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Ghanem L, Essayli D, Kotaich J, Zein MA, Sahebkar A, Eid AH. Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells in COVID-19: Role of cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. J Cell Physiol 2024:e31424. [PMID: 39188012 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31424] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily manifests as severe respiratory distress, its impact on the cardiovascular system is also notable. Studies reveal that COVID-19 patients often suffer from certain vascular diseases, partly attributed to increased proliferation or altered phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although the association between COVID-19 and VSMCs is recognized, the precise mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2's influence on VSMC phenotype remains largely under-reviewed. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature dissecting the effect of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, few reports delve into the potential role of VSMC switching in the pathophysiology associated with COVID-19 and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. This review dissects and critiques the link between COVID-19 and VSMCs, with particular attention to pathways involving cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. These pathways underpin the interaction between the virus and VSMCs. Such interaction promotes VSMC proliferation, and eventually potentiates vascular calcification as well as worsens prognosis in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ghanem
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Dina Essayli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Jana Kotaich
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
- MEDICA Research Investigation, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Al Zein
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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2
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Mackay CDA, Meechem MB, Patel VB. Macrophages in vascular disease: Roles of mitochondria and metabolic mechanisms. Vascul Pharmacol 2024:107419. [PMID: 39181483 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107419] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are a dynamic cell type of the immune system implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and are a major contributor to pathological inflammation. Excessive macrophage accumulation, activation, and polarization is observed in aortic aneurysm (AA), atherosclerosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In general, macrophages become activated and polarized to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which dramatically changes cell behavior to become pro-inflammatory and infiltrative. These cell types become cumbersome and fail to be cleared by normal mechanisms such as autophagy. The result is a hyper-inflammatory environment causing the recruitment of adjacent cells and circulating immune cells to further augment the inflammatory response. In AA, this leads to excessive ECM degradation and chemokine secretion, ultimately causing macrophages to dominate the immune cell landscape in the aortic wall. In atherosclerosis, monocytes are recruited to the vascular wall, where they polarize to the pro-inflammatory phenotype and induce inflammatory pathway activation. This leads to the development of foam cells, which significantly contribute to neointima and necrotic core formation in atherosclerotic plaques. Pro-inflammatory macrophages, which affect other vascular diseases, present with fragmented mitochondria and corresponding metabolic dysfunction. Targeting macrophage mitochondrial dynamics has proved to be an exciting potential therapeutic approach to combat vascular disease. This review will summarize mitochondrial and metabolic mechanisms of macrophage activation, polarization, and accumulation in vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron D A Mackay
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan B Meechem
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Guan X, Hu Y, Hao J, Lu M, Zhang Z, Hu W, Li D, Li C. Stress, Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype and Atherosclerosis: Novel Insight into Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Transition in Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:411-425. [PMID: 38814419 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-024-01220-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our work is to establish more distinct association between specific stress and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypes to alleviate atherosclerotic plaque burden and delay atherosclerosis (AS) progression. RECENT FINDING In recent years, VSMCs phenotypic transition has received significant interests. Different stresses were found to be associated with VSMCs phenotypic transition. However, the explicit correlation between VSMCs phenotype and specific stress has not been elucidated clearly yet. We discover that VSMCs phenotypic transition, which is widely involved in the progression of AS, is associated with specific stress. We discuss approaches targeting stresses to intervene VSMCs phenotypic transition, which may contribute to develop innovative therapies for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuya Guan
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yuanlong Hu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Jiaqi Hao
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Mengkai Lu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Wenxian Hu
- Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, 266000, China.
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Chao Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, 266000, China.
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4
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Chen P, Li X. NLRP3 inflammasome in atherosclerosis: Mechanisms and targeted therapies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1430236. [PMID: 39144618 PMCID: PMC11322363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1430236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the primary pathology behind various cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of death and disability globally. Recent evidence suggests that AS is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors. In this context, the NLRP3 inflammasome, acting as a signal transducer of the immune system, plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AS. The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in endothelial injury, foam cell formation, and pyroptosis in AS. Therefore, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome offers a new treatment strategy for AS. This review highlights the latest insights into AS pathogenesis and the pharmacological therapies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, focusing on optimal targets for small molecule inhibitors. These insights are valuable for rational drug design and the pharmacological assessment of new targeted NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in treating AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Xia Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
- Shandong Kelun Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Binzhou, China
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5
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Xiang L, Wang Y, Liu S, Ying L, Zhang K, Liang N, Li H, Luo G, Xiao L. Quercetin Attenuates KLF4-Mediated Phenotypic Switch of VSMCs to Macrophage-like Cells in Atherosclerosis: A Critical Role for the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7755. [PMID: 39062998 PMCID: PMC11277168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to elucidate the protective role of quercetin in atherosclerosis by examining its effect on the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to macrophage-like cells and the underlying regulatory pathways. Aorta tissues from apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), treated with or without 100 mg/kg/day quercetin, were analyzed for histopathological changes and molecular mechanisms. Quercetin was found to decrease the size of atherosclerotic lesions and mitigate lipid accumulation induced by HFD. Fluorescence co-localization analysis revealed a higher presence of macrophage-like vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) co-localizing with phospho-Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in regions of foam cell aggregation within aortic plaques. However, this co-localization was reduced following treatment with quercetin. Quercetin treatment effectively inhibited the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-loaded mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS), as indicated by decreased expressions of KLF4, LGALS3, CD68, and F4/80, increased expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), reduced intracellular fluorescence Dil-ox-LDL uptake, and decreased lipid accumulation. In contrast, APTO-253, a KLF4 activator, was found to reverse the effects of quercetin. Furthermore, AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, effectively counteracted the ox-LDL-induced JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent switch to a macrophage-like phenotype and lipid accumulation in MOVAS cells. These effects were significantly mitigated by quercetin but exacerbated by coumermycin A1, a JAK2 activator. Our research illustrates that quercetin inhibits the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch of VSMCs to macrophage-like cells and reduces atherosclerosis by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Quercetin/pharmacology
- Janus Kinase 2/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4/metabolism
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Mice
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Male
- Phenotype
- Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/pathology
- Apolipoproteins E/metabolism
- Apolipoproteins E/genetics
- Mice, Knockout
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gang Luo
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (L.X.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (L.Y.); (K.Z.); (N.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Lin Xiao
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (L.X.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (L.Y.); (K.Z.); (N.L.); (H.L.)
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6
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Nankivell V, Vidanapathirana AK, Hoogendoorn A, Tan JTM, Verjans J, Psaltis PJ, Hutchinson MR, Gibson BC, Lu Y, Goldys E, Zheng G, Bursill CA. Targeting macrophages with multifunctional nanoparticles to detect and prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:819-838. [PMID: 38696700 PMCID: PMC11218693 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the emergence of novel diagnostic, pharmacological, interventional, and prevention strategies, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Nanoparticle (NP)-based platforms encompass diverse imaging, delivery, and pharmacological properties that provide novel opportunities for refining diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for atherosclerosis at the cellular and molecular levels. Macrophages play a critical role in atherosclerosis and therefore represent an important disease-related diagnostic and therapeutic target, especially given their inherent ability for passive and active NP uptake. In this review, we discuss an array of inorganic, carbon-based, and lipid-based NPs that provide magnetic, radiographic, and fluorescent imaging capabilities for a range of highly promising research and clinical applications in atherosclerosis. We discuss the design of NPs that target a range of macrophage-related functions such as lipoprotein oxidation, cholesterol efflux, vascular inflammation, and defective efferocytosis. We also provide examples of NP systems that were developed for other pathologies such as cancer and highlight their potential for repurposing in cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss the current state of play and the future of theranostic NPs. Whilst this is not without its challenges, the array of multifunctional capabilities that are possible in NP design ensures they will be part of the next frontier of exciting new therapies that simultaneously improve the accuracy of plaque diagnosis and more effectively reduce atherosclerosis with limited side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nankivell
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Achini K Vidanapathirana
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Ayla Hoogendoorn
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Joanne T M Tan
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Johan Verjans
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Peter J Psaltis
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Mark R Hutchinson
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Brant C Gibson
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yiqing Lu
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ewa Goldys
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, High Street, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Gang Zheng
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Christina A Bursill
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP)
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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7
