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Schoettler FI, Fatehi Hassanabad A, Jadli AS, Patel VB, Fedak PWM. Exploring the role of pericardial miRNAs and exosomes in modulating cardiac fibrosis. Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 73:107671. [PMID: 38906439 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential of the pericardial space as a therapeutic delivery tool for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure (HF) treatment has yet to be elucidated. Recently, miRNAs and exosomes have been discovered to be present in human pericardial fluid (PF). Novel studies have shown characteristic human PF miRNA compositions associated with cardiac diseases and higher miRNA expressions in PF compared to peripheral blood. Five key studies found differentially expressed miRNAs in HF, angina pectoris, aortic stenosis, ventricular tachycardia, and congenital heart diseases with either atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm. As miRNA-based therapeutics for cardiac fibrosis and HF showed promising results in several in vivo studies for multiple miRNAs, we hypothesize a potential role of miRNA-based therapeutics delivered through the pericardial cavity. This is underlined by the favorable results of the first phase 1b clinical trial in this emerging field. Presenting the first human miRNA antisense drug trial, inhibition of miR-132 by intravenous administration of a novel antisense oligonucleotide, CDR132L, established efficacy in reducing miR-132 in plasma samples in a dose-dependent manner. We screened the literature, provided an overview of the miRNAs and exosomes present in PF, and drew a connection to those miRNAs previously elucidated in cardiac fibrosis and HF. Further, we speculate about clinical implications and potential delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike I Schoettler
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anshul S Jadli
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cardiac Sciences, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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2
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Wang W, Dai X, Li Y, Li M, Chi Z, Hu X, Wang Z. The miR-669a-5p/G3BP/HDAC6/AKAP12 Axis Regulates Primary Cilia Length. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305068. [PMID: 38088586 PMCID: PMC10853727 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305068] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Primary cilia are conserved organelles in most mammalian cells, acting as "antennae" to sense external signals. Maintaining a physiological cilium length is required for cilium function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potent gene expression regulators, and aberrant miRNA expression is closely associated with ciliopathies. However, how miRNAs modulate cilium length remains elusive. Here, using the calcium-shock method and small RNA sequencing, a miRNA is identified, namely, miR-669a-5p, that is highly expressed in the cilia-enriched noncellular fraction. It is shown that miR-669a-5p promotes cilium elongation but not cilium formation in cultured cells. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that miR-669a-5p represses ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3-domain-binding protein (G3BP) expression to inhibit histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression, which further upregulates A-kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) expression. This effect ultimately blocks cilia disassembly and leads to greater cilium length, which can be restored to wild-type lengths by either upregulating HDAC6 or downregulating AKAP12. Collectively, these results elucidate a previously unidentified miR-669a-5p/G3BP/HDAC6/AKAP12 signaling pathway that regulates cilium length, providing potential pharmaceutical targets for treating ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Wang
- School of Life SciencesInstitute of Life Science and Green DevelopmentHebei UniversityBaoding071002China
| | - Xuyao Dai
- School of Life SciencesInstitute of Life Science and Green DevelopmentHebei UniversityBaoding071002China
| | - Yue Li
- School of Life SciencesInstitute of Life Science and Green DevelopmentHebei UniversityBaoding071002China
| | - Mo Li
- School of Public HealthHebei UniversityBaoding071000China
| | - Zongqi Chi
- School of Public HealthHebei UniversityBaoding071000China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- School of Life SciencesInstitute of Life Science and Green DevelopmentHebei UniversityBaoding071002China
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- School of Life SciencesInstitute of Life Science and Green DevelopmentHebei UniversityBaoding071002China
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3
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Giacca M. Fulfilling the Promise of RNA Therapies for Cardiac Repair and Regeneration. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:527-535. [PMID: 37440203 PMCID: PMC10427962 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad038] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive appreciation that multiple types of RNAs regulate virtually all aspects of tissue function and the availability of effective tools to deliver RNAs in vivo now offers unprecedented possibilities for obtaining RNA-based therapeutics. For the heart, RNA therapies can be developed that stimulate endogenous repair after cardiac damage. Applications in this area include acute cardioprotection after ischemia or cancer chemotherapy, therapeutic angiogenesis to promote new blood vessel formation, regeneration to form new cardiac mass, and editing of mutations to cure inherited cardiac disease. While the potential of RNA therapeutics for all these conditions is exciting, the field is still in its infancy. A number of roadblocks need to be overcome for RNA therapies to become effective, in particular, related to the problem of delivering RNA medicines into the cells and targeting them specifically to the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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4
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Lu P, Zhang D, Ding F, Ma J, Xiang YK, Zhao M. Silencing of circCacna1c Inhibits ISO-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy through miR-29b-2-5p/NFATc1 Axis. Cells 2023; 12:1667. [PMID: 37371137 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121667] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is one of the notable causes of heart failure. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been studied in association with cardiac hypertrophy; however, the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. In this study, we identified a new circRNA, named circCacna1c, in cardiac hypertrophy. Adult male C57BL/6 mice and H9c2 cells were treated with isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO) to establish a hypertrophy model. We found that circCacna1c was upregulated in ISO-induced hypertrophic heart tissue and H9c2 cells. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that silencing circCacna1c inhibited hypertrophic gene expression in ISO-induced H9c2 cells. Mechanistically, circCacna1c competitively bound to miR-29b-2-5p in a dual-luciferase reporter assay, which was downregulated in ISO-induced hypertrophic heart tissue and H9c2 cells. MiR-29b-2-5p inhibited the nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1) to control hypertrophic gene expression. After silencing circCacna1c, the expression of miR-29b-2-5p increased, which reduced hypertrophic gene expression by inhibiting NFATc1 expression. Together, these experiments indicate that circCacna1c promotes ISO-induced pathological hypertrophy through the miR-29b-2-5p/NFATc1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilei Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Danyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jialu Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yang K Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Meimi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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5
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Alonso-Villa E, Bonet F, Hernandez-Torres F, Campuzano Ó, Sarquella-Brugada G, Quezada-Feijoo M, Ramos M, Mangas A, Toro R. The Role of MicroRNAs in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: New Insights for an Old Entity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113573. [PMID: 36362356 PMCID: PMC9659086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by left ventricular or biventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction. In most cases, DCM is progressive, leading to heart failure (HF) and death. This cardiomyopathy has been considered a common and final phenotype of several entities. DCM occurs when cellular pathways fail to maintain the pumping function. The etiology of this disease encompasses several factors, such as ischemia, infection, autoimmunity, drugs or genetic susceptibility. Although the prognosis has improved in the last few years due to red flag clinical follow-up, early familial diagnosis and ongoing optimization of treatment, due to its heterogeneity, there are no targeted therapies available for DCM based on each etiology. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of DCM will provide novel therapeutic strategies against this cardiac disease and their different triggers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that play key roles in post-transcriptional gene silencing by targeting mRNAs for translational repression or, to a lesser extent, degradation. A growing number of studies have demonstrated critical functions of miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including DCM, by regulating mechanisms that contribute to the progression of the disease. Herein, we summarize the role of miRNAs in inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis, exclusively in the context of DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alonso-Villa
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.A.-V.); (R.T.)
| | - Fernando Bonet
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Francisco Hernandez-Torres
- Medina Foundation, Technology Park of Health Sciences, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Óscar Campuzano
- Cardiology Service, Hospital Josep Trueta, University of Girona, 17007 Girona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdIBGi), 17190 Salt, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Arrhythmias Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maribel Quezada-Feijoo
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, 28003 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alfonso X el Sabio University, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Ramos
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, 28003 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alfonso X el Sabio University, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alipio Mangas
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Rocío Toro
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.A.-V.); (R.T.)
