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Gupta I, Yeung J, Rahimi-Balaei M, Wu SR, Goldowitz D. Msx genes delineate a novel molecular map of the developing cerebellar neuroepithelium. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1356544. [PMID: 38742226 PMCID: PMC11089253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1356544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the early cerebellar primordium, there are two progenitor zones, the ventricular zone (VZ) residing atop the IVth ventricle and the rhombic lip (RL) at the lateral edges of the developing cerebellum. These zones give rise to the several cell types that form the GABAergic and glutamatergic populations of the adult cerebellum, respectively. Recently, an understanding of the molecular compartmentation of these zones has emerged. To add to this knowledge base, we report on the Msx genes, a family of three transcription factors, that are expressed downstream of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in these zones. Using fluorescent RNA in situ hybridization, we have characterized the Msx (Msh Homeobox) genes and demonstrated that their spatiotemporal pattern segregates specific regions within the progenitor zones. Msx1 and Msx2 are compartmentalized within the rhombic lip (RL), while Msx3 is localized within the ventricular zone (VZ). The relationship of the Msx genes with an early marker of the glutamatergic lineage, Atoh1, was examined in Atoh1-null mice and it was found that the expression of Msx genes persisted. Importantly, the spatial expression of Msx1 and Msx3 altered in response to the elimination of Atoh1. These results point to the Msx genes as novel early markers of cerebellar progenitor zones and more importantly to an updated view of the molecular parcellation of the RL with respect to the canonical marker of the RL, Atoh1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Gupta
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sih-Rong Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dan Goldowitz
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Farhat B, Bordeu I, Jagla B, Ibrahim S, Stefanovic S, Blanc H, Loulier K, Simons BD, Beaurepaire E, Livet J, Pucéat M. Understanding the cell fate and behavior of progenitors at the origin of the mouse cardiac mitral valve. Dev Cell 2024; 59:339-350.e4. [PMID: 38198889 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart malformations include mitral valve defects, which remain largely unexplained. During embryogenesis, a restricted population of endocardial cells within the atrioventricular canal undergoes an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition to give rise to mitral valvular cells. However, the identity and fate decisions of these progenitors as well as the behavior and distribution of their derivatives in valve leaflets remain unknown. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of genetically labeled endocardial cells and microdissected mouse embryonic and postnatal mitral valves to characterize the developmental road. We defined the metabolic processes underlying the specification of the progenitors and their contributions to subtypes of valvular cells. Using retrospective multicolor clonal analysis, we describe specific modes of growth and behavior of endocardial cell-derived clones, which build up, in a proper manner, functional valve leaflets. Our data identify how both genetic and metabolic mechanisms specifically drive the fate of a subset of endocardial cells toward their distinct clonal contribution to the formation of the valve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Farhat
- INSERM U1251/Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13885, France
| | - Ignacio Bordeu
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK; Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Bernd Jagla
- Pasteur Institute UtechS CB & Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistiques, C3BI, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Ibrahim
- C2VN Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM 1263, INRAE 1260, Marseille 13885, France
| | - Sonia Stefanovic
- C2VN Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM 1263, INRAE 1260, Marseille 13885, France
| | - Hugo Blanc
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, IP Paris, Palaiseau 91120, France
| | - Karine Loulier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, UK; Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 A0W, UK
| | - Emmanuel Beaurepaire
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, IP Paris, Palaiseau 91120, France
| | - Jean Livet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - Michel Pucéat
- INSERM U1251/Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille 13885, France.
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Shafi O, Siddiqui G, Jaffry HA. The benign nature and rare occurrence of cardiac myxoma as a possible consequence of the limited cardiac proliferative/ regenerative potential: a systematic review. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1245. [PMID: 38110859 PMCID: PMC10726542 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11723-3] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac Myxoma is a primary tumor of heart. Its origins, rarity of the occurrence of primary cardiac tumors and how it may be related to limited cardiac regenerative potential, are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the key cardiac genes/ transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways to understand these important questions. METHODS Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving cardiac myxoma, cardiac genes/TFs/signaling pathways and their roles in cardiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, key interactions and tumorigenesis, with focus on cardiomyocytes. RESULTS The cardiac genetic landscape is governed by a very tight control between proliferation and differentiation-related genes/TFs/pathways. Cardiac myxoma originates possibly as a consequence of dysregulations in the gene expression of differentiation regulators including Tbx5, GATA4, HAND1/2, MYOCD, HOPX, BMPs. Such dysregulations switch the expression of cardiomyocytes into progenitor-like state in cardiac myxoma development by dysregulating Isl1, Baf60 complex, Wnt, FGF, Notch, Mef2c and others. The Nkx2-5 and MSX2 contribute predominantly to both proliferation and differentiation of Cardiac Progenitor Cells (CPCs), may possibly serve roles based on the microenvironment and the direction of cell circuitry in cardiac tumorigenesis. The Nkx2-5 in cardiac myxoma may serve to limit progression of tumorigenesis as it has massive control over the proliferation of CPCs. The cardiac cell type-specific genetic programming plays governing role in controlling the tumorigenesis and regenerative potential. CONCLUSION The cardiomyocytes have very limited proliferative and regenerative potential. They survive for long periods of time and tightly maintain the gene expression of differentiation genes such as Tbx5, GATA4 that interact with tumor suppressors (TS) and exert TS like effect. The total effect such gene expression exerts is responsible for the rare occurrence and benign nature of primary cardiac tumors. This prevents the progression of tumorigenesis. But this also limits the regenerative and proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes. Cardiac Myxoma develops as a consequence of dysregulations in these key genes which revert the cells towards progenitor-like state, hallmark of CM. The CM development in carney complex also signifies the role of TS in cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Shafi
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ghazia Siddiqui
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hassam A Jaffry
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Wu B, Wu B, Benkaci S, Shi L, Lu P, Park T, Morrow BE, Wang Y, Zhou B. Crk and Crkl Are Required in the Endocardial Lineage for Heart Valve Development. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029683. [PMID: 37702066 PMCID: PMC10547300 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Endocardial cells are a major progenitor population that gives rise to heart valves through endocardial cushion formation by endocardial to mesenchymal transformation and the subsequent endocardial cushion remodeling. Genetic variants that affect these developmental processes can lead to congenital heart valve defects. Crk and Crkl are ubiquitously expressed genes encoding cytoplasmic adaptors essential for cell signaling. This study aims to explore the specific role of Crk and Crkl in the endocardial lineage during heart valve development. Methods and Results We deleted Crk and Crkl specifically in the endocardial lineage. The resultant heart valve morphology was evaluated by histological analysis, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated by immunostaining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the targeted deletion of Crk and Crkl impeded the remodeling of endocardial cushions at the atrioventricular canal into the atrioventricular valves. We showed that apoptosis was temporally increased in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions, and this developmentally upregulated apoptosis was repressed by deletion of Crk and Crkl. Loss of Crk and Crkl also resulted in altered extracellular matrix production and organization in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions. These morphogenic defects were associated with altered expression of genes in BMP (bone morphogenetic protein), connective tissue growth factor, and WNT signaling pathways, and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling activities. Conclusions Our findings support that Crk and Crkl have shared functions in the endocardial lineage that critically regulate atrioventricular valve development; together, they likely coordinate the morphogenic signals involved in the remodeling of the atrioventricular endocardial cushions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingruo Wu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Brian Wu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Sonia Benkaci
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Lijie Shi
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Taeju Park
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri‐Kansas City School of MedicineKansas CityMO
| | | | - Yidong Wang
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi’an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi’anChina
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of GeneticsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
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5
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Lotto J, Cullum R, Drissler S, Arostegui M, Garside VC, Fuglerud BM, Clement-Ranney M, Thakur A, Underhill TM, Hoodless PA. Cell diversity and plasticity during atrioventricular heart valve EMTs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5567. [PMID: 37689753 PMCID: PMC10492828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) of both endocardium and epicardium guide atrioventricular heart valve formation, but the cellular complexity and small scale of this tissue have restricted analyses. To circumvent these issues, we analyzed over 50,000 murine single-cell transcriptomes from embryonic day (E)7.75 hearts to E12.5 atrioventricular canals. We delineate mesenchymal and endocardial bifurcation during endocardial EMT, identify a distinct, transdifferentiating epicardial population during epicardial EMT, and reveal the activation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity during both processes. In Sox9-deficient valves, we observe increased epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, indicating a role for SOX9 in promoting endothelial and mesenchymal cell fate decisions. Lastly, we deconvolve cell interactions guiding the initiation and progression of cardiac valve EMTs. Overall, these data reveal mechanisms of emergence of mesenchyme from endocardium or epicardium at single-cell resolution and will serve as an atlas of EMT initiation and progression with broad implications in regenerative medicine and cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lotto
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Sibyl Drissler
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Arostegui
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria C Garside
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bettina M Fuglerud
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Avinash Thakur
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - T Michael Underhill
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pamela A Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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6
