1
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Ball NJ, Ghimire S, Follain G, Pajari AO, Wurzinger D, Vaitkevičiūtė M, Cowell AR, Berki B, Ivaska J, Paatero I, Goult BT, Jacquemet G. TLNRD1 is a CCM complex component and regulates endothelial barrier integrity. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202310030. [PMID: 39013281 PMCID: PMC11252447 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202310030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously identified talin rod domain-containing protein 1 (TLNRD1) as a potent actin-bundling protein in vitro. Here, we report that TLNRD1 is expressed in the vasculature in vivo. Its depletion leads to vascular abnormalities in vivo and modulation of endothelial cell monolayer integrity in vitro. We demonstrate that TLNRD1 is a component of the cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) complex through its direct interaction with CCM2, which is mediated by a hydrophobic C-terminal helix in CCM2 that attaches to a hydrophobic groove on the four-helix domain of TLNRD1. Disruption of this binding interface leads to CCM2 and TLNRD1 accumulation in the nucleus and actin fibers. Our findings indicate that CCM2 controls TLNRD1 localization to the cytoplasm and inhibits its actin-bundling activity and that the CCM2-TLNRD1 interaction impacts endothelial actin stress fiber and focal adhesion formation. Based on these results, we propose a new pathway by which the CCM complex modulates the actin cytoskeleton and vascular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J. Ball
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sujan Ghimire
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Gautier Follain
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Ada O. Pajari
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Diana Wurzinger
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Monika Vaitkevičiūtė
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Bence Berki
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Western Finnish Cancer Center (FICAN West), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilkka Paatero
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Benjamin T. Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Guillaume Jacquemet
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioimaging, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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2
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Glading AJ. KRIT1 in vascular biology and beyond. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231675. [PMID: 38980708 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
KRIT1 is a 75 kDa scaffolding protein which regulates endothelial cell phenotype by limiting the response to inflammatory stimuli and maintaining a quiescent and stable endothelial barrier. Loss-of-function mutations in KRIT1 lead to the development of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), a disease marked by the formation of abnormal blood vessels which exhibit a loss of barrier function, increased endothelial proliferation, and altered gene expression. While many advances have been made in our understanding of how KRIT1, and the functionally related proteins CCM2 and PDCD10, contribute to the regulation of blood vessels and the vascular barrier, some important open questions remain. In addition, KRIT1 is widely expressed and KRIT1 and the other CCM proteins have been shown to play important roles in non-endothelial cell types and tissues, which may or may not be related to their role as pathogenic originators of CCM. In this review, we discuss some of the unsettled questions regarding the role of KRIT1 in vascular physiology and discuss recent advances that suggest this ubiquitously expressed protein may have a role beyond the endothelial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Glading
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, U.S.A
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3
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Pak B, Kim M, Han O, Lee HW, Dubrac A, Choi W, Yang JM, Boyé K, Cho H, Citrin KM, Kim I, Eichmann A, Bautch VL, Jin SW. ACVR1/ALK2-p21 signaling axis modulates proliferation of the venous endothelium in the retinal vasculature. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6. [PMID: 38955953 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09936-6] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of the endothelium is a highly coordinated process to ensure the emergence, expansion, and homeostasis of the vasculature. While Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling fine-tunes the behaviors of endothelium in health and disease, how BMP signaling influences the proliferation of endothelium and therefore, modulates angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the role of Activin A Type I Receptor (ACVR1/ALK2), a key BMP receptor in the endothelium, in modulating the proliferation of endothelial cells. We show that ACVR1/ALK2 is a key modulator for the proliferation of endothelium in the retinal vessels. Loss of endothelial ALK2 leads to a significant reduction in endothelial proliferation and results in fewer branches/endothelial cells in the retinal vessels. Interestingly, venous endothelium appears to be more susceptible to ALK2 deletion. Mechanistically, ACVR1/ALK2 inhibits the expression of CDKN1A/p21, a critical negative regulator of cell cycle progression, in a SMAD1/5-dependent manner, thereby enabling the venous endothelium to undergo active proliferation by suppressing CDKN1A/p21. Taken together, our findings show that BMP signaling mediated by ACVR1/ALK2 provides a critical yet previously underappreciated input to modulate the proliferation of venous endothelium, thereby fine-tuning the context of angiogenesis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boryeong Pak
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Minjung Kim
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Orjin Han
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Heon-Woo Lee
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, and Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Woosoung Choi
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jee Myung Yang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kevin Boyé
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Heewon Cho
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kathryn M Citrin
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Injune Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Victoria L Bautch
- Department of Biology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- School of Life Sciences and Cell Logistics Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Korea.
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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4
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Lee SM, Lee JW, Cho J, Choi S, Kim I, Pack CG, Ha CH. Yeast-derived particulate beta-glucan induced angiogenesis via regulating PI3K/Src and ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131884. [PMID: 38685541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The importance of β-glucan from S. cerevisiae in angiogenesis has not been well studied. We investigated whether β-glucan induces angiogenesis through PI3K/Src and ERK1/2 signaling pathway in HUVECs. We identified that β-glucan induced phosphorylation of PI3K, Src, Akt, eNOS, and ERK1/2. Subsequently, we found that this phosphorylation increased the viability of HUVECs. We also observed that stimulation of β-glucan promoted the activity of MEF2 and MEF2-dependent pro-angiogenic genes, including EGR2, EGR3, KLF2, and KLF4. Additionally, the role of β-glucan in angiogenesis was confirmed using in vitro and ex vivo experiments including cell migration, capillary-like tube formation and mouse aorta ring assays. To determine the effect of β-glucan on the PI3K/Akt/eNOS and ERK1/2 signaling pathway, PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984 were used. Through the Matrigel plug assay, we confirmed that β-glucan significantly increased angiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrates that β-glucan promotes angiogenesis via through PI3K and ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Gi Pack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Berg K, Gorham J, Lundt F, Seidman J, Brueckner M. Endocardial primary cilia and blood flow are required for regulation of EndoMT during endocardial cushion development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594405. [PMID: 38798559 PMCID: PMC11118576 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Blood flow is critical for heart valve formation, and cellular mechanosensors are essential to translate flow into transcriptional regulation of development. Here, we identify a role for primary cilia in vivo in the spatial regulation of cushion formation, the first stage of valve development, by regionally controlling endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) via modulation of Kruppel-like Factor 4 (Klf4) . We find that high shear stress intracardiac regions decrease endocardial ciliation over cushion development, correlating with KLF4 downregulation and EndoMT progression. Mouse embryos constitutively lacking cilia exhibit a blood-flow dependent accumulation of KLF4 in these regions, independent of upstream left-right abnormalities, resulting in impaired cushion cellularization. snRNA-seq revealed that cilia KO endocardium fails to progress to late-EndoMT, retains endothelial markers and has reduced EndoMT/mesenchymal genes that KLF4 antagonizes. Together, these data identify a mechanosensory role for endocardial primary cilia in cushion development through regional regulation of KLF4.
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6
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Abdelilah-Seyfried S, Ola R. Shear stress and pathophysiological PI3K involvement in vascular malformations. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172843. [PMID: 38747293 PMCID: PMC11093608 DOI: 10.1172/jci172843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular characterization of vascular anomalies has revealed that affected endothelial cells (ECs) harbor gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the gene encoding the catalytic α subunit of PI3Kα (PIK3CA). These PIK3CA mutations are known to cause solid cancers when occurring in other tissues. PIK3CA-related vascular anomalies, or "PIKopathies," range from simple, i.e., restricted to a particular form of malformation, to complex, i.e., presenting with a range of hyperplasia phenotypes, including the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Interestingly, development of PIKopathies is affected by fluid shear stress (FSS), a physiological stimulus caused by blood or lymph flow. These findings implicate PI3K in mediating physiological EC responses to FSS conditions characteristic of lymphatic and capillary vessel beds. Consistent with this hypothesis, increased PI3K signaling also contributes to cerebral cavernous malformations, a vascular disorder that affects low-perfused brain venous capillaries. Because the GOF activity of PI3K and its signaling partners are excellent drug targets, understanding PIK3CA's role in the development of vascular anomalies may inform therapeutic strategies to normalize EC responses in the diseased state. This Review focuses on PIK3CA's role in mediating EC responses to FSS and discusses current understanding of PIK3CA dysregulation in a range of vascular anomalies that particularly affect low-perfused regions of the vasculature. We also discuss recent surprising findings linking increased PI3K signaling to fast-flow arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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7
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Lin Y, Gahn J, Banerjee K, Dobreva G, Singhal M, Dubrac A, Ola R. Role of endothelial PDGFB in arterio-venous malformations pathogenesis. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:193-209. [PMID: 38070064 PMCID: PMC11021264 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Arterial-venous malformations (AVMs) are direct connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed. Either familial inherited or sporadically occurring, localized pericytes (PCs) drop is among the AVMs' hallmarks. Whether impaired PC coverage triggers AVMs or it is a secondary event is unclear. Here we evaluated the role of the master regulator of PC recruitment, Platelet derived growth factor B (PDGFB) in AVM pathogenesis. Using tamoxifen-inducible deletion of Pdgfb in endothelial cells (ECs), we show that disruption of EC Pdgfb-mediated PC recruitment and maintenance leads to capillary enlargement and organotypic AVM-like structures. These vascular lesions contain non-proliferative hyperplastic, hypertrophic and miss-oriented capillary ECs with an altered capillary EC fate identity. Mechanistically, we propose that PDGFB maintains capillary EC size and caliber to limit hemodynamic changes, thus restricting expression of Krüppel like factor 4 and activation of Bone morphogenic protein, Transforming growth factor β and NOTCH signaling in ECs. Furthermore, our study emphasizes that inducing or activating PDGFB signaling may be a viable therapeutic approach for treating vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhu Lin
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Gahn
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kuheli Banerjee
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gergana Dobreva
- Department of Cardiovascular Genomics and Epigenomics, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahak Singhal
- Laboratory of AngioRhythms, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Roxana Ola
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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8
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He Q, Li J, Tao C, Zeng C, Liu C, Zheng Z, Mou S, Liu W, Zhang B, Yu X, Zhai Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Zhao J, Ge P. High glutamine increases stroke risk by inducing the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in moyamoya disease. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e525. [PMID: 38628905 PMCID: PMC11018113 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there is limited research on the mechanisms underlying moyamoya disease (MMD). Herein, we aimed to determine the role of glutamine in MMD pathogenesis, and 360 adult patients were prospectively enrolled. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were subjected to Integrin Subunit Beta 4 (ITGB4) overexpression or knockdown and atorvastatin. We assessed factors associated with various signaling pathways in the context of the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and the expression level of related proteins was validated in the superficial temporal arteries of patients. We found glutamine levels were positively associated with a greater risk of stroke (OR = 1.599, p = 0.022). After treatment with glutamine, HBMECs exhibited enhanced proliferation, migration, and EndMT, all reversed by ITGB4 knockdown. In ITGB4-transfected HBMECs, the MAPK-ERK-TGF-β/BMP pathway was activated, with Smad4 knockdown reversing the EndMT. Furthermore, atorvastatin suppressed the EndMT by inhibiting Smad1/5 phosphorylation and promoting Smad4 ubiquitination in ITGB4-transfected HBMECs. We also found the protein level of ITGB4 was upregulated in the superficial temporal arteries of patients with MMD. In conclusion, our study suggests that glutamine may be an independent risk factor for hemorrhage or infarction in patients with MMD and targeting ITGB4 could potentially be therapeutic approaches for MMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiheng He
