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Gramling DP, van Veldhuisen AL, Damen FW, Thatcher K, Liu F, McComb D, Lincoln J, Breuer CK, Goergen CJ, Sacks MS. In Vivo Three-Dimensional Geometric Reconstruction of the Mouse Aortic Heart Valve. Ann Biomed Eng 2024:10.1007/s10439-024-03555-4. [PMID: 38874705 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03555-4] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Aortic valve (AV) disease is a common valvular lesion in the United States, present in about 5% of the population at age 65 with increasing prevalence with advancing age. While current replacement heart valves have extended life for many, their long-term use remains hampered by limited durability. Non-surgical treatments for AV disease do not yet exist, in large part because our understanding of AV disease etiology remains incomplete. The direct study of human AV disease remains hampered by the fact that clinical data is only available at the time of treatment, where the disease is at or near end stage and any time progression information has been lost. Large animal models, long used to assess replacement AV devices, cannot yet reproduce AV disease processes. As an important alternative mouse animal models are attractive for their ability to perform genetic studies of the AV disease processes and test potential pharmaceutical treatments. While mouse models have been used for cellular and genetic studies of AV disease, their small size and fast heart rates have hindered their use for tissue- and organ-level studies. We have recently developed a novel ex vivo micro-CT-based methodology to 3D reconstruct murine heart valves and estimate the leaflet mechanical behaviors (Feng et al. in Sci Rep 13(1):12852, 2023). In the present study, we extended our approach to 3D reconstruction of the in vivo functional murine AV (mAV) geometry using high-frequency four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS). From the resulting 4DUS images we digitized the mAV mid-surface coordinates in the fully closed and fully opened states. We then utilized matched high-resolution µCT images of ex vivo mouse mAV to develop mAV NURBS-based geometric model. We then fitted the mAV geometric model to the in vivo data to reconstruct the 3D in vivo mAV geometry in the closed and open states in n = 3 mAV. Results demonstrated high fidelity geometric results. To our knowledge, this is the first time such reconstruction was ever achieved. This robust assessment of in vivo mAV leaflet kinematics in 3D opens up the possibility for longitudinal characterization of murine models that develop aortic valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Gramling
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Frederick W Damen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Thatcher
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Felix Liu
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David McComb
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joy Lincoln
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Christopher K Breuer
- Tissue Engineering and Surgical Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Michael S Sacks
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James T. Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Martin M, Chen CY, McCowan T, Wells S. Differential Development of the Chordae Tendineae and Anterior Leaflet of the Bovine Mitral Valve. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:106. [PMID: 38667724 PMCID: PMC11050492 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11040106] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that some adult mitral valve pathologies may have developmental origins involving errors in cell signaling and protein deposition during valvulogenesis. While early and late gestational stages are well-documented in zebrafish, chicks, and small mammalian models, longitudinal studies in large mammals with a similar gestational period to humans are lacking. Further, the mechanism of chordae tendineae formation and multiplication remains unclear. The current study presents a comprehensive examination of mitral anterior leaflet and chordae tendineae development in a bovine model (a large mammal with the same gestational period as humans). Remarkably distinct from small mammals, bovine development displayed early branched chordae, with increasing attachments only until birth, while the anterior leaflet grew both during gestation and postnatally. Chordae also exhibited accelerated collagen deposition, maturation, and crimp development during gestation. These findings suggest that the bovine anterior leaflet and chordae tendineae possess unique processes of development despite being a continuous collagenous structure and could provide greater insight into human valve development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Martin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculties of Science and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (C.-Y.C.); (T.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Timothy McCowan
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculties of Science and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (C.-Y.C.); (T.M.)
- Integrated Science Program, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sarah Wells
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
- Medical Sciences Program, Faculties of Science and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (C.-Y.C.); (T.M.)
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3
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Thériault S, Li Z, Abner E, Luan J, Manikpurage HD, Houessou U, Zamani P, Briend M, Boudreau DK, Gaudreault N, Frenette L, Argaud D, Dahmene M, Dagenais F, Clavel MA, Pibarot P, Arsenault BJ, Boekholdt SM, Wareham NJ, Esko T, Mathieu P, Bossé Y. Integrative genomic analyses identify candidate causal genes for calcific aortic valve stenosis involving tissue-specific regulation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2407. [PMID: 38494474 PMCID: PMC10944835 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46639-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
There is currently no medical therapy to prevent calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). Multi-omics approaches could lead to the identification of novel molecular targets. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis including 14,819 cases among 941,863 participants of European ancestry. We report 32 genomic loci, among which 20 are novel. RNA sequencing of 500 human aortic valves highlights an enrichment in expression regulation at these loci and prioritizes candidate causal genes. Homozygous genotype for a risk variant near TWIST1, a gene involved in endothelial-mesenchymal transition, has a profound impact on aortic valve transcriptomics. We identify five genes outside of GWAS loci by combining a transcriptome-wide association study, colocalization, and Mendelian randomization analyses. Using cross-phenotype and phenome-wide approaches, we highlight the role of circulating lipoproteins, blood pressure and inflammation in the disease process. Our findings pave the way for the development of novel therapies for CAVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Thériault
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Zhonglin Li
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Erik Abner
- Estonian Genome Center, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jian'an Luan
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hasanga D Manikpurage
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ursula Houessou
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Pardis Zamani
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mewen Briend
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique K Boudreau
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Gaudreault
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Lily Frenette
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Déborah Argaud
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Manel Dahmene
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - François Dagenais
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Annick Clavel
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Pibarot
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit J Arsenault
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - S Matthijs Boekholdt
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas J Wareham
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tõnu Esko
- Estonian Genome Center, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Patrick Mathieu
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Yohan Bossé
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Queen R, Crosier M, Eley L, Kerwin J, Turner JE, Yu J, Alqahtani A, Dhanaseelan T, Overman L, Soetjoadi H, Baldock R, Coxhead J, Boczonadi V, Laude A, Cockell SJ, Kane MA, Lisgo S, Henderson DJ. Spatial transcriptomics reveals novel genes during the remodelling of the embryonic human arterial valves. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010777. [PMID: 38011284 PMCID: PMC10703419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities of the arterial valves, including bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are amongst the most common congenital defects and are a significant cause of morbidity as well as predisposition to disease in later life. Despite this, and compounded by their small size and relative inaccessibility, there is still much to understand about how the arterial valves form and remodel during embryogenesis, both at the morphological and genetic level. Here we set out to address this in human embryos, using Spatial Transcriptomics (ST). We show that ST can be used to investigate the transcriptome of the developing arterial valves, circumventing the problems of accurately dissecting out these tiny structures from the developing embryo. We show that the transcriptome of CS16 and CS19 arterial valves overlap considerably, despite being several days apart in terms of human gestation, and that expression data confirm that the great majority of the most differentially expressed genes are valve-specific. Moreover, we show that the transcriptome of the human arterial valves overlaps with that of mouse atrioventricular valves from a range of gestations, validating our dataset but also highlighting novel genes, including four that are not found in the mouse genome and have not previously been linked to valve development. Importantly, our data suggests that valve transcriptomes are under-represented when using commonly used databases to filter for genes important in cardiac development; this means that causative variants in valve-related genes may be excluded during filtering for genomic data analyses for, for example, BAV. Finally, we highlight "novel" pathways that likely play important roles in arterial valve development, showing that mouse knockouts of RBP1 have arterial valve defects. Thus, this study has confirmed the utility of ST for studies of the developing heart valves and broadens our knowledge of the genes and signalling pathways important in human valve development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Queen
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Moira Crosier
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Eley
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Kerwin
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmin E. Turner
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Jianshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ahlam Alqahtani
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Tamilvendhan Dhanaseelan
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne Overman
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Soetjoadi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Baldock
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, Edinburgh University, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- Genomics Core Facility, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Veronika Boczonadi
- Bioimaging Unit, Faculty of medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Laude
- Bioimaging Unit, Faculty of medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Cockell
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Steven Lisgo
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah J. Henderson
- Human Developmental Biology Resource, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
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5
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Wu B, Wu B, Benkaci S, Shi L, Lu P, Park T, Morrow BE, Wang Y, Zhou B. Crk and Crkl Are Required in the Endocardial Lineage for Heart Valve Development. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029683. [PMID: 37702066 PMCID: PMC10547300 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Endocardial cells are a major progenitor population that gives rise to heart valves through endocardial cushion formation by endocardial to mesenchymal transformation and the subsequent endocardial cushion remodeling. Genetic variants that affect these developmental processes can lead to congenital heart valve defects. Crk and Crkl are ubiquitously expressed genes encoding cytoplasmic adaptors essential for cell signaling. This study aims to explore the specific role of Crk and Crkl in the endocardial lineage during heart valve development. Methods and Results We deleted Crk and Crkl specifically in the endocardial lineage. The resultant heart valve morphology was evaluated by histological analysis, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated by immunostaining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the targeted deletion of Crk and Crkl impeded the remodeling of endocardial cushions at the atrioventricular canal into the atrioventricular valves. We showed that apoptosis was temporally increased in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions, and this developmentally upregulated apoptosis was repressed by deletion of Crk and Crkl. Loss of Crk and Crkl also resulted in altered extracellular matrix production and organization in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions. These morphogenic defects were associated with altered expression of genes in BMP (bone morphogenetic protein), connective tissue growth factor, and WNT signaling pathways, and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling activities. Conclusions Our findings support that Crk and Crkl have shared functions in the endocardial lineage that critically regulate atrioventricular valve development; together, they likely coordinate the morphogenic signals involved in the remodeling of the atrioventricular endocardial cushions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingruo Wu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Brian Wu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Sonia Benkaci
