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Ambroise R, Takasugi P, Liu J, Qian L. Direct Cardiac Reprogramming in the Age of Computational Biology. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:273. [PMID: 39330331 PMCID: PMC11432431 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11090273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart disease continues to be one of the most fatal conditions worldwide. This is in part due to the maladaptive remodeling process by which ischemic cardiac tissue is replaced with a fibrotic scar. Direct cardiac reprogramming presents a unique solution for restoring injured cardiac tissue through the direct conversion of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes, bypassing the transition through a pluripotent state. Since its inception in 2010, direct cardiac reprogramming using the transcription factors Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 has revolutionized the field of cardiac regenerative medicine. Just over a decade later, the field has rapidly evolved through the expansion of identified molecular and genetic factors that can be used to optimize reprogramming efficiency. The integration of computational tools into the study of direct cardiac reprogramming has been critical to this progress. Advancements in transcriptomics, epigenetics, proteomics, genome editing, and machine learning have not only enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving this cell fate transition, but have also driven innovations that push direct cardiac reprogramming closer to clinical application. This review article explores how these computational advancements have impacted and continue to shape the field of direct cardiac reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Ambroise
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Paige Takasugi
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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2
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Sun H, Wang X, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. C166 EVs potentiate miR cardiac reprogramming via miR-148a-3p. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 190:48-61. [PMID: 38582260 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
We have demonstrated that directly reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts into new cardiomyocytes via miR combo improves cardiac function in the infarcted heart. However, major challenges exist with delivery and efficacy. During a screening based approach to improve delivery, we discovered that C166-derived EVs were effective delivery agents for miR combo both in vitro and in vivo. In the latter, EV mediated delivery of miR combo induced significant conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (∼20%), reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function in a myocardial infarction injury model. When compared to lipid-based transfection, C166 EV mediated delivery of miR combo enhanced reprogramming efficacy. Improved reprogramming efficacy was found to result from a miRNA within the exosome: miR-148a-3p. The target of miR-148a-3p was identified as Mdfic. Over-expression and targeted knockdown studies demonstrated that Mdfic was a repressor of cardiomyocyte specific gene expression. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that C166-derived EVs are an effective method for delivering reprogramming factors to cardiac fibroblasts and we have identified a novel miRNA contained within C166-derived EVs which enhances reprogramming efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Sun
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America; Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinghua Wang
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Richard E Pratt
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
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3
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Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. RNA Therapeutics for the Cardiovascular System. Circulation 2024; 149:707-716. [PMID: 38408142 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics hold significant promise in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. RNAs are biologically diverse and functionally specific and can be used for gain- or loss-of-function purposes. The effectiveness of mRNA-based vaccines in the recent COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly proven the benefits of an RNA-based approach. RNA-based therapies are becoming more common as a treatment modality for cardiovascular disease. This is most evident in hypertension where several small interfering RNA-based drugs have proven to be effective in managing high blood pressure in several clinical trials. As befits a rapidly burgeoning field, there is significant interest in other classes of RNA. Revascularization of the infarcted heart through an mRNA drug is under clinical investigation. mRNA technology may provide the platform for the expression of paracrine factors for myocardial protection and regeneration. Emergent technologies on the basis of microRNAs and gene editing are tackling complex diseases in a novel fashion. RNA-based gene editing offers hope of permanent cures for monogenic cardiovascular diseases, and long-term control of complex diseases such as essential hypertension, as well. Likewise, microRNAs are proving effective in regenerating cardiac muscle. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current landscape of RNA-based therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The review describes the large number of RNA molecules that exist with a discussion of the clinical development of each RNA type. In addition, the review also presents a number of avenues for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
- National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC (V.J.D.)
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (V.J.D., C.P.H.)
