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Jucht AE, Scholz CC. PHD1-3 oxygen sensors in vivo-lessons learned from gene deletions. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:1307-1337. [PMID: 38509356 PMCID: PMC11310289 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen sensors enable cells to adapt to limited oxygen availability (hypoxia), affecting various cellular and tissue responses. Prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain 1-3 (PHD1-3; also called Egln1-3, HIF-P4H 1-3, HIF-PH 1-3) proteins belong to the Fe2+- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily and utilise molecular oxygen (O2) alongside 2-oxoglutarate as co-substrate to hydroxylate two proline residues of α subunits of the dimeric hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) transcription factor. PHD1-3-mediated hydroxylation of HIF-α leads to its degradation and inactivation. Recently, various PHD inhibitors (PHI) have entered the clinics for treatment of renal anaemia. Pre-clinical analyses indicate that PHI treatment may also be beneficial in numerous other hypoxia-associated diseases. Nonetheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the observed protective effects of PHIs are only partly understood, currently hindering their translation into the clinics. Moreover, the PHI-mediated increase of Epo levels is not beneficial in all hypoxia-associated diseases and PHD-selective inhibition may be advantageous. Here, we summarise the current knowledge about the relevance and function of each of the three PHD isoforms in vivo, based on the deletion or RNA interference-mediated knockdown of each single corresponding gene in rodents. This information is crucial for our understanding of the physiological relevance and function of the PHDs as well as for elucidating their individual impact on hypoxia-associated diseases. Furthermore, this knowledge highlights which diseases may best be targeted by PHD isoform-selective inhibitors in case such pharmacologic substances become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka E Jucht
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Carsten C Scholz
- Institute of Physiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 15a, 17475, Greifswald, Germany.
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2
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Duan LJ, Jiang Y, Fong GH. Endothelial HIF2α suppresses retinal angiogenesis in neonatal mice by upregulating NOTCH signaling. Development 2024; 151:dev202802. [PMID: 38770916 PMCID: PMC11190433 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202802] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) proteins are oxygen sensors that use intracellular oxygen as a substrate to hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) α proteins, routing them for polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. Typically, HIFα accumulation in hypoxic or PHD-deficient tissues leads to upregulated angiogenesis. Here, we report unexpected retinal phenotypes associated with endothelial cell (EC)-specific gene targeting of Phd2 (Egln1) and Hif2alpha (Epas1). EC-specific Phd2 disruption suppressed retinal angiogenesis, despite HIFα accumulation and VEGFA upregulation. Suppressed retinal angiogenesis was observed both in development and in the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. On the other hand, EC-specific deletion of Hif1alpha (Hif1a), Hif2alpha, or both did not affect retinal vascular morphogenesis. Strikingly, retinal angiogenesis appeared normal in mice double-deficient for endothelial PHD2 and HIF2α. In PHD2-deficient retinal vasculature, delta-like 4 (DLL4, a NOTCH ligand) and HEY2 (a NOTCH target) were upregulated by HIF2α-dependent mechanisms. Inhibition of NOTCH signaling by a chemical inhibitor or DLL4 antibody partially rescued retinal angiogenesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HIF2α accumulation in retinal ECs inhibits rather than stimulates retinal angiogenesis, in part by upregulating DLL4 expression and NOTCH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Duan
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Yida Jiang
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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3
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Wen L, Yan W, Zhu L, Tang C, Wang G. The role of blood flow in vessel remodeling and its regulatory mechanism during developmental angiogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:162. [PMID: 37221410 PMCID: PMC11072276 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04801-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Vessel remodeling is essential for a functional and mature vascular network. According to the difference in endothelial cell (EC) behavior, we classified vessel remodeling into vessel pruning, vessel regression and vessel fusion. Vessel remodeling has been proven in various organs and species, such as the brain vasculature, subintestinal veins (SIVs), and caudal vein (CV) in zebrafish and yolk sac vessels, retina, and hyaloid vessels in mice. ECs and periendothelial cells (such as pericytes and astrocytes) contribute to vessel remodeling. EC junction remodeling and actin cytoskeleton dynamic rearrangement are indispensable for vessel pruning. More importantly, blood flow has a vital role in vessel remodeling. In recent studies, several mechanosensors, such as integrins, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)/vascular endothelial cell (VE-cadherin)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) complex, and notch1, have been shown to contribute to mechanotransduction and vessel remodeling. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of vessel remodeling in mouse and zebrafish models. We further underline the contribution of cellular behavior and periendothelial cells to vessel remodeling. Finally, we discuss the mechanosensory complex in ECs and the molecular mechanisms responsible for vessel remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wen