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Philipp K, Anja Q, Boris S, Johanna K, Susanne W, Adam S, Philipp MM, Henning S. Epidemiological and clinical evaluation of patients with a cleft in lower saxony Germany: a mono-center analysis. Clin Oral Investig 2023; 27:5661-5670. [PMID: 37542681 PMCID: PMC10492882 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05187-9] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to provide epidemiological and clinical data on patients with orofacial clefts in Lower Saxony in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS The records of 404 patients with orofacial clefts treated surgically at the University Medical Center Goettingen from 2001 to 2019 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Prevalence of orofacial clefts in general, orofacial clefts as manifestation of a syndrome, sex distribution, and prevalence of different cleft types was evaluated and associated with the need for corrective surgery, family history, pregnancy complications, and comorbidities. RESULTS The prevalence of orofacial clefts for Goettingen in Lower Saxony was 1:890. 231 patients were male and 173 were female. CLP was most common (39.1%) followed by CP (34.7%), CL (14.4%), CLA (9.9%), and facial clefts (2%). The left side was more frequently affected and unilateral cleft forms occurred more often than bilateral ones. Almost 10% of the population displayed syndromic CL/P. 10.9% of all patients had a positive family history regarding CL/P, predominantly from the maternal side. Pregnancy abnormalities were found in 11.4%, most often in the form of preterm birth. Comorbidities, especially of the cardiovascular system, were found in 30.2% of the sample. 2.2% of patients treated according to the University Medical Center Goettingen protocol corrective surgery was performed in form of a velopharyngoplasty or residual hole closure. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological and clinical profile of the study population resembled the expected distributions in Western populations. The large number of syndromic CL/P and associated comorbidities supports the need for specialized cleft centers and interdisciplinary cleft care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kauffmann Philipp
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, D-37099, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Quast Anja
- Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Schminke Boris
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, D-37099, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kolle Johanna
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, D-37099, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfer Susanne
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, D-37099, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stepniewski Adam
- Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Schliephake Henning
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, D-37099, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Du R, Bai S, Zhao Y, Ma Y. Efficient generation of TBX3 + atrioventricular conduction-like cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 669:143-149. [PMID: 37271026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Atrioventricular conduction cardiomyocytes (AVCCs) regulate the rate and rhythm of heart contractions. Dysfunction due to aging or disease can cause atrioventricular (AV) block, interrupting electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. Generation of functional atrioventricular conduction like cardiomyocytes (AVCLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides a promising approach to repair damaged atrioventricular conduction tissue by cell transplantation. In this study, we put forward the generation of AVCLCs from hPSCs by stage-specific manipulation of the retinoic acid (RA), WNT, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. These cells express AVCC-specific markers, including the transcription factors TBX3, MSX2 and NKX2.5, display functional electrophysiological characteristics and present low conduction velocity (0.07 ± 0.02 m/s). Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of the development of the atrioventricular conduction system and propose a strategy for the treatment of severe atrioventricular conduction block by cell transplantation in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulong Du
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuyun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Ya Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Medical School of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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Yan S, Peng Y, Lu J, Shakil S, Shi Y, Crossman DK, Johnson WH, Liu S, Rokosh DG, Lincoln J, Wang Q, Jiao K. Differential requirement for DICER1 activity during the development of mitral and tricuspid valves. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259783. [PMID: 35946425 PMCID: PMC9482344 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitral and tricuspid valves are essential for unidirectional blood flow in the heart. They are derived from similar cell sources, and yet congenital dysplasia affecting both valves is clinically rare, suggesting the presence of differential regulatory mechanisms underlying their development. Here, we specifically inactivated Dicer1 in the endocardium during cardiogenesis and found that Dicer1 deletion caused congenital mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation, whereas it had no impact on other valves. We showed that hyperplastic mitral valves were caused by abnormal condensation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Our single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed impaired maturation of mesenchymal cells and abnormal expression of ECM genes in mutant mitral valves. Furthermore, expression of a set of miRNAs that target ECM genes was significantly lower in tricuspid valves compared to mitral valves, consistent with the idea that the miRNAs are differentially required for mitral and tricuspid valve development. We thus reveal miRNA-mediated gene regulation as a novel molecular mechanism that differentially regulates mitral and tricuspid valve development, thereby enhancing our understanding of the non-association of inborn mitral and tricuspid dysplasia observed clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Yan
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yin Peng
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jin Lu
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Saima Shakil
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Population Health Science, and Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Walter H. Johnson
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shanrun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Donald G. Rokosh
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Joy Lincoln
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- The Herma Heart Institute, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, August, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Crespo-García T, Cámara-Checa A, Dago M, Rubio-Alarcón M, Rapún J, Tamargo J, Delpón E, Caballero R. Regulation of cardiac ion channels by transcription factors: Looking for new opportunities of druggable targets for the treatment of arrhythmias. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115206. [PMID: 35963339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac electrical activity is governed by different ion channels that generate action potentials. Acquired or inherited abnormalities in the expression and/or function of ion channels usually result in electrophysiological changes that can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Transcription factors (TFs) control gene transcription by binding to specific DNA sequences adjacent to target genes. Linkage analysis, candidate-gene screening within families, and genome-wide association studies have linked rare and common genetic variants in the genes encoding TFs with genetically-determined cardiac arrhythmias. Besides its critical role in cardiac development, recent data demonstrated that they control cardiac electrical activity through the direct regulation of the expression and function of cardiac ion channels in adult hearts. This narrative review summarizes some studies showing functional data on regulation of the main human atrial and ventricular Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels by cardiac TFs such as Pitx2c, Tbx20, Tbx5, Zfhx3, among others. The results have improved our understanding of the mechanisms regulating cardiac electrical activity and may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in cardiac acquired or inherited arrhythmias through the identification of TFs as potential drug targets. Even though TFs have for a long time been considered as 'undruggable' targets, advances in structural biology have led to the identification of unique pockets in TFs amenable to be targeted with small-molecule drugs or peptides that are emerging as novel therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Crespo-García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - A Cámara-Checa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Dago
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Rubio-Alarcón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Rapún
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Tamargo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E Delpón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - R Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. School of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón. CIBERCV, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Steele RE, Sanders R, Phillips HM, Bamforth SD. PAX Genes in Cardiovascular Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7713. [PMID: 35887061 PMCID: PMC9324344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian heart is a four-chambered organ with systemic and pulmonary circulations to deliver oxygenated blood to the body, and a tightly regulated genetic network exists to shape normal development of the heart and its associated major arteries. A key process during cardiovascular morphogenesis is the septation of the outflow tract which initially forms as a single vessel before separating into the aorta and pulmonary trunk. The outflow tract connects to the aortic arch arteries which are derived from the pharyngeal arch arteries. Congenital heart defects are a major cause of death and morbidity and are frequently associated with a failure to deliver oxygenated blood to the body. The Pax transcription factor family is characterised through their highly conserved paired box and DNA binding domains and are crucial in organogenesis, regulating the development of a wide range of cells, organs and tissues including the cardiovascular system. Studies altering the expression of these genes in murine models, notably Pax3 and Pax9, have found a range of cardiovascular patterning abnormalities such as interruption of the aortic arch and common arterial trunk. This suggests that these Pax genes play a crucial role in the regulatory networks governing cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon D. Bamforth
- Bioscience Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK; (R.E.S.); (R.S.); (H.M.P.)
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11
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Lee SB, Park B, Hong KW, Jung DH. Genome-Wide Association of New-Onset Hypertension According to Renin Concentration: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Cohort Study. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040104. [PMID: 35448080 PMCID: PMC9025963 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a crucial regulator of vascular resistance and blood volume in the body. This study aimed to examine the genetic predisposition of the plasma renin concentration influencing future hypertension incidence. Based on the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Cohort dataset, 5211 normotensive individuals at enrollment were observed over 12 years, categorized into the low-renin and high-renin groups. We conducted genome-wide association studies for the total, low-renin, and high-renin groups. Among the significant SNPs, the lead SNPs of each locus were focused on for further interpretation. The effect of genotypes was determined by logistic regression analysis between controls and new-onset hypertension, after adjusting for potential confounding variables. During a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years, 1704 participants (32.7%) developed hypertension. The low-renin group showed more incidence rates of new-onset hypertension (35.3%) than the high-renin group (26.5%). Among 153 SNPs in renin-related gene regions, two SNPs (rs11726091 and rs8137145) showed an association in the high-renin group, four SNPs (rs17038966, rs145286444, rs2118663, and rs12336898) in the low-renin group, and three SNPs (rs1938859, rs7968218, and rs117246401) in the total population. Most significantly, the low-renin SNP rs12336898 in the SPTAN1 gene, closely related to vascular wall remodeling, was associated with the development of hypertension (p-value = 1.3 × 10−6). We found the candidate genetic polymorphisms according to blood renin concentration. Our results might be a valuable indicator for hypertension risk prediction and preventive measure, considering renin concentration with genetic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Bum Lee
- Severance Check-up, Yonsei University Health System, Yongin-si 16995, Korea;
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju-si 26426, Korea
| | - Byoungjin Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Yongin Severance Hosptal, Yongin-si 16995, Korea;
| | - Kyung-Won Hong
- Healthcare R&D Division, Theragen Bio Co., Ltd., Ganggyo-ro 145, Suwon-si 16229, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.-W.H.); (D.-H.J.)
| | - Dong-Hyuk Jung
- Department of Family Medicine, Yongin Severance Hosptal, Yongin-si 16995, Korea;
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.-W.H.); (D.-H.J.)