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Lijie Shi
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Taeju Park
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri‐Kansas City School of MedicineKansas CityMO
| | | | - Yidong Wang
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi’an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi’anChina
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
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6
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Li B, Li T, Pu T, Liu C, Chen S, Sun K, Xu R. Genetic and functional analyses detect one pathological NFATC1 mutation in a Chinese tricuspid atresia family. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1771. [PMID: 34363434 PMCID: PMC8457709 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac valvulogenesis is a highly conserved process among vertebrates and cause unidirectional flow of blood in the heart. It was precisely regulated by signal pathways such as VEGF, NOTCH, and WNT and transcriptional factors such as TWIST1, TBX20, NFATC1, and SOX9. Tricuspid atresia refers to morphological deficiency of the valve and confined right atrioventricular traffic due to tricuspid maldevelopment, and is one of the most common types of congenital valve defects. Methods We recruited a healthy couple with two fetuses aborted due to tricuspid atresia and identified related gene mutations using whole‐exome sequencing. We then discussed the pathogenic significance of this mutation by bioinformatic and functional analyses. Results PROVEAN, PolyPhen, MutationTaster, and HOPE indicated the mutation could change the protein function and cause disease; Western blotting showed the expression of NFATC1 c.964G>A mutation was lower than the wild type. What's more, dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed the transcriptional activity of NFATC1 was impact by mutation and the expression of downstream DEGS1 was influenced. Conclusion Taken together, the c.964G>A mutation might be pathological and related to the occurrence of disease. Our research tended to deepen the understanding of etiology of tricuspid atresia and gene function of NFATC1, and provide some references or suggestions for genetic diagnosis of tricuspid atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojian Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Pu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunjie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rang Xu
- Scientific Research Center, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Fajarda O, Duarte-Pereira S, Silva RM, Oliveira JL. Merging microarray studies to identify a common gene expression signature to several structural heart diseases. BioData Min 2020; 13:8. [PMID: 32670412 PMCID: PMC7346458 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-020-00217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Knowing a gene expression signature in heart disease can lead to the development of more efficient diagnosis and treatments that may prevent premature deaths. A large amount of microarray data is available in public repositories and can be used to identify differentially expressed genes. However, most of the microarray datasets are composed of a reduced number of samples and to obtain more reliable results, several datasets have to be merged, which is a challenging task. The identification of differentially expressed genes is commonly done using statistical methods. Nonetheless, these methods are based on the definition of an arbitrary threshold to select the differentially expressed genes and there is no consensus on the values that should be used. RESULTS Nine publicly available microarray datasets from studies of different heart diseases were merged to form a dataset composed of 689 samples and 8354 features. Subsequently, the adjusted p-value and fold change were determined and by combining a set of adjusted p-values cutoffs with a list of different fold change thresholds, 12 sets of differentially expressed genes were obtained. To select the set of differentially expressed genes that has the best accuracy in classifying samples from patients with heart diseases and samples from patients with no heart condition, the random forest algorithm was used. A set of 62 differentially expressed genes having a classification accuracy of approximately 95% was identified. CONCLUSIONS We identified a gene expression signature common to different cardiac diseases and supported our findings by showing their involvement in the pathophysiology of the heart. The approach used in this study is suitable for the identification of gene expression signatures, and can be extended to different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Fajarda
- IEETA/DETI, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Pereira
- IEETA/DETI, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
| | - Raquel M. Silva
- IEETA/DETI, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences and iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193 Portugal
- Current Address: Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, CIIS-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Saúde, Campus de Viseu, Viseu, 3504-505 Portugal
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8
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Asporin Reduces Adult Aortic Valve Interstitial Cell Mineralization Induced by Osteogenic Media and Wnt Signaling Manipulation In Vitro. Int J Cell Biol 2020; 2020:2045969. [PMID: 32328102 PMCID: PMC7171660 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2045969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, calcific aortic valve disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with cardiac abnormalities. Aortic valve mineralization and calcification are the key events of adult calcific aortic valve disease manifestation and functional insufficiency. Due to heavy mineralization and calcification, adult aortic valvular cusps show disorganized and dispersed stratification concomitant with deposition of calcific nodules with severely compromised adult valve function. Interestingly, shared gene regulatory pathways are identified between bone-forming cells and heart valve cells during development. Asporin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (43 kDa), acts to inhibit mineralization in periodontal ligament cells and is also detected in normal murine adult aortic valve leaflets with unknown function. Therefore, to understand the Asporin function in aortic cusp mineralization and calcification, adult avian aortic valvular interstitial cell culture system is established and osteogenesis has been induced in these cells successfully. Upon induction of osteogenesis, reduced expression of Asporin mRNA and increased expression of bone and osteogenesis markers are detected compared to cells maintained without osteogenic induction. Importantly, treatment with human recombinant Asporin protein reduces the mineralization level in osteogenic media-induced aortic valvular interstitial cells with the concomitant decreased level of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Overall, all these data are highly indicative that Asporin might be a novel biomolecular target to treat patients of calcific aortic valve disease over current cusp replacement surgery.
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9
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Mollazadeh S, Fazly Bazzaz BS, Neshati V, de Vries AAF, Naderi-Meshkin H, Mojarad M, Neshati Z, Kerachian MA. T- Box20 inhibits osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells: the role of T- Box20 on osteogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:8. [PMID: 31548928 PMCID: PMC6751895 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-019-0099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Skeletal development and its cellular function are regulated by various transcription factors. The T-box (Tbx) family of transcription factors have critical roles in cellular differentiation as well as heart and limbs organogenesis. These factors possess activator and/or repressor domains to modify the expression of target genes. Despite the obvious effects of Tbx20 on heart development, its impact on bone development is still unknown. Methods To investigate the consequence by forced Tbx20 expression in the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (Ad-MSCs), these cells were transduced with a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding Tbx20 and an enhanced green fluorescent protein. Results Tbx20 gene delivery system suppressed the osteogenic differentiation of Ad-MSCs, as indicated by reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin Red S staining. Consistently, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that Tbx20 gain-of-function reduced the expression levels of osteoblast marker genes in osteo-inductive Ad-MSCs cultures. Accordingly, Tbx20 negatively affected osteogenesis through modulating expression of key factors involved in this process. Conclusion The present study suggests that Tbx20 could inhibit osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mollazadeh
- 1Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.,2Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz
- 2Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,3Department of Food and Drug Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,4School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Neshati
- 2Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Antoine A F de Vries
- 5Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hojjat Naderi-Meshkin
- 6Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Mojarad
- 7Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,8Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Neshati
- 9Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Kerachian
- 7Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,8Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Hill MC, Kadow ZA, Li L, Tran TT, Wythe JD, Martin JF. A cellular atlas of Pitx2-dependent cardiac development. Development 2019; 146:dev180398. [PMID: 31201182 PMCID: PMC6602352 DOI: 10.1242/dev.180398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Pitx2 gene encodes a homeobox transcription factor that is required for mammalian development. Disruption of PITX2 expression in humans causes congenital heart diseases and is associated with atrial fibrillation; however, the cellular and molecular processes dictated by Pitx2 during cardiac ontogeny remain unclear. To characterize the role of Pitx2 during murine heart development we sequenced over 75,000 single cardiac cell transcriptomes between two key developmental timepoints in control and Pitx2 null embryos. We found that cardiac cell composition was dramatically altered in mutants at both E10.5 and E13.5. Interestingly, the differentiation dynamics of both anterior and posterior second heart field-derived progenitor cells were disrupted in Pitx2 mutants. We also uncovered evidence for defects in left-right asymmetry within atrial cardiomyocyte populations. Furthermore, we were able to detail defects in cardiac outflow tract and valve development associated with Pitx2 Our findings offer insight into Pitx2 function and provide a compilation of gene expression signatures for further detailing the complexities of heart development that will serve as the foundation for future studies of cardiac morphogenesis, congenital heart disease and arrhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Hill
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zachary A Kadow
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lele Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tien T Tran
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua D Wythe
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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11
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Schulz A, Brendler J, Blaschuk O, Landgraf K, Krueger M, Ricken AM. Non-pathological Chondrogenic Features of Valve Interstitial Cells in Normal Adult Zebrafish. J Histochem Cytochem 2019; 67:361-373. [PMID: 30620237 DOI: 10.1369/0022155418824083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the heart, unidirectional blood flow depends on proper heart valve function. As, in mammals, regulatory mechanisms of early heart valve and bone development are shown to contribute to adult heart valve pathologies, we used the animal model zebrafish (ZF, Danio rerio) to investigate the microarchitecture and differentiation of cardiac valve interstitial cells in the transition from juvenile (35 days) to end of adult breeding (2.5 years) stages. Of note, light microscopy and immunohistochemistry revealed major differences in ZF heart valve microarchitecture when compared with adult mice. We demonstrate evidence for rather chondrogenic features of valvular interstitial cells by histological staining and immunodetection of SOX-9, aggrecan, and type 2a1 collagen. Collagen depositions are enriched in a thin layer at the atrial aspect of atrioventricular valves and the ventricular aspect of bulboventricular valves, respectively. At the ultrastructural level, the collagen fibrils are lacking obvious periodicity and orientation throughout the entire valve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Schulz