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Spurlock B, Liu J, Qian L. Can we stop one heart from breaking: triumphs and challenges in cardiac reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102116. [PMID: 37797568 PMCID: PMC10872832 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102116] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cardiac injury causes irreversible muscle loss and scarring, but recent years have seen dramatic advances in cardiac reprogramming, the field focused on regenerating cardiac muscle. With SARS-CoV2 increasing the age-adjusted cardiovascular disease mortality rate, it is worth evaluating the state of this field. Here, we summarize novel innovations in reprogramming strategies, insights into their mechanisms, and technologies for factor delivery. We also propose a broad model of reprogramming to suggest directions for future research. Poet Emily Dickinson wrote, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." Today, researchers studying cardiac reprogramming view this line as a call to action to translate this revolutionary approach into life-saving treatments for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Spurlock
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Li Qian
- McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Brlecic PE, Bonham CA, Rosengart TK, Mathison M. Direct cardiac reprogramming: A new technology for cardiac repair. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 178:51-58. [PMID: 36965701 PMCID: PMC10124164 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with myocardial infarctions being amongst the deadliest manifestations. Reduced blood flow to the heart can result in the death of cardiac tissue, leaving affected patients susceptible to further complications and recurrent disease. Further, contemporary management typically involves a pharmacopeia to manage the metabolic conditions contributing to atherosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, rather than regeneration of the damaged myocardium. With modern healthcare extending lifespan, a larger demographic will be at risk for heart disease, driving the need for novel therapeutics that surpass those currently available in efficacy. Transdifferentiation and cellular reprogramming have been looked to as potential methods for the treatment of diseases throughout the body. Specifically targeting the fibrotic cells in cardiac scar tissue as a source to be reprogrammed into induced cardiomyocytes remains an appealing option. This review aims to highlight the history of and advances in cardiac reprogramming and describe its translational potential as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige E Brlecic
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clark A Bonham
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Todd K Rosengart
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Megumi Mathison
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Sun H, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ, Hodgkinson CP. Neonatal and adult cardiac fibroblasts exhibit inherent differences in cardiac regenerative capacity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104694. [PMID: 37044217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Directly reprogramming fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes improves cardiac function in the infarcted heart. However, the low efficacy of this approach hinders clinical applications. Unlike the adult mammalian heart, the neonatal heart has an intrinsic regenerative capacity. Consequently, we hypothesized that birth imposes fundamental changes on cardiac fibroblasts which limit their regenerative capabilities. In support, we found that reprogramming efficacy in vitro was markedly lower with fibroblasts derived from adult mice versus those derived from neonatal mice. Notably, fibroblasts derived from adult mice expressed significantly higher levels of pro-angiogenic genes. Moreover, under conditions which promote angiogenesis, only fibroblasts derived from adult mice differentiated into tube-like structures. Targeted knockdown screening studies suggested a possible role for the transcription factor Epas1. Epas1 expression was higher in fibroblasts derived from adult mice and Epas1 knockdown improved reprogramming efficacy in cultured adult cardiac fibroblasts. Promoter activity assays indicated that Epas1 functions as both a transcription repressor and activator, inhibiting cardiomyocyte genes while activating angiogenic genes. Finally, the addition of an Epas1 targeting siRNA to the reprogramming cocktail markedly improved reprogramming efficacy in vivo with both the number of reprogramming events as well as cardiac function being markedly improved. Collectively, our results highlight differences between neonatal and adult cardiac fibroblasts and the dual transcriptional activities of Epas1 related to reprogramming efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Sun
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Hubei Province, China
| | - Richard E Pratt
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
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Ischemia challenged epicardial adipose tissue stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles alter the gene expression of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte like phenotype. Transl Res 2023; 254:54-67. [PMID: 36273744 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present study hypothesizes that the ischemic insults activate epicardial adipose tissue-derived stem cells (EATDS) to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) packed with regenerative mediators to alter the gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts (CF). EATDS and CF were isolated from hyperlipidemic microswine and EVs were harvested from control, simulated ischemia (ISC) and ischemia-reperfusion (ISC/R) groups. The in vitro interaction between ISC-EVs and CF resulted in the upregulation of cardiomyocyte-specific transcription factors including GATA4, Nkx2.5, IRX4, and TBX5 in CF and the healing marker αSMA and the downregulation of fibroblast biomarkers such as vimentin, FSP1, and podoplanin and the cardiac biomarkers such as troponin-I and connexin-43. These results suggest a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype as confirmed by immunostaining and Western blot. The LC-MS/MS analysis of ISC-EVs LGALS1, PRDX2, and CCL2 to be the potent protein mediators which are intimately involved in versatile regenerative processes and connected with a diverse array of regenerative genes. Moreover, the LGALS1+, PRDX2+, and CCL2+ EATDS phenotypes were deciphered at single cell resolution revealing corresponding sub-populations with superior healing potential. Overall, the findings unveiled the healing potential of EATDS-derived EVs and sub-populations of regenerative EATDS promising novel translational opportunities in improved cardiac healing following ischemic injury.
