1
|
Webster KA. Translational Relevance of Advanced Age and Atherosclerosis in Preclinical Trials of Biotherapies for Peripheral Artery Disease. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:135. [PMID: 38275616 PMCID: PMC10815340 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010135] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 6% of adults worldwide suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD), primarily caused by atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries. Despite optimal medical care and revascularization, many PAD patients remain symptomatic and progress to critical limb ischemia (CLI) and risk major amputation. Delivery of pro-angiogenic factors as proteins or DNA, stem, or progenitor cells confers vascular regeneration and functional recovery in animal models of CLI, but the effects are not well replicated in patients and no pro-angiogenic biopharmacological procedures are approved in the US, EU, or China. The reasons are unclear, but animal models that do not represent clinical PAD/CLI are implicated. Consequently, it is unclear whether the obstacles to clinical success lie in the toxic biochemical milieu of human CLI, or in procedures that were optimized on inappropriate models. The question is significant because the former case requires abandonment of current strategies, while the latter encourages continued optimization. These issues are discussed in the context of relevant preclinical and clinical data, and it is concluded that preclinical mouse models that include age and atherosclerosis as the only comorbidities that are consistently present and active in clinical trial patients are necessary to predict clinical success. Of the reviewed materials, no biopharmacological procedure that failed in clinical trials had been tested in animal models that included advanced age and atherosclerosis relevant to PAD/CLI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith A. Webster
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang Z, Guo D, Zhao J, Li J, Zhang R, Zhang Y, Xu C, Ke T, Wang QK. Aggf1 Specifies Hemangioblasts at the Top of Regulatory Hierarchy via Npas4l and mTOR-S6K-Emp2-ERK Signaling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2348-2368. [PMID: 37881938 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318818] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemangioblasts are mesoderm-derived multipotent stem cells for differentiation of all hematopoietic and endothelial cells in the circulation system. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. METHODS CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (type II CRISPR RNA-guided endonuclease) editing was used to develop aggf1-/- and emp2-/- knockout zebra fish. Whole-mount in situ hybridization and transgenic Tg(gata1-EGFP [enhanced green fluorescent protein]), Tg(mpx-EGFP), Tg(rag2-DsRed [discosoma sp. red fluorescent protein]), Tg(cd41-EGFP), Tg(kdrl-EGFP), and Tg(aggf1-/-;kdrl-EGFP) zebra fish were used to examine specification of hemangioblasts and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), hematopoiesis, and vascular development. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used for expression analysis of genes and proteins. RESULTS Knockout of aggf1 impaired specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs, hematopoiesis, and vascular development in zebra fish. Expression of npas4l/cloche-the presumed earliest marker for hemangioblast specification-was significantly reduced in aggf1-/- embryos and increased by overexpression of aggf1 in embryos. Overexpression of npas4l rescued the impaired specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs and development of hematopoiesis and intersegmental vessels in aggf1-/- embryos, placing aggf1 upstream of npas4l in hemangioblast specification. To identify the underlying molecular mechanism, we identified emp2 as a key aggf1 downstream gene. Similar to aggf1, emp2 knockout impaired the specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs, hematopoiesis, and angiogenesis by increasing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2). Mechanistic studies showed that aggf1 knockdown and knockout significantly decreased the phosphorylated levels of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and p70 S6K (ribosomal protein S6 kinase), resulting in reduced protein synthesis of Emp2 (epithelial membrane protein 2), whereas mTOR activator MHY1485 (4,6-dimorpholino-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine) rescued the impaired specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs and development of hematopoiesis and intersegmental vessels and reduced Emp2 expression induced by aggf1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that aggf1 acts at the top of npas4l and becomes the earliest marker during specification of hemangioblasts. Our data identify a novel signaling axis of Aggf1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1)-mTOR-S6K-ERK1/2 for specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs, primitive and definitive hematopoiesis, and vascular development. Our findings provide important insights into specification of hemangioblasts and HSPCs essential for the development of the circulation system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongcheng Yang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Di Guo
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Jinyan Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Nerve Injury and Repair, Chengde Medical University, China (J.Z.)
| | - Jia Li
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China (J.L.)
| | - Rui Zhang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Tie Ke
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
| | - Qing K Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (Z.Y., D.G., J.L., R.Z., Y.Z., C.X., T.K., Q.K.W.)
- Shaoxing Institute of Innovation, Zhejiang University, China (Q.K.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Da X, Li Z, Huang X, He Z, Yu Y, Tian T, Xu C, Yao Y, Wang QK. AGGF1 therapy inhibits thoracic aortic aneurysms by enhancing integrin α7-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1 maturation and ERK1/2 signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2265. [PMID: 37081014 PMCID: PMC10119315 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a localized or diffuse dilatation of the thoracic aortas, and causes many sudden deaths each year worldwide. However, there is no effective pharmacologic therapy. Here, we show that AGGF1 effectively blocks TAA-associated arterial inflammation and remodeling in three different mouse models (mice with transverse aortic constriction, Fbn1C1041G/+ mice, and β-aminopropionitrile-treated mice). AGGF1 expression is reduced in the ascending aortas from the three models and human TAA patients. Aggf1+/- mice and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific Aggf1smcKO knockout mice show aggravated TAA phenotypes. Mechanistically, AGGF1 enhances the interaction between its receptor integrin α7 and latency-associated peptide (LAP)-TGF-β1, blocks the cleavage of LAP-TGF-β1 to form mature TGF-β1, and inhibits Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in VSMCs. Pirfenidone, a treatment agent for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inhibits TAA-associated vascular inflammation and remodeling in wild type mice, but not in Aggf1+/- mice. In conclusion, we identify an innovative AGGF1 protein therapeutic strategy to block TAA-associated vascular inflammation and remodeling, and show that efficacy of TGF-β inhibition therapies require AGGF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingwen Da
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ziyan Li
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofan Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zuhan He
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yubing Yu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Tongtong Tian
