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Jackson JT, Nutt SL, McCormack MP. The Haematopoietically-expressed homeobox transcription factor: roles in development, physiology and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197490. [PMID: 37398663 PMCID: PMC10313424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Haematopoietically expressed homeobox transcription factor (Hhex) is a transcriptional repressor that is of fundamental importance across species, as evident by its evolutionary conservation spanning fish, amphibians, birds, mice and humans. Indeed, Hhex maintains its vital functions throughout the lifespan of the organism, beginning in the oocyte, through fundamental stages of embryogenesis in the foregut endoderm. The endodermal development driven by Hhex gives rise to endocrine organs such as the pancreas in a process which is likely linked to its role as a risk factor in diabetes and pancreatic disorders. Hhex is also required for the normal development of the bile duct and liver, the latter also importantly being the initial site of haematopoiesis. These haematopoietic origins are governed by Hhex, leading to its crucial later roles in definitive haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, lymphopoiesis and haematological malignancy. Hhex is also necessary for the developing forebrain and thyroid gland, with this reliance on Hhex evident in its role in endocrine disorders later in life including a potential role in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the roles of Hhex in embryological development throughout evolution appear to be linked to its later roles in a variety of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T. Jackson
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Nutt
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew P. McCormack
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- iCamuno Biotherapeutics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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2
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Gui Y, Zheng H, Cao RY. Foam Cells in Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into Its Origins, Consequences, and Molecular Mechanisms. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:845942. [PMID: 35498045 PMCID: PMC9043520 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.845942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Foam cells play a vital role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This review aims to summarize the novel insights into the origins, consequences, and molecular mechanisms of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells are originated from monocytes as well as from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), stem/progenitor cells, and endothelium cells. Novel technologies including lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have revolutionized our understanding of subtypes of monocyte- and VSMC-derived foam cells. By using scRNA-seq, three main clusters including resident-like, inflammatory, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (Trem2 hi ) are identified as the major subtypes of monocyte-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Foam cells undergo diverse pathways of programmed cell death including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, contributing to the necrotic cores of atherosclerotic plaques. The formation of foam cells is affected by cholesterol uptake, efflux, and esterification. Novel mechanisms including nuclear receptors, non-coding RNAs, and gut microbiota have been discovered and investigated. Although the heterogeneity of monocytes and the complexity of non-coding RNAs make obstacles for targeting foam cells, further in-depth research and therapeutic exploration are needed for the better management of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhou Gui
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Phase I Clinical Research and Quality Consistency Evaluation for Drugs, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongchao Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard Y Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Lan YC, Wang YH, Chen HH, Lo SF, Chen SY, Tsai FJ. Effects of Casein Kinase 2 Alpha 1 Gene Expression on Mice Liver Susceptible to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:13-20. [PMID: 31929734 PMCID: PMC6945564 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.37110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease found worldwide. Notably, BKS.Cg- Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/JNarl mice are useful animal models for studying type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we investigated casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CSNK2A1) gene and protein expression in the liver tissues of mice at different ages (4, 16, and 32 weeks) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our data paved the way for exploring BKS.Cg- Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/JNarl in the mouse model by demonstrating a significant increase in gene and protein expression in T2DM (+Leprdb/+Leprdb) mouse liver when compared to control (+Dock7m/+Dock7m) mouse liver. We also observed that CSNK2A1 protein level in the serum of T2DM patient group was higher than that of the control group, although the data was not statistically significant. Based on our findings, we can now understand the role of CSNK2A1 gene upregulation when encountering T2DM pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ching Lan
- Department of Health Risk Management, China Medical University, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yeh-Han Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Taipei Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University , 11221 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Han Chen
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Foon Lo
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yin Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan.,Genetics Center, Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, 40447 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 40402 Taichung, Taiwan.,Genetics Center, Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, 40447 Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, 40447 Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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4
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Chen CH, Wang YH, Tsai SF, Yu TM, Chen SY, Tsai FJ. Antizyme inhibitor 1 genetic polymorphisms associated with diabetic patients validated in the livers of diabetic mice. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3139-3146. [PMID: 31572554 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease caused by absolute or relative insulin deficiency. The C57BLKsJ-db/db mouse model is a useful animal model for studying type 2 DM (T2DM). The present study investigated the association between an antizyme inhibitor 1 (AZIN1) gene polymorphism (rs1062048) and T2DM susceptibility in 2,270 Taiwanese individuals (570 patients with T2DM and 1,700 controls). Additionally, the present study investigated AZIN1 gene and protein expression in the liver tissues of mice in three age groups (4, 16 and 32 weeks) through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The data indicated that the genotype frequency distribution of the rs1062048 single-nucleotide polymorphism differed significantly between the patients with T2DM and controls (P<0.05). Furthermore, gene and protein expression levels of AZIN1 were significantly lower in early stage and late stage T2DM mouse liver samples than in control samples. Overall, the data suggested that AZIN1 expression is involved in T2DM development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsu Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yeh-Han Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Taipei Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, 11221 Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shang-Feng Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, 11221 Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tung-Min Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan, R.O.C.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Yin Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Genetics Center, Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Genetics Center, Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan, R.O.C
