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Ylä-Herttuala E, Vuorio T, Kettunen S, Laidinen S, Ylä-Herttuala S, Liimatainen T. Lymphatic insufficiency leads to distinct myocardial infarct content assessed by magnetic resonance T RAFFn, T 1ρ and T 2 relaxation times. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1579. [PMID: 36709358 PMCID: PMC9884273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28219-6] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of cardiac lymphatics in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction (MI) is unclear. Lymphatic system regulates cardiac physiological processes such as edema and tissue fluid balance, which affect MI pathogenesis. Recently, MI and fibrosis have been assessed using endogenous contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the relaxation along a fictitious field with rank n (RAFFn). We extended the RAFFn applications to evaluate the effects of lymphatic insufficiency on MI with comparison to longitudinal rotating frame (T1ρ) and T2 relaxation times. MI was induced in transgenic (TG) mice expressing soluble decoy VEGF receptor 3 that reduces lymphatic vessel formation and their wild-type (WT) control littermates for comparison. The RAFFn relaxation times with rank 2 (TRAFF2), and rank 4 (TRAFF4), T1ρ and T2 were acquired at time points 0, 3, 7, 21 and 42 days after the MI at 9.4 T. Infarct sizes were determined based on TRAFF2, TRAFF4, T1ρ and T2 relaxation time maps. The area of differences (AOD) was calculated based on the MI areas determined on T2 and TRAFF2, TRAFF4 or T1ρ relaxation time maps. Hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red stained histology sections were prepared to confirm MI locations and sizes. MI was detected as increased TRAFF2, TRAFF4, T1ρ and T2 relaxation times. Infarct sizes were similar on all relaxation time maps during the experimental period. Significantly larger AOD values were found together with increased AOD values in the TG group compared to the WT group. Histology confirmed these findings. The lymphatic deficiency was found to increase cardiac edema in MI. The combination of TRAFF2 (or TRAFF4) and T2 characterizes MI and edema in the myocardium in both lymphatic insufficiency and normal mice without any contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Clinical Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Taina Vuorio
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Kettunen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Svetlana Laidinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Liimatainen
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland. .,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
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2
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Construction of Fusion Protein for Enhanced Small RNA Loading to Extracellular Vesicles. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020261. [PMID: 36833188 PMCID: PMC9956110 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) naturally carry cargo from producer cells, such as RNA and protein, and can transfer these messengers to other cells and tissue. This ability provides an interesting opportunity for using EVs as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents, such as for gene therapy. However, endogenous loading of cargo, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), is not very efficient as the copy number of miRNAs per EV is quite low. Therefore, new methods and tools to enhance the loading of small RNAs is required. In the current study, we developed fusion protein of EV membrane protein CD9 and RNA-binding protein AGO2 (hCD9.hAGO2). We show that the EVs engineered with hCD9.hAGO2 contain significantly higher levels of miRNA or shRNA (miR-466c or shRNA-451, respectively) compared to EVs that are isolated from cells that only overexpress the desired miRNA or shRNA. These hCD9.hAGO2 engineered EVs also transfer their RNA cargo to recipient cells more efficiently. We were not able to detect changes in gene expression levels in recipient cells after the EV treatments, but we show that the cell viability of HUVECs was increased after hCD9.hAGO2 EV treatments. This technical study characterizes the hCD9.hAGO2 fusion protein for the future development of enhanced RNA loading to EVs.