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Genome Editing and Cardiac Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1396:37-52. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-5642-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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9
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Direct Cardiac Epigenetic Reprogramming through Codelivery of 5'Azacytidine and miR-133a Nanoformulation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315179. [PMID: 36499508 PMCID: PMC9739153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315179] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts to induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) is a promising approach to cardiac regeneration. However, the low yield of reprogrammed cells and the underlying epigenetic barriers limit its potential. Epigenetic control of gene regulation is a primary factor in maintaining cellular identities. For instance, DNA methylation controls cell differentiation in adults, establishing that epigenetic factors are crucial for sustaining altered gene expression patterns with subsequent rounds of cell division. This study attempts to demonstrate that 5'AZA and miR-133a encapsulated in PLGA-PEI nanocarriers induce direct epigenetic reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte-like cells. The results present a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype following seven days of the co-delivery of 5'AZA and miR-133a nanoformulation into human cardiac fibroblasts. Further evaluation of the global DNA methylation showed a decreased global 5-methylcytosine (5-medCyd) levels in the 5'AZA and 5'AZA/miR-133a treatment group compared to the untreated group and cells with void nanocarriers. These results suggest that the co-delivery of 5'AZA and miR-133a nanoformulation can induce the direct reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte-like cells in-vitro, in addition to demonstrating the influence of miR-133a and 5'AZA as epigenetic regulators in dictating cell fate.
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Nicoletti L, Paoletti C, Tarricone G, Andreana I, Stella B, Arpicco S, Divieto C, Mattu C, Chiono V. Lipoplexes for effective in vitro delivery of microRNAs to adult human cardiac fibroblasts for perspective direct cardiac cell reprogramming. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 45:102589. [PMID: 35908737 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Design of nanocarriers for efficient miRNA delivery can significantly improve miRNA-based therapies. Lipoplexes based on helper lipid, dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) and cationic lipid [2-(2,3-didodecyloxypropyl)-hydroxyethyl] ammonium bromide (DE) were formulated to efficiently deliver miR-1 or a combination of four microRNAs (miRcombo) to adult human cardiac fibroblasts (AHCFs). Lipoplexes with amino-to-phosphate groups ratio of 3 (N/P 3) showed nanometric hydrodynamic size (372 nm), positive Z-potential (40 mV) and high stability under storage conditions. Compared to commercial DharmaFECT1 (DF), DE-DOPE/miRNA lipoplexes showed superior miRNA loading efficiency (99 % vs. 64 %), and faster miRNA release (99 % vs. 82 % at 48 h). DE-DOPE/miR-1 lipoplexes showed superior viability (80-100 % vs. 50 %) in AHCFs, a 2-fold higher miR-1 expression and Twinfilin-1 (TWF-1) mRNA downregulation. DE-DOPE/miRcombo lipoplexes significantly enhanced AHCFs reprogramming into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs), as shown by increased expression of CM markers compared to DF/miRcombo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Nicoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Camilla Paoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Tarricone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Andreana
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria, 11, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Stella
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria, 11, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria, 11, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Divieto
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Division of Advanced Materials and Life Sciences, Str. delle Cacce, 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Clara Mattu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy.