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- Institute of Medical Genomics and School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Qing K Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- Institute of Medical Genomics and School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao J, Xie W, Yang Z, Zhao M, Ke T, Xu C, Li H, Chen Q, Wang QK. Identification and characterization of a special type of subnuclear structure: AGGF1-coated paraspeckles. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22366. [PMID: 35608889 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101690rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AGGF1 is an angiogenic factor with G-Patch and FHA domains 1 described by our group. Gain-of-function mutations in AGGF1 cause Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, whereas somatic loss-of-function mutations cause cancer. Paraspeckles are small membraneless subnuclear structures with a diameter of 0.5-1 μm, and composed of lncRNA NEAT1 as the scaffold and three core RNA-binding proteins NONO, PSPC1, and PSF. Here, we show that AGGF1 is a key regulatory and structural component of paraspeckles that induces paraspeckle formation, forms an outside rim of paraspeckles, wraps around the NONO/PSF/PSPC1/NEAT1 core, and regulates the size and number of paraspeckles. AGGF1-paraspeckles are larger (>1 μm) than conventional paraspeckles. RNA-FISH in combination with immunostaining shows that AGGF1, NONO, and NEAT1_2 co-localize in 20.58% of NEAT1_2-positive paraspeckles. Mechanistically, AGGF1 interacts with NONO, PSF, and HNRNPK, and upregulates NEAT1_2, a longer, 23 kb NEAT1 transcript with a key role in regulation of paraspeckle size and number. RNA-immunoprecipitation shows that AGGF1 interacts with NEAT1, which may be another possible mechanism underlying the formation of AGGF1-paraspeckles. NEAT1_2 knockdown reduces the number and size of AGGF1-paraspeckles. Functionally, AGGF1 regulates alternative RNA splicing as it decreases the exon skipping/inclusion ratio in a CD44 model. AGGF1 is also localized in some nuclear foci without NEAT1 or NONO, suggesting that AGGF1 is an important liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driver for other types of AGGF1-positive nuclear condensates (referred to as AGGF1-bodies). Our results identify a special type of AGGF1-coated paraspeckles and provide important insights into the formation, structure, and function of paraspeckles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Zhao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Miao Zhao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Tie Ke
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Qing K Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Peng H, Timur AA, Pasupuleti V, Yao Y, Zhang T, You SA, Fan C, Yu Y, Jia X, Chen J, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang Q. Receptor and Molecular Mechanism of AGGF1 Signaling in Endothelial Cell Functions and Angiogenesis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:2756-2769. [PMID: 34551592 PMCID: PMC8580577 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.316867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective Angiogenic factor AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA [Forkhead-associated] domain 1) promotes angiogenesis as potently as VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) and regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, specification of multipotent hemangioblasts and venous ECs, hematopoiesis, and vascular development and causes vascular disease Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome when mutated. However, the receptor for AGGF1 and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be defined. Approach and Results Using functional blocking studies with neutralizing antibodies, we identified [alpha]5[beta]1 as the receptor for AGGF1 on ECs. AGGF1 interacts with [alpha]5[beta]1 and activates FAK (focal adhesion kinase), Src (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase), and AKT (protein kinase B). Functional analysis of 12 serial N-terminal deletions and 13 C-terminal deletions by every 50 amino acids mapped the angiogenic domain of AGGF1 to a domain between amino acids 604-613 (FQRDDAPAS). The angiogenic domain is required for EC adhesion and migration, capillary tube formation, and AKT activation. The deletion of the angiogenic domain eliminated the effects of AGGF1 on therapeutic angiogenesis and increased blood flow in a mouse model for peripheral artery disease. A 40-mer or 15-mer peptide containing the angiogenic domain blocks AGGF1 function, however, a 15-mer peptide containing a single amino acid mutation from -RDD- to -RGD- (a classical RGD integrin-binding motif) failed to block AGGF1 function. Conclusions We have identified integrin [alpha]5[beta]1 as an EC receptor for AGGF1 and a novel AGGF1-mediated signaling pathway of [alpha]5[beta]1-FAK-Src-AKT for angiogenesis. Our results identify an FQRDDAPAS angiogenic domain of AGGF1 crucial for its interaction with [alpha]5[beta]1 and signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
- Institute of Genetics and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huixin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Ayse Anil Timur
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Vinay Pasupuleti
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Ah You
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chun Fan
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yubing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xinzhen Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Present Address, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parial R, Li H, Li J, Archacki S, Yang Z, Wang IZ, Chen Q, Xu C, Wang QK. Role of epigenetic m 6 A RNA methylation in vascular development: mettl3 regulates vascular development through PHLPP2/mTOR-AKT signaling. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21465. [PMID: 33788967 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000516rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most prevalent RNA modification, and it emerges as an important regulatory mechanism of gene expression involved in many cellular and biological processes. However, the role of m6 A methylation in vascular development is not clear. The m6 A RNA methylation is regulated by dynamic interplay among methyltransferases, binding proteins, and demethylases. Mettl3 is a member of the mettl3-mettl14 methyltransferase complex, referred to as writers that catalyze m6A RNA methylation. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to develop two lines of knockout (KO) zebrafish for mettl3. Heterozygous mettl3+/- KO embryos show defective vascular development, which is directly visible in fli-EGFP and flk-EGFP zebrafish. Alkaline phosphatase staining and whole mount in situ hybridization with cdh5, and flk markers demonstrated defective development of intersegmental vessels (ISVs), subintestinal vessels (SIVs), interconnecting vessels (ICVs) and dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessels (DLAV) in both heterozygous mettl3+/- and homozygous mettl3-/- KO zebrafish embryos. Similar phenotypes were observed in zebrafish embryos with morpholino knockdown (KD) of mettl3; however, the vascular defects were rescued fully by overexpression of constitutively active AKT1. KD of METTL3 in human endothelial cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and capillary tube formation. Mechanistically, mettl3 KO and KD significantly reduced the levels of m6 A RNA methylation, and AKT phosphorylation (S473) by an increase in the expression of phosphatase enzyme PHLPP2 and reduction in the phosphorylation of mTOR (S2481), a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase family of protein kinases. These data suggest that m6 A RNA methylation regulates vascular development via PHLPP2/mTOR-AKT signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramendu Parial
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Stephen Archacki
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Isabel Z Wang