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12
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Regulation of MDM2 E3 ligase-dependent vascular calcification by MSX1/2. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1781-1791. [PMID: 34845330 PMCID: PMC8639964 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00708-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification increases morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases. Previously, we reported that histone deacetylase 1 prevents vascular calcification, whereas its E3 ligase, mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), induces vascular calcification. In the present study, we identified the upstream regulator of MDM2. By utilizing cellular models and transgenic mice, we confirmed that E3 ligase activity is required for vascular calcification. By promoter analysis, we found that both msh homeobox 1 (Msx1) and msh homeobox 2 (Msx2) bound to the MDM2 promoter region, which resulted in transcriptional activation of MDM2. The expression levels of both Msx1 and Msx2 were increased in mouse models of vascular calcification and in calcified human coronary arteries. Msx1 and Msx2 potentiated vascular calcification in cellular and mouse models in an MDM2-dependent manner. Our results establish a novel role for MSX1/MSX2 in the transcriptional activation of MDM2 and the resultant increase in MDM2 E3 ligase activity during vascular calcification. The identification of a signaling pathway involved in triggering vascular calcification, the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in blood vessels, could inform new therapeutic interventions for related cardiovascular complications. Vascular calcification causes significant complications in patients with metabolic syndrome, renal failure, or cardiovascular disease. In their previous work, Hyun Kook and Duk-Hwa Kwon at Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea, and coworkers demonstrated that the E3 ligase activity of a protein called MDM2 induces calcification. Now, following further mouse trials, the team have identified an upstream signaling pathway involving several development proteins such as MSX1 and MSX2 which activate MDM2. The activation of this signaling axis leads to the degradation of a key protein that would otherwise prevent calcification. The results may provide a platform for novel therapies targeting the condition.
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13
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Khasawneh RR, Kist R, Queen R, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Schneider JE, Mohun TJ, Zaffran S, Peters H, Phillips HM, Bamforth SD. Msx1 haploinsufficiency modifies the Pax9-deficient cardiovascular phenotype. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 21:14. [PMID: 34615475 PMCID: PMC8493722 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-021-00245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryogenesis relies on the coordinated interaction between genes and tissues. The transcription factors Pax9 and Msx1 genetically interact during mouse craniofacial morphogenesis, and mice deficient for either gene display abnormal tooth and palate development. Pax9 is expressed specifically in the pharyngeal endoderm at mid-embryogenesis, and mice deficient for Pax9 on a C57Bl/6 genetic background also have cardiovascular defects affecting the outflow tract and aortic arch arteries giving double-outlet right ventricle, absent common carotid arteries and interruption of the aortic arch. RESULTS In this study we have investigated both the effect of a different genetic background and Msx1 haploinsufficiency on the presentation of the Pax9-deficient cardiovascular phenotype. Compared to mice on a C57Bl/6 background, congenic CD1-Pax9-/- mice displayed a significantly reduced incidence of outflow tract defects but aortic arch defects were unchanged. Pax9-/- mice with Msx1 haploinsufficiency, however, have a reduced incidence of interrupted aortic arch, but more cases with cervical origins of the right subclavian artery and aortic arch, than seen in Pax9-/- mice. This alteration in arch artery defects was accompanied by a rescue in third pharyngeal arch neural crest cell migration and smooth muscle cell coverage of the third pharyngeal arch arteries. Although this change in phenotype could theoretically be compatible with post-natal survival, using tissue-specific inactivation of Pax9 to maintain correct palate development whilst inducing the cardiovascular defects was unable to prevent postnatal death in the mutant mice. Hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage formation were abnormal in Pax9-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Msx1 haploinsufficiency mitigates the arch artery defects in Pax9-/- mice, potentially by maintaining the survival of the 3rd arch artery through unimpaired migration of neural crest cells to the third pharyngeal arches. With the neural crest cell derived hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage also being defective in Pax9-/- mice, we speculate that the pharyngeal endoderm is a key signalling centre that impacts on neural crest cell behaviour highlighting the ability of cells in different tissues to act synergistically or antagonistically during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramada R. Khasawneh
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK ,grid.14440.350000 0004 0622 5497Present Address: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ralf Kist
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK ,grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4BW UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Bioinformatics Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Rafiqul Hussain
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Jürgen E. Schneider
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Biomedical Imaging, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Timothy J. Mohun
- grid.451388.30000 0004 1795 1830The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT UK
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Heiko Peters
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Helen M. Phillips
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Simon D. Bamforth
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
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14
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What we can learn from embryos to understand the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in tumor progression. Biochem J 2021; 478:1809-1825. [PMID: 33988704 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial plasticity involved the terminal and transitional stages that occur during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), both are essential at different stages of early embryonic development that have been co-opted by cancer cells to undergo tumor metastasis. These processes are regulated at multiple instances, whereas the post-transcriptional regulation of key genes mediated by microRNAs is gaining major attention as a common and conserved pathway. In this review, we focus on discussing the latest findings of the cellular and molecular basis of the less characterized process of MET during embryonic development, with special attention to the role of microRNAs. Although we take in consideration the necessity of being cautious when extrapolating the obtained evidence, we propose some commonalities between early embryonic development and cancer progression that can shed light into our current understanding of this complex event and might aid in the design of specific therapeutic approaches.
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15
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Yamagishi T, Narematsu M, Nakajima Y. Msx1 upregulates p27 expression to control cellular proliferation during valvuloseptal endocardial cushion formation in the chick embryonic heart. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 304:1732-1744. [PMID: 33191650 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cushion tissues, the primordia of valves and septa of the adult heart, are formed in the atrioventricular (AV) and outflow tract (OFT) regions of the embryonic heart. The cushion tissues are generated by the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), involving many soluble factors, extracellular matrix, and transcription factors. Moreover, neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells also migrate into the OFT cushion. The transcription factor Msx1 is known to be expressed in the endothelial and mesenchymal cells during cushion tissue formation. However, its exact role in EMT during cushion tissue formation is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of Msx1 mRNA and protein during chick heart development. Msx1 mRNA was localized in endothelial cells of the AV region at Stage 14, and its protein was first detected at Stage 15. Thereafter, Msx1 mRNA and protein were observed in the endothelial and mesenchymal cells of the OFT and AV regions. in vitro assays showed that ectopic Msx1 expression in endothelial cells induced p27, a cell-cycle inhibitor, expression and inhibited fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4)-induced cell proliferation. Although the FGF signal reduced the EMT-inducing activities of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), ectopic Msx1 expression in endothelial cells enhanced TGFβ signaling-induced αSMA, an EMT marker, expression. These results suggest that Msx1 may support the transformation of endothelial cells due to a TGFβ signal in EMT during cushion tissue formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Yamagishi
- School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health and Medical Care, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayu Narematsu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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16
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Sayers JR, Riley PR. Heart regeneration: beyond new muscle and vessels. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:727-742. [PMID: 33241843 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The most striking consequence of a heart attack is the loss of billions of heart muscle cells, alongside damage to the associated vasculature. The lost cardiovascular tissue is replaced by scar formation, which is non-functional and results in pathological remodelling of the heart and ultimately heart failure. It is, therefore, unsurprising that the heart regeneration field has centred efforts to generate new muscle and blood vessels through targeting cardiomyocyte proliferation and angiogenesis following injury. However, combined insights from embryological studies and regenerative models, alongside the adoption of -omics technology, highlight the extensive heterogeneity of cell types within the forming or re-forming heart and the significant crosstalk arising from non-muscle and non-vessel cells. In this review, we focus on the roles of fibroblasts, immune, conduction system, and nervous system cell populations during heart development and we consider the latest evidence supporting a function for these diverse lineages in contributing to regeneration following heart injury. We suggest that the emerging picture of neurologically, immunologically, and electrically coupled cell function calls for a wider-ranging combinatorial approach to heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy R Sayers
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Paul R Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, British Heart Foundation Oxbridge Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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17
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Transcriptional analysis of cleft palate in TGFβ3 mutant mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14940. [PMID: 32913205 PMCID: PMC7483747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleft palate (CP) is one of the most common craniofacial birth defects, impacting about 1 in 800 births in the USA. Tgf-β3 plays a critical role in regulating murine palate development, and Tgf-β3 null mutants develop cleft palate with 100% penetrance. In this study, we compared global palatal transcriptomes of wild type (WT) and Tgf-β3 −/− homozygous (HM) mouse embryos at the crucial palatogenesis stages of E14.5, and E16.5, using RNA-seq data. We found 1,809 and 2,127 differentially expressed genes at E16.5 vs. E14.5 in the WT and HM groups, respectively (adjusted p < 0.05; |fold change|> 2.0). We focused on the genes that were uniquely up/downregulated in WT or HM at E16.5 vs. E14.5 to identify genes associated with CP. Systems biology analysis relating to cell behaviors and function of WT and HM specific genes identified functional non-Smad pathways and preference of apoptosis to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We identified 24 HM specific and 11 WT specific genes that are CP-related and/or involved in Tgf-β3 signaling. We validated the expression of 29 of the 35 genes using qRT-PCR and the trend of mRNA expression is similar to that of RNA-seq data . Our results enrich our understanding of genes associated with CP that are directly or indirectly regulated via TGF-β.
