Angiotensin II and alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression in rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts

[68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)]2 angiogenesis PET following myocardial infarction in an experimental rat model predicts cardiac functional parameters and development of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis has increasingly been a target for imaging and treatment over the last decade. The integrin αvβ3 is highly expressed in cells during angiogenesis and are therefore a promising target for imaging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the PET tracer [68Ga]Ga-RGD as a marker of angiogenesis following MI and its ability to predict cardiac functional parameters.

METHODS

First, the real-time interaction between [68Ga]Ga-RGD and integrin αvβ3 was investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Second, an animal study was performed to investigate the [68Ga]Ga-RGD uptake in the infarcted area after one and four weeks following MI in a rat model (MI = 68, sham surgery = 36). Finally, the specificity of the [68Ga]Ga-RGD tracer was evaluated ex vivo using histology, autoradiography, gamma counting and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

SPR showed that [68Ga]Ga-RGD has a high affinity for integrin αvβ3, forming a strong and stable binding. PET/CT showed a significantly higher uptake of [68Ga]Ga-RGD in the infarcted area compared to sham one week (p < 0.001) and four weeks (p < 0.001) after MI. The uptake of [68Ga]Ga-RGD after one week correlated to end diastolic volume (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and ejection fraction (r = - 0.71, p < 0.001) after four weeks.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that [68Ga]Ga-RGD has a high affinity for integrin αvβ3, which enables the evaluation of angiogenesis and remodeling. The [68Ga]Ga-RGD uptake after one week indicates that [68Ga]Ga-RGD may be used as an early predictor of cardiac functional parameters and possible development of heart failure after MI. These encouraging data supports the clinical translation and future use in MI patients.

Recruited macrophages elicit atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation disrupts contraction of the atria, leading to stroke and heart failure. We deciphered how immune and stromal cells contribute to atrial fibrillation. Single-cell transcriptomes from human atria documented inflammatory monocyte and SPP1+ macrophage expansion in atrial fibrillation. Combining hypertension, obesity, and mitral valve regurgitation (HOMER) in mice elicited enlarged, fibrosed, and fibrillation-prone atria. Single-cell transcriptomes from HOMER mouse atria recapitulated cell composition and transcriptome changes observed in patients. Inhibiting monocyte migration reduced arrhythmia in Ccr2-∕- HOMER mice. Cell-cell interaction analysis identified SPP1 as a pleiotropic signal that promotes atrial fibrillation through cross-talk with local immune and stromal cells. Deleting Spp1 reduced atrial fibrillation in HOMER mice. These results identify SPP1+ macrophages as targets for immunotherapy in atrial fibrillation.

Calcitriol Suppressed Isoproterenol-induced Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Integrin β3/FAK/Akt Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis. Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases. This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.

METHODS

MTT and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and integrin signaling pathway. The fibronectin was observed by ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrin β3.

RESULTS

The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol (ISO) stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3 (β3). The blockade of the integrin β3 with a specific integrin β3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO. Decreasing the integrin β3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt. Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs. Calcitriol (CAL), an active form of vitamin D, attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrin β3 expression, and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt. Moreover, CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO. The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrin β3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.

CONCLUSION

These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrin β3/FAK/Akt pathway.

Integrins in cardiac fibrosis

Cells sense mechanical stress and changes in their matrix environment through the integrins, a family of heterodimeric surface receptors that bind to extracellular matrix ligands and trigger cytoskeletal remodeling, while transducing a wide range of intracellular signals. Integrins have been extensively implicated in regulation of inflammation, repair and fibrosis in many different tissues. This review manuscript discusses the role of integrin-mediated cascades in myocardial fibrosis. In vitro studies have demonstrated that β1 and αv integrins play an important role in fibrogenic conversion of cardiac fibroblast, acting through direct stimulation of FAK/Src cascades, or via accentuation of growth factor signaling. Fibrogenic actions of αv integrins may be mediated, at least in part, through pericellular activation of latent TGF-β stores. In vivo evidence supporting the role of integrin heterodimers in fibrotic cardiac remodeling is limited to associative evidence, and to experiments using pharmacologic inhibitors, or global loss-of-function approaches. Studies documenting in vivo actions of integrins on fibroblasts using cell-specific strategies are lacking. Integrin effects on leukocytes may also contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrotic myocardial responses by mediating recruitment and activation of fibrogenic macrophages. The profile and role of integrins in cardiac fibrosis may be dependent on the underlying pathologic condition. Considering their cell surface localization and the availability of small molecule inhibitors, integrins may be attractive therapeutic targets for patients with heart failure associated with prominent fibrotic remodeling.

DNA Tension Probes Show that Cardiomyocyte Maturation Is Sensitive to the Piconewton Traction Forces Transmitted by Integrins

Cardiac muscle cells (CMCs) are the unit cells that comprise the heart. CMCs go through different stages of differentiation and maturation pathways to fully mature into beating cells. These cells can sense and respond to mechanical cues through receptors such as integrins which influence maturation pathways. For example, cell traction forces are important for the differentiation and development of functional CMCs, as CMCs cultured on varying substrate stiffness function differently. Most work in this area has focused on understanding the role of bulk extracellular matrix stiffness in mediating the functional fate of CMCs. Given that stiffness sensing mechanisms are mediated by individual integrin receptors, an important question in this area pertains to the specific magnitude of integrin piconewton (pN) forces that can trigger CMC functional maturation. To address this knowledge gap, we used DNA adhesion tethers that rupture at specific thresholds of force (∼12, ∼56, and ∼160 pN) to test whether capping peak integrin tension to specific magnitudes affects CMC function. We show that adhesion tethers with greater force tolerance lead to functionally mature CMCs as determined by morphology, twitching frequency, transient calcium flux measurements, and protein expression (F-actin, vinculin, α-actinin, YAP, and SERCA2a). Additionally, sarcomeric actinin alignment and multinucleation were significantly enhanced as the mechanical tolerance of integrin tethers was increased. Taken together, the results show that CMCs harness defined pN integrin forces to influence early stage development. This study represents an important step toward biophysical characterization of the contribution of pN forces in early stage cardiac differentiation.

Role of the renin-angiotensin system in NETosis in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Myocardial infarction and stroke are the leading causes of death in the world. Numerous evidence has confirmed that hypertension promotes thrombosis and induces myocardial infarction and stroke. Recent findings reveal that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in the induction of myocardial infarction and stroke. Meanwhile, patients with severe COVID-19 suffer from complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke with pathological signs of NETs. Due to the extremely low amount of virus detected in the blood and remote organs (e.g., heart, brain and kidney) in a few cases, it is difficult to explain the mechanism by which the virus triggers NETosis, and there may be a different mechanism than in the lung. A large number of studies have found that the renin-angiotensin system regulates the NETosis at multiple levels in patients with COVID-19, such as endocytosis of SARS-COV-2, abnormal angiotensin II levels, neutrophil activation and procoagulant function at multiple levels, which may contribute to the formation of reticular structure and thrombosis. The treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and neutrophil recruitment and active antagonists helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of net and thrombosis. The review will explore the possible role of the angiotensin system in the formation of NETs in severe COVID-19.