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3
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Laitinen P, Väänänen MA, Kolari IL, Mäkinen PI, Kaikkonen MU, Weinberg MS, Morris KV, Korhonen P, Malm T, Ylä-Herttuala S, Roberts TC, Turunen MP, Turunen TA. Nuclear microRNA-466c regulates Vegfa expression in response to hypoxia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265948. [PMID: 35358280 PMCID: PMC8975276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are well characterized in their role in silencing gene expression by targeting 3´-UTR of mRNAs in cytoplasm. However, recent studies have shown that miRNAs have a role in the regulation of genes in the nucleus, where they are abundantly located. We show here that in mouse endothelial cell line (C166), nuclear microRNA miR-466c participates in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor a (Vegfa) gene expression in hypoxia. Upregulation of Vegfa expression in response to hypoxia was significantly compromised after removal of miR-466c with CRISPR-Cas9 genomic deletion. We identified a promoter-associated long non-coding RNA on mouse Vegfa promoter and show that miR-466c directly binds to this transcript to modulate Vegfa expression. Collectively, these observations suggest that miR-466c regulates Vegfa gene transcription in the nucleus by targeting the promoter, and expands on our understanding of the role of miRNAs well beyond their canonical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Laitinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- RNatives Oy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mari-Anna Väänänen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ida-Liisa Kolari
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri I. Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna U. Kaikkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marc S. Weinberg
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwaterstrand, Witwaterstrand, South Africa
| | - Kevin V. Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope–Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thomas C. Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mikko P. Turunen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- RNatives Oy, Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tiia A. Turunen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- RNatives Oy, Kuopio, Finland
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4
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Korpela H, Järveläinen N, Siimes S, Lampela J, Airaksinen J, Valli K, Turunen M, Pajula J, Nurro J, Ylä-Herttuala S. Gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. J Intern Med 2021; 290:567-582. [PMID: 34033164 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has been expected to become a novel treatment method since the structure of DNA was discovered in 1953. The morbidity from cardiovascular diseases remains remarkable despite the improvement of percutaneous interventions and pharmacological treatment, underlining the need for novel therapeutics. Gene therapy-mediated therapeutic angiogenesis could help those who have not gained sufficient symptom relief with traditional treatment methods. Especially patients with severe coronary artery disease and heart failure could benefit from gene therapy. Some clinical trials have reported improved myocardial perfusion and symptom relief in CAD patients, but few trials have come up with disappointing negative results. Translating preclinical success into clinical applications has encountered difficulties in successful transduction, study design, endpoint selection, and patient selection and recruitment. However, promising new methods for transducing the cells, such as retrograde delivery and cardiac-specific AAV vectors, hold great promise for myocardial gene therapy. This review introduces gene therapy for ischaemic heart disease and heart failure and discusses the current status and future developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Korpela
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - N Järveläinen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S Siimes
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Lampela
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Airaksinen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - K Valli
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Turunen
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Pajula
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Nurro
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S Ylä-Herttuala
- From the, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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5
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Ghanbarian H, Aghamiri S, Eftekhary M, Wagner N, Wagner KD. Small Activating RNAs: Towards the Development of New Therapeutic Agents and Clinical Treatments. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030591. [PMID: 33800164 PMCID: PMC8001863 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Small double-strand RNA (dsRNA) molecules can activate endogenous genes via an RNA-based promoter targeting mechanism. RNA activation (RNAa) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism present in diverse eukaryotic organisms ranging from nematodes to humans. Small activating RNAs (saRNAs) involved in RNAa have been successfully used to activate gene expression in cultured cells, and thereby this emergent technique might allow us to develop various biotechnological applications, without the need to synthesize hazardous construct systems harboring exogenous DNA sequences. Accordingly, this thematic issue aims to provide insights into how RNAa cellular machinery can be harnessed to activate gene expression leading to a more effective clinical treatment of various diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Brain/cytology
- Brain/growth & development
- Brain/metabolism
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Muscle Development/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/genetics
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/metabolism
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/pathology
- Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/therapy
- Myocardium/cytology
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neurogenesis/genetics
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Double-Stranded/genetics
- RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism
- RNA, Double-Stranded/therapeutic use
- RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics
- RNA, Small Untranslated/metabolism
- RNA, Small Untranslated/therapeutic use
- Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein/genetics
- Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ghanbarian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17443, Iran;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran;
| | - Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran;
| | - Mohamad Eftekhary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran;
| | - Nicole Wagner
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, 06107 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (N.W.); (K.-D.W.); Tel.: +33-493-3776-65 (K.-D.W.)
| | - Kay-Dietrich Wagner
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, 06107 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (N.W.); (K.-D.W.); Tel.: +33-493-3776-65 (K.-D.W.)