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11
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Nishiga M, Liu C, Qi LS, Wu JC. The use of new CRISPR tools in cardiovascular research and medicine. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 19:505-521. [PMID: 35145236 PMCID: PMC10283450 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-021-00669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many novel CRISPR-based genome-editing tools, with a wide variety of applications, have been developed in the past few years. The original CRISPR-Cas9 system was developed as a tool to alter genomic sequences in living organisms in a simple way. However, the functions of new CRISPR tools are not limited to conventional genome editing mediated by non-homologous end-joining or homology-directed repair but expand into gene-expression control, epigenome editing, single-nucleotide editing, RNA editing and live-cell imaging. Furthermore, genetic perturbation screening by multiplexing guide RNAs is gaining popularity as a method to identify causative genes and pathways in an unbiased manner. New CRISPR tools can also be applied to ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic genome editing for the treatment of conditions such as hyperlipidaemia. In this Review, we first provide an overview of the diverse new CRISPR tools that have been developed to date. Second, we summarize how these new CRISPR tools are being used to study biological processes and disease mechanisms in cardiovascular research and medicine. Finally, we discuss the prospect of therapeutic genome editing by CRISPR tools to cure genetic cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Nishiga
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Chun Liu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical & Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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12
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Schoger E, Lelek S, Panáková D, Zelarayán LC. Tailoring Cardiac Synthetic Transcriptional Modulation Towards Precision Medicine. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:783072. [PMID: 35097003 PMCID: PMC8795974 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.783072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and genetic differences between individual cells within tissues underlie cellular heterogeneities defining organ physiology and function in homeostasis as well as in disease states. Transcriptional control of endogenous gene expression has been intensively studied for decades. Thanks to a fast-developing field of single cell genomics, we are facing an unprecedented leap in information available pertaining organ biology offering a comprehensive overview. The single-cell technologies that arose aided in resolving the precise cellular composition of many organ systems in the past years. Importantly, when applied to diseased tissues, the novel approaches have been immensely improving our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of common human diseases. With this information, precise prediction of regulatory elements controlling gene expression upon perturbations in a given cell type or a specific context will be realistic. Simultaneously, the technological advances in CRISPR-mediated regulation of gene transcription as well as their application in the context of epigenome modulation, have opened up novel avenues for targeted therapy and personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the fast-paced advancements during the recent years and the applications thereof in the context of cardiac biology and common cardiac disease. The combination of single cell technologies and the deep knowledge of fundamental biology of the diseased heart together with the CRISPR-mediated modulation of gene regulatory networks will be instrumental in tailoring the right strategies for personalized and precision medicine in the near future. In this review, we provide a brief overview of how single cell transcriptomics has advanced our knowledge and paved the way for emerging CRISPR/Cas9-technologies in clinical applications in cardiac biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Schoger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sara Lelek
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Panáková
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Daniela Panáková
| | - Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Laura Cecilia Zelarayán
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13
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Zhang J, Bolli R, Garry DJ, Marbán E, Menasché P, Zimmermann WH, Kamp TJ, Wu JC, Dzau VJ. Basic and Translational Research in Cardiac Repair and Regeneration: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 78:2092-2105. [PMID: 34794691 PMCID: PMC9116459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to provide an important update on the recent preclinical and clinical trials using cell therapy strategies and engineered heart tissues for the treatment of postinfarction left ventricular remodeling and heart failure. In addition to the authors’ own works and opinions on the roadblocks of the field, they discuss novel approaches for cardiac remuscularization via the activation of proliferative mechanisms in resident cardiomyocytes or direct reprogramming of somatic cells into cardiomyocytes. This paper’s main mindset is to present current and future strategies in light of their implications for the design of future patient trials with the ultimate objective of facilitating the translation of discoveries in regenerative myocardial therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Roberto Bolli
- Institute of Molecular Cardiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eduardo Marbán
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - Philippe Menasché
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, University of Paris, PARCC, INSERM, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, and DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timothy J Kamp
