1
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Shah FH, Lee HW. Endothelial and macrophage interactions in the angiogenic niche. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024:S1359-6101(24)00048-0. [PMID: 39019663 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.07.005] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The interactions between vascular cells, especially endothelial cells, and macrophages play a pivotal role in maintaining the subtle balance of vascular biology, which is crucial for angiogenesis in both healthy and diseased states. These cells are central to ensuring a harmonious balance between tissue repair and preventing excessive angiogenic activity, which could lead to pathological conditions. Recent advances in sophisticated genetic engineering vivo models and novel sequencing approaches, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing, in immunobiology have significantly enhanced our understanding of the gene expression and behavior of macrophages. These insights offer new perspectives on the role macrophages play not only in development but also across various health conditions. In this review, we explore the complex interactions between multiple types of macrophages and endothelium, focusing on their impact on new blood vessel formation. By understanding these intricate interactions, we aim to provide insights into new methods for managing angiogenesis in various diseases, thereby offering hope for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Hassan Shah
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon-Woo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea.
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2
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He J, Blazeski A, Nilanthi U, Menéndez J, Pirani SC, Levic DS, Bagnat M, Singh MK, Raya JG, García-Cardeña G, Torres-Vázquez J. Plxnd1-mediated mechanosensing of blood flow controls the caliber of the Dorsal Aorta via the transcription factor Klf2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.24.576555. [PMID: 38328196 PMCID: PMC10849625 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.24.576555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system generates and responds to mechanical forces. The heartbeat pumps blood through a network of vascular tubes, which adjust their caliber in response to the hemodynamic environment. However, how endothelial cells in the developing vascular system integrate inputs from circulatory forces into signaling pathways to define vessel caliber is poorly understood. Using vertebrate embryos and in vitro-assembled microvascular networks of human endothelial cells as models, flow and genetic manipulations, and custom software, we reveal that Plexin-D1, an endothelial Semaphorin receptor critical for angiogenic guidance, employs its mechanosensing activity to serve as a crucial positive regulator of the Dorsal Aorta's (DA) caliber. We also uncover that the flow-responsive transcription factor KLF2 acts as a paramount mechanosensitive effector of Plexin-D1 that enlarges endothelial cells to widen the vessel. These findings illuminate the molecular and cellular mechanisms orchestrating the interplay between cardiovascular development and hemodynamic forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Uthayanan Nilanthi
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857
| | - Javier Menéndez
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Samuel C. Pirani
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel S. Levic
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michel Bagnat
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Manvendra K. Singh
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169609
| | - José G Raya
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Guillermo García-Cardeña
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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3
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Guadix JA, Ruiz-Villalba A, Pérez-Pomares JM. Congenital Coronary Blood Vessel Anomalies: Animal Models and the Integration of Developmental Mechanisms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:817-831. [PMID: 38884751 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Coronary blood vessels are in charge of sustaining cardiac homeostasis. It is thus logical that coronary congenital anomalies (CCA) directly or indirectly associate with multiple cardiac conditions, including sudden death. The coronary vascular system is a sophisticated, highly patterned anatomical entity, and therefore a wide range of congenital malformations of the coronary vasculature have been described. Despite the clinical interest of CCA, very few attempts have been made to relate specific embryonic developmental mechanisms to the congenital anomalies of these blood vessels. This is so because developmental data on the morphogenesis of the coronary vascular system derive from complex studies carried out in animals (mostly transgenic mice), and are not often accessible to the clinician, who, in turn, possesses essential information on the significance of CCA. During the last decade, advances in our understanding of normal embryonic development of coronary blood vessels have provided insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying coronary arteries anomalies. These findings are the base for our attempt to offer plausible embryological explanations to a variety of CCA as based on the analysis of multiple animal models for the study of cardiac embryogenesis, and present them in an organized manner, offering to the reader developmental mechanistic explanations for the pathogenesis of these anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Guadix
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Adrián Ruiz-Villalba
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - José M Pérez-Pomares
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain.
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4
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Abalymov A, Pinchasik BE, Akasov RA, Lomova M, Parakhonskiy BV. Strategies for Anisotropic Fibrillar Hydrogels: Design, Cell Alignment, and Applications in Tissue Engineering. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4532-4552. [PMID: 37812143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Efficient cellular alignment in biomaterials presents a considerable challenge, demanding the refinement of appropriate material morphologies, while ensuring effective cell-surface interactions. To address this, biomaterials are continuously researched with diverse coatings, hydrogels, and polymeric surfaces. In this context, we investigate the influence of physicochemical parameters on the architecture of fibrillar hydrogels that significantly orient the topography of flexible hydrogel substrates, thereby fostering cellular adhesion and spatial organization. Our Review comprehensively assesses various techniques for aligning polymer fibrils within hydrogels, specifically interventions applied during and after the cross-linking process. These methodologies include mechanical strains, precise temperature modulation, controlled fluidic dynamics, and chemical modulators, as well as the use of magnetic and electric fields. We highlight the intrinsic appeal of these methodologies in fabricating cell-aligning interfaces and discuss their potential implications within the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering, particularly concerning the pursuit of optimal cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatolii Abalymov
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Bat-El Pinchasik
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Roman A Akasov
- Sechenov University and Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Lomova
- Science Medical Center, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Bogdan V Parakhonskiy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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5
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial cell SMAD6 balances Alk1 function to regulate adherens junctions and hepatic vascular development. Development 2023; 150:dev201811. [PMID: 37787089 PMCID: PMC10629679 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201811] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is crucial to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here, we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo. At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. Mechanistically, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial cell junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a 'Goldilocks' pathway in vascular biology that requires a certain signaling amplitude, regulated by SMAD6, to function properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R. Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Victoria L. Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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6
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Banerjee K, Lin Y, Gahn J, Cordero J, Gupta P, Mohamed I, Graupera M, Dobreva G, Schwartz MA, Ola R. SMAD4 maintains the fluid shear stress set point to protect against arterial-venous malformations. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168352. [PMID: 37490341 PMCID: PMC10503796 DOI: 10.1172/jci168352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular networks form, remodel, and mature under the influence of both fluid shear stress (FSS) and soluble factors. Physiological FSS promotes and maintains vascular stability via synergy with bone morphogenic proteins 9 and 10 (BMP9 and BMP10). Conversely, mutation of the BMP receptors activin-like kinase 1 (ALK1), endoglin (ENG), or the downstream effector, SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) leads to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), characterized by fragile and leaky arterial-venous malformations (AVMs). How endothelial cells (ECs) integrate FSS and BMP signals in vascular development and homeostasis and how mutations give rise to vascular malformations is not well understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of synergy between FSS and SMAD signaling in vascular stability and how disruption of this synergy leads to AVMs. We found that loss of Smad4 increased the sensitivity of ECs to flow by lowering the FSS set point, with resulting AVMs exhibiting features of excessive flow-mediated morphological responses. Mechanistically, loss of SMAD4 disinhibits flow-mediated KLF4-TIE2-PI3K/Akt signaling, leading to cell cycle progression-mediated loss of arterial identity due to KLF4-mediated repression of cyclin dependent Kinase (CDK) inhibitors CDKN2A and CDKN2B. Thus, AVMs caused by Smad4 deletion are characterized by chronic high flow remodeling with excessive EC proliferation and loss of arterial identity as triggering events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanzhu Lin
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM) and
| | | | - Julio Cordero
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Mariona Graupera
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Gergana Dobreva
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin A. Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM) and
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7
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Rojas-González DM, Babendreyer A, Ludwig A, Mela P. Analysis of flow-induced transcriptional response and cell alignment of different sources of endothelial cells used in vascular tissue engineering. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14384. [PMID: 37658092 PMCID: PMC10474151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41247-6] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelialization of tissue-engineered vascular grafts has proven crucial for implant functionality and thus clinical outcome, however, the choice of endothelial cells (ECs) is often driven by availability rather than by the type of vessel to be replaced. In this work we studied the response to flow of different human ECs with the aim of examining whether their response in vitro is dictated by their original in vivo conditions. Arterial, venous, and microvascular ECs were cultured under shear stress (SS) of 0, 0.3, 3, 1, 10, and 30 dyne/cm2 for 24 h. Regulation of flow-induced marker KLF2 was similar across the different ECs. Upregulation of anti-thrombotic markers, TM and TPA, was mainly seen at higher SS. Cell elongation and alignment was observed for the different ECs at 10 and 30 dyne/cm2 while at lower SS cells maintained a random orientation. Downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors SELE, IL8, and VCAM1 and up-regulation of anti-oxidant markers NQO1 and HO1 was present even at SS for which cell alignment was not observed. Our results evidenced similarities in the response to flow among the different ECs, suggesting that the maintenance of the resting state in vitro is not dictated by the SS typical of the tissue of origin and that absence of flow-induced cell orientation does not necessarily correlate with a pro-inflammatory state of the ECs. These results support the use of ECs from easily accessible sources for in vitro vascular tissue engineering independently from the target vessel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Rojas-González