- Symbolic Systems Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Qing K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gou D, Zhou J, Song Q, Wang Z, Bai X, Zhang Y, Zuo M, Wang F, Chen A, Yousaf M, Yang Z, Peng H, Li K, Xie W, Tang J, Yao Y, Han M, Ke T, Chen Q, Xu C, Wang Q. Mog1 knockout causes cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by downregulating tbx5-cryab-hspb2 signalling in zebrafish. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13567. [PMID: 33032360 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS MOG1 is a small protein that can bind to small GTPase RAN and regulate transport of RNA and proteins between the cytoplasm and nucleus. However, the in vivo physiological role of mog1 in the heart needs to be fully defined. METHODS Mog1 knockout zebrafish was generated by TALEN. Echocardiography, histological analysis, and electrocardiograms were used to examine cardiac structure and function. RNA sequencing and real-time RT-PCR were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism and to analyse the gene expression. Isoproterenol was used to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Whole-mount in situ hybridization was used to observe cardiac morphogenesis. RESULTS Mog1 knockout zebrafish developed cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (enlarged pericardium, increased nppa and nppb expression and ventricular wall thickness, and reduced ejection fraction), which was aggravated by isoproterenol. RNAseq and KEGG pathway analyses revealed the effect of mog1 knockout on the pathways of cardiac hypertrophy, dilatation and contraction. Mechanistic studies revealed that mog1 knockout decreased expression of tbx5, which reduced expression of cryab and hspb2, resulting in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Overexpression of cryab, hspb2 and tbx5 rescued the cardiac oedema phenotype of mog1 KO zebrafish. Telemetry electrocardiogram monitoring showed QRS and QTc prolongation and a reduced heart rate in mog1 knockout zebrafish, which was associated with reduced scn1b expression. Moreover, mog1 knockout resulted in abnormal cardiac looping during embryogenesis because of the reduced expression of nkx2.5, gata4 and hand2. CONCLUSION Our data identified an important molecular determinant for cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, and rhythm maintenance of the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhi Gou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Juan Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine Gannan Medical University Ganzhou P. R. China
| | - Qixue Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Bai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Mengxia Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CaseWestern Reserve University Cleveland OH USA
| | - Ailan Chen
- Department of Cardiology Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Yousaf
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Huixing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Wen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Jingluo Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Meng Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Tie Ke
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CaseWestern Reserve University Cleveland OH USA
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan P. R. China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of CaseWestern Reserve University Cleveland OH USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Science Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Cleveland OH USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bao B, An W, Lu Q, Wang Y, Lu Z, Tu J, Zhang H, Duan Y, Yuan W, Zhu X, Jia H. Sfxn1 is essential for erythrocyte maturation via facilitating hemoglobin production in zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166096. [PMID: 33524530 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports revealed that mutation of mitochondrial inner-membrane located protein SFXN1 led to pleiotropic hematological and skeletal defects in mice, associated with the presence of hypochromic erythroid cell, iron overload in mitochondrion of erythroblast and the development of sideroblastic anemia (SA). However, the potential role of sfxn1 during erythrocyte differentiation and the development of anemia, especially the pathological molecular mechanism still remains elusive. In this study, the correlation between sfxn1 and erythroid cell development is explored through zebrafish in vivo coupled with human hematopoietic cells assay ex vivo. Both knockdown and knockout of sfxn1 result in hypochromic anemia phenotype in zebrafish. Further analyses demonstrate that the development of anemia attributes to the biosynthetic deficiency of hemoglobin, which is caused by the biosynthetic disorder of heme that associates with one‑carbon (1C) metabolism process of mitochondrial branch in erythrocyte. Sfxn1 is also involved in the differentiation and maturation of erythrocyte in inducible human umbilical cord blood stem cells. In addition, we found that functional disruption of sfxn1 causes hypochromic anemia that is distinct from SA. These findings reveal that sfxn1 is genetically conserved and essential for the maturation of erythrocyte via facilitating the production of hemoglobin, which may provide a possible guidance for the future clinical treatment of sfxn1 mutation associated hematological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binghao Bao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbin An
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, ,China
| | - Qunwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhichao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayi Tu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongjuan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, ,China
| | - Weiping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, ,China.
| | - Xiaofan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, ,China.
| | - Haibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang CF, Wang HM, Wu A, Li Y, Tian XL. FHA domain of AGGF1 is essential for its nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1884-1894. [PMID: 33471274 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1844-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) exhibits a dynamic distribution from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in endothelial cells during angiogenesis, but the biological significance and underlying mechanism of this nucleocytoplasmic transport remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the dynamic distribution is essential for AGGF1 to execute its angiogenic function. To search the structural bases for this nucleocytoplasmic transport, we characterized three potential nuclear localization regions, one potential nuclear export region, forkhead-associated (FHA), and G-patch domains to determine their effects on nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis, and we show that AGGF1 remains intact during the dynamic subcellular distribution and the region from 260 to 288 amino acids acts as a signal for its nuclear localization. The distribution of AGGF1 in cytoplasm needs both FHA domain and 14-3-3α/β. Binding of AGGF1 via FHA domain to 14-3-3α/β is required to complete the transport. Thus, we for the first time established structural bases for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of AGGF1 and revealed that the FHA domain of AGGF1 is essential for its nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Fang Zhang
- Department of Human Population Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Han-Ming Wang
- Department of Human Population Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Andong Wu
- Aging and Vascular Diseases, Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Human Population Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiao-Li Tian
- Department of Human Population Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Aging and Vascular Diseases, Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Angiogenic factor AGGF1 acts as a tumor suppressor by modulating p53 post-transcriptional modifications and stability via MDM2. Cancer Lett 2020; 497:28-40. [PMID: 33069768 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis factors are widely known to promote tumor growth by increasing tumor angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, however, little is known whether their intracellular function is involved in tumorigenesis. Here we show that AGGF1 acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating p53 when acting inside tumor cells. AGGF1 antagonizes MDM2 function to inhibit p53 ubiquitination, increases the acetylation, phosphorylation, stability and expression levels of p53, activates transcription of p53 target genes, and regulates cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. AGGF1 also interacts with p53 through the FHA domain. Somatic AGGF1 variants in the FHA domain in human tumors, including p.Q467H, p.Y469 N, and p.N483T, inhibit AGGF1 activity on tumor suppression. These results identify a key role for AGGF1 in an AGGF1-MDM2-p53 signaling axis with important functions in tumor suppression, and uncover a novel trans-tumor-suppression mechanism dependent on p53. This study has potential implications in diagnosis and therapies of cancer.
