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Baldassarro VA, Alastra G, Cescatti M, Quadalti C, Lorenzini L, Giardino L, Calzà L. SARS-CoV-2-related peptides induce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endothelial capillary cells derived from different body districts: focus on membrane (M) protein. Cell Tissue Res 2024:10.1007/s00441-024-03900-y. [PMID: 38953987 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03900-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19, may lead to multiple organ dysfunctions and long-term complications. The induction of microvascular dysfunction is regarded as a main player in these pathological processes. To investigate the possible impact of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) on fibrosis in "long-COVID" syndrome, we used primary cultures of human microvascular cells derived from the lungs, as the main infection target, compared to cells derived from different organs (dermis, heart, kidney, liver, brain) and to the HUVEC cell line. To mimic the virus action, we used mixed SARS-CoV-2 peptide fragments (PepTivator®) of spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and membrane (M) proteins. TGFβ2 and cytokine mix (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) were used as positive controls. The percentage of cells positive to mesenchymal and endothelial markers was quantified by high content screening. We demonstrated that S+N+M mix induces irreversible EndMT in all analyzed endothelial cells via the TGFβ pathway, as demonstrated by ApoA1 treatment. We then tested the contribution of single peptides in lung and brain cells, demonstrating that EndMT is triggered by M peptide. This was confirmed by transfection experiment, inducing the endogenous expression of the glycoprotein M in lung-derived cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 peptides induce EndMT in microvascular endothelial cells from multiple body districts. The different peptides play different roles in the induction and maintenance of the virus-mediated effects, which are organ-specific. These results corroborate the hypothesis of the SARS-CoV-2-mediated microvascular damage underlying the multiple organ dysfunctions and the long-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alastra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Corinne Quadalti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technology ICIR-HST, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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2
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Hall IF, Kishta F, Xu Y, Baker AH, Kovacic JC. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition: at the axis of cardiovascular health and disease. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:223-236. [PMID: 38385523 PMCID: PMC10939465 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels and play a major role in vascular (patho)-physiology by acting as a barrier, sensing circulating factors and intrinsic/extrinsic signals. ECs have the capacity to undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a complex differentiation process with key roles both during embryonic development and in adulthood. EndMT can contribute to EC activation and dysfunctional alterations associated with maladaptive tissue responses in human disease. During EndMT, ECs progressively undergo changes leading to expression of mesenchymal markers while repressing EC lineage-specific traits. This phenotypic and functional switch is considered to largely exist in a continuum, being characterized by a gradation of transitioning stages. In this report, we discuss process plasticity and potential reversibility and the hypothesis that different EndMT-derived cell populations may play a different role in disease progression or resolution. In addition, we review advancements in the EndMT field, current technical challenges, as well as therapeutic options and opportunities in the context of cardiovascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernando Hall
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Franceska Kishta
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yang Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229ER, The Netherlands
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School and University of New South Wales, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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3
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Graham A. Modulation of the Cellular microRNA Landscape: Contribution to the Protective Effects of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL). BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1232. [PMID: 37759631 PMCID: PMC10526091 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play an established role in protecting against cellular dysfunction in a variety of different disease contexts; however, harnessing this therapeutic potential has proved challenging due to the heterogeneous and relative instability of this lipoprotein and its variable cargo molecules. The purpose of this study is to examine the contribution of microRNA (miRNA; miR) sequences, either delivered directly or modulated endogenously, to these protective functions. This narrative review introduces the complex cargo carried by HDL, the protective functions associated with this lipoprotein, and the factors governing biogenesis, export and the uptake of microRNA. The possible mechanisms by which HDL can modulate the cellular miRNA landscape are considered, and the impact of key sequences modified by HDL is explored in diseases such as inflammation and immunity, wound healing, angiogenesis, dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, potentially offering new routes for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Graham
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
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4
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Markin AM, Markina YV, Bogatyreva AI, Tolstik TV, Chakal DA, Breshenkov DG, Charchyan ER. The Role of Cytokines in Cholesterol Accumulation in Cells and Atherosclerosis Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076426. [PMID: 37047399 PMCID: PMC10094347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the most common cardiovascular disease and is the number one cause of death worldwide. Today, atherosclerosis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease with an autoimmune component, accompanied by the accumulation of cholesterol in the vessel wall and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. In the process of accumulation of atherogenic lipids, cells of the immune system, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, etc., play an important role, producing and/or activating the production of various cytokines—interferons, interleukins, chemokines. In this review, we have tried to summarize the most important cytokines involved in the processes of atherogenesis.