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Letonja J, Petrovič D. A Review of MicroRNAs and lncRNAs in Atherosclerosis as Well as Some Major Inflammatory Conditions Affecting Atherosclerosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1322. [PMID: 38927529 PMCID: PMC11201627 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061322] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The link between atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via metabolic, inflammatory, and immunoregulatory pathways is well established. The aim of our review was to summarize the associations between selected microRNAs (miRs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and atherosclerosis, psoriasis, T2DM, and RA. We reviewed the role of miR-146a, miR-210, miR-143, miR-223, miR-126, miR-21, miR-155, miR-145, miR-200, miR-133, miR-135, miR-221, miR-424, let-7, lncRNA-H19, lncRNA-MEG3, lncRNA-UCA1, and lncRNA-XIST in atherosclerosis and psoriasis, T2DM, and RA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a method of intracellular signal transduction. Their function depends on surface expression, cargo, and the cell from which they originate. The majority of the studies that investigated lncRNAs and some miRs had relatively small sample sizes, which limits the generalizability of their findings and indicates the need for more research. Based on the studies reviewed, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-145, miR-200, miR-133, and lncRNA-H19 are the most promising potential biomarkers and, possibly, therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis as well as T2DM, RA, and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Letonja
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Laboratory for Histology and Genetics of Atherosclerosis and Microvascular Diseases, Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danijel Petrovič
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Laboratory for Histology and Genetics of Atherosclerosis and Microvascular Diseases, Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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8
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Chatterjee P, Martin KA. A Concept of "Athero-Oncology": Tumor-Like Smooth Muscle Cells Drive Atherosclerosis. Circulation 2024; 149:1899-1902. [PMID: 38857330 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.124.069446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Payel Chatterjee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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9
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Getz GS, Reardon CA. Insights from Murine Studies on the Site Specificity of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6375. [PMID: 38928086 PMCID: PMC11204064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory reaction that develops at specific regions within the artery wall and at specific sites of the arterial tree over a varying time frame in response to a variety of risk factors. The mechanisms that account for the interaction of systemic factors and atherosclerosis-susceptible regions of the arterial tree to mediate this site-specific development of atherosclerosis are not clear. The dynamics of blood flow has a major influence on where in the arterial tree atherosclerosis develops, priming the site for interactions with atherosclerotic risk factors and inducing cellular and molecular participants in atherogenesis. But how this accounts for lesion development at various locations along the vascular tree across differing time frames still requires additional study. Currently, murine models are favored for the experimental study of atherogenesis and provide the most insight into the mechanisms that may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Based largely on these studies, in this review, we discuss the role of hemodynamic shear stress, SR-B1, and other factors that may contribute to the site-specific development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey S. Getz
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
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10
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Arévalo-Martinez M, Ede J, van der Have O, Ritsvall O, Zetterberg FR, Nilsson UJ, Leffler H, Holmberg J, Albinsson S. Myocardin related transcription factor and galectin-3 drive lipid accumulation in human blood vessels. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 156:107383. [PMID: 38830455 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107383] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes and hypertension are important risk factors for vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. A driving factor in this process is lipid accumulation in smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall. The glucose- and mechano-sensitive transcriptional coactivator, myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A/MKL1) can promote lipid accumulation in cultured human smooth muscle cells and contribute to the formation of smooth muscle-derived foam cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if intact human blood vessels ex vivo can be used to evaluate lipid accumulation in the vascular wall, and if this process is dependent on MRTF and/or galectin-3/LGALS3. Galectin-3 is an early marker of smooth muscle transdifferentiation and a potential mediator for foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Human mammary arteries and saphenous veins were exposed to altered cholesterol and glucose levels in an organ culture model. Accumulation of lipids, quantified by Oil Red O, was increased by cholesterol loading and elevated glucose concentrations. Pharmacological inhibition of MRTF with CCG-203971 decreased lipid accumulation, whereas adenoviral-mediated overexpression of MRTF-A had the opposite effect. Cholesterol-induced expression of galectin-3 was decreased after inhibition of MRTF. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of galectin-3 with GB1107 reduced lipid accumulation in the vascular wall after cholesterol loading. CONCLUSION Ex vivo organ culture of human arteries and veins can be used to evaluate lipid accumulation in the intact vascular wall, as well as adenoviral transduction and pharmacological inhibition. Although MRTF and galectin-3 may have beneficial, anti-inflammatory effects under certain circumstances, our results, which demonstrate a significant decrease in lipid accumulation, support further evaluation of MRTF- and galectin-3-inhibitors for therapeutic intervention against atherosclerotic vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marycarmen Arévalo-Martinez
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jacob Ede
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oscar van der Have
- Vessel Wall Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olivia Ritsvall
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik R Zetterberg
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Lund, Sweden; Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section MIG, Lund University BMC-C1228b, Klinikgatan 28, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Molecular Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden.
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11
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Chu S, Shan D, He L, Yang S, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Yu J. Anemoside B4 attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm by limiting smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation and its mediated inflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1412022. [PMID: 38881898 PMCID: PMC11176519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1412022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by local abnormal dilation of the aorta accompanied by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and chronic inflammation. VSMC dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential causes of AAA formation. Previous studies from us and others have shown that Anemoside B4 (AB4), a saponin from Pulsatilla chinensis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and regulatory effects on VSMC dedifferentiation. The current study aimed to investigate whether AB4 inhibits AAA development and its underlying mechanisms. By using an Ang II induced AAA model in vivo and cholesterol loading mediated VSMC to macrophage transdifferentiation model in vitro, our study demonstrated that AB4 could attenuate AAA pathogenesis, prevent VSMC dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation to macrophage-like cells, decrease vascular inflammation, and suppress MMP expression and activity. Furthermore, KLF4 overexpression attenuated the effects of AB4 on VSMC to macrophage-like cell transition and VSMC inflammation in vitro. In conclusion, AB4 protects against AAA formation in mice by inhibiting KLF4 mediated VSMC transdifferentiation and inflammation. Our study provides the first proof of concept of using AB4 for AAA management.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/prevention & control
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Cell Transdifferentiation/drug effects
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4/metabolism
- Mice
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Saponins/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Humans
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Chu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Luling He
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shilin Yang
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center (NPEC) for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulin Feng
- National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center (NPEC) for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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12
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Stroope C, Nettersheim FS, Coon B, Finney AC, Schwartz MA, Ley K, Rom O, Yurdagul A. Dysregulated cellular metabolism in atherosclerosis: mediators and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Metab 2024; 6:617-638. [PMID: 38532071 PMCID: PMC11055680 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence over the past decades has revealed an intricate relationship between dysregulation of cellular metabolism and the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, an integrated understanding of dysregulated cellular metabolism in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its potential value as a therapeutic target is missing. In this Review, we (1) summarize recent advances concerning the role of metabolic dysregulation during atherosclerosis progression in lesional cells, including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages and T cells; (2) explore the complexity of metabolic cross-talk between these lesional cells; (3) highlight emerging technologies that promise to illuminate unknown aspects of metabolism in atherosclerosis; and (4) suggest strategies for targeting these underexplored metabolic alterations to mitigate atherosclerosis progression and stabilize rupture-prone atheromas with a potential new generation of cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stroope
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Felix Sebastian Nettersheim
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Brian Coon
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, OMRF, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexandra C Finney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Immunology Center of Georgia (IMMCG), Augusta University Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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13
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Ahmed IA, Liu M, Gomez D. Nuclear Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity during Vascular Remodeling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:525-538. [PMID: 37820925 PMCID: PMC10988766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Control of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) gene expression is an essential process for establishing and maintaining lineage identity, contractility, and plasticity. Most mechanisms (epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional) implicated in gene regulation occur in the nucleus. Still, intranuclear pathways are directly impacted by modifications in the extracellular environment in conditions of adaptive or maladaptive remodeling. Integration of extracellular, cellular, and genomic information into the nucleus through epigenetic and transcriptional control of genome organization plays a major role in regulating SMC functions and phenotypic transitions during vascular remodeling and diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on nuclear mechanisms, their interactions, and their integration in controlling SMC homeostasis and dysfunction. It summarizes and discusses the main nuclear mechanisms preponderant in SMCs in the context of vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, with an emphasis on studies employing in vivo cell-specific loss-of-function and single-cell omics approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Ahmed
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mingjun Liu
- Department of Pathology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Delphine Gomez
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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14
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Shin D, Kim S, Lee H, Lee HC, Lee J, Park HW, Fukai M, Choi E, Choi S, Koo BJ, Yu JH, No G, Cho S, Kim CW, Han D, Jang HD, Kim HS. PCSK9 stimulates Syk, PKCδ, and NF-κB, leading to atherosclerosis progression independently of LDL receptor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2789. [PMID: 38555386 PMCID: PMC10981688 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) binds to and degrades low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, leading to increase of LDL cholesterol in blood. Its blockers have emerged as promising therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Here we show that PCSK9 itself directly induces inflammation and aggravates atherosclerosis independently of the LDL receptor. PCSK9 exacerbates atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout mice. Adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) is the main binding partner of PCSK9 and indispensable for the inflammatory action of PCSK9, including induction of cytokines, Toll like receptor 4, and scavenger receptors, enhancing the uptake of oxidized LDL. We find spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) to be the key mediators of inflammation after PCSK9-CAP1 binding. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum PCSK9 levels are positively correlated with Syk, PKCδ, and p65 phosphorylation. The CAP1-fragment crystallizable region (CAP1-Fc) mitigates PCSK9-mediated inflammatory signal transduction more than the PCSK9 blocking antibody evolocumab does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Shin
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soungchan Kim
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Chae Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Fukai