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Junsheng Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chuming Tao
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chaofan Zeng
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chenglong Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhiyao Zheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Research Unit of Accurate Diagnosis, Treatment, and Translational Medicine of Brain TumorsChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryPeking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Siqi Mou
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bojian Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaofan Yu
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuanren Zhai
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- 3D Printing Center in Clinical NeuroscienceChina National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jizong Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- 3D Printing Center in Clinical NeuroscienceChina National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Peicong Ge
- Department of NeurosurgeryBeijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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9
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Papaioannou I, Dritsoula A, Kang P, Baliga RS, Trinder SL, Cook E, Shiwen X, Hobbs AJ, Denton CP, Abraham DJ, Ponticos M. NKX2-5 regulates vessel remodeling in scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e164191. [PMID: 38652537 PMCID: PMC11141943 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164191] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
NKX2-5 is a member of the homeobox-containing transcription factors critical in regulating tissue differentiation in development. Here, we report a role for NKX2-5 in vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation in vitro and in vascular remodeling in vivo. NKX2-5 is upregulated in scleroderma patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Suppression of NKX2-5 expression in smooth muscle cells halted vascular smooth muscle proliferation and migration, enhanced contractility, and blocked the expression of extracellular matrix genes. Conversely, overexpression of NKX2-5 suppressed the expression of contractile genes (ACTA2, TAGLN, CNN1) and enhanced the expression of matrix genes (COL1) in vascular smooth muscle cells. In vivo, conditional deletion of NKX2-5 attenuated blood vessel remodeling and halted the progression to hypertension in a mouse chronic hypoxia model. This study revealed that signals related to injury such as serum and low confluence, which induce NKX2-5 expression in cultured cells, is potentiated by TGF-β and further enhanced by hypoxia. The effect of TGF-β was sensitive to ERK5 and PI3K inhibition. Our data suggest a pivotal role for NKX2-5 in the phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells during pathological vascular remodeling and provide proof of concept for therapeutic targeting of NKX2-5 in vasculopathies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.5/genetics
- Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.5/metabolism
- Humans
- Vascular Remodeling/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Male
- Scleroderma, Systemic/pathology
- Scleroderma, Systemic/complications
- Scleroderma, Systemic/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/genetics
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/metabolism
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/genetics
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/pathology
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/etiology
- Female
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/etiology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Papaioannou
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Athina Dritsoula
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ping Kang
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reshma S. Baliga
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L. Trinder
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Cook
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xu Shiwen
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Hobbs
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Denton
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Abraham
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markella Ponticos
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Tamargo IA, Baek KI, Xu C, Kang DW, Kim Y, Andueza A, Williams D, Demos C, Villa-Roel N, Kumar S, Park C, Choi R, Johnson J, Chang S, Kim P, Tan S, Jeong K, Tsuji S, Jo H. HEG1 Protects Against Atherosclerosis by Regulating Stable Flow-Induced KLF2/4 Expression in Endothelial Cells. Circulation 2024; 149:1183-1201. [PMID: 38099436 PMCID: PMC11001532 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions of disturbed blood flow, and stable flow (s-flow) protects against atherosclerosis by incompletely understood mechanisms. METHODS Our single-cell RNA-sequencing data using the mouse partial carotid ligation model was reanalyzed, which identified Heart-of-glass 1 (HEG1) as an s-flow-induced gene. HEG1 expression was studied by immunostaining, quantitive polymerase chain reaction, hybridization chain reaction, and Western blot in mouse arteries, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and human coronary arteries. A small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HEG1 was used to study its function and signaling mechanisms in HAECs under various flow conditions using a cone-and-plate shear device. We generated endothelial-targeted, tamoxifen-inducible HEG1 knockout (HEG1iECKO) mice. To determine the role of HEG1 in atherosclerosis, HEG1iECKO and littermate-control mice were injected with an adeno-associated virus-PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] and fed a Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia either for 2 weeks with partial carotid ligation or 2 months without the surgery. RESULTS S-flow induced HEG1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro. S-flow stimulated HEG1 protein translocation to the downstream side of HAECs and release into the media, followed by increased messenger RNA and protein expression. HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced endothelial responses, including monocyte adhesion, permeability, and migration. Mechanistically, HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced KLF2/4 (Kruppel-like factor 2/4) expression by regulating its intracellular binding partner KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped protein 1) and the MEKK3-MEK5-ERK5-MEF2 pathway in HAECs. Compared with littermate controls, HEG1iECKO mice exposed to hypercholesterolemia for 2 weeks and partial carotid ligation developed advanced atherosclerotic plaques, featuring increased necrotic core area, thin-capped fibroatheroma, inflammation, and intraplaque hemorrhage. In a conventional Western diet model for 2 months, HEG1iECKO mice also showed an exacerbated atherosclerosis development in the arterial tree in both sexes and the aortic sinus in males but not in females. Moreover, endothelial HEG1 expression was reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that HEG1 is a novel mediator of atheroprotective endothelial responses to flow and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Tamargo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kyung In Baek
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Chenbo Xu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Dong Won Kang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Yerin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Aitor Andueza
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Darian Williams
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Catherine Demos
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Nicolas Villa-Roel
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Christian Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Rachel Choi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Janie Johnson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Seowon Chang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Paul Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Sheryl Tan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Kiyoung Jeong
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Shoutaro Tsuji
- Medical Technology & Clinical Engineering, Gunma University of Health and Welfare, Maebashi, Japan (S.T.)
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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11
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Yordanov TE, Keyser MS, Enriquez Martinez MA, Esposito T, Tefft JB, Morris EK, Labzin LI, Stehbens SJ, Rowan AE, Hogan BM, Chen CS, Lauko J, Lagendijk AK. Hyaluronic acid turnover controls the severity of cerebral cavernous malformations in bioengineered human micro-vessels. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016108. [PMID: 38352162 PMCID: PMC10864035 DOI: 10.1063/5.0159330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that predominantly form in blood vessels of the central nervous system upon loss of the CCM multimeric protein complex. The endothelial cells within CCM lesions are characterized by overactive MEKK3 kinase and KLF2/4 transcription factor signaling, leading to pathological changes such as increased endothelial cell spreading and reduced junctional integrity. Concomitant to aberrant endothelial cell signaling, non-autonomous signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) have also been implicated in CCM lesion growth and these factors might explain why CCM lesions mainly develop in the central nervous system. Here, we adapted a three-dimensional microfluidic system to examine CCM1 deficient human micro-vessels in distinctive extracellular matrices. We validate that pathological hallmarks are maintained in this model. We further show that key genes responsible for homeostasis of hyaluronic acid, a major extracellular matrix component of the central nervous system, are dysregulated in CCM. Supplementing the matrix in our model with distinct forms of hyaluronic acid inhibits pathological cell spreading and rescues barrier function. Hyaluronic acid acts by dampening cell-matrix adhesion signaling in CCM, either downstream or in parallel of KLF2/4. This study provides a proof-of-principle that ECM embedded 3D microfluidic models are ideally suited to identify how changes in ECM structure and signaling impact vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor E. Yordanov
- Centre for Cell Biology and Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mikaela S. Keyser
- Centre for Cell Biology and Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marco A. Enriquez Martinez
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Juliann B. Tefft
- The Biological Design Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
| | - Elysse K. Morris
- Centre for Cell Biology and Chronic Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Alan E. Rowan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Jan Lauko
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Ayata C, Kim H, Morrison L, Liao JK, Gutierrez J, Lopez-Toledano M, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL, Awad IA. Role of Rho-Associated Kinase in the Pathophysiology of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations. Neurol Genet 2024; 10:e200121. [PMID: 38179414 PMCID: PMC10766084 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200121] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions characterized by a porous endothelium. The lack of a sufficient endothelial barrier can result in microbleeds and frank intracerebral hemorrhage. A primary mechanism for lesion development is a sequence variant in at least 1 of the 3 CCM genes (CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3), which influence various signaling pathways that lead to the CCM phenotype. A common downstream process associated with CCM gene loss of function involves overactivation of RhoA and its effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). In this study, we review RhoA/ROCK-related mechanisms involved in CCM pathophysiology as potential therapeutic targets. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed using combinations of search terms related to RhoA/ROCK and CCMs. In endothelial cells, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3 proteins normally associate to form the CCM protein complex, which regulates the functions of a wide variety of protein targets (e.g., MAP3K3, SMURF1, SOK-1, and ICAP-1) that directly or indirectly increase RhoA/ROCK activity. Loss of CCM complex function and increased RhoA/ROCK activity can lead to the formation of stress fibers that contribute to endothelial junction instability. Other RhoA/ROCK-mediated pathophysiologic outcomes include a shift to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (primarily mediated by ROCK2), which is characterized by endothelial cell migration, cell cycle arrest, extracellular matrix degradation, leukocyte chemotaxis, and inflammation. ROCK represents a potential therapeutic target, and direct (fasudil, NRL-1049) and indirect (statins) ROCK inhibitors have demonstrated various levels of efficacy in reducing lesion burden in preclinical models of CCM. Current (atorvastatin) and planned (NRL-1049) clinical studies will determine the efficacy of ROCK inhibitors for CCM in humans, for which no US Food and Drug Administration-approved or EU-approved pharmacologic treatment exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenk Ayata
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Helen Kim
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Leslie Morrison
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - James K Liao
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Juan Gutierrez
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Miguel Lopez-Toledano
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Adrian L Rabinowicz
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
| | - Issam A Awad