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jana Brendler
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Orest Blaschuk
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Landgraf
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, University Hospital for Children & Adolescents and Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Adiposity Diseases.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krueger
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Albert M Ricken
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine.,University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Haskell GT, Jensen BC, Skrzynia C, Pulikkotil T, Tilley CR, Lu Y, Marchuk DS, Ann Samsa L, Wilhelmsen KC, Lange E, Patterson C, Evans JP, Berg JS. Genetic Complexity of Mitral Valve Prolapse Revealed by Clinical and Genetic Evaluation of a Large Family. THE JOURNAL OF HEART VALVE DISEASE 2017; 26:569-580. [PMID: 29762926 PMCID: PMC6676909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A genetic component to familial mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been proposed for decades. Despite this, very few genes have been linked to MVP. Herein is described a four-generation pedigree with numerous individuals affected with severe MVP, some at strikingly young ages. METHODS A detailed clinical evaluation performed on all affected family members demonstrated a spectrum of MVP morphologies and associated phenotypes. RESULTS Linkage analysis failed to identify strong candidate loci, but revealed significant regions, which were investigated further using whole-exome sequencing of one of the severely affected family members. Whole-exome sequencing identified variants in this individual that fell within linkage analysis peak regions, but none was an obvious pathogenic candidate. Follow up segregation analysis of all exome-identified variants was performed to genotype other affected and unaffected individuals in the family, but no variants emerged as clear pathogenic candidates. Two notable variants of uncertain significance in candidate genes were identified: p.I1013S in PTPRJ at 11p11.2 and FLYWCH1 p.R540Q at 16p13.3. Neither gene has been previously linked to MVP in humans, although PTPRJ mutant mice display defects in endocardial cushions, which give rise to the cardiac valves. PTPRJ and FLYWCH1 expression was detected in adult human mitral valve cells, and in-silico analysis of these variants suggests they may be deleterious. However, neither variant segregated completely with all of the affected individuals in the family, particularly when 'affected' was broadly defined. CONCLUSIONS While a contributory role for PTPRJ and FLYWCH1 in this family cannot be excluded, the study results underscored the difficulties involved in uncovering the genomic contribution to MVP, even in apparently Mendelian families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria T Haskell
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Electronic correspondence:
| | - Brian C Jensen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cecile Skrzynia
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thelsa Pulikkotil
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Kaiser Permanente, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christian R Tilley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yurong Lu
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daniel S Marchuk
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leigh Ann Samsa
- University of North Carolina McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kirk C Wilhelmsen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Renaissance Computing Institute, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ethan Lange
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cam Patterson
- Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - James P Evans
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan S Berg
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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13
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BMP2 expression in the endocardial lineage is required for AV endocardial cushion maturation and remodeling. Dev Biol 2017; 430:113-128. [PMID: 28790014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Distal outgrowth, maturation and remodeling of the endocardial cushion mesenchyme in the atrioventricular (AV) canal are the essential morphogenetic events during four-chambered heart formation. Mesenchymalized AV endocardial cushions give rise to the AV valves and the membranous ventricular septum (VS). Failure of these processes results in several human congenital heart defects. Despite this clinical relevance, the mechanisms governing how mesenchymalized AV endocardial cushions mature and remodel into the membranous VS and AV valves have only begun to be elucidated. The role of BMP signaling in the myocardial and secondary heart forming lineage has been well studied; however, little is known about the role of BMP2 expression in the endocardial lineage. To fill this knowledge gap, we generated Bmp2 endocardial lineage-specific conditional knockouts (referred to as Bmp2 cKOEndo) by crossing conditionally-targeted Bmp2flox/flox mice with a Cre-driver line, Nfatc1Cre, wherein Cre-mediated recombination was restricted to the endocardial cells and their mesenchymal progeny. Bmp2 cKOEndo mouse embryos did not exhibit failure or delay in the initial AV endocardial cushion formation at embryonic day (ED) 9.5-11.5; however, significant reductions in AV cushion size were detected in Bmp2 cKOEndo mouse embryos when compared to control embryos at ED13.5 and ED16.5. Moreover, deletion of Bmp2 from the endocardial lineage consistently resulted in membranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs), and mitral valve deficiencies, as evidenced by the absence of stratification of mitral valves at birth. Muscular VSDs were not found in Bmp2 cKOEndo mouse hearts. To understand the underlying morphogenetic mechanisms leading to a decrease in cushion size, cell proliferation and cell death were examined for AV endocardial cushions. Phospho-histone H3 analyses for cell proliferation and TUNEL assays for apoptotic cell death did not reveal significant differences between control and Bmp2 cKOEndo in AV endocardial cushions. However, mRNA expression of the extracellular matrix components, versican, Has2, collagen 9a1, and periostin was significantly reduced in Bmp2 cKOEndo AV cushions. Expression of transcription factors implicated in the cardiac valvulogenesis, Snail2, Twist1 and Sox9, was also significantly reduced in Bmp2 cKOEndo AV cushions. These data provide evidence that BMP2 expression in the endocardial lineage is essential for the distal outgrowth, maturation and remodeling of AV endocardial cushions into the normal membranous VS and the stratified AV valves.
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14
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Prakash S, Borreguero LJJ, Sylva M, Flores Ruiz L, Rezai F, Gunst QD, de la Pompa JL, Ruijter JM, van den Hoff MJB. Deletion of Fstl1 (Follistatin-Like 1) From the Endocardial/Endothelial Lineage Causes Mitral Valve Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:e116-e130. [PMID: 28705792 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fstl1 (Follistatin-like 1) is a secreted protein that is expressed in the atrioventricular valves throughout embryonic development, postnatal maturation, and adulthood. In this study, we investigated the loss of Fstl1 in the endocardium/endothelium and their derived cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS We conditionally ablated Fstl1 from the endocardial lineage using a transgenic Tie2-Cre mouse model. These mice showed a sustained Bmp and Tgfβ signaling after birth. This resulted in ongoing proliferation and endocardial-to-mesenchymal transition and ultimately in deformed nonfunctional mitral valves and a hypertrophic dilated heart. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic analyses revealed that loss of Fstl1 leads to mitral regurgitation and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac function gradually deteriorated resulting in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and death of the mice between 2 and 4 weeks after birth. CONCLUSIONS We report on a mouse model in which deletion of Fstl1 from the endocardial/endothelial lineage results in deformed mitral valves, which cause regurgitation, heart failure, and early cardiac death. The findings provide a potential molecular target for the clinical research into myxomatous mitral valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Prakash
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Luis J J Borreguero
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Marc Sylva
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Lorena Flores Ruiz
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Fereshte Rezai
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Quinn D Gunst
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - José-Luis de la Pompa
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Jan M Ruijter
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.)
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- From the Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (S.P., M.S., F.R., Q.D.G., J.M.R., M.J.B.v.d.H.); Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (L.J.J.B., L.F.R.); and Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigación Cardiovascular, Madrid, Spain (J.-L.d.l.P.).
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15
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Li F, Song R, Ao L, Reece TB, Cleveland JC, Dong N, Fullerton DA, Meng X. ADAMTS5 Deficiency in Calcified Aortic Valves Is Associated With Elevated Pro-Osteogenic Activity in Valvular Interstitial Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:1339-1351. [PMID: 28546218 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extracellular matrix proteinases are implicated in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease. The ADAMTS5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5) enzyme is secreted, matrix-associated metalloendopeptidase, capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins, particularly matrilin 2. We sought to determine the role of the ADAMTS5/matrilin 2 axis in mediating the phenotype transition of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) associated with calcific aortic valve disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS Levels of ADAMTS5, matrilin 2, and α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated in calcified and normal human aortic valve tissues and VICs. Calcified aortic valves have reduced levels of ADAMTS5 and higher levels of matrilin 2 and α-SMA. Treatment of normal VICs with soluble matrilin 2 caused an increase in α-SMA level through Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, which was accompanied by upregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, ADAMTS5 knockdown in normal VICs enhanced the effect of matrilin 2. Matrilin 2 activated nuclear factor (NF) κB and NF of activated T cells complex 1 and induced the interaction of these 2 NFs. Inhibition of either NF-κB or NF of activated T cells complex 1 suppressed matrilin 2's effect on VIC phenotype change. Knockdown of α-SMA reduced and overexpression of α-SMA enhanced the expression of pro-osteogenic factors and calcium deposit formation in human VICs. CONCLUSIONS Matrilin 2 induces myofibroblastic transition and elevates pro-osteogenic activity in human VICs via activation of NF-κB and NF of activated T cells complex 1. Myofibroblastic transition in human VICs is an important mechanism of elevating the pro-osteogenic activity. Matrilin 2 accumulation associated with relative ADAMTS5 deficiency may contribute to the mechanism underlying calcific aortic valve disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - Rui Song
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - Lihua Ao
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - T Brett Reece
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - Joseph C Cleveland
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - Nianguo Dong
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - David A Fullerton
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.)
| | - Xianzhong Meng
- From the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora (F.L., R.S., L.A., T.B.R., J.C.C., D.A.F., X.M.); and Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (F.L., N.D.).
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16
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The complex genetics of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Nat Genet 2017; 49:1152-1159. [PMID: 28530678 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects up to 1% of live births. Although a genetic etiology is indicated by an increased recurrence risk, sporadic occurrence suggests that CHD genetics is complex. Here, we show that hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a severe CHD, is multigenic and genetically heterogeneous. Using mouse forward genetics, we report what is, to our knowledge, the first isolation of HLHS mutant mice and identification of genes causing HLHS. Mutations from seven HLHS mouse lines showed multigenic enrichment in ten human chromosome regions linked to HLHS. Mutations in Sap130 and Pcdha9, genes not previously associated with CHD, were validated by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in mice as being digenic causes of HLHS. We also identified one subject with HLHS with SAP130 and PCDHA13 mutations. Mouse and zebrafish modeling showed that Sap130 mediates left ventricular hypoplasia, whereas Pcdha9 increases penetrance of aortic valve abnormalities, both signature HLHS defects. These findings show that HLHS can arise genetically in a combinatorial fashion, thus providing a new paradigm for the complex genetics of CHD.