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - EunByule Choi
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Choi
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon-Jun Koo
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Yu
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyurae No
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyoon Cho
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Woo Kim
- Department of Preclinical Trial, Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIO), Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Duk Jang
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Cardiovascular Center & Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Lin A, Ramaswamy Y, Misra A. Developmental heterogeneity of vascular cells: Insights into cellular plasticity in atherosclerosis? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 155:3-15. [PMID: 37316416 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and macrophages display remarkable heterogeneity within the healthy vasculature and under pathological conditions. During development, these cells arise from numerous embryological origins, which confound with different microenvironments to generate postnatal vascular cell diversity. In the atherosclerotic plaque milieu, all these cell types exhibit astonishing plasticity, generating a variety of plaque burdening or plaque stabilizing phenotypes. And yet how developmental origin influences intraplaque cell plasticity remains largely unexplored despite evidence suggesting this may be the case. Uncovering the diversity and plasticity of vascular cells is being revolutionized by unbiased single cell whole transcriptome analysis techniques that will likely continue to pave the way for therapeutic research. Cellular plasticity is only just emerging as a target for future therapeutics, and uncovering how intraplaque plasticity differs across vascular beds may provide key insights into why different plaques behave differently and may confer different risks of subsequent cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lin
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yogambha Ramaswamy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashish Misra
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Mao A, Zhang K, Kan H, Gao M, Wang Z, Zhou T, Shao J, He D. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Coronary Heterogeneity and Identifies CD133 +TRPV4 high Endothelial Subpopulation in Regulating Flow-Induced Vascular Tone in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:653-665. [PMID: 38269590 PMCID: PMC10880935 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis can determine the heterogeneity of cells between different tissues at a single-cell level. Coronary artery endothelial cells (ECs) are important to coronary blood flow. However, little is known about the heterogeneity of coronary artery ECs, and cellular identity responses to flow. Identifying endothelial subpopulations will contribute to the precise localization of vascular endothelial subpopulations, thus enabling the precision of vascular injury treatment. METHODS Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing of 31 962 cells and functional assays of 3 branches of the coronary arteries (right coronary artery/circumflex left coronary artery/anterior descending left coronary artery) in wild-type mice. RESULTS We found a compendium of 7 distinct cell types in mouse coronary arteries, mainly ECs, granulocytes, cardiac myocytes, smooth muscle cells, lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and fibroblast cells, and showed spatial heterogeneity between arterial branches. Furthermore, we revealed a subpopulation of coronary artery ECs, CD133+TRPV4high ECs. TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) in CD133+TRPV4high ECs is important for regulating vasodilation and coronary blood flow. CONCLUSIONS Our study elucidates the nature and range of coronary arterial cell diversity and highlights the importance of coronary CD133+TRPV4high ECs in regulating coronary vascular tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqin Mao
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
- School of Food Science and Technology (A.M., D.H.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Ka Zhang
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Hao Kan
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Mengru Gao
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Wuxi School of Medicine (A.M., K.Z., H.K., M.G., Z.W., T.Z., J.S.), Jiangnan University, China
| | - Dongxu He
- School of Food Science and Technology (A.M., D.H.), Jiangnan University, China
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17
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Oladosu O, Chin E, Barksdale C, Powell RR, Bruce T, Stamatikos A. Inhibition of miR-33a-5p in Macrophage-like Cells In Vitro Promotes apoAI-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2024; 31:117-126. [PMID: 38535619 PMCID: PMC10976131 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is caused by cholesterol accumulation within arteries. The intima is where atherosclerotic plaque accumulates and where lipid-laden foam cells reside. Intimal foam cells comprise of both monocyte-derived macrophages and macrophage-like cells (MLC) of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) origin. Foam cells can remove cholesterol via apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux and this process is regulated by the transporter ABCA1. The microRNA miR-33a-5p is thought to be atherogenic via silencing ABCA1 which promotes cholesterol retention and data has shown inhibiting miR-33a-5p in macrophages may be atheroprotective via enhancing apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. However, it is not entirely elucidated whether precisely inhibiting miR-33a-5p in MLC also increases ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to test the hypothesis that inhibition of miR-33a-5p in cultured MLC enhances apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. In our study, we utilized the VSMC line MOVAS cells in our experiments, and cholesterol-loaded MOVAS cells to convert this cell line into MLC. Inhibition of miR-33a-5p was accomplished by transducing cells with a lentivirus that expresses an antagomiR directed at miR-33a-5p. Expression of miR-33a-5p was analyzed by qRT-PCR, ABCA1 protein expression was assessed via immunoblotting, and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux was measured using cholesterol efflux assays. In our results, we demonstrated that lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of miR-33a-5p resulted in decreasing expression of this microRNA in cultured MLC. Moreover, reduction of miR-33a-5p in cultured MLC resulted in de-repression of ABCA1 expression, which caused ABCA1 protein upregulation in cultured MLC. Additionally, this increase in ABCA1 protein expression resulted in enhancing ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux through increasing apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux in cultured MLC. From these findings, we conclude that inhibiting miR-33a-5p in MLC may protect against atherosclerosis by promoting ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olanrewaju Oladosu
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (E.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Emma Chin
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (E.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Barksdale
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (E.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Rhonda R. Powell
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (R.R.P.); (T.B.)
| | - Terri Bruce
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (R.R.P.); (T.B.)
| | - Alexis Stamatikos
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (E.C.); (C.B.)
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18
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Carramolino L, Albarrán-Juárez J, Markov A, Hernández-SanMiguel E, Sharysh D, Cumbicus V, Morales-Cano D, Labrador-Cantarero V, Møller PL, Nogales P, Benguria A, Dopazo A, Sanchez-Cabo F, Torroja C, Bentzon JF. Cholesterol lowering depletes atherosclerotic lesions of smooth muscle cell-derived fibromyocytes and chondromyocytes. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024; 3:203-220. [PMID: 39196190 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Drugs that lower plasma apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins are central to treating advanced atherosclerosis and provide partial protection against clinical events. Previous research showed that lowering ApoB-containing lipoproteins stops plaque inflammation, but how these drugs affect the heterogeneous population of plaque cells derived from smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is unknown. SMC-derived cells are the main cellular component of atherosclerotic lesions and the source of structural components that determine the size of plaques and their propensity to rupture and trigger thrombosis, the proximate cause of heart attack and stroke. Using lineage tracing and single-cell techniques to investigate the full SMC-derived cellular compartment in progressing and regressing plaques in mice, here we show that lowering ApoB-containing lipoproteins reduces nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling in SMC-derived fibromyocytes and chondromyocytes and leads to depletion of these abundant cell types from plaques. These results uncover an important mechanism through which cholesterol-lowering drugs can achieve plaque regression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Chondrocytes/drug effects
- Chondrocytes/pathology
- Chondrocytes/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Anticholesteremic Agents/pharmacology
- Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use
- Male
- Cholesterol/metabolism
- Cholesterol/blood
- Mice
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Single-Cell Analysis
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julián Albarrán-Juárez
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anton Markov
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Diana Sharysh
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vanessa Cumbicus
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Morales-Cano
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paula Nogales
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Benguria
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Dopazo
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Torroja
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob F Bentzon
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain.
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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19
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He J, Gao Y, Yang C, Guo Y, Liu L, Lu S, He H. Navigating the landscape: Prospects and hurdles in targeting vascular smooth muscle cells for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy. J Control Release 2024; 366:261-281. [PMID: 38161032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have emerged as pivotal contributors throughout all phases of atherosclerotic plaque development, effectively dispelling prior underestimations of their prevalence and significance. Recent lineage tracing studies have unveiled the clonal nature and remarkable adaptability inherent to VSMCs, thereby illuminating their intricate and multifaceted roles in the context of atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate mechanisms and distinctive characteristics that define VSMCs across various physiological processes, firmly underscoring their paramount importance in shaping the course of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this review offers a thorough examination of the significant strides made over the past two decades in advancing imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies with a precise focus on targeting VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques, notably spotlighting meticulously engineered nanoparticles as a promising avenue. We envision the potential of VSMC-targeted nanoparticles, thoughtfully loaded with medications or combination therapies, to effectively mitigate pro-atherogenic VSMC processes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to the pivotal objective of modulating VSMC phenotypes and enhancing plaque stability. Moreover, our paper also delves into recent breakthroughs in VSMC-targeted imaging technologies, showcasing their remarkable precision in locating microcalcifications, dynamically monitoring plaque fibrous cap integrity, and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions. Lastly, we conscientiously explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in this innovative approach, providing a holistic perspective on the potential of VSMC-targeted strategies in the evolving landscape of atherosclerosis research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua He
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongliang He
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Molnár AÁ, Pásztor DT, Tarcza Z, Merkely B. Cells in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Cellular Senescence from Basic Science to Clinical Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17129. [PMID: 38138958 PMCID: PMC10743093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis through different complex pathways including replicative cellular senescence and age-related clonal hematopoiesis. In addition to aging, extracellular stress factors, such as mechanical and oxidative stress, can induce cellular senescence, defined as premature cellular senescence. Senescent cells can accumulate within atherosclerotic plaques over time and contribute to plaque instability. This review summarizes the role of cellular senescence in the complex pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and highlights the most important senotherapeutics tested in cardiovascular studies targeting senescence. Continued bench-to-bedside research in cellular senescence might allow the future implementation of new effective anti-atherosclerotic preventive and treatment strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ágnes Molnár
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (D.T.P.); (Z.T.); (B.M.)