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen S, Shang L, Liu H, Liang Q, Liang W, Ge S. AGGF1 inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators and promotes angiogenesis in dental pulp cells. Clin Oral Investig 2020; 25:581-592. [PMID: 32789654 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-020-03498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the role of angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1 (AGGF1) in inflammatory response of human dental pulp cells (DPCs) and the underneath mechanism and to explore its role in angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of AGGF-1 in human healthy and inflammatory pulp tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of AGGF1 in DPCs stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After AGGF1 was knocked down, the expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in DPCs was quantified by RT-qPCR and ELISA. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to assess the activation of NF-κB signaling. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by RT-qPCR and ELISA in DPCs pretreated with NF-κB pathway inhibitors before LPS stimulation, and then the effect of AGGF1 on angiogenesis was also evaluated. RESULTS AGGF1 expression increased in inflammatory dental pulp tissues. In DPCs stimulated by LPS, AGGF1 was upregulated in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In AGGF1 knockdown cells, the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL-2) increased by LPS stimulation (P < 0.001). Nuclear translocation of p65 was promoted, and the addition of NF-κB inhibitors inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, knockdown of AGGF1 inhibited vascularization. CONCLUSIONS AGGF1 inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines through NF-κB signaling pathway and promoted the angiogenesis of DPCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study might shed light in the treatment of pulpitis and regeneration of dental pulp tissues; however, more clinical trials are required to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Shen
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Shang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongrui Liu
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyu Liang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaohua Ge
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, No. 44-1 Wenhua Road West, 250012, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mao X, Wu X, Guo J, Deng M, Zhang H, Ma T, Yu L. Expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their correlation with vasculogenic mimicry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020; 13:1646-1654. [PMID: 32782684 PMCID: PMC7414475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common reason for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment failure is recurrence and metastasis. AGGF1 (a promoting gene of tumor metastasis), vasculogenic mimicry (VM, new blood supply formation in malignant tumors), and Twist1 (an evolutionarily conserved basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor) are all valuable factors for metastasis and prognosis in diverse common human cancers. However, the correlation of AGGF1, Twist1, and VM in HCC is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the correlations among these factors as well as their correlation with clinicopathologic data and survival in HCC. METHODS Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was used to detect the expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 in 111 archival surgical specimens of human HCC. Furthermore, clinical data were collected. RESULTS Levels of VM, AGGF1 and Twist1 were significantly higher in HCC tissues than in normal hepatic tissues. Levels of VM, AGGF1, and Twist1 were positively associated with AFP, HBsAg, size, capsular invasion, Child-Pugh classification level, and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and negatively associated with patients' overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, high levels of VM, AGGF1, Twist1, AFP, Child-Pugh classification level, as well as TNM stage were independently correlated with lower OS in patients with HCC. CONCLUSION VM and the expression of AGGF1 and Twist1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Mao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xia Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiannan Guo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Mingliang Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bengbu Third People’s HospitalBengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Dongchangfu Maternal Child Health HospitalLiaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The role of MicroRNAs on endoplasmic reticulum stress in myocardial ischemia and cardiac hypertrophy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 150:104516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
14
|
Yao Y, Li Y, Song Q, Hu C, Xie W, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. Angiogenic Factor AGGF1-Primed Endothelial Progenitor Cells Repair Vascular Defect in Diabetic Mice. Diabetes 2019; 68:1635-1648. [PMID: 31092480 PMCID: PMC6905488 DOI: 10.2337/db18-1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia-triggered vascular abnormalities are the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The major cause of vascular dysfunction in DM is endothelial injury and dysfunction associated with the reduced number and dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). A major challenge is to identify key regulators of EPCs to restore DM-associated vascular dysfunction. We show that EPCs from heterozygous knockout Aggf1+/- mice presented with impairment of proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and transendothelial migration as in hyperglycemic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or db/db mice. The number of EPCs from Aggf1+/- mice was significantly reduced. Ex vivo, AGGF1 protein can fully reverse all damaging effects of hyperglycemia on EPCs. In vivo, transplantation of AGGF1-primed EPCs successfully restores blood flow and blocks tissue necrosis and ambulatory impairment in HFD-induced hyperglycemic mice or db/db mice with diabetic hindlimb ischemia. Mechanistically, AGGF1 activates AKT, reduces nuclear localization of Fyn, which increases the nuclear level of Nrf2 and expression of antioxidative genes, and inhibits reactive oxygen species generation. These results suggest that Aggf1 is required for essential function of EPCs, AGGF1 fully reverses the damaging effects of hyperglycemia on EPCs, and AGGF1 priming of EPCs is a novel treatment modality for vascular complications in DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qixue Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changqin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, NB50, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Qing K. Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, NB50, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- Corresponding author: Qing K. Wang, , or Qiuyun Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang X, Li J, Yang Z, Wang L, Li L, Deng W, Zhou J, Wang L, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. phlda3 overexpression impairs specification of hemangioblasts and vascular development. FEBS J 2018; 285:4071-4081. [PMID: 30188605 PMCID: PMC6218282 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The phlda3 gene encodes a small, 127-amino acid protein with only a PH domain, and is involved in tumor suppression, proliferation of islet β-cells, insulin secretion, glucose tolerance, and liver injury. However, the role of phlda3 in vascular development is unknown. Here, we show that phlda3 overexpression decreases the expression levels of hemangioblast markers scl, fli1, and etsrp and intersegmental vessel (ISV) markers flk1 and cdh5, and disrupts ISV development in tg(flk1:GFP) and tg(fli1:GFP) zebrafish. Moreover, phlda3 overexpression inhibits the activation of protein kinase B (AKT) in zebrafish embryos, and the developmental defects of ISVs by phlda3 overexpression were reversed by the expression of a constitutively active form of AKT. These data suggest that phlda3 is a negative regulator of hemangioblast specification and ISV development via AKT signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wenqing Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic; Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Qing K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic; Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang N, Xu M, Liao S. [ole of AGGF1 in DNA damage repair and modulating chemotherapy resistance in human colon cancer cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2018; 38:861-866. [PMID: 33168501 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.07.