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17
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Ayoub S, Ferrari G, Gorman RC, Gorman JH, Schoen FJ, Sacks MS. Heart Valve Biomechanics and Underlying Mechanobiology. Compr Physiol 2016; 6:1743-1780. [PMID: 27783858 PMCID: PMC5537387 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Heart valves control unidirectional blood flow within the heart during the cardiac cycle. They have a remarkable ability to withstand the demanding mechanical environment of the heart, achieving lifetime durability by processes involving the ongoing remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The focus of this review is on heart valve functional physiology, with insights into the link between disease-induced alterations in valve geometry, tissue stress, and the subsequent cell mechanobiological responses and tissue remodeling. We begin with an overview of the fundamentals of heart valve physiology and the characteristics and functions of valve interstitial cells (VICs). We then provide an overview of current experimental and computational approaches that connect VIC mechanobiological response to organ- and tissue-level deformations and improve our understanding of the underlying functional physiology of heart valves. We conclude with a summary of future trends and offer an outlook for the future of heart valve mechanobiology, specifically, multiscale modeling approaches, and the potential directions and possible challenges of research development. © 2016 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 6:1743-1780, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ayoub
- Center for Cardiovascular Simulation, Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Giovanni Ferrari
- Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Robert C. Gorman
- Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Joseph H. Gorman
- Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Frederick J. Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael S. Sacks
- Center for Cardiovascular Simulation, Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
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18
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Schoen FJ. Morphology, Clinicopathologic Correlations, and Mechanisms in Heart Valve Health and Disease. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2016; 9:126-140. [PMID: 27502286 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-016-0277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The clinical and pathological features of the most frequent intrinsic structural diseases that affect the heart valves are well established, but heart valve disease mechanisms are poorly understood, and effective treatment options are evolving. Major advances in the understanding of the structure, function and biology of native valves and the pathobiology, biomaterials and biomedical engineering, and the clinical management of valvular heart disease have occurred over the past several decades. This communication reviews contemporary considerations relative to the pathology of valvular heart disease, including (1) clinical significance and epidemiology of valvular heart disease; (2) functional and dynamic valvular macro-, micro- and ultrastructure; (3) causes, morphology and mechanisms of human valvular heart disease; and (4) pathologic considerations in valve replacement, repair and, potentially, regeneration of the heart valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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19
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Khedgikar V, Kushwaha P, Gautam J, Sharma S, Verma A, Choudhary D, Mishra PR, Trivedi R. Kaempferol targets Krt-14 and induces cytoskeletal mineralization in osteoblasts: A mechanistic approach. Life Sci 2016; 151:207-217. [PMID: 26956522 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Kaempferol (KEM) has been observed to stimulate Krt-14 protein which subsequently contributes to matrix maturation and mineralization in rat primary osteoblast cells. Incorporation of Krt-14 siRNA results in reduced mRNA and protein expression after 48h post transfection and remained low for 9days. At day 9 Krt-14 siRNA significantly reduced mineralization without concomitant change in the cell number. ColI and OCN gene expression was reduced in Krt-14 siRNA-treated osteoblast cells. Soluble osteocalcin and collagen levels were markedly decreased in conditioned medium as well as in acid-salt soluble cell-ECM layer treated with Krt-14 siRNA compared to control siRNA treated cells corroborated at the ultrastructral level by AFM. Further, knockdown of Krt-14 and inhibitors against AMPK and mTOR, repressed the activation of mTOR and mineralization attenuated by KEM confirmed the role of Krt-14 in mineralization. These findings strongly suggest that Krt-14 regulates osteoblast mineralization by organizing osteoblast derived ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Khedgikar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Priyanka Kushwaha
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Jyoti Gautam
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Shewta Sharma
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ashwni Verma
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Dharmendra Choudhary
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Prabhat R Mishra
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ritu Trivedi
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India.
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20
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Mathieu P, Bossé Y, Huggins GS, Della Corte A, Pibarot P, Michelena HI, Limongelli G, Boulanger MC, Evangelista A, Bédard E, Citro R, Body SC, Nemer M, Schoen FJ. The pathology and pathobiology of bicuspid aortic valve: State of the art and novel research perspectives. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2015; 1:195-206. [PMID: 27499904 PMCID: PMC4939890 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve is the most prevalent cardiac valvular malformation. It is associated with a high rate of long‐term morbidity including development of calcific aortic valve disease, aortic regurgitation and concomitant thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Recently, basic and translational studies have identified some key processes involved in the development of bicuspid aortic valve and its morbidity. The development of aortic valve disease and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection is the result of complex interactions between genotypes, environmental risk factors and specific haemodynamic conditions created by bicuspid aortic valve anatomy. Herein, we review the pathobiology of bicuspid aortic valve with a special emphasis on translational aspects of these basic findings. Important but unresolved problems in the pathology of bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection are discussed, along with the molecular processes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mathieu
- Laboratoire d'Études Moléculaires des Valvulopathies (LEMV), Groupe de Recherche en Valvulopathies (GRV), Department of Surgery Quebec Heart and Lung Institute/Research Center, Laval University Quebec Canada
| | - Yohan Bossé
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute/Research Center Laval University Québec Canada
| | - Gordon S Huggins
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute Center for Translational Genomics, Tufts Medical Center Boston Massachussetts USA
| | - Alessandro Della Corte
- Department of Cardiothoracic Sciences, Cardiac Surgery Second University of Naples 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Philippe Pibarot
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute/Research Center Laval University Québec Canada
| | - Hector I Michelena
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Cardiologia SUN, Monaldi Hospital, AO Colli Naples Italy
| | - Marie-Chloé Boulanger
- Laboratoire d'Études Moléculaires des Valvulopathies (LEMV), Groupe de Recherche en Valvulopathies (GRV), Department of Surgery Quebec Heart and Lung Institute/Research Center, Laval University Quebec Canada
| | - Arturo Evangelista
- Department of Cardiology Hospital Universitary Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Spain
| | - Elisabeth Bédard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute/Research Center Laval University Québec Canada
| | - Rodolfo Citro
- Heart Department University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" Salerno Italy
| | - Simon C Body
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Center for Perioperative Genomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Mona Nemer
- Laboratory for Cardiac Development and Differentiation University of Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School USA
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21
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Jana S, Tranquillo RT, Lerman A. Cells for tissue engineering of cardiac valves. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 10:804-824. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Jana
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
| | - Robert T. Tranquillo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis MN USA
| | - Amir Lerman
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
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22
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MacGrogan D, Luxán G, Driessen-Mol A, Bouten C, Baaijens F, de la Pompa JL. How to make a heart valve: from embryonic development to bioengineering of living valve substitutes. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:a013912. [PMID: 25368013 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a013912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac valve disease is a significant cause of ill health and death worldwide, and valve replacement remains one of the most common cardiac interventions in high-income economies. Despite major advances in surgical treatment, long-term therapy remains inadequate because none of the current valve substitutes have the potential for remodeling, regeneration, and growth of native structures. Valve development is coordinated by a complex interplay of signaling pathways and environmental cues that cause disease when perturbed. Cardiac valves develop from endocardial cushions that become populated by valve precursor mesenchyme formed by an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The mesenchymal precursors, subsequently, undergo directed growth, characterized by cellular compartmentalization and layering of a structured extracellular matrix (ECM). Knowledge gained from research into the development of cardiac valves is driving exploration into valve biomechanics and tissue engineering directed at creating novel valve substitutes endowed with native form and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal MacGrogan
- Program of Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Luxán
- Program of Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anita Driessen-Mol
- Biomedical Engineering/Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn Bouten
- Biomedical Engineering/Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Baaijens
- Biomedical Engineering/Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - José Luis de la Pompa
- Program of Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Odelin G, Faure E, Kober F, Maurel-Zaffran C, Théron A, Coulpier F, Guillet B, Bernard M, Avierinos JF, Charnay P, Topilko P, Zaffran S. Loss of Krox20 results in aortic valve regurgitation and impaired transcriptional activation of fibrillar collagen genes. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 104:443-55. [PMID: 25344368 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Heart valve maturation is achieved by the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the distribution of valvular interstitial cells. However, the factors that regulate matrix components required for valvular structure and function are unknown. Based on the discovery of its specific expression in cardiac valves, we aimed to uncover the role of Krox20 (Egr-2) during valve development and disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Using series of mouse genetic tools, we demonstrated that loss of function of Krox20 caused significant hyperplasia of the semilunar valves, while atrioventricular valves appeared normal. This defect was associated with an increase in valvular interstitial cell number and ECM volume. Echo Doppler analysis revealed that adult mutant mice had aortic insufficiency. Defective aortic valves (AoVs) in Krox20(-/-) mice had features of human AoV disease, including excess of proteoglycan deposition and reduction of collagen fibres. Furthermore, examination of diseased human AoVs revealed decreased expression of KROX20. To identify downstream targets of Krox20, we examined expression of fibrillar collagens in the AoV leaflets at different stages in the mouse. We found significant down-regulation of Col1a1, Col1a2, and Col3a1 in the semilunar valves of Krox20 mutant mice. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that Col1a1 and Col3a1 are direct targets of Krox20 activation in interstitial cells of the AoV. CONCLUSION This study identifies a previously unknown function of Krox20 during heart valve development. These results indicate that Krox20-mediated activation of fibrillar Col1a1 and Col3a1 genes is crucial to avoid postnatal degeneration of the AoV leaflets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Odelin
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Faure
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Frank Kober
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR7339, Marseille, France
| | | | - Alexis Théron
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France Département de Cardiologie, AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Coulpier
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Guillet
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Monique Bernard
- Faculté de Médecine, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM UMR7339, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Avierinos
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France Département de Cardiologie, AP-HM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Charnay
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Piotr Topilko
- Inserm, U1024, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France CNRS, UMR8197, IBENS, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
