RNA interference for discoidin domain receptor 2 attenuates neointimal formation in balloon injured rat carotid artery

Targeting Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 for the Development of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs

One of the most pressing issues in osteoarthritis (OA) research is the development of disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs), as currently there are no such drugs available. The paucity of suitable DMOADs is mostly due to the lack of approved ideal therapeutic targets necessary for the development of these drugs. However, based on recent discoveries from our laboratory and other independent laboratories, it is indicated that a cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase for collagen type II, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), may be an ideal therapeutic target for the development of DMOADs. In this article, we review the current status of research in understanding roles of DDR2 in the development of OA.

Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs): Potential implications in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to the destruction of periodontal tissues associated with high prevalence and significant economic burden. As special collagen-binding tyrosine kinase receptors, the discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) can control cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. DDRs are constitutively expressed and widely distributed in periodontal tissues which are rich in collagen. Ddr1/2 knockout mice showed significant periodontal defects including connective tissue destruction, alveolar bone loss, and even tooth loss. It has been demonstrated that bone homeostasis, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases, and autophagy are crucial characteristics involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Of note, DDRs have been reported to participate in the above pathophysiological processes, implicating the potential roles of DDRs in periodontitis. In this review article, we aim to illustrate the possible roles of DDRs in periodontitis in an attempt to explore their potential value as therapeutic targets for periodontitis.

An Atelocollagen Coating for Efficient Local Gene Silencing by Using Small Interfering RNA

In the last decades, many efforts have been made to counteract adverse effects after stenting atherosclerotic coronary arteries. A breakthrough in better vascular wall regeneration was noted in the new era of drug-eluting stents. A novel personalized approach is the development of gene-eluting stents promising an alteration in gene expression involved in regeneration. We investigated a coating system consisting of the polymer atelocollagen (ATCOL) and a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) found on the surface of defective endothelial cells (ECs). We demonstrated very high cell viability, in which EA.hy926 grew on 0.008% or 0.032% ATCOL layers. Additionally, hemocompatibility assays proved the biocompatibility of this coating. The highest transfection efficiency with EA.hy926 was achieved with 5 μg siRNA immobilized in ATCOL after 2 days. The release of fluorescent-labeled siRNA was about 9 days. Long-term knockdown of ICAM-1 was analyzed by flow cytometry, revealing that the coating with 0.008% ATCOL and 5 μg siICAM-1 provoked gene silencing up to 8 days. 5′-RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR (RLM-RACE-PCR) demonstrated the specificity of our established ATCOL gene-silencing coating, meaning that our coating is well suited for further investigations in in vivo studies. Herein, we would like to demonstrate that our ATCOL is well-suited for better artery wall regeneration after stent implantation.

Nicorandil attenuates carotid intimal hyperplasia after balloon catheter injury in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetic patients suffer from undesired intimal hyperplasia after angioplasty. Nicorandil has a trend to reduce the rate of target lesion revascularization. However, whether nicorandil inhibits intimal hyperplasia and the possible mechanisms underlying it remain to be determined. We aimed at assessing the effect of nicorandil on intimal hyperplasia in diabetic rats.

METHODS

After intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg), balloon injury model was established in carotid arteries of diabetic rats. Rats were randomized to vehicle, nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) or 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 10 mg/kg/day), a mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoKATP channel)-selective antagonist. Perivascular delivery of εPKC siRNA was conducted to determine the role of εPKC pathway in intimal hyperplasia. In hyperglycemia environment (25 mM glucose), primary culture of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with nicorandil or 5-HD. Cell proliferation and cell migration were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intimal hyperplasia significantly increased 14 days after balloon injury in diabetic rats (p < 0.01). Nicorandil inhibited intima development, reduced inflammation and prevented cell proliferation in balloon-injured arteries (p < 0.01). The protective effects of nicorandil were reversed by 5-HD (p < 0.05). εPKC was activated in balloon-injured arteries (p < 0.01). Nicorandil inhibited εPKC activation by opening mitoKATP channel. Perivascular delivery of εPKC siRNA inhibited intimal hyperplasia, inflammation and cell proliferation (p < 0.01). High glucose-induced VSMCs proliferation and migration were inhibited by nicorandil. εPKC activation induced by high glucose was also inhibited by nicorandil and that is partially reversed by 5-HD. εPKC knockdown prevented VSMCs proliferation and migration (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that nicorandil inhibits intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured arteries in diabetic rats. Nicorandil also prevents VSMCs proliferation and migration induced by high glucose. The beneficial effect of nicorandil is conducted via opening mitoKATP channel and inhibiting εPKC activation.