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6
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Mathew S, Sivasubbu S. Long Non Coding RNA Based Regulation of Cerebrovascular Endothelium. Front Genet 2022; 13:834367. [PMID: 35495157 PMCID: PMC9043600 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.834367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid and high throughput discovery of long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has far outstripped the functional annotation of these novel transcripts in their respective cellular contexts. The cells of the blood brain barrier (BBB), especially the cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CVECs), are strictly regulated to maintain a controlled state of homeostasis for undisrupted brain function. Several key pathways are understood in CVEC function that lead to the development and maintenance of their barrier properties, the dysregulation of which leads to BBB breakdown and neuronal injury. Endothelial lncRNAs have been discovered and functionally validated in the past decade, spanning a wide variety of regulatory mechanisms in health and disease. We summarize here the lncRNA-mediated regulation of established pathways that maintain or disrupt the barrier property of CVECs, including in conditions such as ischemic stroke and glioma. These lncRNAs namely regulate the tight junction assembly/disassembly, angiogenesis, autophagy, apoptosis, and so on. The identification of these lncRNAs suggests a less understood mechanistic layer, calling for further studies in appropriate models of the blood brain barrier to shed light on the lncRNA-mediated regulation of CVEC function. Finally, we gather various approaches for validating lncRNAs in BBB function in human organoids and animal models and discuss the therapeutic potential of CVEC lncRNAs along with the current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samatha Mathew
- CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sridhar Sivasubbu
- CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India,*Correspondence: Sridhar Sivasubbu,
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7
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Li H, Zhan J, Chen C, Wang D. MicroRNAs in cardiovascular diseases. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:140-168. [PMID: 37724243 PMCID: PMC10471109 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, despite the wide diversity of molecular targets identified and the development of therapeutic methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (about 22 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in the cytoplasm and play complicated roles in different CVDs. While miRNA overexpression in one type of cell protects against heart disease, it promotes cardiac dysfunction in another type of cardiac cell. Moreover, recent studies have shown that, apart from cytosolic miRNAs, subcellular miRNAs such as mitochondria- and nucleus-localized miRNAs are dysregulated in CVDs. However, the functional properties of cellular- and subcellular-localized miRNAs have not been well characterized. In this review article, by carefully revisiting animal-based miRNA studies in CVDs, we will address the regulation and functional properties of miRNAs in various CVDs. Specifically, the cell-cell crosstalk and subcellular perspective of miRNAs are highlighted. We will provide the background for attractive molecular targets that might be useful in preventing the progression of CVDs and heart failure (HF) as well as insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaping Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiabing Zhan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China
| | - Daowen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, China
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8
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MicroRNAs: From Junk RNA to Life Regulators and Their Role in Cardiovascular Disease. CARDIOGENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cardiogenetics11040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded small non-coding RNA (18–25 nucleotides) that until a few years ago were considered junk RNA. In the last twenty years, they have acquired more importance thanks to the understanding of their influence on gene expression and their role as negative regulators at post-transcriptional level, influencing the stability of messenger RNA (mRNA). Approximately 5% of the genome encodes miRNAs which are responsible for regulating numerous signaling pathways, cellular processes and cell-to-cell communication. In the cardiovascular system, miRNAs control the functions of various cells, such as cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, playing a role in physiological and pathological processes and seeming also related to variations in contractility and hereditary cardiomyopathies. They provide a new perspective on the pathophysiology of disorders such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, arrhythmia, inflammation and atherosclerosis. MiRNAs are differentially expressed in diseased tissue and can be released into the circulation and then detected. MiRNAs have become interesting for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for various diseases, including heart disease. In this review, the concept of miRNAs and their role in cardiomyopathies will be introduced, focusing on their potential as therapeutic and diagnostic targets (as biomarkers).
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9
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Andolina D, Savi M, Ielpo D, Barbetti M, Bocchi L, Stilli D, Ventura R, Lo Iacono L, Sgoifo A, Carnevali L. Elevated miR-34a expression and altered transcriptional profile are associated with adverse electromechanical remodeling in the heart of male rats exposed to social stress. Stress 2021; 24:621-634. [PMID: 34227918 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1942830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated epigenetic risk factors that may contribute to stress-related cardiac disease in a rodent model. Experiment 1 was designed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a known modulator of both stress responses and cardiac pathophysiology, in the heart of male adult rats exposed to a single or repeated episodes of social defeat stress. Moreover, RNA sequencing was conducted to identify transcriptomic profile changes in the heart of repeatedly stressed rats. Experiment 2 was designed to assess cardiac electromechanical changes induced by repeated social defeat stress that may predispose rats to cardiac dysfunction. Results indicated a larger cardiac miR-34a expression after repeated social defeat stress compared to a control condition. This molecular modification was associated with increased vulnerability to pharmacologically induced arrhythmias and signs of systolic left ventricular dysfunction. Gene expression analysis identified clusters of differentially expressed genes in the heart of repeatedly stressed rats that are mainly associated with morphological and functional properties of the mitochondria and may be directly regulated by miR-34a. These results suggest the presence of an association between miR-34a overexpression and signs of adverse electromechanical remodeling in the heart of rats exposed to repeated social defeat stress, and point to compromised mitochondria efficiency as a potential mediator of this link. This rat model may provide a useful tool for investigating the causal relationship between miR-34a expression, mitochondrial (dys)function, and cardiac alterations under stressful conditions, which could have important implications in the context of stress-related cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet," Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Monia Savi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet," Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Barbetti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bocchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donatella Stilli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet," Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- Department of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet," Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Stress Physiology Lab, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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10
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Kuwabara Y, Tsuji S, Nishiga M, Izuhara M, Ito S, Nagao K, Horie T, Watanabe S, Koyama S, Kiryu H, Nakashima Y, Baba O, Nakao T, Nishino T, Sowa N, Miyasaka Y, Hatani T, Ide Y, Nakazeki F, Kimura M, Yoshida Y, Inada T, Kimura T, Ono K. Lionheart LincRNA alleviates cardiac systolic dysfunction under pressure overload. Commun Biol 2020; 3:434. [PMID: 32792557 PMCID: PMC7426859 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent high-throughput approaches have revealed a vast number of transcripts with unknown functions. Many of these transcripts are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and intergenic region-derived lncRNAs are classified as long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs). Although Myosin heavy chain 6 (Myh6) encoding primary contractile protein is down-regulated in stressed hearts, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clarified especially in terms of lincRNAs. Here, we screen upregulated lincRNAs in pressure overloaded hearts and identify a muscle-abundant lincRNA termed Lionheart. Compared with controls, deletion of the Lionheart in mice leads to decreased systolic function and a reduction in MYH6 protein levels following pressure overload. We reveal decreased MYH6 results from an interaction between Lionheart and Purine-rich element-binding protein A after pressure overload. Furthermore, human LIONHEART levels in left ventricular biopsy specimens positively correlate with cardiac systolic function. Our results demonstrate Lionheart plays a pivotal role in cardiac remodeling via regulation of MYH6. Kuwabara et al. identify a novel long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA), termed Lionheart, upregulated in pressure overloaded hearts in mice. Deleting this gene results in decreased systolic function and reduction in MYH6 protein levels following pressure overload. They demonstrate that Lionheart interacts with PURA, preventing its binding to the promoter region of Myh6 locus, leading to reduced MYH6 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhide Kuwabara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuhei Tsuji
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Nishiga
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayasu Izuhara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Ito
- Medical Research Support Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nagao
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Horie
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Watanabe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Koyama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisanori Kiryu
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakashima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Baba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Nakao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Sowa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yui Miyasaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Ide
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fumiko Nakazeki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Yoshida
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Inada
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koh Ono
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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11
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Antunes J, Lee O, Alizadeh AH, LaMarre J, Koch TG. Why the hype - What are microRNAs and why do they provide unique investigative, diagnostic, and therapeutic opportunities in veterinary medicine? THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2020; 61:845-852. [PMID: 32741990 PMCID: PMC7350063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducing transcript degradation. MiRNAs act as fine-tuning factors that affect the expression of up to 60% of all mammalian protein coding genes. In contrast to proteins, there is widespread conservation of miRNA sequences across species. This conservation strongly suggests that miRNAs appeared early in evolution and have retained their functional importance. Cross-species conservation provides advantages when compiling candidate markers for health and disease compared to protein-based discoveries. This broad utility is accompanied by the emergence of inexpensive sequencing protocols for the identification of all RNAs in a sample (including miRNAs). With the use of miRNA mimics and antagonists, unique research questions can be answered in biological systems with 'cause and effect' methodology. MiRNAs are readily detectable in blood making them attractive candidates as biomarkers for disease. Here, we review their utility as biomarkers and their potential as therapeutic agents or targets to combat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Antunes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
| | - Olivia Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
| | - Amir Hamed Alizadeh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
| | - Jonathan LaMarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
| | - Thomas Gadegaard Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
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12
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Abstract
While clinical gene therapy celebrates its first successes, with several products already approved for clinical use and several hundreds in the final stages of the clinical approval pipeline, there is not a single gene therapy approach that has worked for the heart. Here, we review the past experience gained in the several cardiac gene therapy clinical trials that had the goal of inducing therapeutic angiogenesis in the ischemic heart and in the attempts at modulating cardiac function in heart failure. Critical assessment of the results so far achieved indicates that the efficiency of cardiac gene delivery remains a major hurdle preventing success but also that improvements need to be sought in establishing more reliable large animal models, choosing more effective therapeutic genes, better designing clinical trials, and more deeply understanding cardiac biology. We also emphasize a few areas of cardiac gene therapy development that hold great promise for the future. In particular, the transition from gene addition studies using protein-coding cDNAs to the modulation of gene expression using small RNA therapeutics and the improvement of precise gene editing now pave the way to applications such as cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction and gene correction for inherited cardiomyopathies that were unapproachable until a decade ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cannatà
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.)
