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Sönmez MI, Goldack S, Nurkkala E, Schulz C, Klampe B, Schulze T, Hansen A, Eschenhagen T, Koivumäki J, Christ T. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes recapitulate contribution of the slowly activating delayed rectifier currents IKs to repolarization in the human atrium. Europace 2024; 26:euae140. [PMID: 38788213 PMCID: PMC11167676 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae140] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-aCM) could be a helpful tool to study the physiology and diseases of the human atrium. To fulfil this expectation, the electrophysiology of hiPSC-aCM should closely resemble the situation in the human atrium. Data on the contribution of the slowly activating delayed rectifier currents (IKs) to repolarization are lacking for both human atrium and hiPSC-aCM. METHODS AND RESULTS Human atrial tissues were obtained from patients with sinus rhythm (SR) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Currents were measured in human atrial cardiomyocytes (aCM) and compared with hiPSC-aCM and used to model IKs contribution to action potential (AP) shape. Action potential was recorded by sharp microelectrodes. HMR-1556 (1 µM) was used to identify IKs and to estimate IKs contribution to repolarization. Less than 50% of hiPSC-aCM and aCM possessed IKs. Frequency of occurrence, current densities, activation/deactivation kinetics, and voltage dependency of IKs did not differ significantly between hiPSC-aCM and aCM, neither in SR nor AF. β-Adrenoceptor stimulation with isoprenaline did not increase IKs neither in aCM nor in hiPSC-aCM. In tissue from SR, block of IKs with HMR-1556 did not lengthen the action potential duration, even when repolarization reserve was reduced by block of the ultra-rapid repolarizing current with 4-aminopyridine or the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium outward current with E-4031. CONCLUSION I Ks exists in hiPSC-aCM with biophysics not different from aCM. As in adult human atrium (SR and AF), IKs does not appear to relevantly contribute to repolarization in hiPSC-aCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Ikbal Sönmez
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silvana Goldack
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elina Nurkkala
- Tech Unit and Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finnland
| | - Carl Schulz
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Klampe
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schulze
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Arne Hansen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jussi Koivumäki
- Tech Unit and Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research (CoEBoC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finnland
| | - Torsten Christ
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Chen J, Qin H, Hao J, Wang Q, Chen S, Yang G, Li M, Zhu X, Wang D, Chen H, Cui C, Chen M. Cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X via CRISPR/Cas9 in mice presents a new model of atrial cardiomyopathy with spontaneous atrial fibrillation. Transl Res 2024; 267:54-66. [PMID: 38199433 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) forms the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF) and underlies the potential for atrial thrombus formation and subsequent stroke. However, generating stable animal models that accurately replicate the entire progression of atrial lesions, particularly the onset of AF, presents significant challenges. In the present study, we found that the isoform of CRE-binding protein modulator (CREM-IbΔC-X), which is involved in the regulation of cardiac development and atrial rhythm, was highly expressed in atrial biopsies from patients with AF. Building upon this finding, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mouse model with cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X (referred to as CS-CREM mice). This animal model effectively illustrated the development of ACM through electrophysiological and structural remodelings over time. Proteomics and Chip-qPCR analysis of atrial samples revealed significant upregulation of cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix structural components, alongside significant downregulation of genes related to atrial functions in the CS-CREM mice. Furthermore, the corresponding responses to anti-arrhythmia drugs, i.e., amiodarone and propafenone, suggested that CS-CREM mice could serve as an ideal in vivo model for drug testing. Our study introduced a novel ACM model with spontaneous AF by cardiac-specifically overexpressing CREM-IbΔC-X in mice, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuzhou Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huiyuan Qin
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jingzhe Hao
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Mingfang Li
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiyu Zhu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwu Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chang Cui
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Minglong Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
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Brown GE, Han YD, Michell AR, Ly OT, Vanoye CG, Spanghero E, George AL, Darbar D, Khetani SR. Engineered cocultures of iPSC-derived atrial cardiomyocytes and atrial fibroblasts for modeling atrial fibrillation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadg1222. [PMID: 38241367 PMCID: PMC10798559 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia treatable with antiarrhythmic drugs; however, patient responses remain highly variable. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (iPSC-aCMs) are useful for discovering precision therapeutics, but current platforms yield phenotypically immature cells and are not easily scalable for high-throughput screening. Here, primary adult atrial, but not ventricular, fibroblasts induced greater functional iPSC-aCM maturation, partly through connexin-40 and ephrin-B1 signaling. We developed a protein patterning process within multiwell plates to engineer patterned iPSC-aCM and atrial fibroblast coculture (PC) that significantly enhanced iPSC-aCM structural, electrical, contractile, and metabolic maturation for 6+ weeks compared to conventional mono-/coculture. PC displayed greater sensitivity for detecting drug efficacy than monoculture and enabled the modeling and pharmacological or gene editing treatment of an AF-like electrophysiological phenotype due to a mutated sodium channel. Overall, PC is useful for elucidating cell signaling in the atria, drug screening, and modeling AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yong Duk Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashlin R. Michell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olivia T. Ly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos G. Vanoye