- From the Neurovascular Research Unit (C.A.), Department of Radiology; Stroke Service, Department of Neurology (C.A.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Center for Cerebrovascular Research (H.K.), Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (L.M.), Albuquerque; University of Arizona (J.K.L.), College of Medicine, Tucson; Neurelis, Inc. (J.G., M.L.-T., E.C., A.L.R.), San Diego, CA; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (E.C.), Honolulu, HI; and University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences (I.A.A.), Chicago, IL
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Lin A, Brittan M, Baker AH, Dimmeler S, Fisher EA, Sluimer JC, Misra A. Clonal Expansion in Cardiovascular Pathology. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:120-144. [PMID: 38362345 PMCID: PMC10864919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion refers to the proliferation and selection of advantageous "clones" that are better suited for survival in a Darwinian manner. In recent years, we have greatly enhanced our understanding of cell clonality in the cardiovascular context. However, our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms behind this clonal selection is still severely limited. There is a transpiring pattern of clonal expansion of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells-and, in some cases, macrophages-in numerous cardiovascular diseases irrespective of their differing microenvironments. These findings indirectly suggest the possible existence of stem-like vascular cells which are primed to respond during disease. Subsequent clones may undergo further phenotypic changes to adopt either protective or detrimental roles. By investigating these clone-forming vascular cells, we may be able to harness this inherent clonal nature for future therapeutic intervention. This review comprehensively discusses what is currently known about clonal expansion across the cardiovascular field. Comparisons of the clonal nature of vascular cells in atherosclerosis (including clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential), pulmonary hypertension, aneurysm, blood vessel injury, ischemia- and tumor-induced angiogenesis, and cerebral cavernous malformations are evaluated. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings and propose that proper understanding and specific targeting of these clonal cells may provide unique therapeutic options for the treatment of these cardiovascular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lin
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mairi Brittan
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H. Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Berlin, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Edward A. Fisher
- Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith C. Sluimer
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ashish Misra
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Pohl L, Schiessl IM. Endothelial cell plasticity in kidney fibrosis and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14038. [PMID: 37661749 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Renal endothelial cells demonstrate an impressive remodeling potential during angiogenic sprouting, vessel repair or while transitioning into mesenchymal cells. These different processes may play important roles in both renal disease progression or regeneration while underlying signaling pathways of different endothelial cell plasticity routes partly overlap. Angiogenesis contributes to wound healing after kidney injury and pharmaceutical modulation of angiogenesis may home a great therapeutic potential. Yet, it is not clear whether any differentiated endothelial cell can proliferate or whether regenerative processes are largely controlled by resident or circulating endothelial progenitor cells. In the glomerular compartment for example, a distinct endothelial progenitor cell population may remodel the glomerular endothelium after injury. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the kidney is vastly documented and often associated with endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, and kidney disease progression. Especially the role of EndoMT in renal fibrosis is controversial. Studies on EndoMT in vivo determined possible conclusions on the pathophysiological role of EndoMT in the kidney, but whether endothelial cells really contribute to kidney fibrosis and if not what other cellular and functional outcomes derive from EndoMT in kidney disease is unclear. Sequencing data, however, suggest no participation of endothelial cells in extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, more in-depth classification of cellular markers and the fate of EndoMT cells in the kidney is needed. In this review, we describe different signaling pathways of endothelial plasticity, outline methodological approaches and evidence for functional and structural implications of angiogenesis and EndoMT in the kidney, and eventually discuss controversial aspects in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Pohl
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Chavkin NW, Vippa T, Jung C, McDonnell S, Hirschi KK, Gokce N, Walsh K. Obesity accelerates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in adipose tissues of mice and humans. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1264479. [PMID: 37795485 PMCID: PMC10546194 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1264479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation are characteristics of obesity-induced adipose tissue dysfunction. Proinflammatory cytokines can drive an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), where endothelial cells undergo a phenotypic switch to mesenchymal-like cells that are pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic. In this study, we sought to determine whether obesity can promote EndoMT in adipose tissue. Methods Mice in which endothelial cells are lineage-traced with eYFP were fed a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) or Control diet for 13, 26, and 52 weeks, and EndoMT was assessed in adipose tissue depots as percentage of CD45-CD31-Acta2+ mesenchymal-like cells that were eYFP +. EndoMT was also assessed in human adipose endothelial cells through cell culture assays and by the analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets obtained from the visceral adipose tissues of obese individuals. Results Quantification by flow cytometry showed that mice fed a HF/HS diet display a time-dependent increase in EndoMT over Control diet in subcutaneous adipose tissue (+3.0%, +2.6-fold at 13 weeks; +10.6%, +3.2-fold at 26 weeks; +11.8%, +2.9-fold at 52 weeks) and visceral adipose tissue (+5.5%, +2.3-fold at 13 weeks; +20.7%, +4.3-fold at 26 weeks; +25.7%, +4.8-fold at 52 weeks). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EndoMT cells in visceral adipose tissue have enriched expression of genes associated with inflammatory and TGFβ signaling pathways. Human adipose-derived microvascular endothelial cells cultured with TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α exhibited a similar upregulation of EndoMT markers and induction of inflammatory response pathways. Analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets from visceral adipose tissue of obese patients revealed a nascent EndoMT sub-cluster of endothelial cells with reduced PECAM1 and increased ACTA2 expression, which was also enriched for inflammatory signaling genes and other genes associated with EndoMT. Discussion These experimental and clinical findings show that chronic obesity can accelerate EndoMT in adipose tissue. We speculate that EndoMT is a feature of adipose tissue dysfunction that contributes to local inflammation and the systemic metabolic effects of obesity..
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Chavkin
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanvi Vippa
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Changhee Jung
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Stephanie McDonnell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Karen K. Hirschi
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Hematovascular Biology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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16
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Ren J, Huang Y, Ren Y, Tu T, Qiu B, Ai D, Bi Z, Bai X, Li F, Li JL, Chen XJ, Feng Z, Guo Z, Lei J, Tian A, Cui Z, Lindner V, Adams RH, Wang Y, Zhao F, Körbelin J, Sun W, Wang Y, Zhang H, Hong T, Ge WP. Somatic variants of MAP3K3 are sufficient to cause cerebral and spinal cord cavernous malformations. Brain 2023; 146:3634-3647. [PMID: 36995941 PMCID: PMC10473567 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) and spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCCMs) are common vascular abnormalities of the CNS that can lead to seizure, haemorrhage and other neurological deficits. Approximately 85% of patients present with sporadic (versus congenital) CCMs. Somatic mutations in MAP3K3 and PIK3CA were recently reported in patients with sporadic CCM, yet it remains unknown whether MAP3K3 mutation is sufficient to induce CCMs. Here we analysed whole-exome sequencing data for patients with CCM and found that ∼40% of them have a single, specific MAP3K3 mutation [c.1323C>G (p.Ile441Met)] but not any other known mutations in CCM-related genes. We developed a mouse model of CCM with MAP3K3I441M uniquely expressed in the endothelium of the CNS. We detected pathological phenotypes similar to those found in patients with MAP3K3I441M. The combination of in vivo imaging and genetic labelling revealed that CCMs were initiated with endothelial expansion followed by disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Experiments with our MAP3K3I441M mouse model demonstrated that CCM can be alleviated by treatment with rapamycin, the mTOR inhibitor. CCM pathogenesis has usually been attributed to acquisition of two or three distinct genetic mutations involving the genes CCM1/2/3 and/or PIK3CA. However, our results demonstrate that a single genetic hit is sufficient to cause CCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yazi Huang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yeqing Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Tianqi Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Baoshan Qiu
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Daosheng Ai
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhanying Bi
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fengzhi Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jun-Liszt Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xing-jun Chen
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ziyan Feng
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zongpei Guo
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jianfeng Lei
- Medical Imaging laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100054, China
| | - An Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ziwei Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Volkhard Lindner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
| | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Wenzhi Sun
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Woo-ping Ge
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders (BIBD), China International Neuroscience Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
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17
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Tsitsikov EN, Phan KP, Liu Y, Tsytsykova AV, Kinter M, Selland L, Garman L, Griffin C, Dunn IF. TRAF7 is an essential regulator of blood vessel integrity during mouse embryonic and neonatal development. iScience 2023; 26:107474. [PMID: 37583551 PMCID: PMC10424150 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted deletion of TRAF7 revealed that it is a crucial part of shear stress-responsive MEKK3-MEK5-ERK5 signaling pathway induced in endothelial cells by blood flow. Similar to Mekk3-, Mek5- or Erk5-deficient mice, Traf7-deficient embryos died in utero around midgestation due to impaired endothelium integrity. They displayed significantly lower expression of transcription factor Klf2, an essential regulator of vascular hemodynamic forces downstream of the MEKK3-MEK-ERK5 signaling pathway. In addition, deletion of Traf7 in endothelial cells of postnatal mice was associated with severe cerebral hemorrhage. Here, we show that besides MEKK3 and MEK5, TRAF7 associates with a planar cell polarity protein SCRIB. SCRIB binds with an N-terminal region of TRAF7, while MEKK3 associates with the C-terminal WD40 domain. Downregulation of TRAF7 as well as SCRIB inhibited fluid shear stress-induced phosphorylation of ERK5 in cultured endothelial cells. These findings suggest that TRAF7 and SCRIB may comprise an upstream part of the MEKK3-MEK5-ERK5 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdyni N. Tsitsikov
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Khanh P. Phan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yufeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Alla V. Tsytsykova
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Mike Kinter
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lauren Selland
- Histology, Immunohistochemistry, Microscopy Core-COBRE Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lori Garman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Courtney Griffin
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ian F. Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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18
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Qi C, Bujaroski RS, Baell J, Zheng X. Kinases in cerebral cavernous malformations: Pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119488. [PMID: 37209718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are low-flow, hemorrhagic vascular lesions of the central nervous system of genetic origin, which can cause stroke-like symptoms and seizures. From the identification of CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3 as genes related to disease progression, molecular and cellular mechanisms for CCM pathogenesis have been established and the search for potential drugs to target CCM has begun. Broadly speaking, kinases are the major group signaling in CCM pathogenesis. These include the MEKK3/MEK5/ERK5 cascade, Rho/Rock signaling, CCM3/GCKIII signaling, PI3K/mTOR signaling, and others. Since the discovery of Rho/Rock in CCM pathogenesis, inhibitors for Rho signaling and subsequently other components in CCM signaling were discovered and applied in preclinical and clinical trials to ameliorate CCM progression. This review discusses the general aspects of CCM disease, kinase-mediated signaling in CCM pathogenesis and the current state of potential treatment options for CCM. It is suggested that kinase target drug development in the context of CCM might facilitate and meet the unmet requirement - a non-surgical option for CCM disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, China
| | - Richard Sean Bujaroski
- Medicinal Chemistry Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Australian Translational Medicinal Chemistry Facility (ATMCF), Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, China.