Transforming growth factor-β in myocardial disease

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) isoforms are upregulated and activated in myocardial diseases and have an important role in cardiac repair and remodelling, regulating the phenotype and function of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells. Cardiac injury triggers the generation of bioactive TGFβ from latent stores, through mechanisms involving proteases, integrins and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Activated TGFβ signals through the SMAD intracellular effectors or through non-SMAD cascades. In the infarcted heart, the anti-inflammatory and fibroblast-activating actions of TGFβ have an important role in repair; however, excessive or prolonged TGFβ signalling accentuates adverse remodelling, contributing to cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac pressure overload also activates TGFβ cascades, which initially can have a protective role, promoting an ECM-preserving phenotype in fibroblasts and preventing the generation of injurious, pro-inflammatory ECM fragments. However, prolonged and overactive TGFβ signalling in pressure-overloaded cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts can promote cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In the atria, TGFβ-mediated fibrosis can contribute to the pathogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Overactive or dysregulated TGFβ responses have also been implicated in cardiac ageing and in the pathogenesis of diabetic, genetic and inflammatory cardiomyopathies. This Review summarizes the current evidence on the role of TGFβ signalling in myocardial diseases, focusing on cellular targets and molecular mechanisms, and discussing challenges and opportunities for therapeutic translation.

Deficiency of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α attenuates apoptosis and promotes migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α is widely expressed in the vasculature and has pleiotropic and lipid-lowering independent effects, but its role in the growth and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during vascular pathophysiology is still unclear. Herein, VSMC-specific PPARα-deficient mice (Ppara ^ΔSMC) were generated by Cre-LoxP site-specific recombinase technology and VSMCs were isolated from mice aorta. PPARα deficiency attenuated VSMC apoptosis induced by angiotensin (Ang) II and hydrogen peroxide, and increased the migration of Ang II-challenged cells.

The role of extracellular matrix in biomechanics and its impact on bioengineering of cells and 3D tissues

The cells and tissues of the human body are constantly exposed to exogenous and endogenous forces that are referred to as biomechanical cues. They guide and impact cellular processes and cell fate decisions on the nano-, micro- and macro-scale, and are therefore critical for normal tissue development and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Alterations in the extracellular matrix composition of a tissue combined with abnormal mechanosensing and mechanotransduction can aberrantly activate signaling pathways that promote disease development. Such processes are therefore highly relevant for disease modelling or when aiming for the development of novel therapies. In this mini review, we describe the main biomechanical cues that impact cellular fates. We highlight their role during development, homeostasis and in disease. We also discuss current techniques and tools that allow us to study the impact of biomechanical cues on cell and tissue development under physiological conditions, and we point out directions, in which in vitro biomechanics can be of use in the future.

Suppression of angiotensin II-induced pathological changes in heart and kidney by the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide

Dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system leads to systemic hypertension and maladaptive fibrosis in various organs. We showed recently that myocardial fibrosis and the loss of cardiac function in mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) could be averted by treatment with the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) peptide. Here, we used angiotensin II (AngII) infusion (2.1 mg/kg/day for 2 wk) in mice as a second model to confirm and extend our observations on the beneficial effects of CSD on heart and kidney disease. AngII caused cardiac hypertrophy (increased heart weight to body weight ratio (HW/BW) and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area); fibrosis in heart and kidney (increased levels of collagen I and heat shock protein-47 (HSP47)); and vascular leakage (increased levels of IgG in heart and kidney). Echocardiograms of AngII-infused mice showed increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness (pWTh) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and decreased ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO). CSD treatment (i.p. injections, 50 μg/mouse/day) of AngII-infused mice significantly suppressed all of these pathological changes in fibrosis, hypertrophy, vascular leakage, and ventricular function. AngII infusion increased β1 and β3 integrin levels and activated Pyk2 in both heart and kidney. These changes were also suppressed by CSD. Finally, bone marrow cell (BMC) isolated from AngII-infused mice showed hyper-migration toward SDF1. When AngII-infused mice were treated with CSD, BMC migration was reduced to the basal level observed in cells from control mice. Importantly, CSD did not affect the AngII-induced increase in blood pressure (BP), indicating that the beneficial effects of CSD were not mediated via normalization of BP. These results strongly indicate that CSD suppresses AngII-induced pathological changes in mice, suggesting that CSD can be developed as a treatment for patients with hypertension and pressure overload-induced heart failure.

Integrin ανβ5 in vitro inhibition limits pro-fibrotic response in cardiac fibroblasts of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background

To date the TGF-β1 activation mediated by integrin ανβ5 during fibrosis is well-known. This process has been shown also in the heart, where cardiac fibroblasts (CF) differentiate into α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts (MyoFB). Here, we studied the effects on CF, isolated by spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), of integrin ανβ5 inhibition in MyoFB differentiation.

Methods

Staining and immunohistochemistry were performed on rat cardiac tissue. CF were isolated by enzymatic digestion from SHR (SHR-CF) and normotensive WKY (WKY-CF) rat hearts and then treated for in vitro evaluation.

Results

SHR heart tissues revealed a higher TGF-β1 expression vs. WKY samples. SHR-CF showed an enhanced SMAD2/3 activation and an up-regulated expression of α-SMA, a typical MyoFB marker, especially after TGF-β1 treatment. Immunostaining on cardiac tissues revealed a higher expression of integrin ανβ5 in SHR vs. WKY rat hearts. In vitro results confirmed the up-regulation of integrin ανβ5 expression in SHR-CF at basal condition and after TGF-β1 treatment, in comparison with WKY-CF. Inhibition of integrin ανβ5 by cilengitide treatment led a decreased expression of ανβ5, collagen I, and α-SMA in SHR-CF vs. WKY-CF, resulting in a diminished differentiation of CF into MyoFB. Taking together, results suggested that SHR-CF are more susceptible to TGF-β1, showing an up-regulated activation of SMAD2/3 signaling, and an increased ανβ5, α-SMA, and collagen I expression. Hypertension stimulus promoted an up-regulation of integrin ανβ5 on SHR cardiac tissue and its in vitro inhibition reverted pro-fibrotic events of SHR-CF.

Conclusion

Inhibition of integrin ανβ5 exerted by cilengitide strongly diminished SHR-CF differentiation into detrimental MyoFB. So, integrin ανβ5 might be considered a novel therapeutic target and cilengitide an effective pharmacological tool to limit the progression of hypertension-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1730-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Extracellular ubiquitin modulates cardiac fibroblast phenotype and function via its interaction with CXCR4

AIMS

β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation increases extracellular levels of ubiquitin (UB), and exogenous UB plays an important role in β-AR-stimulated myocardial remodeling with effects on heart function, fibrosis and myocyte apoptosis. Cardiac fibroblasts are vital for maintaining the normal function of the heart, and in the structural remodeling of the heart in response to injury. Here we hypothesized that extracellular UB modulates cardiac fibroblast phenotype and function via its interaction with CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4).