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex) at Center of Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Chair of Medical Materials and Implants, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Design and Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Aaron Babendreyer
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Petra Mela
- Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex) at Center of Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), AME-Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstr. 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Chair of Medical Materials and Implants, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Design and Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstr 15, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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8
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Kulikauskas MR, Oatley M, Yu T, Liu Z, Matsumura L, Kidder E, Ruter D, Bautch VL. Endothelial Cell SMAD6 Balances ACVRL1/Alk1 Function to Regulate Adherens Junctions and Hepatic Vascular Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.534007. [PMID: 36993438 PMCID: PMC10055411 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.534007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BMP signaling is critical to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1/ACVRL1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo . At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. At the mechanistic level, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a "Goldilocks" pathway in vascular biology regulated by SMAD6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Kulikauskas
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Morgan Oatley
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Tianji Yu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Lauren Matsumura
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Elise Kidder
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Dana Ruter
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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9
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells form the inner layer of blood vessels where they have a key role in the development and maintenance of the functional circulatory system and provide paracrine support to surrounding non-vascular cells. Technical advances in the past 5 years in single-cell genomics and in in vivo genetic labelling have facilitated greater insights into endothelial cell development, plasticity and heterogeneity. These advances have also contributed to a new understanding of the timing of endothelial cell subtype differentiation and its relationship to the cell cycle. Identification of novel tissue-specific gene expression patterns in endothelial cells has led to the discovery of crucial signalling pathways and new interactions with other cell types that have key roles in both tissue maintenance and disease pathology. In this Review, we describe the latest findings in vascular endothelial cell development and diversity, which are often supported by large-scale, single-cell studies, and discuss the implications of these findings for vascular medicine. In addition, we highlight how techniques such as single-cell multimodal omics, which have become increasingly sophisticated over the past 2 years, are being utilized to study normal vascular physiology as well as functional perturbations in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Trimm
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Biophysics Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Identification of Diagnostic Markers in Infantile Hemangiomas. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:9395876. [PMID: 36504560 PMCID: PMC9731762 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9395876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Infantile Hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors of infancy that may have serious consequences. The research on diagnostic markers for IHs is scarce. Methods The "limma" R package was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in developing IHs. Plugin ClueGO in Cytoscape software performed functional enrichment of DEGs. The Search Tool for Retrieving Interacting Genes (STRING) database was utilized to construct the PPI network. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analysis were used to identify diagnostic genes for IHs. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluated diagnostic genes' discriminatory ability. Single-gene based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was conducted by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The chemicals related to the diagnostic genes were excavated by the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Finally, the online website Network Analyst was used to predict the transcription factors targeting the diagnostic genes. Results A total of 205 DEGs were singled out from IHs samples of 6-, 12-, and 24-month-old infants. These genes principally participated in vasculogenesis and development-related, endothelial cell-related biological processes. Then we mined 127 interacting proteins and created a network with 127 nodes and 251 edges. Furthermore, LASSO and SVM-RRF algorithms identified five diagnostic genes, namely, TMEM2, GUCY1A2, ISL1, WARS, and STEAP4. ROC curve analysis results indicated that the diagnostic genes had a powerful ability to distinguish IHs samples from normal samples. Next, the results of GSEA for a single gene illustrated that all five diagnostic genes inhibited the "valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation" pathway in the development of IHs. WARS, TMEM2, and STEAP4 activated the "blood vessel development" and "vasculature development" in IHs. Subsequently, inhibitors targeting TMEM2, GUCY1A2, ISL1, and STEAP4 were mined. Finally, 14 transcription factors regulating GUCY1A2, 14 transcription factors regulating STEAP4, and 26 transcription factors regulating ISL1 were predicted. Conclusion This study identified five diagnostic markers for IHs and further explored the mechanisms and targeting drugs, providing a basis for diagnosing and treating IHs.
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11
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Arthur HM, Roman BL. An update on preclinical models of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: Insights into disease mechanisms. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:973964. [PMID: 36250069 PMCID: PMC9556665 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.973964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin (ENG) is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells (ECs) where it efficiently binds circulating BMP9 and BMP10 ligands to initiate activin A receptor like type 1 (ALK1) protein signalling to protect the vascular architecture. Patients heterozygous for ENG or ALK1 mutations develop the vascular disorder known as hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Many patients with this disorder suffer from anaemia, and are also at increased risk of stroke and high output heart failure. Recent work using animal models of HHT has revealed new insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms causing this disease. Loss of the ENG (HHT1) or ALK1 (HHT2) gene in ECs leads to aberrant arteriovenous connections or malformations (AVMs) in developing blood vessels. Similar phenotypes develop following combined EC specific loss of SMAD1 and 5, or EC loss of SMAD4. Taken together these data point to the essential role of the BMP9/10-ENG-ALK1-SMAD1/5-SMAD4 pathway in protecting the vasculature from AVMs. Altered directional migration of ECs in response to shear stress and increased EC proliferation are now recognised as critical factors driving AVM formation. Disruption of the ENG/ALK1 signalling pathway also affects EC responses to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and crosstalk between ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells. It is striking that the vascular lesions in HHT are both localised and tissue specific. Increasing evidence points to the importance of a second genetic hit to generate biallelic mutations, and the sporadic nature of such somatic mutations would explain the localised formation of vascular lesions. In addition, different pro-angiogenic drivers of AVM formation are likely to be at play during the patient’s life course. For example, inflammation is a key driver of vessel remodelling in postnatal life, and may turn out to be an important driver of HHT disease. The current wealth of preclinical models of HHT has led to increased understanding of AVM development and revealed new therapeutic approaches to treat AVMs, and form the topic of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Arthur
- Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Helen M. Arthur,
| | - Beth L. Roman
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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12
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Flow goes forward and cells step backward: endothelial migration. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:711-719. [PMID: 35701563 PMCID: PMC9256678 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic and pulmonary circulations constitute a complex organ that serves multiple important biological functions. Consequently, any pathological processing affecting the vasculature can have profound systemic ramifications. Endothelial and smooth muscle are the two principal cell types composing blood vessels. Critically, endothelial proliferation and migration are central to the formation and expansion of the vasculature both during embryonic development and in adult tissues. Endothelial populations are quite heterogeneous and are both vasculature type- and organ-specific. There are profound molecular, functional, and phenotypic differences between arterial, venular and capillary endothelial cells and endothelial cells in different organs. Given this endothelial cell population diversity, it has been challenging to determine the origin of endothelial cells responsible for the angiogenic expansion of the vasculature. Recent technical advances, such as precise cell fate mapping, time-lapse imaging, genome editing, and single-cell RNA sequencing, have shed new light on the role of venous endothelial cells in angiogenesis under both normal and pathological conditions. Emerging data indicate that venous endothelial cells are unique in their ability to serve as the primary source of endothelial cellular mass during both developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Here, we review recent studies that have improved our understanding of angiogenesis and suggest an updated model of this process. Cells that line the inside of veins possess a unique ability to grow new blood vessels and a better understanding of these cells could lead to new treatments for cancer, autoimmunity and other diseases associated with abnormal blood vessel formation. Michael Simons and colleagues from Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, USA, review the attributes of venous endothelial cells, such as their unique ability to proliferate and migrate against blood flow, and then to form new intricate networks of minute blood vessels, in response to appropriate signals. The authors discuss emerging evidence implicating these cells in a variety of diseases, and suggest that drugs aimed at modulating the molecular function or migratory activities of venous endothelial cells could be used to correct abnormal blood vessel expansion.
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13
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Wall Shear Stress Alteration: a Local Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:143-151. [PMID: 35080718 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-00993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Wall shear stress describes the mechanical influence of blood flow on the arterial wall. In this review, we discuss the role of the wall shear stress in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. RECENT FINDINGS Areas with chronically low, oscillating wall shear stress are most prone to plaque development and include outer bifurcation walls and inner walls of arches. In some diseases, patients have lower wall shear stress even in straight arterial segments; also, these findings were associated with atherosclerosis. High wall shear stress develops in the distal part (shoulder) of a stenosis and contributes to plaque destabilization. Wall shear stress changes are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. They are not fully understood yet and act in concert with tangential wall stress.