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Hypertension Research, Duke Cardiovascular Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Rowton M, Guzzetta A, Rydeen AB, Moskowitz IP. Control of cardiomyocyte differentiation timing by intercellular signaling pathways. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 118:94-106. [PMID: 34144893 PMCID: PMC8968240 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), malformations of the heart present at birth, is the most common class of life-threatening birth defect (Hoffman (1995) [1], Gelb (2004) [2], Gelb (2014) [3]). A major research challenge is to elucidate the genetic determinants of CHD and mechanistically link CHD ontogeny to a molecular understanding of heart development. Although the embryonic origins of CHD are unclear in most cases, dysregulation of cardiovascular lineage specification, patterning, proliferation, migration or differentiation have been described (Olson (2004) [4], Olson (2006) [5], Srivastava (2006) [6], Dunwoodie (2007) [7], Bruneau (2008) [8]). Cardiac differentiation is the process whereby cells become progressively more dedicated in a trajectory through the cardiac lineage towards mature cardiomyocytes. Defects in cardiac differentiation have been linked to CHD, although how the complex control of cardiac differentiation prevents CHD is just beginning to be understood. The stages of cardiac differentiation are highly stereotyped and have been well-characterized (Kattman et al. (2011) [9], Wamstad et al. (2012) [10], Luna-Zurita et al. (2016) [11], Loh et al. (2016) [12], DeLaughter et al. (2016) [13]); however, the developmental and molecular mechanisms that promote or delay the transition of a cell through these stages have not been as deeply investigated. Tight temporal control of progenitor differentiation is critically important for normal organ size, spatial organization, and cellular physiology and homeostasis of all organ systems (Raff et al. (1985) [14], Amthor et al. (1998) [15], Kopan et al. (2014) [16]). This review will focus on the action of signaling pathways in the control of cardiomyocyte differentiation timing. Numerous signaling pathways, including the Wnt, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Hedgehog, Bone Morphogenetic Protein, Insulin-like Growth Factor, Thyroid Hormone and Hippo pathways, have all been implicated in promoting or inhibiting transitions along the cardiac differentiation trajectory. Gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms controlling cardiac differentiation timing promises to yield insights into the etiology of CHD and to inform approaches to restore function to damaged hearts.
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15
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Cooke JP, Connor JH, Jain A. Acute and Chronic Cardiovascular Manifestations of COVID-19: Role for Endotheliopathy. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2021; 17:53-62. [PMID: 34992723 PMCID: PMC8680072 DOI: 10.14797/mdcvj.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), is associated with a bewildering array of cardiovascular manifestations, including myocardial infarction and stroke, myocarditis and heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, venous thromboembolism, and microvascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that a profound disturbance of endothelial homeostasis contributes to these conditions. Furthermore, the pulmonary infiltration and edema, and later pulmonary fibrosis, in patients with COVID-19 is promoted by endothelial alterations including the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and chemokines, increased intercellular permeability, and endothelial-to-mesenchyme transitions. The cognitive disturbance occurring in this disease may also be due in part to an impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism are most likely associated with an endothelial defect caused by circulating inflammatory cytokines and/or direct endothelial invasion by the virus. Endothelial-targeted therapies such as statins, nitric oxide donors, and antioxidants may be useful therapeutic adjuncts in COVID-19 by restoring endothelial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Cooke
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, US
| | - John H Connor
- Boston University Medical Center and National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, US
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, US.,Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, US
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16
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de Gannes M, Ko CI, Zhang X, Biesiada J, Niu L, Koch SE, Medvedovic M, Rubinstein J, Puga A. Dioxin Disrupts Dynamic DNA Methylation Patterns in Genes That Govern Cardiomyocyte Maturation. Toxicol Sci 2020; 178:325-337. [PMID: 33017471 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD), the leading birth defect worldwide, has a largely unknown etiology, likely to result from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors during heart development, at a time when the heart adapts to diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Crucial among these is the regulation of cardiomyocyte development and postnatal maturation, governed by dynamic changes in DNA methylation. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that exposure to the environmental toxicant tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) disrupts several molecular networks responsible for heart development and function. To test the hypothesis that the disruption caused by TCDD in the heart results from changes in DNA methylation and gene expression patterns of cardiomyocytes, we established a stable mouse embryonic stem cell line expressing a puromycin resistance selectable marker under control of the cardiomyocyte-specific Nkx2-5 promoter. Differentiation of these cells in the presence of puromycin induces the expression of a large suite of cardiomyocyte-specific markers. To assess the consequences of TCDD treatment on gene expression and DNA methylation in these cardiomyocytes, we subjected them to transcriptome and methylome analyses in the presence of TCDD. Unlike control cardiomyocytes maintained in vehicle, the TCDD-treated cardiomyocytes showed extensive gene expression changes, with a significant correlation between differential RNA expression and DNA methylation in 111 genes, many of which are key elements of pathways that regulate cardiovascular development and function. Our findings provide an important clue toward the elucidation of the complex interactions between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms after developmental TCDD exposure that may contribute to CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew de Gannes