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5
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Yu X, Wei D, Gao Y, Du H, Yu B, Li R, Qian C, Luo X, Yuan S, Wang J, Sun L. Synergistic combination of DT-13 and Topotecan inhibits aerobic glycolysis in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells via NM IIA/EGFR/HK II axis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6622-6634. [PMID: 31397978 PMCID: PMC6787456 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DT-13 combined with topotecan (TPT) showed stronger antitumour effects in mice subcutaneous xenograft model compared with their individual effects in our previous research. Here, we further observed the synergistically effect in mice orthotopic xenograft model. Metabolomics analysis showed DT-13 combined with TPT alleviated metabolic disorders induced by tumour and synergistically inhibited the activity of the aerobic glycolysis-related enzymes in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combination treatment promoted epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) degradation through non-muscle myosin IIA (NM IIA)-induced endocytosis of EGFR, further inhibited the activity of hexokinase II (HK II), and eventually promoted the aerobic glycolysis inhibition activity more efficiently compared with TPT or DT-13 monotherapy. The combination therapy also inhibited the specific binding of HK II to mitochondria. When using the NM II inhibitor (-)002Dblebbistatin or MYH-9 shRNA, the synergistic inhibition effect of DT-13 and TPT on aerobic glycolysis was eliminated in BGC-823 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed selective up-regulation of NM IIA while specific down-regulation of p-CREB, EGFR, and HK II by the combination therapy. Collectively, these findings suggested that this regimen has significant clinical implications, warranted further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Wen Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Drug ScreeningChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of PediatricsChildren's Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dandan Wei
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and EfficacyNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Ying‐Sheng Gao
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and EvaluationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hong‐Zhi Du
- School of PharmacyHubei University of Chinese MedicineWuhanChina
| | - Bo‐Yang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Department of Complex Prescription of TCMChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Rui‐Ming Li
- Tasly Research InstituteTianjin Tasly Holding Group Co. Ltd.TianjinChina
| | - Chang‐Min Qian
- Tasly Research InstituteTianjin Tasly Holding Group Co. Ltd.TianjinChina
| | - Xue‐Jun Luo
- Tasly Research InstituteTianjin Tasly Holding Group Co. Ltd.TianjinChina
| | - Sheng‐Tao Yuan
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and EvaluationChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jun‐Song Wang
- Center for Molecular MetabolismNanjing University of Science & TechnologyNanjingChina
| | - Li Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Drug ScreeningChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
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6
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Murali M, MacDonald JA. Smoothelins and the Control of Muscle Contractility. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 81:39-78. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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7
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Wadey KS, Brown BA, Sala-Newby GB, Jayaraman PS, Gaston K, George SJ. Protein kinase CK2 inhibition suppresses neointima formation via a proline-rich homeodomain-dependent mechanism. Vascul Pharmacol 2017; 99:34-44. [PMID: 28927755 PMCID: PMC5718878 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neointimal hyperplasia is a product of VSMC replication and consequent accumulation within the blood vessel wall. In this study, we determined whether inhibition of protein kinase CK2 and the resultant stabilisation of proline-rich homeodomain (PRH) could suppress VSMC proliferation. Both silencing and pharmacological inhibition of CK2 with K66 antagonised replication of isolated VSMCs. SiRNA-induced knockdown as well as ectopic overexpression of proline-rich homeodomain indicated that PRH disrupts cell cycle progression. Mutation of CK2 phosphorylation sites Ser163 and Ser177 within the PRH homeodomain enabled prolonged cell cycle arrest by PRH. Concomitant knockdown of PRH and inhibition of CK2 with K66 indicated that the anti-proliferative action of K66 required the presence of PRH. Both K66 and adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of S163C:S177C PRH impaired neointima formation in human saphenous vein organ cultures. Importantly, neither intervention had notable effects on cell cycle progression, cell survival or migration in cultured endothelial cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Casein Kinase II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Casein Kinase II/genetics
- Casein Kinase II/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mutation
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Phosphorylation
- Proline-Rich Protein Domains
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- RNA Interference
- Rats
- Saphenous Vein/drug effects
- Saphenous Vein/enzymology
- Saphenous Vein/pathology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tissue Culture Techniques
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Wadey
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - B A Brown
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - G B Sala-Newby
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - P-S Jayaraman
- Division of Immunity and Infection, College of Medicine, University Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - K Gaston
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - S J George
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
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8
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Myosin II isoform switching mediates invasiveness after TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:17991-6. [PMID: 22025714 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1106499108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite functional significance of nonmuscle myosin II in cell migration and invasion, its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or TGF-β signaling is unknown. Analysis of normal mammary gland expression revealed that myosin IIC is expressed in luminal cells, whereas myosin IIB expression is up-regulated in myoepithelial cells that have more mesenchymal characteristics. Furthermore, TGF-β induction of EMT in nontransformed murine mammary gland epithelial cells results in an isoform switch from myosin IIC to myosin IIB and increased phosphorylation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIA on target sites known to regulate filament dynamics (S1916, S1943). These expression and phosphorylation changes are downstream of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-E1 (E1), an effector of TGF-β signaling. E1 knockdown drives cells into a migratory, invasive mesenchymal state and concomitantly up-regulates MHC IIB expression and MHC IIA phosphorylation. Abrogation of myosin IIB expression in the E1 knockdown cells has no effect on 2D migration but significantly reduced transmigration and macrophage-stimulated collagen invasion. These studies indicate that transition between myosin IIC/myosin IIB expression is a critical feature of EMT that contributes to increases in invasive behavior.