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18
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Msx1 loss suppresses formation of the ectopic crypts developed in the Apc-deficient small intestinal epithelium. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1629. [PMID: 30733598 PMCID: PMC6367488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step in the development of human colorectal cancer is aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling hyperactivation is predominantly caused by loss-of-function mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene that encodes the pathway negative regulator. In order to identify genes affected by the Apc loss, we performed expression profiling of intestinal epithelium isolated from mice harboring a conditional Apc allele. The gene encoding transcriptional factor msh homeobox 1 (Msx1) displayed robust upregulation upon Apc inactivation. Histological analysis of the Apc-deficient epithelium revealed that in the small intestine, the Msx1 protein was localized exclusively in ectopic crypts, i.e., in pockets of proliferating cells abnormally positioned on the villi. Ablation of the Msx1 gene leads to the disappearance of ectopic crypts and loss of differentiated cells. Moreover, tumors arising from Msx1-deficient cells display altered morphology reminiscent of villous adenomas. In human tumor specimens, MSX1 displayed significantly increased expression in colonic neoplasia with a descending tendency during the lesion progression towards colorectal carcinoma. In summary, the results indicate that Msx1 represents a novel marker of intestinal tumorigenesis. In addition, we described the previously unknown relationship between the Msx1-dependent formation of ectopic crypts and cell differentiation.
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19
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Wang Y, Lu P, Wu B, Riascos-Bernal DF, Sibinga NES, Valenta T, Basler K, Zhou B. Myocardial β-Catenin-BMP2 signaling promotes mesenchymal cell proliferation during endocardial cushion formation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 123:150-158. [PMID: 30201295 PMCID: PMC10662972 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal endocardial cushion formation is a major cause of congenital heart valve disease, which is a common birth defect with significant morbidity and mortality. Although β-catenin and BMP2 are two well-known regulators of endocardial cushion formation, their interaction in this process is largely unknown. Here, we report that deletion of β-catenin in myocardium results in formation of hypoplastic endocardial cushions accompanying a decrease of mesenchymal cell proliferation. Loss of β-catenin reduced Bmp2 expression in myocardium and SMAD signaling in cushion mesenchyme. Exogenous BMP2 recombinant proteins fully rescued the proliferation defect of mesenchymal cells in cultured heart explants from myocardial β-catenin knockout embryos. Using a canonical WNT signaling reporter mouse line, we showed that cushion myocardium exhibited high WNT/β-catenin activities during endocardial cushion growth. Selective disruption of the signaling function of β-catenin resulted in a cushion growth defect similar to that caused by the complete loss of β-catenin. Together, these observations demonstrate that myocardial β-catenin signaling function promotes mesenchymal cell proliferation and endocardial cushion expansion through inducing BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States.
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Dario F Riascos-Bernal
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology Division), Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Nicholas E S Sibinga
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology Division), Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Basler
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States; Department of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States; Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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20
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HAND2 Target Gene Regulatory Networks Control Atrioventricular Canal and Cardiac Valve Development. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1602-1613. [PMID: 28538179 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The HAND2 transcriptional regulator controls cardiac development, and we uncover additional essential functions in the endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) underlying cardiac cushion development in the atrioventricular canal (AVC). In Hand2-deficient mouse embryos, the EMT underlying AVC cardiac cushion formation is disrupted, and we combined ChIP-seq of embryonic hearts with transcriptome analysis of wild-type and mutants AVCs to identify the functionally relevant HAND2 target genes. The HAND2 target gene regulatory network (GRN) includes most genes with known functions in EMT processes and AVC cardiac cushion formation. One of these is Snai1, an EMT master regulator whose expression is lost from Hand2-deficient AVCs. Re-expression of Snai1 in mutant AVC explants partially restores this EMT and mesenchymal cell migration. Furthermore, the HAND2-interacting enhancers in the Snai1 genomic landscape are active in embryonic hearts and other Snai1-expressing tissues. These results show that HAND2 directly regulates the molecular cascades initiating AVC cardiac valve development.
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21
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Maskell LJ, Qamar K, Babakr AA, Hawkins TA, Heads RJ, Budhram-Mahadeo VS. Essential but partially redundant roles for POU4F1/Brn-3a and POU4F2/Brn-3b transcription factors in the developing heart. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2861. [PMID: 28594399 PMCID: PMC5520879 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects contribute to embryonic or neonatal lethality but due to the complexity of cardiac development, the molecular changes associated with such defects are not fully understood. Here, we report that transcription factors (TFs) Brn-3a (POU4F1) and Brn-3b (POU4F2) are important for normal cardiac development. Brn-3a directly represses Brn-3b promoter in cardiomyocytes and consequently Brn-3a knockout (KO) mutant hearts express increased Brn-3b mRNA during mid-gestation, which is linked to hyperplastic growth associated with elevated cyclin D1, a known Brn-3b target gene. However, during late gestation, Brn-3b can cooperate with p53 to enhance transcription of pro-apoptotic genes e.g. Bax, thereby increasing apoptosis and contribute to morphological defects such as non-compaction, ventricular wall/septal thinning and increased crypts/fissures, which may cause lethality of Brn-3a KO mutants soon after birth. Despite this, early embryonic lethality in e9.5 double KO (Brn-3a-/- : Brn-3b-/-) mutants indicate essential functions with partial redundancy during early embryogenesis. High conservation between mammals and zebrafish (ZF) Brn-3b (87%) or Brn-3a (76%) facilitated use of ZF embryos to study potential roles in developing heart. Double morphant embryos targeted with morpholino oligonucleotides to both TFs develop significant cardiac defects (looping abnormalities and valve defects) suggesting essential roles for Brn-3a and Brn-3b in developing hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Maskell
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UCL Rayne Building, London, UK
| | - Kashif Qamar
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UCL Rayne Building, London, UK
| | - Aram A Babakr
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UCL Rayne Building, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Hawkins
- Division of Biosciences, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Richard J Heads
- Cardiovascular Division, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vishwanie S Budhram-Mahadeo
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UCL Rayne Building, London, UK
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22
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Sancho A, Vandersmissen I, Craps S, Luttun A, Groll J. A new strategy to measure intercellular adhesion forces in mature cell-cell contacts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46152. [PMID: 28393890 PMCID: PMC5385528 DOI: 10.1038/srep46152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular adhesion plays a major role in tissue development and homeostasis. Yet, technologies to measure mature cell-cell contacts are not available. We introduce a methodology based on fluidic probe force microscopy to assess cell-cell adhesion forces after formation of mature intercellular contacts in cell monolayers. With this method we quantify that L929 fibroblasts exhibit negligible cell-cell adhesion in monolayers whereas human endothelial cells from the umbilical artery (HUAECs) exert strong intercellular adhesion forces per cell. We use a new in vitro model based on the overexpression of Muscle Segment Homeobox 1 (MSX1) to induce Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT), a process involved in cardiovascular development and disease. We reveal how intercellular adhesion forces in monolayer decrease significantly at an early stage of EndMT and we show that cells undergo stiffening and flattening at this stage. This new biomechanical insight complements and expands the established standard biomolecular analyses. Our study thus introduces a novel tool for the assessment of mature intercellular adhesion forces in a physiological setting that will be of relevance to biological processes in developmental biology, tissue regeneration and diseases like cancer and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sancho
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ine Vandersmissen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sander Craps
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
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Zakariyah AF, Rajgara RF, Veinot JP, Skerjanc IS, Burgon PG. Congenital heart defect causing mutation in Nkx2.5 displays in vivo functional deficit. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2017; 105:89-98. [PMID: 28302382 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Nkx2.5 gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a critical role in heart development. In humans, heterozygous mutations in NKX2.5 result in congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, the molecular mechanisms by which these mutations cause the disease remain unknown. NKX2.5-R142C is a mutation that was reported to be associated with atrial septal defect (ASD) and atrioventricular (AV) block in 13-patients from one family. The R142C mutation is located within both the DNA-binding domain and the nuclear localization sequence of NKX2.5 protein. The pathogenesis of CHDs in humans with R142C point mutation is not well understood. To examine the functional deficit associated with this mutation in vivo, we generated and characterized a knock-in mouse that harbours the human mutation R142C. Systematic structural and functional examination of the embryonic, newborn, and adult mice revealed that the homozygous embryos Nkx2.5R141C/R141C are developmentally arrested around E10.5 with delayed heart morphogenesis and downregulation of Nkx2.5 target genes, Anf, Mlc2v, Actc1 and Cx40. Histological examination of Nkx2.5R141C/+ newborn hearts showed that 36% displayed ASD, with at least 80% 0f adult heterozygotes displaying a septal defect. Moreover, heterozygous Nkx2.5R141C/+ newborn mice have downregulation of ion channel genes with 11/12 adult mice manifesting a prolonged PR interval that is indicative of 1st degree AV block. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that mice with the R141C point mutation in the Nkx2.5 allele phenocopies humans with the NKX2.5 R142C point mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer F Zakariyah
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rashida F Rajgara
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John P Veinot
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ottawa Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Ilona S Skerjanc
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Patrick G Burgon
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology) Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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24
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Boogerd CJ, Aneas I, Sakabe N, Dirschinger RJ, Cheng QJ, Zhou B, Chen J, Nobrega MA, Evans SM. Probing chromatin landscape reveals roles of endocardial TBX20 in septation. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:3023-35. [PMID: 27348591 DOI: 10.1172/jci85350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the T-box transcription factor TBX20 are associated with multiple forms of congenital heart defects, including cardiac septal abnormalities, but our understanding of the contributions of endocardial TBX20 to heart development remains incomplete. Here, we investigated how TBX20 interacts with endocardial gene networks to drive the mesenchymal and myocardial movements that are essential for outflow tract and atrioventricular septation. Selective ablation of Tbx20 in murine endocardial lineages reduced the expression of extracellular matrix and cell migration genes that are critical for septation. Using the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), we identified accessible chromatin within endocardial lineages and intersected these data with TBX20 ChIP-seq and chromatin loop maps to determine that TBX20 binds a conserved long-range enhancer to regulate versican (Vcan) expression. We also observed reduced Vcan expression in Tbx20-deficient mice, supporting a direct role for TBX20 in Vcan regulation. Further, we show that the Vcan enhancer drove reporter gene expression in endocardial lineages in a TBX20-binding site-dependent manner. This work illuminates gene networks that interact with TBX20 to orchestrate cardiac septation and provides insight into the chromatin landscape of endocardial lineages during septation.