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6
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Turunen TA, Roberts TC, Laitinen P, Väänänen MA, Korhonen P, Malm T, Ylä-Herttuala S, Turunen MP. Changes in nuclear and cytoplasmic microRNA distribution in response to hypoxic stress. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10332. [PMID: 31316122 PMCID: PMC6637125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46841-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have well-characterized roles in cytoplasmic gene regulation, where they act by binding to mRNA transcripts and inhibiting their translation (i.e. post-transcriptional gene silencing, PTGS). However, miRNAs have also been implicated in transcriptional gene regulation and alternative splicing, events that are restricted to the cell nucleus. Here we performed nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation in a mouse endothelial cell line and characterized the localization of miRNAs in response to hypoxia using small RNA sequencing. A highly diverse population of abundant miRNA species was detected in the nucleus, of which the majority (56%) was found to be preferentially localized in one compartment or the other. Induction of hypoxia resulted in changes in miRNA levels in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, with the majority of changes being restricted to one location and not the other. Notably, the classical hypoxamiR (miR-210-3p) was highly up-regulated in the nuclear compartment after hypoxic stimulus. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated level of molecular complexity in the physiological response occurring in ischemic tissue. Furthermore, widespread differential miRNA expression in the nucleus strongly suggests that these small RNAs are likely to perform extensive nuclear regulatory functions in the general case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia A Turunen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.,Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pia Laitinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mari-Anna Väänänen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland.,Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, PO Box 100, 70029 KUH, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko P Turunen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70210, Kuopio, Finland.
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7
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Nieminen T, Scott TA, Lin FM, Chen Z, Yla-Herttuala S, Morris KV. Long Non-Coding RNA Modulation of VEGF-A during Hypoxia. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:ncrna4040034. [PMID: 30463374 PMCID: PMC6315885 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role and function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating gene expression is becoming apparent. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a key regulator of blood vessel formation and maintenance making it a promising therapeutic target for activation in ischemic diseases. In this study, we uncover a functional role for two antisense VEGF-A lncRNAs, RP1-261G23.7 and EST AV731492, in transcriptional regulation of VEGF-A during hypoxia. We find here that both lncRNAs are polyadenylated, concordantly upregulated with VEGF-A, localize to the VEGF-A promoter and upstream elements in a hypoxia dependent manner either as a single-stranded RNA or DNA bound RNA, and are associated with enhancer marks H3K27ac and H3K9ac. Collectively, these data suggest that VEGF-A antisense lncRNAs, RP1-261G23.7 and EST AV731492, function as VEGF-A promoter enhancer-like elements, possibly by acting as a local scaffolding for proteins and also small RNAs to tether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Nieminen
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tristan A Scott
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Feng-Mao Lin
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Seppo Yla-Herttuala
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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8
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Vuorio T, Ylä-Herttuala E, Laakkonen JP, Laidinen S, Liimatainen T, Ylä-Herttuala S. Downregulation of VEGFR3 signaling alters cardiac lymphatic vessel organization and leads to a higher mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16709. [PMID: 30420641 PMCID: PMC6232169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart has a wide lymphatic network but the importance of cardiac lymphatic system in heart diseases has remained unclear. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is a key molecule in the development and maintenance of cardiac lymphatic vessels. Here we characterized the role of VEGFR3 in healthy hearts and after myocardial infarction (MI) by using sVEGFR3 transgenic mice expressing a soluble decoy VEGFR3 under K14 promoter and Chy mice which have an inactivating mutation in the VEGFR3 gene. Cardiac lymphatic vessels were significantly dilated in the healthy hearts of sVEGFR3 mice when compared to controls. Lymphatic vessels formed large sheet-like structures in Chy mice. Attenuated VEGFR3 signaling led to a more severe MI predisposing to a significantly higher mortality in sVEGFR3 mice than in control mice. sVEGFR3 mice displayed intramyocardial hemorrhages in the infarcted area indicating hyperpermeability of the vasculature. Furthermore, novel MRI methods TRAFF2 and TRAFF4 and histological analysis revealed a modified structure of the fibrotic infarcted area in sVEGFR3 mice. In conclusion, the downregulation of VEGFR3 signaling modifies the structure of cardiac lymphatic network and causes vascular leakiness and increased mortality after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taina Vuorio