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Chen F, Yue LL, Ntsobe TE, Qin LL, Zeng Y, Xie MF, Huang HJ, Peng W, Zeng LS, Liu HJ, Liu Q. Endothelial mesenchymal transformation and relationship with vascular abnormalities. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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6
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Apolipoprotein-AI and AIBP synergetic anti-inflammation as vascular diseases therapy: the new perspective. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3065-3078. [PMID: 33811580 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04037-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vascular diseases (VDs) including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), atherosclerosis (AS) and coronary arterial diseases (CADs) contribute to the higher morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) binding protein (AIBP) and Apo-AI negatively correlate with VDs. However, the mechanism by which AIBP and apo-AI regulate VDs still remains unexplained. Here, we provide an overview of the role of AIBP and apo-AI regulation of vascular diseases molecular mechanisms such as vascular energy homeostasis imbalance, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in VDs. In addition, the role of AIBP and apo-AI in endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle (VSMCs) and immune cells activation in the pathogenesis of VDs are explained. The in-depth understanding of AIBP and apo-AI function in the vascular system may lead to the discovery of VDs therapy.
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Fan Z, Zhang Y, Xiao D, Ma J, Liu H, Shen L, Zhang M, He B. Long noncoding RNA UC.98 stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques by promoting the proliferation and adhesive capacity in murine aortic endothelial cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:141-149. [PMID: 31942916 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological studies have shown that the vulnerability of plaques affects outcomes in patients with atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease and common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although emerging technologies have enabled early diagnosis of AS with high-risk vulnerable plaques, more accurate and noninvasive diagnostic methods are urgently required. To this end, molecules involved in genetic or epigenetic regulation of the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques have been extensively studied. Here, we evaluated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) variability by microarray assay in murine aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) bearing vulnerable plaques and identified the novel functional lncRNA UC.98, whose expression pattern was associated with the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques. Consistent with this, clinical statistics comparing the peripheral blood specimens from sets of patients with AS with or without vulnerable plaques confirmed the linear relationship between the expression pattern of UC.98 and plaque instability. Moreover, MTT assays and western blot analysis showed that silencing of intrinsic UC.98 in MAECs not only suppressed cell proliferation but also decreased the expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, thereby inactivating the nuclear factor-κB pathway. In conclusion, our results highlighted the pivotal role of UC.98 in regulating the vulnerability of plaques during AS progression and suggested that UC.98 may be a biomarker of the early diagnosis and prognosis of AS with vulnerable plaques and a potential therapeutic target for slowing AS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Fan
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Danrui Xiao
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jianwei Ma
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hua Liu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Linghong Shen
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ben He
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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8
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Abstract
The prevalence of heart failure (HF), including reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), has increased significantly worldwide. However, the prognosis and treatment of HF are still not good. Recent studies have demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in cardiac repair during HF. The exact role and mechanism of HDL in the regulation of HF remain unexplained. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding HDL in the progression of HF, such as the regulation of excitation-contraction coupling, energy homeostasis, inflammation, neurohormone activation, and microvascular dysfunction. The effects of HDL on the regulation of cardiac-related cells, such as endothelial cells (ECs), cardiomyocytes (CMs), and on cardiac resident immune cell dysfunction in HF are also explained. An in-depth understanding of HDL function in the heart may provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of HF.