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Lee MP, Ratner N, Yutzey KE. Genome-wide Twist1 occupancy in endocardial cushion cells, embryonic limb buds, and peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:821. [PMID: 25262113 PMCID: PMC4190347 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1 has well-documented roles in progenitor populations of the developing embryo, including endocardial cushions (ECC) and limb buds, and also in cancer. Whether Twist1 regulates the same transcriptional targets in different tissue types is largely unknown. Results The tissue-specificity of Twist1 genomic occupancy was examined in mouse ECCs, limb buds, and peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (Chip-seq) analysis. Consistent with known Twist1 functions during development and in cancer cells, Twist1-DNA binding regions associated with genes related to cell migration and adhesion were detected in all three tissues. However, the vast majority of Twist1 binding regions were specific to individual tissue types. Thus, while Twist1 has similar functions in ECCs, limb buds, and PNST cells, the specific genomic sequences occupied by Twist1 were different depending on cellular context. Subgroups of shared genes, also predominantly related to cell adhesion and migration, were identified in pairwise comparisons of ECC, limb buds and PNST cells. Twist1 genomic occupancy was detected for six binding regions in all tissue types, and Twist1-binding sequences associated with Chst11, Litaf, Ror2, and Spata5 also bound the potential Twist1 cofactor RREB1. Pathway analysis of the genes associated with Twist1 binding suggests that Twist1 may regulate genes associated with the Wnt signaling pathway in ECCs and limb buds. Conclusions Together, these data indicate that Twist1 interacts with genes that regulate adhesion and migration in different tissues, potentially through distinct sets of target genes. In addition, there is a small subset of genes occupied by Twist1 in all three tissues that may represent a core group of Twist1 target genes in multiple cell types. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-821) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katherine E Yutzey
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
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25
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Dyer LA, Wu Y, Patterson C. Protein isolation from the developing embryonic mouse heart valve region. J Vis Exp 2014:51911. [PMID: 25285454 DOI: 10.3791/51911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Western blot analysis is a commonly employed technique for detecting and quantifying protein levels. However, for small tissue samples, this analysis method may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect a protein of interest. To overcome these difficulties, we examined protocols for obtaining protein from adult human cardiac valves and modified these protocols for the developing early embryonic mouse counterparts. In brief, the mouse embryonic aortic valve regions, including the aortic valve and surrounding aortic wall, are collected in the minimal possible volume of a Tris-based lysis buffer with protease inhibitors. If required based on the breeding strategy, embryos are genotyped prior to pooling four embryonic aortic valve regions for homogenization. After homogenization, an SDS-based sample buffer is used to denature the sample for running on an SDS-PAGE gel and subsequent western blot analysis. Although the protein concentration remains too low to quantify using spectrophotometric protein quantification assays and have sample remaining for subsequent analyses, this technique can be used to successfully detect and semi-quantify phosphorylated proteins via western blot from pooled samples of four embryonic day 13.5 mouse aortic valve regions, each of which yields approximately 1 μg of protein. This technique will be of benefit for studying cell signaling pathway activation and protein expression levels during early embryonic mouse valve development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Dyer
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
| | - Yaxu Wu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Cam Patterson
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center
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26
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Martin LJ, Pilipenko V, Kaufman KM, Cripe L, Kottyan LC, Keddache M, Dexheimer P, Weirauch MT, Benson DW. Whole exome sequencing for familial bicuspid aortic valve identifies putative variants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 7:677-83. [PMID: 25085919 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.114.000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiovascular malformation. Although highly heritable, few causal variants have been identified. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic variants underlying BAV by whole exome sequencing a multiplex BAV kindred. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole exome sequencing was performed on 17 individuals from a single family (BAV=3; other cardiovascular malformation, 3). Postvariant calling error control metrics were established after examining the relationship between Mendelian inheritance error rate and coverage, quality score, and call rate. To determine the most effective approach to identifying susceptibility variants from among 54 674 variants passing error control metrics, we evaluated 3 variant selection strategies frequently used in whole exome sequencing studies plus extended family linkage. No putative rare, high-effect variants were identified in all affected but no unaffected individuals. Eight high-effect variants were identified by ≥2 of the commonly used selection strategies; however, these were either common in the general population (>10%) or present in the majority of the unaffected family members. However, using extended family linkage, 3 synonymous variants were identified; all 3 variants were identified by at least one other strategy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that traditional whole exome sequencing approaches, which assume causal variants alter coding sense, may be insufficient for BAV and other complex traits. Identification of disease-associated variants is facilitated by the use of segregation within families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Martin
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.).
| | - Valentina Pilipenko
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Kenneth M Kaufman
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Linda Cripe
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Leah C Kottyan
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Mehdi Keddache
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Phillip Dexheimer
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - D Woodrow Benson
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.).
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27
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Zhou J, Bowen C, Lu G, Knapp Iii C, Recknagel A, Norris RA, Butcher JT. Cadherin-11 expression patterns in heart valves associate with key functions during embryonic cushion formation, valve maturation and calcification. Cells Tissues Organs 2013; 198:300-10. [PMID: 24356423 DOI: 10.1159/000356762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper fibroblast cell migration and differentiation are critical for valve formation and homeostasis, but uncontrolled myofibroblastic activation may precede osteogenic differentiation and calcification. Cadherin-11 (cad-11) is a cell-cell adhesion protein classically expressed at mesenchymal-osteoblast interfaces that participates in mesenchymal differentiation to osteochondral lineages. This suggests cad-11 may have an important role in heart valve development and pathogenesis, but its expression patterns in valves are largely unknown. In this study, we profiled the spatial and temporal expression patterns of cad-11 in embryonic chick and mouse heart development. We determined that cad-11 is expressed in both endocardial and mesenchymal cells of the atrioventricular and outflow tract cushions (pre-HH30/E14), but becomes restricted to the valve endocardial/endothelial cells during late fetal remodeling and throughout postnatal life. We then investigated changes in cad-11 expression in a murine aortic valve disease model (the ApoE(-/-)). Unlike wild-type mice, cad-11 becomes dramatically re-expressed in the interstitium. Similarly, in calcified human aortic valve leaflets, cad-11 loses endothelial confinement and becomes significantly re-expressed in the valve interstitium. Double labeling identified that 91% of myofibroblastic and 96% of osteoblastic cells in calcified aortic valves were also cad-11 positive. Collectively, our results suggest that cad-11 is important for proper embryonic cushion formation and remodeling, but may also participate in aortic valve pathogenesis if re-expressed in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., USA
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28
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MacGrogan D, Luxán G, de la Pompa JL. Genetic and functional genomics approaches targeting the Notch pathway in cardiac development and congenital heart disease. Brief Funct Genomics 2013; 13:15-27. [PMID: 24106100 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elt036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Notch signalling pathway plays crucial roles in cardiac development and postnatal cardiac homoeostasis. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches indicate that Notch promotes or inhibits cardiogenesis in a stage-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanisms are poorly defined because many downstream effectors remain to be identified. Genome-scale analyses are shedding light on the genes that are regulated by Notch signalling and the mechanisms underlying this regulation. We review the functional data that implicates Notch in cardiac morphogenetic processes and expression profiling studies that enlighten the regulatory networks behind them. A recurring theme is that Notch cross-talks reiteratively with other key signalling pathways including Wnt and Bmp to coordinate cell and tissue interactions during cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal MacGrogan
- Program of Cardiovascular Developmental Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain. Tel.: +34-620-936633; Fax: +34-91-4531304;
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29
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DeLaughter DM, Christodoulou DC, Robinson JY, Seidman CE, Baldwin HS, Seidman JG, Barnett JV. Spatial transcriptional profile of the chick and mouse endocardial cushions identify novel regulators of endocardial EMT in vitro. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 59:196-204. [PMID: 23557753 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Valvular Interstitial Cells (VICs) are a common substrate for congenital and adult heart disease yet the signaling mechanisms governing their formation during early valvulogenesis are incompletely understood. We developed an unbiased strategy to identify genes important in endocardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) using a spatial transcriptional profile. Endocardial cells overlaying the cushions of the atrioventricular canal (AVC) and outflow tract (OFT) undergo an EMT to yield VICs. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of gene expression between AVC, OFT, and ventricles (VEN) isolated from chick and mouse embryos at comparable stages of development (chick HH18; mouse E11.0) was performed. EMT occurs in the AVC and OFT cushions, but not VEN at this time. 198 genes in the chick (n=1) and 105 genes in the mouse (n=2) were enriched 2-fold in the cushions. Gene regulatory networks (GRN) generated from cushion-enriched gene lists confirmed TGFβ as a nodal point and identified NF-κB as a potential node. To reveal previously unrecognized regulators of EMT four candidate genes, Hapln1, Id1, Foxp2, and Meis2, and a candidate pathway, NF-κB, were selected. In vivo spatial expression of each gene was confirmed by in situ hybridization and a functional role for each in endocardial EMT was determined by siRNA knockdown in a collagen gel assay. Our spatial-transcriptional profiling strategy yielded gene lists which reflected the known biology of the system. Further analysis accurately identified and validated previously unrecognized novel candidate genes and the NF-κB pathway as regulators of endocardial cell EMT in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M DeLaughter
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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30
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Gould RA, Aboulmouna LM, Varner JD, Butcher JT. Hierarchical approaches for systems modeling in cardiac development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 5:289-305. [PMID: 23463736 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ordered cardiac morphogenesis and function are essential for all vertebrate life. The heart begins as a simple contractile tube, but quickly grows and morphs into a multichambered pumping organ complete with valves, while maintaining regulation of blood flow and nutrient distribution. Though not identical, cardiac morphogenesis shares many molecular and morphological processes across vertebrate species. Quantitative data across multiple time and length scales have been gathered through decades of reductionist single variable analyses. These range from detailed molecular signaling pathways at the cellular levels to cardiac function at the tissue/organ levels. However, none of these components act in true isolation from others, and each, in turn, exhibits short- and long-range effects in both time and space. With the absence of a gene, entire signaling cascades and genetic profiles may be shifted, resulting in complex feedback mechanisms. Also taking into account local microenvironmental changes throughout development, it is apparent that a systems level approach is an essential resource to accelerate information generation concerning the functional relationships across multiple length scales (molecular data vs physiological function) and structural development. In this review, we discuss relevant in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, compare different computational frameworks for systems modeling, and the latest information about systems modeling of cardiac development. Finally, we conclude with some important future directions for cardiac systems modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Carruthers CA, Alfieri CM, Joyce EM, Watkins SC, Yutzey KE, Sacks MS. GENE EXPRESSION AND COLLAGEN FIBER MICROMECHANICAL INTERACTIONS OF THE SEMILUNAR HEART VALVE INTERSTITIAL CELL. Cell Mol Bioeng 2012; 5:254-265. [PMID: 23162672 PMCID: PMC3498494 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-012-0230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The semilunar (aortic and pulmonary) heart valves function under dramatically different hemodynamic environments, and have been shown to exhibit differences in mechanical properties, extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, and valve interstitial cell (VIC) biosynthetic activity. However, the relationship between VIC function and the unique micromechanical environment in each semilunar heart valve remains unclear. In the present study, we quantitatively compared porcine semilunar mRNA expression of primary ECM constituents, and layer- and valve-specific VIC-collagen mechanical interactions under increasing transvalvular pressure (TVP). Results indicated that the aortic valve (AV) had a higher fibrillar collagen mRNA expression level compared to the pulmonary valve (PV). We further noted that VICs exhibited larger deformations with increasing TVP in the collagen rich fibrosa layer, with substantially smaller changes in the spongiosa and ventricularis layers. While the VIC-collagen micro-mechanical coupling varied considerably between the semilunar valves, we observed that the VIC deformations in the fibrosa layer were similar at each valve's respective peak TVP. This result suggests that each semilunar heart valve's collagen fiber microstructure is organized to induce a consistent VIC deformation under its respective diastolic TVP. Collectively, our results are consistent with higher collagen biosynthetic demands for the AV compared to the PV, and that the valvular collagen microenvironment may play a significant role in regulating VIC function.
