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Ejikeme C, Safdar Z. Exploring the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1402639. [PMID: 39050536 PMCID: PMC11267418 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1402639] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex cardiopulmonary disorder impacting the lung vasculature, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance that leads to right ventricular dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension comprises of 5 groups (PH group 1 to 5) where group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), results from alterations that directly affect the pulmonary arteries. Although PAH has a complex pathophysiology that is not completely understood, it is known to be a multifactorial disease that results from a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, leading to a varied range of symptoms in PAH patients. PAH does not have a cure, its incidence and prevalence continue to increase every year, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates. In this review, we discuss the different pathologic mechanisms with a focus on epigenetic modifications and their roles in the development and progression of PAH. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA dysregulation. Understanding these epigenetic modifications will improve our understanding of PAH and unveil novel therapeutic targets, thus steering research toward innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeenat Safdar
- Department of Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine, Houston Methodist Lung Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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2
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Hu T, Mu C, Li Y, Hao W, Yu X, Wang Y, Han W, Li Q. GPS2 ameliorates cigarette smoking-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling by modulating the ras-Raf-ERK axis. Respir Res 2024; 25:210. [PMID: 38755610 PMCID: PMC11100185 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02831-0] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)signaling-mediated smoking-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH). And G protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) could suppress G-protein signaling such as Ras and MAPK, but its role in cigarette smoking -induced PVR (CS-PVR) is unclear. METHODS An in vivo model of smoke-exposed rats was constructed to assess the role of GPS2 in smoking-induced PH and PVR. In vitro, the effects of GPS2 overexpression and silencing on the function of human pulmonary arterial smooth cells (HPASMCs) and the underlying mechanisms were explored. RESULTS GPS2 expression was downregulated in rat pulmonary arteries (PAs) and HPASMCs after CS exposure. More importantly, CS-exposed rats with GPS2 overexpression had lower right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), and wall thickness (WT%) than those without. And enhanced proliferation and migration of HPASMCs induced by cigarette smoking extract (CSE) can be evidently inhibited by overexpressed GPS2. Besides, GPS2siRNA significantly enhanced the proliferation, and migration of HPASMCs as well as activated Ras and Raf/ERK signaling, while these effects were inhibited by zoledronic acid (ZOL). In addition, GPS2 promoter methylation level in rat PAs and HPASMCs was increased after CS exposure, and 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza) inhibited CSE-induced GPS2 hypermethylation and downregulation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS GPS2 overexpression could improve the CS-PVR, suggesting that GPS2 might serve as a novel therapeutic target for PH-COPD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chaohui Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanmiao Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wanming Hao
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xinjuan Yu
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wei Han
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Qinghai Li
- Qingdao Key Lab of Common Diseases, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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3
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Chen D, Yang J, Zhang T, Li X, Xiong Q, Jiang S, Yi C. Mechanistic Investigation of Calcium Channel Regulation-Associated Genes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Signatures for Diagnosis. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01112-x. [PMID: 38461180 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01112-x] [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: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe cardiopulmonary disorder with complex causes. Calcium channel blockers have long been used in its treatment. Our study aimed to validate experimental results showing increased calcium ion concentration in PAH patients. We investigated the impact of genes related to calcium channel regulation on PAH development and developed an accurate diagnostic model. Clinical trial data from serum of 18 healthy individuals and 18 patients with PAH were retrospectively analyzed. Concentrations of calcium and potassium ions were determined and compared. Datasets were retrieved, selecting genes associated with calcium ion release. R packages processed the datasets, filtering 174 common genes, and conducting Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. Six hub genes were identified, and nomogram and logistic regression prediction models were constructed. Random forest filtered cross genes, and a diagnostic model was developed and validated using an artificial neural network. The 174 intersection genes related to calcium ions showed significant correlations with biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Six key genes were obtained by constructing a protein-protein interaction network. A diagnostic model with high accuracy (> 90%) and diagnostic capability (AUC = 0.98) was established using a neural network algorithm. This study validated the experimental results, identified key genes associated with calcium ions, and developed a highly accurate diagnostic model using a neural network algorithm. These findings provide insights into the role of calcium release genes in PAH and demonstrate the potential of the diagnostic model for clinical application. However, due to limitations in sample size and a lack of prognosis data, the regulatory mechanisms of calcium ions in PAH patients and their impact on the clinical prognosis of PAH patients still need further exploration in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjuan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Jiangxi, 330063, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Jiangxi, 330063, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiliang Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Jiangxi, 330063, China
| | - Shaofeng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Jiangxi, 330063, China
| | - Chen Yi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Jiangxi, 330063, China.