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elias Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Svetlana Laidinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Liimatainen
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Oulu, P.O. Box 50, FI-90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland. .,Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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9
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Laham-Karam N, Laitinen P, Turunen TA, Ylä-Herttuala S. Activating the Chromatin by Noncoding RNAs. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:813-831. [PMID: 28699365 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The extent and breadth of transcription have recently been uncovered and this has revealed an extensive array of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). The biological role and significance of these ncRNAs have been realized and to date it appears that ncRNAs may have many important regulatory functions. ncRNAs are multifaceted and they induce a complexity of different types of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, including gene activation. Recent Advances: Association of ncRNAs with gene activation is an important finding. Not only enhancer RNA (eRNA) but other types of ncRNAs, including small RNA (sRNA), long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-associated RNA (piRNA), have also been implicated in gene activation. Interestingly, they often coincide with histone modifications that favor an open chromatin. In addition, these ncRNAs can recruit key factors important for transcription, including RNA polymerase II. They may directly bind the genomic DNA or act as scaffolds; alternatively, they may loop the chromatin to enhance transcription. CRITICAL ISSUES Although the role of small activating (sa)RNAs has been considerably studied, the roles of miRNAs and piRNAs in gene activation still need to be substantiated and issues of specificity require further studies. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The ncRNA field is coming out of its infancy and we are gaining a global picture of the importance of ncRNAs. However, detailed mechanisms of action of the different ncRNAs are still to be determined. This may reveal novel ways of transcriptional regulation, which will facilitate our ability to utilize these regulatory pathways for research and therapeutic purposes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 813-831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihay Laham-Karam
- 1 A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pia Laitinen
- 1 A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiia A Turunen
- 1 A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- 1 A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio, Finland .,2 Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital , Kuopio, Finland .,3 Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital , Kuopio, Finland
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10
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Parviz Y, Waleed M, Vijayan S, Adlam D, Lavi S, Al Nooryani A, Iqbal J, Stone GW. Cellular and molecular approaches to enhance myocardial recovery after myocardial infarction. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2018; 20:351-364. [PMID: 29958820 DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Reperfusion therapy has resulted in significant improvement in post-myocardial infarction morbidity and mortality in over the last 4 decades. Nonetheless, it is well recognized that simply restoring patency of the epicardial artery may not stop or reverse damage at microvascular level, and myocardial salvage is often suboptimal. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to elucidate the mechanisms underlying extensive myonecrosis to facilitate the discovery of therapies to provide additional and incremental benefits over current therapeutic pathways. To date, conclusively effective strategies to promote myocardial recovery have not yet been established. Novel approaches are investigating the foundational cellular and molecular bases of myocardial ischemia and irreversible injury. Herein, we review the emerging concepts and proposed therapies that may improve myocardial protection and reduce infarct size. We examine the preclinical and clinical evidence for reduced infarct size with these strategies, including anti-inflammatory agents, intracellular ion channel modulators, agents affecting the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) and nitric oxide signaling pathways, modulators of mitochondrial function, anti-apoptotic agents, and stem cell and gene therapy. We review the potential reasons of failures to date and the potential for new strategies to further promote myocardial recovery and improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Parviz
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Centre and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | - David Adlam
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Cardiovascular Research Centre, UK
| | - Shahar Lavi
- Division of Cardiology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Javaid Iqbal
- South Yorkshire Cardiothoracic Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gregg W Stone