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19
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Huo R, Yang Y, Sun Y, Zhou Q, Zhao S, Mo Z, Xu H, Wang J, Weng J, Jiao Y, Zhang J, He Q, Wang S, Zhao J, Wang J, Cao Y. Endothelial hyperactivation of mutant MAP3K3 induces cerebral cavernous malformation enhanced by PIK3CA GOF mutation. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:295-312. [PMID: 36719480 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) refer to a common vascular abnormality that affects up to 0.5% of the population. A somatic gain-of-function mutation in MAP3K3 (p.I441M) was recently reported in sporadic CCMs, frequently accompanied by somatic activating PIK3CA mutations in diseased endothelium. However, the molecular mechanisms of these driver genes remain elusive. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction to analyze CCM lesions and the matched blood from sporadic patients. 44 of 94 cases harbored mutations in KRIT1/CCM2 or MAP3K3, of which 75% were accompanied by PIK3CA mutations (P = 0.006). AAV-BR1-mediated brain endothelial-specific MAP3K3I441M overexpression induced CCM-like lesions throughout the brain and spinal cord in adolescent mice. Interestingly, over half of lesions disappeared at adulthood. Single-cell RNA sequencing found significant enrichment of the apoptosis pathway in a subset of brain endothelial cells in MAP3K3I441M mice compared to controls. We then demonstrated that MAP3K3I441M overexpression activated p38 signaling that is associated with the apoptosis of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the mice simultaneously overexpressing PIK3CA and MAP3K3 mutations had an increased number of CCM-like lesions and maintained these lesions for a longer time compared to those with only MAP3K3I441M. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that activating PI3K signaling increased proliferation and alleviated apoptosis of endothelial cells. By using AAV-BR1, we found that MAP3K3I441M mutation can provoke CCM-like lesions in mice and the activation of PI3K signaling significantly enhances and maintains these lesions, providing a preclinical model for the further mechanistic and therapeutic study of CCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxi Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingfan Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuxia Zhou
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shaozhi Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zongchao Mo
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongyuan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jiancong Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuming Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Junze Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qiheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jizong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jiguang Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119S Fourth Ring Rd W, Fengtai District, Beijing, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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20
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Li Z, Solomonidis EG, Berkeley B, Tang MNH, Stewart KR, Perez-Vicencio D, McCracken IR, Spiroski AM, Gray GA, Barton AK, Sellers SL, Riley PR, Baker AH, Brittan M. Multi-species meta-analysis identifies transcriptional signatures associated with cardiac endothelial responses in the ischaemic heart. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:136-154. [PMID: 36082978 PMCID: PMC10022865 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Myocardial infarction remains the leading cause of heart failure. The adult human heart lacks the capacity to undergo endogenous regeneration. New blood vessel growth is integral to regenerative medicine necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the pathways that regulate vascular regeneration. We sought to define the transcriptomic dynamics of coronary endothelial cells following ischaemic injuries in the developing and adult mouse and human heart and to identify new mechanistic insights and targets for cardiovascular regeneration. METHODS AND RESULTS We carried out a comprehensive meta-analysis of integrated single-cell RNA-sequencing data of coronary vascular endothelial cells from the developing and adult mouse and human heart spanning healthy and acute and chronic ischaemic cardiac disease. We identified species-conserved gene regulatory pathways aligned to endogenous neovascularization. We annotated injury-associated temporal shifts of the endothelial transcriptome and validated four genes: VEGF-C, KLF4, EGR1, and ZFP36. Moreover, we showed that ZFP36 regulates human coronary endothelial cell proliferation and defined that VEGF-C administration in vivo enhances clonal expansion of the cardiac vasculature post-myocardial infarction. Finally, we constructed a coronary endothelial cell meta-atlas, CrescENDO, to empower future in-depth research to target pathways associated with coronary neovascularization. CONCLUSION We present a high-resolution single-cell meta-atlas of healthy and injured coronary endothelial cells in the mouse and human heart, revealing a suite of novel targets with great potential to promote vascular regeneration, and providing a rich resource for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Li
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Emmanouil G Solomonidis
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Bronwyn Berkeley
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Michelle Nga Huen Tang
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Katherine Ross Stewart
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Daniel Perez-Vicencio
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ian R McCracken
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana-Mishel Spiroski
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Gillian A Gray
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anna K Barton
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Stephanie L Sellers
- Division of Cardiology, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul R Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Pilz RA, Skowronek D, Mellinger L, Bekeschus S, Felbor U, Rath M. Endothelial Differentiation of CCM1 Knockout iPSCs Triggers the Establishment of a Specific Gene Expression Signature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043993. [PMID: 36835400 PMCID: PMC9963194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that can lead to seizures and stroke-like symptoms. The familial form is caused by a heterozygous germline mutation in either the CCM1, CCM2, or CCM3 gene. While the importance of a second-hit mechanism in CCM development is well established, it is still unclear whether it immediately triggers CCM development or whether additional external factors are required. We here used RNA sequencing to study differential gene expression in CCM1 knockout induced pluripotent stem cells (CCM1-/- iPSCs), early mesoderm progenitor cells (eMPCs), and endothelial-like cells (ECs). Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of CCM1 led to hardly any gene expression differences in iPSCs and eMPCs. However, after differentiation into ECs, we found the significant deregulation of signaling pathways well known to be involved in CCM pathogenesis. These data suggest that a microenvironment of proangiogenic cytokines and growth factors can trigger the establishment of a characteristic gene expression signature upon CCM1 inactivation. Consequently, CCM1-/- precursor cells may exist that remain silent until entering the endothelial lineage. Collectively, not only downstream consequences of CCM1 ablation but also supporting factors must be addressed in CCM therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A. Pilz
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald and Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dariush Skowronek
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald and Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lara Mellinger
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald and Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK Plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ute Felbor
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald and Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Rath
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald and Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3834-865396
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22
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Huang Z, Liu J, Xu J, Dai L, Wang H. Downregulation of miR-26b attenuates early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage via mediating the KLF4/STAT3/HMGB1 axis. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114270. [PMID: 36347300 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early brain injury (EBI) refers to early-onset secondary complications that occur after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and associated with high rate of disability and mortality. Recent investigations have indicated microRNA-26b (miR-26b) as a biomarker in the progression of SAH. Accordingly, the present study was designed to elucidate the role of miR-26b in influencing EBI following SAH and the downstream mechanisms. METHODS Firstly, SAH rat models and neuron injury models were developed to assess the effect of miR-26b on EBI-like symptoms and subsequent inflammation. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was further implemented to evaluate the binding of miR-26b to its putative target gene STAT3. Loss-of-function and rescue experiments were performed to assess the functionality of miR-26b-mediated STAT3 in both models. RESULTS miR-26b was found to target KLF4 and negative-modulate its expression, whereby aggravating EBI and inflammatory response in SAH rat models and stimulating hemoglobin-induced apoptosis in astrocytes. On the other hand, silencing of miR-26b reversed these changes in SAH rat models and hemoglobin (Hb)-induced astrocytes. miR-26b could further activate STAT3 via down-regulation of KLF4. Furthermore, KLF4 knockdown up-regulated HMGB1 to aggravate EBI following SAH. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings highlighted the ameliorative effect of miR-26b inhibition on EBI in SAH and the possible mechanism associated with the KLF4/STAT3/HMGB1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewei Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang Huayao Hospital of North China Medical and Health Group, Shijiazhuang 050000, PR China
| | - Jiongfu Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Limeng Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, PR China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, PR China; Guangdong Engineering Technological Research Center for nervous anatomy and Related Clinical Applications, Shenzhen 518020, PR China.
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23
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Jun Q, Youhong L, Yuan Z, Xi Y, Wang B, Xinyi S, Fu Y, Kedan C, Lian J, Jianqing Z. Histone modification of endothelial-mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1022988. [PMID: 36568553 PMCID: PMC9768231 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1022988] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a differentiation process in which endothelial cells lose their own characteristics and acquire mesenchymal-like characteristics, which contributes to the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Until now, there is still a lack of effective measures to treat atherosclerosis (AS), so there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of AS. In addition, although various studies have shown that EndMT is involved in the pathological stages of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial fibrosis, myocardial hypertrophy, and hypertension, the specific molecular mechanisms driving EndMT are still in the exploratory stage. In this review, we review the role of histone modifications (methylation, demethylation and acetylation, deacetylation) on EndMT in cardiovascular disease, aiming to target histone-modifying enzymes to guide cardiovascular disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Jun
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Li Youhong
- Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhong Yuan
- Ningbo Medical-Industrial Integration Innovation Research Institute, Ningbo, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Sun Xinyi
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yin Fu
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Cen Kedan
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiangfang Lian
- Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Jiangfang Lian,
| | - Zhou Jianqing
- Li Huili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Medicine School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,*Correspondence: Zhou Jianqing,
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24
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The Dual Role of PDCD10 in Cancers: A Promising Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235986. [PMID: 36497468 PMCID: PMC9740655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) was initially considered as a protein associated with apoptosis. However, recent studies showed that PDCD10 is actually an adaptor protein. By interacting with multiple molecules, PDCD10 participates in various physiological processes, such as cell survival, migration, cell differentiation, vesicle trafficking, cellular senescence, neurovascular development, and gonadogenesis. Moreover, over the past few decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the aberrant expression or mutation of PDCD10 is extremely common in various pathological processes, especially in cancers. The dysfunction of PDCD10 has been strongly implicated in oncogenesis and tumor progression. However, the updated data seem to indicate that PDCD10 has a dual role (either pro- or anti-tumor effects) in various cancer types, depending on cell/tissue specificity with different cellular interactors. In this review, we aimed to summarize the knowledge of the dual role of PDCD10 in cancers with a special focus on its cellular function and potential molecular mechanism. With these efforts, we hoped to provide new insight into the future development and application of PDCD10 as a clinical therapeutic target in cancers.