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21
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Belhoul-Fakir H, Brown ML, Thompson PL, Hamzah J, Jansen S. Connecting the Dots: How Injury in the Arterial Wall Contributes to Atherosclerotic Disease. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1092-1098. [PMID: 37891144 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The occurrence and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which can result in severe outcomes, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, loss of limb, renal failure, and infarction of the gut, are strongly associated with injury to the intimal component of the arterial wall whether via the inside-out or outside-in pathways. The role of injury to the tunica media as a pathway of atherosclerosis initiation is an underresearched area. This review focuses on potential pathways to vessel wall injury as well as current experimental and clinical research in the middle-aged and elderly populations, including the role of exercise, as it relates to injury to the tunica media. METHODS A database search using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for research articles published between 1909 and 2023 that focused on pathways of atherogenesis and the impact of mechanical forces on wall injury. The following key words were searched: wall injury, tunica media, atherogenesis, vascular aging, and wall strain. Studies were analyzed, and the relevant information was extracted from each study. FINDINGS A link between high mechanical stress in the arterial wall and reduced vascular compliance was found. The stiffening and calcification of the arterial wall with aging induce high blood pressure and pulse pressure, thereby causing incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In turn, prolonged high mechanical stress, particularly wall strain, applied to the arterial wall during vigorous exercise, results in stiffening and calcification of tunica media, accelerated arterial aging, and cardiovascular disease events. In both scenarios, the tunica media is the primary target of mechanical stress and the first to respond to hemodynamic changes. The cyclical nature of these impacts confounds the results of each because they are not mutually exclusive. IMPLICATIONS The role of stress in the tunica media appears to be overlooked despite its relevance, and further research into new primary preventive therapies is needed aside from cautioning the role of vigorous exercise in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanane Belhoul-Fakir
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Targeted Drug Delivery, Imaging & Therapy, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Heart & Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Michael Lawrence Brown
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bently, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter L Thompson
- Heart & Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Juliana Hamzah
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Targeted Drug Delivery, Imaging & Therapy, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Heart & Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shirley Jansen
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Targeted Drug Delivery, Imaging & Therapy, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Heart & Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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22
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Hutton M, Frazer M, Lin A, Patel S, Misra A. New Targets in Atherosclerosis: Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Macrophage Polarity. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1047-1054. [PMID: 37709601 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite an increase in treatment options, and substantial reductions in cardiovascular mortality over the past half-century, atherosclerosis remains the most prevalent cause of premature mortality worldwide. The development of innovative new therapies is crucial to further minimize atherosclerosis-related deaths. The diverse array of cell phenotypes derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques are increasingly becoming recognized for their beneficial and detrimental roles in plaque stability and disease burden. This review explores how contemporary transcriptomics and fate-mapping studies have revealed vascular cell plasticity as a relatively unexplored target for therapeutic intervention. METHODS Recent literature for this narrative review was obtained by searching electronic databases (ie, Google Scholar, PubMed). Additional studies were sourced from reference lists and the authors' personal databases. FINDINGS The lipid-rich and inflammatory plaque milieu induces SMC phenotypic switching to both beneficial and detrimental phenotypes. Likewise, macrophage heterogeneity increases with disease burden to a variety of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activation states. These vascular cell phenotypes are determinants of plaque structure stability, and it is therefore highly likely that they influence clinical outcomes. Development of clinical treatments targeting deleterious phenotypes or promoting pro-healing phenotypes remains in its infancy. However, existing treatments (statins) have shown beneficial effects toward macrophage polarization, providing a rationale for more targeted approaches. In contrast, beneficial SMC phenotypic modulation with these pharmacologic agents has yet to be achieved. The range of modulated vascular cell phenotypes provides a multitude of novel targets and the potential to reduce future adverse events. IMPLICATIONS Vascular cell phenotypic heterogeneity must continue to be explored to lower cardiovascular events in the future. The rapidly increasing weight of evidence surrounding the role of SMC plasticity and macrophage polarity in plaque vulnerability provides a strong foundation upon which development of new therapeutics must follow. This approach may prove to be crucial in reducing cardiovascular events and improving patient benefit in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hutton
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Madeleine Frazer
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Lin
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashish Misra
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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23
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Nagesh PT, Nishi H, Rawal S, Zahr T, Miano JM, Sorci-Thomas M, Xu H, Akbar N, Choudhury RP, Misra A, Fisher EA. HDL regulates TGFß-receptor lipid raft partitioning, restoring contractile features of cholesterol-loaded vascular smooth muscle cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.562786. [PMID: 37905061 PMCID: PMC10614922 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.562786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Cholesterol-loading of mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (mVSMCs) downregulates miR-143/145, a master regulator of the contractile state downstream of TGFβ signaling. In vitro, this results in transitioning from a contractile mVSMC to a macrophage-like state. This process likely occurs in vivo based on studies in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques. Objectives To test whether cholesterol-loading reduces VSMC TGFβ signaling and if cholesterol efflux will restore signaling and the contractile state in vitro and in vivo. Methods Human coronary artery (h)VSMCs were cholesterol-loaded, then treated with HDL (to promote cholesterol efflux). For in vivo studies, partial conditional deletion of Tgfβr2 in lineage-traced VSMC mice was induced. Mice wild-type for VSMC Tgfβr2 or partially deficient (Tgfβr2+/-) were made hypercholesterolemic to establish atherosclerosis. Mice were then treated with apoA1 (which forms HDL). Results Cholesterol-loading of hVSMCs downregulated TGFβ signaling and contractile gene expression; macrophage markers were induced. TGFβ signaling positively regulated miR-143/145 expression, increasing Acta2 expression and suppressing KLF4. Cholesterol-loading localized TGFβ receptors into lipid rafts, with consequent TGFβ signaling downregulation. Notably, in cholesterol-loaded hVSMCs HDL particles displaced receptors from lipid rafts and increased TGFβ signaling, resulting in enhanced miR-145 expression and decreased KLF4-dependent macrophage features. ApoA1 infusion into Tgfβr2+/- mice restored Acta2 expression and decreased macrophage-marker expression in plaque VSMCs, with evidence of increased TGFβ signaling. Conclusions Cholesterol suppresses TGFβ signaling and the contractile state in hVSMC through partitioning of TGFβ receptors into lipid rafts. These changes can be reversed by promotion of cholesterol efflux, consistent with evidence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Thevkar Nagesh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Hitoo Nishi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Shruti Rawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tarik Zahr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Mary Sorci-Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Naveed Akbar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin P Choudhury
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashish Misra
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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Abstract
The medial layer of the arterial wall is composed mainly of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Under physiological conditions, VSMCs assume a contractile phenotype, and their primary function is to regulate vascular tone. In contrast with terminally differentiated cells, VSMCs possess phenotypic plasticity, capable of transitioning into other cellular phenotypes in response to changes in the vascular environment. Recent research has shown that VSMC phenotypic switching participates in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, where the various types of dedifferentiated VSMCs accumulate in the atherosclerotic lesion and participate in the associated vascular remodeling by secreting extracellular matrix proteins and proteases. This review article discusses the 9 VSMC phenotypes that have been reported in atherosclerotic lesions and classifies them into differentiated VSMCs, intermediately dedifferentiated VSMCs, and dedifferentiated VSMCs. It also provides an overview of several methodologies that have been developed for studying VSMC phenotypic switching and discusses their respective advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runji Chen
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - David G. McVey
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Daifei Shen
- Research Center for Translational MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | | | - Shu Ye
- Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUnited Kingdom
- Cardiovascular‐Metabolic Disease Translational Research ProgrammeNational University of SingaporeSingapore
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25
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Oladosu O, Esobi IC, Powell RR, Bruce T, Stamatikos A. Dissecting the Impact of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell ABCA1 versus ABCG1 Expression on Cholesterol Efflux and Macrophage-like Cell Transdifferentiation: The Role of SR-BI. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:416. [PMID: 37887863 PMCID: PMC10607678 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-laden macrophages are recognized as a major contributor to atherosclerosis. However, recent evidence indicates that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that accumulate cholesterol and transdifferentiate into a macrophage-like cell (MLC) phenotype also play a role in atherosclerosis. Therefore, removing cholesterol from MLC may be a potential atheroprotective strategy. The two transporters which remove cholesterol from cells are ABCA1 and ABCG1, as they efflux cholesterol to apoAI and HDL, respectively. In this study, the well-characterized immortalized VSMC line MOVAS cells were edited to generate ABCA1- and ABCG1-knockout (KO) MOVAS cell lines. We cholesterol-loaded ABCA1-KO MOVAS cells, ABCG1-KO MOVAS cells, and wild-type MOVAS cells to convert cells into a MLC phenotype. When we measured apoAI- and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux in these cells, we observed a drastic decrease in apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux within ABCA1-KO MOVAS MLC, but HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was only partially reduced in ABCG1-KO MOVAS cells. Since SR-BI also participates in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, we assessed SR-BI protein expression in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC and observed SR-BI upregulation, which offered a possible mechanism explaining why HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux remains maintained in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC. When we used lentivirus for shRNA-mediated knockdown of SR-BI in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC, this decreased HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux when compared to ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC with unmanipulated SR-BI expression. Taken together, these major findings suggest that SR-BI expression in MLC of a VSMC origin plays a compensatory role in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux when ABCG1 expression becomes impaired and provides insight on SR-BI demonstrating anti-atherogenic properties within VSMC/MLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olanrewaju Oladosu
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (I.C.E.)
| | - Ikechukwu C. Esobi
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (I.C.E.)
| | - Rhonda R. Powell
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (R.R.P.); (T.B.)
| | - Terri Bruce
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (R.R.P.); (T.B.)
| | - Alexis Stamatikos
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (O.O.); (I.C.E.)