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14
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Kulikauskas MR, X S, Bautch VL. The versatility and paradox of BMP signaling in endothelial cell behaviors and blood vessel function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:77. [PMID: 35044529 PMCID: PMC8770421 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessels expand via sprouting angiogenesis, and this process involves numerous endothelial cell behaviors, such as collective migration, proliferation, cell–cell junction rearrangements, and anastomosis and lumen formation. Subsequently, blood vessels remodel to form a hierarchical network that circulates blood and delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissue. During this time, endothelial cells become quiescent and form a barrier between blood and tissues that regulates transport of liquids and solutes. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates both proangiogenic and homeostatic endothelial cell behaviors as blood vessels form and mature. Almost 30 years ago, human pedigrees linked BMP signaling to diseases associated with blood vessel hemorrhage and shunts, and recent work greatly expanded our knowledge of the players and the effects of vascular BMP signaling. Despite these gains, there remain paradoxes and questions, especially with respect to how and where the different and opposing BMP signaling outputs are regulated. This review examines endothelial cell BMP signaling in vitro and in vivo and discusses the paradox of BMP signals that both destabilize and stabilize endothelial cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Kulikauskas
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Shaka X
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- McAllister Heart Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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15
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Kant S, Tran KV, Kvandova M, Caliz AD, Yoo HJ, Learnard H, Dolan AC, Craige SM, Hall JD, Jiménez JM, St. Hilaire C, Schulz E, Kröller-Schön S, Keaney JF. PGC1α Regulates the Endothelial Response to Fluid Shear Stress via Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Control of Heme Oxygenase-1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:19-34. [PMID: 34789002 PMCID: PMC8702461 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.317066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fluid shear stress (FSS) is known to mediate multiple phenotypic changes in the endothelium. Laminar FSS (undisturbed flow) is known to promote endothelial alignment to flow, which is key to stabilizing the endothelium and rendering it resistant to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The molecular pathways responsible for endothelial responses to FSS are only partially understood. In this study, we determine the role of PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator gamma coactivator-1α)-TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase)-HMOX1 (heme oxygenase-1) during shear stress in vitro and in vivo. Approach and Results: Here, we have identified PGC1α as a flow-responsive gene required for endothelial flow alignment in vitro and in vivo. Compared with oscillatory FSS (disturbed flow) or static conditions, laminar FSS (undisturbed flow) showed increased PGC1α expression and its transcriptional coactivation. PGC1α was required for laminar FSS-induced expression of TERT in vitro and in vivo via its association with ERRα(estrogen-related receptor alpha) and KLF (Kruppel-like factor)-4 on the TERT promoter. We found that TERT inhibition attenuated endothelial flow alignment, elongation, and nuclear polarization in response to laminar FSS in vitro and in vivo. Among the flow-responsive genes sensitive to TERT status, HMOX1 was required for endothelial alignment to laminar FSS. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest an important role for a PGC1α-TERT-HMOX1 axis in the endothelial stabilization response to laminar FSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Kant
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Equal contribution
| | - Khanh-Van Tran
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
- Equal contribution
| | - Miroslava Kvandova
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
- Equal contribution
| | - Amada D. Caliz
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Hyung-Jin Yoo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Heather Learnard
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Ana C. Dolan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Siobhan M. Craige
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blackburg, VA 24061
| | - Joshua D. Hall
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Juan M. Jiménez
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Cynthia St. Hilaire
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Eberhard Schulz
- Department of Cardiology, Allgemeines Krankenhaus, Celle, Germany
| | | | - John F. Keaney
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
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16
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Cho Y, Na K, Jun Y, Won J, Yang JH, Chung S. Three-Dimensional In Vitro Lymphangiogenesis Model in Tumor Microenvironment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:697657. [PMID: 34671596 PMCID: PMC8520924 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.697657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is a stage of new lymphatic vessel formation in development and pathology, such as inflammation and tumor metastasis. Physiologically relevant models of lymphatic vessels have been in demand because studies on lymphatic vessels are required for understanding the mechanism of tumor metastasis. In this study, a new three-dimensional lymphangiogenesis model in a tumor microenvironment is proposed, using a newly designed macrofluidic platform. It is verified that controllable biochemical and biomechanical cues, which contribute to lymphangiogenesis, can be applied in this platform. In particular, this model demonstrates that a reconstituted lymphatic vessel has an in vivo–like lymphatic vessel in both physical and biochemical aspects. Since biomechanical stress with a biochemical factor influences robust directional lymphatic sprouting, whether our model closely approximates in vivo, the initial lymphatics in terms of the morphological and genetic signatures is investigated. Furthermore, attempting an incorporation with a tumor spheroid, this study successfully develops a complex tumor microenvironment model for use in lymphangiogenesis and reveals the microenvironment factors that contribute to tumor metastasis. As a first attempt at a coculture model, this reconstituted model is a novel system with a fully three-dimensional structure and can be a powerful tool for pathological drug screening or disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngkyu Cho
- Department of IT Convergence, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyuhwan Na
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yesl Jun
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Drug Discovery Platform Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jihee Won
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,Next&Bio Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- Department of IT Convergence, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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17
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Lee HW, Xu Y, He L, Choi W, Gonzalez D, Jin SW, Simons M. Role of Venous Endothelial Cells in Developmental and Pathologic Angiogenesis. Circulation 2021; 144:1308-1322. [PMID: 34474596 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is a dynamic process that involves expansion of a preexisting vascular network that can occur in a number of physiological and pathological settings. Despite its importance, the origin of the new angiogenic vasculature is poorly defined. In particular, the primary subtype of endothelial cells (capillary, venous, arterial) driving this process remains undefined. METHODS Endothelial cells were fate-mapped with the use of genetic markers specific to arterial and capillary cells. In addition, we identified a novel venous endothelial marker gene (Gm5127) and used it to generate inducible venous endothelium-specific Cre and Dre driver mouse lines. Contributions of these various types of endothelial cells to angiogenesis were examined during normal postnatal development and in disease-specific setting. RESULTS Using a comprehensive set of endothelial subtype-specific inducible reporter mice, including tip, arterial, and venous endothelial reporter lines, we showed that venous endothelial cells are the primary endothelial subtype responsible for the expansion of an angiogenic vascular network. During physiological angiogenesis, venous endothelial cells proliferate, migrating against the blood flow and differentiating into tip, capillary, and arterial endothelial cells of the new vasculature. Using intravital 2-photon imaging, we observed venous endothelial cells migrating against the blood flow to form new blood vessels. Venous endothelial cell migration also plays a key role in pathological angiogenesis. This was observed both in formation of arteriovenous malformations in mice with inducible endothelium-specific Smad4 deletion mice and in pathological vessel growth seen in oxygen-induced retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS Our studies establish that venous endothelial cells are the primary endothelial subtype responsible for normal expansion of vascular networks, formation of arteriovenous malformations, and pathological angiogenesis. These observations highlight the central role of the venous endothelium in normal development and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yanying Xu
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China (Y.X.)
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden (L.H.)
| | - Woosoung Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (W.C., S.-W.J.)
| | - David Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics (D.G.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (W.C., S.-W.J.)