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9
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Cecchettini A, Rocchiccioli S, Boccardi C, Citti L. Vascular smooth-muscle-cell activation: proteomics point of view. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 288:43-99. [PMID: 21482410 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386041-5.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main component of the artery medial layer. Thanks to their great plasticity, when stimulated by external inputs, VSMCs react by changing morphology and functions and activating new signaling pathways while switching others off. In this way, they are able to increase the cell proliferation, migration, and synthetic capacity significantly in response to vascular injury assuming a more dedifferentiated state. In different states of differentiation, VSMCs are characterized by various repertories of activated pathways and differentially expressed proteins. In this context, great interest is addressed to proteomics technology, in particular to differential proteomics. In recent years, many authors have investigated proteomics in order to identify the molecular factors putatively involved in VSMC phenotypic modulation, focusing on metabolic networks linking the differentially expressed proteins. Some of the identified proteins may be markers of pathology and become useful tools of diagnosis. These proteins could also represent appropriately validated targets and be useful either for prevention, if related to early events of atherosclerosis, or for treatment, if specific of the acute, mid, and late phases of the pathology. RNA-dependent gene silencing, obtained against the putative targets with high selective and specific molecular tools, might be able to reverse a pathological drift and be suitable candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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10
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De Rasmo D, Signorile A, Papa F, Roca E, Papa S. cAMP/Ca2+ response element-binding protein plays a central role in the biogenesis of respiratory chain proteins in mammalian cells. IUBMB Life 2010; 62:447-52. [PMID: 20503437 DOI: 10.1002/iub.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian cells, promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis by various agents involves cAMP and Ca(2+)-mediated signal transduction pathways. Recruitment of these pathways results in phosphorylation by cAMP and Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases of cAMP/Ca(2+) response element-binding protein (CREB). Phosphorylation of CREB, bound to transcriptional complexes of target genes, activates a down-stream cascade of transcriptional complexes, which involve in sequence, the nuclear factors TORCs, PGC-1, NRF1 and NRF2, and the mitochondrial factor mitochondrial transcriptional factor A. CREB also binds directly to the D-loop of mitochondrial DNA and activates its expression. Activation of this network of transcriptional complexes results in concerted promotion of the expression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes encoding subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Rasmo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, University of Bari, P.zza G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy
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11
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D'Elia AV, Bregant E, Passon N, Puppin C, Meneghel A, Damante G. Conservation across species identifies several transcriptional enhancers in the HEX genomic region. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 332:67-75. [PMID: 19554426 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The HEX gene encodes for a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that controls various phases of vertebrate development. During development, as well as in adult, HEX is expressed in several different tissues including thyroid, liver, lung, mammary gland, haematopoietic progenitors, and endothelial cells, suggesting that this gene is subjected to a complex transcriptional regulation. In this study, we have evaluated the presence of different enhancers in the HEX gene region by using a phylogenetic approach. Several non-coding sequences, conserved between human and mouse, were selected. Four conserved sequences showed enhancer activity in MCF-7 cells. Two of these enhancers (located in the first and third intron, respectively) have been previously identified by other experimental approaches. These elements, as well as one among the new identified enhancers (located 2 kb 3' to the HEX gene), are able to activate the HEX minimal promoter "in trans." The activity of the 3' enhancer was strongly reduced by overexpression of HDAC3.
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12
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Proliferation and phenotypic changes of stromal cells in response to varying estrogen/androgen levels in castrated rats. Asian J Androl 2009; 11:451-9. [PMID: 19483715 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that human benign prostatic hyperplasia might arise from an estrogen/androgen (E/T) imbalance. We studied the response of castrated rat prostate to different ratios of circulating E/T. The castrated male Wistar rats were randomly injected with E/T at different ratios for 4 weeks. The prostates of E/T (1:100) group showed a distinct prostatic hyperplasia response by prostatic index, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA). In this group, cells positive for Vimentin, non-muscle myosin heavy chain (NMMHC) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) increased in the stroma and epithelium. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) and NMMHC increased. So E/T at a ratio of 1:100 can induce a stromal hyperplastic response in the prostate of castrated rats. The main change observed was an increase of smooth muscle cells, whereas some epithelial changes were also seen in the rat prostates.