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4
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Ulrich A, Wu Y, Draisma H, Wharton J, Swietlik EM, Cebola I, Vasilaki E, Balkhiyarova Z, Jarvelin MR, Auvinen J, Herzig KH, Coghlan JG, Lordan J, Church C, Howard LS, Pepke-Zaba J, Toshner M, Wort SJ, Kiely DG, Condliffe R, Lawrie A, Gräf S, Morrell NW, Wilkins MR, Prokopenko I, Rhodes CJ. Blood DNA methylation profiling identifies cathepsin Z dysregulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Nat Commun 2024; 15:330. [PMID: 38184627 PMCID: PMC10771427 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44683-0] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling causing premature death from right heart failure. Established DNA variants influence PAH risk, but susceptibility from epigenetic changes is unknown. We addressed this through epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), testing 865,848 CpG sites for association with PAH in 429 individuals with PAH and 1226 controls. Three loci, at Cathepsin Z (CTSZ, cg04917472), Conserved oligomeric Golgi complex 6 (COG6, cg27396197), and Zinc Finger Protein 678 (ZNF678, cg03144189), reached epigenome-wide significance (p < 10-7) and are hypermethylated in PAH, including in individuals with PAH at 1-year follow-up. Of 16 established PAH genes, only cg10976975 in BMP10 shows hypermethylation in PAH. Hypermethylation at CTSZ is associated with decreased blood cathepsin Z mRNA levels. Knockdown of CTSZ expression in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells increases caspase-3/7 activity (p < 10-4). DNA methylation profiles are altered in PAH, exemplified by the pulmonary endothelial function modifier CTSZ, encoding protease cathepsin Z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ulrich
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Yukyee Wu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harmen Draisma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Wharton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emilia M Swietlik
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Inês Cebola
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Vasilaki
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Zhanna Balkhiyarova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Section of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- People-Centred Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Unit of Primary Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Juha Auvinen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Institute of Biomedicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Colin Church
- Golden Jubilee National Hospital and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Toshner
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen J Wort
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National PH Service, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - David G Kiely
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robin Condliffe
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Allan Lawrie
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stefan Gräf
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR BioResource for Translational Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- VPD Heart & Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Inga Prokopenko
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
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Bousseau S, Sobrano Fais R, Gu S, Frump A, Lahm T. Pathophysiology and new advances in pulmonary hypertension. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000137. [PMID: 37051026 PMCID: PMC10083754 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and often fatal cardiopulmonary condition characterised by increased pulmonary arterial pressure, structural changes in the pulmonary circulation, and the formation of vaso-occlusive lesions. These changes lead to increased right ventricular afterload, which often progresses to maladaptive right ventricular remodelling and eventually death. Pulmonary arterial hypertension represents one of the most severe and best studied types of pulmonary hypertension and is consistently targeted by drug treatments. The underlying molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension is a complex and multifactorial process, but can be characterised by several hallmarks: inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, metabolic alterations, genetic or epigenetic abnormalities, influence of sex and sex hormones, and abnormalities in the right ventricle. Current treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension and some other types of pulmonary hypertension target pathways involved in the control of pulmonary vascular tone and proliferation; however, these treatments have limited efficacy on patient outcomes. This review describes key features of pulmonary hypertension, discusses current and emerging therapeutic interventions, and points to future directions for research and patient care. Because most progress in the specialty has been made in pulmonary arterial hypertension, this review focuses on this type of pulmonary hypertension. The review highlights key pathophysiological concepts and emerging therapeutic directions, targeting inflammation, cellular metabolism, genetics and epigenetics, sex hormone signalling, bone morphogenetic protein signalling, and inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bousseau
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Rafael Sobrano Fais
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Sue Gu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Lab, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrea Frump
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tim Lahm
- Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
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6