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emanuele Spanghero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dawood Darbar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Salman R. Khetani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Yin P, Wu Y, Long X, Zhu S, Chen S, Lu F, Lin K, Xu J. HACE1 expression in heart failure patients might promote mitochondrial oxidative stress and ferroptosis by targeting NRF2. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:13888-13900. [PMID: 38070140 PMCID: PMC10756096 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure is a prevalent and life-threatening medical condition characterized by abnormal atrial electrical activity, contributing to a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Atrial remodelling, driven by oxidative stress and structural changes, plays a central role in heart failure progression. Recent studies suggest that HACE1, a regulatory gene, may be involved in cardiac protection against heart failure. METHODS Clinical data analysis involved heart failure patients, while an animal model utilized C57BL/6J mice. RT-PCR, microarray analysis, histological examination, ELISA, and Western blot assays were employed to assess gene and protein expression, oxidative stress, and cardiac function. Cell transfection and culture of mouse atrial fibroblasts were performed for in-vitro experiments. RESULTS HACE1 expression was reduced in heart failure patients and correlated negatively with collagen levels. In mouse models, HACE1 up-regulation reduced oxidative stress, mitigated fibrosis, and improved cardiac function. Conversely, HACE1 knockdown exacerbated oxidative stress, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction. HACE1 also protected against ferroptosis and mitochondrial damage. NRF2, a transcription factor implicated in oxidative stress, was identified as a target of HACE1, with HACE1 promoting NRF2 activity through ubiquitination. CONCLUSIONS HACE1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker for heart failure. It regulates oxidative stress, mitigates cardiac fibrosis, and protects against ferroptosis and mitochondrial damage. The study reveals that HACE1 achieves these effects, at least in part, through NRF2 activation via ubiquitination, offering insights into novel mechanisms for heart failure pathogenesis and potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Yin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yongbin Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiang Long
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuqiang Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shiwei Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Kun Lin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jianjun Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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Benzoni P, Da Dalt L, Elia N, Popolizio V, Cospito A, Giannetti F, Dell’Era P, Olesen MS, Bucchi A, Baruscotti M, Norata GD, Barbuti A. PITX2 gain-of-function mutation associated with atrial fibrillation alters mitochondrial activity in human iPSC atrial-like cardiomyocytes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1250951. [PMID: 38028792 PMCID: PMC10679737 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1250951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide; however, the underlying causes of AF initiation are still poorly understood, particularly because currently available models do not allow in distinguishing the initial causes from maladaptive remodeling that induces and perpetuates AF. Lately, the genetic background has been proven to be important in the AF onset. iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, being patient- and mutation-specific, may help solve this diatribe by showing the initial cell-autonomous changes underlying the development of the disease. Transcription factor paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2) has been identified as a key regulator of atrial development/differentiation, and the PITX2 genomic locus has the highest association with paroxysmal AF. PITX2 influences mitochondrial activity, and alterations in either its expression or function have been widely associated with AF. In this work, we investigate the activity of mitochondria in iPSC-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (aCMs) obtained from a young patient (24 years old) with paroxysmal AF, carrying a gain-of-function mutation in PITX2 (rs138163892) and from its isogenic control (CTRL) in which the heterozygous point mutation has been reverted to WT. PITX2 aCMs show a higher mitochondrial content, increased mitochondrial activity, and superoxide production under basal conditions when compared to CTRL aCMs. However, increasing mitochondrial workload by FCCP or β-adrenergic stimulation allows us to unmask mitochondrial defects in PITX2 aCMs, which are incapable of responding efficiently to the higher energy demand, determining ATP deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Benzoni
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Da Dalt
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Noemi Elia
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Vera Popolizio
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cospito