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25
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van Weerd JH, Christoffels VM. The formation and function of the cardiac conduction system. Development 2016; 143:197-210. [PMID: 26786210 DOI: 10.1242/dev.124883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cardiac conduction system (CCS) consists of distinctive components that initiate and conduct the electrical impulse required for the coordinated contraction of the cardiac chambers. CCS development involves complex regulatory networks that act in stage-, tissue- and dose-dependent manners, and recent findings indicate that the activity of these networks is sensitive to common genetic variants associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Here, we review how these findings have provided novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms and transcriptional networks underlying CCS formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Hendrik van Weerd
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology & Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology & Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
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26
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Papoutsi T, Odelin G, Moore-Morris T, Pucéat M, de la Pompa JL, Robert B, Zaffran S. Msx1CreERT2 knock-In allele: A useful tool to target embryonic and adult cardiac valves. Genesis 2016; 53:337-45. [PMID: 25950518 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Heart valve development begins with the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of endocardial cells. Although lineage studies have demonstrated contributions from cardiac neural crest and epicardium to semilunar and atrioventricular (AV) valve formation, respectively, most valve mesenchyme derives from the endocardial EMT. Specific Cre mouse lines for fate-mapping analyses of valve endocardial cells are limited. Msx1 displayed expression in AV canal endocardium and cushion mesenchyme between E9.5 and E11.5, when EMT is underway. Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated that deletion of Msx1 and its paralog Msx2 results in hypoplastic AV cushions and impaired endocardial signaling. A knock-in tamoxifen-inducible Cre line was recently generated (Msx1CreERT2) and characterized during embryonic development and after birth, and was shown to recapitulate the endogenous Msx1 expression pattern. Here, we further analyze this knock-in allele and track the Msx1-expressing cells and their descendants during cardiac development with a particular focus on their contribution to the valves and their precursors. Thus, Msx1CreERT2 mice represent a useful model for lineage tracing and conditional gene manipulation of endocardial and mesenchymal cushion cells essential to understand mechanisms of valve development and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Papoutsi
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development & Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional De Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gaëlle Odelin
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Moore-Morris
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Pucéat
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - José Luis de la Pompa
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development & Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional De Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Benoît Robert
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, UMR_S910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Inserm, U910, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
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27
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Serra-Juhé C, Cuscó I, Homs A, Flores R, Torán N, Pérez-Jurado LA. DNA methylation abnormalities in congenital heart disease. Epigenetics 2015; 10:167-77. [PMID: 25587870 PMCID: PMC4622722 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2014.998536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects represent the most common malformation at birth, occurring also in ∼50% of individuals with Down syndrome. Congenital heart defects are thought to have multifactorial etiology, but the main causes are largely unknown. We have explored the global methylation profile of fetal heart DNA in comparison to blood DNA from control subjects: an absolute correlation with the type of tissue was detected. Pathway analysis revealed a significant enrichment of differential methylation at genes related to muscle contraction and cardiomyopathies in the developing heart DNA. We have also searched for abnormal methylation profiles on developing heart-tissue DNA of syndromic and non-syndromic congenital heart defects. On average, 3 regions with aberrant methylation were detected per sample and 18 regions were found differentially methylated between groups. Several epimutations were detected in candidate genes involved in growth regulation, apoptosis and folate pathway. A likely pathogenic hypermethylation of several intragenic sites at the MSX1 gene, involved in outflow tract morphogenesis, was found in a fetus with isolated heart malformation. In addition, hypermethylation of the GATA4 gene was present in fetuses with Down syndrome with or without congenital heart defects, as well as in fetuses with isolated heart malformations. Expression deregulation of the abnormally methylated genes was detected. Our data indicate that epigenetic alterations of relevant genes are present in developing heart DNA in fetuses with both isolated and syndromic heart malformations. These epimutations likely contribute to the pathogenesis of the malformation by cis-acting effects on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Serra-Juhé
- a Department of Experimental and Health Sciences ; Universitat Pompeu Fabra ; Barcelona , Spain
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28
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MSX1 inhibits cell migration and invasion through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioblastoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1097-104. [PMID: 26271668 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a type of primary brain tumor with poor prognosis. The hallmark phenotype of glioblastoma is its aggressive invasion. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the invasion behavior of glioblastoma is essential for the development of effective treatment of the disease. In our present study, we found that the expression levels of a homeobox transcription factor, MSX1, were significantly reduced in glioblastoma compared to normal brain tissues. The levels of MSX1 in glioblastoma tissues were also correlated with the survival of the patients. In cultured glioblastoma cells, MSX1 was a negative regulator of cell migration and invasion. Loss of MSX1 enhanced cell migration and induced mesenchymal transition as characterized by the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of N-cadherin. Overexpression of MSX1 on the other hand led to the inhibition of both cell migration and mesenchymal transition. We also found that MSX1 was able to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and that the ability to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critical for MSX1 to suppress glioblastoma cell migration and invasion.
