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Tandon I, Woessner AE, Ferreira LA, Shamblin C, Vaca-Diez G, Walls A, Kuczwara P, Applequist A, Nascimento DF, Tandon S, Kim JW, Rausch M, Timek T, Padala M, Kinter MT, Province D, Byrum SD, Quinn KP, Balachandran K. A three-dimensional valve-on-chip microphysiological system implicates cell cycle progression, cholesterol metabolism and protein homeostasis in early calcific aortic valve disease progression. Acta Biomater 2024; 186:167-184. [PMID: 39084496 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is one of the most common forms of valvulopathy, with a 50 % elevated risk of a fatal cardiovascular event, and greater than 15,000 annual deaths in North America alone. The treatment standard is valve replacement as early diagnostic, mitigation, and drug strategies remain underdeveloped. The development of early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies requires the fabrication of effective in vitro valve mimetic models to elucidate early CAVD mechanisms. METHODS In this study, we developed a multilayered physiologically relevant 3D valve-on-chip (VOC) system that incorporated aortic valve mimetic extracellular matrix (ECM), porcine aortic valve interstitial cell (VIC) and endothelial cell (VEC) co-culture and dynamic mechanical stimuli. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) based hydrogels were assembled in a bilayer to mimic healthy or diseased compositions of the native fibrosa and spongiosa. Multiphoton imaging and proteomic analysis of healthy and diseased VOCs were performed. RESULTS Collagen-based bilayered hydrogel maintained the phenotype of the VICs. Proteins related to cellular processes like cell cycle progression, cholesterol biosynthesis, and protein homeostasis were found to be significantly altered and correlated with changes in cell metabolism in diseased VOCs. This study suggested that diseased VOCs may represent an early, adaptive disease initiation stage, which was corroborated by human aortic valve proteomic assessment. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we developed a collagen-based bilayered hydrogel to mimic healthy or diseased compositions of the native fibrosa and spongiosa layers. When the gels were assembled in a VOC with VECs and VICs, the diseased VOCs revealed key insights about the CAVD initiation process. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) elevates the risk of death due to cardiovascular pathophysiology by 50 %, however, prevention and mitigation strategies are lacking, clinically. Developing tools to assess early disease would significantly aid in the prevention of disease and in the development of therapeutics. Previously, studies have utilized collagen and glycosaminoglycan-based hydrogels for valve cell co-cultures, valve cell co-cultures in dynamic environments, and inorganic polymer-based multilayered hydrogels; however, these approaches have not been combined to make a physiologically relevant model for CAVD studies. We fabricated a bi-layered hydrogel that closely mimics the aortic valve and used it for valve cell co-culture in a dynamic platform to gain mechanistic insights into the CAVD initiation process using proteomic and multiphoton imaging assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Alan E Woessner
- Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Laίs A Ferreira
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | | | - Gustavo Vaca-Diez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Amanda Walls
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Patrick Kuczwara
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Alexis Applequist
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Denise F Nascimento
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Swastika Tandon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Jin-Woo Kim
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Manuel Rausch
- Departments of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Computational Engineering and Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tomasz Timek
- Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Muralidhar Padala
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Joseph P. Whitehead Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael T Kinter
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dennis Province
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kyle P Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Kartik Balachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
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Snyder Y, Mann FAT, Middleton J, Murashita T, Carney J, Bianco RW, Jana S. Non-immune factors cause prolonged myofibroblast phenotype in implanted synthetic heart valve scaffolds. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY 2024; 39:102323. [PMID: 39131741 PMCID: PMC11308761 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2024.