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Miao R, Dong X, Gong J, Li Y, Guo X, Wang J, Huang Q, Wang Y, Li J, Yang S, Kuang T, Liu M, Wan J, Zhai Z, Zhong J, Yang Y. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and microarray analyses to explore the pathological mechanisms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:900353. [PMID: 36440052 PMCID: PMC9684175 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.900353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the pathological mechanisms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) using a gene chip array and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). MATERIALS AND METHODS The mRNA expression profile GSE130391 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The peripheral blood samples of five CTEPH patients and five healthy controls were used to prepare the Affymetrix microRNA (miRNA) chip and the Agilent circular RNA (circRNA) chip. The pulmonary endarterectomized tissues from five CTEPH patients were analyzed by scRNA-seq. Cells were clustered and annotated, followed by the identification of highly expressed genes. The gene chip data were used to identify disease-related mRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs and circRNAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were constructed for each cell type. RESULTS A total of 11 cell types were identified. Intersection analysis of highly expressed genes in each cell type and differentially expressed mRNAs were performed to obtain disease-related genes in each cell type. TP53, ICAM1, APP, ITGB2, MYC, and ZYX showed the highest degree of connectivity in the PPI network of different types of cells. In addition, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network for each cell type was constructed. CONCLUSION For the first time, the key mRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, as well as their possible regulatory relationships, during the progression of CTEPH were analyzed using both gene chip and scRNA-seq data. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms of CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Miao
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingbei Dong
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Juanni Gong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yidan Li
- Department of Echocardiography, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jifeng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Suqiao Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tuguang Kuang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Respiration, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenguo Zhai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuchang Zhong
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanhua Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Predescu DN, Mokhlesi B, Predescu SA. The Impact of Sex Chromosomes in the Sexual Dimorphism of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:582-594. [PMID: 35114193 PMCID: PMC8978209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease with a poorly understood female prevalence. Emerging research suggests that nonhormonal factors, such as the XX or XY sex chromosome complement and sex bias in gene expression, may also lead to sex-based differences in PAH incidence, penetrance, and progression. Typically, one of females' two X chromosomes is epigenetically silenced to offer a gender-balanced gene expression. Recent data demonstrate that the long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript, essential for X chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression, shows elevated levels in female PAH lung specimens compared with controls. This molecular event leads to incomplete inactivation of the females' second X chromosome, abnormal expression of X-linked gene(s) involved in PAH pathophysiology, and a pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) proliferative phenotype. Moreover, the pathogenic proliferative p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/ETS transcription factor ELK1 (Elk1)/cFos signaling is mechanistically linked to the sexually dimorphic proliferative response of PAECs in PAH. Apprehending the complicated relationship between long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript and X-linked genes and how this relationship integrates into a sexually dimorphic proliferation of PAECs and PAH sex paradox remain challenging. We highlight herein new findings related to how the sex chromosome complement and sex-differentiated epigenetic mechanisms to control gene expression are decisive players in the sexual dimorphism of PAH. Pharmacologic interventions in the light of the newly elucidated mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan N Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Babak Mokhlesi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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8
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BMPR2 promoter methylation and its expression in valvular heart disease complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:24580-24604. [PMID: 34793329 PMCID: PMC8660616 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a common heart disease that affects blood flow. It usually requires heart surgery. Valvular heart disease complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension (VHD-PAH) may be lethal due to heart failure that results from increased heart burden. It is important for these patients to seek early treatment in order to minimize the heart damage. However, there is no reliable diagnosis method in VHD. In this study, we found DNA methylation was increased at the promoter of BMPR2 gene in the VHD patients compared with the healthy controls. This finding was confirmed by an independent cohort study of VHD patients and healthy controls. In addition, BMPR2 mRNA levels were reduced in the plasma of the VHD patients. There is strong correlation between BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and the severity of VHD. Indeed, we found that both BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and BMPR2 mRNA levels in the plasma are good biomarkers of VHD by themselves, with the respective AUC value of 0.879 and 0.725, respectively. When they were used in combination, the diagnostic value was even better, with the AUC value of 0.93. Consistent with the results in the VHD patients, we observed decreased BMPR2 and increased fibrosis in the lung of a PAH model mouse. BMPR2 was also decreased in the hearts of the PAH mice, whereas BMP4 was increased. Furthermore, BMPR2 was reduced in the heart valve tissue samples of human VHD patients after valve replacement with moderate/severe PAH compared with those with mild PAH. There was also increased apoptosis in the hearts of the PAH mice. BMPR2 promoter DNA methylation and its expression appear to be good biomarkers for VHD. Our results also suggest that DNA methylation may cause PAH through deregulation of BMP signaling and increased apoptosis.