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9
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Yang DD, Chen ZH, Wang DS, Yu HE, Lu JH, Xu RH, Zeng ZL. Prognostic value of the serum apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I ratio in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. J Cancer 2020; 11:1063-1074. [PMID: 31956353 PMCID: PMC6959062 DOI: 10.7150/jca.35659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of our research was to assess the prognostic value of the apolipoprotein B (ApoB) to apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) ratio (ApoB/ApoA-I) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Methods: We randomly assigned 838 patients into the training cohort (n=578) and the validation cohort (n=260). The cut-off value of the ApoB/ApoA-I in the training cohort identified by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.69 and was further validated in the validation cohort. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was carried out to eliminate the imbalance in the baseline characteristics of the high and low ApoB/ApoA-I group. The PSM cohort of 542 mCRC patients was generated. We also validated our main findings and conclusions with an independent cohort (n=150). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the independent prognostic value of the ApoB/ApoA-I in the training cohort (n=578), the validation cohort (n=260), the PSM cohort (n=542) and the independent cohort (n=150). Results: Patients in the high ApoB/ApoA-I group had significantly shorter overall survival compared to those in the low ApoB/ApoA-I group in the training cohort, the validation cohort, the PSM cohort and the independent cohort (P <0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that the ApoB/ApoA-I was an independent prognostic index for OS in the training cohort [hazard ratio (HR):1.371; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.205-1.870, P=0.045], the validation cohort (HR: 1.924; 95% CI: 1.360-2.723, P<0.001), the PSM cohort (HR: 1.599; 95% CI: 1.287-1.988, P<0.001) and the independent cohort (HR: 1.949; 95% CI: 1.014-3.747, P=0.046). Conclusions: An increased baseline serum ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent prognostic factor for a poor prognosis in mCRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhan-Hong Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Hong-En Yu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jia-Huan Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhao-Lei Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dong fengdong Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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10
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Liguori TTA, Liguori GR, Moreira LFP, Harmsen MC. Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells' conditioned medium modulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by IL-1β/TGF-β2 but does not restore endothelial function. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12629. [PMID: 31468648 PMCID: PMC6869467 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Endothelial cells undergo TGF‐β–driven endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT), representing up to 25% of cardiac myofibroblasts in ischaemic hearts. Previous research showed that conditioned medium of adipose tissue–derived stromal cells (ASC‐CMed) blocks the activation of fibroblasts into fibrotic myofibroblasts. We tested the hypothesis that ASC‐CMed abrogates EndMT and prevents the formation of adverse myofibroblasts. Materials and methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with IL‐1β and TGF‐β2 to induce EndMT, and the influence of ASC‐CMed was assessed. As controls, non‐treated HUVEC or HUVEC treated only with IL‐1β in the absence or presence of ASC‐CMed were used. Gene expression of inflammatory, endothelial, mesenchymal and extracellular matrix markers, transcription factors and cell receptors was analysed by RT‐qPCR. The protein expression of endothelial and mesenchymal markers was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. Endothelial cell function was measured by sprouting assay. Results IL‐1β/TGF‐β2 treatment induced EndMT, as evidenced by the change in HUVEC morphology and an increase in mesenchymal markers. ASC‐CMed blocked the EndMT‐related fibrotic processes, as observed by reduced expression of mesenchymal markers TAGLN (P = 0.0008) and CNN1 (P = 0.0573), as well as SM22α (P = 0.0501). The angiogenesis potential was impaired in HUVEC undergoing EndMT and could not be restored by ASC‐CMed. Conclusions We demonstrated that ASC‐CMed reduces IL‐1β/TGF‐β2‐induced EndMT as observed by the loss of mesenchymal markers. The present study supports the anti‐fibrotic effects of ASC‐CMed through the modulation of the EndMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tácia Tavares Aquinas Liguori
- Laboratório de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel Romero Liguori
- Laboratório de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luiz Felipe Pinho Moreira
- Laboratório de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Conrad Harmsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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12