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13
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Lakatta EG, Wang M, Najjar SS. Arterial aging and subclinical arterial disease are fundamentally intertwined at macroscopic and molecular levels. Med Clin North Am 2009; 93:583-604, Table of Contents. [PMID: 19427493 PMCID: PMC2943242 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2009.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The structure and function of arteries change throughout a lifetime. Age is the dominant risk factor for hypertension, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke. The cellular/molecular proinflammatory alterations that underlie arterial aging are novel putative candidates to be targeted by interventions aimed at attenuating arterial aging as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This review provides a landscape of central arterial aging and age-disease interactions, integrating perspectives that range from humans to molecules, with the goal that future therapies for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, also will target the prevention or amelioration of unsuccessful arterial aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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14
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Abstract
The PRH (proline-rich homeodomain) [also known as Hex (haematopoietically expressed homeobox)] protein is a transcription factor that functions as an important regulator of vertebrate development and many other processes in the adult including haematopoiesis. The Groucho/TLE (transducin-like enhancer) family of co-repressor proteins also regulate development and modulate the activity of many DNA-binding transcription factors during a range of diverse cellular processes including haematopoiesis. We have shown previously that PRH is a repressor of transcription in haematopoietic cells and that an Eh-1 (Engrailed homology) motif present within the N-terminal transcription repression domain of PRH mediates binding to Groucho/TLE proteins and enables co-repression. In the present study we demonstrate that PRH regulates the nuclear retention of TLE proteins during cellular fractionation. We show that transcriptional repression and the nuclear retention of TLE proteins requires PRH to bind to both TLE and DNA. In addition, we characterize a trans-dominant-negative PRH protein that inhibits wild-type PRH activity by sequestering TLE proteins to specific subnuclear domains. These results demonstrate that transcriptional repression by PRH is dependent on TLE availability and suggest that subnuclear localization of TLE plays an important role in transcriptional repression by PRH.
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15
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Cantile M, Schiavo G, Terracciano L, Cillo C. Homeobox genes in normal and abnormal vasculogenesis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2008; 18:651-658. [PMID: 19013779 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox containing genes are a family of transcription factors regulating normal development and controlling primary cellular processes (cell identity, cell division and differentiation) recently enriched by the discovery of their interaction with miRNAs and ncRNAs. Class I human homeobox genes (HOX genes) are characterized by a unique genomic network organization: four compact chromosomal loci where 39 sequence corresponding genes can be aligned with each other in 13 antero-posterior paralogous groups. The cardiovascular system is the first mesoderm organ-system to be generated during embryonic development; subsequently it generates the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Cardiovascular remodelling is involved through homeobox gene regulation and deregulation in adult physiology (menstrual cycle and wound healing) and pathology (atherosclerosis, arterial restenosis, tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis). Understanding the role played by homeobox genes in endothelial and smooth muscle cell phenotype determination will be crucial in identifying the molecular processes involved in vascular cell differentiation, as well as to support future therapeutic strategies. We report here on the current knowledge of the role played by homeobox genes in normal and abnormal vasculogenesis and postulate a common molecular mechanism accounting for the involvement of homeobox genes in the regulation of the nuclear export of specific transcripts potentially capable of generating endothelial phenotype modification involved in new vessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cantile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School, Naples, Italy
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16
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Abstract
The PRH (proline-rich homeodomain) [also known as Hex (haematopoietically expressed homeobox)] protein is a critical regulator of vertebrate development. PRH is able to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and is required for the formation of the vertebrate body axis, the haematopoietic and vascular systems and the formation of many vital organs. PRH is a DNA-binding protein that can repress and activate the transcription of its target genes using multiple mechanisms. In addition, PRH can regulate the nuclear transport of specific mRNAs making PRH a member of a select group of proteins that control gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Recent biophysical analysis of the PRH protein has shown that it forms homo-oligomeric complexes in vivo and in vitro and that the proline-rich region of PRH forms a novel dimerization interface. Here we will review the current literature on PRH and discuss the complex web of interactions centred on this multifunctional protein.