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (H.-W.L., Y.X., S.-W.J., M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Cell Biology (M.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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18
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Lu RXZ, Radisic M. Organ-on-a-chip platforms for evaluation of environmental nanoparticle toxicity. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:2801-2819. [PMID: 33665510 PMCID: PMC7900603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite showing a great promise in the field of nanomedicine, nanoparticles have gained a significant attention from regulatory agencies regarding their possible adverse health effects upon environmental exposure. Whether those nanoparticles are generated through intentional or unintentional means, the constant exposure to nanomaterials can inevitably lead to unintended consequences based on epidemiological data, yet the current understanding of nanotoxicity is insufficient relative to the rate of their emission in the environment and the lack of predictive platforms that mimic the human physiology. This calls for a development of more physiologically relevant models, which permit the comprehensive and systematic examination of toxic properties of nanoparticles. With the advancement in microfabrication techniques, scientists have shifted their focus on the development of an engineered system that acts as an intermediate between a well-plate system and animal models, known as organ-on-a-chips. The ability of organ-on-a-chip models to recapitulate in vivo like microenvironment and responses offers a new avenue for nanotoxicological research. In this review, we aim to provide overview of assessing potential risks of nanoparticle exposure using organ-on-a-chip systems and their potential to delineate biological mechanisms of epidemiological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Han O, Pak B, Jin SW. The Role of BMP Signaling in Endothelial Heterogeneity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673396. [PMID: 34235147 PMCID: PMC8255612 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which compose the largest group of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-ß) superfamily, have been implied to play a crucial role in diverse physiological processes. The most intriguing feature of BMP signaling is that it elicits heterogeneous responses from cells with equivalent identity, thus permitting highly context-dependent signaling outcomes. In endothelial cells (ECs), which are increasingly perceived as a highly heterogeneous population of cells with respect to their morphology, function, as well as molecular characteristics, BMP signaling has shown to elicit diverse and often opposite effects, illustrating the innate complexity of signaling responses. In this review, we provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of how outcomes of BMP signaling are modulated in a context-dependent manner with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms and summarize how these regulations of the BMP signaling promote endothelial heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orjin Han
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Boryeong Pak
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
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20
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Chen X, Lu F, Yuan Y. The Application and Mechanism of Action of External Volume Expansion in Soft Tissue Regeneration. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 27:181-197. [PMID: 32821009 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xihang Chen
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Southern Medical University, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Red-Horse K, Das S. New Research Is Shining Light on How Collateral Arteries Form in the Heart: a Future Therapeutic Direction? Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:30. [PMID: 33655379 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01460-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Collateral arteries create artery-artery anastomoses that could serve as natural bypasses that in the heart could relieve the various complications of ischemia heart disease. Recent work using animal models have begun to reveal details of how coronary collateral arteries form. RECENT FINDINGS Mouse genetics has been used to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of collateral artery development. Collateral arteries are not pre-existing in the mouse heart, and only form in response to injury. Myocardial infarction creates tissue hypoxia that triggers the expression of growth factors and chemokines that guide collaterogenesis. Collateral development is more robust in neonatal hearts when compared with adults, and contributes to neonatal heart regeneration. The identification of signaling pathways and cellular responses underlying coronary collateral artery development suggests potential translational strategies. Continued investigation into this subject could lead to the identification of targetable pathways that induce collateral arteries for cardiac revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Soumyashree Das
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India
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22
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SMAD6 transduces endothelial cell flow responses required for blood vessel homeostasis. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:387-398. [PMID: 33779885 PMCID: PMC8206051 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Fluid shear stress provided by blood flow instigates a transition from active blood vessel network expansion during development, to vascular homeostasis and quiescence that is important for mature blood vessel function. Here we show that SMAD6 is required for endothelial cell flow-mediated responses leading to maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Concomitant manipulation of the mechanosensor Notch1 pathway and SMAD6 expression levels revealed that SMAD6 functions downstream of ligand-induced Notch signaling and transcription regulation. Mechanistically, full-length SMAD6 protein was needed to rescue Notch loss-induced flow misalignment. Endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 had defective barrier function accompanied by upregulation of proliferation-associated genes and down regulation of junction-associated genes. The vascular protocadherin PCDH12 was upregulated by SMAD6 and required for proper flow-mediated endothelial cell alignment, placing it downstream of SMAD6. Thus, SMAD6 is a required transducer of flow-mediated signaling inputs downstream of Notch1 and upstream of PCDH12, as vessels transition from an angiogenic phenotype to maintenance of a homeostatic phenotype.
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23
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Cui X, Tong J, Yau J, Bajpai A, Yang J, Peng Y, Singh M, Qian W, Ma X, Chen W. Mechanical Forces Regulate Asymmetric Vascular Cell Alignment. Biophys J 2020; 119:1771-1780. [PMID: 33086046 PMCID: PMC7677134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces between cells and their microenvironment critically regulate the asymmetric morphogenesis and physiological functions in vascular systems. Here, we investigated the asymmetric cell alignment and cellular forces simultaneously in micropatterned endothelial cell ring-shaped sheets and studied how the traction and intercellular forces are involved in the asymmetric vascular morphogenesis. Tuning the traction and intercellular forces using different topographic geometries of symmetric and asymmetric ring-shaped patterns regulated the vascular asymmetric morphogenesis in vitro. Moreover, pharmacologically suppressing the cell traction force and intercellular force disturbed the force-dependent asymmetric cell alignment. We further studied this phenomenon by modeling the vascular sheets with a mechanical force-propelled active particle model and confirmed that mechanical forces synergistically drive the asymmetric endothelial cell alignments in different tissue geometries. Further study using mouse diabetic aortic endothelial cells indicated that diseased endothelial cells exhibited abnormal cell alignments, traction, and intercellular forces, indicating the importance of mechanical forces in physiological vascular morphogenesis and functions. Overall, we have established a controllable micromechanical platform to study the force-dependent vascular asymmetric morphogenesis and thus provide a direct link between single-cell mechanical processes and collective behaviors in a multicellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Tong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Jimmy Yau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Apratim Bajpai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Yansong Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Mrinalini Singh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Weiyi Qian
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York.
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24
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Santamaría R, González-Álvarez M, Delgado R, Esteban S, Arroyo AG. Remodeling of the Microvasculature: May the Blood Flow Be With You. Front Physiol 2020; 11:586852. [PMID: 33178049 PMCID: PMC7593767 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.586852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vasculature ensures optimal delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and to achieve this function it must continually adapt to varying tissue demands. Newly formed vascular plexuses during development are immature and require dynamic remodeling to generate well-patterned functional networks. This is achieved by remodeling of the capillaries preserving those which are functional and eliminating other ones. A balanced and dynamically regulated capillary remodeling will therefore ensure optimal distribution of blood and nutrients to the tissues. This is particularly important in pathological contexts in which deficient or excessive vascular remodeling may worsen tissue perfusion and hamper tissue repair. Blood flow is a major determinant of microvascular reshaping since capillaries are pruned when relatively less perfused and they split when exposed to high flow in order to shape the microvascular network for optimal tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The molecular machinery underlying blood flow sensing by endothelial cells is being deciphered, but much less is known about how this translates into endothelial cell responses as alignment, polarization and directed migration to drive capillary remodeling, particularly in vivo. Part of this knowledge is theoretical from computational models since blood flow hemodynamics are not easily recapitulated by in vitro or ex vivo approaches. Moreover, these events are difficult to visualize in vivo due to their infrequency and briefness. Studies had been limited to postnatal mouse retina and vascular beds in zebrafish but new tools as advanced microscopy and image analysis are strengthening our understanding of capillary remodeling. In this review we introduce the concept of remodeling of the microvasculature and its relevance in physiology and pathology. We summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms contributing to capillary regression and to capillary splitting highlighting the key role of blood flow to orchestrate these processes. Finally, we comment the potential and possibilities that microfluidics offers to this field. Since capillary remodeling mechanisms are often reactivated in prevalent pathologies as cancer and cardiovascular disease, all this knowledge could be eventually used to improve the functionality of capillary networks in diseased tissues and promote their repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Santamaría
- Department of Vascular Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María González-Álvarez
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Delgado
- Department of Vascular Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Esteban
- Department of Vascular Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia G. Arroyo
- Department of Vascular Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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25