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Twist1 transcriptional targets in the developing atrio-ventricular canal of the mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40815. [PMID: 22815831 PMCID: PMC3397961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malformations of the cardiovascular system are the most common type of birth defect in humans, frequently affecting the formation of valves and septa. During heart valve and septa formation, cells from the atrio-ventricular canal (AVC) and outflow tract (OFT) regions of the heart undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invade the underlying extracellular matrix to give rise to endocardial cushions. Subsequent maturation of newly formed mesenchyme cells leads to thin stress-resistant leaflets. TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor expressed in newly formed mesenchyme cells of the AVC and OFT that has been shown to play roles in cell survival, cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the downstream targets of TWIST1 during heart valve formation remain unclear. To identify genes important for heart valve development downstream of TWIST1, we performed global gene expression profiling of AVC, OFT, atria and ventricles of the embryonic day 10.5 mouse heart by tag-sequencing (Tag-seq). Using this resource we identified a novel set of 939 genes, including 123 regulators of transcription, enriched in the valve forming regions of the heart. We compared these genes to a Tag-seq library from the Twist1 null developing valves revealing significant gene expression changes. These changes were consistent with a role of TWIST1 in controlling differentiation of mesenchymal cells following their transformation from endothelium in the mouse. To study the role of TWIST1 at the DNA level we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation and identified novel direct targets of TWIST1 in the developing heart valves. Our findings support a role for TWIST1 in the differentiation of AVC mesenchyme post-EMT in the mouse, and suggest that TWIST1 can exert its function by direct DNA binding to activate valve specific gene expression.
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Braitsch CM, Combs MD, Quaggin SE, Yutzey KE. Pod1/Tcf21 is regulated by retinoic acid signaling and inhibits differentiation of epicardium-derived cells into smooth muscle in the developing heart. Dev Biol 2012; 368:345-57. [PMID: 22687751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) invade the myocardium and differentiate into fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle (SM) cells, which support the coronary vessels. The transcription factor Pod1 (Tcf21) is expressed in subpopulations of the epicardium and EPDCs in chicken and mouse embryonic hearts, and the transcription factors WT1, NFATC1, and Tbx18 are expressed in overlapping and distinct subsets of Pod1-expressing cells. Expression of Pod1 and WT1, but not Tbx18 or NFATC1, is activated with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) treatment of isolated chick EPDCs in culture. In intact chicken hearts, RA inhibition leads to decreased Pod1 expression while RA treatment inhibits SM differentiation. The requirements for Pod1 in differentiation of EPDCs in the developing heart were examined in mice lacking Pod1. Loss of Pod1 in mice leads to epicardial blistering, increased SM differentiation on the surface of the heart, and a paucity of interstitial fibroblasts, with neonatal lethality. Epicardial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial differentiation of coronary vessels are relatively unaffected. On the surface of the myocardium, expression of multiple SM markers is increased in Pod1-deficient EPDCs, demonstrating premature SM differentiation. Increased SM differentiation also is observed in Pod1-deficient lung mesenchyme. Together, these data demonstrate a critical role for Pod1 in controlling mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation into SM and fibroblast lineages during cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Braitsch
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, ML 7020, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Lacerda CMR, Maclea HB, Kisiday JD, Orton EC. Static and cyclic tensile strain induce myxomatous effector proteins and serotonin in canine mitral valves. J Vet Cardiol 2012; 14:223-30. [PMID: 22364693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Degenerative (myxomatous) mitral valve disease is an important cardiac disease in dogs and humans. The mechanisms that initiate and propagate myxomatous pathology in mitral valves are poorly understood. We investigated the hypothesis that tensile strain initiates expression of proteins that mediate myxomatous pathology. We also explored whether tensile strain could induce the serotonin synthetic enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin synthesis, and markers of chondrogenesis. ANIMALS Mitral valves were obtained postmortem from dogs without apparent cardiovascular disease. METHODS Mitral valves were placed in culture and subjected to 30% static or cyclic tensile strain and compared to cultured mitral valves subjected to 0% strain for 72 h. Abundance of target effector proteins, TPH1, and chondrogenic marker proteins was determined by immunoblotting. Serotonin was measured in the conditioned media by ELISA. RESULTS Both static and cyclic strain increased (p < 0.05) expression of myxomatous effector proteins including markers of an activated myofibroblast phenotype, matrix catabolic and synthetic enzymes in canine mitral valves compared to unstrained control. Expression of TPH1 was increased in statically and cyclically strained mitral valves. Expression of chondrogenic markers was increased in statically strained mitral valves. Serotonin levels were higher (p < 0.05) in media of cyclically strained valves compared to unstrained valves after 72 h of culture. CONCLUSION Static or cyclic tensile strain induces acute increases in the abundance of myxomatous effector proteins, TPH1, and markers of chondrogenesis in canine mitral valves. Canine mitral valves are capable of local serotonin synthesis, which may be influenced by strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M R Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1678 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1678, USA.