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17
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Lin DW, Chang IC, Tseng A, Wu ML, Chen CH, Patenaude CA, Layne MD, Yet SF. Transforming growth factor beta up-regulates cysteine-rich protein 2 in vascular smooth muscle cells via activating transcription factor 2. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:15003-14. [PMID: 18387947 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m801621200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CRP2 (cysteine-rich protein) is a vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-expressed LIM-only protein. CRP2 associates with the actin cytoskeleton and interacts with transcription factors in the nucleus to mediate smooth muscle cell gene expression. Using Csrp2 (gene symbol of the mouse CRP2 gene)-deficient mice, we previously demonstrated that an absence of CRP2 enhances VSMC migration and increases neointima formation following arterial injury. Despite its importance in vascular injury, the molecular mechanisms controlling CRP2 expression in VSMC are largely unknown. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), a key factor present in the vessel wall in the early phases of arterial response to injury, plays an important role in modulating lesion formation. Because both CRP2 and TGFbeta are mediators of VSMC responses, we examined the possibility that TGFbeta might regulate CRP2 expression. TGFbeta significantly induced CRP2 mRNA and protein expression in VSMCs. Promoter analysis identified a conserved cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-like site (TAACGTCA) in the Csrp2 promoter that was critical for basal promoter activity and response to TGFbeta. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that mainly ATF2 bound to this CRE-like element, and mutation of the CRE sequences abolished binding. TGFbeta enhanced the activation of ATF2, leading to increased phospho-ATF2 levels within the DNA-protein complexes. Furthermore, ATF2-transactivated Csrp2 promoter activity and TGFbeta enhanced this activation. In addition, a phosphorylation-negative ATF2 mutant construct decreased basal and TGFbeta-mediated Csrp2 promoter activity. Our results show for the first time in VSMC that TGFbeta activates ATF2 phosphorylation and Csrp2 gene expression via a CRE promoter element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Lin
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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18
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Douville JM, Wigle JT. Regulation and function of homeodomain proteins in the embryonic and adult vascular systems. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2007; 85:55-65. [PMID: 17487245 DOI: 10.1139/y06-091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the cardiovascular system first forms and then gives rise to the lymphatic vascular system. Homeobox genes are essential for both the development of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems, as well as for their maintenance in the adult. These genes all encode proteins that are transcription factors that contain a well conserved DNA binding motif, the homeodomain. It is through the homeodomain that these transcription factors bind to the promoters of target genes and regulate their expression. Although many homeodomain proteins have been found to be expressed within the vascular systems, little is known about their downstream target genes. This review highlights recent advances made in the identification of novel genes downstream of the homeodomain proteins that are necessary for regulating vascular cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and endothelial tube formation. Factors known to regulate the functions of vascular cells via modulating the expression of homeobox genes will be discussed. We will also review current methods used to identify and characterize downstream target genes of homeodomain proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette M Douville
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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19
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Puppin C, Puglisi F, Pellizzari L, Manfioletti G, Pestrin M, Pandolfi M, Piga A, Di Loreto C, Damante G. HEX expression and localization in normal mammary gland and breast carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2006; 6:192. [PMID: 16854221 PMCID: PMC1550255 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-6-192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The homeobox gene HEX is expressed in several cell types during different phases of animal development. It encodes for a protein localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. During early mouse development, HEX is expressed in the primitive endoderm of blastocyst. Later, HEX is expressed in developing thyroid, liver, lung, as well as in haematopoietic progenitors and endothelial cells. Absence of nuclear expression has been observed during neoplastic transformation of the thyroid follicular cells. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the localization and the function of the protein HEX in normal and tumoral breast tissues and in breast cancer cell lines. Methods HEX expression and nuclear localization were investigated by immunohistochemistry in normal and cancerous breast tissue, as well as in breast cancer cell lines. HEX mRNA levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Effects of HEX expression on Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) gene promoter activity was investigated by HeLa cell transfection. Results In normal breast HEX was detected both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In both ductal and lobular breast carcinomas, a great reduction of nuclear HEX was observed. In several cells from normal breast tissue as well as in MCF-7 and T47D cell line, HEX was observed in the nucleolus. MCF-7 treatment with all-trans retinoic acid enhanced HEX expression and induced a diffuse nuclear localization. Enhanced HEX expression and diffuse nuclear localization were also obtained when MCF-7 cells were treated with inhibitors of histone deacetylases such as sodium butyrate and trichostatin A. With respect to normal non-lactating breast, the amount of nuclear HEX was greatly increased in lactating tissue. Transfection experiments demonstrated that HEX is able to up-regulate the activity of NIS promoter. Conclusion Our data indicate that localization of HEX is regulated in epithelial breast cells. Since modification of localization occurs during lactation and tumorigenesis, we suggest that HEX may play a role in differentiation of the epithelial breast cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Puppin
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Udine, Italy
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Morfologiche, Università di Udine, Italy
- Associazione Ricerca Traslazionale In Senologia
| | - Lucia Pellizzari
- Istituto di Genetica del Policlinico Universitario, Università di Udine, Italy
| | - Guidalberto Manfioletti
- Dipartimento di Biofisica, Biochimica e Chimica delle Macromolecole, Università di Trieste, Italy
| | - Marta Pestrin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Morfologiche, Università di Udine, Italy