MAIN METHODS

Serum starved adult cardiac fibroblasts were used to identify CXCR4 as a receptor for UB. Fluorescent microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation, western blot, proliferation, migration and collagen contraction assays were performed to investigate the role of UB/CXCR4 axis on cell signaling, and modulation of fibroblast phenotype and function.

KEY FINDINGS

Using fluorescent microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation assay, we provide evidence that extracellular UB interacts with CXCR4. CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, inhibited interaction of UB with CXCR4. UB activated ERK1/2, not Akt. It enhanced VEGF-A expression, while decreasing β3 integrins expression. Two mutated UB proteins (V70A and F4A; unable to interact with CXCR4) failed to affect the expression of VEGF-A and β3 integrins. UB treatment inhibited migration of cells into the wound and FBS-stimulated cell proliferation. UB enhanced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (marker of myofibroblast differentiation) and contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gel pads. Most of the effects of UB were negated by AMD3100.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data presented here suggest that UB interacts with CXCR4, and UB/CXCR4 interaction affects intracellular signaling, and modulates fibroblast phenotype and function.

Proteomics reveals Rictor as a noncanonical TGF-β signaling target during aneurysm progression in Marfan mice

The objective of the present study was to 1) analyze the ascending aortic proteome within a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS; Fbn1^C1041G/+) at early and late stages of aneurysm and 2) subsequently test a novel hypothesis formulated on the basis of this unbiased proteomic screen that links changes in integrin composition to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-dependent activation of the rapamycin-independent component of mammalian target of rapamycin (Rictor) signaling pathway. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of over 1,000 proteins quantified from the in vivo MFS mouse aorta by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry revealed a predicted upstream regulator, Rictor, that was selectively activated in aged MFS mice. We validated this pattern of Rictor activation in vivo by Western blot analysis for phosphorylation on Thr¹¹³⁵ in a separate cohort of mice and showed in vitro that TGF-β activates Rictor in an integrin-linked kinase-dependent manner in cultured aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Expression of β₃-integrin was upregulated in the aged MFS aorta relative to young MFS mice and wild-type mice. We showed that β₃-integrin expression and activation modulated TGF-β-induced Rictor phosphorylation in vitro, and this signaling effect was associated with an altered vascular smooth muscle cell proliferative-migratory and metabolic in vitro phenotype that parallels the in vivo aneurysm phenotype in MFS. These results reveal that Rictor is a novel, context-dependent, noncanonical TGF-β signaling effector with potential pathogenic implications in aortic aneurysm. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present the most comprehensive quantitative analysis of the ascending aortic aneurysm proteome in Marfan syndrome to date resulting in novel and potentially wide-reaching findings that expression and signaling by β₃-integrin constitute a modulator of transforming growth factor-β-induced rapamycin-independent component of mammalian target of rapamycin (Rictor) signaling and physiology in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells.

Cellular Mechanotransduction: From Tension to Function

Living cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli arising from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or from neighboring cells. The intracellular molecular processes through which such physical cues are transformed into a biological response are collectively dubbed as mechanotransduction and are of fundamental importance to help the cell timely adapt to the continuous dynamic modifications of the microenvironment. Local changes in ECM composition and mechanics are driven by a feed forward interplay between the cell and the matrix itself, with the first depositing ECM proteins that in turn will impact on the surrounding cells. As such, these changes occur regularly during tissue development and are a hallmark of the pathologies of aging. Only lately, though, the importance of mechanical cues in controlling cell function (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, migration) has been acknowledged. Here we provide a critical review of the recent insights into the molecular basis of cellular mechanotransduction, by analyzing how mechanical stimuli get transformed into a given biological response through the activation of a peculiar genetic program. Specifically, by recapitulating the processes involved in the interpretation of ECM remodeling by Focal Adhesions at cell-matrix interphase, we revise the role of cytoskeleton tension as the second messenger of the mechanotransduction process and the action of mechano-responsive shuttling proteins converging on stage and cell-specific transcription factors. Finally, we give few paradigmatic examples highlighting the emerging role of malfunctions in cell mechanosensing apparatus in the onset and progression of pathologies.

Cardiac fibrosis in regenerative medicine: destroy to rebuild

The major limitations for cardiac regeneration in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) are the wide loss of cardiomyocytes and the adverse structural alterations of extracellular matrix (ECM). Cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts (MFB) leads to a huge deposition of ECM and to the subsequent loss of ventricular structural integrity. All these molecular events depict the fundamental features at the basis of the post-MI fibrosis and deserve in depth cellular and molecular studies to fill the gap in the clinical practice. Indeed, to date, there are no effective therapeutic approaches to limit the post-MI massive fibrosis development. In this review we describe the involvement of integrins and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)/ADAMTS-like (ADAMTSL) proteins in cardiac reparative pro-fibrotic response after MI, proposing some of them as novel potential pharmacological tools.

Canstatin modulates L-type calcium channel activity in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes

Excessive increase of cytosolic Ca²⁺ through the activation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs) via β adrenergic receptor induces apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Canstatin, a cleaved fragment of collagen type IV α2 chain, is abundantly expressed in normal heart tissue. We previously reported that canstatin inhibits β adrenergic receptor-stimulated apoptosis in cardiomyoblasts. Here, we tested the hypothesis that canstatin regulates LTCCs activity in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Collagen type IV α2 chain (COL4A2) small interfering (si) RNA (for canstatin suppression) or control siRNA was injected via jugular vein in Wistar rats. Two days after the injection, electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded and the left ventricular tissue was isolated using Langendorff apparatus. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to clarify the distribution of canstatin in cardiomyocytes. The knockdown efficiency was confirmed by Western blotting. The L-type Ca²⁺ channel current (I_CaL) of ventricular cardiomyocyte was measured by a whole-cell patch clamp technique. In immunofluorescence staining, colocalization of canstatin and α_v integrin was observed in the isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes. The I_CaL of ventricular cardiomyocyte isolated from COL4A2 siRNA-injected rats was significantly enhanced compared with control siRNA-injected rats. Recombinant canstatin (250 ng/ml) significantly reversed it. ECG analysis showed that QT interval tended to be shortened and amplitude of T wave was significantly increased in the COL4A2 siRNA-injected rats. In summary, we for the first time clarified that suppressing canstatin expression increases the basal I_CaL in ventricular cardiomyocytes. It is proposed that canstatin might play a role in the stabilization of cardiac function through the modulation of LTCC activity in cardiomyocytes.