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Giannetti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dell’Era
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Morten S. Olesen
- The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annalisa Bucchi
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Wu X, Singla S, Liu JJ, Hong L. The role of macrophage ion channels in the progression of atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225178. [PMID: 37588590 PMCID: PMC10425548 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease that affects the arteries and can lead to severe complications such as heart attack and stroke. Macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in atherosclerosis initiation and progression. Emerging studies revealed that ion channels regulate macrophage activation, polarization, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion. Moreover, macrophage ion channel dysfunction is implicated in macrophage-derived foam cell formation and atherogenesis. In this context, exploring the regulatory role of ion channels in macrophage function and their impacts on the progression of atherosclerosis emerges as a promising avenue for research. Studies in the field will provide insights into novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sidhant Singla
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jianhua J. Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Liang Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Thorpe J, Perry MD, Contreras O, Hurley E, Parker G, Harvey RP, Hill AP, Vandenberg JI. Development of a robust induced pluripotent stem cell atrial cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol to model atrial arrhythmia. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:183. [PMID: 37501071 PMCID: PMC10373292 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia syndrome and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutics, however, have limited efficacy. Notably, many therapeutics shown to be efficacious in animal models have not proved effective in humans. Thus, there is a need for a drug screening platform based on human tissue. The aim of this study was to develop a robust protocol for generating atrial cardiomyocytes from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. METHODS A novel protocol for atrial differentiation, with optimized timing of retinoic acid during mesoderm formation, was compared to two previously published methods. Each differentiation method was assessed for successful formation of a contractile syncytium, electrical properties assayed by optical action potential recordings and multi-electrode array electrophysiology, and response to the G-protein-gated potassium channel activator, carbamylcholine. Atrial myocyte monolayers, derived using the new differentiation protocol, were further assessed for cardiomyocyte purity, gene expression, and the ability to form arrhythmic rotors in response to burst pacing. RESULTS Application of retinoic acid at day 1 of mesoderm formation resulted in a robust differentiation of atrial myocytes with contractile syncytium forming in 16/18 differentiations across two cell lines. Atrial-like myocytes produced have shortened action potentials and field potentials, when compared to standard application of retinoic acid at the cardiac mesoderm stage. Day 1 retinoic acid produced atrial cardiomyocytes are also carbamylcholine sensitive, indicative of active Ikach currents, which was distinct from ventricular myocytes and standard retinoic addition in matched differentiations. A current protocol utilizing reduced Activin A and BMP4 can produce atrial cardiomyocytes with equivalent functionality but with reduced robustness of differentiation; only 8/17 differentiations produced a contractile syncytium. The day 1 retinoic acid protocol was successfully applied to 6 iPSC lines (3 male and 3 female) without additional optimization or modification. Atrial myocytes produced could also generate syncytia with rapid conduction velocities, > 40 cm s-1, and form rotor style arrhythmia in response to burst pacing. CONCLUSIONS This method combines an enhanced atrial-like phenotype with robustness of differentiation, which will facilitate further research in human atrial arrhythmia and myopathies, while being economically viable for larger anti-arrhythmic drug screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Thorpe
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew D Perry
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Osvaldo Contreras
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Hurley
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - George Parker
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard P Harvey
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam P Hill
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jamie I Vandenberg
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Gallo G, Rubattu S, Autore C, Volpe M. Natriuretic Peptides: It Is Time for Guided Therapeutic Strategies Based on Their Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5131. [PMID: 36982204 PMCID: PMC10049669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are the principal expression products of the endocrine function of the heart. They exert several beneficial effects, mostly mediated through guanylate cyclase-A coupled receptors, including natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, blood volume and blood pressure reduction, and regulation of electrolyte homeostasis. As a result of their biological functions, NPs counterbalance neurohormonal dysregulation in heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. NPs have been also validated as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease, as well as in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and severe cardiac remodeling. Serial measurements of their levels may be used to contribute to more accurate risk stratification by identifying patients who are more likely to experience death from cardiovascular causes, heart failure, and cardiac hospitalizations and to guide tailored pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies with the aim to improve clinical outcomes. On these premises, multiple therapeutic strategies based on the biological properties of NPs have been attempted to develop new targeted cardiovascular therapies. Apart from the introduction of the class of angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors to the current management of heart failure, novel promising molecules including M-atrial natriuretic peptide (a novel atrial NP-based compound) have been tested for the treatment of human hypertension with promising results. Moreover, different therapeutic strategies based on the molecular mechanisms involved in NP regulation and function are under development for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Gallo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Speranza Rubattu