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The clinical application of heart valve scaffolds is hindered by complications associated with the activation of valvular interstitial cell-like (VIC-like) cells and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. This study aimed to examine several molecular pathway(s) that may trigger the overactive myofibroblast phenotypes in the implanted scaffolds. So, we investigated the influence of three molecular pathways - macrophage-induced inflammation, the TGF-β1-SMAD2, and WNT/β-catenin β on VIC-like cells during tissue engineering of heart valve scaffolds. We implanted electrospun heart valve scaffolds in adult sheep for up to 6 months in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and analyzed biomolecular (gene and protein) expression associated with the above three pathways by the scaffold infiltrating cells. The results showed a gradual increase in gene and protein expression of markers related to the activation of VIC-like cells and the myofibroblast phenotypes over 6 months of scaffold implantation. Conversely, there was a gradual increase in macrophage activity for the first three months after scaffold implantation. However, a decrease in macrophage activity from three to six months of scaffold tissue engineering suggested that immunological signal factors were not the primary cause of myofibroblast phenotype. Similarly, the gene and protein expression of factors associated with the TGF-β1-SMAD2 pathway in the cells increased in the first three months but declined in the next three months. Contrastingly, the gene and protein expression of factors associated with the WNT/β-catenin pathway increased significantly over the six-month study. Thus, the WNT/β-catenin pathway could be the predominant mechanism in activating VIC-like cells and subsequent myofibroblast phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Snyder
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, 1406 Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - FA Tony Mann
- Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211-0001
| | - John Middleton
- Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211-0001
| | - Takashi Murashita
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - John Carney
- Experimental Surgical Services, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Richard W. Bianco
- Experimental Surgical Services, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Soumen Jana
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, 1406 Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Dittfeld C, Winkelkotte M, Scheer A, Voigt E, Schmieder F, Behrens S, Jannasch A, Matschke K, Sonntag F, Tugtekin SM. Challenges of aortic valve tissue culture - maintenance of viability and extracellular matrix in the pulsatile dynamic microphysiological system. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:60. [PMID: 37770970 PMCID: PMC10538250 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00377-1] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) causes an increasing health burden in the 21st century due to aging population. The complex pathophysiology remains to be understood to develop novel prevention and treatment strategies. Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ-on-chip or lab-on-a-chip systems, proved promising in bridging in vitro and in vivo approaches by applying integer AV tissue and modelling biomechanical microenvironment. This study introduces a novel MPS comprising different micropumps in conjunction with a tissue-incubation-chamber (TIC) for long-term porcine and human AV incubation (pAV, hAV). RESULTS Tissue cultures in two different MPS setups were compared and validated by a bimodal viability analysis and extracellular matrix transformation assessment. The MPS-TIC conjunction proved applicable for incubation periods of 14-26 days. An increased metabolic rate was detected for pulsatile dynamic MPS culture compared to static condition indicated by increased LDH intensity. ECM changes such as an increase of collagen fibre content in line with tissue contraction and mass reduction, also observed in early CAVD, were detected in MPS-TIC culture, as well as an increase of collagen fibre content. Glycosaminoglycans remained stable, no significant alterations of α-SMA or CD31 epitopes and no accumulation of calciumhydroxyapatite were observed after 14 days of incubation. CONCLUSIONS The presented ex vivo MPS allows long-term AV tissue incubation and will be adopted for future investigation of CAVD pathophysiology, also implementing human tissues. The bimodal viability assessment and ECM analyses approve reliability of ex vivo CAVD investigation and comparability of parallel tissue segments with different treatment strategies regarding the AV (patho)physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Dittfeld
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Winkelkotte
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Scheer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emmely Voigt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Florian Schmieder
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Behrens
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anett Jannasch
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Matschke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Sonntag
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sems-Malte Tugtekin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Centre Dresden, Fetscherstr. 76, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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Immohr MB, Teichert HL, Dos Santos Adrego F, Schmidt V, Sugimura Y, Bauer SJ, Barth M, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Ovine Aortic Valve Endothelial and Interstitial Cells for the Development of Multicellular Tissue Engineered Tissue Constructs. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:787. [PMID: 37508814 PMCID: PMC10376021 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070787] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD), it is necessary to develop a new three-dimensional model that contains valvular interstitial cells (VIC) and valvular endothelial cells (VEC). For this purpose, ovine aortic valves were processed to isolate VIC and VEC that were dissolved in an alginate/gelatin hydrogel. A 3D-bioprinter (3D-Bioplotter® Developer Series, EnvisionTec, Gladbeck, Germany) was used to print cell-laden tissue constructs containing VIC and VEC which were cultured for up to 21 days. The 3D-architecture, the composition of the culture medium, and the hydrogels were modified, and cell viability was assessed. The composition of the culture medium directly affected the cell viability of the multicellular tissue constructs. Co-culture of VIC and VEC with a mixture of 70% valvular interstitial cell and 30% valvular endothelial cell medium components reached the cell viability best tested with about 60% more living cells compared to pure valvular interstitial cell medium (p = 0.02). The tissue constructs retained comparable cell viability after 21 days (p = 0.90) with different 3D-architectures, including a "sandwich" and a "tube" design. Good long-term cell viability was confirmed even for thick multilayer multicellular tissue constructs. The 3D-bioprinting of multicellular tissue constructs with VEC and VIC is a successful new technique to design tissue constructs that mimic the structure of the native aortic valve for research applications of aortic valve pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Helena Lauren Teichert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabió Dos Santos Adrego
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Schmidt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Johannes Bauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Böttner J, Werner S, Feistner L, Fischer-Schaepmann T, Neussl K, Borger MA, Thiele H, Büttner P, Schlotter F. High resolution monitoring of valvular interstitial cell driven pathomechanisms in procalcific environment using label-free impedance spectroscopy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1155371. [PMID: 37408660 PMCID: PMC10319251 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1155371] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fibro-calcific aortic valve disease has high prevalence and is associated with significant mortality. Fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and calcific mineral deposition change the valvular microarchitecture and deteriorate valvular function. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in profibrotic or procalcifying environment are frequently used in vitro models. However, remodeling processes take several days to weeks to develop, even in vitro. Continuous monitoring by real-time impedance spectroscopy (EIS) may reveal new insights into this process. Methods VIC-driven ECM remodeling stimulated by procalcifying (PM) or profibrotic medium (FM) was monitored by label-free EIS. Collagen secretion, matrix mineralization, viability, mitochondrial damage, myofibroblastic gene expression and cytoskeletal alterations were analyzed. Results and Discussion EIS profiles of VICs in control medium (CM) and FM were comparable. PM reproducibly induced a specific, biphasic EIS profile. Phase 1 showed an initial impedance drop, which moderately correlated with decreasing collagen secretion (r = 0.67, p = 0.22), accompanied by mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization and cell death. Phase 2 EIS signal increase was positively correlated with augmented ECM mineralization (r = 0.97, p = 0.008). VICs in PM decreased myofibroblastic gene expression (p < 0.001) and stress fiber assembly compared to CM. EIS revealed sex-specific differences. Male VICs showed higher proliferation and in PM EIS decrease in phase 1 was significantly pronounced compared to female VICs (male minimum: 7.4 ± 4.2%, female minimum: 26.5 ± 4.4%, p < 0.01). VICs in PM reproduced disease characteristics in vitro remarkably fast with significant impact of donor sex. PM suppressed myofibroblastogenesis and favored ECM mineralization. In summary, EIS represents an efficient, easy-to-use, high-content screening tool enabling patient-specific, subgroup- and temporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Böttner
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Werner
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lukas Feistner
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Katherina Neussl
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael A. Borger
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Petra Büttner
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Schlotter
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Ding N, Lv Y, Su H, Wang Z, Kong X, Zhen J, Lv Z, Wang R. Vascular calcification in CKD: New insights into its mechanisms. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1160-1182. [PMID: 37269534 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, effective therapies are still unavailable at present. It has been well established that VC associated with CKD is not a passive process of calcium phosphate deposition, but an actively regulated and cell-mediated process that shares many similarities with bone formation. Additionally, numerous studies have suggested that CKD patients have specific risk factors and contributors to the development of VC, such as hyperphosphatemia, uremic toxins, oxidative stress and inflammation. Although research efforts in the past decade have greatly improved our knowledge of the multiple factors and mechanisms involved in CKD-related VC, many questions remain unanswered. Moreover, studies from the past decade have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications abnormalities, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs, play an important role in the regulation of VC. This review seeks to provide an overview of the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of VC associated with CKD, mainly focusing on the involvement of epigenetic modifications in the initiation and progression of uremic VC, with the aim to develop promising therapies for CKD-related cardiovascular events in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaodong Lv
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ziyang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianglei Kong