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25
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Wang C, Xing Y, Zhang J, He M, Dong J, Chen S, Wu H, Huang HY, Chou CH, Bai L, He F, She J, Su A, Wang Y, Thistlethwaite PA, Huang HD, Yuan JXJ, Yuan ZY, Shyy JYJ. MED1 Regulates BMP/TGF-β in Endothelium: Implication for Pulmonary Hypertension. Circ Res 2022; 131:828-841. [PMID: 36252121 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) or TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) signaling pathways are imperative in idiopathic and familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as well as experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rodent models. MED1 (mediator complex subunit 1) is a key transcriptional co-activator and KLF4 (Krüppel-like factor 4) is a master transcription factor in endothelium. However, MED1 and KLF4 epigenetic and transcriptional regulations of the BMP/TGF-β axes in pulmonary endothelium and their dysregulations leading to PAH remain elusive. We investigate the MED1/KLF4 co-regulation of the BMP/TGF-β axes in endothelium by studying the epigenetic regulation of BMPR2 (BMP receptor type II), ETS-related gene (ERG), and TGFBR2 (TGF-β receptor 2) and their involvement in the PH. METHODS High-throughput screening involving data from RNA-seq, MED1 ChIP-seq, H3K27ac ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture together with in silico computations were used to explore the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of BMPR2, ERG, and TGFBR2 by MED1 and KLF4. In vitro experiments with cultured pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (ECs) and bulk assays were used to validate results from these in silico analyses. Lung tissue from patients with idiopathic PAH, animals with experimental PH, and mice with endothelial ablation of MED1 (EC-MED1-/-) were used to study the PH-protective effect of MED1. RESULTS Levels of MED1 were decreased in lung tissue or pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from idiopathic PAH patients and rodent PH models. Mechanistically, MED1 acted synergistically with KLF4 to transactivate BMPR2, ERG, and TGFBR2 via chromatin remodeling and enhancer-promoter interactions. EC-MED1-/- mice showed PH susceptibility. In contrast, MED1 overexpression mitigated the PH phenotype in rodents. CONCLUSIONS A homeostatic regulation of BMPR2, ERG, and TGFBR2 in ECs by MED1 synergistic with KLF4 is essential for the normal function of the pulmonary endothelium. Dysregulation of MED1 and the resulting impairment of the BMP/TGF-β signaling is implicated in the disease progression of PAH in humans and PH in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.).,Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.)
| | - Yuanming Xing
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.).,Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.)
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.).,Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.).,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (J.Z., M.H., J.D., J.Y.-J.)
| | - Ming He
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (J.Z., M.H., J.D., J.Y.-J.)
| | - Jianjie Dong
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.).,Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.).,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (J.Z., M.H., J.D., J.Y.-J.)
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.)
| | - Haoyu Wu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.)
| | - Hsi-Yuan Huang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China (H.-Y.H., H.-D.H.).,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China (H.-Y.H., H.-D.H.)
| | - Chih-Hung Chou
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan (C.-H.C.)
| | - Liang Bai
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.)
| | - Fangzhou He
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.)
| | - Jianqing She
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.)
| | - Ailing Su
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., S.C., L.B., F.H., A.S.)
| | - Youhua Wang
- Institute of Sports and Exercise Biology, School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China (Y.W.)
| | - Patricia A Thistlethwaite
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (P.A.T.)
| | - Hsien-Da Huang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China (H.-Y.H., H.-D.H.).,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China (H.-Y.H., H.-D.H.)
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (J.X.-J.Y.)
| | - Zu-Yi Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China (C.W., Y.X., J.Z., J.D., H.W., L.B., J.S., Z.-Y.)
| | - John Y-J Shyy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA (J.Z., M.H., J.D., J.Y.-J.)
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26
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Dysregulated Hemostasis and Immunothrombosis in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012575. [PMID: 36293431 PMCID: PMC9604397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease that affects 0.5% of the general population. For a long time, CCM research focused on genetic mutations, endothelial junctions and proliferation, but recently, transcriptome and proteome studies have revealed that the hemostatic system and neuroinflammation play a crucial role in the development and severity of cavernomas, with some of these publications coming from our group. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the latest molecular insights into the interaction between CCM-deficient endothelial cells with blood components and the neurovascular unit. Specifically, we underscore how endothelial dysfunction can result in dysregulated hemostasis, bleeding, hypoxia and neurological symptoms. We conducted a thorough review of the literature and found a field that is increasingly poised to regard CCM as a hemostatic disease, which may have implications for therapy.
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27
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Jdeed S, Lengyel M, Uray IP. Redistribution of the SWI/SNF Complex Dictates Coordinated Transcriptional Control over Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Normal Breast Cells through TGF-β Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172633. [PMID: 36078038 PMCID: PMC9454592 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targets in cancer cells defective for the tumor suppressor ARID1A are fundamentals of synthetic lethal strategies. However, whether modulating ARID1A function in premalignant breast epithelial cells could be exploited to reduce carcinogenic potential remains to be elucidated. In search of chromatin-modulating mechanisms activated by anti-proliferative agents in normal breast epithelial (HME-hTert) cells, we identified a distinct pattern of genome-wide H3K27 histone acetylation marks characteristic for the combined treatment by the cancer preventive rexinoid bexarotene (Bex) and carvedilol (Carv). Among these marks, several enhancers functionally linked to TGF-β signaling were enriched for ARID1A and Brg1, subunits within the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. The recruitment of ARID1A and Brg1 was associated with the suppression of TGFBR2, KLF4, and FoxQ1, and the induction of BMP6, while the inverse pattern ensued upon the knock-down of ARID1A. Bex+Carv treatment resulted in fewer cells expressing N-cadherin and dictated a more epithelial phenotype. However, the silencing of ARID1A expression reversed the ability of Bex and Carv to limit epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The nuclear levels of SMAD4, a canonical mediator of TGF-β action, were more effectively suppressed by the combination than by TGF-β. In contrast, TGF-β treatment exceeded the ability of Bex+Carv to lower nuclear FoxQ1 levels and induced markedly higher E-cadherin positivity, indicating a target-selective antagonism of Bex+Carv to TGF-β action. In summary, the chromatin-wide redistribution of ARID1A by Bex and Carv treatment is instrumental in the suppression of genes mediating TGF-β signaling, and, thus, the morphologic reprogramming of normal breast epithelial cells. The concerted engagement of functionally linked targets using low toxicity clinical agents represents an attractive new approach for cancer interception.
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28
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Inhibitory Effect of Essential Oil From Fructus of Alpinia zerumbet on Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transformation Induced by TGF-β1 and Downregulation of KLF4. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 80:82-94. [PMID: 35794074 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Essential oil from fructus of Alpinia zerumbet (EOFAZ) protects vascular endothelial cell (VEC) injury. Stimulation and injury factors can induce phenotypic changes in VECs and the occurrence of endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EndMT), accelerating the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the role of EOFAZ in EndMT induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). All experiments were performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were preincubated with EOFAZ for 2 hours and then coincubated with TGF-β1 for 72 hours. Krüpple-like factor 4 (KLF4) was inhibited by small interfering RNA or overexpressed by adenovirus infection. Wound healing, transwell, and angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the migration ability of HUVECs. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used for mRNA and protein expression analyses, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect expression of related markers. A coimmunoprecipitation assay verified the interaction between KLF4 and acetylated histone H3. TGF-β1 contributed to EndMT in HUVECs in a time-dependent manner, mainly manifested as an increase in cell migration ability and changes in the expression of EndMT-related mRNAs and proteins. EOFAZ could inhibit EndMT induced by TGF-β1. The results after transfection with siKLF4 were similar to those of EOFAZ treatment. After EOFAZ treatment, the expression of KLF4 and acetylated histone H3 decreased, and protein interactions between them decreased, while expression of the Notch/Snail signal axis decreased. EOFAZ can attenuate endothelial injuries and suppress EndMT in HUVECs under TGF-β1 stimulation conditions because it may downregulate KLF4, decrease histone H3 acetylation, and inhibit the transduction of the Notch/Snail signaling axis.
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29
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Fusco C, Nardella G, Di Filippo L, Dejana E, Cacchiarelli D, Petracca A, Micale L, Malinverno M, Castori M. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Altered Expression of Genes Involved in Hypoxia, Inflammation and Immune Regulation in Pdcd10-Depleted Mouse Endothelial Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060961. [PMID: 35741725 PMCID: PMC9222422 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are capillary malformations affecting the central nervous system and commonly present with headaches, epilepsy and stroke. Treatment of CCM is symptomatic, and its prevention is limited. CCM are often sporadic but sometimes may be multifocal and/or affect multiple family members. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in PDCD10 cause the rarest and apparently most severe genetic variant of familial CCM. We carried out an RNA-Seq and a Q-PCR validation analysis in Pdcd10-silenced and wild-type mouse endothelial cells in order to better elucidate CCM molecular pathogenesis. Ninety-four differentially expressed genes presented an FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05. A functionally clustered dendrogram showed that differentially expressed genes cluster in cell proliferation, oxidative stress, vascular processes and immune response gene-ontology functions. Among differentially expressed genes, the major cluster fell in signaling related to inflammation and pathogen recognition, including HIF1α and Nos2 signaling and immune regulation. Validation analysis performed on wild-type, Pdcd10-null and Pdcd10-null reconstituted cell lines was consistent with RNA-Seq data. This work confirmed previous mouse transcriptomic data in endothelial cells, which are recognized as a critical tissue for CCM formation and expands the potential molecular signatures of PDCD10-related familial CCM to alterations in inflammation and pathogen recognition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Fusco
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 Foggia, Italy; (G.N.); (A.P.); (L.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0882-416350; Fax: +39-0882-411616
| | - Grazia Nardella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 Foggia, Italy; (G.N.); (A.P.); (L.M.); (M.C.)
| | | | - Elisabetta Dejana
- Vascular Biology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy; (E.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy
- School for Advanced Studies, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Petracca
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 Foggia, Italy; (G.N.); (A.P.); (L.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Lucia Micale
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 Foggia, Italy; (G.N.); (A.P.); (L.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Malinverno
- Vascular Biology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy; (E.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 Foggia, Italy; (G.N.); (A.P.); (L.M.); (M.C.)