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Wenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology of Jiangsu Province, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chaojun Tang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology of Jiangsu Province, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- JinFeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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4
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Bell A, Watt AP, Dudink I, Pham Y, Sutherland AE, Allison BJ, McDonald CA, Castillo-Melendez M, Jenkin G, Malhotra A, Miller SL, Yawno T. Endothelial colony forming cell administration promotes neurovascular unit development in growth restricted and appropriately grown fetal lambs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:29. [PMID: 36788590 PMCID: PMC9930266 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03249-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with deficits in the developing brain, including neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) can mediate improved vascular stability, and have demonstrated potential to enhance vascular development and protection. This investigation examined whether ECFCs from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) enhanced NVU development in FGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetal sheep. METHODS Twin-bearing ewes had surgery performed at 88-90 days' gestation, inducing FGR in one fetus. At 113 days, ECFCs (1 × 107 cells) cultured from human UCB were administered intravenously to fetal sheep in utero. At 127 days, ewes and their fetuses were euthanised, fetal brains collected, and NVU components analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Twenty-four fetal lambs, arranged in four groups: AGA (n = 7), FGR (n = 5), AGA + ECFC (n = 6), and FGR + ECFC (n = 6), were included in analyses. FGR resulted in lower body weight than AGA (P = 0.002) with higher brain/body weight ratio (P = 0.003). ECFC treatment was associated with increased vascular density throughout the brain in both AGA + ECFC and FGR + ECFC groups, as well as increased vascular-astrocyte coverage and VEGF expression in the cortex (P = 0.003, P = 0.0006, respectively) and in the subcortical white matter (P = 0.01, P = 0.0002, respectively) when compared with the untreated groups. CONCLUSIONS ECFC administration enhanced development of NVU components in both the AGA and FGR fetal brain. Further investigation is required to assess how to optimise the enhanced angiogenic capabilities of ECFCs to provide a therapeutic strategy to protect the developing NVU against vulnerabilities associated with FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bell
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashalyn P. Watt
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ingrid Dudink
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yen Pham
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy E. Sutherland
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Beth J. Allison
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney A. McDonald
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Graham Jenkin
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Atul Malhotra
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Suzanne L. Miller
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tamara Yawno
- grid.452824.dThe Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168 Australia
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Duan LJ, Jiang Y, Shi Y, Fong GH. Tailless and hypoxia inducible factor-2α cooperate to sustain proangiogenic states of retinal astrocytes in neonatal mice. Biol Open 2023; 12:286421. [PMID: 36625299 PMCID: PMC9867894 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tailless (TLX, an orphan nuclear receptor) and hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF2α) are both essential for retinal astrocyte and vascular development. Tlx-/- mutation and astrocyte specific Hif2α disruption in Hif2αf/f/GFAPCre mice are known to cause defective astrocyte development and block vascular development in neonatal retinas. Here we report that TLX and HIF2α support retinal angiogenesis by cooperatively maintaining retinal astrocytes in their proangiogenic states. While Tlx+/- and Hif2αf/+/GFAPCre mice are phenotypically normal, Tlx+/-/Hif2αf/+/GFAPCre mice display precocious retinal astrocyte differentiation towards non-angiogenic states, along with significantly reduced retinal angiogenesis. In wild-type mice, TLX and HIF2α coexist in the same protein complex, suggesting a cooperative function under physiological conditions. Furthermore, astrocyte specific disruption of Phd2 (prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2), a manipulation previously shown to cause HIF2α accumulation, did not rescue retinal angiogenesis in Tlx-/- background, which suggests functional dependence of HIF2α on TLX. Finally, the expression of fibronectin and VEGF-A is significantly reduced in retinal astrocytes of neonatal Tlx+/-/Hif2αf/+/GFAPCre mice. Overall, these data indicate that TLX and HIF2α cooperatively support retinal angiogenesis by maintaining angiogenic potential of retinal astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Duan
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Yida Jiang
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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6