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Mierke CT. Mechanical Cues Affect Migration and Invasion of Cells From Three Different Directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583226. [PMID: 33043017 PMCID: PMC7527720 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration and invasion is a key driving factor for providing essential cellular functions under physiological conditions or the malignant progression of tumors following downward the metastatic cascade. Although there has been plentiful of molecules identified to support the migration and invasion of cells, the mechanical aspects have not yet been explored in a combined and systematic manner. In addition, the cellular environment has been classically and frequently assumed to be homogeneous for reasons of simplicity. However, motility assays have led to various models for migration covering only some aspects and supporting factors that in some cases also include mechanical factors. Instead of specific models, in this review, a more or less holistic model for cell motility in 3D is envisioned covering all these different aspects with a special emphasis on the mechanical cues from a biophysical perspective. After introducing the mechanical aspects of cell migration and invasion and presenting the heterogeneity of extracellular matrices, the three distinct directions of cell motility focusing on the mechanical aspects are presented. These three different directions are as follows: firstly, the commonly used invasion tests using structural and structure-based mechanical environmental signals; secondly, the mechano-invasion assay, in which cells are studied by mechanical forces to migrate and invade; and thirdly, cell mechanics, including cytoskeletal and nuclear mechanics, to influence cell migration and invasion. Since the interaction between the cell and the microenvironment is bi-directional in these assays, these should be accounted in migration and invasion approaches focusing on the mechanical aspects. Beyond this, there is also the interaction between the cytoskeleton of the cell and its other compartments, such as the cell nucleus. In specific, a three-element approach is presented for addressing the effect of mechanics on cell migration and invasion by including the effect of the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton, nucleus and the cell's microenvironment into the analysis. In precise terms, the combination of these three research approaches including experimental techniques seems to be promising for revealing bi-directional impacts of mechanical alterations of the cellular microenvironment on cells and internal mechanical fluctuations or changes of cells on the surroundings. Finally, different approaches are discussed and thereby a model for the broad impact of mechanics on cell migration and invasion is evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Tabibian A, Ghaffari S, Vargas DA, Van Oosterwyck H, Jones EAV. Simulating flow induced migration in vascular remodelling. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007874. [PMID: 32822340 PMCID: PMC7478591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shear stress induces directed endothelial cell (EC) migration in blood vessels leading to vessel diameter increase and induction of vascular maturation. Other factors, such as EC elongation and interaction between ECs and non-vascular areas are also important. Computational models have previously been used to study collective cell migration. These models can be used to predict EC migration and its effect on vascular remodelling during embryogenesis. We combined live time-lapse imaging of the remodelling vasculature of the quail embryo yolk sac with flow quantification using a combination of micro-Particle Image Velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics. We then used the flow and remodelling data to inform a model of EC migration during remodelling. To obtain the relation between shear stress and velocity in vitro for EC cells, we developed a flow chamber to assess how confluent sheets of ECs migrate in response to shear stress. Using these data as an input, we developed a multiphase, self-propelled particles (SPP) model where individual agents are driven to migrate based on the level of shear stress while maintaining appropriate spatial relationship to nearby agents. These agents elongate, interact with each other, and with avascular agents at each time-step of the model. We compared predicted vascular shape to real vascular shape after 4 hours from our time-lapse movies and performed sensitivity analysis on the various model parameters. Our model shows that shear stress has the largest effect on the remodelling process. Importantly, however, elongation played an especially important part in remodelling. This model provides a powerful tool to study the input of different biological processes on remodelling. Shear stress is known to play a leading role in endothelial cell (EC) migration and hence, vascular remodelling. Vascular remodelling is, however, more complicated than only EC migration. To achieve a better understanding of this process, we developed a computational model in which, shear stress mediated EC migration has the leading role and other factors, such as avascular regions and EC elongation, are also accounted for. We have tested this model for different vessel shapes during remodelling and could study the role that each of these factors play in remodelling. This model gives us the possibility of addition of other factors such as biochemical signals and angiogenesis which will help us in the study of vascular remodelling in both development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Tabibian
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Siavash Ghaffari
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Saint Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Diego A. Vargas
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Oosterwyck
- Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth A. V. Jones
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Roux E, Bougaran P, Dufourcq P, Couffinhal T. Fluid Shear Stress Sensing by the Endothelial Layer. Front Physiol 2020; 11:861. [PMID: 32848833 PMCID: PMC7396610 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood flow produces mechanical frictional forces, parallel to the blood flow exerted on the endothelial wall of the vessel, the so-called wall shear stress (WSS). WSS sensing is associated with several vascular pathologies, but it is first a physiological phenomenon. Endothelial cell sensitivity to WSS is involved in several developmental and physiological vascular processes such as angiogenesis and vascular morphogenesis, vascular remodeling, and vascular tone. Local conditions of blood flow determine the characteristics of WSS, i.e., intensity, direction, pulsatility, sensed by the endothelial cells that, through their effect of the vascular network, impact WSS. All these processes generate a local-global retroactive loop that determines the ability of the vascular system to ensure the perfusion of the tissues. In order to account for the physiological role of WSS, the so-called shear stress set point theory has been proposed, according to which WSS sensing acts locally on vessel remodeling so that WSS is maintained close to a set point value, with local and distant effects of vascular blood flow. The aim of this article is (1) to review the existing literature on WSS sensing involvement on the behavior of endothelial cells and its short-term (vasoreactivity) and long-term (vascular morphogenesis and remodeling) effects on vascular functioning in physiological condition; (2) to present the various hypotheses about WSS sensors and analyze the conceptual background of these representations, in particular the concept of tensional prestress or biotensegrity; and (3) to analyze the relevance, explanatory value, and limitations of the WSS set point theory, that should be viewed as dynamical, and not algorithmic, processes, acting in a self-organized way. We conclude that this dynamic set point theory and the biotensegrity concept provide a relevant explanatory framework to analyze the physiological mechanisms of WSS sensing and their possible shift toward pathological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Roux
- Inserm, UMR 1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,UMR 8560 IHPST - Institut d'Histoire et de Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, CNRS, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Bougaran
- Inserm, UMR 1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascale Dufourcq
- Inserm, UMR 1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thierry Couffinhal
- Inserm, UMR 1034, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Kandasamy M, Anusuyadevi M, Aigner KM, Unger MS, Kniewallner KM, de Sousa DMB, Altendorfer B, Mrowetz H, Bogdahn U, Aigner L. TGF-β Signaling: A Therapeutic Target to Reinstate Regenerative Plasticity in Vascular Dementia? Aging Dis 2020; 11:828-850. [PMID: 32765949 PMCID: PMC7390515 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second leading form of memory loss after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, there is no cure available. The etiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of VaD are extremely heterogeneous, but the impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) represents a common denominator of VaD. The latter might be the result of atherosclerosis, amyloid angiopathy, microbleeding and micro-strokes, together causing blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and vessel leakage, collectively originating from the consequence of hypertension, one of the main risk factors for VaD. At the histopathological level, VaD displays abnormal vascular remodeling, endothelial cell death, string vessel formation, pericyte responses, fibrosis, astrogliosis, sclerosis, microglia activation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, white matter lesions, deprivation of synapses and neuronal loss. The transforming growth factor (TGF) β has been identified as one of the key molecular factors involved in the aforementioned various pathological aspects. Thus, targeting TGF-β signaling in the brain might be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate vascular pathology and improve cognitive functions in patients with VaD. This review revisits the recent understanding of the role of TGF-β in VaD and associated pathological hallmarks. It further explores the potential to modulate certain aspects of VaD pathology by targeting TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Kandasamy
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Faculty Recharge Programme, University Grants Commission (UGC-FRP), New Delhi, India.
| | - Muthuswamy Anusuyadevi
- Molecular Gerontology Group, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidhasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Kiera M Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Michael S Unger
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Kathrin M Kniewallner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Diana M Bessa de Sousa
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Barbara Altendorfer
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Heike Mrowetz
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Velvio GmbH, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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Campinho P, Vilfan A, Vermot J. Blood Flow Forces in Shaping the Vascular System: A Focus on Endothelial Cell Behavior. Front Physiol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32581842 PMCID: PMC7291788 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium is the cell monolayer that lines the interior of the blood vessels separating the vessel lumen where blood circulates, from the surrounding tissues. During embryonic development, endothelial cells (ECs) must ensure that a tight barrier function is maintained whilst dynamically adapting to the growing vascular tree that is being formed and remodeled. Blood circulation generates mechanical forces, such as shear stress and circumferential stretch that are directly acting on the endothelium. ECs actively respond to flow-derived mechanical cues by becoming polarized, migrating and changing neighbors, undergoing shape changes, proliferating or even leaving the tissue and changing identity. It is now accepted that coordinated changes at the single cell level drive fundamental processes governing vascular network morphogenesis such as angiogenic sprouting, network pruning, lumen formation, regulation of vessel caliber and stability or cell fate transitions. Here we summarize the cell biology and mechanics of ECs in response to flow-derived forces, discuss the latest advances made at the single cell level with particular emphasis on in vivo studies and highlight potential implications for vascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Campinho
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Andrej Vilfan
- Department of Living Matter Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julien Vermot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Peacock HM, Tabibian A, Criem N, Caolo V, Hamard L, Deryckere A, Haefliger JA, Kwak BR, Zwijsen A, Jones EAV. Impaired SMAD1/5 Mechanotransduction and Cx37 (Connexin37) Expression Enable Pathological Vessel Enlargement and Shunting. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e87-e104. [PMID: 32078368 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Impaired ALK1 (activin receptor-like kinase-1)/Endoglin/BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9) signaling predisposes to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Activation of SMAD1/5 signaling can be enhanced by shear stress. In the genetic disease hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, which is characterized by arteriovenous malformations, the affected receptors are those involved in the activation of mechanosensitive SMAD1/5 signaling. To elucidate how genetic and mechanical signals interact in AVM development, we sought to identify targets differentially regulated by BMP9 and shear stress. Approach and Results: We identify Cx37 (Connexin37) as a differentially regulated target of ligand-induced and mechanotransduced SMAD1/5 signaling. We show that stimulation of endothelial cells with BMP9 upregulated Cx37, whereas shear stress inhibited this expression. This signaling was SMAD1/5-dependent, and in the absence of SMAD1/5, there was an inversion of the expression pattern. Ablated SMAD1/5 signaling alone caused AVM-like vascular malformations directly connecting the dorsal aorta to the inlet of the heart. In yolk sacs of mouse embryos with an endothelial-specific compound heterozygosity for SMAD1/5, addition of TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α), which downregulates Cx37, induced development of these direct connections bypassing the yolk sac capillary bed. In wild-type embryos undergoing vascular remodeling, Cx37 was globally expressed by endothelial cells but was absent in regions of enlarging vessels. TNFα and endothelial-specific compound heterozygosity for SMAD1/5 caused ectopic regions lacking Cx37 expression, which correlated to areas of vascular malformations. Mechanistically, loss of Cx37 impairs correct directional migration under flow conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that Cx37 expression is differentially regulated by shear stress and SMAD1/5 signaling, and that reduced Cx37 expression is permissive for capillary enlargement into shunts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Peacock
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ashkan Tabibian
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Criem
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincenza Caolo
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom (V.C.)