Angiotensin II Downregulates MicroRNA-145 to Regulate Kruppel-like Factor 4 and Myocardin Expression in Human Coronary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells under High Glucose Conditions

MicroRNA (miR)-145 is the most abundant miR in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the effect of hyperglycemia on the regulation of miR-145 is unknown. We hypothesized that the hyperglycemic condition activates a proinflammatory response that mediates the expression of miR-145 in VSMCs. We investigated whether miR-145 serves as a critical regulator to regulate the downstream proliferation factors (including Kruppel-like factor 4 [Klf4] and myocardin) in VSMCs under hyperglycemic conditions. Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) were cultured under high glucose conditions. Sustained high glucose at 25 mmol/L significantly decreased the expression of miR-145 in HCASMCs. High glucose significantly increased angiotensin II (Ang II) secretion from HCASMCs and Ang II suppressed miR-145 expression in HCASMCs. Ang II repression of miR145 expression resulted in increased Klf4 and decreased myocardin expression under conditions of high glucose. Overexpression of miR-145 significantly decreased Klf4 and increased myocardin expression and inhibited HCASMC proliferation and migration induced by a high glucose state. Balloon injury of the carotid artery in diabetic rats was performed to investigate miR-145, Klf and myocardin expression. The expression of miR-145 was maximally increased at 7 d after carotid injury and gradually declined thereafter. Overexpression of miR-145 and treatment with valsartan reversed Klf4 and myocardin protein expression induced by balloon injury and improved vascular injury. In conclusion, our study reveals that Ang II downregulates miR-145 to regulate Klf4 and myocardin expression in HCASMCs under high glucose conditions. Ang II plays a critical role in the regulation of miR-145 under hyperglycemic conditions.

Collagen inhibitory peptide R1R2 mediates vascular remodeling by decreasing inflammation and smooth muscle cell activation

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major constituent of the vessel wall. In addition to providing a structural scaffold, the ECM controls numerous cellular functions in both physiologic and pathologic settings. Vascular remodeling occurs after injury and is characterized by endothelial cell activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and augmented deposition of collagen-rich ECM. R1R2, a peptide derived from the bacterial adhesin SFS, with sequence homology to collagen, is known to inhibit collagen type I deposition in vitro by inhibiting the binding of fibronectin to collagen. However, the inhibitory effects of R1R2 during vascular remodeling have not been explored. We periadventitially delivered R1R2 to carotid arteries using pluronic gel in a vascular remodeling mouse model induced by blood flow cessation, and evaluated its effects on intima-media thickening, ECM deposition, SMC activation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that R1R2 reduced intima-media thickening compared to the control groups. R1R2 treatment also decreased collagen type I deposition in the vessel wall, and maintained SMC in the contractile phenotype. Interestingly, R1R2 dramatically reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the vessel by ∼78%. This decrease was accompanied by decreased VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression. Our in vitro studies revealed that R1R2 attenuated SMC proliferation and migration, and also decreased monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration through endothelial cells. Together, these data suggest that R1R2 attenuates vascular remodeling responses by decreasing inflammation and by modulating SMC proliferation and migration, and suggest that the R1R2 peptide may have therapeutic potential in treating occlusive vascular diseases.