| | - Hashim Ali
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy (H.A., M.G.)
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, United Kingdom (A.C., H.A., M.G.).,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy (A.C., G.S., M.G.).,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy (H.A., M.G.)
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13
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Fulgencio-Covián A, Alonso-Barroso E, Guenzel AJ, Rivera-Barahona A, Ugarte M, Pérez B, Barry MA, Pérez-Cerdá C, Richard E, Desviat LR. Pathogenic implications of dysregulated miRNAs in propionic acidemia related cardiomyopathy. Transl Res 2020; 218:43-56. [PMID: 31951825 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac alterations (hypertrophic/dilated cardiomyopathy, and rhythm alterations) are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in propionic acidemia (PA), caused by the deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC), involved in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids, cholesterol, and odd-chain fatty acids. Impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has been documented in heart biopsies of PA patients, as well as in the hypomorphic Pcca-/-(A138T) mouse model, in the latter correlating with increased oxidative damage and elevated expression of cardiac dysfunction biomarkers atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) and beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC). Here we characterize the cardiac phenotype in the PA mouse model by histological and echocardiography studies and identify a series of upregulated cardiac-enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) in the PA mouse heart, some of them also altered as circulating miRNAs in PA patients' plasma samples. In PA mice hearts, we show alterations in signaling pathways regulated by the identified miRNAs, which could be contributing to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction; notably, an activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and a decrease in autophagy, which are reverted by rapamycin treatment. In vitro studies in HL-1 cardiomyocytes indicate that propionate, the major toxic metabolite accumulating in the disease, triggers the increase in expression levels of miRNAs, BNP, and β-MHC, concomitant with an increase in reactive oxygen species. Our results highlight miRNAs and signaling alterations in the PCC-deficient heart which may contribute to the development of PA-associated cardiomyopathy and provide a basis to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Fulgencio-Covián
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esmeralda Alonso-Barroso
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Rivera-Barahona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Ugarte
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Celia Pérez-Cerdá
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Richard
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes R Desviat
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares (CEDEM), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital La Paz (IdiPaz), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Characterized by enlarged ventricle and loss of systolic function, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has the highest morbidity among all the cardiomyopathies. Although it is well established that DCM is typically caused by mutations in a large number of genes, there is an emerging appreciation for the contribution of epigenetic alteration in the development of DCM. RECENT FINDINGS We present some of the recent progress in the field of epigenetics in DCM by focusing on the four major epigenetic modifications, that is, DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling as well as the noncoding RNAs. The major players involved in these DCM-related epigenetic reprogramming will be highlighted. Finally, the diagnostic and the therapeutic implications for DCM based on new knowledge of epigenetic regulation will also be discussed. SUMMARY As a rapidly expanding field, epigenetic studies in DCM have the promise to yield both novel mechanistic insights as well as potential new avenues for more effective treatment of the disease.
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15
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Calderon-Dominguez M, Belmonte T, Quezada-Feijoo M, Ramos-Sánchez M, Fernández-Armenta J, Pérez-Navarro A, Cesar S, Peña-Peña L, Vea À, Llorente-Cortés V, Mangas A, de Gonzalo-Calvo D, Toro R. Emerging role of microRNAs in dilated cardiomyopathy: evidence regarding etiology. Transl Res 2020; 215:86-101. [PMID: 31505160 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease characterized by ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease. This cardiac disorder is a major health problem due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. DCM is a complex disease with a common phenotype but heterogeneous pathological mechanisms. Early etiological diagnosis and prognosis stratification is crucial for the clinical management of the patient. Advances in imaging technology and genetic tests have provided useful tools for clinical practice. Nevertheless, the assessment of the disease remains challenging. Novel noninvasive indicators are still needed to assist in decision-making. microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small noncoding RNAs, have been identified as key mediators of cell biology. They are found in a stable form in body fluids and their concentration is altered in response to stress. Previous research has suggested that the miRNA signature constitutes a novel source of noninvasive biomarkers for a wide array of cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, several studies have reported the potential role of miRNAs as clinical indicators among the etiologies of DCM. However, this field has not been reviewed in detail. Here, we summarize the evidence of intracellular and circulating miRNAs in DCM and their usefulness in the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches, with a focus on DCM etiology. Although the findings are still preliminary, due to methodological and technical limitations and the lack of robust population-based studies, miRNAs constitute a promising tool to assist in the clinical management of DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Calderon-Dominguez
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Thalía Belmonte
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Maribel Quezada-Feijoo
- Department of Cardiology, Cruz Roja Central Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Alfonso X University (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Ramos-Sánchez
- Department of Cardiology, Cruz Roja Central Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Alfonso X University (UAX), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Fernández-Armenta
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Department of Cardiology, Puerta del Mar Universitary Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Amparo Pérez-Navarro
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Sergi Cesar
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luisa Peña-Peña
- Department of Cardiology, Virgen del Rocio Universitary Hospital, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Àngela Vea
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB) - Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenta Llorente-Cortés
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB) - Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alipio Mangas
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta del Mar Universitary Hospital, Cádiz, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - David de Gonzalo-Calvo
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB) - Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rocio Toro
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta del Mar Universitary Hospital, Cádiz, Spain; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.