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29
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Zhao L, Li B, Dian K, Ying B, Lu X, Hu X, An Q, Chen C, Huang C, Tan B, Qin L. Association between the European GWAS-identified susceptibility locus at chromosome 4p16 and the risk of atrial septal defect: a case-control study in Southwest China and a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123959. [PMID: 25875170 PMCID: PMC4395394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the third most frequent type of congenital heart anomaly, featuring shunting of blood between the two atria. Gene-environment interaction remains to be an acknowledged cause for ASD occurrence. A recent European genome-wide association study (GWAS) of congenital heart disease (CHD) identified 3 susceptibility SNPs at chromosome 4p16 associated with ASD: rs870142, rs16835979 and rs6824295. A Chinese-GWAS of CHD conducted in the corresponding period did not reveal the 3 susceptibility SNPs, but reported 2 different risk SNPs: rs2474937 and rs1531070. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations between the 3 European GWAS-identified susceptibility SNPs and ASD risk in the Han population in southwest China. Additionally, to increase the robustness of our current analysis, we conducted a meta-analysis combining published studies and our current case-control study. We performed association, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype analysis among the 3 SNPs in 190 ASD cases and 225 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Genotype and allele frequencies among the 3 SNPs showed statistically significant differences between the cases and controls. Our study found that individuals carrying the allele T of rs870142, the allele A of rs16835979, and the allele T of rs6824295 had a respective 50.1% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.501, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.122-2.009, PFDR-BH = 0.018), 48.5% (OR = 1.485, 95%CI = 1.109-1.987, PFDR-BH = 0.012), and 38.6% (OR = 1.386, 95%CI = 1.042-1.844, PFDR-BH = 0.025) increased risk to develop ASD than wild-type allele carriers in our study cohort. In the haplotype analysis, we identified a disease-risk haplotype (TAT) (OR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.030-2.380, PFDR-BH = 0.016). Our meta-analysis also showed that the investigated SNP was associated with ASD risk (combined OR (95%CI) = 1.35 (1.24-1.46), P < 0.00001). Our study provides compelling evidence to motivate better understanding of the etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Ke Dian
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Binwu Ying
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xuejiao Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Qi An
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Chunyan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Bin Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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30
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Cheng SL, Behrmann A, Shao JS, Ramachandran B, Krchma K, Bello Arredondo Y, Kovacs A, Mead M, Maxson R, Towler DA. Targeted reduction of vascular Msx1 and Msx2 mitigates arteriosclerotic calcification and aortic stiffness in LDLR-deficient mice fed diabetogenic diets. Diabetes 2014; 63:4326-37. [PMID: 25056439 PMCID: PMC4237989 DOI: 10.2337/db14-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
When fed high-fat diets, male LDLR(-/-) mice develop obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and arteriosclerotic calcification. An osteogenic Msx-Wnt regulatory program is concomitantly upregulated in the vasculature. To better understand the mechanisms of diabetic arteriosclerosis, we generated SM22-Cre;Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) mice, assessing the impact of Msx1+Msx2 gene deletion in vascular myofibroblast and smooth muscle cells. Aortic Msx2 and Msx1 were decreased by 95% and 34% in SM22-Cre;Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) animals versus Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) controls, respectively. Aortic calcium was reduced by 31%, and pulse wave velocity, an index of stiffness, was decreased in SM22-Cre;Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) mice vs. controls. Fasting blood glucose and lipids did not differ, yet SM22-Cre;Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) siblings became more obese. Aortic adventitial myofibroblasts from SM22-Cre;Msx1(fl/fl);Msx2(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) mice exhibited reduced osteogenic gene expression and mineralizing potential with concomitant reduction in multiple Wnt genes. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Sca1, markers of aortic osteogenic progenitors, were also reduced, paralleling a 78% reduction in alkaline phosphatase (TNAP)-positive adventitial myofibroblasts. RNA interference revealed that although Msx1+Msx2 supports TNAP and Wnt7b expression, Msx1 selectively maintains Shh and Msx2 sustains Wnt2, Wnt5a, and Sca1 expression in aortic adventitial myofibroblast cultures. Thus, Msx1 and Msx2 support vascular mineralization by directing the osteogenic programming of aortic progenitors in diabetic arteriosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Li Cheng
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL
| | | | | | | | - Karen Krchma
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL
| | | | | | - Megan Mead
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL
| | - Robert Maxson
- Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Dwight A Towler
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL
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31
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Snider P, Simmons O, Wang J, Hoang CQ, Conway SJ. Ectopic Noggin in a Population of Nfatc1 Lineage Endocardial Progenitors Induces Embryonic Lethality. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2014; 1:214-236. [PMID: 26090377 PMCID: PMC4469290 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd1030214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial heart is composed of a myocardial tube lined by endocardial cells. The TGFβ superfamily is known to play an important role, as BMPs from the myocardium signal to the overlying endocardium to create an environment for EMT. Subsequently, BMP and TGFβ signaling pathways synergize to form primitive valves and regulate myocardial growth. In this study, we investigated the requirement of BMP activity by transgenic over-expression of extracellular BMP antagonist Noggin. Using Nfatc1Cre to drive lineage-restricted Noggin within the endocardium, we show that ectopic Noggin arrests cardiac development in E10.5-11 embryos, resulting in small hearts which beat poorly and die by E12.5. This is coupled with hypoplastic endocardial cushions, reduced trabeculation and fewer mature contractile fibrils in mutant hearts. Moreover, Nfatc1Cre-mediated diphtheria toxin fragment-A expression in the endocardium resulted in genetic ablation and a more severe phenotype with lethality at E11 and abnormal linear hearts. Molecular analysis demonstrated that endocardial Noggin resulted in a specific alteration of TGFβ/BMP-mediated signal transduction, in that, both Endoglin and ALK1 were downregulated in mutant endocardium. Combined, these results demonstrate the cell-autonomous requirement of the endocardial lineage and function of unaltered BMP levels in facilitating endothelium-cardiomyocyte cross-talk and promoting endocardial cushion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon J. Conway
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +317-278-8781; Fax: +317-278-0138
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32
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Zhao B, Lin Y, Xu J, Ni B, Da M, Ding C, Hu Y, Zhang K, Yang S, Wang X, Yu S, Chen Y, Mo X, Liu J, Shen H, Sha J, Ma H. Replication of the 4p16 susceptibility locus in congenital heart disease in Han Chinese populations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107411. [PMID: 25215500 PMCID: PMC4162603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common form of congenital human birth anomalies and a leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality. Some studies including our published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CHD have indicated that genetic variants may contribute to the risk of CHD. Recently, Cordell et al. published a GWAS of multiple CHD phenotypes in European Caucasians and identified 3 susceptibility loci (rs870142, rs16835979 and rs6824295) for ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) at chromosome 4p16. However, whether these loci at 4p16 confer the predisposition to CHD in Chinese population is unclear. In the current study, we first analyzed the associations between these 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 4p16 and CHD risk by using our existing genome-wide scan data and found all of the 3 SNPs showed significant associations with ASD in the same direction as that observed in Cordell’s study, but not with other subtypes- ventricular septal defect (VSD) and ASD combined VSD. As these 3 SNPs were in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) in Chinese population, we selected one SNP with the lowest P value in our GWAS scan (rs16835979) to perform a replication study with additional 1,709 CHD cases with multiple phenotypes and 1,962 controls. The significant association was also observed only within the ASD subgroup, which was heterogeneous from other disease groups. In combined GWAS and replication samples, the minor allele of rs16835979 remained significant association with the risk of ASD (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.38, P = 0.001). Our findings suggest that susceptibility loci of ASD identified from Cordell’s European GWAS are generalizable to Chinese population, and such investigation may provide new insights into the roles of genetic variants in the etiology of different CHD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijun Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bixian Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Da
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenyue Ding
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanli Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiwei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiqiang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yijiang Chen
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuming Mo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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33
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Martin LJ, Pilipenko V, Kaufman KM, Cripe L, Kottyan LC, Keddache M, Dexheimer P, Weirauch MT, Benson DW. Whole exome sequencing for familial bicuspid aortic valve identifies putative variants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 7:677-83. [PMID: 25085919 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.114.000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiovascular malformation. Although highly heritable, few causal variants have been identified. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic variants underlying BAV by whole exome sequencing a multiplex BAV kindred. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole exome sequencing was performed on 17 individuals from a single family (BAV=3; other cardiovascular malformation, 3). Postvariant calling error control metrics were established after examining the relationship between Mendelian inheritance error rate and coverage, quality score, and call rate. To determine the most effective approach to identifying susceptibility variants from among 54 674 variants passing error control metrics, we evaluated 3 variant selection strategies frequently used in whole exome sequencing studies plus extended family linkage. No putative rare, high-effect variants were identified in all affected but no unaffected individuals. Eight high-effect variants were identified by ≥2 of the commonly used selection strategies; however, these were either common in the general population (>10%) or present in the majority of the unaffected family members. However, using extended family linkage, 3 synonymous variants were identified; all 3 variants were identified by at least one other strategy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that traditional whole exome sequencing approaches, which assume causal variants alter coding sense, may be insufficient for BAV and other complex traits. Identification of disease-associated variants is facilitated by the use of segregation within families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Martin
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.).
| | - Valentina Pilipenko
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Kenneth M Kaufman
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Linda Cripe
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Leah C Kottyan
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Mehdi Keddache
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Phillip Dexheimer
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.)
| | - D Woodrow Benson
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH (L.J.M., V.P., K.M.K., L.C.K., M.K., P.D., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati OH (L.J.M., K.M.K., M.K., M.T.W.); Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus (L.C.); Herma Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.); and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (D.W.B.).