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Junhui Zhen
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhimei Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Dong CX, Malecki C, Robertson E, Hambly B, Jeremy R. Molecular Mechanisms in Genetic Aortopathy-Signaling Pathways and Potential Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021795. [PMID: 36675309 PMCID: PMC9865322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic disease affects people of all ages and the majority of those aged <60 years have an underlying genetic cause. There is presently no effective medical therapy for thoracic aneurysm and surgery remains the principal intervention. Unlike abdominal aortic aneurysm, for which the inflammatory/atherosclerotic pathogenesis is well established, the mechanism of thoracic aneurysm is less understood. This paper examines the key cell signaling systems responsible for the growth and development of the aorta, homeostasis of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and interactions between pathways. The evidence supporting a role for individual signaling pathways in pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm is examined and potential novel therapeutic approaches are reviewed. Several key signaling pathways, notably TGF-β, WNT, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT and ANGII contribute to growth, proliferation, cell phenotype and survival for both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. There is crosstalk between pathways, and between vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, with both synergistic and antagonistic interactions. A common feature of the activation of each is response to injury or abnormal cell stress. Considerable experimental evidence supports a contribution of each of these pathways to aneurysm formation. Although human information is less, there is sufficient data to implicate each pathway in the pathogenesis of human thoracic aneurysm. As some pathways i.e., WNT and NOTCH, play key roles in tissue growth and organogenesis in early life, it is possible that dysregulation of these pathways results in an abnormal aortic architecture even in infancy, thereby setting the stage for aneurysm development in later life. Given the fine tuning of these signaling systems, functional polymorphisms in key signaling elements may set up a future risk of thoracic aneurysm. Multiple novel therapeutic agents have been developed, targeting cell signaling pathways, predominantly in cancer medicine. Future investigations addressing cell specific targeting, reduced toxicity and also less intense treatment effects may hold promise for effective new medical treatments of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Xue Dong
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Cassandra Malecki
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Robertson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brett Hambly
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richmond Jeremy
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Immohr MB, Dos Santos Adrego F, Teichert HL, Schmidt V, Sugimura Y, Bauer S, Barth M, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. 3D-bioprinting of aortic valve interstitial cells: impact of hydrogel and printing parameters on cell viability. Biomed Mater 2022; 18. [PMID: 36322974 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac9f91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a frequent cardiac pathology in the aging society. Although valvular interstitial cells (VICs) seem to play a crucial role, mechanisms of CAVD are not fully understood. Development of tissue-engineered cellular models by 3D-bioprinting may help to further investigate underlying mechanisms of CAVD. VIC were isolated from ovine aortic valves and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM). VIC of passages six to ten were dissolved in a hydrogel consisting of 2% alginate and 8% gelatin with a concentration of 2 × 106VIC ml-1. Cell-free and VIC-laden hydrogels were printed with an extrusion-based 3D-bioprinter (3D-Bioplotter®Developer Series, EnvisionTec, Gladbeck, Germany), cross-linked and incubated for up to 28 d. Accuracy and durability of scaffolds was examined by microscopy and cell viability was tested by cell counting kit-8 assay and live/dead staining. 3D-bioprinting of scaffolds was most accurate with a printing pressure ofP< 400 hPa, nozzle speed ofv< 20 mm s-1, hydrogel temperature ofTH= 37 °C and platform temperature ofTP= 5 °C in a 90° parallel line as well as in a honeycomb pattern. Dissolving the hydrogel components in DMEM increased VIC viability on day 21 by 2.5-fold compared to regular 0.5% saline-based hydrogels (p< 0.01). Examination at day 7 revealed dividing and proliferating cells. After 21 d the entire printed scaffolds were filled with proliferating cells. Live/dead cell viability/cytotoxicity staining confirmed beneficial effects of DMEM-based cell-laden VIC hydrogel scaffolds even 28 d after printing. By using low pressure printing methods, we were able to successfully culture cell-laden 3D-bioprinted VIC scaffolds for up to 28 d. Using DMEM-based hydrogels can significantly improve the long-term cell viability and overcome printing-related cell damage. Therefore, future applications 3D-bioprinting of VIC might enable the development of novel tissue engineered cellular 3D-models to examine mechanisms involved in initiation and progression of CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabió Dos Santos Adrego