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16
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Ranjan P, Kumari R, Verma SK. Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiac Fibrosis: Precise Role of Exosomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:318. [PMID: 31867328 PMCID: PMC6904280 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a group of extracellular microvesicles that deliver biologically active RNAs, proteins, lipids and other signaling molecules to recipient cells. Classically, exosomes act as a vehicle by which cells or organs communicate with each other to maintain cellular/tissue homeostasis and to respond to pathological stress. Most multicellular systems, including the cardiovascular system, use exosomes for intercellular communication. In heart, endogenous exosomes from cardiac cells or stem cells aid in regulation of cell survival, cell proliferation and cell death; and thus tightly regulate cardiac biology and repair processes. Pathological stimulus in heart alters secretion and molecular composition of exosomes, thus influencing the above processes. The past decade has yielded increasing interest in the role of exosomes in the cardiovascular system and significant contribution of cardiac fibroblast (CF) and mediated cardiac fibrosis in heart failure, in this review we had overviewed the relevant literatures about fibroblast exosomes, its effect in the cardiovascular biology and its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review briefly describes the communication between fibroblasts and other cardiac cells via exosomes, the influence of such on myocardial fibrosis and remodeling, and the possibilities to use exosomes as biomarkers for acute and chronic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Ranjan
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rajesh Kumari
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Suresh Kumar Verma
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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17
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Colpaert RMW, Calore M. MicroRNAs in Cardiac Diseases. Cells 2019; 8:E737. [PMID: 31323768 PMCID: PMC6678080 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery 20 years ago, microRNAs have been related to posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in major cardiac physiological and pathological processes. We know now that cardiac muscle phenotypes are tightly regulated by multiple noncoding RNA species to maintain cardiac homeostasis. Upon stress or various pathological conditions, this class of non-coding RNAs has been found to modulate different cardiac pathological conditions, such as contractility, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, hypertrophy, and inherited cardiomyopathies. This review summarizes and updates microRNAs playing a role in the different processes underlying the pathogenic phenotypes of cardiac muscle and highlights their potential role as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M W Colpaert
- IMAiA-Institute for Molecular Biology and RNA Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Calore
- IMAiA-Institute for Molecular Biology and RNA Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Lu D, Thum T. RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2019; 16:661-674. [PMID: 31186539 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-019-0218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and are associated with increasing financial expenditure. With the availability of next-generation sequencing technologies since the early 2000s, non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs have been assessed as potential therapeutic targets for numerous diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. In this Review, we summarize current approaches employed to screen for novel coding and non-coding RNA candidates with diagnostic and therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease, including next-generation sequencing, functional high-throughput RNA screening and single-cell sequencing technologies. Furthermore, we highlight viral-based delivery tools that have been widely used to evaluate the therapeutic utility of both coding and non-coding RNAs in the context of cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss the potential of using oligonucleotide-based molecular products such as modified RNA, small interfering RNA and RNA mimics/inhibitors for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Given that many non-coding RNAs have not yet been functionally annotated, the number of potential RNA diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases will continue to expand for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Lu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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19
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Antunes JC, Benarroch L, Moraes FC, Juenet M, Gross MS, Aubart M, Boileau C, Caligiuri G, Nicoletti A, Ollivier V, Chaubet F, Letourneur D, Chauvierre C. Core-Shell Polymer-Based Nanoparticles Deliver miR-155-5p to Endothelial Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:210-222. [PMID: 31265949 PMCID: PMC6610682 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure occurs in over 30% of the worldwide population and most commonly originates from cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction. microRNAs (miRNAs) target and silence specific mRNAs, thereby regulating gene expression. Because the endogenous miR-155-5p has been ascribed to vasculoprotection, loading it onto positively charged, core-shell poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA)-polysaccharide nanoparticles (NPs) was attempted. NPs showed a decrease (p < 0.0001) in surface electrical charge (ζ potential), with negligible changes in size or shape when loaded with the anionic miR-155-5p. Presence of miR-155-5p in loaded NPs was further quantified. Cytocompatibility up to 100 μg/mL of NPs for 2 days with human coronary artery endothelial cells (hCAECs) was documented. NPs were able to enter hCAECs and were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression of miR-155-5p was increased within the cells by 75-fold after 4 hours of incubation (p < 0.05) and was still noticeable at day 2. Differences between loaded NP-cultured cells and free miRNA, at days 1 (p < 0.05) and 2 (p < 0.001) suggest the ability of prolonged load release in physiological conditions. Expression of miR-155-5p downstream target BACH1 was decreased in the cells by 4-fold after 1 day of incubation (p < 0.05). This study is a first proof of concept that miR-155-5p can be loaded onto NPs and remain intact and biologically active in endothelial cells (ECs). These nanosystems could potentially increase an endogenous cytoprotective response and decrease damage within infarcted hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Antunes
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Louise Benarroch
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Fernanda C Moraes
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Maya Juenet
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Sylvie Gross
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Mélodie Aubart
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Boileau
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Giuseppina Caligiuri
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Antonino Nicoletti
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Véronique Ollivier
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Chaubet
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Didier Letourneur
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Cédric Chauvierre
- Université de Paris, LVTS, INSERM U1148, Université Paris 13, 75018 Paris, France.
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20
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Abstract
Heritable cardiomyopathies are a class of heart diseases caused by variations in a number of genetic loci. Genetic variants on one allele lead to either a degraded protein, which causes a haploinsufficiency of that protein, or a nonfunctioning protein that subverts the molecular system within which the protein works. Over years, both of these mechanisms eventually lead to diseased heart tissue and symptoms of a failing heart. Most cardiomyopathy treatments repurpose heart failure drugs to manage these symptoms and avoid adverse outcomes. There are few therapies that correct the underlying pathogenic genetic or molecular mechanism. This review will reflect on this unmet clinical need in genetic cardiomyopathies and consider a variety of therapies that address the mechanism of disease rather than patient symptoms. These therapies are genetic, targeting a defective gene or transcript, or ameliorating a genetic insufficiency. However, there are also a number of small molecules under exploration that modulate downstream faulty protein products affected in cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana G Repetti
- From the Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (G.G.R., C.N.T., J.G.S., C.E.S.)
| | - Christopher N Toepfer
- From the Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (G.G.R., C.N.T., J.G.S., C.E.S.)
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom (C.N.T.)
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (C.N.T., C.E.S.)
| | - Jonathan G Seidman
- From the Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (G.G.R., C.N.T., J.G.S., C.E.S.)
| | - Christine E Seidman
- From the Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (G.G.R., C.N.T., J.G.S., C.E.S.)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD (C.E.S.)
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21
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Abstract
As a result of the Human Genome Project it became evident that only 1-3% of all gene transcripts encode proteins. The vast majority of gene transcripts are in fact characterized as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These ncRNAs have a huge impact on diverse physiological and pathological mechanisms within an organism. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are differentiated by their size and function, are involved in the regulation and development of many illnesses. In the context of heart and cardiovascular diseases numerous ncRNAs have also already been described in some detail. As these molecules represent therapeutic target structures, ncRNAs provide a completely new level for the discovery of promising therapeutic approaches. Many approaches have already been developed aimed at influencing the expression levels of specific ncRNAs in order to induce beneficial effects on pathological processes. In fact, first medications based on miRNAs have already achieved approval. Additionally, ncRNAs contained in plasma can serve as new non-invasive diagnostic markers for the detection of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bührke
- Institut für Molekulare und Translationale Therapiestrategien (IMTTS), Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - C Bär
- Institut für Molekulare und Translationale Therapiestrategien (IMTTS), Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland.
| | - T Thum
- Institut für Molekulare und Translationale Therapiestrategien (IMTTS), Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland. .,REBIRTH Excellence Cluster, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland.
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22
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Breuls N, Giacomazzi G, Sampaolesi M. (Epi)genetic Modifications in Myogenic Stem Cells: From Novel Insights to Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050429. [PMID: 31075875 PMCID: PMC6562881 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeletal muscle is considered to be an ideal target for stem cell therapy as it has an inherent regenerative capacity. Upon injury, the satellite cells, muscle stem cells that reside under the basal lamina of the myofibres, start to differentiate in order to reconstitute the myofibres while maintaining the initial stem cell pool. In recent years, it has become more and more evident that epigenetic mechanisms such as histon modifications, DNA methylations and microRNA modulations play a pivatol role in this differentiation process. By understanding the mechanisms behind myogenesis, researchers are able to use this knowledge to enhance the differentiation and engraftment potential of different muscle stem cells. Besides manipulation on an epigenetic level, recent advances in the field of genome-engineering allow site-specific modifications in the genome of these stem cells. Combining epigenetic control of the stem cell fate with the ability to site-specifically correct mutations or add genes for further cell control, can increase the use of stem cells as treatment of muscular dystrophies drastically. In this review, we will discuss the advances that have been made in genome-engineering and the epigenetic regulation of muscle stem cells and how this knowledge can help to get stem cell therapy to its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Breuls
- Translational Cardiomyology Lab, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven, 3000 KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Giorgia Giacomazzi
- Translational Cardiomyology Lab, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven, 3000 KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Lab, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven, 3000 KU Leuven, Belgium.