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30
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Maderna C, Pisati F, Tripodo C, Dejana E, Malinverno M. A murine model of cerebral cavernous malformations with acute hemorrhage. iScience 2022; 25:103943. [PMID: 35265815 PMCID: PMC8898922 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cavernomas are multi-lumen and blood-filled vascular malformations which form in the brain and the spinal cord. They lead to hemorrhage, epileptic seizures, neurological deficits, and paresthesia. An effective medical treatment is still lacking, and the available murine models for cavernomas have several limitations for preclinical studies. These include disease phenotypes that differ from human diseases, such as restriction of the lesions to the cerebellum, and absence of acute hemorrhage. Additional limitations of current murine models include rapid development of lesions, which are lethal before the first month of age. Here, we have characterized a murine model that recapitulates features of the human disease: lesions develop after weaning throughout the entire CNS, including the spinal cord, and undergo acute hemorrhage. This provides a preclinical model to develop new drugs for treatment of acute hemorrhage in the brain and spinal cord, as an unmet medical emergency for patients with cavernomas. Ccm3 deletion in endothelial progenitors drives cavernoma formation in a mouse model Mice develop acute hemorrhage and inflammation in brain and spinal cord The spleen has increased vascular density and altered hemopoiesis This model represents a useful tool for mechanistic studies and drug screening
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Maderna
- Vascular Biology Unit, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan 20139, Italy
| | - Federica Pisati
- Tumour and Microenvironment Histopathology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumour and Microenvironment Histopathology Unit, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, Italy.,Tumour Immunology Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- Vascular Biology Unit, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan 20139, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 752 37, Sweden
| | - Matteo Malinverno
- Vascular Biology Unit, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan 20139, Italy
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31
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Swamy H, Glading AJ. Is Location Everything? Regulation of the Endothelial CCM Signaling Complex. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:954780. [PMID: 35898265 PMCID: PMC9309484 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.954780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have steadily increased the number of proteins and pathways known to be involved in the development of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). Our ability to synthesize this information into a cohesive and accurate signaling model is limited, however, by significant gaps in our knowledge of how the core CCM proteins, whose loss of function drives development of CCM, are regulated. Here, we review what is known about the regulation of the three core CCM proteins, the scaffolds KRIT1, CCM2, and CCM3, with an emphasis on binding interactions and subcellular location, which frequently control scaffolding protein function. We highlight recent work that challenges the current model of CCM complex signaling and provide recommendations for future studies needed to address the large number of outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Swamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Angela J Glading
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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32
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Patel M, Mahajan U, Pace J, Rothstein B. Presentation and management of nervous system cavernous malformations in children: A systematic review and case report. Brain Circ 2022; 8:121-126. [PMID: 36267435 PMCID: PMC9578313 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_26_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are slow-flow vascular lesions that affect up to 0.5% of the pediatric population. These lesions are at risk for hemorrhage, causing seizures, and leading to neurological deficits. Here, we conduct a literature review and then present a report of a supratentorial CM in a 2-year-old patient with no significant past medical history who presented at our institution with 1 month of eye twitching. We performed a literature search of five databases of all articles published before 2020. Our inclusion criteria included cohort and case series of children with mean age under 12 years. Our search yielded 497 unique articles, of which 16 met our inclusion criteria. In our pooled literature analysis, a total of 558 children were included, 8.3% of which had a positive family history and 15.9% had multiple CMs. About 46.1% of the children had seizures, and 88.4% of those who underwent surgery had a total resection. About 85.1% of those with epilepsy were Engel Class 1 postsurgery. Over a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, 3.4% of patients had additional neurological deficits, including paresis and speech deficits. Our analysis of published literature shows surgical intervention should be considered first-line therapy for patients who are symptomatic from CM, present with seizure, and have surgically accessible lesions. Additional work is needed on outcomes and long-term effects of minimally invasive treatments, including radiosurgery and laser ablation, in pediatric populations.
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33
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MEKK3-TGFβ crosstalk regulates inward arterial remodeling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2112625118. [PMID: 34911761 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112625118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial remodeling is an important adaptive mechanism that maintains normal fluid shear stress in a variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. Inward remodeling, a process that leads to reduction in arterial diameter, plays a critical role in progression of such common diseases as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Yet, despite its pathogenic importance, molecular mechanisms controlling inward remodeling remain undefined. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) perform a number of functions ranging from control of proliferation to migration and cell-fate transitions. While the MAPK ERK1/2 signaling pathway has been extensively examined in the endothelium, less is known about the role of the MEKK3/ERK5 pathway in vascular remodeling. To better define the role played by this signaling cascade, we studied the effect of endothelial-specific deletion of its key upstream MAP3K, MEKK3, in adult mice. The gene's deletion resulted in a gradual inward remodeling of both pulmonary and systematic arteries, leading to spontaneous hypertension in both vascular circuits and accelerated progression of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. Molecular analysis revealed activation of TGFβ-signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Endothelial-specific TGFβR1 knockout prevented inward arterial remodeling in MEKK3 endothelial knockout mice. These data point to the unexpected participation of endothelial MEKK3 in regulation of TGFβR1-Smad2/3 signaling and inward arterial remodeling in artery diseases.
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Swamy H, Glading AJ. Contribution of protein-protein interactions to the endothelial barrier-stabilizing function of KRIT1. J Cell Sci 2021; 135:274104. [PMID: 34918736 PMCID: PMC8917353 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Krev-interaction trapped 1 (KRIT1) is an endothelial scaffold protein that promotes adherens junction (AJ) stability. The precise mechanism by which KRIT1 promotes barrier stabilization is unclear. We tested the ability of a panel of KRIT1 constructs containing mutations that inhibit Rap1 binding, ICAP1 binding, disrupt KRIT1's protein tyrosine binding domain (PTB), or direct KRIT1 to the plasma membrane, either alone or in combination, to restore barrier function in KRIT1-deficient endothelial cells. We found that ablating the 192NPAY195 motif or disrupting the PTB domain was sufficient to restore AJ protein localization and barrier function to control levels, irrespective of the junctional localization of KRIT1 or Rap1 binding. The ability of our KRIT1 constructs to rescue AJ/barrier function in KRIT1 depleted endothelial cells correlated with decreased 1 integrin activity and maintenance of cortical actin fibers. Together, our findings indicate that Rap1 binding, ICAP1 binding, and junctional localization are not required for the ability of KRIT1 to stabilize endothelial contacts, and suggest that the ability of KRIT1 to limit integrin activity may be involved in barrier stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Swamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Angela J Glading
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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35
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Venugopal V, Sumi S. Molecular Biomarkers and Drug Targets in Brain Arteriovenous and Cavernous Malformations: Where Are We? Stroke 2021; 53:279-289. [PMID: 34784742 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.035654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular malformations of the brain (VMB) comprise abnormal development of blood vessels. A small fraction of VMBs causes hemorrhages with neurological morbidity and risk of mortality in patients. Most often, they are symptomatically silent and are detected at advanced stages of disease progression. The most common forms of VMBs are arteriovenous and cavernous malformations in the brain. Radiopathological features of these diseases are complex with high phenotypic variability. Early detection of these malformations followed by preclusion of severe neurological deficits such as hemorrhage and stroke is crucial in the clinical management of patients with VMBs. The technological advances in high-throughput omics platforms have currently infused a zest in translational research in VMBs. Besides finding novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, these studies have withal contributed significantly to the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of VMBs. Here we discuss the recent advances in predictive and prognostic biomarker research in sporadic and familial arteriovenous malformations as well as cerebral cavernous malformations. Furthermore, we analyze the clinical applicability of protein and noncoding RNA-based molecular-targeted therapies which may have a potentially key role in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vani Venugopal
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - S Sumi
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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36
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Valentino M, Dejana E, Malinverno M. The multifaceted PDCD10/CCM3 gene. Genes Dis 2021; 8:798-813. [PMID: 34522709 PMCID: PMC8427250 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) gene was originally identified as an apoptosis-related gene, although it is now usually known as CCM3, as the third causative gene of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). CCM is a neurovascular disease that is characterized by vascular malformations and is associated with headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and cerebral hemorrhage. The PDCD10/CCM3 protein has multiple subcellular localizations and interacts with several multi-protein complexes and signaling pathways. Thus PDCD10/CCM3 governs many cellular functions, which include cell-to-cell junctions and cytoskeleton organization, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and exocytosis and angiogenesis. Given its central role in the maintenance of homeostasis of the cell, dysregulation of PDCD10/CCM3 can result in a wide range of altered cell functions. This can lead to severe diseases, including CCM, cognitive disability, and several types of cancers. Here, we review the multifaceted roles of PDCD10/CCM3 in physiology and pathology, with a focus on its functions beyond CCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabetta Dejana
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, 16 20139, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, 7 20122, Italy.,Vascular Biology, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 05, Sweden
| | - Matteo Malinverno
- The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM), Milan, 16 20139, Italy
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Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a dynamic process in which endothelial cells suppress constituent endothelial properties and take on mesenchymal cell behaviors. To begin the process, endothelial cells loosen their cell-cell junctions, degrade the basement membrane, and migrate out into the perivascular surroundings. These initial endothelial behaviors reflect a transient modulation of cellular phenotype, that is, a phenotypic modulation, that is sometimes referred to as partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Loosening of endothelial junctions and migration are also seen in inflammatory and angiogenic settings such that endothelial cells initiating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition have overlapping behaviors and gene expression with endothelial cells responding to inflammatory signals or sprouting to form new blood vessels. Reduced endothelial junctions increase permeability, which facilitates leukocyte trafficking, whereas endothelial migration precedes angiogenic sprouting and neovascularization; both endothelial barriers and quiescence are restored as inflammatory and angiogenic stimuli subside. Complete endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition proceeds beyond phenotypic modulation such that mesenchymal characteristics become prominent and endothelial functions diminish. In proadaptive, regenerative settings the new mesenchymal cells produce extracellular matrix and contribute to tissue integrity whereas in maladaptive, pathologic settings the new mesenchymal cells become fibrotic, overproducing matrix to cause tissue stiffness, which eventually impacts function. Here we will review what is known about how TGF (transforming growth factor) β influences this continuum from junctional loosening to cellular migration and its relevance to cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alvandi
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA
| | - Joyce Bischoff
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA
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CCM2-deficient endothelial cells undergo a ROCK-dependent reprogramming into senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:843-860. [PMID: 34342749 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a cerebrovascular disease in which stacks of dilated haemorrhagic capillaries form focally in the brain. Whether and how defective mechanotransduction, cellular mosaicism and inflammation interplay to sustain the progression of CCM disease is unknown. Here, we reveal that CCM1- and CCM2-silenced endothelial cells expanded in vitro enter into senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that they use to invade the extracellular matrix and attract surrounding wild-type endothelial and immune cells. Further, we demonstrate that this SASP is driven by the cytoskeletal, molecular and transcriptomic disorders provoked by ROCK dysfunctions. By this, we propose that CCM2 and ROCK could be parts of a scaffold controlling senescence, bringing new insights into the emerging field of the control of ageing by cellular mechanics. These in vitro findings reconcile the known dysregulated traits of CCM2-deficient endothelial cells into a unique endothelial fate. Based on these in vitro results, we propose that a SASP could link the increased ROCK-dependent cell contractility in CCM2-deficient endothelial cells with microenvironment remodelling and long-range chemo-attraction of endothelial and immune cells.