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of AGGF1 in DNA damage repair and modulating chemotherapy resistance in human colon cancer cells. METHODS Cisplatin-induced human colon cancer HCT116 cells transfected with AGGF1 siRNA and siNC via Lipofectamine 2000 were examined for AGGF1, γH2AX and pNBS1 expressions using Western blotting. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect the recruitment of phosphorylated γH2AX and AGGF1 at the site of cisplatin-induced double-strand DNA breaks, and MTS method was used to investigate the proliferation of the damaged cells. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression level of AGGF1 in human colon cancer and adjacent normal tissues. RESULTS Western blotting showed that AGGF1 expression was significantly down-regulated in HCT116 cells after cisplatin exposure, and transfection withAGGF1 siRNAobviously inhibited the expression of phosphorylated γH2AX and NBS1. Immunofluorescence assay showed the co-localization of AGGF1 and γH2AX. Down-regulation of AGGF1 mediated by siRNA obviously increased the chemosensitivity of the cells (P < 0.01). In the clinical specimens, AGGF1 was found to be overexpressed in colon cancer tissues as compared with the adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.01), suggesting its association with the malignant phenotype of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of AGGF1 inhibits DNA damage repair and increases the chemosensitivity in colon cancer cells possibly in relation with the suppressed phosphorylation of NBS1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Meizhou 514015, China
| | - Meilan Xu
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Medical College, Jiaying University, Meizhou 514015, China
| | - Shuting Liao
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Meizhou 514015, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aggf1 attenuates neuroinflammation and BBB disruption via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:178. [PMID: 29885663 PMCID: PMC5994242 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are two critical mechanisms of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced brain injury, which are closely related to patient prognosis. Recently, angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domain 1 (Aggf1) was shown to inhibit inflammatory effect and preserve vascular integrity in non-nervous system diseases. This study aimed to determine whether Aggf1 could attenuate neuroinflammation and preserve BBB integrity after experimental SAH, as well as the underlying mechanisms of its protective roles. Methods Two hundred forty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the endovascular perforation model of SAH. Recombinant human Aggf1 (rh-Aggf1) was administered intravenously via tail vein injection at 1 h after SAH induction. To investigate the underlying neuroprotection mechanism, Aggf1 small interfering RNA (Aggf1 siRNA) and PI3K-specific inhibitor LY294002 were administered through intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) before SAH induction. SAH grade, neurological score, brain water content, BBB permeability, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results Expression of endogenous Aggf1 was markedly increased after SAH. Aggf1 was primarily expressed in endothelial cells and astrocytes, as well as microglia after SAH. Administration of rh-Aggf1 significantly reduced brain water content and BBB permeability, decreased the numbers of infiltrating neutrophils, and activated microglia in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex following SAH. Furthermore, rh-Aggf1 treatment improved both short- and long-term neurological functions after SAH. Meanwhile, exogenous rh-Aggf1 significantly increased the expression of PI3K, p-Akt, VE-cadherin, Occludin, and Claudin-5, as well as decreased the expression of p-NF-κB p65, albumin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, and IL-1β. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous Aggf1 aggravated BBB breakdown, inflammatory response and neurological impairments at 24 h after SAH. Additionally, the protective roles of rh-Aggf1 were abolished by LY294002. Conclusions Taken together, exogenous Aggf1 treatment attenuated neuroinflammation and BBB disruption, improved neurological deficits after SAH in rats, at least in part through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-018-1211-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
18
|
Si W, Xie W, Deng W, Xiao Y, Karnik SS, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. Angiotensin II increases angiogenesis by NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation of angiogenic factor AGGF1. FASEB J 2018; 32:5051-5062. [PMID: 29641288 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701543rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) is involved in vascular development, angiogenesis, specification of hemangioblasts, and differentiation of veins. When mutated, however, it causes Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, a vascular disorder. In this study, we show that angiotensin II (AngII)-the major effector of the renin-angiotensin system and one of the most important regulators of the cardiovascular system-induces the expression of AGGF1 through NF-κB, and that AGGF1 plays a key role in AngII-induced angiogenesis. AngII significantly up-regulated the levels of AGGF1 mRNA and protein in HUVECs at concentrations of 10-40 μg/ml but not >60 μg/ml. AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R) inhibitor losartan inhibited AngII-induced up-regulation of AGGF1, whereas AT2R inhibitor PD123319 further increased AngII-induced up-regulation of AGGF1. Up-regulation of AGGF1 by AngII was blocked by NF-κB inhibitors, and p65 binds directly to a binding site at the promoter/regulatory region of AGGF1 and transcriptionally activates AGGF1 expression. AngII-induced endothelial tube formation was blocked by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for RELA (RELA proto-oncogene, NF-κB subunit)/p65 or AGGF1, and the effect of RELA siRNA was rescued by AGGF1. AngII-induced angiogenesis from aortic rings was severely impaired in Aggf1+/- mice, and the effect was restored by AGGF1. These data suggest that AngII acts as a critical regulator of AGGF1 expression through NF-κB, and that AGGF1 plays a key role in AngII-induced angiogenesis.-Si, W., Xie, W., Deng, W., Xiao, Y., Karnik, S. S., Xu, C., Chen, Q., Wang, Q. K. Angiotensin II increases angiogenesis by NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation of angiogenic factor AGGF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Si
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics-Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Huangshi Central Hospital-Edong Healthcare Group, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics-Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbing Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics-Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- College of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sadashiva S Karnik
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Learner College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics-Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Learner College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics-Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,College of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Learner College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and.,Department of Genetics and Genome Science, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hogan BM, Schulte-Merker S. How to Plumb a Pisces: Understanding Vascular Development and Disease Using Zebrafish Embryos. Dev Cell 2017; 42:567-583. [PMID: 28950100 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Our vasculature plays diverse and critical roles in homeostasis and disease. In recent decades, the use of zebrafish has driven our understanding of vascular development into new areas, identifying new genes and mechanisms controlling vessel formation and allowing unprecedented observation of the cellular and molecular events that shape the developing vasculature. Here, we highlight key mechanisms controlling formation of the zebrafish vasculature and investigate how knowledge from this highly tractable model system has informed our understanding of vascular disease in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Hogan