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helena Lauren Teichert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Schmidt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,CARID-Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Majumdar U, Choudhury TZ, Manivannan S, Ueyama Y, Basu M, Garg V. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of aortic valve interstitial cells demonstrates the regulation of integrin signaling by nitric oxide. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:742850. [PMID: 36386365 PMCID: PMC9640371 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.742850] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an increasingly prevalent condition among the elderly population that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Insufficient understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms has hindered the development of pharmacologic therapies for CAVD. Recently, we described nitric oxide (NO) mediated S-nitrosylation as a novel mechanism for preventing the calcific process. We demonstrated that NO donor or an S-nitrosylating agent, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), inhibits spontaneous calcification in porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (pAVICs) and this was supported by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) that demonstrated NO donor and GSNO inhibited myofibroblast activation of pAVICs. Here, we investigated novel signaling pathways that are critical for the calcification of pAVICs that are altered by NO and GSNO by performing an in-depth analysis of the scRNA-seq dataset. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1,247 differentially expressed genes in pAVICs after NO donor or GSNO treatment compared to untreated cells. Pathway-based analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed an overrepresentation of the integrin signaling pathway, along with the Rho GTPase, Wnt, TGF-β, and p53 signaling pathways. We demonstrate that ITGA8 and VCL, two of the identified genes from the integrin signaling pathway, which are known to regulate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) communication and focal adhesion, were upregulated in both in vitro and in vivo calcific conditions. Reduced expression of these genes after treatment with NO donor suggests that NO inhibits calcification by targeting myofibroblast adhesion and ECM remodeling. In addition, withdrawal of NO donor after 3 days of exposure revealed that NO-mediated transcriptional and translational regulation is a transient event and requires continuous NO exposure to inhibit calcification. Overall, our data suggest that NO and S-nitrosylation regulate the integrin signaling pathway to maintain healthy cell-ECM interaction and prevent CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddalak Majumdar
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Talita Z. Choudhury
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sathiyanarayanan Manivannan
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yukie Ueyama
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Madhumita Basu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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10
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Bramsen JA, Alber BR, Mendoza M, Murray BT, Chen MH, Huang P, Mahler GJ. Glycosaminoglycans affect endothelial to mesenchymal transformation, proliferation, and calcification in a 3D model of aortic valve disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:975732. [PMID: 36247482 PMCID: PMC9558823 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.975732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific nodules form in the fibrosa layer of the aortic valve in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are normally found in the valve spongiosa, are located local to calcific nodules. Previous work suggests that GAGs induce endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT), a phenomenon described by endothelial cells’ loss of the endothelial markers, gaining of migratory properties, and expression of mesenchymal markers such as alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). EndMT is known to play roles in valvulogenesis and may provide a source of activated fibroblast with a potential role in CAVD progression. In this study, a 3D collagen hydrogel co-culture model of the aortic valve fibrosa was created to study the role of EndMT-derived activated valvular interstitial cell behavior in CAVD progression. Porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (PAVIC) and porcine aortic valve endothelial cells (PAVEC) were cultured within collagen I hydrogels containing the GAGs chondroitin sulfate (CS) or hyaluronic acid (HA). The model was used to study alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity, cellular proliferation and matrix invasion, protein expression, and calcific nodule formation of the resident cell populations. CS and HA were found to alter ALP activity and increase cell proliferation. CS increased the formation of calcified nodules without the addition of osteogenic culture medium. This model has applications in the improvement of bioprosthetic valves by making replacements more micro-compositionally dynamic, as well as providing a platform for testing new pharmaceutical treatments of CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bridget R. Alber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Melissa Mendoza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Bruce T. Murray
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Mei-Hsiu Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Peter Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Gretchen J. Mahler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Gretchen J. Mahler,
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11