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26
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Francis GA. The Greatly Under-Represented Role of Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:741-749. [PMID: 37665492 PMCID: PMC10564813 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article summarizes previous and recent research on the fundamental role of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as drivers of initial and, along with macrophages, later stages of human atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS Studies using human tissues and SMC lineage-tracing mice have reinforced earlier observations that SMCs drive initial atherogenesis in humans and contribute a multitude of phenotypes including foam cell formation hitherto attributed primarily to macrophages in atherosclerosis. Arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the primary cell type in human pre-atherosclerotic intima and are responsible for the retention of lipoproteins that drive the development of atherosclerosis. Despite this, images of atherogenesis still depict the process as initially devoid of SMCs, primarily macrophage driven, and indicate only relatively minor roles such as fibrous cap formation to intimal SMCs. This review summarizes historical and recent observations regarding the importance of SMCs in the formation of a pre-atherosclerotic intima, initial and later foam cell formation, and the phenotypic changes that give rise to multiple different roles for SMCs in human and mouse lesions. Potential SMC-specific therapies in atherosclerosis are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon A Francis
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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27
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Pineda-Castillo SA, Acar H, Detamore MS, Holzapfel GA, Lee CH. Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype for Translation of Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:574-588. [PMID: 37166394 PMCID: PMC10618830 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Translation of small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains an unfulfilled promise. This is largely due to the limited integration of TEVGs into the native vascular wall-a process hampered by the insufficient smooth muscle cell (SMC) infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition, and low vasoactivity. These processes can be promoted through the judicious modulation of the SMC toward a synthetic phenotype to promote remodeling and vascular integration; however, the expression of synthetic markers is often accompanied by a decrease in the expression of contractile proteins. Therefore, techniques that can precisely modulate the SMC phenotypical behavior could have the potential to advance the translation of TEVGs. In this review, we describe the phenotypic diversity of SMCs and the different environmental cues that allow the modulation of SMC gene expression. Furthermore, we describe the emerging biomaterial approaches to modulate the SMC phenotype in TEVG design and discuss the limitations of current techniques. In addition, we found that current studies in tissue engineering limit the analysis of the SMC phenotype to a few markers, which are often the characteristic of early differentiation only. This limited scope has reduced the potential of tissue engineering to modulate the SMC toward specific behaviors and applications. Therefore, we recommend using the techniques presented in this review, in addition to modern single-cell proteomics analysis techniques to comprehensively characterize the phenotypic modulation of SMCs. Expanding the holistic potential of SMC modulation presents a great opportunity to advance the translation of living conduits for CAD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Pineda-Castillo
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Design Laboratory, School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Handan Acar
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Michael S. Detamore
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Gerhard A. Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chung-Hao Lee
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Design Laboratory, School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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28
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Deng Q, Li H, Yue X, Guo C, Sun Y, Ma C, Gao J, Wu Y, Du B, Yang J, Zhang C, Zhang W. Smooth muscle liver kinase B1 inhibits foam cell formation and atherosclerosis via direct phosphorylation and activation of SIRT6. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:542. [PMID: 37607939 PMCID: PMC10444762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Foam cell formation is a hallmark of the early phase of atherosclerosis. Growing evidence has demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) comprise a considerable proportion of foam cells. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) plays a crucial part in cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of LKB1 in VSMC-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis remains unclear. To explore the effects of LKB1 on VSMC-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis, we generated smooth muscle-specific LKB1 knockout (LKB1SMKO) mice by crossbreeding LKB1flox/flox mice with SM22α-CreERT2 mice. LKB1 expression decreased in plaque-loaded aortas and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-treated VSMCs. Compared with controls, atherosclerosis development was exacerbated in LKB1SMKO mice via the promotion of VSMC-derived foam cell formation. Conversely, LKB1 overexpression inhibited lipid uptake and foam cell formation in VSMCs. Mechanistically, LKB1 binds to SIRT6 and directly phosphorylates and activates it, thereby reducing lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) via SIRT6-dependent histone deacetylation. Finally, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated LOX-1 deficiency in smooth muscle ameliorated atherosclerosis in LKB1SMKO mice. Our findings suggest that LKB1 may modulate VSMC-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis via the phosphorylation and activation of SIRT6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Deng
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxuan Li
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiaolin Yue
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chenghu Guo
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chang Ma
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Du
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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29
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Liu X, Lin C, Zhong W, Yuan Z, Yan P, Guan S. Effective Attenuation of Arteriosclerosis Following Lymphatic-Targeted Delivery of Hyaluronic Acid-Decorated Rapamycin Liposomes. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4403-4419. [PMID: 37551276 PMCID: PMC10404413 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s410653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The activation of lymphatic vessel function is the crux to resolving atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease. Rapamycin (RAPA) recently has attracted considerable attention as a potent drug to induce atherosclerotic plaque attenuation. The objective of this work was to develop a ligand-decorated, RAPA-loaded liposome for lymphatic-targeted delivery of drugs to improve abnormal lymphatic structure and function, resulting in highly effective regression of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods Hyaluronic acid-decorated, RAPA-loaded liposomes (HA-RL) were fabricated by emulsion-solvent evaporation. The average size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency were characterized, and the stability and drug release in vitro were investigated. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo lymphatic targeting ability were evaluated on lymphatic endothelial cells and LDLR-/- mice, and the efficiency of this nano-system in inducing the attenuation of atherosclerotic plaques was confirmed. Results HA-RL had a size of 100 nm, over 90% drug encapsulation efficiency, the storage stability was distinguished, demonstrating a slow release from the lipid nano-carriers. The mean retention time (MRT) and elimination half-life (t1/2β) achieved from HA-RL were 100.27±73.08 h and 70.74±50.80 h, respectively. HA-RL acquired the most prominent efficacy of lymphatic-targeted delivery and atherosclerotic plaques attenuation, implying the successful implementation of this novel drug delivery system in vivo. Conclusion HA-RL exhibited the most appreciable lymphatic targeting ability and best atherosclerotic plaques attenuation efficiency, opening a new paradigm and promising perspective for the treatment of arteriosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongwen Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengke Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shixia Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanrui Zhang
- Cardiometabolic Genomics Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 10-401 New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Benedek Halmos
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Westerterp
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713AV, The Netherlands
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31
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Han Z, Hu H, Yin M, Lin Y, Yan Y, Han P, Liu B, Jing B. HOXA1 participates in VSMC-to-macrophage-like cell transformation via regulation of NF-κB p65 and KLF4: a potential mechanism of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Mol Med 2023; 29:104. [PMID: 37528397 PMCID: PMC10394793 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophage-like transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a risk factor of atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Transcription factor homeobox A1 (HOXA1) plays functional roles in differentiation and development. This study aims to explore the role of HOXA1 in VSMC transformation, thereby providing evidence for the potential mechanism of AS pathogenesis. METHODS High fat diet (HFD)-fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were applied as an in vivo model to imitate AS, while 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POV-PC)-treated VSMCs were applied as an in vitro model. Recombinant adeno-associated-virus-1 (AAV-1) vectors that express short-hairpin RNAs targeting HOXA1, herein referred as AAV1-shHOXA1, were generated for the loss-of-function experiments throughout the study. RESULTS In the aortic root of AS mice, lipid deposition was severer and HOXA1 expression was higher than the wide-type mice fed with normal diet or HFD. Silencing of HOXA1 inhibited the AS-induced weight gain, inflammatory response, serum and liver lipid metabolism disorder and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Besides, lesions from AS mice with HOXA1 knockdown showed less trans-differentiation of VSMCs to macrophage-like cells, along with a suppression of krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB RelA (p65) expression. In vitro experiments consistently confirmed that HOXA1 knockdown suppressed lipid accumulation, VSMC-to-macrophage phenotypic switch and inflammation in POV-PC-treated VSMCs. Mechanism investigations further illustrated that HOXA1 transcriptionally activated RelA and KLF4 to participate in the pathological manifestations of VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS HOXA1 participates in AS progression by regulating VSMCs plasticity via regulation of NF-κB p65 and KLF4. HOXA1 has the potential to be a biomarker or therapeutic target for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haidi Hu
- Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - MingZhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Human Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bao Jing
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23, Youzheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
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Hu Y, Cai Z, He B. Smooth Muscle Heterogeneity and Plasticity in Health and Aortic Aneurysmal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11701. [PMID: 37511460 PMCID: PMC10380637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the medial layer of the aorta, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of aortic wall integrity. VSMCs have been suggested to have contractile and synthetic phenotypes and undergo phenotypic switching to contribute to the deteriorating aortic wall structure. Recently, the unprecedented heterogeneity and diversity of VSMCs and their complex relationship to aortic aneurysms (AAs) have been revealed by high-resolution research methods, such as lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing. The aortic wall consists of VSMCs from different embryonic origins that respond unevenly to genetic defects that directly or indirectly regulate VSMC contractile phenotype. This difference predisposes to hereditary AAs in the aortic root and ascending aorta. Several VSMC phenotypes with different functions, for example, secreting VSMCs, proliferative VSMCs, mesenchymal stem cell-like VSMCs, immune-related VSMCs, proinflammatory VSMCs, senescent VSMCs, and stressed VSMCs are identified in non-hereditary AAs. The transformation of VSMCs into different phenotypes is an adaptive response to deleterious stimuli but can also trigger pathological remodeling that exacerbates the pathogenesis and development of AAs. This review is intended to contribute to the understanding of VSMC diversity in health and aneurysmal diseases. Papers that give an update on VSMC phenotype diversity in health and aneurysmal disease are summarized and recent insights on the role of VSMCs in AAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwen Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhaohua Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ben He