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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23
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Kok FO, Baker AH. The function of long non-coding RNAs in vascular biology and disease. Vascul Pharmacol 2019; 114:23-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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24
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Zhang CJ, Huang Y, Lu JD, Lin J, Ge ZR, Huang H. Retracted: Upregulated microRNA-132 rescues cardiac fibrosis and restores cardiocyte proliferation in dilated cardiomyopathy through the phosphatase and tensin homolog-mediated PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1232-1244. [PMID: 30216493 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is known to be present in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and it predicts the occurrence of sudden death and congestive heart failure. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression of microRNA-132 (miR-132) and its effect on cardiocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and cardiac fibrosis by binding to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through the phosphateidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signal transduction pathway in DCM rats. DCM rat models induced by doxorubicin were established and confirmed by an ultrasonic cardiogram. Epithelial cells were treated with inhibitors, activators, and small interfering RNAs to identify the mechanisms by which miR-132 controls cardiocyte activity and cardiac fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (ALD) expressions were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between PTEN and miR-132 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested by the MTT assay and flow cytometry. PTEN was determined to be the target gene of miR-132. Rat models of DCM exhibited a lower level of miR-132, PI3K, Akt, B-cell lymphoma 2, collagen I, and collagen III, but a higher level of PTEN, Bcl-2-associated X protein, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen as well as inflammatory response (Ang II and ALD), accompanied by declined cardiocyte proliferation and elevated apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulated miR-132 or silenced PTEN activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and repressing cardiocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis, as well as inflammatory responses. Downregulated miR-132 reversed this tendency. These findings indicate that miR-132 activates the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting PTEN expression, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis in DCM rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Jun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-De Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ru Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Duygu B, Juni R, Ottaviani L, Bitsch N, Wit JBM, de Windt LJ, da Costa Martins PA. Comparison of different chemically modified inhibitors of miR-199b in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 159:106-115. [PMID: 30452907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently received great attention for their regulatory roles in diverse cellular processes and for their contribution to several human pathologies. Modulation of miRNAs in vivo provides beneficial therapeutic strategies for the treatment of many diseases, as evidenced by various preclinical studies. However, specific issues regarding the in vivo use of miRNA inhibitors (antimiRs) such as organ-specific delivery, optimal dosing and formulation of the best chemistry to obtain efficient miRNA inhibition remain to be addressed. Here, we aimed at comparing the in vivo efficacy of different chemistry-based antimiR oligonucleotides to inhibit cardiac expression of miR-199b, a highly promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction. For this purpose, four different designs of oligonucleotides to inhibit miR-199b were initially developed. Systemic administration to wildtype mice on three consecutive days was followed by organ harvesting, seven days after the first injection, in order to quantify the dose-dependent changes in miR-199b expression levels. When comparing the efficiency of each inhibitor at the highest applied dose we observed that the antagomir was the only inhibitor inducing complete inhibition of miR-199b in the heart. LNA reduced expression in the heart by 50 percent while the Zen-AMO and F/MOE chemistries failed to repress miR-199b expression in the heart at any given dose, in vivo. Further optimization was achieved by subjecting the antagomir and LNA nucleotides to additional chemical modifications. Interestingly, antagomir modification by replacing the cholesterol moiety from the 3' to the 5' end of the molecule significantly improved the inhibitory capacity, as reflected by a 75 percent downregulation of miR-199b expression already at a concentration of 5 mg/kg/day. Similar results could be obtained with a LNA-RNA molecule but upon administration of 80 mg/kg/day. These findings show that, from all the chemistries tested by us, an antagomir carrying the cholesterol group at the 5' end was the most efficient inhibitor of miR-199b in the heart, in vivo. Moreover, our data also emphasize the importance of chemistry optimization and best dose range finding to achieve the greatest efficacy in miRNA inhibition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Duygu
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rio Juni
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lara Ottaviani
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Bitsch
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan B M Wit
- Mirabilis Therapeutics BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon J de Windt
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paula A da Costa Martins
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Non-coding RNAs and exercise: pathophysiological role and clinical application in the cardiovascular system. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:925-942. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20171463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is overwhelming evidence that regular exercise training is protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD), the main cause of death worldwide. Despite the benefits of exercise, the intricacies of their underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been recognized as a major regulatory network governing gene expression in several physiological processes and appeared as pivotal modulators in a myriad of cardiovascular processes under physiological and pathological conditions. However, little is known about ncRNA expression and role in response to exercise. Revealing the molecular components and mechanisms of the link between exercise and health outcomes will catalyse discoveries of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here we review the current understanding of the ncRNA role in exercise-induced adaptations focused on the cardiovascular system and address their potential role in clinical applications for CVD. Finally, considerations and perspectives for future studies will be proposed.
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Van Ry PM, Fontelonga TM, Barraza-Flores P, Sarathy A, Nunes AM, Burkin DJ. ECM-Related Myopathies and Muscular Dystrophies: Pros and Cons of Protein Therapies. Compr Physiol 2017; 7:1519-1536. [PMID: 28915335 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) myopathies and muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins that provide critical links between muscle cells and the extracellular matrix. These include structural proteins of the ECM, muscle cell receptors, enzymes, and intracellular proteins. Loss of adhesion within the myomatrix results in progressive muscle weakness. For many ECM muscular dystrophies, symptoms can occur any time after birth and often result in reduced life expectancy. There are no cures for the ECM-related muscular dystrophies and treatment options are limited to palliative care. Several therapeutic approaches have been explored to treat muscular dystrophies including gene therapy, gene editing, exon skipping, embryonic, and adult stem cell therapy, targeting genetic modifiers, modulating inflammatory responses, or preventing muscle degeneration. Recently, protein therapies that replace components of the defective myomatrix or enhance muscle and/or extracellular matrix integrity and function have been explored. Preclinical studies for many of these biologics have been promising in animal models of these muscle diseases. This review aims to summarize the ECM muscular dystrophies for which protein therapies are being developed and discuss the exciting potential and possible limitations of this approach for treating this family of devastating genetic muscle diseases. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:1519-1536, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam M Van Ry
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Tatiana M Fontelonga
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Pamela Barraza-Flores
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Andreia M Nunes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.,Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolucao e Alteracoes Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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Gomes CPC, Spencer H, Ford KL, Michel LYM, Baker AH, Emanueli C, Balligand JL, Devaux Y. The Function and Therapeutic Potential of Long Non-coding RNAs in Cardiovascular Development and Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 8:494-507. [PMID: 28918050 PMCID: PMC5565632 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The popularization of genome-wide analyses and RNA sequencing led to the discovery that a large part of the human genome, while effectively transcribed, does not encode proteins. Long non-coding RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in both normal and disease states. Studies of long non-coding RNAs expressed in the heart, in combination with gene association studies, revealed that these molecules are regulated during cardiovascular development and disease. Some long non-coding RNAs have been functionally implicated in cardiac pathophysiology and constitute potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review the current knowledge of the function of long non-coding RNAs in the cardiovascular system, with an emphasis on cardiovascular development and biology, focusing on hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, ischemia, and heart failure. We discuss potential therapeutic implications and the challenges of long non-coding RNA research, with directions for future research and translational focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa P C Gomes
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Helen Spencer
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Kerrie L Ford
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Lauriane Y M Michel
- Unité de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Experimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jean-Luc Balligand