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Balint B, Federspiel J, Kollmann C, Teping P, Schwab T, Schäfers HJ. SMAD3 contributes to ascending aortic dilatation independent of transforming growth factor-beta in bicuspid and unicuspid aortic valve disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15476. [PMID: 36104385 PMCID: PMC9474869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19335-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to determine whether there are differences in transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß) signaling in aneurysms associated with bicuspid (BAV) and unicuspid (UAV) aortic valves versus normal aortic valves. Ascending aortic aneurysms are frequently associated with BAV and UAV. The mechanisms are not yet clearly defined, but similarities to transforming growth factor-beta TGFß vasculopathies (i.e. Marfan, Loeys-Dietz syndromes) are reported. Non-dilated (ND) and aneurysmal (D) ascending aortic tissue was collected intra-operatively from individuals with a TAV (N = 10ND, 10D), BAV (N = 7ND, 8D) or UAV (N = 7ND, 8D). TGFß signaling and aortic remodeling were assessed through immuno-assays and histological analyses. TGFß1 was increased in BAV/UAV-ND aortas versus TAV (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Interestingly, TGFß1 increased with dilatation in TAV (P = 0.03) and decreased in BAV/UAV (P = 0.001). In TAV, SMAD2 and SMAD3 phosphorylation (pSMAD2, pSMAD3) increased with dilatation (all P = 0.04) and with TGFß1 concentration (P = 0.04 and 0.03). No relationship between TGFß1 and pSMAD2 or pSMAD3 was observed for BAV/UAV (all P > 0.05). pSMAD3 increased with dilatation in BAV/UAV aortas (P = 0.01), whereas no relationship with pSMAD2 was observed (P = 0.56). Elastin breaks increased with dilatation in all groups (all P < 0.05). In TAV, elastin degradation correlated with TGFß1, pSMAD2 and pSMAD3 (all P < 0.05), whereas in BAV and UAV aortas, elastin degradation correlated only with pSMAD3 (P = 0.0007). TGFß signaling through SMAD2/SMAD3 contributes to aortic remodeling in TAV, whereas TGFß-independent activation of SMAD3 may underlie aneurysm formation in BAV/UAV aortas. Therefore, SMAD3 should be further investigated as a therapeutic target against ascending aortic dilatation in general, and particularly in BAV/UAV patients.
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12
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Ozawa K, Muller MA, Varlamov O, Hagen MW, Packwood W, Morgan TK, Xie A, López CS, Chung D, Chen J, López JA, Lindner JR. Reduced Proteolytic Cleavage of von Willebrand Factor Leads to Aortic Valve Stenosis and Load-Dependent Ventricular Remodeling. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:642-655. [PMID: 35958695 PMCID: PMC9357566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.02.021] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that excess endothelial-associated von Willebrand factor (vWF) and secondary platelet adhesion contribute to aortic valve stenosis (AS). We studied hyperlipidemic mice lacking ADAMTS13 (LDLR -/- AD13 -/- ), which cleaves endothelial-associated vWF multimers. On echocardiography and molecular imaging, LDLR -/- AD13 -/- compared with control strains had increased aortic endothelial vWF and platelet adhesion and developed hemodynamically significant AS, arterial stiffening, high valvulo-aortic impedance, and secondary load-dependent reduction in LV systolic function. Histology revealed leaflet thickening and calcification with valve interstitial cell myofibroblastic and osteogenic transformation, and evidence for TGFβ1 pathway activation. We conclude that valve leaflet endothelial vWF-platelet interactions promote AS through juxtacrine platelet signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koya Ozawa
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew A. Muller
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Oleg Varlamov
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew W. Hagen
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - William Packwood
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Terry K. Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aris Xie
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Claudia S. López
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan R. Lindner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Address for correspondence: Dr Jonathan R. Lindner, Cardiovascular Division, UHN-62, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. @JLindnerMD
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13
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Smad-dependent pathways in the infarcted and failing heart. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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14
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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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15
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Barth M, Mrozek L, Niazy N, Selig JI, Boeken U, Sugimura Y, Kalampokas N, Horn P, Westenfeld R, Kröpil P, Aubin H, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Degenerative changes of the aortic valve during left ventricular assist device support. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 9:270-282. [PMID: 34935306 PMCID: PMC8788006 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Donor heart shortage leads to increasing use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy. Prolonged LVAD support is associated with aortic valve insufficiency, representing a relevant clinical problem in LVAD patients. Nevertheless, the impact of LVAD support on inflammation, remodelling, and chondro-osteogenic differentiation of the aortic valve is still not clearly understood. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of LVAD support on structural and molecular alterations of the aortic valve. METHODS AND RESULTS During heart transplantation, aortic valves of 63 heart failure patients without (n = 22) and with LVAD support (n = 41) were collected and used for analysis. Data on clinical course as well as echocardiographic data were analysed. Calcification and markers of remodelling, chondro-osteogenic differentiation, and inflammation were evaluated by computed tomography, by mRNA analysis and by histology and immunohistochemistry. Expression of inflammation markers of the LVAD group was analysed with regard to levels of C-reactive protein and driveline infections. Calcium accumulation and mRNA expression of determined markers were correlated with duration of LVAD support. Data were also analysed relating to aortic valve opening and aortic valve insufficiency. There was no difference in the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities between the patient groups. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (P = 0.007), alpha-smooth muscle actin (P = 0.045), and osteopontin (P = 0.003) were up-regulated in aortic valves of LVAD patients. Histological appearance of the aortic valve was similar in patients with or without LVAD, and computed tomography-based analysis not yet revealed significant difference in tissue calcification. Expression of interferon gamma (P = 0.004), interleukin-1 beta (P < 0.0001), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (P = 0.04) was up-regulated in aortic valves of LVAD patients without concomitant inflammatory cell infiltration and independent from unspecific inflammation. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (P = 0.038) and transforming growth factor beta (P = 0.0504) correlated negatively with duration of LVAD support. Presence of aortic valve insufficiency led to a significantly higher expression of interferon gamma (P = 0.007) in LVAD patients. There was no alteration in the determined markers in relation to aortic valve opening in LVAD patients. CONCLUSIONS Left ventricular assist device support leads to signs of early aortic valve degeneration independent of support duration. Thus, the aortic valve of patients with LVAD support should be closely monitored, particularly in patients receiving destination therapy as well as in the prospect of using aortic valves of LVAD patients as homografts in case of bridge-to-transplant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Linus Mrozek
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Naima Niazy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Jessica Isabel Selig
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Udo Boeken
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Kalampokas
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Patrick Horn
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf Westenfeld
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patric Kröpil
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Radiology, BG Klinikum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Hug Aubin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
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16
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Selig JI, Boulgaropoulos J, Niazy N, Ouwens DM, Preuß K, Horn P, Westenfeld R, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P, Barth M. Crosstalk of Diabetic Conditions with Static Versus Dynamic Flow Environment-Impact on Aortic Valve Remodeling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136976. [PMID: 34203572 PMCID: PMC8268732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the prominent risk factors for the development and progression of calcific aortic valve disease. Nevertheless, little is known about molecular mechanisms of how T2D affects aortic valve (AV) remodeling. In this study, the influence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia on degenerative processes in valvular tissue is analyzed in intact AV exposed to an either static or dynamic 3D environment, respectively. The complex native dynamic environment of AV is simulated using a software-governed bioreactor system with controlled pulsatile flow. Dynamic cultivation resulted in significantly stronger fibrosis in AV tissue compared to static cultivation, while hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia had no impact on fibrosis. The expression of key differentiation markers and proteoglycans were altered by diabetic conditions in an environment-dependent manner. Furthermore, hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia affect insulin-signaling pathways. Western blot analysis showed increased phosphorylation level of protein kinase B (AKT) after acute insulin stimulation, which was lost in AV under hyperinsulinemia, indicating acquired insulin resistance of the AV tissue in response to elevated insulin levels. These data underline a complex interplay of diabetic conditions on one hand and biomechanical 3D environment on the other hand that possesses an impact on AV tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I. Selig
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Joana Boulgaropoulos
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Naima Niazy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - D. Margriet Ouwens
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Auf’m Hennekamp 65, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg, 85764 München, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karlheinz Preuß
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, Modulation and Simulation, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Patrick Horn
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.H.); (R.W.)
| | - Ralf Westenfeld
- Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (P.H.); (R.W.)
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mareike Barth
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.I.S.); (J.B.); (N.N.); (A.L.); (M.B.)