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Centre and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Merentie M, Rissanen R, Lottonen-Raikaslehto L, Huusko J, Gurzeler E, Turunen MP, Holappa L, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Doxycycline modulates VEGF-A expression: Failure of doxycycline-inducible lentivirus shRNA vector to knockdown VEGF-A expression in transgenic mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190981. [PMID: 29351307 PMCID: PMC5774698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is the master regulator of angiogenesis, vascular permeability and growth. However, its role in mature blood vessels is still not well understood. To better understand the role of VEGF-A in the adult vasculature, we generated a VEGF-A knockdown mouse model carrying a doxycycline (dox)-regulatable short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transgene, which silences VEGF-A. The aim was to find the critical level of VEGF-A reduction for vascular well-being in vivo. In vitro, the dox-inducible lentiviral shRNA vector decreased VEGF-A expression efficiently and dose-dependently in mouse endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. In the generated transgenic mice plasma VEGF-A levels decreased shortly after the dox treatment but returned back to normal after two weeks. VEGF-A expression decreased shortly after the dox treatment only in some tissues. Surprisingly, increasing the dox exposure time and dose led to elevated VEGF-A expression in some tissues of both wildtype and knockdown mice, suggesting that dox itself has an effect on VEGF-A expression. When the effect of dox on VEGF-A levels was further tested in naïve/non-transduced cells, the dox administration led to a decreased VEGF-A expression in endothelial cells but to an increased expression in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, the VEGF-A knockdown was achieved in a dox-regulatable fashion with a VEGF-A shRNA vector in vitro, but not in the knockdown mouse model in vivo. Dox itself was found to regulate VEGF-A expression explaining the unexpected results in mice. The effect of dox on VEGF-A levels might at least partly explain its previously reported beneficial effects on myocardial and brain ischemia. Also, this effect on VEGF-A should be taken into account in all studies using dox-regulated vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Merentie
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riina Rissanen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Line Lottonen-Raikaslehto
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Huusko
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Erika Gurzeler
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko P. Turunen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
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12
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Li LC. Small RNA-Guided Transcriptional Gene Activation (RNAa) in Mammalian Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4310-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Turunen TA, Ylä-Herttuala S, Turunen MP. Enhancing Angiogenesis in Mice by VEGF-Targeting Small Activating RNAs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28639201 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4310-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is steadily increasing, and it is the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, new treatments, such as gene therapy are needed. During the last decade, the role of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level has been shown. Promoter-targeted small RNAs recruit histone-modifying enzymes and can either repress or induce target gene expression. As an example, we have targeted mouse VEGF-A promoter with small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and identified two shRNAs which either repressed or induced VEGF-A expression on messenger RNA and protein level in vitro, depending on the targeted location. The changes in expression levels correlate with changes in the levels of epigenetic markers, such as histone modifications associated with repressed or active state of chromatin. In ischemic mouse hindlimbs, upregulation of VEGF-A expression increased vascularity and blood flow. When VEGF-A was upregulated in mouse myocardial infarction model, the blood vessel formation in the risk zone was observed and infarct size was significantly decreased already 2 weeks after treatment. We suggest that epigenetic upregulation of VEGF-A by ncRNAs can be transferred to clinical use for the treatment of ischemic diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia A Turunen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko P Turunen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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14
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Weinberg MS, Morris KV. Transcriptional gene silencing in humans. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6505-17. [PMID: 27060137 PMCID: PMC5001580 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been over a decade since the first observation that small non-coding RNAs can functionally modulate epigenetic states in human cells to achieve functional transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). TGS is mechanistically distinct from the RNA interference (RNAi) gene-silencing pathway. TGS can result in long-term stable epigenetic modifications to gene expression that can be passed on to daughter cells during cell division, whereas RNAi does not. Early studies of TGS have been largely overlooked, overshadowed by subsequent discoveries of small RNA-directed post-TGS and RNAi. A reappraisal of early work has been brought about by recent findings in human cells where endogenous long non-coding RNAs function to regulate the epigenome. There are distinct and common overlaps between the proteins involved in small and long non-coding RNA transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, suggesting that the early studies using small non-coding RNAs to modulate transcription were making use of a previously unrecognized endogenous mechanism of RNA-directed gene regulation. Here we review how non-coding RNA plays a role in regulation of transcription and epigenetic gene silencing in human cells by revisiting these earlier studies and the mechanistic insights gained to date. We also provide a list of mammalian genes that have been shown to be transcriptionally regulated by non-coding RNAs. Lastly, we explore how TGS may serve as the basis for development of future therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Weinberg