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Sun A, Lai Z, Zhao M, Mu L, Hu X. Native nanodiscs from blood inhibit pulmonary fibrosis. Biomaterials 2019; 192:51-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Chen H, Liu Y, Gui Q, Zhu X, Zeng L, Meng J, Qing J, Gao L, Jackson AO, Feng J, Li Y, He J, Yin K. Ghrelin attenuates myocardial fibrosis after acute myocardial infarction via inhibiting endothelial-to mesenchymal transition in rat model. Peptides 2019; 111:118-126. [PMID: 30218693 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract, has recently been found to be associated with the onset of myocardial fibrosis (MF). The exact mechanism, however, remains elusive. This study sought to identify the function and mechanism of ghrelin on MF after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AMI was established in Spraque-Dawley rats by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD). Ghrelin or saline was intraperitoneally injected two times per day for 8 weeks after ligation. The weight of heart (mg) and the weight ratio of heart to body (mg/g) as well as the fibrotic area were increased, while serum level of ghrelin was decreased after AMI. Ghrelin significantly ameliorated MF and decreased deposition of collagens in perivascular fibrosis area. In addition, ghrelin inhibited Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a crucial process for MF, in perivascular fibrosis area and TGF-β1-induced human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Mechanistically, ghrelin persistently decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and enhanced the expression of Smad7 and p-AMPK in vivo and in vitro. After the abolition of Smad7, GHSR-1a and AMPK pathway, the effect of ghrelin on EndMT was significantly inhibited. In conclusion, these results presented a novel finding that ghrelin attenuated MF after AMI via regulation EndMT in a GHSR-1a/AMPK/Smad7- dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hainan Chen
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Key Laboratory Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yijian Liu
- The Third Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Qingjun Gui
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Key Laboratory Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jun Meng
- Functional Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jina Qing
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ampadu O Jackson
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; International College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Juling Feng
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yi Li
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jin He
- Functional Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Research Lab for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Key Laboratory Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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14
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Chen PY, Simons M. Fibroblast growth factor-transforming growth factor beta dialogues, endothelial cell to mesenchymal transition, and atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Lipidol 2018; 29:397-403. [PMID: 30080704 PMCID: PMC6290915 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite much effort, atherosclerosis remains an important public health problem, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide an understanding of the role of endothelial cell fate change in atherosclerosis process. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies indicate that a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may play an important role in atherosclerosis development. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) has been shown to be an important driver of the endothelial cell phenotype transition. SUMMARY The current review deals with the current state of knowledge regarding EndMT's role in atherosclerosis and its regulation by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-TGFβ cross-talk. A better understanding of FGF-TGFβ signaling in the regulation of endothelial cell phenotypes is key to the development of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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15
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Jackson AO, Regine MA, Subrata C, Long S. Molecular mechanisms and genetic regulation in atherosclerosis. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2018; 21:36-44. [PMID: 30276232 PMCID: PMC6161413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) manifested by lipid accumulation, extracellular matrix protein deposition, and calcification in the intima and media of the large to medium size arteries promoting arterial stiffness and reduction of elasticity. It has been accepted that AS leads to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies indicated that genetic abnormalities play an important role in the development of AS. Specific genetic mutation and histone modification have been found to induce AS formation. Furthermore, specific RNAs such as microRNAs and circular RNAs have been identified to play a crucial role in the progression of AS. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which genetic mutation, DNA and histone modification, microRNAs and circular RNA induce AS still remain elusive. This review describes specific mechanisms and pathways through which genetic mutation, DNA and histone modification, microRNAs and circular RNA instigate AS. This review further provides a therapeutic strategic direction for the treatment of AS targeting genetic mechanisms. DNA and histone modifications promote transcriptional changes in atherosclerosis. Gene mutations cause dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia to promote atherosclerosis. miRNAs and cirRNA are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Gene mutations associated oxidative stress and altered inflammatory and nutritive factors promote atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ampadu-Okyere Jackson
- Research lab of translational medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China.,International college, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Mugwaneza Annick Regine
- Research lab of translational medicine, Medical school, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China.,International college, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
| | - Chakrabarti Subrata
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shiyin Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province 421001, China
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16