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, WWU Münster, Münster 48149, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC-1003), WWU Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang L, Wang X, Wang L, Yousaf M, Li J, Zuo M, Yang Z, Gou D, Bao B, Li L, Xiang N, Jia H, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. Identification of a new adtrp1-tfpi regulatory axis for the specification of primitive myelopoiesis and definitive hematopoiesis. FASEB J 2017; 32:183-194. [PMID: 28877957 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700166rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A genomic variant in the human ADTRP [androgen-dependent tissue factor (TF) pathway inhibitor (TFPI) regulating protein] gene increases the risk of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. TFPI is the TF pathway inhibitor that is involved in coagulation. Here, we report that adtrp and tfpi form a regulatory axis that specifies primitive myelopoiesis and definitive hematopoiesis, but not primitive erythropoiesis or vasculogenesis. In zebrafish, there are 2 paralogues for adtrp (i.e., adtrp1 and adtrp2). Knockdown of adtrp1 expression inhibits the specification of hemangioblasts, as shown by decreased expression of the hemangioblast markers, etsrp, fli1a, and scl; blocks primitive hematopoiesis, as shown by decreased expression of pu.1, mpo, and l-plastin; and disrupts the specification of hematopoietic stem cells (definitive hematopoiesis), as shown by decreased expression of runx1 and c-myb However, adtrp1 knockdown does not affect erythropoiesis during primitive hematopoiesis (no effect on gata1 or h-bae1) or vasculogenesis (no effect on kdrl, ephb2a, notch3, dab2, or flt4). Knockdown of adtrp2 expression does not have apparent effects on all markers tested. Knockdown of adtrp1 reduced the expression of tfpi, and hematopoietic defects in adtrp1 morphants were rescued by tfpi overexpression. These data suggest that the regulation of tfpi expression is one potential mechanism by which adtrp1 regulates primitive myelopoiesis and definitive hematopoiesis.-Wang, L., Wang, X., Wang, L., Yousaf, M., Li, J., Zuo, M., Yang, Z., Gou, D., Bao, B., Li, L., Xiang, N., Jia, H., Xu, C., Chen, Q., Wang, Q. K. Identification of a new adtrp1-tfpi regulatory axis for the specification of primitive myelopoiesis and definitive hematopoiesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Yousaf
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengxia Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongzhi Gou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghao Bao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Xiang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; .,Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yao Y, Lu Q, Hu Z, Yu Y, Chen Q, Wang QK. A non-canonical pathway regulates ER stress signaling and blocks ER stress-induced apoptosis and heart failure. Nat Commun 2017; 8:133. [PMID: 28743963 PMCID: PMC5527107 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress is an evolutionarily conserved cell stress response associated with numerous diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The major endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway causing cardiac hypertrophy involves endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor PERK (protein kinase-like kinase) and eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling. Here, we describe a non-canonical, AGGF1-mediated regulatory system for endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling associated with increased p-eIF2α and ATF4 and decreased sXBP1 and CHOP. Specifically, we see a reduced AGGF1 level consistently associated with induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in mouse models and human patients with heart failure. Mechanistically, AGGF1 regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation, which reduces the level of transcriptional repressor ZEB1, leading to induced expression of miR-183-5p. miR-183-5p post-transcriptionally downregulates CHOP and inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. AGGF1 protein therapy and miR-183-5p regulate endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling and block endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure, providing an attractive paradigm for treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress promotes cardiac dysfunction. Here the authors uncover a pathway whereby AGGF1 blocks ER stress by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation and the transcriptional repressor ZEB1, leading to induction of miR-183-5p and down-regulation of CHOP, and show that AGGF1 can effectively treat cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
| | - Qiulun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
| | - Zhenkun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
| | - Yubin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, CCLCM, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Qing K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China. .,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, CCLCM, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang T, Yao Y, Wang J, Li Y, He P, Pasupuleti V, Hu Z, Jia X, Song Q, Tian XL, Hu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. Haploinsufficiency of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome gene Aggf1 inhibits developmental and pathological angiogenesis by inactivating PI3K and AKT and disrupts vascular integrity by activating VE-cadherin. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 25:5094-5110. [PMID: 27522498 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggf1 is the first gene identified for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), and encodes an angiogenic factor. However, the in vivo roles of Aggf1 are incompletely defined. Here we demonstrate that Aggf1 is essential for both physiological angiogenesis and pathological tumour angiogenesis in vivo. Two lines of Aggf1 knockout (KO) mice showed a particularly severe phenotype as no homozygous embryos were observed and heterozygous mice also showed embryonic lethality (haploinsufficient lethality) observed only for Vegfa and Dll4. Aggf1+/- KO caused defective angiogenesis in yolk sacs and embryos. Survived adult heterozygous mice exhibit frequent haemorrhages and increased vascular permeability due to increased phosphorylation and reduced membrane localization of VE-cadherin. AGGF1 inhibits VE-cadherin phosphorylation, increases plasma membrane VE-cadherin in ECs and in mice, blocks vascular permeability induced by ischaemia-reperfusion (IR), restores depressed cardiac function and contraction, reduces infarct sizes, cardiac fibrosis and necrosis, haemorrhages, edema, and macrophage density associated with IR. Mechanistically, AGGF1 promotes angiogenesis by activating catalytic p110α subunit and p85α regulatory subunit of PI3K, leading to activation of AKT, GSK3β and p70S6K. AKT activation is significantly reduced in heterozygous KO mice and isolated KO ECs, which can be rescued by exogenous AGGF1. ECs from KO mice show reduced capillary angiogenesis, which is rescued by AGGF1 and AKT. Tumour growth/angiogenesis is reduced in heterozygous mice, which was associated with reduced activation of p110α, p85α and AKT. Together with recent identification of somatic mutations in p110α (encoded by PIK3CA), our data establish a potential mechanistic link between AGGF1 and PIK3CA, the two genes identified for KTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Ping He
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Vinay Pasupuleti
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Zhengkun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xinzhen Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Qixue Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Li Tian
