-A and MU-XA ascending thoracic aortae have 44-68% lower Lp and similar ω to WT. The results suggest that ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm progression involves an initial increase in ω, followed by a decrease in Lp after the aneurysm has formed. All MU ascending thoracic aortae are longer and have increased elastic fiber fragmentation in the extracellular matrix. There is a negative correlation between diameter and Lp or ω in MU ascending thoracic aortae. Changes in mass transport due to elastic fiber fragmentation could contribute to aneurysm progression or be leveraged for treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transmural mass transport is quantified in the ascending thoracic aorta of mice with a mutation in fibulin-4 that is associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Fluid and solute transport depend on aneurysm severity, correlate with elastic fiber fragmentation, and may be affected by proteoglycan deposition. Transport properties of the ascending thoracic aorta are provided and can be used in computational models. The changes in mass transport may contribute to aneurysm progression or be leveraged for aneurysm treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie L Crandall
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Yufan Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Keshav A Kailash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Mathew R Bersi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Pediatric Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Jessica E Wagenseil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Structural genomic variants have emerged as a relevant cause for several disorders, including intellectual disability, neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer and congenital heart disease. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge about the involvement of structural genomic variants and, in particular, copy number variants in the development of thoracic aortic and aortic valve disease. RECENT FINDINGS There is a growing interest in the identification of structural variants in aortopathy. Copy number variants identified in thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, bicuspid aortic valve related aortopathy, Williams-Beuren syndrome and Turner syndrome are discussed in detail. Most recently, the first inversion disrupting FBN1 has been reported as a cause for Marfan syndrome. SUMMARY During the past 15 years, the knowledge on the role of copy number variants as a cause for aortopathy has grown significantly, which is partially due to the development of novel technologies including next-generation sequencing. Although copy number variants are now often investigated on a routine basis in diagnostic laboratories, more complex structural variants such as inversions, which require the use of whole genome sequencing, are still relatively new to the field of thoracic aortic and aortic valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina A.N. Meester
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne Hebert
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart L. Loeys
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Elefteriades JA, Ziganshin BA, Zafar MA. Nonsize Criteria for Surgical Intervention on the Ascending Thoracic Aorta. AORTA (STAMFORD, CONN.) 2023; 11:71-86. [PMID: 37172942 PMCID: PMC10232037 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1766114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, aortic surgery has relied on size criteria for intervention on the ascending aorta. While diameter has served well, diameter alone falls short of an ideal criterion. Herein, we examine the potential application of other, nondiameter criteria in aortic decision-making. These findings are summarized in this review. We have conducted multiple investigations of specific alternate nonsize criteria by leveraging our extensive database, which includes complete, verified anatomic, clinical, and mortality data on 2,501 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and dissections (198 Type A, 201 Type B, and 2102 TAAs). We examined 14 potential intervention criteria. Each substudy had its own specific methodology, reported individually in the literature. The overall findings of these studies are presented here, with a special emphasis on how the findings can be incorporated into enhanced aortic decision-making-above and beyond sheer diameter. The following nondiameter criteria have been found useful in decision-making regarding surgical intervention. (1) Pain: In the absence of other specific cause, substernal chest pain mandates surgery. Well-developed afferent neural pathways carry warning signals to the brain. (2) Aortic length/tortuosity: Length is emerging as a mildly better predictor of impending events than diameter. (3) Genes: Specific genetic aberrations provide a powerful predictor of aortic behavior; malignant genetic variants obligate earlier surgery. (4) Family history: Aortic events closely follow those in relatives with a threefold increase in likelihood of aortic dissection for other family members once an index family dissection has occurred. (5) Bicuspid aortic valve: Previously thought to increase aortic risk (as a "Marfan light" situation), current data show that bicuspid valve is not a predictor of higher risk. (6) Diabetes actually protects against aortic events, via mural thickening and fibrosis. (7) Biomarkers: A specialized "RNA signature test" identifies aneurysm-bearing patients in the general population and promises to predict impending dissection. (8) Aortic stress: Blood pressure (BP) elevation from anxiety/exertion precipitates dissection, especially with high-intensity weightlifting. (9) Root dilatation imposes higher dissection risk than supracoronary ascending aneurysm. (10) Inflammation on positron emission tomography (PET) imaging implies high rupture risk and merits surgical intervention. (11) A KIF6 p.Trp719Arg variant elevates aortic dissection risk nearly two-fold. (12) Female sex confers some increased risk, which can be largely accommodated by using body-size-based nomograms (especially height nomograms). (13) Fluoroquinolones predispose to catastrophic dissection events and should be avoided rigorously in aneurysm patients. (14) Advancing age makes the aorta more vulnerable, increasing likelihood of dissection. In conclusion, nondiameter criteria can beneficially be brought to bear on the decision to observe or operate on specific TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Bulat A. Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mohammad A. Zafar
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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18
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Manole S, Rancea R, Vulturar R, Simon SP, Molnar A, Damian L. Frail Silk: Is the Hughes-Stovin Syndrome a Behçet Syndrome Subtype with Aneurysm-Involved Gene Variants? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043160. [PMID: 36834577 PMCID: PMC9968083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a rare disease characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. The etiology and pathogenesis of HSS are incompletely known. The current consensus is that vasculitis underlies the pathogenic process, and pulmonary thrombosis follows arterial wall inflammation. As such, Hughes-Stovin syndrome may belong to the vascular cluster with lung involvement of Behçet syndrome, although oral aphtae, arthritis, and uveitis are rarely found. Behçet syndrome is a multifactorial polygenic disease with genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and mostly immunological contributors. The different Behçet syndrome phenotypes are presumably based upon different genetic determinants involving more than one pathogenic pathway. Hughes-Stovin syndrome may have common pathways with fibromuscular dysplasias and other diseases evolving with vascular aneurysms. We describe a Hughes-Stovin syndrome case fulfilling the Behçet syndrome criteria. A MYLK variant of unknown significance was detected, along with other heterozygous mutations in genes that may impact angiogenesis pathways. We discuss the possible involvement of these genetic findings, as well as other potential common determinants of Behçet/Hughes-Stovin syndrome and aneurysms in vascular Behçet syndrome. Recent advances in diagnostic techniques, including genetic testing, could help diagnose a specific Behçet syndrome subtype and other associated conditions to personalize the disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Manole
- Department of Radiology, “Niculae Stăncioiu” Heart Institute, 19-21 Calea Moților Street, 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Radiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Rancea
- Cardiology Department, Heart Institute “Niculae Stăncioiu”, 19-21 Calea Moților Street, 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romana Vulturar
- Department of Molecular Sciences, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy 6, Pasteur, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University Babes-Bolyai, 30, Fântânele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Siao-Pin Simon
- Department of Rheumatology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj, Centre for Rare Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases (ERN-ReCONNET), 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Discipline of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Molnar
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Institute “Niculae Stăncioiu”, 19-21 Calea Moților Street, 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura Damian
- Department of Rheumatology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj, Centre for Rare Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases (ERN-ReCONNET), 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- CMI Reumatologie Dr. Damian, 6-8 Petru Maior Street, 400002 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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19
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Verstraeten A, Fedoryshchenko I, Loeys B. The emerging role of endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:1262-1264. [PMID: 36650899 PMCID: PMC10079389 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Verstraeten
- Cardiogenomics and Functional Genomics, Center for Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp/Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ivanna Fedoryshchenko
- Cardiogenomics and Functional Genomics, Center for Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp/Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart Loeys
- Cardiogenomics and Functional Genomics, Center for Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp/Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
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