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
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Zhang L, Wu JH, Jean-Charles PY, Murali P, Zhang W, Jazic A, Kaur S, Nepliouev I, Stiber JA, Snow K, Freedman NJ, Shenoy SK. Phosphorylation of USP20 on Ser334 by IRAK1 promotes IL-1β-evoked signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells and vascular inflammation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104911. [PMID: 37311534 PMCID: PMC10362797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversible lysine-63 (K63) polyubiquitination regulates proinflammatory signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and plays an integral role in atherosclerosis. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 20 (USP20) reduces NFκB activation triggered by proinflammatory stimuli, and USP20 activity attenuates atherosclerosis in mice. The association of USP20 with its substrates triggers deubiquitinase activity; this association is regulated by phosphorylation of USP20 on Ser334 (mouse) or Ser333 (human). USP20 Ser333 phosphorylation was greater in SMCs of atherosclerotic segments of human arteries as compared with nonatherosclerotic segments. To determine whether USP20 Ser334 phosphorylation regulates proinflammatory signaling, we created USP20-S334A mice using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. USP20-S334A mice developed ∼50% less neointimal hyperplasia than congenic WT mice after carotid endothelial denudation. WT carotid SMCs showed substantial phosphorylation of USP20 Ser334, and WT carotids demonstrated greater NFκB activation, VCAM-1 expression, and SMC proliferation than USP20-S334A carotids. Concordantly, USP20-S334A primary SMCs in vitro proliferated and migrated less than WT SMCs in response to IL-1β. An active site ubiquitin probe bound to USP20-S334A and USP20-WT equivalently, but USP20-S334A associated more avidly with TRAF6 than USP20-WT. IL-1β induced less K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF6 and less downstream NFκB activity in USP20-S334A than in WT SMCs. Using in vitro phosphorylation with purified IRAK1 and siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IRAK1 in SMCs, we identified IRAK1 as a novel kinase for IL-1β-induced USP20 Ser334 phosphorylation. Our findings reveal novel mechanisms regulating IL-1β-induced proinflammatory signaling: by phosphorylating USP20 Ser334, IRAK1 diminishes the association of USP20 with TRAF6 and thus augments NFκB activation, SMC inflammation, and neointimal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisheng Zhang
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiao-Hui Wu
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pierre-Yves Jean-Charles
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pavitra Murali
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aeva Jazic
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suneet Kaur
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Igor Nepliouev
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan A Stiber
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kamie Snow
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Neil J Freedman
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Sudha K Shenoy
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Peng Z, Wang K, Wang S, Wu R, Yao C. Identification of necroptosis-related gene TRAF5 as potential target of diagnosing atherosclerosis and assessing its stability. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:139. [PMID: 37330462 PMCID: PMC10276484 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older patients and features progressive formation of plaques in vascular tissues. With the progression of atherosclerosis, plaque rupture may occur and cause stroke, myocardial infarction, etc. Different forms of cell death promote the formation of a necrotic core of the plaque, leading to rupture. Necroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the role of necroptosis in AS has not yet been investigated. METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain gene expression profiles. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and necroptosis gene sets were used to identify necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (NRDEGs). The NRDEGs were used to construct a diagnostic model and were further screened using least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest (RF) analysis. The discriminatory capacity of the NRDEGs was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Immune infiltration levels were estimated based on CIBERSORTx analysis. The GSE21545 dataset, containing survival information, was used to determine prognosis-associated genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses combined with survival analysis determined gene prognostic values. RNA and protein levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting in arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO) and normal vascular tissues. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to develop cell models of advanced AS. The effects of protein knockdown on necroptosis were assessed by western blotting and flow cytometry. EdU and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to examine cell proliferation. RESULTS TNF Receptor Associated Factor 5 (TRAF5) was identified as a diagnostic marker for AS based on the AUC value in both the GSE20129 and GSE43292 datasets. According to differential expression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, RF analysis, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and gene-level survival analysis, TRAF5 was markedly associated with necroptosis in AS. Silencing TRAF5 promotes necroptosis and attenuates the proliferation of ox-LDL-induced cell models of advanced AS. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a diagnostic marker of necroptosis-related atherosclerosis, TRAF5, which can also be used to diagnose and assess atherosclerotic plaque stability. This novel finding has important implications in the diagnosis and assessment of plaque stability in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanli Peng
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangjie Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenming Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ridong Wu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chen Yao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Esobi IC, Oladosu O, Echesabal-Chen J, Powell RR, Bruce T, Stamatikos A. miR-33a Expression Attenuates ABCA1-Dependent Cholesterol Efflux and Promotes Macrophage-Like Cell Transdifferentiation in Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Lipids 2023; 2023:8241899. [PMID: 37359759 PMCID: PMC10289877 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8241899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the majority of cholesterol-laden cells found in atherosclerotic lesions are vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that have transdifferentiated into macrophage-like cells (MLC). Furthermore, cholesterol-laden MLC of VSMC origin have demonstrated impaired ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, but it is poorly understood why this occurs. A possible mechanism which may at least partially be attributed to cholesterol-laden MLC demonstrating attenuated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux is a miR-33a expression, as a primary function of this microRNA is to silence ABCA1 expression, but this has yet to be rigorously investigated. Therefore, the VSMC line MOVAS cells were used to generate miR-33a knockout (KO) MOVAS cells, and we used KO and wild-type (WT) MOVAS cells to delineate any possible proatherogenic role of miR-33a expression in VSMC. When WT and KO MOVAS cells were cholesterol-loaded to convert into MLC, this resulted in the WT MOVAS cells to exhibit impaired ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux. In the cholesterol-loaded WT MOVAS MLC, we also observed a delayed restoration of the VSMC phenotype when these cells were exposed to the ABCA1 cholesterol acceptor, apoAI. These results imply that miR-33a expression in VSMC drives atherosclerosis by triggering MLC transdifferentiation via attenuated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu C. Esobi
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Oladosu
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jing Echesabal-Chen
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Rhonda R. Powell
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Terri Bruce
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Alexis Stamatikos
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Bechelli C, Macabrey D, Deglise S, Allagnat F. Clinical Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide in Peripheral Arterial Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9955. [PMID: 37373103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 230 million people worldwide. PAD patients suffer from reduced quality of life and are at increased risk of vascular complications and all-cause mortality. Despite its prevalence, impact on quality of life and poor long-term clinical outcomes, PAD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to myocardial infarction and stroke. PAD is due to a combination of macrovascular atherosclerosis and calcification, combined with microvascular rarefaction, leading to chronic peripheral ischemia. Novel therapies are needed to address the increasing incidence of PAD and its difficult long-term pharmacological and surgical management. The cysteine-derived gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has interesting vasorelaxant, cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we describe the current understanding of PAD pathophysiology and the remarkable benefits of H2S against atherosclerosis, inflammation, vascular calcification, and other vasculo-protective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bechelli
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Diane Macabrey
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Deglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Li J, Li X, Song S, Sun Z, Li Y, Yang L, Xie Z, Cai Y, Zhao Y. Mitochondria spatially and temporally modulate VSMC phenotypes via interacting with cytoskeleton in cardiovascular diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102778. [PMID: 37321061 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis (AS) seriously endanger human health, which is closely related to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypes. VSMC phenotypic transformation is marked by the alteration of phenotypic marker expression and cellular behaviour. Intriguingly, the mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics altered during VSMC phenotypic transformation. Firstly, this review combs VSMC mitochondrial metabolism in three aspects: mitochondrial ROS generation, mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and calcium metabolism respectively. Secondly, we summarized the role of mitochondrial dynamics in regulating VSMC phenotypes. We further emphasized the association between mitochondria and cytoskelton via presenting cytoskeletal support during mitochondrial dynamics process, and discussed its impact on their respective dynamics. Finally, considering that both mitochondria and cytoskeleton are mechano-sensitive organelles, we demonstrated their direct and indirect interaction under extracellular mechanical stimuli through several mechano-sensitive signaling pathways. We additionally discussed related researches in other cell types in order to inspire deeper thinking and reasonable speculation of potential regulatory mechanism in VSMC phenotypic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyue Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Sijie Song
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengwen Sun
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanzhu Li
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Long Yang
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhenhong Xie
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yikui Cai
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yinping Zhao
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Wang Z, Ma J, Yue H, Zhang Z, Fang F, Wang G, Liu X, Shen Y. Vascular smooth muscle cells in intracranial aneurysms. Microvasc Res 2023:104554. [PMID: 37236346 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a severe cerebrovascular disease characterized by abnormal bulging of cerebral vessels that may rupture and cause a stroke. The expansion of the aneurysm accompanies by the remodeling of vascular matrix. It is well-known that vascular remodeling is a process of synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is highly dependent on the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The phenotypic switching of VSMC is considered to be bidirectional, including the physiological contractile phenotype and alternative synthetic phenotype in response to injury. There is increasing evidence indicating that VSMCs have the ability to switch to various phenotypes, including pro-inflammatory, macrophagic, osteogenic, foamy and mesenchymal phenotypes. Although the mechanisms of VSMC phenotype switching are still being explored, it is becoming clear that phenotype switching of VSMCs plays an essential role in IA formation, progression, and rupture. This review summarized the various phenotypes and functions of VSMCs associated with IA pathology. The possible influencing factors and potential molecular mechanisms of the VSMC phenotype switching were further discussed. Understanding how phenotype switching of VSMC contributed to the pathogenesis of unruptured IAs can bring new preventative and therapeutic strategies for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenye Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jia Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongyan Yue
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhewei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fei Fang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China.