Discoidin domain receptor functions in physiological and pathological conditions

The discoidin domain receptors, DDR1 and DDR2, are nonintegrin collagen receptors that are members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Both DDRs bind a number of different collagen types and play important roles in embryo development. Dysregulated DDR function is associated with progression of various human diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, and cancer. By interacting with key components of the extracellular matrix and displaying distinct activation kinetics, the DDRs form a unique subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. DDR-facilitated cellular functions include cell migration, cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as remodeling of extracellular matrices. This review summarizes the current knowledge of DDR-ligand interactions, DDR-initiated signal pathways and the molecular mechanisms that regulate receptor function. Also discussed are the roles of DDRs in development and disease progression.

The proteome of mouse cerebral arteries

The cerebral vasculature ensures proper cerebral function by transporting oxygen, nutrients, and other substances to the brain. Distribution of oxygenated blood throughout the neuroaxis takes place at the level of the circle of Willis (CW). While morphologic and functional alterations in CW arteries and its main branches have been reported in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, accompanying changes in protein expression profiles remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we performed proteomics to compile a novel list of proteins present in mouse CW arteries and its ramifications. Circle of Willis arteries were surgically removed from 6-month-old wild-type mice, proteins extracted and analyzed by two proteomics approaches, gel-free nanoLC-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS and gel-based GelLC-MS/MS, using nanoAcquity UPLC coupled with ESI-LTQ Orbitrap XL. The two approaches helped maximize arterial proteome coverage. Six biologic and two technical replicates were performed. In all, 2,188 proteins with at least 2 unique high-scoring peptides were identified (6,630 proteins total). Proteins were classified according to vasoactivity, blood-brain barrier specificity, tight junction and adhesion molecules, membrane transporters/channels, and extracellular matrix/basal lamina proteins. Furthermore, we compared the identified CW arterial proteome with the published brain microvascular proteome. Our database provides a vital resource for the study of CW cerebral arterial protein expression profiles in health and disease.

New aspects of gene-silencing for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Coronary heart disease (CHD), mainly caused by atherosclerosis, represents the single leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Besides the classical interventional therapies new applications for treatment of vascular wall pathologies are appearing on the horizon. RNA interference (RNAi) represents a novel therapeutic strategy due to sequence-specific gene-silencing through the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The modulation of gene expression by short RNAs provides a powerful tool to theoretically silence any disease-related or disease-promoting gene of interest. In this review we outline the RNAi mechanisms, the currently used delivery systems and their possible applications to the cardiovascular system. Especially, the optimization of the targeting and transfection procedures could enhance the efficiency of siRNA delivery drastically and might open the way to clinical applicability. The new findings of the last years may show the techniques to new innovative therapies and could probably play an important role in treating CHD in the future.

Discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinases: new players in cancer progression

Almost all human cancers display dysregulated expression and/or function of one or more receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The strong causative association between altered RTK function and cancer progression has been translated into novel therapeutic strategies that target these cell surface receptors in cancer. Yet, the full spectrum of RTKs that may alter the oncogenic process is not completely understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that a unique set of RTKs known as the discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) play a key role in cancer progression by regulating the interactions of tumor cells with their surrounding collagen matrix. The DDRs are the only RTKs that specifically bind to and are activated by collagen. DDRs control cell and tissue homeostasis by acting as collagen sensors, transducing signals that regulate cell polarity, tissue morphogenesis, and cell differentiation. In cancer, DDRs are hijacked by tumor cells to disrupt normal cell-matrix communication and initiate pro-migratory and pro-invasive programs. Importantly, several cancer types exhibit DDR mutations, which are thought to alter receptor function and contribute to cancer progression. Other evidence suggests that the actions of DDRs in cancer are complex, either promoting or suppressing tumor cell behavior in a DDR type/isoform specific- and context-dependent manner. Thus, there is still a considerable gap in our knowledge of DDR actions in cancer tissues. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on DDR expression and function in cancer. It is hoped that this effort will encourage more research into these poorly understood but unique RTKs, which have the potential of becoming novel therapeutic targets in cancer.