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Cheek JD, Wirrig EE, Alfieri CM, James JF, Yutzey KE. Differential activation of valvulogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic pathways in mouse models of myxomatous and calcific aortic valve disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2012; 52:689-700. [PMID: 22248532 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Studies of human diseased aortic valves have demonstrated increased expression of genetic markers of valve progenitors and osteogenic differentiation associated with pathogenesis. Three potential mouse models of valve disease were examined for cellular pathology, morphology, and induction of valvulogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic markers. Osteogenesis imperfecta murine (Oim) mice, with a mutation in Col1a2, have distal leaflet thickening and increased proteoglycan composition characteristic of myxomatous valve disease. Periostin null mice also exhibit dysregulation of the ECM with thickening in the aortic midvalve region, but do not have an overall increase in valve leaflet surface area. Klotho null mice are a model for premature aging and exhibit calcific nodules in the aortic valve hinge-region, but do not exhibit leaflet thickening, ECM disorganization, or inflammation. Oim/oim mice have increased expression of valve progenitor markers Twist1, Col2a1, Mmp13, Sox9 and Hapln1, in addition to increased Col10a1 and Asporin expression, consistent with increased proteoglycan composition. Periostin null aortic valves exhibit relatively normal gene expression with slightly increased expression of Mmp13 and Hapln1. In contrast, Klotho null aortic valves have increased expression of Runx2, consistent with the calcified phenotype, in addition to increased expression of Sox9, Col10a1, and osteopontin. Together these studies demonstrate that oim/oim mice exhibit histological and molecular characteristics of myxomatous valve disease and Klotho null mice are a new model for calcific aortic valve disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Cheek
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Lee MP, Yutzey KE. Twist1 directly regulates genes that promote cell proliferation and migration in developing heart valves. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29758. [PMID: 22242143 PMCID: PMC3248441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Twist1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is expressed in mesenchymal precursor populations during embryogenesis and in metastatic cancer cells. In the developing heart, Twist1 is highly expressed in endocardial cushion (ECC) valve mesenchymal cells and is down regulated during valve differentiation and remodeling. Previous studies demonstrated that Twist1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and expression of primitive extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in ECC mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, Twist1 expression is induced in human pediatric and adult diseased heart valves. However, the Twist1 downstream target genes that mediate increased cell proliferation and migration during early heart valve development remain largely unknown. Candidate gene and global gene profiling approaches were used to identify transcriptional targets of Twist1 during heart valve development. Candidate target genes were analyzed for evolutionarily conserved regions (ECRs) containing E-box consensus sequences that are potential Twist1 binding sites. ECRs containing conserved E-box sequences were identified for Twist1 responsive genes Tbx20, Cdh11, Sema3C, Rab39b, and Gadd45a. Twist1 binding to these sequences in vivo was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, and binding was detected in ECCs but not late stage remodeling valves. In addition identified Twist1 target genes are highly expressed in ECCs and have reduced expression during heart valve remodeling in vivo, which is consistent with the expression pattern of Twist1. Together these analyses identify multiple new genes involved in cell proliferation and migration that are differentially expressed in the developing heart valves, are responsive to Twist1 transcriptional function, and contain Twist1-responsive regulatory sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P. Lee
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Katherine E. Yutzey
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tbx20 regulation of cardiac cell proliferation and lineage specialization during embryonic and fetal development in vivo. Dev Biol 2011; 363:234-46. [PMID: 22226977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
TBX20 gain-of-function mutations in humans are associated with congenital heart malformations and myocardial defects. However the effects of increased Tbx20 function during cardiac chamber development and maturation have not been reported previously. CAG-CAT-Tbx20 transgenic mice were generated for Cre-dependent induction of Tbx20 in myocardial lineages in the developing heart. βMHCCre-mediated overexpression of Tbx20 in fetal ventricular cardiomyocytes results in increased thickness of compact myocardium, induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation, and increased expression of Bmp10 and pSmad1/5/8 at embryonic day (E) 14.5. βMHCCre-mediated Tbx20 overexpression also leads to increased expression of cardiac conduction system (CCS) genes Tbx5, Cx40, and Cx43 throughout the ventricular myocardium. In contrast, Nkx2.5Cre mediated overexpression of Tbx20 in the embryonic heart results in reduced cardiomyocyte proliferation, increased expression of a cell cycle inhibitor, p21(CIP1), and decreased expression of Tbx2, Tbx5, and N-myc1 at E9.5, concomitant with decreased phospho-ERK1/2 expression. Together, these analyses demonstrate that Tbx20 differentially regulates cell proliferation and cardiac lineage specification in embryonic versus fetal cardiomyocytes. Induction of pSmad1/5/8 at E14.5 and inhibition of dpERK expression at E9.5 are consistent with selective Tbx20 regulation of these pathways in association with stage-specific effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation. Together, these in vivo data support distinct functions for Tbx20 in regulation of cardiomyocyte lineage maturation and cell proliferation at embryonic and fetal stages of heart development.
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Schoen FJ. Mechanisms of function and disease of natural and replacement heart valves. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2011; 7:161-83. [PMID: 21942526 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011110-130257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several decades, there has been substantial progress toward understanding the mechanisms of heart valve function and dysfunction. This review summarizes an evolving conceptual framework of heart valve functional structure, developmental biology, and pathobiology and explores the implications of key insights. I emphasize: (a) valve cell and extracellular matrix biology and the impact of biomechanical factors on function, homeostasis, environmental adaptation, and key pathological processes; (b) the role of developmental processes, valvular cell behavior, and extracellular matrix remodeling in congenital and acquired valve abnormalities; and (c) the cell/matrix biology of degeneration in replacement tissue valves. I also summarize how these considerations may ultimately inform the potential for prevention and treatment of major diseases and potentially therapeutic regeneration of the cardiac valves. Recent advances and opportunities for research and clinical translation are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Schoen
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Azhar M, Brown K, Gard C, Chen H, Rajan S, Elliott DA, Stevens MV, Camenisch TD, Conway SJ, Doetschman T. Transforming growth factor Beta2 is required for valve remodeling during heart development. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:2127-41. [PMID: 21780244 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the function of transforming growth factor beta2 (TGFβ2) in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is well studied, its role in valve remodeling remains to be fully explored. Here, we used histological, morphometric, immunohistochemical and molecular approaches and showed that significant dysregulation of major extracellular matrix (ECM) components contributed to valve remodeling defects in Tgfb2(-/-) embryos. The data indicated that cushion mesenchymal cell differentiation was impaired in Tgfb2(-/-) embryos. Hyaluronan and cartilage link protein-1 (CRTL1) were increased in hyperplastic valves of Tgfb2(-/-) embryos, indicating increased expansion and diversification of cushion mesenchyme into the cartilage cell lineage during heart development. Finally, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses indicate that the activation of SMAD2/3 was decreased in Tgfb2(-/-) embryos during valve remodeling. Collectively, the data indicate that TGFβ2 promotes valve remodeling and differentiation by inducing matrix organization and suppressing cushion mesenchyme differentiation into cartilage cell lineage during heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Azhar
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
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Abstract
The mature heart valves are made up of highly organized extracellular matrix (ECM) and valve interstitial cells (VICs) surrounded by an endothelial cell layer. The ECM of the valves is stratified into elastin-, proteoglycan-, and collagen-rich layers that confer distinct biomechanical properties to the leaflets and supporting structures. Signaling pathways have critical functions in primary valvulogenesis as well as the maintenance of valve structure and function over time. Animal models provide powerful tools to study valve development and disease processes. Valve disease is a significant public health problem, and increasing evidence implicates aberrant developmental mechanisms underlying pathogenesis. Further studies are necessary to determine regulatory pathway interactions underlying valve pathogenesis in order to generate new avenues for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hinton
- Division of Cardiology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio 45229, USA
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Monzack EL, Masters KS. Can valvular interstitial cells become true osteoblasts? A side-by-side comparison. THE JOURNAL OF HEART VALVE DISEASE 2011; 20:449-463. [PMID: 21863660 PMCID: PMC3285463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Aortic valve calcification is believed to involve the differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) into either a myofibroblastic or an osteoblast-like phenotype. Despite purported similarities between diseased VICs and osteoblasts, few studies have directly compared VICs and osteoblasts in side-by-side experiments. In the present study, VICs were compared against multiple osteoblastic cell types at different stages of differentiation. These findings may help to resolve whether VICs progress through a myofibroblastic phenotype before reaching an osteoblast-like stage. METHODS Three cell types representing a range of osteoblastic lineage commitment and differentiation were used in the phenotypic comparison against VICs. Specifically, VICs, embryonic fibroblasts (C3H10T1/2), pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), and mature primary osteoblasts were cultured on tissue-culture polystyrene in control or mineralization medium, and harvested for qPCR, DNA, and protein analysis at time points ranging from one to eight days. RESULTS Culture of VICs in mineralization medium decreased the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA; a myofibroblast marker), with no peak in alpha-SMA gene or protein expression in mineralization medium at any time point. The application of a mineralization medium led to increased expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP; an early mineralization marker) for all cell types, although the magnitude of the increase in ALP was drastically smaller for VICs than for the osteogenic cell types. Only the osteogenic cell types demonstrated an appreciable increase in osteocalcin (an indicator of later-stage mineralization). CONCLUSION While the addition of mineralization medium generally increased the expression of osteogenic markers and decreased the expression of myofibroblastic markers, VICs displayed different levels and patterns of expression than the osteoblastic cell types used for comparison. Additionally, the lack of an alpha-SMA increase at any point after the addition of mineralization medium to VICs indicated that these cells may not need to progress through a myofibroblastic stage before reaching an osteoblast-like gene expression profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristyn S. Masters
- Corresponding author: Kristyn S. Masters, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, 1550 Engineering Drive, #2152, Madison, WI 53706, , phone: (608) 265-4052, fax: (608) 265-9239
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Butcher JT, Mahler GJ, Hockaday LA. Aortic valve disease and treatment: the need for naturally engineered solutions. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2011; 63:242-68. [PMID: 21281685 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aortic valve regulates unidirectional flow of oxygenated blood to the myocardium and arterial system. The natural anatomical geometry and microstructural complexity ensures biomechanically and hemodynamically efficient function. The compliant cusps are populated with unique cell phenotypes that continually remodel tissue for long-term durability within an extremely demanding mechanical environment. Alteration from normal valve homeostasis arises from genetic and microenvironmental (mechanical) sources, which lead to congenital and/or premature structural degeneration. Aortic valve stenosis pathobiology shares some features of atherosclerosis, but its final calcification endpoint is distinct. Despite its broad and significant clinical significance, very little is known about the mechanisms of normal valve mechanobiology and mechanisms of disease. This is reflected in the paucity of predictive diagnostic tools, early stage interventional strategies, and stagnation in regenerative medicine innovation. Tissue engineering has unique potential for aortic valve disease therapy, but overcoming current design pitfalls will require even more multidisciplinary effort. This review summarizes the latest advancements in aortic valve research and highlights important future directions.
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Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA. Interaction between the skeletal and immune systems in cancer: mechanisms and clinical implications. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:305-17. [PMID: 21243489 PMCID: PMC11028766 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-0974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The skeletal and immune systems have a complex relationship. Both systems are intimately coupled, with osteoclastogenesis and hematopoiesis occurring in the bone marrow. Bone and immune cells also share common hematopoietic precursors. Furthermore, the skeletal and immune systems share various cytokines, receptors, and transcription factors that regulate signal transduction pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis and immune system activation, including the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ/osteoprotegerin (RANKL-RANK-OPG) pathway. Cancer cells can disrupt both the skeletal and immune systems. Interaction between cancer and bone cells results in a vicious cycle of bone destruction and cancer growth. Bone remodeling generates a growth-factor-rich environment that attracts cancer cells and promotes their proliferation. In turn, cancer cells stimulate osteoclast formation and activity, resulting in additional bone resorption that further stimulates cancer cell growth. Currently available bone-targeted therapies may also modulate the immune system. Bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid exert stimulating effects on the immune system, resulting in possible anticancer activity against malignant cells. Denosumab, an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody with proven antiosteoclast activity, may suppress immune responses. This may result in the reported association with an increased risk of neoplasms, as well as serious skin and other infections as reported in some studies, mainly in the postmenopausal setting. When assessing bone-targeted therapies, it is important to consider the shared signaling pathways between bone and the immune system, as well as the clinical risk:benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, University of Athens School of Medicine, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece.