- Unité de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Experimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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Rotini A, Martínez-Sarrà E, Pozzo E, Sampaolesi M. Interactions between microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in cardiac development and repair. Pharmacol Res 2017. [PMID: 28629929 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging players in muscle regulation. Based on their length and differences in molecular structure, ncRNAs are subdivided into several categories including small interfering RNAs, stable non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs. miRs and lncRNAs are able to post-transcriptionally regulate many genes and bring into play several traits simultaneously due to a myriad of different targets. Recent studies have emphasized their importance in cardiac regeneration and repair. As their altered expression affects cardiac function, miRs and lncRNAs could be potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this context, miR- and lncRNA-based gene therapies are an interesting field for harnessing the complexity of ncRNA-based therapeutic approaches in cardiac diseases. In this review we will focus on lncRNA- and miR-driven regulations of cardiac development and repair. Finally, we will summarize miRs and lncRNAs as promising candidates for the treatment of heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Rotini
- Translational Cardiomyology, Stem Cell Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Italy
| | - Ester Martínez-Sarrà
- Translational Cardiomyology, Stem Cell Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Regenerative Medicine Research Institute, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrico Pozzo
- Translational Cardiomyology, Stem Cell Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology, Stem Cell Research Institute, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 8, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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30
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Sun Y, Su Q, Li L, Wang X, Lu Y, Liang J. MiR-486 regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis by p53-mediated BCL-2 associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2017; 17:119. [PMID: 28486954 PMCID: PMC5424355 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-017-0549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a common pathological manifestation that occurs in several heart diseases. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of microRNA-486 (miR-486) in cardiomyocyte apoptosis by interfering with the p53-activated BCL-2 associated mitochondrial pathway. METHODS miR-486 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into the primary cardiomyocytes of suckling Sprague-Dawley rat pups, and H2O2 was used to induce apoptosis. Flow cytometry and TUNEL were both used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis, while the relative mRNA transcript and protein levels of miR-486, p53, Bbc3, BCL-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected using RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS miR-486 overexpression significantly decreased the expressions of p53, Bbc3 and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), and BCL-2 expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05), which in turn caused a significant decrease in the rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis (P < 0.05). In contrast, miR-486 silencing resulted in an elevated rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION miR-486 may regulate cardiomyocyte apoptosis via p53-mediated BCL-2 associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Therefore, up-regulating miR-486 expression in cardiomyocytes can effectively reduce the activation of the BCL-2 associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, consequently protecting cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Xiantao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yuanxi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiabao Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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31
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Beermann J, Piccoli MT, Viereck J, Thum T. Non-coding RNAs in Development and Disease: Background, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Approaches. Physiol Rev 2017; 96:1297-325. [PMID: 27535639 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00041.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1248] [Impact Index Per Article: 178.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in RNA-sequencing techniques have led to the discovery of thousands of non-coding transcripts with unknown function. There are several types of non-coding linear RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), as well as circular RNAs (circRNA) consisting of a closed continuous loop. This review guides the reader through important aspects of non-coding RNA biology. This includes their biogenesis, mode of actions, physiological function, as well as their role in the disease context (such as in cancer or the cardiovascular system). We specifically focus on non-coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Beermann
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Teresa Piccoli
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janika Viereck
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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32
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Pozsgai ER, Griffin DA, Heller KN, Mendell JR, Rodino-Klapac LR. Systemic AAV-Mediated β-Sarcoglycan Delivery Targeting Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Ameliorates Histological and Functional Deficits in LGMD2E Mice. Mol Ther 2017; 25:855-869. [PMID: 28284983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E (LGMD2E), resulting from mutations in β-sarcoglycan (SGCB), is a progressive dystrophy with deteriorating muscle function, respiratory failure, and cardiomyopathy in 50% or more of LGMD2E patients. SGCB knockout mice share many of the phenotypic deficiencies of LGMD2E patients. To investigate systemic SGCB gene transfer to treat skeletal and cardiac muscle deficits, we designed a self-complementary AAVrh74 vector containing a codon-optimized human SGCB transgene driven by a muscle-specific promoter. We delivered scAAV.MHCK7.hSGCB through the tail vein of SGCB-/- mice to provide a rationale for a clinical trial that would lead to clinically meaningful results. This led to 98.1% transgene expression across all muscles that was accompanied by improvements in histopathology. Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were reduced following treatment by 85.5%. Diaphragm force production increased by 94.4%, kyphoscoliosis of the spine was significantly reduced by 48.1%, overall ambulation increased by 57%, and vertical rearing increased dramatically by 132% following treatment. Importantly, no adverse effects were seen in muscle of wild-type mice injected systemically with scAAV.hSGCB. In this well-defined model of LGMD2E, we have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of systemic scAAV.hSGCB delivery, and these findings have established a path for clinically beneficial AAV-mediated gene therapy for LGMD2E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Pozsgai
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Danielle A Griffin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kristin N Heller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Raso A, Dirkx E. Cardiac regenerative medicine: At the crossroad of microRNA function and biotechnology. Noncoding RNA Res 2017; 2:27-37. [PMID: 30159418 PMCID: PMC6096413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to stimulate cardiac repair after damage, such as myocardial infarction. Already for more than a century scientist are intrigued by studying the regenerative capacity of the heart. While moving away from the old classification of the heart as a post-mitotic organ, and being inspired by the stem cell research in other scientific fields, mainly three different strategies arose in order to develop regenerative medicine, namely; the use of cardiac stem cells, reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes or direct stimulation of endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation. MicroRNAs, known to play a role in orchestrating cell fate processes such as proliferation, differentiation and reprogramming, gained a lot of attention in this context the latest years. Indeed, several research groups have independently demonstrated that microRNA-based therapy shows promising results to induce heart tissue regeneration and improve cardiac pump function after myocardial injury. Nowadays, a whole new biotechnology field has been unveiled to investigate the possibilities for efficient, safe and specific delivery of microRNAs towards the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Dirkx
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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de Gonzalo-Calvo D, Quezada M, Campuzano O, Perez-Serra A, Broncano J, Ayala R, Ramos M, Llorente-Cortes V, Blasco-Turrión S, Morales F, Gonzalez P, Brugada R, Mangas A, Toro R. Familial dilated cardiomyopathy: A multidisciplinary entity, from basic screening to novel circulating biomarkers. Int J Cardiol 2017; 228:870-880. [PMID: 27889554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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35
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Relevance of mouse models of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in cardiac research. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 424:123-145. [PMID: 27766529 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease causing cardiac cell death due to ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coronary heart disease and cardiomyopathies are the major cause for congestive heart failure, and thrombosis of the coronary arteries is the most common cause of myocardial infarction. Cardiac injury is followed by post-injury cardiac remodeling or fibrosis. Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by net accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the cardiac interstitium and results in both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. It has been suggested by both experimental and clinical evidence that fibrotic changes in the heart are reversible. Hence, it is vital to understand the mechanism involved in the initiation, progression, and resolution of cardiac fibrosis to design anti-fibrotic treatment modalities. Animal models are of great importance for cardiovascular research studies. With the developing research field, the choice of selecting an animal model for the proposed research study is crucial for its outcome and translational purpose. Compared to large animal models for cardiac research, the mouse model is preferred by many investigators because of genetic manipulations and easier handling. This critical review is focused to provide insight to young researchers about the various mouse models, advantages and disadvantages, and their use in research pertaining to cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy.