| | - Lauriane Hamard
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (L.H., J.-A.H.)
| | | | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (L.H., J.-A.H.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - An Zwijsen
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth A V Jones
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (H.M.P., A.T., N.C., A.Z., E.A.V.J.), KU Leuven, Belgium
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Crist AM, Zhou X, Garai J, Lee AR, Thoele J, Ullmer C, Klein C, Zabaleta J, Meadows SM. Angiopoietin-2 Inhibition Rescues Arteriovenous Malformation in a Smad4 Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Mouse Model. Circulation 2020; 139:2049-2063. [PMID: 30744395 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.036952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder caused by heterozygous, loss-of-function mutations in 4 transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway members, including the central transcriptional mediator of the TGFβ pathway, Smad4. Loss of Smad4 causes the formation of inappropriate, fragile connections between arteries and veins called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which can hemorrhage leading to stroke, aneurysm, or death. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying AVM pathogenesis remain poorly understood, and the TGFβ downstream effectors responsible for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-associated AVM formation are currently unknown. METHODS To identify potential biological targets of the TGFβ pathway involved in AVM formation, we performed RNA- and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing experiments on BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9)-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs) and isolated ECs from a Smad4-inducible, EC-specific knockout ( Smad4-iECKO) mouse model that develops retinal AVMs. These sequencing studies identified the angiopoietin-Tek signaling pathway as a downstream target of SMAD4. We used monoclonal blocking antibodies to target a specific component in this pathway and assess its effects on AVM development. RESULTS Sequencing studies uncovered 212 potential biological targets involved in AVM formation, including the EC surface receptor, TEK (TEK receptor tyrosine kinase) and its antagonistic ligand, ANGPT2 (angiopoietin-2). In Smad4-iECKO mice, Angpt2 expression is robustly increased, whereas Tek levels are decreased, resulting in an overall reduction in angiopoietin-Tek signaling. We provide evidence that SMAD4 directly represses Angpt2 transcription in ECs. Inhibition of ANGPT2 function in Smad4-deficient mice, either before or after AVMs form, prevents and alleviates AVM formation and normalizes vessel diameters. These rescue effects are attributed to a reversion in EC morphological changes, such as cell size and shape that are altered in the absence of Smad4. CONCLUSIONS Our studies provide a novel mechanism whereby the loss of Smad4 causes increased Angpt2 transcription in ECs leading to AVM formation, increased blood vessel calibers, and changes in EC morphology in the retina. Blockade of ANGPT2 function in an in vivo Smad4 model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia alleviated these vascular phenotypes, further implicating ANGPT2 as an important TGFβ downstream mediator of AVM formation. Therefore, alternative approaches that target ANGPT2 function may have therapeutic value for the alleviation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia symptoms, such as AVMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Crist
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (A.M.C., X.Z., A.R.L., S.M.M.)
| | - Xingyan Zhou
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (A.M.C., X.Z., A.R.L., S.M.M.)
| | - Jone Garai
- Department of Pediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (J.G., J.Z.)
| | - Amanda R Lee
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (A.M.C., X.Z., A.R.L., S.M.M.)
| | - Janina Thoele
- Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland (J.T., C.U.)
| | | | | | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Pediatrics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (J.G., J.Z.)
| | - Stryder M Meadows
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA (A.M.C., X.Z., A.R.L., S.M.M.)
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Cheng CK, Luo JY, Lau CW, Chen ZY, Tian XY, Huang Y. Pharmacological basis and new insights of resveratrol action in the cardiovascular system. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:1258-1277. [PMID: 31347157 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) belongs to the family of natural phytoalexins. Resveratrol first came to our attention in 1992, following reports of the cardioprotective effects of red wine. Thereafter, resveratrol was shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and angio-regulatory effects against atherosclerosis, ischaemia, and cardiomyopathy. This article critically reviews the current findings on the molecular basis of resveratrol-mediated cardiovascular benefits, summarizing the broad effects of resveratrol on longevity regulation, energy metabolism, stress resistance, exercise mimetics, circadian clock, and microbiota composition. In addition, this article also provides an update, both preclinically and clinically, on resveratrol-induced cardiovascular protection and discusses the adverse and inconsistent effects of resveratrol reported in both preclinical and clinical studies. Although resveratrol has been claimed as a master anti-aging agent against several age-associated diseases, further detailed mechanistic investigation is still required to thoroughly unravel the therapeutic value of resveratrol against cardiovascular diseases at different stages of disease development. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chak Kwong Cheng
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Shenzhen Research Institute and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jiang-Yun Luo
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Shenzhen Research Institute and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Chi Wai Lau
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Shenzhen Research Institute and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Chen
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Xiao Yu Tian
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Shenzhen Research Institute and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Shenzhen Research Institute and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Kurniawan NA. The ins and outs of engineering functional tissues and organs: evaluating the in-vitro and in-situ processes. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2019; 24:590-597. [PMID: 31389812 PMCID: PMC6749960 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW For many disorders that result in loss of organ function, the only curative treatment is organ transplantation. However, this approach is severely limited by the shortage of donor organs. Tissue engineering has emerged as an alternative solution to this issue. This review discusses the concept of tissue engineering from a technical viewpoint and summarizes the state of the art as well as the current shortcomings, with the aim of identifying the key lessons that we can learn to further advance the engineering of functional tissues and organs. RECENT FINDINGS A plethora of tissue-engineering strategies have been recently developed. Notably, these strategies put different emphases on the in-vitro and in-situ processes (i.e. preimplantation and postimplantation) that take place during tissue formation. Biophysical and biomechanical interactions between the cells and the scaffold/biomaterial play a crucial role in all steps and have started to be exploited to steer tissue regeneration. SUMMARY Recent works have demonstrated the need to better understand the in-vitro and in-situ processes during tissue formation, in order to regenerate complex, functional organs with desired cellular organization and tissue architecture. A concerted effort from both fundamental and tissue-specific research has the potential to accelerate progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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34
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Ola R, Künzel SH, Zhang F, Genet G, Chakraborty R, Pibouin-Fragner L, Martin K, Sessa W, Dubrac A, Eichmann A. SMAD4 Prevents Flow Induced Arteriovenous Malformations by Inhibiting Casein Kinase 2. Circulation 2019; 138:2379-2394. [PMID: 29976569 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.033842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited vascular disorder that causes arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Mutations in the genes encoding Endoglin ( ENG) and activin-receptor-like kinase 1 ( AVCRL1 encoding ALK1) cause HHT type 1 and 2, respectively. Mutations in the SMAD4 gene are present in families with juvenile polyposis-HHT syndrome that involves AVMs. SMAD4 is a downstream effector of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family ligands that signal via activin-like kinase receptors (ALKs). Ligand-neutralizing antibodies or inducible, endothelial-specific Alk1 deletion induce AVMs in mouse models as a result of increased PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B) signaling. Here we addressed if SMAD4 was required for BMP9-ALK1 effects on PI3K/AKT pathway activation. METHODS The authors generated tamoxifen-inducible, postnatal, endothelial-specific Smad4 mutant mice ( Smad4iΔEC). RESULTS We found that loss of endothelial Smad4 resulted in AVM formation and lethality. AVMs formed in regions with high blood flow in developing retinas and other tissues. Mechanistically, BMP9 signaling antagonized flow-induced AKT activation in an ALK1- and SMAD4-dependent manner. Smad4iΔEC endothelial cells in AVMs displayed increased PI3K/AKT signaling, and pharmacological PI3K inhibitors or endothelial Akt1 deletion both rescued AVM formation in Smad4iΔEC mice. BMP9-induced SMAD4 inhibited casein kinase 2 ( CK2) transcription, in turn limiting PTEN phosphorylation and AKT activation. Consequently, CK2 inhibition prevented AVM formation in Smad4iΔEC mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals SMAD4 as an essential effector of BMP9-10/ALK1 signaling that affects AVM pathogenesis via regulation of CK2 expression and PI3K/AKT1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Ola
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology Department, Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (R.O.).,Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, I. Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (R.O.).,Department of Basic, Preventive and Clinical Science, University of Transylvania, Brasov, Romania (R.O.)
| | - Sandrine H Künzel
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Feng Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gael Genet
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Kathleen Martin
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - William Sessa
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Department of Pharmacology (W.S.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (R.O., S.H.K., F.Z., G.G., R.C., K.M., A.D., A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (A.E.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France (L.P-F., A.E.)