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Changqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- The Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, NE40, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, OH, USA.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yao Y, Hu Z, Ye J, Hu C, Song Q, Da X, Yu Y, Li H, Xu C, Chen Q, Wang QK. Targeting AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1) for Blocking Neointimal Formation After Vascular Injury. J Am Heart Assoc 2017. [PMID: 28649088 PMCID: PMC5669188 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.005889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite recent improvements in angioplasty and placement of drug‐eluting stents in treatment of atherosclerosis, restenosis and in‐stent thrombosis impede treatment efficacy and cause numerous deaths. Research efforts are needed to identify new molecular targets for blocking restenosis. We aim to establish angiogenic factor AGGF1 (angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA domains 1) as a novel target for blocking neointimal formation and restenosis after vascular injury. Methods and Results AGGF1 shows strong expression in carotid arteries; however, its expression is markedly decreased in arteries after vascular injury. AGGF1+/− mice show increased neointimal formation accompanied with increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in carotid arteries after vascular injury. Importantly, AGGF1 protein therapy blocks neointimal formation after vascular injury by inhibiting the proliferation and promoting phenotypic switching of VSMCs to the contractile phenotype in mice in vivo. In vitro, AGGF1 significantly inhibits VSMCs proliferation and decreases the cell numbers at the S phase. AGGF1 also blocks platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB–induced proliferation, migration of VSMCs, increases expression of cyclin D, and decreases expression of p21 and p27. AGGF1 inhibits phenotypic switching of VSMCs to the synthetic phenotype by countering the inhibitory effect of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on SRF expression and the formation of the myocardin/SRF/CArG‐box complex involved in activation of VSMCs markers. Finally, we show that AGGF1 inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB–induced phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and Elk phosphorylation involved in the phenotypic switching of VSMCs, and that overexpression of Elk abolishes the effect of AGGF1. Conclusions AGGF1 protein therapy is effective in blocking neointimal formation after vascular injury by regulating a novel AGGF1‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2‐Elk‐myocardin‐SRF/p27 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenkun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qixue Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingwen Da
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yubin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Cardio-X Center, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China .,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lu Q, Yao Y, Hu Z, Hu C, Song Q, Ye J, Xu C, Wang AZ, Chen Q, Wang QK. Angiogenic Factor AGGF1 Activates Autophagy with an Essential Role in Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Heart Disease. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002529. [PMID: 27513923 PMCID: PMC4981375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AGGF1 is an angiogenic factor with therapeutic potential to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanism for AGGF1-mediated therapeutic angiogenesis is unknown. Here, we show for the first time that AGGF1 activates autophagy, a housekeeping catabolic cellular process, in endothelial cells (ECs), HL1, H9C2, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Studies with Atg5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the autophagy inhibitors bafilomycin A1 (Baf) and chloroquine demonstrate that autophagy is required for AGGF1-mediated EC proliferation, migration, capillary tube formation, and aortic ring-based angiogenesis. Aggf1+/- knockout (KO) mice show reduced autophagy, which was associated with inhibition of angiogenesis, larger infarct areas, and contractile dysfunction after MI. Protein therapy with AGGF1 leads to robust recovery of myocardial function and contraction with increased survival, increased ejection fraction, reduction of infarct areas, and inhibition of cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis by promoting therapeutic angiogenesis in mice with MI. Inhibition of autophagy in mice by bafilomycin A1 or in Becn1+/- and Atg5 KO mice eliminates AGGF1-mediated angiogenesis and therapeutic actions, indicating that autophagy acts upstream of and is essential for angiogenesis. Mechanistically, AGGF1 initiates autophagy by activating JNK, which leads to activation of Vps34 lipid kinase and the assembly of Becn1-Vps34-Atg14 complex involved in the initiation of autophagy. Our data demonstrate that (1) autophagy is essential for effective therapeutic angiogenesis to treat CAD and MI; (2) AGGF1 is critical to induction of autophagy; and (3) AGGF1 is a novel agent for treatment of CAD and MI. Our data suggest that maintaining or increasing autophagy is a highly innovative strategy to robustly boost the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis. Treatment with the angiogenic factor AGGF1 dramatically improves survival and cardiac function in mouse models for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction by activating autophagy and angiogenesis. Coronary artery disease is the number one killer disease worldwide. Recently, therapeutic angiogenesis has been proposed as an attractive new strategy for treating this and other ischemic diseases. This study establishes the angiogenic factor AGGF1 as a novel target and agent that can successfully treat coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction and dramatically improve survival and cardiac function in mouse models. We present the unexpected finding that AGGF1 has these effects via activating autophagy, and that autophagy is essential for therapeutic angiogenesis in animals. We find that AGGF1 is a novel master regulator of autophagy not only in endothelial cells but also in all other cell types examined in the study. Mechanistically, AGGF1 activates autophagy by activating JNK, which leads to activation of the Vps34 lipid kinase and assembly of the Becn1-Vps34-Atg14 complex involved in the initiation of autophagy. The study thus provides a link connecting the therapeutic angiogenesis and autophagy pathways in heart disease.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Angiogenic Proteins/genetics
- Angiogenic Proteins/metabolism
- Angiogenic Proteins/pharmacology
- Animals
- Autophagy/drug effects
- Autophagy/genetics
- Autophagy/physiology
- Autophagy-Related Protein 5/genetics
- Autophagy-Related Protein 5/metabolism
- Beclin-1/genetics
- Beclin-1/metabolism
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Heart Diseases/drug therapy
- Heart Diseases/genetics
- Heart Diseases/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/physiology
- Humans
- Macrolides/pharmacology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiulun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zhenkun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Changqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Qixue Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jian Ye
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Annabel Z. Wang
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qiuyun Chen
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: ;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lobo SE, Leonel LCP, Miranda CM, Coelho TM, Ferreira GA, Mess A, Abrão MS, Miglino MA. The Placenta as an Organ and a Source of Stem Cells and Extracellular Matrix: A Review. Cells Tissues Organs 2016; 201:239-52. [DOI: 10.1159/000443636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporal, dynamic and diverse organ with important immunological features that facilitate embryonic and fetal development and survival, notwithstanding the fact that several aspects of its formation and function closely resemble tumor progression. Placentation in mammals is commonly used to characterize the evolution of species, including insights into human evolution. Although most placentas are discarded after birth, they are a high-yield source for the isolation of stem/progenitor cells and are rich in extracellular matrix (ECM), representing an important resource for regenerative medicine purposes. Interactions among cells, ECM and bioactive molecules regulate tissue and organ generation and comprise the foundation of tissue engineering. In the present article, differences among several mammalian species regarding the placental types and classifications, phenotypes and potency of placenta-derived stem/progenitor cells, placental ECM components and current placental ECM applications were reviewed to highlight their potential clinical and biomedical relevance.