Deletion of discoidin domain receptor 2 does not affect smooth muscle cell adhesion, migration, or proliferation in response to type I collagen

Collagen receptors expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells include the discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2). DDR1 is known to play important roles in mediating smooth muscle cell responses to vascular injury, including neointimal hyperplasia, but much less is known about the function of DDR2. In this study, we harvested smooth muscle cells from DDR2 wild-type and knockout mice and studied the cells using in vitro models of migration and growth. There were no significant differences in the ability of Ddr2(+/+) or Ddr2(-/-) smooth muscle cells to attach to, migrate, or proliferate on type I collagen. Furthermore, neither matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 nor MMP-9 activity nor type I collagen expression was different between the cell types. We conclude that in vitro, endogenous DDR2 is not required for smooth muscle cell hyperplastic responses to collagen.

Resistin contributes to neointimal formation via oxidative stress after vascular injury

Resistin may play a major potential role in vascular remodelling and may contribute to atherogenesis. However, the role of VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cell)-derived resistin in neointimal formation is not well understood. We hypothesize that endogenous resistin derived from VSMCs may contribute to neointimal formation after vascular injury. VSMCs from thoracic aorta of adult Wistar rats were cultured. The carotid artery from adult Wistar rats was injured by balloon catheter. Resistin significantly increased migration and proliferation of VSMCs. Resistin siRNA (small interfering RNA) and resistin antibody significantly inhibited migration and proliferation of VSMCs induced by conditioned medium from stretched VSMCs. Resistin protein and mRNA expression significantly increased at 14 days after carotid injury. Resistin siRNA and NAC (N-acetylcysteine) significantly reduced resistin protein and mRNA expression induced by balloon injury. Carotid artery injury increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Treatment with NAC and resistin siRNA decreased ROS production. The neointimal area was significantly increased after carotid injury and was significantly reduced by resistin siRNA and NAC. In conclusion, resistin increases migration and proliferation of VSMCs, and expression of resistin in carotid artery significantly increases after injury. Resistin siRNA attenuates neointimal formation after carotid injury partly through an antioxidative mechanism. Resistin may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neointimal thickening after mechanical injury.

The relative roles of collagen adhesive receptor DDR2 activation and matrix stiffness on the downregulation of focal adhesion kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells

Cells within tissues derive mechanical anchorage and specific molecular signals from the insoluble extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds them. Understanding the role of different cues that extracellular matrices provide cells is critical for controlling and predicting cell response to scaffolding materials. Using an engineered extracellular matrix of Type I collagen we examined how the stiffness, supramolecular structure, and glycosylation of collagen matrices influence the protein levels of cellular FAK and the activation of myosin II. Our results show that (1) cellular FAK is downregulated on collagen fibrils, but not on a non-fibrillar monolayer of collagen, (2) the downregulation of FAK is independent of the stiffness of the collagen fibrils, and (3) FAK levels are correlated with levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of the collagen adhesion receptor DDR2. Further, siRNA depletion of DDR2 blocks FAK downregulation. Our results suggest that the collagen receptor DDR2 is involved in the regulation of FAK levels in vSMC adhered to Type I collagen matrices, and that regulation of FAK levels in these cells appears to be independent of matrix stiffness.

Hyperbaric oxygen activates discoidin domain receptor 2 via tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the p38 MAPK pathway to increase vascular smooth muscle cell migration through matrix metalloproteinase 2

DDR2 (discoidin domain receptor 2) regulates collagen turnover mediated by SMCs (smooth muscle cells) in atherosclerosis. HBO (hyperbaric oxygen) has been used in medical practice; however, the molecular mechanism of the beneficial effects of HBO is poorly understood. Furthermore, the effect of HBO on DDR2 has not been reported previously. In the present study, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of DDR2 regulation by HBO in VSMCs (vascular SMCs). Cells were exposed to 2.5 ATA (atmosphere absolute) of oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber. DDR2 protein (3.63-fold) and mRNA (2.34-fold) expression were significantly increased after exposure to 2.5 ATA HBO for 1 h. Addition of SB203580 and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) siRNA (small interfering RNA) 30 min before HBO inhibited the induction of DDR2 protein. HBO also significantly increased DNA-protein binding activity of Myc/Max. Addition of SB203580 and an anti-TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) monoclonal antibody 30 min before HBO abolished the DNA-protein binding activity induced by HBO. HBO significantly increased the secretion of TNF-alpha from cultured VSMCs. Exogenous addition of TNF-alpha significantly increased DDR2 protein expression, whereas anti-TNF-alpha and anti-(TNF-alpha receptor) antibodies blocked the induction of DDR2 protein expression. HBO significantly increased VSMC migration and proliferation, whereas DDR2 siRNA inhibited the migration induced by HBO. HBO increased activated MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2) protein expression, and DDR2 siRNA abolished the induction of activated MMP2 expression induced by HBO. In conclusion, HBO activates DDR2 expression in cultured rat VSMCs. HBO-induced DDR2 is mediated by TNF-alpha and at least in part through the p38 MAPK and Myc pathways.