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Zhang J, Liu Z, Wu H, Chen X, Hu Q, Li X, Luo L, Ye S, Ye J. Irisin Attenuates Pathological Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:21. [PMID: 35737379 PMCID: PMC9233294 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Abnormal angiogenesis is a defining feature in a couple of ocular neovascular diseases. The application of anti-VEGFA therapy has achieved certain benefits in the clinic, accompanying side effects and poor responsiveness in many patients. The present study investigated the role of irisin in retinal neovascularization. Methods Western blot and quantitative PCR were used to determine irisin expression in the oxygen-induced retinopathy mice model. The pathological angiogenesis and inflammation index were examined after irisin administration. Primary retinal astrocytes were cultured and analyzed for VEGFA expression in vitro. Astrocyte-conditioned medium was collected for transwell assay and tube formation assay in human microvascular endothelial cells-1. Results Irisin was downregulated in the oxygen-induced retinopathy mice retinae. Additional irisin attenuated pathological angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis in vivo. In vitro, irisin decreased astrocyte VEGFA production, and the conditioned medium suppressed human microvascular endothelial cells-1 migration. Last, irisin inhibited hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, nuclear factor-κB, and pNF-κB (Phospho-Nuclear Factor-κB) expression. Conclusions Irisin mitigates retinal pathological angiogenesis. Chinese Abstract
目的:异常的血管生成是新生血管性眼病的显著特征。抗血管内皮生长因子A的治疗在临床上取得了一定的效果, 然而同时伴随着不可避免的副作用和不良反应。本研究旨在探讨irisin在视网膜病理性新生血管形成中的作用。
方法:采用免疫印迹和qPCR检测氧诱导视网膜病变小鼠模型中irisin的表达。外源性给予irisin后, 检测病理性血管生成和炎症的相关指标。为了研究irisin在体外的作用, 我们培养了原代视网膜星形胶质细胞, 检测缺氧后VEGFA的表达, 并收集星形胶质细胞的条件培养基用于人微血管内皮细胞-1(HMEC-1)的迁移和管腔形成实验。
结果:irisin在氧诱导视网膜病变小鼠视网膜中下调。外源性加入irisin可抑制病理性血管生成、炎症和凋亡。在体外, irisin减少星形胶质细胞中VEGFA的生成, 其处理过的星形胶质细胞条件培养基可以抑制人微血管内皮细胞-1的迁移。最后, 我们发现irisin可以降低HIF-2α、NF-κB和pNF-κB的表达水平。
结论:irisin可减轻视网膜病理性血管生成。
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoqian Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiumei Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linlin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Occupational Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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7
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Jiang Y, Duan LJ, Fong GH. Oxygen-sensing mechanisms in development and tissue repair. Development 2021; 148:273632. [PMID: 34874450 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Under normoxia, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) α subunits are hydroxylated by PHDs (prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins) and subsequently undergo polyubiquitylation and degradation. Normal embryogenesis occurs under hypoxia, which suppresses PHD activities and allows HIFα to stabilize and regulate development. In this Primer, we explain molecular mechanisms of the oxygen-sensing pathway, summarize HIF-regulated downstream events, discuss loss-of-function phenotypes primarily in mouse development, and highlight clinical relevance to angiogenesis and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yida Jiang
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Li-Juan Duan
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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8
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Perelli RM, O'Sullivan ML, Zarnick S, Kay JN. Environmental oxygen regulates astrocyte proliferation to guide angiogenesis during retinal development. Development 2021; 148:261802. [PMID: 33960384 PMCID: PMC8126409 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis in the developing mammalian retina requires patterning cues from astrocytes. Developmental disorders of retinal vasculature, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), involve arrest or mispatterning of angiogenesis. Whether these vascular pathologies involve astrocyte dysfunction remains untested. Here, we demonstrate that the major risk factor for ROP – transient neonatal exposure to excess oxygen – disrupts formation of the angiogenic astrocyte template. Exposing newborn mice to elevated oxygen (75%) suppressed astrocyte proliferation, whereas return to room air (21% oxygen) at postnatal day 4 triggered extensive proliferation, massively increasing astrocyte numbers and disturbing their spatial patterning prior to the arrival of developing vasculature. Proliferation required astrocytic HIF2α and was also stimulated by direct hypoxia (10% oxygen), suggesting that astrocyte oxygen sensing regulates the number of astrocytes produced during development. Along with astrocyte defects, return to room air also caused vascular defects reminiscent of ROP. Strikingly, these vascular phenotypes were more severe in animals that had larger numbers of excess astrocytes. Together, our findings suggest that fluctuations in environmental oxygen dysregulate molecular pathways controlling astrocyte proliferation, thereby generating excess astrocytes that interfere with retinal angiogenesis. Highlighted Article: Oxygen regulates proliferation of immature retinal astrocytes. Perturbing this mechanism inflates astrocyte numbers, disrupts retinal angiogenesis and leads to vascular pathologies resembling retinopathy of prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Perelli
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew L O'Sullivan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Ophthalmology Residency Program, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Samantha Zarnick
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jeremy N Kay
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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9
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The people behind the papers - Li-Juan Duan and Guo-Hua Fong. Development 2019; 146:146/8/dev179192. [PMID: 30996074 DOI: 10.1242/dev.179192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vascular development critically involves pruning, which helps to remodel an immature network containing excess microvessels into a mature and functioning one. The mechanisms of vascular remodelling and the relationship between the endothelial cells and the other cell types with which they are closely associated are, however, currently poorly understood. A new Development paper now demonstrates a crucial role for oxygen sensing by astrocytes in vascular remodelling of the mouse retina. We caught up with the two-author team behind the paper: research associate Li-Juan Duan and her supervisor Guo-Hua Fong, Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut Health Center, to hear more about the story.
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