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Chang AC, Garside VC, Fournier M, Smrz J, Vrljicak P, Umlandt P, Fuller M, Robertson G, Zhao Y, Tam A, Jones SJM, Marra MA, Hoodless PA, Karsan A. A Notch-dependent transcriptional hierarchy promotes mesenchymal transdifferentiation in the cardiac cushion. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:894-905. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alex C.Y. Chang
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Victoria C. Garside
- Terry Fox Laboratory; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Cell and Developmental Biology Program; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Michele Fournier
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Justin Smrz
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Pavle Vrljicak
- Terry Fox Laboratory; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Patricia Umlandt
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Megan Fuller
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Gordon Robertson
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Yongjun Zhao
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Angela Tam
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
| | - Steven J. M. Jones
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Marco A. Marra
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Pamela A. Hoodless
- Terry Fox Laboratory; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
| | - Aly Karsan
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of British Columbia; Vancouver Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver Canada
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35
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Wystub K, Besser J, Bachmann A, Boettger T, Braun T. miR-1/133a clusters cooperatively specify the cardiomyogenic lineage by adjustment of myocardin levels during embryonic heart development. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003793. [PMID: 24068960 PMCID: PMC3777988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are small RNAs directing many developmental processes by posttranscriptional regulation of protein-coding genes. We uncovered a new role for miR-1-1/133a-2 and miR-1-2/133a-1 clusters in the specification of embryonic cardiomyocytes allowing transition from an immature state characterized by expression of smooth muscle (SM) genes to a more mature fetal phenotype. Concomitant knockout of miR-1-1/133a-2 and miR-1-2/133a-1 released suppression of the transcriptional co-activator myocardin, a major regulator of SM gene expression, but not of its binding partner SRF. Overexpression of myocardin in the embryonic heart essentially recapitulated the miR-1/133a mutant phenotype at the molecular level, arresting embryonic cardiomyocytes in an immature state. Interestingly, the majority of postulated miR-1/133a targets was not altered in double mutant mice, indicating that the ability of miR-1/133a to suppress target molecules strongly depends on the cellular context. Finally, we show that myocardin positively regulates expression of miR-1/133a, thus constituting a negative feedback loop that is essential for early cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wystub
- Max-Planck-Institut für Herz- und Lungenforschung, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Besser
- Max-Planck-Institut für Herz- und Lungenforschung, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Angela Bachmann
- Max-Planck-Institut für Herz- und Lungenforschung, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Boettger
- Max-Planck-Institut für Herz- und Lungenforschung, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max-Planck-Institut für Herz- und Lungenforschung, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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36
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Feng XY, Zhao YM, Wang WJ, Ge LH. Msx1regulates proliferation and differentiation of mouse dental mesenchymal cells in culture. Eur J Oral Sci 2013; 121:412-20. [PMID: 24028588 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yu Feng
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology; Beijing; China
| | - Yu-ming Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology; Beijing; China
| | - Wen-jun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology; Beijing; China
| | - Li-hong Ge
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology; Beijing; China
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37
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Cheng SL, Shao JS, Behrmann A, Krchma K, Towler DA. Dkk1 and MSX2-Wnt7b signaling reciprocally regulate the endothelial-mesenchymal transition in aortic endothelial cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:1679-89. [PMID: 23685555 PMCID: PMC3837473 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.300647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endothelial cells (ECs) can undergo an endothelial-mesenchymal transition with tissue fibrosis. Wnt- and Msx2-regulated signals participate in arteriosclerotic fibrosis and calcification. We studied the impact of Wnt7, Msx2, and Dkk1, a Wnt7 antagonist, on endothelial-mesenchymal transition in primary aortic ECs. APPROACH AND RESULTS Transduction of aortic ECs with vectors expressing Dkk1 suppressed EC differentiation and induced a mineralizing myofibroblast phenotype. Dkk1 suppressed claudin 5, PECAM, cadherin 5 (Cdh5), Tie1, and Tie2. Dkk1 converted the cuboidal cell monolayer into a spindle-shaped multilayer and inhibited EC cord formation. Myofibroblast and osteogenic markers, SM22, type I collagen, Osx, Runx2, and alkaline phosphatase, were upregulated by Dkk1 via activin-like kinase/Smad pathways. Dkk1 increased fibrotic mineralization of aortic ECs cultured under osteogenic conditions--the opposite of mesenchymal cell responses. Msx2 and Wnt7b maintained morphology and upregulated markers of differentiated ECs. Deleting EC Wnt7b with the Cdh5-Cre transgene in Wnt7b(fl/fl);LDLR(-/-) mice upregulated aortic osteogenic genes (Osx, Sox9, Runx2, and Msx2) and nuclear phospho-Smad1/5, and increased collagen and calcium accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Dkk1 enhances endothelial-mesenchymal transition in aortic ECs, whereas Wnt7b and Msx2 signals preserve EC phenotype. EC responses to Dkk1, Wnt7b, and Msx2 are the opposite of mesenchymal responses, coupling EC phenotypic stability with osteofibrogenic predilection during arteriosclerosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Arteriosclerosis/genetics
- Arteriosclerosis/metabolism
- Arteriosclerosis/pathology
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Cadherins/genetics
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Cattle
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Shape
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Fibrosis
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Myofibroblasts/metabolism
- Myofibroblasts/pathology
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
- Ossification, Heterotopic/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Transduction, Genetic
- Transfection
- Wnt Proteins/deficiency
- Wnt Proteins/genetics
- Wnt Proteins/metabolism
- Wnt Signaling Pathway
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Li Cheng
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32827
| | - Jian-Su Shao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Abraham Behrmann
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32827
| | - Karen Krchma
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32827
| | - Dwight A. Towler
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Orlando, FL 32827
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38
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Zhao Z. Activin-A in diabetes-induced cardiac malformations in embryos. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 98:260-7. [PMID: 23716477 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common abnormalities in infants of diabetic mothers. Cardiac malformation is associated with altered expression of the genes in the transforming growth factor β system, including inhibin βA, which forms activin-A as a homodimer and functions through its effectors, Smad2 and Smad3. This study aimed to investigate the role of activin-A in diabetes-induced cardiac malformations. METHODS Diabetes mellitus in female mice (C57BL/6J) was induced via intravenous injection of streptozotocin. The expression of inhibin βA protein and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in the embryonic hearts were examined using immunohistochemical, in situ proximity ligation, and immunoblot assays. Embryos and endocardial cushions of nondiabetic mice were cultured in a high concentration of glucose and treated with activin-A. Mitosis was examined using BrdU incorporation assay and immunohistochemistry of phosphorylated histone H3. Migration of the endocardial cells was assessed using a collagen-based cell migration assay. RESULTS The levels of inhibin βA expression and Smad2 and Smad3 activation were significantly reduced by maternal diabetes. Treatment with activin-A significantly increased cell proliferation in the myocardium and migration of endocardial cells, compared with those in vehicle-treated high glucose group, to the level in the euglycemic control group. CONCLUSIONS Maternal diabetes suppresses the expression of inhibin βA protein, as well as the activation of Smad2 and Smad3. Activin-A rescues cell proliferation in the myocardium and migration of the endocardial cells suppressed by hyperglycemia. The activin-Smad2/3 signaling system appears to play a role in cardiac malformation in diabetic embryopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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39
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Genome-wide association study of multiple congenital heart disease phenotypes identifies a susceptibility locus for atrial septal defect at chromosome 4p16. Nat Genet 2013; 45:822-4. [PMID: 23708191 PMCID: PMC3793630 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of congenital heart disease (CHD). Our discovery cohort comprised 1,995 CHD cases and 5,159 controls, and included patients from each of the three major clinical CHD categories (septal, obstructive and cyanotic defects). When all CHD phenotypes were considered together, no regions achieved genome-wide significant association. However, a region on chromosome 4p16, adjacent to the MSX1 and STX18 genes, was associated (P=9.5×10−7) with the risk of ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in the discovery cohort (N=340 cases), and this was replicated in a further 417 ASD cases and 2520 controls (replication P=5.0×10−5; OR in replication cohort 1.40 [95% CI 1.19-1.65]; combined P=2.6×10−10). Genotype accounted for ~9% of the population attributable risk of ASD.
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40
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Wang Y, Wu B, Chamberlain AA, Lui W, Koirala P, Susztak K, Klein D, Taylor V, Zhou B. Endocardial to myocardial notch-wnt-bmp axis regulates early heart valve development. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60244. [PMID: 23560082 PMCID: PMC3613384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocardial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a fundamental cellular process required for heart valve formation. Notch, Wnt and Bmp pathways are known to regulate this process. To further address how these pathways coordinate in the process, we specifically disrupted Notch1 or Jagged1 in the endocardium of mouse embryonic hearts and showed that Jagged1-Notch1 signaling in the endocardium is essential for EMT and early valvular cushion formation. qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization assays reveal that endocardial Jagged1-Notch1 signaling regulates Wnt4 expression in the atrioventricular canal (AVC) endocardium and Bmp2 in the AVC myocardium. Whole embryo cultures treated with Wnt4 or Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) show that Bmp2 expression in the AVC myocardium is dependent on Wnt activity; Wnt4 also reinstates Bmp2 expression in the AVC myocardium of endocardial Notch1 null embryos. Furthermore, while both Wnt4 and Bmp2 rescue the defective EMT resulting from Notch inhibition, Wnt4 requires Bmp for its action. These results demonstrate that Jagged1-Notch1 signaling in endocardial cells induces the expression of Wnt4, which subsequently acts as a paracrine factor to upregulate Bmp2 expression in the adjacent AVC myocardium to signal EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Alyssa A. Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Wendy Lui
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Pratistha Koirala
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Katalin Susztak
- Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Verdon Taylor
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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41
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Li C, Xu S, Gotlieb AI. The progression of calcific aortic valve disease through injury, cell dysfunction, and disruptive biologic and physical force feedback loops. Cardiovasc Pathol 2013; 22:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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42
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Puppala D, Collis LP, Sun SZ, Bonato V, Chen X, Anson B, Pletcher M, Fermini B, Engle SJ. Comparative gene expression profiling in human-induced pluripotent stem cell--derived cardiocytes and human and cynomolgus heart tissue. Toxicol Sci 2012; 131:292-301. [PMID: 22982684 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiotoxicity is one of the leading causes of drug attrition. Current in vitro models insufficiently predict cardiotoxicity, and there is a need for alternative physiologically relevant models. Here we describe the gene expression profile of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiocytes (iCC) postthaw over a period of 42 days in culture and compare this profile to human fetal and adult as well as adult cynomolgus nonhuman primate (NHP, Macaca fascicularis) heart tissue. Our results indicate that iCC express relevant cardiac markers such as ion channels (SCN5A, KCNJ2, CACNA1C, KCNQ1, and KCNH2), tissue-specific structural markers (MYH6, MYLPF, MYBPC3, DES, TNNT2, and TNNI3), and transcription factors (NKX2.5, GATA4, and GATA6) and lack the expression of stem cell markers (FOXD3, GBX2, NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, and ZFP42). Furthermore, we performed a functional evaluation of contractility of the iCC and showed functional and pharmacological correlations with myocytes isolated from adult NHP hearts. These results suggest that stem cell-derived cardiocytes may represent a novel in vitro model to study human cardiac toxicity with potential ex vivo and in vivo translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Puppala
- Compound Safety Prediction, Pfizer, Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA.