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39
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Paudel R, Fusi L, Schmidt M. The MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147594. [PMID: 34299213 PMCID: PMC8303459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The MEK5/ERK5 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade is a unique signaling module activated by both mitogens and stress stimuli, including cytokines, fluid shear stress, high osmolarity, and oxidative stress. Physiologically, it is mainly known as a mechanoreceptive pathway in the endothelium, where it transduces the various vasoprotective effects of laminar blood flow. However, it also maintains integrity in other tissues exposed to mechanical stress, including bone, cartilage, and muscle, where it exerts a key function as a survival and differentiation pathway. Beyond its diverse physiological roles, the MEK5/ERK5 pathway has also been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where it has recently emerged as a major escape route, sustaining tumor cell survival and proliferation under drug stress. In addition, MEK5/ERK5 dysfunction may foster cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Here, we highlight the importance of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in health and disease, focusing on its role as a protective cascade in mechanical stress-exposed healthy tissues and its function as a therapy resistance pathway in cancers. We discuss the perspective of targeting this cascade for cancer treatment and weigh its chances and potential risks when considering its emerging role as a protective stress response pathway.
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40
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Much CD, Sendtner BS, Schwefel K, Freund E, Bekeschus S, Otto O, Pagenstecher A, Felbor U, Rath M, Spiegler S. Inactivation of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Genes Results in Accumulation of von Willebrand Factor and Redistribution of Weibel-Palade Bodies in Endothelial Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:622547. [PMID: 34307446 PMCID: PMC8298835 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.622547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations are slow-flow thrombi-containing vessels induced by two-step inactivation of the CCM1, CCM2 or CCM3 gene within endothelial cells. They predispose to intracerebral bleedings and focal neurological deficits. Our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger endothelial dysfunction in cavernous malformations is still incomplete. To model both, hereditary and sporadic CCM disease, blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) with a heterozygous CCM1 germline mutation and immortalized wild-type human umbilical vein endothelial cells were subjected to CRISPR/Cas9-mediated CCM1 gene disruption. CCM1 -/- BOECs demonstrated alterations in cell morphology, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, tube formation, and expression of the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4. Furthermore, high VWF immunoreactivity was observed in CCM1 -/- BOECs, in immortalized umbilical vein endothelial cells upon CRISPR/Cas9-induced inactivation of either CCM1, CCM2 or CCM3 as well as in CCM tissue samples of familial cases. Observer-independent high-content imaging revealed a striking reduction of perinuclear Weibel-Palade bodies in unstimulated CCM1 -/- BOECs which was observed in CCM1 +/- BOECs only after stimulation with PMA or histamine. Our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a powerful tool to model different aspects of CCM disease in vitro and that CCM1 inactivation induces high-level expression of VWF and redistribution of Weibel-Palade bodies within endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane D. Much
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Barbara S. Sendtner
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Konrad Schwefel
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Eric Freund
- Centre for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- Centre for Innovation Competence (ZIK) plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Oliver Otto
- Centre for Innovation Competence (ZIK) ‐ Humoral Immune Reactions in Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Axel Pagenstecher
- Department of Neuropathology, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University Hospital Giessen and MarburgMarburg, Germany
| | - Ute Felbor
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Rath
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefanie Spiegler
- Department of Human Genetics, Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Lopez-Ramirez MA, Lai CC, Soliman SI, Hale P, Pham A, Estrada EJ, McCurdy S, Girard R, Verma R, Moore T, Lightle R, Hobson N, Shenkar R, Poulsen O, Haddad GG, Daneman R, Gongol B, Sun H, Lagarrigue F, Awad IA, Ginsberg MH. Astrocytes propel neurovascular dysfunction during cerebral cavernous malformation lesion formation. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:139570. [PMID: 34043589 PMCID: PMC8245174 DOI: 10.1172/jci139570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common neurovascular lesions caused by loss-of-function mutations in 1 of 3 genes, including KRIT1 (CCM1), CCM2, and PDCD10 (CCM3), and generally regarded as an endothelial cell-autonomous disease. Here we reported that proliferative astrocytes played a critical role in CCM pathogenesis by serving as a major source of VEGF during CCM lesion formation. An increase in astrocyte VEGF synthesis is driven by endothelial nitric oxide (NO) generated as a consequence of KLF2- and KLF4-dependent elevation of eNOS in CCM endothelium. The increased brain endothelial production of NO stabilized HIF-1α in astrocytes, resulting in increased VEGF production and expression of a "hypoxic" program under normoxic conditions. We showed that the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a direct HIF-1α target gene and a known component of the hypoxic program, contributed to the development of CCM lesions because the administration of a COX-2 inhibitor significantly prevented the progression of CCM lesions. Thus, non-cell-autonomous crosstalk between CCM endothelium and astrocytes propels vascular lesion development, and components of the hypoxic program represent potential therapeutic targets for CCMs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/deficiency
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Astrocytes/pathology
- Astrocytes/physiology
- Cyclooxygenase 2/genetics
- Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/etiology
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/physiopathology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Models, Neurological
- Mutation
- Nitric Oxide/biosynthesis
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Thomas Moore
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rhonda Lightle
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicholas Hobson
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert Shenkar
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Gabriel G. Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Richard Daneman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Issam A. Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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42
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Snellings DA, Hong CC, Ren AA, Lopez-Ramirez MA, Girard R, Srinath A, Marchuk DA, Ginsberg MH, Awad IA, Kahn ML. Cerebral Cavernous Malformation: From Mechanism to Therapy. Circ Res 2021; 129:195-215. [PMID: 34166073 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.318174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations are acquired vascular anomalies that constitute a common cause of central nervous system hemorrhage and stroke. The past 2 decades have seen a remarkable increase in our understanding of the pathogenesis of this vascular disease. This new knowledge spans genetic causes of sporadic and familial forms of the disease, molecular signaling changes in vascular endothelial cells that underlie the disease, unexpectedly strong environmental effects on disease pathogenesis, and drivers of disease end points such as hemorrhage. These novel insights are the integrated product of human clinical studies, human genetic studies, studies in mouse and zebrafish genetic models, and basic molecular and cellular studies. This review addresses the genetic and molecular underpinnings of cerebral cavernous malformation disease, the mechanisms that lead to lesion hemorrhage, and emerging biomarkers and therapies for clinical treatment of cerebral cavernous malformation disease. It may also serve as an example for how focused basic and clinical investigation and emerging technologies can rapidly unravel a complex disease mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Snellings
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (D.A.S., D.A.M.)
| | - Courtney C Hong
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (C.C.H., A.A.R., M.L.K.)
| | - Aileen A Ren
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (C.C.H., A.A.R., M.L.K.)
| | - Miguel A Lopez-Ramirez
- Department of Medicine (M.A.L.-R., M.H.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.,Department of Pharmacology (M.A.L.-R.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Abhinav Srinath
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Douglas A Marchuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (D.A.S., D.A.M.)
| | - Mark H Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine (M.A.L.-R., M.H.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (C.C.H., A.A.R., M.L.K.)
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Han O, Pak B, Jin SW. The Role of BMP Signaling in Endothelial Heterogeneity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673396. [PMID: 34235147 PMCID: PMC8255612 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which compose the largest group of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-ß) superfamily, have been implied to play a crucial role in diverse physiological processes. The most intriguing feature of BMP signaling is that it elicits heterogeneous responses from cells with equivalent identity, thus permitting highly context-dependent signaling outcomes. In endothelial cells (ECs), which are increasingly perceived as a highly heterogeneous population of cells with respect to their morphology, function, as well as molecular characteristics, BMP signaling has shown to elicit diverse and often opposite effects, illustrating the innate complexity of signaling responses. In this review, we provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of how outcomes of BMP signaling are modulated in a context-dependent manner with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms and summarize how these regulations of the BMP signaling promote endothelial heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orjin Han
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Boryeong Pak
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Suk-Won Jin
- Cell Logistics Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, South Korea
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An Insight into the microRNAs Associated with Arteriovenous and Cavernous Malformations of the Brain. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061373. [PMID: 34199498 PMCID: PMC8227573 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are rare developmental anomalies of the intracranial vasculature, with an irregular tendency to rupture, and as of yet incompletely deciphered pathophysiology. Because of their variety in location, morphology, and size, as well as unpredictable natural history, they represent a management challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strands of non-coding RNA of around 20 nucleotides that are able to modulate the expression of target genes by binding completely or partially to their respective complementary sequences. Recent breakthroughs have been made on elucidating their contribution to BAVM and CCM occurrence, growth, and evolution; however, there are still countless gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved. Methods: We have searched the Medline (PubMed; PubMed Central) database for pertinent articles on miRNAs and their putative implications in BAVMs and CCMs. To this purpose, we employed various permutations of the terms and idioms: ‘arteriovenous malformation’, ‘AVM’, and ‘BAVM’, or ‘cavernous malformation’, ‘cavernoma’, and ‘cavernous angioma’ on the one hand; and ‘microRNA’, ‘miRNA’, and ‘miR’ on the other. Using cross-reference search; we then investigated additional articles concerning the individual miRNAs identified in other cerebral diseases. Results: Seven miRNAs were discovered to play a role in BAVMs, three of which were downregulated (miR-18a, miR-137, and miR-195*) and four upregulated (miR-7-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-200b-3p, and let-7b-3p). Similarly, eight miRNAs were identified in CCM in humans and experimental animal models, two being upregulated (miR-27a and mmu-miR-3472a), and six downregulated (miR-125a, miR-361-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-95-3p, and let-7b-3p). Conclusions: The following literature review endeavored to address the recent discoveries related to the various implications of miRNAs in the formation and growth of BAVMs and CCMs. Additionally, by presenting other cerebral pathologies correlated with these miRNAs, it aimed to emphasize the potential directions of upcoming research and biological therapies.