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS 2050, South Africa HIV Pathogenesis Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS 2050, South Africa
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope - BeckmanResearch Institute; Duarte, CA 91010, USA School of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2033 Australia
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15
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RNA Activation of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene (VEGF) Promoter by Double-Stranded RNA and Hypoxia: Role of Noncoding VEGF Promoter Transcripts. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:1480-93. [PMID: 26976645 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01096-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) is a gene regulation process in which promoter-targeted short double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) or microRNAs (miRs) induce target gene expression at the transcriptional level. Here, we investigate the presence of cryptic promoter transcripts within the VEGF promoter. Single-strand sense and antisense noncoding vascular endothelial growth factor (NcVEGF) promoter transcripts are identified, and their respective expression is studied in cells transfected with a VEGF promoter targeted dsRNA, namely, dsVEGF706, in hypoxic cells and in human malignant lung tissues. Interestingly, in dsVEGF706-transfected, as well as in hypoxic cells, NcVEGF expression levels increase coordinately with coding VEGF expression. Ago2 interaction with both sense and antisense NcVEGFs is increased in hypoxic cells, whereas in dsVEGF706-transfected cells, Ago2 and the antisense strand of the dsRNA interact specifically with the sense NcVEGF transcript. Furthermore, both dsVEGF706 and ectopic NcVEGF transcripts are able to activate the VEGF promoter endogenously present or in a reporter construct. Finally, using small interfering RNA targeting Ago2, we show that RNAa plays a role in the maintenance of increased VEGF and NcVEGF expression after hypoxia. Given the central role of VEGF in major human diseases, including cancer, this novel molecular mechanism is poised to reveal promising possibilities for therapeutic interventions.
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16
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Kalantari R, Chiang CM, Corey DR. Regulation of mammalian transcription and splicing by Nuclear RNAi. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:524-37. [PMID: 26612865 PMCID: PMC4737150 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is well known as a mechanism for controlling mammalian mRNA translation in the cytoplasm, but what would be the consequences if it also functions in cell nuclei? Although RNAi has also been found in nuclei of plants, yeast, and other organisms, there has been relatively little progress towards understanding the potential involvement of mammalian RNAi factors in nuclear processes including transcription and splicing. This review summarizes evidence for mammalian RNAi factors in cell nuclei and mechanisms that might contribute to the control of gene expression. When RNAi factors bind small RNAs, they form ribonucleoprotein complexes that can be selective for target sequences within different classes of nuclear RNA substrates. The versatility of nuclear RNAi may supply a previously underappreciated layer of regulation to transcription, splicing, and other nuclear processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kalantari
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-8807, USA
| | - David R Corey
- Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX 75390-9041, USA
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17
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Efficacy and safety of myocardial gene transfer of adenovirus, adeno-associated virus and lentivirus vectors in the mouse heart. Gene Ther 2015; 23:296-305. [PMID: 26704723 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising new treatment option for cardiac diseases. For finding the most suitable and safe vector for cardiac gene transfer, we delivered adenovirus (AdV), adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus (LeV) vectors into the mouse heart with sophisticated closed-chest echocardiography-guided intramyocardial injection method for comparing them with regards to transduction efficiency, myocardial damage, effects on the left ventricular function and electrocardiography (ECG). AdV had the highest transduction efficiency in cardiomyocytes followed by AAV2 and AAV9, and the lowest efficiency was seen with LeV. The local myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in the left ventricle (LV) was proportional to transduction efficiency. AdV caused LV dilatation and systolic dysfunction. Neither of the locally injected AAV serotypes impaired the LV systolic function, but AAV9 caused diastolic dysfunction to some extent. LeV did not affect the cardiac function. We also studied systemic delivery of AAV9, which led to transduction of cardiomyocytes throughout the myocardium. However, also diffuse fibrosis was present leading to significantly impaired LV systolic and diastolic function and pathological ECG changes. Compared with widely used AdV vector, AAV2, AAV9 and LeV were less effective in transducing cardiomyocytes but also less harmful. Local administration of AAV9 was safer and more efficient compared with systemic administration.