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Cao G, Xuan X, Li Y, Hu J, Zhang R, Jin H, Dong H. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic landscape in aortic aneurysm. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:113. [PMID: 37189183 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01120-5] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been linked to aortic aneurysm, but the phenotypic landscape in aortic aneurysm is poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyse the phenotypic landscape, phenotypic differentiation trajectory, and potential functions of various VSMCs phenotypes in aortic aneurysm. METHODS Single-cell sequencing data of 12 aortic aneurysm samples and 5 normal aorta samples (obtained from GSE166676 and GSE155468) were integrated by the R package Harmony. VSMCs were identified according to the expression levels of ACTA2 and MYH11. VSMCs clustering was determined by the R package 'Seurat'. Cell annotation was determined by the R package 'singleR' and background knowledge of VSMCs phenotypic switching. The secretion of collagen, proteinases, and chemokines by each VSMCs phenotype was assessed. Cell‒cell junctions and cell-matrix junctions were also scored by examining the expression of adhesion genes. Trajectory analysis was performed by the R package 'Monocle2'. qPCR was used to quantify VSMCs markers. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA FISH) was performed to determine the spatial localization of vital VSMCs phenotypes in aortic aneurysms. RESULTS A total of 7150 VSMCs were categorize into 6 phenotypes: contractile VSMCs, fibroblast-like VSMCs, T-cell-like VSMCs, adipocyte-like VSMCs, macrophage-like VSMCs, and mesenchymal-like VSMCs. The proportions of T-cell-like VSMCs, adipocyte-like VSMCs, macrophage-like VSMCs, and mesenchymal-like VSMCs were significantly increased in aortic aneurysm. Fibroblast-like VSMCs secreted abundant amounts of collagens. T-cell-like VSMCs and macrophage-like VSMCs were characterized by high chemokine levels and proinflammatory effects. Adipocyte-like VSMCs and mesenchymal-like VSMCs were associated with high proteinase levels. RNA FISH validated the presence of T-cell-like VSMCs and macrophage-like VSMCs in the tunica media and the presence of mesenchymal-like VSMCs in the tunica media and tunica adventitia. CONCLUSION A variety of VSMCs phenotypes are involved in the formation of aortic aneurysm. T-cell-like VSMCs, macrophage-like VSMCs, and mesenchymal-like VSMCs play pivotal roles in this process. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genmao Cao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuezhen Xuan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruijing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haijiang Jin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Honglin Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China.
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Bonacina F, Di Costanzo A, Genkel V, Kong XY, Kroon J, Stimjanin E, Tsiantoulas D, Grootaert MO. The heterogeneous cellular landscape of atherosclerosis: Implications for future research and therapies. A collaborative review from the EAS young fellows. Atherosclerosis 2023; 372:48-56. [PMID: 37030081 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Single cell technologies, lineage tracing mouse models and advanced imaging techniques unequivocally improved the resolution of the cellular landscape of atherosclerosis. Although the discovery of the heterogeneous nature of the cellular plaque architecture has undoubtedly improved our understanding of the specific cellular states in atherosclerosis progression, it also adds more complexity to current and future research and will change how we approach future drug development. In this review, we will discuss how the revolution of new single cell technologies allowed us to map the cellular networks in the plaque, but we will also address current (technological) limitations that confine us to identify the cellular drivers of the disease and to pinpoint a specific cell state, cell subset or cell surface antigen as new candidate drug target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Costanzo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vadim Genkel
- Department of Internal Medicine, South-Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Xiang Yi Kong
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey Kroon
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Belgium; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Belgium
| | - Ena Stimjanin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Zenical, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Mandy Oj Grootaert
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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41
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Bianchi L, Damiani I, Castiglioni S, Carleo A, De Salvo R, Rossi C, Corsini A, Bellosta S. Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switch Induced by Traditional Cigarette Smoke Condensate: A Holistic Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076431. [PMID: 37047404 PMCID: PMC10094728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) is a risk factor for inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis. CS condensate (CSC) contains lipophilic components that may represent a systemic cardiac risk factor. To better understand CSC effects, we incubated mouse and human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with CSC. We evaluated specific markers for contractile [i.e., actin, aortic smooth muscle (ACTA2), calponin-1 (CNN1), the Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and myocardin (MYOCD) genes] and inflammatory [i.e., IL-1β, and IL-6, IL-8, and galectin-3 (LGALS-3) genes] phenotypes. CSC increased the expression of inflammatory markers and reduced the contractile ones in both cell types, with KLF4 modulating the SMC phenotypic switch. Next, we performed a mass spectrometry-based differential proteomic approach on human SMCs and could show 11 proteins were significantly affected by exposition to CSC (FC ≥ 2.7, p ≤ 0.05). These proteins are active in signaling pathways related to expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and IFN, inflammasome assembly and activation, cytoskeleton regulation and SMC contraction, mitochondrial integrity and cellular response to oxidative stress, proteostasis control via ubiquitination, and cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through specific bioinformatics resources, we showed their tight functional correlation in a close interaction niche mainly orchestrated by the interferon-induced double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (alternative name: protein kinase RNA-activated; PKR) (EIF2AK2/PKR). Finally, by combining gene expression and protein abundance data we obtained a hybrid network showing reciprocal integration of the CSC-deregulated factors and indicating KLF4 and PKR as the most relevant factors.
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42
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Yu L, Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu X, Wang S, Sui W, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang M. Heterogeneity of macrophages in atherosclerosis revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22810. [PMID: 36786718 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201932rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Technology at the single-cell level has advanced dramatically in characterizing molecular heterogeneity. These technologies have enabled cell subtype diversity to be seen in all tissues, including atherosclerotic plaques. Critical in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression are macrophages. Previous studies have only determined macrophage phenotypes within the plaque, mainly by bulk analysis. However, recent progress in single-cell technologies now enables the comprehensive mapping of macrophage subsets and phenotypes present in plaques. In this review, we have updated and discussed the definition and classification of macrophage subsets in mice and humans using single-cell RNA sequencing. We summarized the different classification methods and perspectives: traditional classification with an updated scoring system, inflammatory macrophages, foamy macrophages, and atherosclerotic-resident macrophages. In addition, some special types of macrophages were identified by specific markers, including IFN-inducible and cavity macrophages. Furthermore, we discussed macrophage subset-specific markers and their functions. In the future, these novel insights into the characteristics and phenotypes of these macrophage subsets within atherosclerotic plaques can provide additional therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changhao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhai Sui
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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43
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The Role of Macrophages in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040522. [PMID: 36831189 PMCID: PMC9954519 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of cell populations, including both immune and endothelial cells, participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Among these groups, macrophages deserve special attention because different populations of them can have completely different effects on atherogenesis and inflammation in atherosclerosis. In the current review, the significance of different phenotypes of macrophages in the progression or regression of atherosclerosis will be considered, including their ability to become the foam cells and the consequences of this event, as well as their ability to create a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory medium at the site of atherosclerotic lesions as a result of cytokine production. In addition, several therapeutic strategies directed to the modulation of macrophage activity, which can serve as useful ideas for future drug developments, will be considered.
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44
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Munshaw S, Redpath AN, Pike BT, Smart N. Thymosin β4 preserves vascular smooth muscle phenotype in atherosclerosis via regulation of low density lipoprotein related protein 1 (LRP1). Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109702. [PMID: 37724952 PMCID: PMC10666903 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a progressive, degenerative vascular disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In response to endothelial damage, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB induced phenotypic modulation of medial smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation and destabilisation of the vessel wall. VSMC sensitivity to PDGF-BB is determined by endocytosis of Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP1)-PDGFR β complexes to balance receptor recycling with lysosomal degradation. Consequently, LRP1 is implicated in various arterial diseases. Having identified Tβ4 as a regulator of LRP1-mediated endocytosis to protect against aortic aneurysm, we sought to determine whether Tβ4 may additionally function to protect against atherosclerosis, by regulating LRP1-mediated growth factor signalling. By single cell transcriptomic analysis, Tmsb4x, encoding Tβ4, strongly correlated with contractile gene expression and was significantly down-regulated in cells that adopted a modulated phenotype in atherosclerosis. We assessed susceptibility to atherosclerosis of global Tβ4 knockout mice using the ApoE-/- hypercholesterolaemia model. Inflammation, elastin integrity, VSMC phenotype and signalling were analysed in the aortic root and descending aorta. Tβ4KO; ApoE-/- mice develop larger atherosclerotic plaques than control mice, with medial layer degeneration characterised by accelerated VSMC phenotypic modulation. Defects in Tβ4KO; ApoE-/- mice phenocopied those in VSMC-specific LRP1 nulls and, moreover, were underpinned by hyperactivated LRP1-PDGFRβ signalling. We identify an atheroprotective role for endogenous Tβ4 in maintaining differentiated VSMC phenotype via LRP1-mediated PDGFRβ signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Munshaw
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Andia N Redpath
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK; Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Benjamin T Pike
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nicola Smart
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK; Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK.