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9
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Hudson J, Farkas L. Epigenetic Regulation of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212098. [PMID: 34829978 PMCID: PMC8617605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Once perceived as a disorder treated by vasodilation, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has emerged as a pulmonary vascular disease with severe endothelial cell dysfunction. In the absence of a cure, many studies seek to understand the detailed mechanisms of EC regulation to potentially create more therapeutic options for PAH. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by complex phenotypic changes including unchecked proliferation, apoptosis-resistance, enhanced inflammatory signaling and metabolic reprogramming. Recent studies have highlighted the role of epigenetic modifications leading to pro-inflammatory response pathways, endothelial dysfunction, and the progression of PAH. This review summarizes the existing literature on epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, which can lead to aberrant endothelial function. Our goal is to develop a conceptual framework for immune dysregulation and epigenetic changes in endothelial cells in the context of PAH. These studies as well as others may lead to advances in therapeutics to treat this devastating disease.
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10
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Wang F, Zhen Y, Si C, Wang C, Pan L, Chen Y, Liu X, Kong J, Nie Q, Sun M, Han Y, Ye Z, Liu P, Wen J. WNT5B promotes vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation via mitochondrial dynamics regulation in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:789-803. [PMID: 34368954 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by proliferative vascular remodeling. Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching is crucial to this process, highlighting the need for VSMC metabolic changes to cover cellular energy demand in CTEPH. We report that elevated Wnt family member 5B (WNT5B) expression is associated with vascular remodeling and promotes VSMC phenotype switching via mitochondrial dynamics regulation in CTEPH. Using primary culture of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, we show that high WNT5B expression activates VSMC proliferation and migration and results in mitochondrial fission via noncanonical Wnt signaling in CTEPH. Abnormal VSMC proliferation and migration were abolished by mitochondrial division inhibitor 1, an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2, a soluble scavenger of Wnt signaling, attenuates VSMC proliferation and migration by accelerating mitochondrial fusion. These findings indicate that WNT5B is an essential regulator of mitochondrial dynamics, contributing to VSMC phenotype switching in CTEPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Zhen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaozeng Si
- Department of Operations and Information Management, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lin Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Kong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiangqiang Nie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingsheng Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhidong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyan Wen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Tian Q, Fan X, Ma J, Li D, Han Y, Yin X, Wang H, Huang T, Wang Z, Shentu Y, Xue F, Du C, Wang Y, Mao S, Fan J, Gong Y. Critical role of VGLL4 in the regulation of chronic normobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21822. [PMID: 34314061 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002650rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a rare but deadly cardiopulmonary disorder, is characterized by extensive remodeling of pulmonary arteries resulting from enhancement of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis; however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recently, epigenetics has gained increasing prominence in the development of PH. We aimed to investigate the role of vestigial-like family member 4 (VGLL4) in chronic normobaric hypoxia (CNH)-induced PH and to address whether it is associated with epigenetic regulation. The rodent model of PH was established by CNH treatment (10% O2 , 23 hours/day). Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and adeno-associated virus tests were performed to explore the potential mechanisms involved in CNH-induced PH in mice. VGLL4 expression was upregulated and correlated with CNH in PH mouse lung tissues in a time-dependent manner. VGLL4 colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin in cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and VGLL4 immunoactivity was increased in PASMCs following hypoxia exposure in vitro. VGLL4 knockdown attenuated CNH-induced PH and pulmonary artery remodeling by blunting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling; conversely, VGLL4 overexpression exacerbated the development of PH. CNH enhanced the acetylation of VGLL4 and increased the interaction of ac-H3K9/VGLL4 and ac-H3K9/STAT3 in the lung tissues, and levels of ac-H3K9, p-STAT3/STAT3, and proliferation-associated protein levels were markedly up-regulated, whereas apoptosis-related protein levels were significantly downregulated, in the lung tissues of mice with CNH-induced PH. Notably, abrogation of VGLL4 acetylation reversed CNH-induced PH and pulmonary artery remodeling and suppressed STAT3 signaling. Finally, STAT3 knockdown alleviated CNH-induced PH. In conclusion, VGLL4 acetylation upregulation could contribute to CNH-induced PH and pulmonary artery remodeling via STAT3 signaling, and abrogation of VGLL4 acetylation reversed CNH-induced PH. Pharmacological or genetic deletion of VGLL4 might be a potential target for therapeutic interventions in CNH-induced PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Tian
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianshe Ma
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dantong Li
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yujiao Han
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xianghong Yin
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhenglu Wang
- Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yangping Shentu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Congkuo Du