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17
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Burgess KA, Herrick AL, Watson REB. Systemic sclerosis skin is a primed microenvironment for soft tissue calcification-a hypothesis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:2517-2527. [PMID: 33585894 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcinosis cutis, defined as sub-epidermal deposition of calcium salts, is a major clinical problem in patients with SSc, affecting 20-40% of patients. A number of recognized factors associated with calcinosis have been identified, including disease duration, digital ischaemia and acro-osteolysis. Yet, to date, the pathogenesis of SSc-related calcinosis remains unknown, and currently there is no effective disease-modifying pharmacotherapy. Following onset of SSc, there are marked changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin, notably a breakdown in the microfibrillar network and accumulation of type I collagen. Our hypothesis is that these pathological changes reflect a changing cellular phenotype and result in a primed microenvironment for soft tissue calcification, with SSc fibroblasts adopting a pro-osteogenic profile, and specific driving forces promoting tissue mineralization. Considering the role of the ECM in disease progression may help elucidate the mechanism(s) behind SSc-related calcinosis and inform the development of future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Burgess
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel E B Watson
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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18
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Büttner P, Feistner L, Lurz P, Thiele H, Hutcheson JD, Schlotter F. Dissecting Calcific Aortic Valve Disease-The Role, Etiology, and Drivers of Valvular Fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:660797. [PMID: 34041283 PMCID: PMC8143377 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.660797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a highly prevalent and progressive disorder that ultimately causes gradual narrowing of the left ventricular outflow orifice with ensuing devastating hemodynamic effects on the heart. Calcific mineral accumulation is the hallmark pathology defining this process; however, fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that leads to extensive deposition of fibrous connective tissue and distortion of the valvular microarchitecture similarly has major biomechanical and functional consequences for heart valve function. Significant advances have been made to unravel the complex mechanisms that govern these active, cell-mediated processes, yet the interplay between fibrosis and calcification and the individual contribution to progressive extracellular matrix stiffening require further clarification. Specifically, we discuss (1) the valvular biomechanics and layered ECM composition, (2) patterns in the cellular contribution, temporal onset, and risk factors for valvular fibrosis, (3) imaging valvular fibrosis, (4) biomechanical implications of valvular fibrosis, and (5) molecular mechanisms promoting fibrotic tissue remodeling and the possibility of reverse remodeling. This review explores our current understanding of the cellular and molecular drivers of fibrogenesis and the pathophysiological role of fibrosis in CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Büttner
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lukas Feistner
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philipp Lurz
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joshua D. Hutcheson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Florian Schlotter
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Driscoll K, Cruz AD, Butcher JT. Inflammatory and Biomechanical Drivers of Endothelial-Interstitial Interactions in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Circ Res 2021; 128:1344-1370. [PMID: 33914601 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease is dramatically increasing in global burden, yet no therapy exists outside of prosthetic replacement. The increasing proportion of younger and more active patients mandates alternative therapies. Studies suggest a window of opportunity for biologically based diagnostics and therapeutics to alleviate or delay calcific aortic valve disease progression. Advancement, however, has been hampered by limited understanding of the complex mechanisms driving calcific aortic valve disease initiation and progression towards clinically relevant interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander D Cruz
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
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20
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Schroeder ME, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Speckl KF, Walker CJ, Midekssa FS, Grim JC, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Collagen networks within 3D PEG hydrogels support valvular interstitial cell matrix mineralization. Acta Biomater 2021; 119:197-210. [PMID: 33181362 PMCID: PMC7738375 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatically degradable hydrogels were designed for the 3D culture of valvular interstitial cells (VICs), and through the incorporation of various functionalities, we aimed to investigate the role of the tissue microenvironment in promoting the osteogenic properties of VICs and matrix mineralization. Specifically, porcine VICs were encapsulated in a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel crosslinked with a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable crosslinker (KCGPQG↓IWGQCK) and formed via a thiol-ene photoclick reaction in the presence or absence of collagen type I to promote matrix mineralization. VIC-laden hydrogels were treated with osteogenic medium for up to 15 days, and the osteogenic response was characterized by the expression of RUNX2 as an early marker of an osteoblast-like phenotype, osteocalcin (OCN) as a marker of a mature osteoblast-like phenotype, and vimentin (VIM) as a marker of the fibroblast phenotype. In addition, matrix mineralization was characterized histologically with Von Kossa stain for calcium phosphate. Osteogenic response was further characterized biochemically with calcium assays, and physically via optical density measurements. When the osteogenic medium was supplemented with calcium chloride, OCN expression was upregulated and mineralization was discernable at 12 days of culture. Finally, this platform was used to screen various drug therapeutics that were assessed for their efficacy in preventing mineralization using optical density as a higher throughput readout. Collectively, these results suggest that matrix composition has a key role in supporting mineralization deposition within diseased valve tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Schroeder
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Kelly F Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Cierra J Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Firaol S Midekssa
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA
| | - Robert M Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder CO 80303, USA.
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