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43
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Kruithof BPT, Duim SN, Moerkamp AT, Goumans MJ. TGFβ and BMP signaling in cardiac cushion formation: lessons from mice and chicken. Differentiation 2012; 84:89-102. [PMID: 22656450 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac cushion formation is crucial for both valvular and septal development. Disruption in this process can lead to valvular and septal malformations, which constitute the largest part of congenital heart defects. One of the signaling pathways that is important for cushion formation is the TGFβ superfamily. The involvement of TGFβ and BMP signaling pathways in cardiac cushion formation has been intensively studied using chicken in vitro explant assays and in genetically modified mice. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the role of TGFβ and BMP signaling components in cardiac cushion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boudewijn P T Kruithof
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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44
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Cai X, Nomura-Kitabayashi A, Cai W, Yan J, Christoffels VM, Cai CL. Myocardial Tbx20 regulates early atrioventricular canal formation and endocardial epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Bmp2. Dev Biol 2011; 360:381-90. [PMID: 21983003 PMCID: PMC3217163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During early embryogenesis, the formation of the cardiac atrioventricular canal (AVC) facilitates the transition of the heart from a linear tube into a chambered organ. However, the genetic pathways underlying this developmental process are poorly understood. The T-box transcription factor Tbx20 is expressed predominantly in the AVC of early heart tube. It was shown that Tbx20 activates Nmyc1 and suppresses Tbx2 expression to promote proliferation and specification of the atrial and ventricular chambers, yet it is not known if Tbx20 is involved in early AVC development. Here, we report that mice lacking Tbx20 in the AVC myocardium fail to form the AVC constriction, and the endocardial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is severely perturbed. Tbx20 maintains expression of a variety of genes, including Bmp2, Tbx3 and Hand1 in the AVC myocardium. Intriguingly, we found Bmp2 downstream genes involved in the EMT initiation are also downregulated. In addition, re-expression of Bmp2 in the AVC myocardium substantially rescues the EMT defects resulting from the lack of Tbx20, suggesting Bmp2 is one of the key downstream targets of Tbx20 in AVC development. Our data support a complex signaling network with Tbx20 suppressing Tbx2 in the AVC myocardium but also indirectly promoting Tbx2 expression through Bmp2. The spatiotemporal expression of Tbx2 in the AVC appears to be balanced between these two opposing signals. Overall, our study provides genetic evidence that Tbx20 has essential roles in regulating AVC development that coordinate early cardiac chamber formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Cai
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, the Child Health and Development Institute and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aya Nomura-Kitabayashi
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, the Child Health and Development Institute and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Weibin Cai
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, the Child Health and Development Institute and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jianyun Yan
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, the Child Health and Development Institute and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Vincent M. Christoffels
- Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chen-Leng Cai
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, the Child Health and Development Institute and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Yoshimatsu Y, Watabe T. Roles of TGF-β signals in endothelial-mesenchymal transition during cardiac fibrosis. Int J Inflam 2011; 2011:724080. [PMID: 22187661 PMCID: PMC3235483 DOI: 10.4061/2011/724080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cardiac diseases caused by inflammation are associated with fibrosis in the heart. Fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of fibroblasts and excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which results in the distorted organ architecture and function. Recent studies revealed that cardiac fibroblasts are heterogeneous with multiple origins. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays important roles in the formation of cardiac fibroblasts during pathological settings. EndMT is regulated by signaling pathways mediated by cytokines including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Better understanding of the mechanisms of the formation of cardiac fibroblasts via EndMT may provide an opportunity to develop therapeutic strategies to cure heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Boström KI, Rajamannan NM, Towler DA. The regulation of valvular and vascular sclerosis by osteogenic morphogens. Circ Res 2011; 109:564-77. [PMID: 21852555 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.110.234278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular calcification increasingly afflicts our aging, dysmetabolic population. Once considered only a passive process of dead and dying cells, vascular calcification has now emerged as a highly regulated form of biomineralization organized by collagenous and elastin extracellular matrices. During skeletal bone formation, paracrine epithelial-mesenchymal and endothelial-mesenchymal interactions control osteochondrocytic differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells. These paracrine osteogenic signals, mediated by potent morphogens of the bone morphogenetic protein and wingless-type MMTV integration site family member (Wnt) superfamilies, are also active in the programming of arterial osteoprogenitor cells during vascular and valve calcification. Inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and oxylipids-increased in the clinical settings of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and uremia that promote arteriosclerotic calcification-elicit the ectopic vascular activation of osteogenic morphogens. Specific extracellular and intracellular inhibitors of bone morphogenetic protein-Wnt signaling have been identified as contributing to the regulation of osteogenic mineralization during development and disease. These inhibitory pathways and their regulators afford the development of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat valve and vascular sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina I Boström
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Song L, Zhao M, Wu B, Zhou B, Wang Q, Jiao K. Cell autonomous requirement of endocardial Smad4 during atrioventricular cushion development in mouse embryos. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:211-20. [PMID: 21089072 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrioventricular (AV) cushions are the precursors of AV septum and valves. In this study, we examined roles of Smad4 during AV cushion development using a conditional gene inactivation approach. We found that endothelial/endocardial inactivation of Smad4 led to the hypocellular AV cushion defect and that both reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis contributed to the defect. Expression of multiple genes critical for cushion development was down-regulated in mutant embryos. In collagen gel assays, the number of mesenchymal cells formed is significantly reduced in mutant AV explants compared to that in control explants, suggesting that the reduction of cushion mesenchyme formation in mutants is unlikely secondary to their gross vasculature abnormalities. Using a previously developed immortal endocardial cell line, we showed that Smad4 is required for BMP signaling- stimulated upregulation of Tbx20 and Gata4. Therefore, our data collectively support the cell-autonomous requirement of endocardial Smad4 in regulating AV cushion development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langying Song
- Research Division, Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
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48
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DeLaughter DM, Saint-Jean L, Baldwin HS, Barnett JV. What chick and mouse models have taught us about the role of the endocardium in congenital heart disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:511-25. [PMID: 21538818 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Specific cell and tissue interactions drive the formation and function of the vertebrate cardiovascular system. Although much attention has been focused on the muscular components of the developing heart, the endocardium plays a key role in the formation of a functioning heart. Endocardial cells exhibit heterogeneity that allows them to participate in events such as the formation of the valves, septation of the outflow tract, and trabeculation. Here we review, the contributions of the endocardium to cardiovascular development and outline useful approaches developed in the chick and mouse that have revealed endocardial cell heterogeneity, the signaling molecules that direct endocardial cell behavior, and how these insights have contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M DeLaughter
- Departments of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2220 Pierce Ave., Nashville, TN 37232-6600, USA
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Aanhaanen WTJ, Boukens BJD, Sizarov A, Wakker V, de Gier-de Vries C, van Ginneken AC, Moorman AFM, Coronel R, Christoffels VM. Defective Tbx2-dependent patterning of the atrioventricular canal myocardium causes accessory pathway formation in mice. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:534-44. [PMID: 21266775 DOI: 10.1172/jci44350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventricular preexcitation, a feature of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, is caused by accessory myocardial pathways that bypass the annulus fibrosus. This condition increases the risk of atrioventricular tachycardia and, in the presence of atrial fibrillation, sudden death. The developmental mechanisms underlying accessory pathway formation are poorly understood but are thought to primarily involve malformation of the annulus fibrosus. Before birth, slowly conducting atrioventricular myocardium causes a functional atrioventricular activation delay in the absence of the annulus fibrosus. This myocardium remains present after birth, suggesting that the disturbed development of the atrioventricular canal myocardium may mediate the formation of rapidly conducting accessory pathways. Here we show that myocardium-specific inactivation of T-box 2 (Tbx2), a transcription factor essential for atrioventricular canal patterning, leads to the formation of fast-conducting accessory pathways, malformation of the annulus fibrosus, and ventricular preexcitation in mice. The accessory pathways ectopically express proteins required for fast conduction (connexin-40 [Cx40], Cx43, and sodium channel, voltage-gated, type V, α [Scn5a]). Additional inactivation of Cx30.2, a subunit for gap junctions with low conductance expressed in the atrioventricular canal and unaffected by the loss of Tbx2, did not affect the functionality of the accessory pathways. Our results suggest that malformation of the annulus fibrosus and preexcitation arise from the disturbed development of the atrioventricular myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim T J Aanhaanen
- Heart Failure Research Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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50
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Abstract
The myocardium of the heart is composed of multiple highly specialized myocardial lineages, including those of the ventricular and atrial myocardium, and the specialized conduction system. Specification and maturation of each of these lineages during heart development is a highly ordered, ongoing process involving multiple signaling pathways and their intersection with transcriptional regulatory networks. Here, we attempt to summarize and compare much of what we know about specification and maturation of myocardial lineages from studies in several different vertebrate model systems. To date, most research has focused on early specification, and although there is still more to learn about early specification, less is known about factors that promote subsequent maturation of myocardial lineages required to build the functioning adult heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia M Evans
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla CA 92093, USA.
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