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yongyu Wang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sunzhong Mao
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Junming Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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12
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Lopez-Crisosto C, Arias-Carrasco R, Sepulveda P, Garrido-Olivares L, Maracaja-Coutinho V, Verdejo HE, Castro PF, Lavandero S. Novel molecular insights and public omics data in pulmonary hypertension. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166200. [PMID: 34144090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality which mainly affects women of reproductive age. Despite recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, the high heterogeneity in the presentation of the disease among different patients makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and to apply this knowledge to effective treatments. Therefore, new studies are required to focus on translational and personalized medicine to overcome the lack of specificity and efficacy of current management. Here, we review the majority of public databases storing 'omics' data of pulmonary hypertension studies, from animal models to human patients. Moreover, we review some of the new molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including non-coding RNAs and the application of 'omics' data to understand this pathology, hoping that these new approaches will provide insights to guide the way to personalized diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Lopez-Crisosto
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Raul Arias-Carrasco
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Pablo Sepulveda
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile; Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Garrido-Olivares
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vinicius Maracaja-Coutinho
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Hugo E Verdejo
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile; Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo F Castro
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile; Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences & Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile; Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
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13
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Wang Y, Huang XX, Leng D, Li JF, Liang Y, Jiang T. Effect of EZH2 on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell migration in pulmonary hypertension. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:129. [PMID: 33313943 PMCID: PMC7751464 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life‑threatening disease that often involves vascular remodeling. Although pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are the primary participants in vascular remodeling, their biological role is not entirely clear. The present study analyzed the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in vascular remodeling of PH by investigating the behavior of PASMCs. The expression levels of EZH2 in PASMCs in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a type of PH, were detected. The role of EZH2 in PASMC migration was investigated by wound‑healing assay following overexpression and knockdown. Functional enrichment analysis of the whole‑genome expression profiles of PASMCs with EZH2 overexpression was performed using an mRNA Human Gene Expression Microarray. Quantitative (q)PCR was performed to confirm the results of the microarray. EZH2 expression levels increased in CTEPH cell models. The overexpression of EZH2 enhanced PASMC migration compared with control conditions. Functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes following EZH2 overexpression indicated a strong link between EZH2 and the immune inflammatory response and oxidoreductase activity in PASMCs. mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase 3 were verified by qPCR. The results suggested that EZH2 was involved in the migration of PASMCs in PH, and may serve as a potential target for the treatment of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao‑Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Dong Leng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao‑Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao‑Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, P.R. China
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14
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Possible immune regulation mechanisms for the progression of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Thromb Res 2020; 198:122-131. [PMID: 33316641 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to screen key genes significantly associated with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and predicted suitable drugs for the treatment of CTEPH from the perspective of immune cells. METHODS The dataset GSE130391 was used for this analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the CTEPH and control groups were screened. Abundance of infiltrating immune cells was analyzed and immune-related DEGs were identified. Next, the circular RNA (circRNA)-micro RNA (miRNA)-mRNA network was constructed, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and drug-gene interactions were predicted. Finally, miRNA and circRNA prediction results were verified by our previously published studies. RESULTS Five key immune cell-related DEGs [CD83 molecule (CD83), complement c5a receptor 1 (C5AR1), atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1), profilin 2 (PFN2), and solute carrier family 2 member 3 (SLC2A3)] were identified. Several circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions were obtained, including circ_0022342miR-503-5pSLC2A3 and circ_0002062miR-92b-3p/miR-92a-3pmannosidase alpha class 2A member 1 (MAN2A1). Immune cell for SLC2A3 was eosinophils and for MAN2A1 was regulatory T cells (Tregs). Additionally, Glufosfamide and Kifunensine might be suitable as candidate drugs for CTEPH treatment. CONCLUSIONS SLC2A3 and MAN2A1 may be important genes for the pathogenesis of CTEPH. Possible immune regulation mechanisms in CTEPH may be circ_0022342miR-503-5pSLC2A3 and circ_0002062miR-92b-3p/miR-92a-3pMAN2A1. These results may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of CTEPH from the perspective of immunology.