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Zhang X, Schulze PC. MicroRNAs in heart failure: Non-coding regulators of metabolic function. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:2276-2287. [PMID: 27544699 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is the inability of the heart to provide sufficient cardiac output for the energy demands of the body. Over the last decades, our understanding of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, in cardiovascular diseases has expanded at a rapid rate. Importantly, multiple miRNAs have been specifically implicated in the progression of HF. Growing evidence suggests that miRNAs regulate central metabolic pathways and thus are highly implicated in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries of the mechanistic role of miRNAs in regulating metabolic functions in HF, with specific focus on the implication of miRNAs in metabolic rearrangements, discuss the potential value of miRNA profiles as novel HF biomarkers, and summarize the recent investigations on therapeutic approaches using miRNAs in heart disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The role of post-translational protein modifications on heart and vascular metabolism edited by Jason R.B. Dyck & Jan F.C. Glatz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - P Christian Schulze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine I, Division of Cardiology, Angiology, Pneumology and Intensive Medical Care, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
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37
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Di Mauro V, Iafisco M, Salvarani N, Vacchiano M, Carullo P, Ramírez-Rodríguez GB, Patrício T, Tampieri A, Miragoli M, Catalucci D. Bioinspired negatively charged calcium phosphate nanocarriers for cardiac delivery of MicroRNAs. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:891-906. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.16.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop biocompatible and bioresorbable negatively charged calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP-NPs) as an innovative therapeutic system for the delivery of bioactive molecules to the heart. Materials & methods: CaP-NPs were synthesized via a straightforward one-pot biomineralization-inspired protocol employing citrate as a stabilizing agent and regulator of crystal growth. CaP-NPs were administered to cardiac cells in vitro and effects of treatments were assessed. CaP-NPs were administered in vivo and delivery of microRNAs was evaluated. Results: CaP-NPs efficiently internalized into cardiomyocytes without promoting toxicity or interfering with any functional properties. CaP-NPs successfully encapsulated synthetic microRNAs, which were efficiently delivered into cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: CaP-NPs are a safe and efficient drug-delivery system for potential therapeutic treatments of polarized cells such as cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Di Mauro
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Michele Iafisco
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Science & Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC) 48018 Faenza (RA), Italy
| | - Nicolò Salvarani
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Marco Vacchiano
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Carullo
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | | | - Tatiana Patrício
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Science & Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC) 48018 Faenza (RA), Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Science & Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC) 48018 Faenza (RA), Italy
| | - Michele Miragoli
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
| | - Daniele Catalucci
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetics & Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, Milan 20138, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical & Research Center, Rozzano (MI) 20089, Italy
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Yue Y, Binalsheikh IM, Leach SB, Domeier TL, Duan D. Prospect of gene therapy for cardiomyopathy in hereditary muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015; 4:169-183. [PMID: 27340611 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1124039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac involvement is a common feature in muscular dystrophies. It presents as heart failure and/or arrhythmia. Traditionally, dystrophic cardiomyopathy is treated with symptom-relieving medications. Identification of disease-causing genes and investigation on pathogenic mechanisms have opened new opportunities to treat dystrophic cardiomyopathy with gene therapy. Replacing/repairing the mutated gene and/or targeting the pathogenic process/mechanisms using alternative genes may attenuate heart disease in muscular dystrophies. AREAS COVERED Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy. Duchenne cardiomyopathy has been the primary focus of ongoing dystrophic cardiomyopathy gene therapy studies. Here, we use Duchenne cardiomyopathy gene therapy to showcase recent developments and to outline the path forward. We also discuss gene therapy status for cardiomyopathy associated with limb-girdle and congenital muscular dystrophies, and myotonic dystrophy. EXPERT OPINION Gene therapy for dystrophic cardiomyopathy has taken a slow but steady path forward. Preclinical studies over the last decades have addressed many fundamental questions. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy has significantly improved the outcomes in rodent models of Duchenne and limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Validation of these encouraging results in large animal models will pave the way to future human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | | | - Stacey B Leach
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Timothy L Domeier
- Department of Medical Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
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Giacca M, Zacchigna S. Harnessing the microRNA pathway for cardiac regeneration. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 89:68-74. [PMID: 26431632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence over the last few years has indicated that the rate of cardiomyocyte proliferation, and thus the extent of cardiac renewal, is under the control of the microRNA network. Several microRNAs (e.g. miR-1) regulate expansion of the cardiomyocyte pool and its terminal differentiation during the embryonic life; some not only promote cardiomyocyte proliferation but also their de-differentiation towards an embryonic cell phenotype (e.g. the miR-302/367 cluster); a few others are involved in the repression of cardiomyocyte proliferation occurring suddenly after birth (e.g. the miR-15 family); others again are not physiologically involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte turnover, but nevertheless are able to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration when delivered exogenously (e.g. miR-199a-3p). With a few exceptions, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-proliferative effect of these microRNAs, most of which appear to act at the level of already differentiated cardiomyocytes, remain to be thoroughly elucidated. The possibility of harnessing the miRNA network to achieve cardiac regeneration paves the way to exciting therapeutic applications. This could be achieved by either administering miRNA mimics or inhibitors, or transducing the heart with viral vectors expressing miRNA-encoding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratories, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), AREA Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
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40
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Pourrajab F, Vakili Zarch A, Hekmatimoghaddam S, Zare-Khormizi MR. MicroRNAs; easy and potent targets in optimizing therapeutic methods in reparative angiogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2702-14. [PMID: 26416208 PMCID: PMC4687703 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The age‐related senescence of adult tissues is associated with the decreased level of angiogenic capability and with the development of a degenerative disease such as atherosclerosis which thereafter result in the deteriorating function of multiple systems. Findings indicate that tissue senescence not only diminishes repair processes but also promotes atherogenesis, serving as a double‐edged sword in the development and prognosis of ischaemia‐associated diseases. Evidence evokes microRNAs (miRNAs) as molecular switchers that underlie cellular events in different tissues. Here, miRNAs would promote new potential targets for optimizing therapeutic methods in blood flow recovery to the ischaemic area. Effectively beginning an ischaemia therapy, a more characteristic of miRNA changes in adult tissues is prerequisite and in the forefront. It may also be a preliminary phase in treatment strategies by stem cell‐based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Pourrajab
- School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abbas Vakili Zarch
- School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyedhossein Hekmatimoghaddam
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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41
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Simonson B, Das S. MicroRNA Therapeutics: the Next Magic Bullet? Mini Rev Med Chem 2015; 15:467-74. [PMID: 25807941 DOI: 10.2174/1389557515666150324123208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short noncoding 18-25 nucleotide long RNA which bind and inhibit mRNA. Currently, there are over 1000 known human microRNAs, and microRNAs control over 50% of mammalian protein coding genes. MicroRNAs can be overexpressed or repressed in different diseases and inhibition or replacement of microRNAs is a promising area of study for therapeutics. Here we review the current knowledge of microRNA therapy, and discuss ways in which they can be utilized. We also discuss different methods of delivery of miRNA, and current clinical trials of microRNA-based therapies for disease. Finally we discuss the current limitations in the field, and how these limitations are being overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, CLS 907, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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42
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The mesmiRizing complexity of microRNAs for striated muscle tissue engineering. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 88:37-52. [PMID: 25912658 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRs) are small non-protein-coding RNAs, able to post-transcriptionally regulate many genes and exert pleiotropic effects. Alteration of miR levels in tissues and in the circulation has been associated with various pathological and regenerative conditions. In this regard, tissue engineering of cardiac and skeletal muscles is a fascinating context for harnessing the complexity of miR-based circuitries and signals. In this review, we will focus on miR-driven regulation of cardiac and skeletal myogenic routes in homeostatic and challenging states. Furthermore, we will survey the intriguing perspective of exosomal and circulating miRs as novel paracrine players, potentially useful for current and future approaches of regenerative medicine for the striated muscles.
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43
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Gong Y, Mu D, Prabhakar S, Moser A, Musolino P, Ren J, Breakefield XO, Maguire CA, Eichler FS. Adenoassociated virus serotype 9-mediated gene therapy for x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Mol Ther 2015; 23:824-834. [PMID: 25592337 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a devastating neurological disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene that encodes a peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCD1) responsible for transport of CoA-activated very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) into the peroxisome for degradation. We used recombinant adenoassociated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vector for delivery of the human ABCD1 gene (ABCD1) to mouse central nervous system (CNS). In vitro, efficient delivery of ABCD1 gene was achieved in primary mixed brain glial cells from Abcd1-/- mice as well as X-ALD patient fibroblasts. Importantly, human ABCD1 localized to the peroxisome, and AAV-ABCD1 transduction showed a dose-dependent effect in reducing VLCFA. In vivo, AAV9-ABCD1 was delivered to Abcd1-/- mouse CNS by either stereotactic intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intravenous (IV) injections. Astrocytes, microglia and neurons were the major target cell types following ICV injection, while IV injection also delivered to microvascular endothelial cells and oligodendrocytes. IV injection also yielded high transduction of the adrenal gland. Importantly, IV injection of AAV9-ABCD1 reduced VLCFA in mouse brain and spinal cord. We conclude that AAV9-mediated ABCD1 gene transfer is able to reach target cells in the nervous system and adrenal gland as well as reduce VLCFA in culture and a mouse model of X-ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Gong
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dakai Mu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shilpa Prabhakar
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ann Moser
- Peroxisome Disease Lab, Hugo W Moser Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia Musolino
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - JiaQian Ren
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Alexander MS, Kunkel LM. Skeletal Muscle MicroRNAs: Their Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential in Human Muscle Diseases. J Neuromuscul Dis 2015; 2:1-11. [PMID: 27547731 PMCID: PMC4988517 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-140058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 21-24 nucleotide RNAs that are capable of regulating multiple signaling pathways across multiple tissues. MicroRNAs are dynamically regulated and change in expression levels during periods of early development, tissue regeneration, cancer, and various other disease states. Recently, microRNAs have been isolated from whole serum and muscle biopsies to identify unique diagnostic signatures for specific neuromuscular disease states. Functional studies of microRNAs in cell lines and animal models of neuromuscular diseases have elucidated their importance in contributing to neuromuscular disease progression and pathologies. The ability of microRNAs to alter the expression of an entire signaling pathway opens up their unique ability to be used as potential therapeutic entry points for the treatment of disease. Here, we will review the recent findings of key microRNAs and their dysregulation in various neuromuscular diseases. Additionally, we will highlight the current strategies being used to regulate the expression of key microRNAs as they have become important players in the clinical treatment of some of the neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Alexander
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Stem Cell Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Louis M Kunkel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Stem Cell Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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46
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Notch signaling regulates myogenic regenerative capacity of murine and human mesoangioblasts. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1448. [PMID: 25299773 PMCID: PMC4237240 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Somatic stem cells hold attractive potential for the treatment of muscular dystrophies (MDs). Mesoangioblasts (MABs) constitute a myogenic subset of muscle pericytes and have been shown to efficiently regenerate dystrophic muscles in mice and dogs. In addition, HLA-matched MABs are currently being tested in a phase 1 clinical study on Duchenne MD patients (EudraCT #2011-000176-33). Many reports indicate that the Notch pathway regulates muscle regeneration and satellite cell commitment. However, little is known about Notch-mediated effects on other resident myogenic cells. To possibly potentiate MAB-driven regeneration in vivo, we asked whether Notch signaling played a pivotal role in regulating MAB myogenic capacity. Through different approaches of loss- and gain-of-function in murine and human MABs, we determined that the interplay between Delta-like ligand 1 (Dll1)-activated Notch1 and Mef2C supports MAB commitment in vitro and ameliorates engraftment and functional outcome after intra-arterial delivery in dystrophic mice. Furthermore, using a transgenic mouse model of conditional Dll1 deletion, we demonstrated that Dll1 ablation, either on the injected cells, or on the receiving muscle fibers, impairs MAB regenerative potential. Our data corroborate the perspective of advanced combinations of cell therapy and signaling tuning to enhance therapeutic efficaciousness of somatic stem cells.