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18
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Laakkonen JP, Ylä-Herttuala S. Recent Advancements in Cardiovascular Gene Therapy and Vascular Biology. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:518-24. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna P. Laakkonen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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19
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Laham-Karam N, Lalli M, Leinonen N, Ylä-Herttuala S. Differential Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors by Promoter-targeted shRNAs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e243. [PMID: 25988242 PMCID: PMC4560792 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGF-R) are central regulators of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. They contribute to many vascular-related pathologies, and hence VEGF-targeted therapies have been widely sought after. In this study, the authors investigated the ability of promoter-targeted small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to regulate VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGF-R1 in different cell lines. The authors identified shRNAs that can upregulate hVEGF-C at both the mRNA and protein levels, and differentially regulate hVEGF-A depending on the cell type. Likewise, the authors identified shRNA that downregulated VEGF-R1 gene expression. Hence, promoter-targeted shRNAs can affect endogenous gene expression not only bimodally, but also differentially in a cell-type specific manner. Importantly, all three genes tested were regulated by at least one shRNA, supporting the idea that nuclear RNA interference is a widespread phenomenon. The level of regulation across the panel of shRNAs varied maximally from a 2.2-fold increase to a 4-fold decrease. This level of change should be useful in fine-tuning and modulating target gene expression, which for potent molecules, such as VEGF-A and VEGF-C, can be very beneficial. These promoter-targeted shRNAs may facilitate the design and development of targeted, context-dependent strategies for both pro- and antiangiogenic therapies for the treatment of vascular-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihay Laham-Karam
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marianne Lalli
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nastasia Leinonen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- 1] Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland [2] Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland [3] Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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20
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Husso T, Ylä-Herttuala S, Turunen MP. A New Gene Therapy Approach for Cardiovascular Disease by Non-coding RNAs Acting in the Nucleus. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e197. [PMID: 25405466 PMCID: PMC4461992 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses recent developments in the use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) for the regulation of therapeutically relevant genes, with special focus on applications for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The interest in using ncRNAs as therapeutics has steadily increased since the discovery of RNA interference. During the last decade it has become evident that these RNAs, delivered either as oligos or expressed as small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from vectors, can either upregulate (transcriptional gene activation, TGA) or downregulate (transcriptional gene silencing, TGS) gene expression, typically inducing epigenetic changes in their target sites in the chromatin. Also, the important role of naturally occurring long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been recently discovered and will likely provide new insights into cardiovascular pathology and provide new treatment strategies based on the manipulation of their expression. In this review, we discuss the possibility of using ncRNAs for activating or silencing therapeutically relevant genes, such as VEGF-A, for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Husso
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- 1] Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland [2] Science Service Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko P Turunen
- 1] Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland [2] Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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21
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Roberts TC. The MicroRNA Biology of the Mammalian Nucleus. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e188. [PMID: 25137140 PMCID: PMC4221600 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of genome-encoded small RNAs that are primarily considered to be post-transcriptional negative regulators of gene expression acting in the cytoplasm. Over a decade of research has focused on this canonical paradigm of miRNA function, with many success stories. Indeed, miRNAs have been identified that act as master regulators of a myriad of cellular processes, and many miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or disease biomarkers. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the canonical view of miRNA function is incomplete. Several lines of evidence now point to additional functions for miRNAs in the nucleus of the mammalian cell. The majority of cellular miRNAs are present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and certain miRNAs show specific nuclear enrichment. Additionally, some miRNAs colocalize with sub-nuclear structures such as the nucleolus and chromatin. Multiple components of the miRNA processing machinery are present in the nuclear compartment and are shuttled back and forth across the nuclear envelope. In the nucleus, miRNAs act to regulate the stability of nuclear transcripts, induce epigenetic alterations that either silence or activate transcription at specific gene promoters, and modulate cotranscriptional alternative splicing events. Nuclear miRNA-directed gene regulation constitutes a departure from the prevailing view of miRNA function and as such, warrants detailed further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- 1] Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA [2] Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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