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Wylie-Sears J, Aikawa E, Levine RA, Yang JH, Bischoff J. Mitral valve endothelial cells with osteogenic differentiation potential. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2010; 31:598-607. [PMID: 21164078 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.110.216184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiac valvular endothelium is unique in its ability to undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, a differentiation process that is essential for valve development and has been proposed as mechanism for replenishing the interstitial cells of mature valves. We hypothesized that the valvular endothelium contains endothelial cells that are direct precursors to osteoblastic valvular interstitial cells (VICs). METHODS AND RESULTS Clonal cell populations from ovine mitral valve leaflets were isolated by single cell plating. Mitral valvular endothelial and mesenchymal clones were tested for osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation, determined by the expression of lineage-specific markers. Mitral valvular endothelial clones showed a propensity for osteogenic, as well as chondrogenic differentiation that was comparable to a mitral valvular VIC clone and to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Osteogenic differentiation was not detected in nonvalvular endothelial cells. Regions of osteocalcin expression, a marker of osteoblastic differentiation, were detected along the endothelium of mitral valves that had been subjected in vivo to mechanical stretch. CONCLUSIONS Mitral valve leaflets contain endothelial cells with multilineage mesenchymal differentiation potential, including osteogenic differentiation. This unique feature suggests that postnatal mitral valvular endothelium harbors a reserve of progenitor cells that can contribute to osteogenic and chondrogenic VICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Wylie-Sears
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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45
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Wirrig EE, Hinton RB, Yutzey KE. Differential expression of cartilage and bone-related proteins in pediatric and adult diseased aortic valves. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2010; 50:561-9. [PMID: 21163264 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 5 million people are affected with aortic valve disease (AoVD) in the United States. The most common treatment is aortic valve (AoV) replacement surgery, however, replacement valves are susceptible to failure, necessitating additional surgeries. The molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression and late AoV calcification are not well understood. Recent studies suggest that genes involved in bone and cartilage development play an active role in osteogenic-like calcification in human calcific AoVD (CAVD). In an effort to define the molecular pathways involved in AoVD progression and calcification, expression of markers of valve mesenchymal progenitors, chondrogenic precursors, and osteogenic differentiation was compared in pediatric non-calcified and adult calcified AoV specimens. Valvular interstitial cell (VIC) activation, extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization, and markers of valve mesenchymal and skeletal chondrogenic progenitor cells were observed in both pediatric and adult AoVD. However, activated BMP signaling, increased expression of cartilage and bone-type collagens, and increased expression of the osteogenic marker Runx2 are observed in adult diseased AoVs. They are not observed in the majority of pediatric diseased valves, representing a marked distinction in the molecular profile between pediatric and adult diseased AoVs. The combined evidence suggests that an actively regulated osteochondrogenic disease process underlies the pathological changes affecting AoVD progression, ultimately resulting in stenotic AoVD. Both pediatric and adult diseased AoVs express protein markers of valve mesenchymal and chondrogenic progenitor cells while adult diseased AoVs also express proteins involved in osteogenic calcification. These findings provide specific molecular indicators of AoVD progression, which may lead to identification of early disease markers and the development of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine E Wirrig
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Chakraborty S, Wirrig EE, Hinton RB, Merrill WH, Spicer DB, Yutzey KE. Twist1 promotes heart valve cell proliferation and extracellular matrix gene expression during development in vivo and is expressed in human diseased aortic valves. Dev Biol 2010; 347:167-79. [PMID: 20804746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis the heart valves develop from undifferentiated mesenchymal endocardial cushions (EC), and activated interstitial cells of adult diseased valves share characteristics of embryonic valve progenitors. Twist1, a class II basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is expressed during early EC development and is down-regulated later during valve remodeling. The requirements for Twist1 down-regulation in the remodeling valves and the consequences of prolonged Twist1 activity were examined in transgenic mice with persistent expression of Twist1 in developing and mature valves. Persistent Twist1 expression in the remodeling valves leads to increased valve cell proliferation, increased expression of Tbx20, and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression, characteristic of early valve progenitors. Among the ECM genes predominant in the EC, Col2a1 was identified as a direct transcriptional target of Twist1. Increased Twist1 expression also leads to dysregulation of fibrillar collagen and periostin expression, as well as enlarged hypercellular valve leaflets prior to birth. In human diseased aortic valves, increased Twist1 expression and cell proliferation are observed adjacent to nodules of calcification. Overall, these data implicate Twist1 as a critical regulator of valve development and suggest that Twist1 influences ECM production and cell proliferation during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Chakraborty
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Wirrig EE, Yutzey KE. Transcriptional regulation of heart valve development and disease. Cardiovasc Pathol 2010; 20:162-7. [PMID: 20705485 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve disease is estimated to affect 2% of the United States population. There is increasing evidence that aortic valve disease has a basis in development, as congenital valve malformations are prevalent in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. In fact, a number of genetic mutations have been linked to valve malformations and disease. In the initial stages of aortic valve pathogenesis, the valvular interstitial cells become activated, undergo cell proliferation, and participate in extracellular matrix remodeling. Many of these cell properties are shared with mesenchymal progenitor cells of the normally developing valves and bones. Historically, valve calcification was thought to be a passive process reflecting end-stage disease. However, recent evidence describes the increased expression of transcription factors in diseased AoV that are common to valvulogenic and osteogenic processes. These studies lend support to the idea that a developmental gene program is reactivated in aortic valve disease and may contribute to the molecular mechanisms underlying valve calcification in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine E Wirrig
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Chakraborty S, Combs MD, Yutzey KE. Transcriptional regulation of heart valve progenitor cells. Pediatr Cardiol 2010; 31:414-21. [PMID: 20039031 PMCID: PMC2837124 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-009-9616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The development and normal function of the heart valves requires complex interactions among signaling molecules, transcription factors and structural proteins that are tightly regulated in time and space. Here we review the roles of critical transcription factors that are required for specific aspects of normal valve development. The early progenitors of the heart valves are localized in endocardial cushions that express transcription factors characteristic of mesenchyme, including Twist1, Tbx20, Msx1 and Msx2. As the valve leaflets mature, they are composed of complex stratified extracellular matrix proteins that are regulated by the transcriptional functions of NFATc1, Sox9, and Scleraxis. Each of these factors has analogous functions in differentiation of related connective tissue lineages. Together, the precise timing and localized functions of specific transcription factors control cell proliferation, differentiation, elongation, and remodeling processes that are necessary for normal valve structure and function. In addition, there is increasing evidence that these same transcription factors contribute to congenital, as well as degenerative, valve disease.
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Vrljicak P, Chang ACY, Morozova O, Wederell ED, Niessen K, Marra MA, Karsan A, Hoodless PA. Genomic analysis distinguishes phases of early development of the mouse atrio-ventricular canal. Physiol Genomics 2009; 40:150-7. [PMID: 19952280 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00142.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Valve formation during embryonic heart development involves a complex interplay of regional specification, cell transformations, and remodeling events. While many studies have addressed the role of specific genes during this process, a global understanding of the genetic basis for the regional specification and development of the heart valves is incomplete. We have undertaken genome-wide transcriptional profiling of the developing heart valves in the mouse. Four Serial Analysis of Gene Expression libraries were generated and analyzed from the mouse atrio-ventricular canal (AVC) at embryonic days 9.5-12.5, covering the stages from initiation of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) through to the beginning of endocardial cushion remodeling. We identified 14 distinct temporal patterns of gene expression during AVC development. These were associated with specific functions and signaling pathway members. We defined the temporal distribution of mesenchyme genes during the EMT process and of specific Notch and transforming growth factor-beta targets. This work provides the first comprehensive temporal dataset during the formation of heart valves. These results identify molecular signatures that distinguish different phases of early heart valve formation allowing gene expression and function to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Vrljicak
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 1L3
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Alfieri CM, Cheek J, Chakraborty S, Yutzey KE. Wnt signaling in heart valve development and osteogenic gene induction. Dev Biol 2009; 338:127-35. [PMID: 19961844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling mediated by beta-catenin has been implicated in early endocardial cushion development, but its roles in later stages of heart valve maturation and homeostasis have not been identified. Multiple Wnt ligands and pathway genes are differentially expressed during heart valve development. At E12.5, Wnt2 is expressed in cushion mesenchyme, whereas Wnt4 and Wnt9b are predominant in overlying endothelial cells. At E17.5, both Wnt3a and Wnt7b are expressed in the remodeling atrioventricular (AV) and semilunar valves. In addition, the TOPGAL Wnt reporter transgene is active throughout the developing AV and semilunar valves at E16.5, with more localized expression in the stratified valve leaflets after birth. In chicken embryo aortic valves, genes characteristic of osteogenic cell lineages including periostin, osteonectin, and Id2 are expressed specifically in the collagen-rich fibrosa layer at E14. Treatment of E14 aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) in culture with osteogenic media results in increased expression of multiple genes associated with bone formation. Treatment of VIC with Wnt3a leads to nuclear localization of beta-catenin and induction of periostin and matrix gla protein but does not induce genes associated with later stages of osteogenesis. Together, these studies provide evidence for Wnt signaling as a regulator of endocardial cushion maturation as well as valve leaflet stratification, homeostasis, and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Alfieri
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Medical Center, ML 7020, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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