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, RM, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Camillo Autore
- IRCCS San Raffaele Cassino, Via G. Di Biasio 1, 03043 Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Massimo Volpe
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, RM, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via della Pisana 235, 00163 Rome, RM, Italy
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9
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Zhang X, Li W, Zhou T, Liu M, Wu Q, Dong N. Corin Deficiency Alters Adipose Tissue Phenotype and Impairs Thermogenesis in Mice. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081101. [PMID: 35892957 PMCID: PMC9329919 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a key regulator in body fluid balance and cardiovascular biology. In addition to its role in enhancing natriuresis and vasodilation, ANP increases lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Corin is a protease responsible for ANP activation. It remains unknown if corin has a role in regulating adipose tissue function. Here, we examined adipose tissue morphology and function in corin knockout (KO) mice. We observed increased weights and cell sizes in white adipose tissue (WAT), decreased levels of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), a brown adipocyte marker in WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT), and suppressed thermogenic gene expression in BAT from corin KO mice. At regular room temperature, corin KO and wild-type mice had similar metabolic rates. Upon cold exposure at 4 °C, corin KO mice exhibited impaired thermogenic responses and developed hypothermia. In BAT from corin KO mice, the signaling pathway of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor c coactivator 1a, and Ucp1 was impaired. In cell culture, ANP treatment increased Ucp1 expression in BAT-derived adipocytes from corin KO mice. These data indicate that corin mediated-ANP activation is an important hormonal mechanism in regulating adipose tissue function and body temperature upon cold exposure in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrui Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
- MOH Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Wenguo Li
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
- MOH Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Meng Liu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Qingyu Wu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (N.D.)
| | - Ningzheng Dong
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (X.Z.); (W.L.); (T.Z.); (M.L.)
- MOH Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (N.D.)
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Corin: A Key Mediator in Sodium Homeostasis, Vascular Remodeling, and Heart Failure. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050717. [PMID: 35625445 PMCID: PMC9138375 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is an important hormone that regulates many physiological and pathological processes, including electrolyte and body fluid balance, blood volume and pressure, cardiac channel activity and function, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and vascular remodeling. Corin is a transmembrane serine protease that activates ANP. Variants in the CORIN gene are associated with cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and preeclampsia. The current data indicate a key role of corin-mediated ANP production and signaling in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the latest findings regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the role of corin in sodium homeostasis, uterine spiral artery remodeling, and heart failure. Abstract Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a crucial element of the cardiac endocrine function that promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, thereby protecting normal blood pressure and cardiac function. Corin is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is highly expressed in the heart, where it converts the ANP precursor to mature ANP. Corin deficiency prevents ANP activation and causes hypertension and heart disease. In addition to the heart, corin is expressed in other tissues, including those of the kidney, skin, and uterus, where corin-mediated ANP production and signaling act locally to promote sodium excretion and vascular remodeling. These results indicate that corin and ANP function in many tissues via endocrine and autocrine mechanisms. In heart failure patients, impaired natriuretic peptide processing is a common pathological mechanism that contributes to sodium and body fluid retention. In this review, we discuss most recent findings regarding the role of corin in non-cardiac tissues, including the kidney and skin, in regulating sodium homeostasis and body fluid excretion. Moreover, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying corin and ANP function in supporting orderly cellular events in uterine spiral artery remodeling. Finally, we assess the potential of corin-based approaches to enhance natriuretic peptide production and activity as a treatment of heart failure.
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