A Context-Dependent Role for αv Integrins in Regulatory T Cell Accumulation at Sites of Inflammation

Several inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease have been associated with dysfunctional and/or reduced numbers of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). While numerous mechanisms of action have been discovered by which Treg can exert their function, disease-specific Treg requirements remain largely unknown. We found that the integrin αv, which can pair with several β subunits including β8, is highly upregulated in Treg at sites of inflammation. Using mice that lacked αv expression or β8 expression specifically in Treg, we demonstrate that there was no deficit in Treg accumulation in the central nervous system during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and no difference in the resolution of disease compared to control mice. In contrast, during a curative T cell transfer model of colitis, Treg lacking all αv integrins were found at reduced proportions and numbers in the inflamed gut. This led to a quantitative impairment in the ability of αv-deficient Treg to reverse disease when Treg numbers in the inflamed colon were below a threshold. Increase of the number of curative Treg injected was able to rescue this phenotype, indicating that αv integrins were not required for the immunosuppressive function of Treg per se. In accordance with this, αv deficiency did not impact on the capacity of Treg to suppress proliferation of naive conventional T cells in vitro as well as in vivo. These observations demonstrate that despite the general upregulation of αv integrins in Treg at sites of inflammation, they are relevant for adequate Treg accumulation only in specific disease settings. The understanding of disease-specific mechanisms of action by Treg has clear implications for Treg-targeted therapies.

Canstatin inhibits hypoxia-induced apoptosis through activation of integrin/focal adhesion kinase/Akt signaling pathway in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts

A hypoxic stress which causes apoptosis of cardiomyocytes is the main problem in the ischemic heart disease. Canstatin, a non-collagenous fragment of type IV collagen α2 chain, is an endogenous anti-angiogenic factor. We have previously reported that canstatin has a cytoprotective effect on cardiomyoblasts. In the present study, we examined the effects of canstatin on hypoxia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Cell counting assay was performed to determine a cell viability. Western blotting was performed to detect expression of cleaved casepase-3 and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to observe a distribution of α_v integrin. Hypoxia (1% O₂, 48 h) significantly decreased cell viability and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression. Canstatin (10–250 ng/ml) significantly inhibited these changes in a concentration-dependent manner. Cilengitide (1 μM), an α_vβ₃ and α_vβ₅ integrin inhibitor, significantly prevented the protective effects of canstatin on cell viability. Canstatin significantly increased phosphorylation of FAK and Akt under hypoxic condition, which were inhibited by cilengitide. LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway, suppressed the canstatin-induced Akt phosphorylation and reversed the protective effects of canstatin. It was observed that hypoxia caused a localization of α_v integrin to focal adhesion. In summary, we for the first time clarified that canstatin inhibits hypoxia-induced apoptosis via FAK and Akt pathways through activating integrins in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.

Integrins and integrin-related proteins in cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is one of the major components of the healing mechanism following any injury of the heart and as such may contribute to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in a range of pathophysiologic conditions. Canonically, it can occur as part of the remodeling process that occurs following myocardial infarction or that follows as a response to pressure overload. Integrins are cell surface receptors which act in both cellular adhesion and signaling. Most importantly, in the context of the continuously contracting myocardium, they are recognized as mechanotransducers. They have been implicated in the development of fibrosis in several organs, including the heart. This review will focus on the involvement of integrins and integrin-related proteins, in cardiac fibrosis, outlining the roles of these proteins in the fibrotic responses in specific cardiac pathologies, discuss some of the common end effectors (angiotensin II, transforming growth factor beta 1 and mechanical stress) through which integrins function and finally discuss how manipulation of this set of proteins may lead to new treatments which could prove useful to alter the deleterious effects of cardiac fibrosis.

Stromal transcriptional profiles reveal hierarchies of anatomical site, serum response and disease and identify disease specific pathways

Synovial fibroblasts in persistent inflammatory arthritis have been suggested to have parallels with cancer growth and wound healing, both of which involve a stereotypical serum response programme. We tested the hypothesis that a serum response programme can be used to classify diseased tissues, and investigated the serum response programme in fibroblasts from multiple anatomical sites and two diseases. To test our hypothesis we utilized a bioinformatics approach to explore a publicly available microarray dataset including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and normal synovial tissue, then extended those findings in a new microarray dataset representing matched synovial, bone marrow and skin fibroblasts cultured from RA and OA patients undergoing arthroplasty. The classical fibroblast serum response programme discretely classified RA, OA and normal synovial tissues. Analysis of low and high serum treated fibroblast microarray data revealed a hierarchy of control, with anatomical site the most powerful classifier followed by response to serum and then disease. In contrast to skin and bone marrow fibroblasts, exposure of synovial fibroblasts to serum led to convergence of RA and OA expression profiles. Pathway analysis revealed three inter-linked gene networks characterising OA synovial fibroblasts: Cell remodelling through insulin-like growth factors, differentiation and angiogenesis through _3 integrin, and regulation of apoptosis through CD44. We have demonstrated that Fibroblast serum response signatures define disease at the tissue level, and that an OA specific, serum dependent repression of genes involved in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix remodelling and apoptosis is a critical discriminator between cultured OA and RA synovial fibroblasts.

Vitronectin-binding PAI-1 protects against the development of cardiac fibrosis through interaction with fibroblasts

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) promotes or abates fibrotic processes occurring in different organs. Binding of PAI-1 to vitronectin, an extracellular matrix component, may inhibit vitronectin-integrin complex-mediated cellular responses in pathophysiological conditions. To investigate the importance of plasmin suppression vs vitronectin-binding pathways of PAI-1 in cardiac fibrosis, we studied uninephrectomized mice fed a high salt diet and infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) together with different PAI-1 variants, including PAI-1AK (AK) that inhibits plasminogen activators but does not bind vitronectin, PAI-1RR (RR) that binds vitronectin but does not have protease inhibitory effects or control PAI-1 (CPAI), the control mutant that has similar molecular backbone and half-life as AK and RR while retaining all functions of native PAI-1. Compared with RR and CPAI, non-vitronectin-binding AK significantly increased expression of cardiac fibroblast marker, periostin (Ang+AK 8.40±3.55 vs Ang+RR 2.23±0.44 and Ang+CPAI 2.33±0.12% positive area, both P<0.05) and cardiac fibrosis (Ang+AK 1.79±0.26% vs Ang+RR 0.91±0.18% and Ang+CPAI 0.81±0.12% fibrotic area, both P<0.05), as well as Col1 mRNA (Ang+AK 12.81±1.84 vs Ang+RR 4.04±1.06 and Ang+CPAI 5.23±1.21 fold increase, both P<0.05). To elucidate mechanisms underlying the protective effects of vitronectin-binding PAI-1 against fibrosis, fibroblasts from normal adult human ventricles were stimulated with Ang and different PAI-1 variants. Protease inhibitory AK and CPAI increased supernatant fibronectin, while decreasing plasminogen activator/plasmin activities and matrix metalloproteinase. RR and CPAI variants significantly reduced fibroblast expression of integrin β3, vitronectin level in the supernatant and fibroblast adhesion to vitronectin compared with the non-vitronectin-binding AK. Further, RR and CPAI preserved apoptotic, decreased anti-apoptotic and proliferative activities in fibroblasts. Thus, PAI-1 promotes or protects against development of cardiac fibrosis differentially through the protease inhibitory pathway or through its binding to vitronectin.