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Chia-I Ko
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Liang Niu
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Sheryl E Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
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17
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Hu J, Hodgkinson CP, Pratt RE, Lee J, Sullenger BA, Dzau VJ. Enhancing cardiac reprogramming via synthetic RNA oligonucleotides. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:55-62. [PMID: 33335792 PMCID: PMC7723775 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming scar fibroblasts into new heart muscle cells has the potential to restore function to the injured heart. However, the effectiveness of reprogramming is notably low. We have recently demonstrated that the effectiveness of reprogramming fibroblasts into heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) is increased by the addition of RNA-sensing receptor ligands. Clinical use of these ligands is problematic due to their ability to induce adverse inflammatory events. To overcome this issue, we sought to determine whether synthetic analogs of natural RNA-sensing receptor ligands, which avoid generating inflammatory insults and are nuclease resistant, would similarly enhance fibroblast reprogramming into cardiomyocytes. Indeed, one such stabilized RNA, ICR2, increased the expression of cardiomyocyte-specific mRNAs in reprogrammed fibroblasts. Moreover, ICR2 enhanced the ability of reprogramming factors to produce cardiomyocytes with mature sarcomeres. Knockdown assays indicated that the effects of ICR2 were mediated by the RNA-sensing receptors Rig-I and TLR3. In addition, ICR2 reduced the effective dose and number of reprogramming factors needed for efficient reprogramming. In summary, the synthetic RNA oligonucleotide ICR2 is a potential therapeutic agent to enhance cardiac reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabiao Hu
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Conrad P Hodgkinson
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Richard E Pratt
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - JaeWoo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Victor J Dzau
- Mandel Center for Heart and Vascular Research, and the Duke Cardiovascular Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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18
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Paoletti C, Divieto C, Tarricone G, Di Meglio F, Nurzynska D, Chiono V. MicroRNA-Mediated Direct Reprogramming of Human Adult Fibroblasts Toward Cardiac Phenotype. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:529. [PMID: 32582662 PMCID: PMC7297084 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of microRNA expression holds the promise to achieve direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells as a new strategy for myocardial regeneration after ischemic heart disease. Previous reports have shown that murine fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) by transient transfection with four microRNA mimics (miR-1, 133, 208, and 499, termed "miRcombo"). Hence, study on the effect of miRcombo transfection on adult human cardiac fibroblasts (AHCFs) deserves attention in the perspective of a future clinical translation of the approach. In this brief report, we studied for the first time whether miRcombo transient transfection of AHCFs by non-viral vectors might trigger direct reprogramming of AHCFs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Initially, efficient miRNA delivery to cells was demonstrated through the use of a commercially available transfection agent (DharmaFECT1). Transient transfection of AHCFs with miRcombo was found to upregulate early cardiac transcription factors after 7 days post-transfection and cardiomyocyte specific marker cTnT after 15 days post-transfection, and to downregulate the expression of fibroblast markers at 15 days post-transfection. The percentage of cTnT-positive cells after 15 days from miRcombo transfection was ∼11%, as evaluated by flow cytometry. Furthermore, a relevant percentage of miRcombo-transfected AHCFs (∼38%) displayed spontaneous calcium transients at 30 days post-transfection. Results evidenced the role of miRcombo transfection on triggering the trans differentiation of AHCFs into iCMs. Although further investigations are needed to achieve iCM maturation, early findings from this study pave the way toward new advanced therapies for human cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Paoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - C. Divieto
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Advanced Materials Metrology and Life Science, Turin, Italy
| | - G. Tarricone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - F. Di Meglio
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - D. Nurzynska
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V. Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Commentary: Divine decree or a novel panacea in Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Associated 9-steered cellular reprogramming in the fate of failing heart. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 163:1491-1493. [PMID: 32651002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif.
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif
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