| | - Maura Pandolfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Morfologiche, Università di Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Piga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Morfologiche, Università di Udine, Italy
| | - Carla Di Loreto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Morfologiche, Università di Udine, Italy
- Associazione Ricerca Traslazionale In Senologia
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Udine, Italy
- Associazione Ricerca Traslazionale In Senologia
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20
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Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signals affect virtually every biological process, including both contraction and gene transcription in smooth muscle. Ca2+-regulated gene transcription is known to be important for both physiological and pathological responses in smooth muscle. The aim of this review is to discuss the current understanding of gene transcription regulated by excitation through Ca2+ signalling using a comparison of the two most characterized Ca2+-regulated transcription factors in smooth muscle, Ca2+-cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT). Recent studies have shown commonalities and differences in the regulation of CREB and NFAT through both voltage- and non-voltage-gated Ca2+ channels that lead to expression of smooth muscle cell specific differentiation markers as well as markers of proliferation. New insights into the regulation of specific genes through companion elements on the promoters of Ca2+-regulated genes have led to new models for transcriptional regulation by Ca2+ that are defined both by the source and duration of the Ca2+ signal and the composition of enhancer elements found within the regulatory regions of specific genes. Thus the combination of signalling pathways elicited by particular Ca2+ signals affect selective promoter elements that are key to the ultimate pattern of gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy A Barlow
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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21
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Najwer I, Lilly B. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV activates cysteine-rich protein 1 through adjacent CRE and CArG elements. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2005; 289:C785-93. [PMID: 15917302 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00098.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle-specific transcription is controlled by a multitude of transcriptional regulators that cooperate to drive expression in a temporospatial manner. Previous analysis of the cysteine-rich protein 1 ( CRP1/Csrp) gene revealed an intronic enhancer that is sufficient for expression in arterial smooth muscle cells and requires a serum response factor-binding CArG element for activity. The presence of a CArG box in smooth muscle regulatory regions is practically invariant; however, it stands to reason that additional elements contribute to the modulation of transcription in concert with the CArG. Because of the potential importance of other regulatory elements for expression of the CRP1 gene, we sought to identify additional motifs within the enhancer that are necessary for expression. In this effort, we identified a conserved cAMP response element (CRE) that, when mutated, diminishes the expression of the enhancer in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Using transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we have shown that the CRE binds the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and is activated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV), but not by CaMKII. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that CaMKIV stimulates CRP1 expression not only through the CRE but also through the CArG box. These findings represent evidence of a functional CRE within a smooth muscle-specific gene and provide support for a mechanism in which CREB functions as a smooth muscle determinant through CaMKIV activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Najwer
- Vascular Biology Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, 1459 Laney Walker Blvd., CB3207, Augusta, Georgia 30912-2500, USA
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22
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Foley AC, Mercola M. Heart induction by Wnt antagonists depends on the homeodomain transcription factor Hex. Genes Dev 2005; 19:387-96. [PMID: 15687261 PMCID: PMC546516 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1279405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) or Crescent initiates cardiogenesis in vertebrate embryos. However, nearly nothing is known about the downstream effectors of these secreted Wnt antagonists or the mechanism by which they activate heart formation. Here we show that Wnt antagonists in Xenopus stimulate cardiogenesis non-cell-autonomously, up to several cells away from those in which canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is blocked, indicative of an indirect role in heart induction. A screen for downstream mediators revealed that Dkk-1 and other inhibitors of the canonical Wnt pathway induce the homeodomain transcription factor Hex, which is normally expressed in endoderm underlying the presumptive cardiac mesoderm in amphibian, bird, and mammalian embryos. Loss of Hex function blocks both endogenous heart development and ectopic heart induction by Dkk-1. As with the canonical Wnt pathway antagonists, ectopic Hex induces expression of cardiac markers non-cell-autonomously. Thus, to initiate cardiogenesis, Wnt antagonists act on endoderm to up-regulate Hex, which, in turn, controls production of a diffusible heart-inducing factor. This novel function for Hex suggests an etiology for the cardiac malformations in Hex mutant mice and will make possible the isolation of factors that induce heart directly in the mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann C Foley
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Burnham Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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23
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Hallaq H, Pinter E, Enciso J, McGrath J, Zeiss C, Brueckner M, Madri J, Jacobs HC, Wilson CM, Vasavada H, Jiang X, Bogue CW. A null mutation of Hhex results in abnormal cardiac development, defective vasculogenesis and elevated Vegfa levels. Development 2004; 131:5197-209. [PMID: 15459110 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox gene Hhex has recently been shown to be essential for normal liver, thyroid and forebrain development. Hhex(-/-) mice die by mid-gestation (E14.5) and the cause of their early demise remains unclear. Because Hhex is expressed in the developing blood islands at E7.0 in the endothelium of the developing vasculature and heart at E9.0-9.5, and in the ventral foregut endoderm at E8.5-9.0, it has been postulated to play a critical role in heart and vascular development. We show here, for the first time, that a null mutation of Hhex results in striking abnormalities of cardiac and vascular development which include: (1) defective vasculogenesis, (2) hypoplasia of the right ventricle, (3) overabundant endocardial cushions accompanied by ventricular septal defects, outflow tract abnormalities and atrio-ventricular (AV) valve dysplasia and (4) aberrant development of the compact myocardium. The dramatic enlargement of the endocardial cushions in the absence of Hhex is due to decreased apoptosis and dysregulated epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Interestingly, vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) levels in the hearts of Hhex(-/-) mice were elevated as much as three-fold between E9.5 and E11.5, and treatment of cultured Hhex(-/-) AV explants with truncated soluble Vegfa receptor 1, sFlt-1, an inhibitor of Vegf signaling, completely abolished the excessive epithelial-mesenchymal transformation seen in the absence of Hhex. Therefore, Hhex expression in the ventral foregut endoderm and/or the endothelium is necessary for normal cardiovascular development in vivo, and one function of Hhex is to repress Vegfa levels during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Hallaq