Integrins αvβ5 and αvβ3 promote latent TGF-β1 activation by human cardiac fibroblast contraction

AIMS

Pathological tissue remodelling by myofibroblast contraction is a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis. Myofibroblasts differentiate from cardiac fibroblasts under the action of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which is secreted into the extracellular matrix as a large latent complex. Integrin-mediated traction forces activate TGF-β1 by inducing a conformational change in the latent complex. The mesenchymal integrins αvβ5 and αvβ3 are expressed in the heart, but their role in the activation of TGF-β1 remains elusive. Here, we test whether targeting αvβ5 and αvβ3 integrins reduces latent TGF-β1 activation by cardiac fibroblasts with the goal to prevent the formation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing cardiac myofibroblasts and their contribution to fibrosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using a porcine model of induced right ventricular fibrosis and pro-fibrotic culture conditions, we show that integrins αvβ5 and αvβ3 are up-regulated in myofibroblast-enriched fibrotic lesions and differentiated cultured human cardiac myofibroblasts. Both integrins autonomously contribute to latent TGF-β1 activation and myofibroblast differentiation, as demonstrated by function-blocking peptides and antibodies. Acute blocking of both integrins leads to significantly reduced TGF-β1 activation by cardiac fibroblast contraction and loss of α-SMA expression, which is restored by adding active TGF-β1. Manipulating integrin protein levels in overexpression and shRNA experiments reveals that both integrins can compensate for each other with respect to TGF-β1 activation and induction of α-SMA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrins αvβ5 and αvβ3 both control myofibroblast differentiation by activating latent TGF-β1. Pharmacological targeting of mesenchymal integrins is a possible strategy to selectively block TGF-β1 activation by cardiac myofibroblasts and progression of fibrosis in the heart.

B-type natriuretic peptide and extracellular matrix protein interactions in human cardiac fibroblasts

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) regulate myocardial remodeling by proliferating, differentiating, and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is anti-fibrotic, inhibits collagen production, augments matrix metalloproteinases, and suppresses CF proliferation. Recently, we demonstrated that the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) augmented production of BNP's second messenger, 3', 5' cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in CFs, supporting crosstalk between FN, BNP, and its receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A). Here, we address the specificity of FN to augment cGMP generation by investigating other matrix proteins, including collagen IV which contains RGD motifs and collagen I and poly-L-lysine, which have no RGD domain. Collagen IV showed increased cGMP generation to BNP similar to FN. Collagen I and poly-L-lysine had no effect. As FN also interacts with integrins, we then examined the effect of integrin receptor antibody blockade on BNP-mediated cGMP production. On FN plates, antibodies blocking RGD-binding domains of several integrin subtypes had little effect, while a non-RGD domain interfering integrin alphavbeta3 antibody augmented cGMP production. Further, on uncoated plates, integrin alphavbeta3 blockade continued to potentiate the BNP/cGMP response. These studies suggest that both RGD containing ECM proteins and integrins may interact with BNP/NPR-A to modulate cGMP generation.

Role of alpha1beta1-integrin in arterial stiffness and angiotensin-induced arterial wall hypertrophy in mice

We examined the arterial phenotype of mice lacking alpha(1)-integrin (alpha(1)(-/-)) at baseline and after 4 wk of ANG II or norepinephrine (NE) administration. Arterial mechanical properties were determined in the carotid artery (CA). Integrin expression, MAPK kinases, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were assessed in the aorta. No change in arterial pressure was observed in alpha(1)(-/-) mice. Elastic modulus-wall stress curves were similar in alpha(1)(-/-) and alpha(1)(+/+) animals, indicating no change in arterial stiffness. The rupture pressure was lower in alpha(1)(-/-) mice, demonstrating decreased mechanical strength. Lack of alpha(1)-integrin was accompanied by an increase in beta(1)-, alpha(v)-, and alpha(5)-integrins but no change in alpha(2)-integrin. ANG II increased medial cross-sectional area of the CA in alpha(1)(+/+), but not alpha(1)(-/-), mice, whereas equivalent pressor doses of NE did not produce a significant increase in either group. In alpha(1)(+/+) mice, ANG II induced alpha(1)-integrin expression and smooth muscle cell (SMC) hypertrophy in the CA in association with increased aortic expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and FAK. ANG II did not induce SMC hypertrophy or phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and FAK in alpha(1)(-/-) mice. A functional anti-alpha(1)-integrin antibody inhibited in vitro the ANG II-induced phosphorylation of FAK and p38 MAPK. In conclusion, alpha(1)(-/-) mice exhibit a reduced mechanical strength at baseline and a lack of ANG II-induced SMC hypertrophy. These results emphasize the importance of alpha(1)beta(1)-integrin in p38 MAPK and FAK phosphorylation during vascular hypertrophy in response to ANG II.

Interactions between cardiac cells enhance cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and increase fibroblast proliferation

In cardiac hypertrophy, both excessive enlargement of cardiac myocytes (CMs) and progressive fibrosis are known to occur simultaneously. To investigate the nature of interactions between ventricular CMs and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in these conditions, we have established a "dedifferentiated model" of adult murine CMs in coculture with CFs. In such a model, which is recognized to study cardiac cell hypertrophy in vitro, dedifferentiated CMs in culture and in coculture were characterized by immunopositive staining to ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) and beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC). The results confirm that ANP secretion by CMs was significantly increased during the cultures. The increase size of cultured CMs was significantly higher in CM/CF cocultures than in CM cultures which was also observed when CMs were cultured with fibroblast conditioned medium (FCM). In addition, fibroblast proliferation studies showed that CMs favored fibroblast adhesion and/or growth at the beginning of the coculture and fibroblast proliferation throughout the time course of the coculture. Furthermore, a significant level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) production was detected by ELISA in CM/CF cocultures. A similar higher increase was observed when CMs were cultured in the presence of FCM. These results demonstrate that CFs enhance myocyte hypertrophy and that CMs regulate fibroblast adhesion and/or proliferation, suggesting a paracrine interaction between CMs and CFs which could involve IL-6.

Beta-arrestin 2-dependent angiotensin II type 1A receptor-mediated pathway of chemotaxis

Chemotaxis is a cellular response that directs cell migration toward a chemical gradient and is fundamental to a variety of cellular processes. The receptors for most known chemokines belong to the seven transmembrane-spanning superfamily and signal through members of the G(alphai) family. Beta-arrestins, in addition to regulating desensitization, have emerged as potential mediators of G-protein-independent signaling pathways and have been implicated in several chemotactic pathways. Here, we report a system wherein chemotaxis is stimulated in a beta-arrestin 2-dependent and apparently G-protein-independent manner. Human embryonic kidney 293 cells with stable expression of the angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 1A (AT(1A)R) undergo chemotaxis in response to Ang II. An Ang II peptide analog S(1)I(4)I(8) Ang II that is unable to activate G-protein-mediated responses induces chemotaxis in these cells that is unaffected by pertussis toxin-mediated suppression of G(alphai). Suppression of beta-arrestin 2 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) essentially eliminated AT(1A)R-mediated chemotaxis induced by either Ang II or the S(1)I(4)I(8) Ang II peptide but had no effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced chemotaxis. It also abolished chemotaxis induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which was completely sensitive to pertussis toxin. In contrast, reduction of G(alphaq/11) through siRNA and inhibition of protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, or phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase did not diminish AT(1A)R-mediated chemotaxis. Inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase decreased AT(1A)R-mediated chemotaxis and eliminated EGF-mediated chemotaxis, suggesting that p38 plays a role in chemotaxis that is not specific to the AT(1A)R in this system. These data suggest that beta-arrestin 2 can mediate chemotaxis through mechanisms which may be G-protein-independent (Ang II receptors) or -dependent (LPA receptors).