Collapse
|
26
|
Cardiac sodium channel regulator MOG1 regulates cardiac morphogenesis and rhythm. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21538. [PMID: 26903377 PMCID: PMC4763225 DOI: 10.1038/srep21538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
MOG1 was initially identified as a protein that interacts with the small GTPase Ran involved in transport of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. In addition, we have established that MOG1 interacts with the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 and regulates cell surface trafficking of Nav1.5. Here we used zebrafish as a model system to study the in vivo physiological role of MOG1. Knockdown of mog1 expression in zebrafish embryos significantly decreased the heart rate (HR). Consistently, the HR increases in embryos with over-expression of human MOG1. Compared with wild type MOG1 or control EGFP, mutant MOG1 with mutation E83D associated with Brugada syndrome significantly decreases the HR. Interestingly, knockdown of mog1 resulted in abnormal cardiac looping during embryogenesis. Mechanistically, knockdown of mog1 decreases expression of hcn4 involved in the regulation of the HR, and reduces expression of nkx2.5, gata4 and hand2 involved in cardiac morphogenesis. These data for the first time revealed a novel role that MOG1, a nucleocytoplasmic transport protein, plays in cardiac physiology and development.
Collapse
|
27
|
Sumanas S, Choi K. ETS Transcription Factor ETV2/ER71/Etsrp in Hematopoietic and Vascular Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 118:77-111. [PMID: 27137655 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Effective establishment of the hematopoietic and vascular systems is prerequisite for successful embryogenesis. The ETS transcription factor Etv2 has proven to be essential for hematopoietic and vascular development. Etv2 expression marks the onset of the hematopoietic and vascular development and its deficiency leads to an absolute block in hematopoietic and vascular development. Etv2 is transiently expressed during development and is mainly expressed in testis in adults. Consistent with its expression pattern, Etv2 is transiently required for the generation of the optimal levels of the hemangiogenic cell population. Deletion of this gene after the hemangiogenic progenitor formation leads to normal hematopoietic and vascular development. Mechanistically, ETV2 induces the hemangiogenic program by activating blood and endothelial cell lineage specifying genes and enhancing VEGF signaling. Moreover, ETV2 establishes an ETS hierarchy by directly activating other Ets genes, which in the face of transient Etv2 expression, presumably maintain blood and endothelial cell program initiated by ETV2 through an ETS switching mechanism. Current studies suggest that the hemangiogenic progenitor population is exclusively sensitive to ETV2-dependent FLK1 signaling. Any perturbation in the ETV2, VEGF, and FLK1 balance causing insufficient hemangiogenic progenitor cell generation would lead to defects in hematopoietic and endothelial cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sumanas
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - K Choi
- Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The ets transcription factor Fli-1 in development, cancer and disease. Oncogene 2014; 34:2022-31. [PMID: 24909161 PMCID: PMC5028196 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Friend Leukemia Virus Induced erythroleukemia-1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, was isolated a quarter century ago through a retrovirus mutagenesis screen. Fli-1 has since been recognized to play critical roles in normal development and homeostasis. For example, it transcriptionally regulates genes that drive normal hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis. Indeed, Fli-1 is one of 10 key regulators of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell maintenance and differentiation. Aberrant expression of Fli-1 also underlies a number of virally induced leukemias, including Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia and various types of human cancers, and it is the target of chromosomal translocations in childhood Ewing’s sarcoma. Abnormal expression of Fli-1 is important in the aetiology of auto-immune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). These studies establish Fli-1 as a strong candidate for drug development. Despite difficulties in targeting transcription factors, recent studies identified small molecule inhibitors for Fli-1. Here we review past and ongoing research on Fli-1 with emphasis on its mechanistic function in autoimmune disease and malignant transformation. The significance of identifying Fli-1 inhibitors and their clinical applications for treatment of disease and cancer with deregulated Fli-1 expression are discussed.
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu Y, Zhou M, Wang J, Zhao Y, Li S, Zhou B, Su Z, Xu C, Xia Y, Qian H, Tu X, Xiao W, Chen X, Chen Q, Wang QK. Role of microRNA-27a in down-regulation of angiogenic factor AGGF1 under hypoxia associated with high-grade bladder urothelial carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:712-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
30
|
Su Z, Si W, Li L, Zhou B, Li X, Xu Y, Xu C, Jia H, Wang QK. MiR-144 regulates hematopoiesis and vascular development by targeting meis1 during zebrafish development. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 49:53-63. [PMID: 24448023 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process by which peripheral blood lineages are developed. It is a process tightly regulated by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including transcriptional factors and signaling molecules. However, the epigenetic regulation of hematopoiesis, for example, regulation via microRNAs (miRNAs), remains incompletely understood. Here we show that miR-144 regulates hematopoiesis and vascular development in zebrafish. Overexpression of miR-144 inhibited primitive hematopoiesis as demonstrated by a reduced number of circulating blood cells, reduced o-dianisidine staining of hemoglobin, and reduced expression of hbαe1, hbβe1, gata1 and pu.1. Overexpression of miR-144 also inhibited definitive hematopoiesis as shown by reduced expression of runx1 and c-myb. Mechanistically, miR-144 regulates hematopoiesis by repressing expression of meis1 involved in hematopoiesis. Both real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that overexpression of miR-144 repressed expression of meis1. Bioinformatic analysis predicts a target binding sequence for miR-144 at the 3'-UTR of meis1. Deletion of the miR-144 target sequence eliminated the repression of meis1 expression mediated by miR-144. The miR-144-mediated abnormal phenotypes were partially rescued by co-injection of meis1 mRNA and could be almost completely rescued by injection of both meis1 and gata1 mRNA. Finally, because meis1 is involved in vascular development, we tested the effect of miR-144 on vascular development. Overexpression of miR-144 resulted in abnormal vascular development of intersegmental vessels in transgenic zebrafish with Flk1p-EGFP, and the defect was rescued by co-injection of meis1 mRNA. These findings establish miR-144 as a novel miRNA that regulates hematopoiesis and vascular development by repressing expression of meis1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong Su
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention of Hubei Province, Key Discipline of Pharmacy of Hubei Department of Education, Medical College, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenxia Si
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Bisheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiuchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Haibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qing K Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Cardio-X Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|