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15
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Yan Y, He YY, Jiang X, Wang Y, Chen JW, Zhao JH, Ye J, Lian TY, Zhang X, Zhang RJ, Lu D, Guo SS, Xu XQ, Sun K, Li SQ, Zhang LF, Zhang X, Zhang SY, Jing ZC. DNA methyltransferase 3B deficiency unveils a new pathological mechanism of pulmonary hypertension. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba2470. [PMID: 33298433 PMCID: PMC7725449 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays critical roles in vascular pathology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The underlying mechanism, however, remains undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that global DNA methylation was elevated in the lungs of PH rat models after monocrotaline administration or hypobaric hypoxia exposure. We showed that DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) was up-regulated in both PH patients and rodent models. Furthermore, Dnmt3b -/- rats exhibited more severe pulmonary vascular remodeling. Consistently, inhibition of DNMT3B promoted proliferation/migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). In contrast, overexpressing DNMT3B in PASMCs attenuated PDGF-BB-induced proliferation/migration and ameliorated hypoxia-mediated PH and right ventricular hypertrophy in mice. We also showed that DNMT3B transcriptionally regulated inflammatory pathways. Our results reveal that DNMT3B is a previously undefined mediator in the pathogenesis of PH, which couples epigenetic regulations with vascular remodeling and represents a therapeutic target to tackle PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang-Yang He
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Wang Chen
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun-Han Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Yu Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-Jiao Zhang
- Hebei University Health Science Center, Hebei, China
| | - Dan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Guo
- Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical College, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Xi-Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lian-Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Jing
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, and Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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16
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Li Z, Chyr J, Jia Z, Wang L, Hu X, Wu X, Song C. Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Hypertension and Their Interaction with miRNA Based on Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) Analysis. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e923514. [PMID: 32888289 PMCID: PMC7491244 DOI: 10.12659/msm.923514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is one of the most widespread health conditions in the world, and the molecular mechanism of it is still unclear. In this study, we identified the hub genes (hub miRNA genes) associated with hypertension and explored the relationship between hypertension miRNA-gene by constructing a mRNA co-expression network and a miRNA co-expression network, which can help to reveal the mechanism and predict the prognosis of hypertension progression. Material/Methods Based on gene expression profile data of hypertensive samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, WGCNA was used to detect hypertension-related biomarkers and key mRNA and miRNA modules. Then, DAVID was used to perform gene-annotation enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and miRPath were used for pathway analysis of mRNA and miRNAs genes. Results We identified 3 key modules relating to hypertension, 2 mRNA modules named Msaddlebrown and Mgreenyellow and 1 miRNA module named Msalmon. In addition, 12 hub genes (RPL21, RPS28, LOC442727/PTGAP10, LOC100129599/RPS29P14, TBXAS1, FCER1G, CFP, FURIN, PECAM1, IGSF6, NCF1C, and LOC285296/UNC93B3) and 7 hub miRNAs (hsa-miR-1268a/b, hsa-miR-513c-3p, hsa-miR-4799-5p, hsa-miR-296-3p, hsa-miR-5195-5p, hsa-miR-219-2-3p, and hsa-miR-548d-5p) relating to hypertension were identified. HIF-1 signaling pathway and insulin signaling pathway were closely related to the 3 key modules. We also discovered 4 miRNAs (hsa-miR-548am-3p, hsa-miR-513c-3p, hsa-miR-182-5p, and hsa-miR-548d-5p) and 6 genes (IGF1R, GSK3B, FOXO1, PRKAR2B, HIF1A, and PIK3R1) were the core nodes in the hypertension-related miRNA-gene network, and hsa-miR-548am-3p was at the center of the network. Conclusions These findings will help improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertension, and the discovered genes can serve as signatures for early diagnosis of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongjin Li
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Information Processing, Ministry of Education, Tibetan Information Processing and Machine Translation Key Laboratory of Qinghai Province, School of Computer Application Technology, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, Qinghai, China (mainland)
| | - Jacqueline Chyr
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zeyu Jia
- School of Computer Application Technology, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, Qinghai, China (mainland)
| | - Lina Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xi Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Changxin Song
- Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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17
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Hsu JY, Major JL, Riching AS, Sen R, Pires da Silva J, Bagchi RA. Beyond the genome: challenges and potential for epigenetics-driven therapeutic approaches in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 98:631-646. [PMID: 32706995 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease of the cardiopulmonary system caused by the narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased vascular resistance and pressure. This leads to right ventricle remodeling, dysfunction, and eventually, death. While conventional therapies have largely focused on targeting vasodilation, other pathological features of PAH including aberrant inflammation, mitochondrial dynamics, cell proliferation, and migration have not been well explored. Thus, despite some recent improvements in PAH treatment, the life expectancy and quality of life for patients with PAH remains poor. Showing many similarities to cancers, PAH is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, decreased apoptotic signaling pathways, and changes in metabolism. The recent successes of therapies targeting epigenetic modifiers for the treatment of cancer has prompted epigenetic research in PAH, revealing many new potential therapeutic targets. In this minireview we discuss the emergence of epigenetic dysregulation in PAH and highlight epigenetic-targeting compounds that may be effective for the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer L Major