The renin-angiotensin hypothesis for the pathogenesis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy

The precise molecular mechanism for the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) after heart transplantation is not known. We, thus, hypothesize that increased activity of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is important for the progression of CAV. There is evidence to support this concept. RAS via its principal effector molecule, angiotensin II exerts multitude of actions on vascular structure and function including regulation of vasomotor tone, cell growth/apoptosis, fibrosis and inflammation, which are particularly relevant to the genesis of atherosclerotic lesions. Risk factors, which increase predisposition to CAD, are known to activate tissue RAS and thus influence its progression. Importantly, CAD risk factors are also associated with accelerated CAV progression after transplantation. Whereas angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism increases the predisposition, pharmacological inhibition of RAS seems to reduce the incidence of CAV. These observations may support our hypothesis, provide a plausible explanation for the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of accelerated CAV and has predictions that can be tested.

A newly developed angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, CS866, promotes regression of cardiac hypertrophy by reducing integrin beta1 expression

Previous studies have demonstrated that integrins link the extracellular matrix to the hypertrophic response pathway of cardiac myocytes in vitro. To examine the direct relation between integrin beta1 and cardiac hypertrophy in vivo, we studied the effects of a newly developed angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) blocker, CS866 (ARB; 10 mg/kg/day), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, temocapril (ACEI, 10 mg/kg/day), or both on modulation of integrin beta1 in the hypertrophied hearts of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) 6 to 12 weeks of age. Treatments with ARB, ACEI, and combination therapy significantly reduced systolic blood pressure. However, the reduction in cardiac hypertrophy was greater in SHRSP treated with ARB or combination therapy than in those treated with ACEI. Multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed significantly higher mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic factor, AT1 receptor, and integrin beta1 in untreated SHRSP than in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The mRNA levels of ANP, AT1 receptor, and integrin B1 in SHRSP were significantly decreased by treatment with ARB, ACEI, or combination therapy. Decreased mRNA expression of ANP, AT1 receptor, and integrin beta1 in the treated SHRSP was associated with reductions in blood pressure; ARB and combination therapy produced greater decreases in expression than did ACEI. These observations suggest that CS866 has a beneficial effect on myocyte hypertrophy and that down-regulation of AT1 receptor and suppression of integrin beta1 participate in the regression of pressure-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. The correlation between the expression of integrin beta1 and AT1 receptor was significant. Our results also suggest that integrin expression by myocytes might be modulated by angiotensin II via AT1 receptor.

alpha(v)beta(3) Integrin interacts with the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) type II receptor to potentiate the proliferative effects of TGFbeta1 in living human lung fibroblasts

The alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is known to cooperate with receptor tyrosine kinases to enhance cellular responses. To determine whether alpha(v)beta(3) regulates transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) 1-induced responses, we investigated the interaction between alpha(v)beta(3) and TGFbeta type II receptor (TGFbetaIIR) in primary human lung fibroblasts. We report that TGFbeta1 up-regulates cell surface and mRNA expression of alpha(v)beta(3) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy showed that TGFbetaRII associates and clusters with alpha(v)beta(3), following TGFbeta1 exposure. This association was not observed with alpha(v)beta(5) or alpha(5)beta(1). We also used a novel molecular proximity assay, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), to quantify this dynamic interaction in living cells. TGFbeta1 stimulation resulted in a BRET signal within 5 min, whereas tenascin, which binds alpha(v)beta(3), did not induce a substantial BRET signal. Co-exposure to tenascin and TGFbeta1 produced no further increases in BRET than TGFbeta1 alone. Cyclin D1 was rapidly induced in cells co-exposed to TGFbeta1 and tenascin, and as a consequence proliferation induced by TGFbeta1 was dramatically enhanced in cells co-exposed to tenascin or vitronectin. Cholesterol depletion inhibited the interaction between TGFbetaRII and alpha(v)beta(3) and abrogated the proliferative effect. The cyclic RGD peptide, GpenGRGDSPCA, which blocks alpha(v)beta(3), also abolished the synergistic proliferative effect seen. These results indicate a new interaction partner for the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin, the TGFbetaIIR, in which TGFbeta1-induced responses are potentiated in the presence alpha(v)beta(3) ligands. Our data provide a novel mechanism by which TGFbeta1 may contribute to abnormal wound healing and tissue fibrosis.

Activation of invasiveness of cervical carcinoma cells by angiotensin II

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin II recently has been reported to promote the growth of several kinds of cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of angiotensin II on cervical carcinoma cells.

STUDY DESIGN

The expression of angiotensin II type I receptor was examined by immunohistochemistry in normal and neoplastic cervical tissues. Invasion assay was examined in Siha cells (cervical squamous cell carcinoma) and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were assayed with a vascular endothelial growth factor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

Mean staining intensity level was stronger in invasive carcinoma cells than in normal, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ tissues. Angiotensin II induced the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor from Siha cells. Furthermore, angiotensin II promoted the invasive potential of Siha cells. These effects were reversed by the addition of anti-human vascular endothelial growth factor antibody and candesartan (antagonist of angiotensin II type I receptor).

CONCLUSION

Angiotensin II is involved in the progression of cervical carcinoma, because it induces the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor through angiotensin II type I receptor, which results in the increased invasiveness of carcinoma cells.

Fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease: role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Structural homogeneity of cardiac tissue is governed by mechanical and humoral factors that regulate cell growth, apoptosis, phenotype, and extracellular matrix turnover. ANGII has endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine properties that influence the behavior of cardiac cells and matrix by AT1 receptor binding. Various paradigms have been suggested, including ANGII-mediated up-regulation of collagen types I and III formation and deposition in cardiac conditions, such as HHD. A growing body of evidence, however, deals with the potential role of aldosterone, either local or systemic, in inducing cardiac fibrosis. Aldosterone might also mediate the profibrotic actions of ANGII. To reduce the risk of heart failure that accompanies HHD, its adverse structural remodeling (eg, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis) must be targeted for pharmacologic intervention. Cardioprotective agents must reverse not only the exaggerated growth of cardiac cells, but also regress existing abnormalities in fibrillar collagen. Available experimental and clinical data suggest that agents interfering with ACE, the AT1 receptor, or the mineralocorticoid receptor may provide such a cardioprotective effect.