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Abstract
Cardiac stress leads to remodelling of cardiac tissue, which often progresses to heart failure and death. Part of the remodelling process is the formation of fibrotic tissue, which is caused by exaggerated activity of cardiac fibroblasts leading to excessive extracellular matrix production within the myocardium. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of endogenous RNA-based molecules, which include short (∼22 nucleotides) microRNAs and long ncRNAs (of >200 nucleotides). These ncRNAs can regulate important functions in many cardiovascular cells types. This Review focuses on the role of ncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis; specifically, ncRNAs as therapeutic targets, factors for direct fibroblast transdifferentation, their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and their potential to function as paracrine modulators of cardiac fibrosis and remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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48
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Zacchigna S, Zentilin L, Giacca M. Adeno-associated virus vectors as therapeutic and investigational tools in the cardiovascular system. Circ Res 2014; 114:1827-46. [PMID: 24855205 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of vectors based on the small parvovirus adeno-associated virus has gained significant momentum during the past decade. Their high efficiency of transduction of postmitotic tissues in vivo, such as heart, brain, and retina, renders these vectors extremely attractive for several gene therapy applications affecting these organs. Besides functional correction of different monogenic diseases, the possibility to drive efficient and persistent transgene expression in the heart offers the possibility to develop innovative therapies for prevalent conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic genes are not only restricted to protein-coding complementary DNAs but also include short hairpin RNAs and microRNA genes, thus broadening the spectrum of possible applications. In addition, several spontaneous or engineered variants in the virus capsid have recently improved vector efficiency and expanded their tropism. Apart from their therapeutic potential, adeno-associated virus vectors also represent outstanding investigational tools to explore the function of individual genes or gene combinations in vivo, thus providing information that is conceptually similar to that obtained from genetically modified animals. Finally, their single-stranded DNA genome can drive homology-directed gene repair at high efficiency. Here, we review the main molecular characteristics of adeno-associated virus vectors, with a particular view to their applications in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.).
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49
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Alexander MS, Casar JC, Motohashi N, Vieira NM, Eisenberg I, Marshall JL, Gasperini MJ, Lek A, Myers JA, Estrella EA, Kang PB, Shapiro F, Rahimov F, Kawahara G, Widrick JJ, Kunkel LM. MicroRNA-486-dependent modulation of DOCK3/PTEN/AKT signaling pathways improves muscular dystrophy-associated symptoms. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2651-67. [PMID: 24789910 DOI: 10.1172/jci73579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, which results in dysfunctional signaling pathways within muscle. Previously, we identified microRNA-486 (miR-486) as a muscle-enriched microRNA that is markedly reduced in the muscles of dystrophin-deficient mice (Dmdmdx-5Cv mice) and in DMD patient muscles. Here, we determined that muscle-specific transgenic overexpression of miR-486 in muscle of Dmdmdx-5Cv mice results in reduced serum creatine kinase levels, improved sarcolemmal integrity, fewer centralized myonuclei, increased myofiber size, and improved muscle physiology and performance. Additionally, we identified dedicator of cytokinesis 3 (DOCK3) as a miR-486 target in skeletal muscle and determined that DOCK3 expression is induced in dystrophic muscles. DOCK3 overexpression in human myotubes modulated PTEN/AKT signaling, which regulates muscle hypertrophy and growth, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, several components of the PTEN/AKT pathway were markedly modulated by miR-486 in dystrophin-deficient muscle. Skeletal muscle-specific miR-486 overexpression in Dmdmdx-5Cv animals decreased levels of DOCK3, reduced PTEN expression, and subsequently increased levels of phosphorylated AKT, which resulted in an overall beneficial effect. Together, these studies demonstrate that stable overexpression of miR-486 ameliorates the disease progression of dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors/genetics
- Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Mice, Transgenic
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- PTEN Phosphohydrolase/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Signal Transduction
- Up-Regulation
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50
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Berardi E, Annibali D, Cassano M, Crippa S, Sampaolesi M. Molecular and cell-based therapies for muscle degenerations: a road under construction. Front Physiol 2014; 5:119. [PMID: 24782779 PMCID: PMC3986550 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances achieved in understanding the molecular biology of muscle cells in the past decades, there is still need for effective treatments of muscular degeneration caused by muscular dystrophies and for counteracting the muscle wasting caused by cachexia or sarcopenia. The corticosteroid medications currently in use for dystrophic patients merely help to control the inflammatory state and only slightly delay the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, walkers and wheel chairs are the only options for such patients to maintain independence and walking capabilities until the respiratory muscles become weak and the mechanical ventilation is needed. On the other hand, myostatin inhibition, IL-6 antagonism and synthetic ghrelin administration are examples of promising treatments in cachexia animal models. In both dystrophies and cachectic syndrome the muscular degeneration is extremely relevant and the translational therapeutic attempts to find a possible cure are well defined. In particular, molecular-based therapies are common options to be explored in order to exploit beneficial treatments for cachexia, while gene/cell therapies are mostly used in the attempt to induce a substantial improvement of the dystrophic muscular phenotype. This review focuses on the description of the use of molecular administrations and gene/stem cell therapy to treat muscular degenerations. It reviews previous trials using cell delivery protocols in mice and patients starting with the use of donor myoblasts, outlining the likely causes for their poor results and briefly focusing on satellite cell studies that raise new hope. Then it proceeds to describe recently identified stem/progenitor cells, including pluripotent stem cells and in relationship to their ability to home within a dystrophic muscle and to differentiate into skeletal muscle cells. Different known features of various stem cells are compared in this perspective, and the few available examples of their use in animal models of muscular degeneration are reported. Since non coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), are emerging as prominent players in the regulation of stem cell fates we also provides an outline of the role of microRNAs in the control of myogenic commitment. Finally, based on our current knowledge and the rapid advance in stem cell biology, a prediction of clinical translation for cell therapy protocols combined with molecular treatments is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Berardi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Department of Development and Reproduction, KUL University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium ; Interuniversity Institute of Myology Italy
| | - Daniela Annibali
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Proliferation, Vesalius Research Center, Vlaamse Institute voor Biotechnologie Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marco Cassano
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology Italy ; School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Crippa
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology Italy ; Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Department of Development and Reproduction, KUL University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium ; Interuniversity Institute of Myology Italy ; Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
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