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew S Riching
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rwik Sen
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie Pires da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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18
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Ma C, Zhang L, Wang X, He S, Bai J, Li Q, Zhang M, Zhang C, Yu X, Zhang J, Xin W, Li Y, Zhu D. piRNA-63076 contributes to pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation through acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:5260-5273. [PMID: 32227582 PMCID: PMC7205801 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are thought to be germline-specific and to be involved in maintaining genome stability during development. Recently, piRNA expression has been identified in somatic cells in diverse organisms. However, the roles of piRNAs in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and the molecular mechanism underlying the hypoxia-regulated pathological process of pulmonary hypertension are not well understood. Using hypoxic animal models, cell and molecular biology, we obtained the first evidence that the expression of piRNA-63076 was up-regulated in hypoxia and was positively correlated with cell proliferation. Subsequently, we showed that acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (Acadm), which is negatively regulated by piRNA-63076 and interacts with Piwi proteins, was involved in hypoxic PASMC proliferation. Finally, Acadm inhibition under hypoxia was partly attributed to DNA methylation of the Acadm promoter region mediated by piRNA-63076. Overall, these findings represent invaluable resources for better understanding the role of epigenetics in pulmonary hypertension associated with piRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Ma
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and TechnologyHarbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and TechnologyHarbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Siyu He
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - June Bai
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Qian Li
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Min Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of PharmacyHarbin University of CommerceHarbinChina
| | - Xiufeng Yu
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and TechnologyHarbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
| | - Junting Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Wei Xin
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yiying Li
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Daling Zhu
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing)DaqingChina
- College of PharmacyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
- State Province Key Laboratories of BiomedicinePharmaceutics of ChinaDaqingChina
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine ResearchMinistry of EducationHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
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19
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Cheng X, Wang Y, Du L. Epigenetic Modulation in the Initiation and Progression of Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension 2019; 74:733-739. [PMID: 31476913 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe disease with multiple etiologies. In addition to genetics, recent studies have revealed the epigenetic modulation in the initiation and progression of PH. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PH, specifically, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs. We further emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these epigenetic hallmarks in PH. Finally, we highlight the developmental reprogramming in adult-onset PH because of adverse perinatal exposures such as intrauterine growth restriction and extrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, epigenetic modifications provide promise for the therapy and prevention of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cheng
- From the Department of Pediatrics, (X.C., Y.W.) Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- From the Department of Pediatrics, (X.C., Y.W.) Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Molecular Research in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030784. [PMID: 30759794 PMCID: PMC6387321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a debilitating disease, for which the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. Occurrence of a pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major risk factor for the development of CTEPH, with non-resolution of the thrombus being considered the main cause of CTEPH. Polymorphisms in the α-chain of fibrinogen have been linked to resistance to fibrinolysis in CTEPH patients, and could be responsible for development and disease progression. However, it is likely that additional genetic predisposition, as well as genetic and molecular alterations occurring as a consequence of tissue remodeling in the pulmonary arteries following a persistent PE, also play an important role in CTEPH. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding genetic differences between CTEPH patients and controls (with or without pulmonary hypertension). Mutations in BMPR2, differential gene and microRNA expression, and the transcription factor FoxO1 have been suggested to be involved in the processes underlying the development of CTEPH. While these studies provide the first indications regarding important dysregulated pathways in CTEPH (e.g., TGF-β and PI3K signaling), additional in-depth investigations are required to fully understand the complex processes leading to CTEPH.
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Hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) mediates high glucose induced ROS accumulation in renal tubular epithelial cells by epigenetically repressing SIRT1 transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:917-927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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