Type I collagen-induced MMP-2 activation coincides with up-regulation of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase and TIMP-2 in cardiac fibroblasts

Migration of cardiac fibroblasts is implicated in infarct healing and ventricular remodeling. Activation of matrix metalloproteinases induced by three-dimensional type I collagen, the principal component of the myocardial interstitium, is hypothesized to be essential for this migration. By utilizing primary cultures of cardiac fibroblasts and collagen lattice models, we demonstrated that type I collagen induced MMP-2 activation, and cells undergoing a change from isometric tension to mechanical unloading were associated with increased levels of total and active MMP-2 species. The collagen-induced MMP-2 activation coincided with up-regulated cellular levels of both membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and TIMP-2. A fraction of cellular membrane prepared from cells embedded in the collagen lattice containing active MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 was capable of activating pro-MMP-2, and exogenous TIMP-2 had a biphasic effect on this membrane-mediated MMP-2 activation. Interestingly, the presence of 43-kDa MT1-MMP species in a fraction of intracellular soluble proteins prepared from monolayer cells but not cells embedded in the lattices indicates that MT1-MMP metabolizes differently under the two different culture conditions. Treatment of cells embedded in the lattice with furin inhibitor attenuated pro-MT1-MMP processing and MMP-2 activation and impeded cell migration and invasion. These results suggest that the migration and invasion of cardiac fibroblasts is furin-dependent and that the active species of MT1-MMP and MMP-2 may be involved in both events.

[Interstitial lung disease]

Molecular investigation into the physiopathology of interstitial lung diseases has gained special interest through the trials carried out in the last decade. These trials seem to point at the role played by certain molecules, such as cytokines (transforming growth factor, platelet derived growth factor) and integrins, in the processes that lead to pulmonary fibrosis during the course of interstitial lung disease. They also demonstrate the important role that angiotensin II plays in increasing the secretion of transforming growth factor by several cells. The above-mentioned studies allow new therapeutic approaches to be considered which will possibly improve the serious prognosis of such diseases once they have reached the last stage of their course: pulmonary fibrosis.

Osteopontin inhibits interleukin-1beta-stimulated increases in matrix metalloproteinase activity in adult rat cardiac fibroblasts: role of protein kinase C-zeta

We have shown that osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein, plays an important role in post myocardial infarction (MI) remodeling by promoting collagen synthesis and accumulation. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), increased in the heart following MI, increases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. Here, we show that OPN alone has no effect on MMP activity or expression. However, it reduces IL-1beta-stimulated increases in MMP activity and expression in adult rat cardiac fibroblasts. Pretreatment with bovine serum albumin had no effect on MMP activity or protein content, whereas GRGDS (glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine)-pentapeptide (which interrupts binding of RGD-containing proteins to cell surface integrins) and monoclonal antibody m7E3 (a rat beta3 integrins antagonist) inhibited the effects of OPN. Inhibition of PKC using chelerythrine inhibited the activities of both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Stimulation of cells using IL-1beta increased phosphorylation and translocation of PKC to membrane fractions, which was inhibited by OPN. OPN inhibited IL-1beta-stimulated increases in translocation of PKC-zeta from cytosolic to membrane fractions. Furthermore, the levels of phospho-PKC-zeta were lower in the cytosolic fractions of OPN knock-out mice hearts as compared with wild type 6 days post-MI. Inhibition of PKC-zeta using PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate inhibited IL-1beta-stimulated increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. These observations suggest that OPN, acting via beta3 integrins, inhibits IL-1beta-stimulated increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, at least in part, via the involvement of PKC-zeta. Thus, OPN may play a key role in collagen deposition during myocardial remodeling following MI by modulating cytokine-stimulated MMP activity.

Increased expression of disintegrin-metalloproteinases ADAM-15 and ADAM-9 following upregulation of integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 in atherosclerosis

Regulation of alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 integrin function plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Possible regulators of integrin-matrix interactions are integrin-binding ADAMs (proteins with a disintegrin- and metalloproteinase-domain), like ADAM-15 and ADAM-9. Molecular interactions between ADAM-15, alpha5beta1, and alphavbeta3 have been demonstrated. ADAM-9 and ADAM-15 were found to be interdependently regulated. This study, therefore, investigated whether the upregulation of integrins alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 was correlated with the expression of integrin-binding ADAMs in atherosclerotic processes. Human arterial and venous vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated with PDGF over different time intervals up to a 3-day culture period. mRNA concentrations, quantified by real-time RT-PCR and normalized to PBGD, of integrins alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 were strongly increased after a 12-h PDGF-incubation in arterial and venous VSMC. ADAM-15 and ADAM-9 mRNA production showed a corresponding increase following integrin upregulation after a 24-h incubation period. Western blot anaylsis revealed an increased protein expression of integrins and ADAMs in PDGF-stimulated VSMC. Additionally, mRNA concentrations of atherosclerotic and normal human specimens were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. mRNA of ADAMs and integrins was significantly increased in atherosclerotic arteries compared to normal arteries. Immunohistochemistry of these specimens showed an increased expression and codistribution of both ADAMs and integrins in atherosclerosis. In conclusion, upregulation of ADAM-15 and ADAM-9 in atherosclerosis appears to follow an increase in alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins. Since alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 are known to promote smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, upregulation of ADAM-15 and ADAM-9 could balance integrin-matrix interactions and cell migration, thus modulating neointima progression.

LPS regulate ERK1/2-dependent signaling in cardiac fibroblasts via PKC-mediated MKP-1 induction

Activation of MAPK pathways by angiotensin II (Ang II) is important for cardiac fibroblast (CFB) proliferation and migration. Activity of MAP-kinases is closely controlled by a group of dual-specific MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs). Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cytokines are elevated in patients with heart failure and may contribute to disease progression. In this study, we investigate the effect of LPS on Ang II-induced CFB function. Pretreatment of CFBs with LPS (1 microg/mL; 30 min) almost completely inhibited Ang II-induced DNA-synthesis and inhibited Ang II directed chemotaxis by more than 80%. Compared to controls, LPS pretreatment significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2- and p38 MAPK and induced MKP-1 levels. Silencing MKP-1 with antisense oligodesoxynucleotides reversed the antimitogenic effect of LPS on Ang II-induced CFB DNA-synthesis and migration. Induction of MKP-1 by LPS was inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC)-inhibitor calphostin C, but not by the ERK1/2-pathway inhibitor PD98059, suggesting that PKC but not ERK1/2 is required for LPS-mediated MKP-1 induction in CFBs. Our data demonstrate that LPS have direct cellular effects in CFBs through an inhibition of Ang II-induced MAPK activity via PKC-mediated induction of MKP-1. This might be relevant with regard to the decreased MAPK activity and increased levels in MKPs reported during chronic heart failure in humans.