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45
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Jiang Y, Qian HY. Transcription factors: key regulatory targets of vascular smooth muscle cell in atherosclerosis. Mol Med 2023; 29:2. [PMID: 36604627 PMCID: PMC9817296 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS), leading to gradual occlusion of the arterial lumen, refers to the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory debris in the arterial wall. Despite therapeutic advances over past decades including intervention or surgery, atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases and the main mechanism of death and disability worldwide. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an imperative role in the occurrence of atherosclerosis and throughout the whole stages. In the past, there was a lack of comprehensive understanding of VSMCs, but the development of identification technology, including in vivo single-cell sequencing technology and lineage tracing with the CreERT2-loxP system, suggests that VSMCs have remarkable plasticity and reevaluates well-established concepts about the contribution of VSMCs. Transcription factors, a kind of protein molecule that specifically recognizes and binds DNA upstream promoter regions or distal enhancer DNA elements, play a key role in the transcription initiation of the coding genes and are necessary for RNA polymerase to bind gene promoters. In this review, we highlight that, except for environmental factors, VSMC genes are transcriptionally regulated through complex interactions of multiple conserved cis-regulatory elements and transcription factors. In addition, through a series of transcription-related regulatory processes, VSMCs could undergo phenotypic transformation, proliferation, migration, calcification and apoptosis. Finally, enhancing or inhibiting transcription factors can regulate the development of atherosclerotic lesions, and the downstream molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation has also been widely studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167 Beilishi Rd, Beijing, 100037 China
| | - Hai-Yan Qian
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167 Beilishi Rd, Beijing, 100037 China
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46
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Déglise S, Bechelli C, Allagnat F. Vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, an update. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1081881. [PMID: 36685215 PMCID: PMC9845604 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial occlusive disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries. Core contemporary therapies for this disease include angioplasties, stents, endarterectomies and bypass surgery. However, these treatments suffer from high failure rates due to re-occlusive vascular wall adaptations and restenosis. Restenosis following vascular surgery is largely due to intimal hyperplasia. Intimal hyperplasia develops in response to vessel injury, leading to inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cells dedifferentiation, migration, proliferation and secretion of extra-cellular matrix into the vessel's innermost layer or intima. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the origin and mechanisms underlying the dysregulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, and we present the new avenues of research targeting VSMC phenotype and proliferation.
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47
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Zhang G, Liu Z, Deng J, Liu L, Li Y, Weng S, Guo C, Zhou Z, Zhang L, Wang X, Liu G, Guo J, Bai J, Wang Y, Du Y, Li TS, Tang J, Zhang J. Smooth muscle cell fate decisions decipher a high-resolution heterogeneity within atherosclerosis molecular subtypes. J Transl Med 2022; 20:568. [PMID: 36474294 PMCID: PMC9724432 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence has revealed the dynamic variations in the cellular status and phenotype of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) are vital for shaping the atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment and ultimately mapping onto heterogeneous clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease. Currently, the underlying clinical significance of SMC evolutions remains unexplored in atherosclerosis. METHODS The dissociated cells from diseased segments within the right coronary artery of four cardiac transplant recipients and 1070 bulk samples with atherosclerosis from six bulk cohorts were retrieved. Following the SMC fate trajectory reconstruction, the MOVICS algorithm integrating the nearest template prediction was used to develop a stable and robust molecular classification. Subsequently, multi-dimensional potential biological implications, molecular features, and cell landscape heterogeneity among distinct clusters were decoded. RESULTS We proposed an SMC cell fate decision signature (SCFDS)-based atherosclerosis stratification system and identified three SCFDS subtypes (C1-C3) with distinguishing features: (i) C1 (DNA-damage repair type), elevated base excision repair (BER), DNA replication, as well as oxidative phosphorylation status. (ii) C2 (immune-activated type), stronger immune activation, hyper-inflammatory state, the complex as well as varied lesion microenvironment, advanced stage, the most severe degree of coronary stenosis severity. (iii) C3 (stromal-rich type), abundant fibrous content, stronger ECM metabolism, immune-suppressed microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This study uncovered atherosclerosis complex cellular heterogeneity and a differentiated hierarchy of cell populations underlying SMC. The novel high-resolution stratification system could improve clinical outcomes and facilitate individualized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Jinhai Deng
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Richard Dimbleby Laboratory of Cancer Research, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Long Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yu Li
- grid.260463.50000 0001 2182 8825Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Chunguang Guo
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Zhaokai Zhou
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Li Zhang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Gangqiong Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Jiacheng Guo
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Jing Bai
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Yunzhe Wang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Youyou Du
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Tao-Sheng Li
- grid.174567.60000 0000 8902 2273Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Diseases Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523 Japan
| | - Junnan Tang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China ,Henan Province Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
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48
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KLF4-PFKFB3-driven glycolysis is essential for phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1332. [PMID: 36470917 PMCID: PMC9722670 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within atherosclerotic lesions undergo a phenotypic switching in a KLF4-dependent manner. Glycolysis plays important roles in transdifferentiation of somatic cells, however, it is unclear whether and how KLF4 mediates the link between glycolytic switch and VSMCs phenotypic transitions. Here, we show that KLF4 upregulation accompanies VSMCs phenotypic switching in atherosclerotic lesions. KLF4 enhances the metabolic switch to glycolysis through increasing PFKFB3 expression. Inhibiting glycolysis suppresses KLF4-induced VSMCs phenotypic switching, demonstrating that glycolytic shift is required for VSMCs phenotypic switching. Mechanistically, KLF4 upregulates expression of circCTDP1 and eEF1A2, both of which cooperatively promote PFKFB3 expression. TMAO induces glycolytic shift and VSMCs phenotypic switching by upregulating KLF4. Our study indicates that KLF4 mediates the link between glycolytic switch and VSMCs phenotypic transitions, suggesting that a previously unrecognized KLF4-eEF1A2/circCTDP1-PFKFB3 axis plays crucial roles in VSMCs phenotypic switching.
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49
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Xue Y, Luo M, Hu X, Li X, Shen J, Zhu W, Huang L, Hu Y, Guo Y, Liu L, Wang L, Luo S. Macrophages regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function during atherosclerosis progression through IL-1β/STAT3 signaling. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1316. [PMID: 36456628 PMCID: PMC9715630 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in atherosclerosis progression, but the functional changes in VSMCs and the associated cellular crosstalk during atherosclerosis progression remain unknown. Here we show that scRNA-seq analysis of proximal adjacent (PA) and atherosclerotic core (AC) regions of human carotid artery plaques identifies functional alterations in macrophage-like VSMCs, elucidating the main state differences between PA and AC VSMCs. And, IL-1β mediates macrophage-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk through regulating key transcription factors involved in macrophage-like VSMCs functional alterations during atherosclerosis progression. In vitro assays reveal VSMCs trans-differentiated into a macrophage-like phenotype and then functional alterations in response to macrophage-derived stimuli. IL-1β promots the adhesion, inflammation, and apoptosis of macrophage-like VSMCs in a STAT3 dependent manner. The current findings provide interesting insight into the macrophages-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk, which would drive functional alterations in the latter cell type through IL-1β/STAT3 axis during atherosclerosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhou Xue
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Luo
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiankang Hu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Li
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Shen
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyan Zhu
- Medical Department, Yidu Cloud (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China ,grid.459453.a0000 0004 1790 0232Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Longxiang Huang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Hu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongzheng Guo
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingbang Wang
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Suxin Luo
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XDepartment of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Cao G, Xuan X, Hu J, Zhang R, Jin H, Dong H. How vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching contributes to vascular disease. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:180. [PMID: 36411459 PMCID: PMC9677683 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the most abundant cell in vessels. Earlier experiments have found that VSMCs possess high plasticity. Vascular injury stimulates VSMCs to switch into a dedifferentiated type, also known as synthetic VSMCs, with a high migration and proliferation capacity for repairing vascular injury. In recent years, largely owing to rapid technological advances in single-cell sequencing and cell-lineage tracing techniques, multiple VSMCs phenotypes have been uncovered in vascular aging, atherosclerosis (AS), aortic aneurysm (AA), etc. These VSMCs all down-regulate contractile proteins such as α-SMA and calponin1, and obtain specific markers and similar cellular functions of osteoblast, fibroblast, macrophage, and mesenchymal cells. This highly plastic phenotype transformation is regulated by a complex network consisting of circulating plasma substances, transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory factors, non-coding RNAs, integrin family, and Notch pathway. This review focuses on phenotypic characteristics, molecular profile and the functional role of VSMCs phenotype landscape; the molecular mechanism regulating VSMCs phenotype switching; and the contribution of VSMCs phenotype switching to vascular aging, AS, and AA. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genmao Cao
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuezhen Xuan
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Hu
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruijing Zhang
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haijiang Jin
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
| | - Honglin Dong
- grid.452845.a0000 0004 1799 2077Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, China
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