ADAMTS-7 Mediates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Neointima Formation in Balloon-Injured Rat Arteries

The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an essential role during the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Extensive studies have implicated the importance of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteinases in VSMC migration. A recently described family of proteinases, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTs), is capable of degrading vascular ECM proteins. Here, we sought to determine whether ADAMTS-7 is involved in VSMC migration and neointima formation in response to vascular injury. ADAMTS-7 protein accumulated preferentially in neointima of the carotid artery wall after balloon injury. In primary VSMCs, ADAMTS-7 level was enhanced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α and growth factor platelet-derived growth factor-BB. ADAMTS-7 overexpression greatly accelerated and small interfering RNA knockdown markedly retarded VSMC migration/invasion in vitro. In addition, luminal delivery of ADAMTS-7 adenovirus to carotid arteries exacerbated intimal thickening nearly sixfold 7 days after injury. Conversely, perivascular administration of ADAMTS-7 small interfering RNA but not scramble small interfering RNA to injured arteries attenuated intimal thickening by 50% at 14 days after injury. Furthermore, ADAMTS-7 mediated degradation of the vascular ECM cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in injured vessels. Replenishing COMP circumvented the promigratory effect of ADAMTS-7 on VSMCs. Enforced expression of COMP significantly suppressed VSMC migration and neointima formation postinjury, which indicates that ADAMTS-7 facilitated intimal hyperplasia through degradation of inhibitory matrix protein COMP. ADAMTS-7 may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis.

Cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells and cardiac myocytes

Cells in the cardiovascular system are permanently subjected to mechanical forces due to the pulsatile nature of blood flow and shear stress, created by the beating heart. These haemodynamic forces play an important role in the regulation of vascular development, remodelling, wound healing and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Mechanical stretch can modulate several different cellular functions in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). These functions include, but are not limited to, cell alignment and differentiation, migration, survival or apoptosis, vascular remodelling, and autocrine and paracrine functions. Laminar shear stress exerts anti-apoptotic, anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic effects on ECs (endothelial cells). Mechanical stretch of cardiac myocytes can modulate growth, apoptosis, electric remodelling, alterations in gene expression, and autocrine and paracrine effects. The aim of the present review is primarily to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells and cardiac myocytes, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation. Knowledge of the impact of mechanical stretch on the cardiovascular system is vital to the understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, and is also crucial to provide new insights into the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypoxia induces discoidin domain receptor-2 expression via the p38 pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells to increase their migration

Discoidin domain receptor-2 (DDR2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to the extracellular matrix. We investigated the role of hypoxia in DDR2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the underlying mechanism. Subjecting VSMCs to hypoxia (2.5% O(2)) induced DDR2 expression; treatments with a specific inhibitor (SB203580) of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or p38-specific small interference RNA (siRNA) abolished this hypoxia-induced DDR2 expression. Gel shifting assays showed that hypoxia increased the Myc-Max-DNA binding activity in the promoter region of DDR2; inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 and p38-specific siRNA blocked hypoxia-induced DDR2 promoter activity. Hypoxia also induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in VSMCs and increased their migration. These VSMC responses to hypoxia were inhibited by DDR2- and p38-specific siRNAs. Our results suggested that hypoxia induces DDR2 expression in VSMCs at the transcriptional level, which is mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway and contributes to VSMC migration.