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35
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Mierke CT. The Role of the Optical Stretcher Is Crucial in the Investigation of Cell Mechanics Regulating Cell Adhesion and Motility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:184. [PMID: 31552247 PMCID: PMC6736998 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of cells, tissues, and the surrounding extracellular matrix environment play important roles in the process of cell adhesion and migration. In physiological and pathological processes of the cells, such as wound healing and cancer, the capacity to migrate through the extracellular matrix is crucial. Hence biophysical techniques were used to determine the mechanical properties of cells that facilitate the various migratory capacities. Since the field of mechanobiology is rapidly growing, the reliable and reproducible characterization of cell mechanics is required that facilitates the adhesion and migration of cells. One of these cell mechanical techniques is the optical stretching device, which was originally developed to investigate the mechanical properties of cells, such as the deformation of single cells in suspension. After discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the technology, the latest findings in optical stretching-based cell mechanics are presented in this review. Finally, the mechanical properties of cells are correlated with their migratory potential and it is pointed out how the inhibition of biomolecules that contribute to the to the maintenance of cytoskeletal structures in cells affect their mechanical deformability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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36
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Payne S, Gunadasa-Rohling M, Neal A, Redpath AN, Patel J, Chouliaras KM, Ratnayaka I, Smart N, De Val S. Regulatory pathways governing murine coronary vessel formation are dysregulated in the injured adult heart. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3276. [PMID: 31332177 PMCID: PMC6646353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of ischaemic cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction (MI) depends on the formation of new blood vessels. However, endogenous neovascularization is inefficient and the regulatory pathways directing coronary vessel growth are not well understood. Here we describe three independent regulatory pathways active in coronary vessels during development through analysis of the expression patterns of differentially regulated endothelial enhancers in the heart. The angiogenic VEGFA-MEF2 regulatory pathway is predominantly active in endocardial-derived vessels, whilst SOXF/RBPJ and BMP-SMAD pathways are seen in sinus venosus-derived arterial and venous coronaries, respectively. Although all developmental pathways contribute to post-MI vessel growth in the neonate, none are active during neovascularization after MI in adult hearts. This was particularly notable for the angiogenic VEGFA-MEF2 pathway, otherwise active in adult hearts and during neoangiogenesis in other adult settings. Our results therefore demonstrate a fundamental divergence between the regulation of coronary vessel growth in healthy and ischemic adult hearts. How coronary vessels develop and respond to injury is not fully understood. Here, the authors use murine enhancer:reporter models to identify three transcriptional pathways active in different parts of coronary vasculature. These also contribute to neovascularization in the injured neonatal, but not adult, heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Payne
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mala Gunadasa-Rohling
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alice Neal
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andia N Redpath
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jyoti Patel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kira M Chouliaras
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Indrika Ratnayaka
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Smart
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sarah De Val
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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37
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PolNet: A Tool to Quantify Network-Level Cell Polarity and Blood Flow in Vascular Remodeling. Biophys J 2019; 114:2052-2058. [PMID: 29742399 PMCID: PMC5961748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we present PolNet, an open-source software tool for the study of blood flow and cell-level biological activity during vessel morphogenesis. We provide an image acquisition, segmentation, and analysis protocol to quantify endothelial cell polarity in entire in vivo vascular networks. In combination, we use computational fluid dynamics to characterize the hemodynamics of the vascular networks under study. The tool enables, to our knowledge for the first time, a network-level analysis of polarity and flow for individual endothelial cells. To date, PolNet has proven invaluable for the study of endothelial cell polarization and migration during vascular patterning, as demonstrated by two recent publications. Additionally, the tool can be easily extended to correlate blood flow with other experimental observations at the cellular/molecular level. We release the source code of our tool under the Lesser General Public License.
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38
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Xanthis I, Souilhol C, Serbanovic-Canic J, Roddie H, Kalli AC, Fragiadaki M, Wong R, Shah DR, Askari JA, Canham L, Akhtar N, Feng S, Ridger V, Waltho J, Pinteaux E, Humphries MJ, Bryan MT, Evans PC. β1 integrin is a sensor of blood flow direction. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.229542. [PMID: 31076511 PMCID: PMC6589088 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.229542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) sensing of fluid shear stress direction is a critical determinant of vascular health and disease. Unidirectional flow induces EC alignment and vascular homeostasis, whereas bidirectional flow has pathophysiological effects. ECs express several mechanoreceptors that respond to flow, but the mechanism for sensing shear stress direction is poorly understood. We determined, by using in vitro flow systems and magnetic tweezers, that β1 integrin is a key sensor of force direction because it is activated by unidirectional, but not bidirectional, shearing forces. β1 integrin activation by unidirectional force was amplified in ECs that were pre-sheared in the same direction, indicating that alignment and β1 integrin activity has a feedforward interaction, which is a hallmark of system stability. En face staining and EC-specific genetic deletion studies in the murine aorta revealed that β1 integrin is activated and is essential for EC alignment at sites of unidirectional flow but is not activated at sites of bidirectional flow. In summary, β1 integrin sensing of unidirectional force is a key mechanism for decoding blood flow mechanics to promote vascular homeostasis.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Xanthis
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Celine Souilhol
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jovana Serbanovic-Canic
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Hannah Roddie
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Antreas C Kalli
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Maria Fragiadaki
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Raymond Wong
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Dhruv R Shah
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Janet A Askari
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lindsay Canham
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nasreen Akhtar
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Shuang Feng
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Victoria Ridger
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jonathan Waltho
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Emmanuel Pinteaux
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Martin J Humphries
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Matthew T Bryan
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul C Evans
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, INSIGNEO Institute for In Silico Medicine, and the Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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40
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Abstract
Angiogenic blood vessel growth is essential to ensure organs receive adequate blood supply to support normal organ function and homeostasis. Angiogenesis involves a complex series of cellular events through which new vessels grow out from existing vasculature. Growth factor signaling, layered over a range of other signaling inputs, orchestrates this process. The response of endothelial cells (ECs) to growth factor signals must be carefully controlled through feedback mechanisms to prevent excessive vessel growth, remodeling or destabilization. In this article, we summarize recent findings describing how ECs respond to growth factor signals during blood vessel development and homeostasis and how perturbation of these responses can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe L Grant
- a The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research , Parkville , Australia
- b Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Leigh Coultas
- a The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research , Parkville , Australia
- b Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
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41
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Brodowski L, Zindler T, von Hardenberg S, Schröder-Heurich B, von Kaisenberg CS, Frieling H, Hubel CA, Dörk T, von Versen-Höynck F. Preeclampsia-Associated Alteration of DNA Methylation in Fetal Endothelial Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:32. [PMID: 30949477 PMCID: PMC6436196 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The pregnancy complication preeclampsia represents an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our previous research shows a diminished function of fetal endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), a proliferative subgroup of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to further investigate whether DNA methylation of fetal EPC is affected in preeclampsia. Methods The genomic methylation pattern of fetal ECFC from uncomplicated and preeclamptic pregnancies was compared for 865918 CpG sites, and genes were classified into gene networks. Low and advanced cell culture passages were compared to explore whether expansion of fetal ECFC in cell culture leads to changes in global methylation status and if methylation characteristics in preeclampsia are maintained with increasing passage. Results A differential methylation pattern of fetal ECFC from preeclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancy was detected for a total of 1266 CpG sites in passage 3, and for 2362 sites in passage 5. Key features of primary networks implicated by methylation differences included cell metabolism, cell cycle and transcription and, more specifically, genes involved in cell-cell interaction and Wnt signaling. We identified an overlap between differentially regulated pathways in preeclampsia and cardiovascular system development and function. Cell culture passages 3 and 5 showed similar gene network profiles, and 1260 out of 1266 preeclampsia-associated methylation changes detected in passage 3 were confirmed in passage 5. Conclusion Methylation modification caused by preeclampsia is stable and detectable even in higher cell culture passages. An epigenetically modified endothelial precursor may influence both normal morphogenesis and postnatal vascular repair capacity. Further studies on epigenetic modifications in complicated pregnancies are needed to facilitate development of EPC based therapies for cardiovascular alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Brodowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Tristan Zindler
- Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Helge Frieling
- Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Carl A Hubel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Thilo Dörk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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42
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Red-Horse K, Siekmann AF. Veins and Arteries Build Hierarchical Branching Patterns Differently: Bottom-Up versus Top-Down. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1800198. [PMID: 30805984 PMCID: PMC6478158 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A tree-like hierarchical branching structure is present in many biological systems, such as the kidney, lung, mammary gland, and blood vessels. Most of these organs form through branching morphogenesis, where outward growth results in smaller and smaller branches. However, the blood vasculature is unique in that it exists as two trees (arterial and venous) connected at their tips. Obtaining this organization might therefore require unique developmental mechanisms. As reviewed here, recent data indicate that arterial trees often form in reverse order. Accordingly, initial arterial endothelial cell differentiation occurs outside of arterial vessels. These pre-artery cells then build trees by following a migratory path from smaller into larger arteries, a process guided by the forces imparted by blood flow. Thus, in comparison to other branched organs, arteries can obtain their structure through inward growth and coalescence. Here, new information on the underlying mechanisms is discussed, and how defects can lead to pathologies, such as hypoplastic arteries and arteriovenous malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Red-Horse
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford 94305 California,
| | - Arndt F. Siekmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104 Pennsylvania,
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43
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mutations in the Endoglin (Eng) gene, an auxiliary receptor in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-superfamily signaling pathway, are responsible for the human vascular disorder hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) type 1, characterized in part by blood vessel enlargement. A growing body of work has uncovered an autonomous role for Eng in endothelial cells. We will highlight the influence of Eng on distinct cellular behaviors, such as migration and shape control, which are ultimately important for the assignment of proper blood vessel diameters. RECENT FINDINGS How endothelial cells establish hierarchically ordered blood vessel trees is one of the outstanding questions in vascular biology. Mutations in components of the TGFβ-superfamily of signaling molecules disrupt this patterning and cause arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Eng is a TGFβ coreceptor enhancing signaling through the type I receptor Alk1. Recent studies identified bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 9 and 10 as the primary ligands for Alk1/Eng. Importantly, Eng potentiated Alk1 pathway activation downstream of hemodynamic forces. New results furthermore revealed how Eng affects endothelial cell migration and cell shape control in response to these forces, thereby providing new avenues for our understanding of AVM cause. SUMMARY We will discuss the interplay of Eng and hemodynamic forces, such as shear stress, in relation to Alk1 receptor activation. We will furthermore detail how this signaling pathway influences endothelial cell behaviors important for the establishment of hierarchically ordered blood vessel trees. Finally, we will provide an outlook how these insights might help in developing new therapies for the treatment of HHT.
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44
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Bioengineering the innate vasculature of complex organs: what have we learned so far. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2018; 23:657-663. [DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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45
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Saw TB, Xi W, Ladoux B, Lim CT. Biological Tissues as Active Nematic Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1802579. [PMID: 30156334 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201802579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Live tissues can self-organize and be described as active materials composed of cells that generate active stresses through continuous injection of energy. In vitro reconstituted molecular networks, as well as single-cell cytoskeletons show that their filamentous structures can portray nematic liquid crystalline properties and can promote nonequilibrium processes induced by active processes at the microscale. The appearance of collective patterns, the formation of topological singularities, and spontaneous phase transition within the cell cytoskeleton are emergent properties that drive cellular functions. More integrated systems such as tissues have cells that can be seen as coarse-grained active nematic particles and their interaction can dictate many important tissue processes such as epithelial cell extrusion and migration as observed in vitro and in vivo. Here, a brief introduction to the concept of active nematics is provided, and the main focus is on the use of this framework in the systematic study of predominantly 2D tissue architectures and dynamics in vitro. In addition how the nematic state is important in tissue behavior, such as epithelial expansion, tissue homeostasis, and the atherosclerosis disease state, is discussed. Finally, how the nematic organization of cells can be controlled in vitro for tissue engineering purposes is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuan Beng Saw
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Engineering Block 4, #04-08, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Wang Xi
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 and Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Ladoux
- Institut Jacques Monod (IJM), CNRS UMR 7592 and Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Engineering Block 4, #04-08, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
- Biomedical Institute for Global Health, Research and Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, MD6, 14 Medical Drive, #14-01, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
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46
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Baeyens N. Fluid shear stress sensing in vascular homeostasis and remodeling: Towards the development of innovative pharmacological approaches to treat vascular dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:185-191. [PMID: 30365948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood circulation, facilitating gas exchange and nutrient transportation, is a quintessential feature of life in vertebrates. Any disruption to blood flow, may it be by blockade or traumatic rupture, irrevocably leads to tissue infarction or death. Therefore, it is not surprising that hemostasis and vascular adaptation measures have been evolutionarily selected to mitigate the adverse consequences of altered circulation. Blood vessels can be broadly categorized as arteries, veins, or capillaries, based on their structure, hemodynamics, and gas exchange. However, all of them share one property: they are lined with an epithelial sheet called the endothelium, which typically lies on a basement membrane. This endothelium is the primary interface between the flowing blood and the rest of the body, and it has highly specialized molecular mechanisms to detect and respond to changes in blood perfusion. The purpose of this commentary will be to highlight some of the recent developments in the research on blood flow sensing, vascular remodeling, and homeostasis and to discuss the development of innovative pharmaceutical approaches targeting mechanosensing mechanisms to prolong patient survival and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Baeyens
- Laboratoire de physiologie et pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, ULB, Belgium.
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47
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Dobreva MP, Abon Escalona V, Lawson KA, Sanchez MN, Ponomarev LC, Pereira PNG, Stryjewska A, Criem N, Huylebroeck D, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Aerts S, Zwijsen A. Amniotic ectoderm expansion in mouse occurs via distinct modes and requires SMAD5-mediated signalling. Development 2018; 145:dev.157222. [PMID: 29884675 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Upon gastrulation, the mammalian conceptus transforms rapidly from a simple bilayer into a multilayered embryo enveloped by its extra-embryonic membranes. Impaired development of the amnion, the innermost membrane, causes major malformations. To clarify the origin of the mouse amnion, we used single-cell labelling and clonal analysis. We identified four clone types with distinct clonal growth patterns in amniotic ectoderm. Two main types have progenitors in extreme proximal-anterior epiblast. Early descendants initiate and expand amniotic ectoderm posteriorly, while descendants of cells remaining anteriorly later expand amniotic ectoderm from its anterior side. Amniogenesis is abnormal in embryos deficient in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling effector SMAD5, with delayed closure of the proamniotic canal, and aberrant amnion and folding morphogenesis. Transcriptomics of individual Smad5 mutant amnions isolated before visible malformations and tetraploid chimera analysis revealed two amnion defect sets. We attribute them to impairment of progenitors of the two main cell populations in amniotic ectoderm and to compromised cuboidal-to-squamous transition of anterior amniotic ectoderm. In both cases, SMAD5 is crucial for expanding amniotic ectoderm rapidly into a stretchable squamous sheet to accommodate exocoelom expansion, axial growth and folding morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya P Dobreva
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium .,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Vanesa Abon Escalona
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Kirstie A Lawson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | | | - Ljuba C Ponomarev
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Paulo N G Pereira
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Agata Stryjewska
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Nathan Criem
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Stein Aerts
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium .,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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48
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Vascular deficiency of Smad4 causes arteriovenous malformations: a mouse model of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Angiogenesis 2018; 21:363-380. [PMID: 29460088 PMCID: PMC5878194 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder that leads to abnormal connections between arteries and veins termed arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Mutations in TGFβ pathway members ALK1, ENG and SMAD4 lead to HHT. However, a Smad4 mouse model of HHT does not currently exist. We aimed to create and characterize a Smad4 endothelial cell (EC)-specific, inducible knockout mouse (Smad4f/f;Cdh5-CreERT2) that could be used to study AVM development in HHT. We found that postnatal ablation of Smad4 caused various vascular defects, including the formation of distinct AVMs in the neonate retina. Our analyses demonstrated that increased EC proliferation and size, altered mural cell coverage and distorted artery-vein gene expression are associated with Smad4 deficiency in the vasculature. Furthermore, we show that depletion of Smad4 leads to decreased Vegfr2 expression, and concurrent loss of endothelial Smad4 and Vegfr2 in vivo leads to AVM enlargement. Our work provides a new model in which to study HHT-associated phenotypes and links the TGFβ and VEGF signaling pathways in AVM pathogenesis.
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