Statins regulate alpha2beta1-integrin expression and collagen I-dependent functions in human vascular smooth muscle cells

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have direct vascular effects that contribute to plaque stability. In the current study, the authors demonstrate that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors atorvastatin and pravastatin augment the adhesion of human (HSMCs) and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) to collagen I via induction of alpha2beta1-integrin receptors. Atorvastatin (0.1 microM ) increased the adhesion of HSMCs to collagen I up to 2-fold (p < 0.01) and pravastatin (1.0 microM ) up to 1.8-fold (p < 0.01) after treatment of at least 24 h. This increase in adhesion was concentration dependent and was observed for treatment periods from 16 to 72 h. Inhibition of isoprenoid synthesis with mevalonate and geranyl-geraniol prevented the statin-induced effect on human and rat smooth muscle cells. Flow cytometry revealed an increased expression of alpha2- and beta1-integrins after treatment with atorvastatin (0.1 microM ) at 24 and 48 h. Atorvastatin increased levels of beta1-integrin mRNA after 12- and 24-h treatment in HSMCs, which was inhibited by mevalonate. Furthermore, atorvastatin (0.1 microM ) and pravastatin (1.0 microM ) inhibited chemotaxis of HSMCs on collagen I, which was also reversed by mevalonate treatment. In contrast, inhibition of beta1-integrins with a specific antibody nearly doubled (p < 0.01) the rate of chemotaxis. These data indicate that the chemotactic activity in HSMCs is inhibited in part by up-regulation of alpha2beta1-integrin receptors. The current study indicates that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors increase cell-matrix interaction with collagen I via induction of alpha2beta1-integrins and increased adhesion to collagen I.

Expression, regulation, and function of alpha V integrins in hepatocellular carcinoma: an in vivo and in vitro study

The expression of alpha V integrins by neoplastic cells contributes to the promotion of local invasion and metastasis. The most characteristic extracellular ligands of alpha V integrins are vitronectin and fibronectin. Hepatocytes are the main source of vitronectin, and the capacity to synthesize and secrete vitronectin is usually retained in hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to explore the expression, regulation, and functional role of alpha V integrins in hepatocellular carcinoma. We first analyzed the expression of alpha V integrins and their ligands fibronectin and vitronectin in 80 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. alpha V integrin chain was detected in 44 cases and vitronectin in 50. Twenty-four of the 44 alpha V-positive tumors contained large amounts of vitronectin. These cases presented more frequently with adverse histoprognostic factors, including infiltrative growth pattern (62.5%), lack of capsule (71%), presence of capsular invasion (57%), and satellite nodules (50%). We then used HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines as in vitro models to study alpha V integrin regulation and function. HepG2 and Hep3B cells expressed alpha V integrin chain and used alpha V beta 1 and alpha V beta 5 for adhesion and migration on vitronectin. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta significantly increased the expression levels of alpha V integrins and stimulated the adhesion and migration of both HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines on vitronectin. The effects of growth factors on cell adhesion and migration were reproduced by incubation with conditioned medium from rat liver myofibroblasts. In conclusion, our results support the existence of an alpha V integrin/vitronectin connection in hepatocellular carcinoma and suggest that this connection may be an adverse prognostic factor.

Increased myocardial expression of osteopontin in patients with advanced heart failure

The expression of the adhesion protein osteopontin (OP) is associated with cardiac hypertrophy and is significantly increased after transition to heart failure in experimental animal models. We, therefore, hypothesized that OP could be upregulated in heart failure in humans. In the present study, we investigated the expression of OP in myocardial biopsies obtained from patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (mean LVEF=30.3+/-4.4%, mean+/-S.D., n=10, group A) compared to patients with a normal left-ventricular ejection fraction (mean LVEF=61+/-11.2%, n=9; group B). Myocardial immunoreactivity for OP was examined using two different antibodies against OP. The expression of cardiac myocyte OP was significantly upregulated in group A in comparison to group B (P<0.0001). Both groups also displayed OP immunoreactivity in non-myocytes, including vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac fibroblasts (P=not significant). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation of increased OP immunoreactivity in cardiac myocytes of patients with impaired left ventricular function, assessed by hemodynamic data (LVEF, RVEF, LVESVI, LVEDVI and LVEDP, R=-0.828, -0.671, 0.751, 0.685 and 0.461, respectively; all P<0.05). Furthermore, OP expression correlated with cardiac myocyte hypertrophy (mean diameter 21.0+/-1.8 microm in group A and 16.6+/-2.1 microm in group B; P<0.0001). In conclusion, the present study indicates, that factors and/or mechanisms involved in heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, lead to induction of OP expression in humans.

Angiotensin II stimulates migration of retinal microvascular pericytes: involvement of TGF-beta and PDGF-BB

We studied the promigratory effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) on cultured bovine retinal microvascular pericytes. ANG II stimulated migration of pericytes by 86% at 10(-8) M, but this effect was lost at 10(-4) M. Migratory responses were inhibited by the ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist losartan but not by PD-123319, an AT(2) antagonist. Addition of PD-123319 to the 10(-4) M ANG II dose restored migratory responses. The promigratory effect of ANG II (10(-7) M) was reduced by 59% in absence of gradient. Although ANG II augmented the latent matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity of the pericyte by 35%, it also doubled tissue inhibitors of MMPs. ANG II-induced migration was not altered by a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM6001); it was inhibited by ~50% by antibodies against transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1/2/3) and was abolished by antibodies against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. We conclude that ANG II induces chemotactic responses on retinal microvascular pericytes acting through the AT(1) receptor. This effect is opposed by the AT(2) receptor. ANG II-induced chemotaxis is mediated by PDGF-BB and involves TGF-beta, but it is independent of MMP activity. It is also independent of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) because VEGF did not stimulate pericyte migration. ANG II can contribute to the regulation of retinal neovascularization by stimulating pericyte migration.

Upregulation of alpha(8)beta(1)-integrin in cardiac fibroblast by angiotensin II and transforming growth factor-beta1

Using a novel pharmacological tool with (125)I-echistatin to detect integrins on the cell, we have observed that cardiac fibroblasts harbor five different RGD-binding integrins: alpha(8)beta(1), alpha(3)beta(1), alpha(5)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(1), and alpha(v)beta(3). Stimulation of cardiac fibroblasts by angiotensin II (ANG II) or transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) resulted in an increase of protein and heightening by 50% of the receptor density of alpha(8)beta(1)-integrin. The effect of ANG II was blocked by an AT(1), but not an AT(2), receptor antagonist, or by an anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. ANG II and TGF-beta1 increased fibronectin secretion, smooth muscle alpha-actin synthesis, and formation of actin stress fibers and enhanced attachment of fibroblasts to a fibronectin matrix. The alpha(8)- and beta(1)-subunits were colocalized by immunocytochemistry with vinculin or beta(3)-integrin at focal adhesion sites. These results indicate that alpha(8)beta(1)-integrin is an abundant integrin on rat cardiac fibroblasts. Its positive modulation by ANG II and TGF-beta1 in a myofibroblast-like phenotype suggests the involvement of alpha(8)beta(1)-integrin in extracellular matrix protein deposition and cardiac fibroblast adhesion.