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Tang H, Babicheva A, McDermott KM, Gu Y, Ayon RJ, Song S, Wang Z, Gupta A, Zhou T, Sun X, Dash S, Wang Z, Balistrieri A, Zheng Q, Cordery AG, Desai AA, Rischard F, Khalpey Z, Wang J, Black SM, Garcia JGN, Makino A, Yuan JXJ. Endothelial HIF-2α contributes to severe pulmonary hypertension due to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 314:L256-L275. [PMID: 29074488 PMCID: PMC5866501 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00096.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular remodeling characterized by concentric wall thickening and intraluminal obliteration is a major contributor to the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Here we report that increased hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) in lung vascular endothelial cells (LVECs) under normoxic conditions is involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) by inducing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which subsequently results in vascular remodeling and occlusive lesions. We observed significant EndMT and markedly increased expression of SNAI, an inducer of EndMT, in LVECs from patients with IPAH and animals with experimental PH compared with normal controls. LVECs isolated from IPAH patients had a higher level of HIF-2α than that from normal subjects, whereas HIF-1α was upregulated in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from IPAH patients. The increased HIF-2α level, due to downregulated prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2), a prolyl hydroxylase that promotes HIF-2α degradation, was involved in enhanced EndMT and upregulated SNAI1/2 in LVECs from patients with IPAH. Moreover, knockdown of HIF-2α (but not HIF-1α) with siRNA decreases both SNAI1 and SNAI2 expression in IPAH-LVECs. Mice with endothelial cell (EC)-specific knockout (KO) of the PHD2 gene, egln1 (egln1EC-/-), developed severe PH under normoxic conditions, whereas Snai1/2 and EndMT were increased in LVECs of egln1EC-/- mice. EC-specific KO of the HIF-2α gene, hif2a, prevented mice from developing hypoxia-induced PH, whereas EC-specific deletion of the HIF-1α gene, hif1a, or smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific deletion of hif2a, negligibly affected the development of PH. Also, exposure to hypoxia for 48-72 h increased protein level of HIF-1α in normal human PASMCs and HIF-2α in normal human LVECs. These data indicate that increased HIF-2α in LVECs plays a pathogenic role in the development of severe PH by upregulating SNAI1/2, inducing EndMT, and causing obliterative pulmonary vascular lesions and vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Tang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aleksandra Babicheva
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kimberly M McDermott
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Yali Gu
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ramon J Ayon
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Shanshan Song
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Akash Gupta
- Division of Cardiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Tong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Xutong Sun
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Swetaleena Dash
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Zilu Wang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Angela Balistrieri
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Qiuyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medicine University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Arlette G Cordery
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ankit A Desai
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Division of Cardiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Franz Rischard
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Zain Khalpey
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jian Wang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medicine University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Stephen M Black
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
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17
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Li A, Peng W, Xia X, Li R, Wang Y, Wei D. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: A Potential Mechanism for Atherosclerosis Plaque Progression and Destabilization. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:883-891. [PMID: 28920704 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a cellular reprogramming mechanism by which endothelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EndMT is associated with fibroproliferative diseases, such as cancer progression and metastasis and cardiac and kidney fibrosis, and this condition has been extensively investigated over the past decade. Recently, studies showed that EndMT contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion and plaque destabilization. Unstable atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis are the main pathological causes of acute cardiovascular events. EndMT is plastic and reversible. Therefore, our enhanced understanding on the mechanisms controlling EndMT and its roles in the atherosclerosis plaque progression and instability may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to stabilize and reverse atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afang Li
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Wenxi Peng
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Xia
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China .,2 Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Rongqing Li
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- 3 Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, China
| | - Dangheng Wei
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Atherosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China , Hengyang, China
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