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06519-1361, USA
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24
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Kasamatsu S, Sato A, Yamamoto T, Keng VW, Yoshida H, Yamazaki Y, Shimoda M, Miyazaki JI, Noguchi T. Identification of the transactivating region of the homeodomain protein, hex. J Biochem 2004; 135:217-23. [PMID: 15047723 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvh025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeodomain-containing protein Hex acts as an activator as well as a repressor of transcription in animals. While its repression domain has been mapped to the amino-terminal region, the activation domain has never been identified. Here, we show that the homeodomain and the acidic carboxyl-terminal region are necessary for full activation of the sodium-dependent bile acid cotransporter gene promoter in a cell type-independent manner, suggesting that the carboxyl-terminal region comprising residues 197 to 271 functions as the activation domain. In addition, we observed that a Hex mutant without this activation domain acts as a dominant-negative mutant as to the transactivating function of Hex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Kasamatsu
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601
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25
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Owens GK, Kumar MS, Wamhoff BR. Molecular regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation in development and disease. Physiol Rev 2004; 84:767-801. [PMID: 15269336 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2513] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of molecular mechanisms/processes that control differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) during normal development and maturation of the vasculature, as well as how these mechanisms/processes are altered in vascular injury or disease. A major challenge in understanding differentiation of the vascular SMC is that this cell can exhibit a wide range of different phenotypes at different stages of development, and even in adult organisms the cell is not terminally differentiated. Indeed, the SMC is capable of major changes in its phenotype in response to changes in local environmental cues including growth factors/inhibitors, mechanical influences, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and various inflammatory mediators. There has been much progress in recent years to identify mechanisms that control expression of the repertoire of genes that are specific or selective for the vascular SMC and required for its differentiated function. One of the most exciting recent discoveries was the identification of the serum response factor (SRF) coactivator gene myocardin that appears to be required for expression of many SMC differentiation marker genes, and for initial differentiation of SMC during development. However, it is critical to recognize that overall control of SMC differentiation/maturation, and regulation of its responses to changing environmental cues, is extremely complex and involves the cooperative interaction of many factors and signaling pathways that are just beginning to be understood. There is also relatively recent evidence that circulating stem cell populations can give rise to smooth muscle-like cells in association with vascular injury and atherosclerotic lesion development, although the exact role and properties of these cells remain to be clearly elucidated. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of our knowledge in this area and to attempt to identify some of the key unresolved challenges and questions that require further study.
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MESH Headings
- Aging/metabolism
- Animals
- Arteriosclerosis/genetics
- Cell Differentiation
- Cellular Senescence
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Humans
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/embryology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- Vascular Diseases/genetics
- Vascular Diseases/metabolism
- Vascular Diseases/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary K Owens
- Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Univ. of Virginia School of Medicine, 415 Lane Rd., Medical Research Building 5, Rm. 1220, PO Box 801394, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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26
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Minami T, Murakami T, Horiuchi K, Miura M, Noguchi T, Miyazaki JI, Hamakubo T, Aird WC, Kodama T. Interaction between hex and GATA transcription factors in vascular endothelial cells inhibits flk-1/KDR-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:20626-35. [PMID: 15016828 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m308730200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence supports a role for GATA transcription factors as important signal intermediates in differentiated endothelial cells. The goal of this study was to identify proteins that interact with endothelial-derived GATA transcription factors. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified hematopoietically expressed homeobox (Hex) as a GATA-binding partner in endothelial cells. The physical association between Hex and GATA was confirmed with immunoprecipitation in cultured cells. Hex overexpression resulted in decreased flk-1/KDR expression, both at the level of the promoter and the endogenous gene, and attenuated vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated tube formation in primary endothelial cell cultures. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, Hex inhibited the binding of GATA-2 to the flk-1/KDR 5'-untranslated region GATA motif. Finally, in RNase protection assays, transforming growth factor beta1, which has been previously shown to decrease flk-1 expression by interfering with GATA binding activity, was shown to increase Hex expression in endothelial cells. Taken together, the present study provides evidence for a novel association between Hex and GATA and suggests that transforming growth factor beta-mediated repression of flk-1/KDR and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling involves the inducible formation of inhibitory Hex-GATA complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Minami
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan.
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27
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Puppin C, Presta I, D'Elia AV, Tell G, Arturi F, Russo D, Filetti S, Damante G. Functional interaction among thyroid-specific transcription factors: Pax8 regulates the activity of Hex promoter. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004; 214:117-25. [PMID: 15062550 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2003.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2003] [Accepted: 10/28/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Hex is expressed in the thyroid follicular cells (TFC) and in several other cell types. In TFC, Hex contributes to the control of the tissue-specific gene expression. By means of RT-PCR assays we found a correlation between the Hex and Pax8 (a different tissue-specific transcription factor, expressed in TFC) mRNA levels in normal and neoplastic thyroid tissues. This finding suggested the presence of a functional correlation between the two transcription factors. Therefore, we tested whether Pax8 regulates the transcriptional activity of Hex promoter. Indeed, by using cotransfection experiments in non-thyroidal cells, we show that increasing doses of Pax8 expression vector elicited a dose-dependent increase of the transcriptional activity of Hex promoter. Accordingly, gel-retardation assays indicated that in the Hex promoter are present several Pax8 binding sites. The Pax8 activating effect on Hex promoter was further increased by the contemporary presence of Hex protein. In fact, cotransfection of both Hex and Pax8 expression vectors doubled the transcriptional activity of Hex promoter with respect to the condition in which the Pax8 expression vector only was transfected. In addition, we show that also the transcriptional cofactor APE/Ref-1 cooperated with Pax8 for upregulation of Hex promoter activity. These findings, together with other published data, suggest that a network of functional interactions between transcriptional regulators is present in TFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Puppin
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 1, 33100 Udine, Italy
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28
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Buxton DB, Golomb E, Adelstein RS. Induction of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C by butyrate in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:15449-55. [PMID: 12598534 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m210145200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RAW 264.7 macrophages express nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-A as the only significant nonmuscle myosin heavy chain isoform, with expression of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-B and II-C low or absent. Treatment of the cells with sodium butyrate, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, led to the dose-dependent induction of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C. Trichostatin A, another inhibitor of histone deacetylase, also induced nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C. Induction of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C in response to these histone deacetylase inhibitors was attenuated by mithramycin, an inhibitor of Sp1 binding to GC-rich DNA sequences. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide alone had no effect on basal nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C expression, but attenuated butyrate-mediated induction of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C. The effects of lipopolysaccharide were mimicked by the nitric oxide donors sodium nitroprusside and spermine NONOate, suggesting a role for nitric oxide in the lipopolysaccharide-mediated down-regulation of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C induction. This was supported by experiments with the inducible nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor 1400W, which partially blocked the lipopolysaccharide-mediated attenuation of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain induction. 8-Bromo-cGMP had no effect on nonmuscle myosin heavy chain induction, consistent with a cGMP-independent mechanism for nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain II-C induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis B Buxton
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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29
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Puppin C, D'Elia AV, Pellizzari L, Russo D, Arturi F, Presta I, Filetti S, Bogue CW, Denson LA, Damante G. Thyroid-specific transcription factors control Hex promoter activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2003; 31:1845-52. [PMID: 12655000 PMCID: PMC152810 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkg295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox-containing gene Hex is expressed in several cell types, including thyroid follicular cells, in which it regulates the transcription of tissue- specific genes. In this study the regulation of Hex promoter activity was investigated. Using co- transfection experiments, we demonstrated that the transcriptional activity of the Hex gene promoter in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells is approximately 10-fold greater than that observed in HeLa and NIH 3T3 cell lines (which do not normally express the Hex gene). To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences, we evaluated the effect of the thyroid- specific transcription factor TTF-1 on the Hex promoter activity. TTF-1 produced 3-4-fold increases in the Hex promoter activity. Gel- retardation assays and mutagenesis experiments revealed the presence of functionally relevant TTF-1 binding sites in the Hex promoter region. These in vitro data may also have functional relevance in vivo, since a positive correlation between TTF-1 and Hex mRNAs was demonstrated in human thyroid tissues by means of RT-PCR analysis. The TTF-1 effect, however, is not sufficient to explain the difference in Hex promoter activity between FRTL-5 and cells that do not express the Hex gene. For this reason, we tested whether Hex protein is able to activate the Hex promoter. Indeed, co-transfection experiments indicate that Hex protein is able to increase the activity of its own promoter in HeLa cells approximately 4-fold. TTF-1 and Hex effects are additive: when transfected together in HeLa cells, the Hex promoter activity is increased 6-7-fold. Thus, the contemporary presence of both TTF-1 and Hex could be sufficient to explain the higher transcriptional activity of the Hex promoter in thyroid cells with respect to cell lines that do not express the Hex gene. These findings demonstrate the existence of direct cross-regulation between thyroid-specific transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Puppin
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 1 33100 Udine, Italy
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30
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Nagai R, Suzuki T, Aizawa K, Miyamoto S, Amaki T, Kawai-Kowase K, Sekiguchi KI, Kurabayashi M. Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells: dissection of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 947:56-66; discussion 66-7. [PMID: 11795310 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene and its isoforms are excellent molecular markers that reflect smooth muscle phenotypes. The SMemb/Nonmuscle Myosin Heavy Chain B (NMHC-B) is a distinct MHC gene expressed predominantly in phenotypically modulated SMCs (synthetic-type SMC). To dissect the molecular mechanisms governing phenotypic modulation of SMCs, we analyzed the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying expression of the SMemb gene. We previously reported two transcription factors, BTEB2/IKLF and Hex, which transactivate the SMemb gene promoter based on the transient reporter transfection assays. BTEB2/IKLF is a zinc finger transcription factor, whereas Hex is a homeobox protein. BTEB2/IKLF expression in SMCs is downregulated with vascular development in vivo but upregulated in cultured SMCs and in neointima in response to vascular injury after balloon angioplasty. BTEB2/IKLF and Hex activate not only the SMemb gene but also other genes activated in synthetic SMCs including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), iNOS, PDGF-A, Egr-1, and VEGF receptors. Mitogenic stimulation activates BTEB2/IKLF gene expression through MEK1 and Egr-1. Elevation of intracellular cAMP is also important in phenotypic modulation of SMCs, because the SMemb promoter is activated under cooperatively by cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and Hex.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nagai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
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