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45
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Ren AA, Snellings DA, Su YS, Hong CC, Castro M, Tang AT, Detter MR, Hobson N, Girard R, Romanos S, Lightle R, Moore T, Shenkar R, Benavides C, Beaman MM, Müller-Fielitz H, Chen M, Mericko P, Yang J, Sung DC, Lawton MT, Ruppert JM, Schwaninger M, Körbelin J, Potente M, Awad IA, Marchuk DA, Kahn ML. PIK3CA and CCM mutations fuel cavernomas through a cancer-like mechanism. Nature 2021; 594:271-276. [PMID: 33910229 PMCID: PMC8626098 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Vascular malformations are thought to be monogenic disorders that result in dysregulated growth of blood vessels. In the brain, cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) arise owing to inactivation of the endothelial CCM protein complex, which is required to dampen the activity of the kinase MEKK31-4. Environmental factors can explain differences in the natural history of CCMs between individuals5, but why single CCMs often exhibit sudden, rapid growth, culminating in strokes or seizures, is unknown. Here we show that growth of CCMs requires increased signalling through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-mTOR pathway as well as loss of function of the CCM complex. We identify somatic gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA and loss-of-function mutations in the CCM complex in the same cells in a majority of human CCMs. Using mouse models, we show that growth of CCMs requires both PI3K gain of function and CCM loss of function in endothelial cells, and that both CCM loss of function and increased expression of the transcription factor KLF4 (a downstream effector of MEKK3) augment mTOR signalling in endothelial cells. Consistent with these findings, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin effectively blocks the formation of CCMs in mouse models. We establish a three-hit mechanism analogous to cancer, in which aggressive vascular malformations arise through the loss of vascular 'suppressor genes' that constrain vessel growth and gain of a vascular 'oncogene' that stimulates excess vessel growth. These findings suggest that aggressive CCMs could be treated using clinically approved mTORC1 inhibitors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics
- Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Gain of Function Mutation
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/blood supply
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/genetics
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/metabolism
- Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System/pathology
- Humans
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Loss of Function Mutation
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 3/metabolism
- Male
- Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/metabolism
- Mice
- Mutation
- Neoplasms/blood supply
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Sirolimus/pharmacology
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen A Ren
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel A Snellings
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yourong S Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Courtney C Hong
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marco Castro
- Angiogenesis and Metabolism Laboratory, Max Planck institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Alan T Tang
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew R Detter
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Hobson
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sharbel Romanos
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhonda Lightle
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas Moore
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert Shenkar
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christian Benavides
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Makenzie Beaman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Helge Müller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patricia Mericko
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jisheng Yang
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Derek C Sung
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael T Lawton
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Potente
- Angiogenesis and Metabolism Laboratory, Max Planck institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas A Marchuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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46
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Li W, Tran V, Shaked I, Xue B, Moore T, Lightle R, Kleinfeld D, Awad IA, Ginsberg MH. Abortive intussusceptive angiogenesis causes multi-cavernous vascular malformations. eLife 2021; 10:62155. [PMID: 34013885 PMCID: PMC8175082 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosaic inactivation of CCM2 in humans causes cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) containing adjacent dilated blood-filled multi-cavernous lesions. We used CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis to induce mosaic inactivation of zebrafish ccm2 resulting in a novel lethal multi-cavernous lesion in the embryonic caudal venous plexus (CVP) caused by obstruction of blood flow by intraluminal pillars. These pillars mimic those that mediate intussusceptive angiogenesis; however, in contrast to the normal process, the pillars failed to fuse to split the pre-existing vessel in two. Abortive intussusceptive angiogenesis stemmed from mosaic inactivation of ccm2 leading to patchy klf2a overexpression and resultant aberrant flow signaling. Surviving adult fish manifested histologically typical hemorrhagic CCM. Formation of mammalian CCM requires the flow-regulated transcription factor KLF2; fish CCM and the embryonic CVP lesion failed to form in klf2a null fish indicating a common pathogenesis with the mammalian lesion. These studies describe a zebrafish CCM model and establish a mechanism that can explain the formation of characteristic multi-cavernous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Virginia Tran
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Iftach Shaked
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Belinda Xue
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Thomas Moore
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, United States
| | - Rhonda Lightle
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, United States
| | - David Kleinfeld
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States.,Section of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, United States
| | - Mark H Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
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47
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Weng J, Yang Y, Song D, Huo R, Li H, Chen Y, Nam Y, Zhou Q, Jiao Y, Fu W, Yan Z, Wang J, Xu H, Di L, Li J, Wang S, Zhao J, Wang J, Cao Y. Somatic MAP3K3 mutation defines a subclass of cerebral cavernous malformation. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:942-950. [PMID: 33891857 PMCID: PMC8206158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular disorders that affect up to 0.5% of the total population. About 20% of CCMs are inherited because of familial mutations in CCM genes, including CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2/MGC4607, and CCM3/PDCD10, whereas the etiology of a majority of simplex CCM-affected individuals remains unclear. Here, we report somatic mutations of MAP3K3, PIK3CA, MAP2K7, and CCM genes in CCM lesions. In particular, somatic hotspot mutations of PIK3CA are found in 11 of 38 individuals with CCMs, and a MAP3K3 somatic mutation (c.1323C>G [p.Ile441Met]) is detected in 37.0% (34 of 92) of the simplex CCM-affected individuals. Strikingly, the MAP3K3 c.1323C>G mutation presents in 95.7% (22 of 23) of the popcorn-like lesions but only 2.5% (1 of 40) of the subacute-bleeding or multifocal lesions that are predominantly attributed to mutations in the CCM1/2/3 signaling complex. Leveraging mini-bulk sequencing, we demonstrate the enrichment of MAP3K3 c.1323C>G mutation in CCM endothelium. Mechanistically, beyond the activation of CCM1/2/3-inhibited ERK5 signaling, MEKK3 p.Ile441Met (MAP3K3 encodes MEKK3) also activates ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 pathways because of mutation-induced MEKK3 kinase activity enhancement. Collectively, we identified several somatic activating mutations in CCM endothelium, and the MAP3K3 c.1323C>G mutation defines a primary CCM subtype with distinct characteristics in signaling activation and magnetic resonance imaging appearance.
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48
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Lopez‐Ramirez MA, McCurdy S, Li W, Haynes MK, Hale P, Francisco K, Oukoloff K, Bautista M, Choi CH, Sun H, Gongol B, Shyy JY, Ballatore C, Sklar LA, Gingras AR. Inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction increases KLF4 and KLF2 expression in endothelial cells. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:334-355. [PMID: 33977234 PMCID: PMC8103725 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane protein heart of glass1 (HEG1) directly binds to and recruits Krev interaction trapped protein 1 (KRIT1) to endothelial junctions to form the HEG1-KRIT1 protein complex that establishes and maintains junctional integrity. Genetic inactivation or knockdown of endothelial HEG1 or KRIT1 leads to the upregulation of transcription factors Krüppel-like factors 4 and 2 (KLF4 and KLF2), which are implicated in endothelial vascular homeostasis; however, the effect of acute inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction remains incompletely understood. Here, we report a high-throughput screening assay and molecular design of a small-molecule HEG1-KRIT1 inhibitor to uncover acute changes in signaling pathways downstream of the HEG1-KRIT1 protein complex disruption. The small-molecule HEG1-KRIT1 inhibitor 2 (HKi2) was demonstrated to be a bona fide inhibitor of the interaction between HEG1 and KRIT1 proteins, by competing orthosterically with HEG1 through covalent reversible interactions with the FERM (4.1, ezrin, radixin, and moesin) domain of KRIT1. The crystal structure of HKi2 bound to KRIT1 FERM revealed that it occupies the same binding pocket on KRIT1 as the HEG1 cytoplasmic tail. In human endothelial cells (ECs), acute inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction by HKi2 increased KLF4 and KLF2 mRNA and protein levels, whereas a structurally similar inactive compound failed to do so. In zebrafish, HKi2 induced expression of klf2a in arterial and venous endothelium. Furthermore, genome-wide RNA transcriptome analysis of HKi2-treated ECs under static conditions revealed that, in addition to elevating KLF4 and KLF2 expression, inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction mimics many of the transcriptional effects of laminar blood flow. Furthermore, HKi2-treated ECs also triggered Akt signaling in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent manner, as blocking PI3K activity blunted the Akt phosphorylation induced by HKi2. Finally, using an in vitro colocalization assay, we show that HKi6, an improved derivative of HKi2 with higher affinity for KRIT1, significantly impedes recruitment of KRIT1 to mitochondria-localized HEG1 in CHO cells, indicating a direct inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction. Thus, our results demonstrate that early events of the acute inhibition of HEG1-KRIT1 interaction with HKi small-molecule inhibitors lead to: (i) elevated KLF4 and KLF2 gene expression; and (ii) increased Akt phosphorylation. Thus, HKi's provide new pharmacologic tools to study acute inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 protein complex and may provide insights to dissect early signaling events that regulate vascular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alejandro Lopez‐Ramirez
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Sara McCurdy
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Wenqing Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Mark K. Haynes
- Department of PathologyCenter for Molecular DiscoveryUniversity of New Mexico School of MedicineAlbuquerqueNMUSA
| | - Preston Hale
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Karol Francisco
- Department of Chemistry & BiochemistryUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Killian Oukoloff
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Matthew Bautista
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Chelsea H.J. Choi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Brendan Gongol
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - John Y. Shyy
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Carlo Ballatore
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Larry A. Sklar
- Department of PathologyCenter for Molecular DiscoveryUniversity of New Mexico School of MedicineAlbuquerqueNMUSA
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49
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Riolo G, Ricci C, Battistini S. Molecular Genetic Features of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) Patients: An Overall View from Genes to Endothelial Cells. Cells 2021; 10:704. [PMID: 33810005 PMCID: PMC8005105 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that affect predominantly microvasculature in the brain and spinal cord. CCM can occur either in sporadic or familial form, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and development of multiple lesions throughout the patient's life. Three genes associated with CCM are known: CCM1/KRIT1 (krev interaction trapped 1), CCM2/MGC4607 (encoding a protein named malcavernin), and CCM3/PDCD10 (programmed cell death 10). All the mutations identified in these genes cause a loss of function and compromise the protein functions needed for maintaining the vascular barrier integrity. Loss of function of CCM proteins causes molecular disorganization and dysfunction of endothelial adherens junctions. In this review, we provide an overall vision of the CCM pathology, starting with the genetic bases of the disease, describing the role of the proteins, until we reach the cellular level. Thus, we summarize the genetics of CCM, providing a description of CCM genes and mutation features, provided an updated knowledge of the CCM protein structure and function, and discuss the molecular mechanisms through which CCM proteins may act within endothelial cells, particularly in endothelial barrier maintenance/regulation and in cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefania Battistini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.R.); (C.R.)
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50
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Sati L, Soygur B, Goksu E, Bassorgun CI, McGrath J. CTCFL expression is associated with cerebral vascular abnormalities. Tissue Cell 2021; 72:101528. [PMID: 33756271 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CTCFL is expressed in testis, oocytes and embryonic stem cells, and is aberrantly expressed in malignant cells, and is classified as a cancer-testis gene. We have previously shown by using a tetracycline-inducible Ctcfl transgene that inappropriate expression of Ctcfl negatively impacts fetal development and causes early postnatal lethality in the mouse. The affected pups displayed severe vascular abnormalities and localized hemorrhages in the brain evocative of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in humans. Thus, we aim to analyze; a) the presence of CCM-related proteins CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2/malcavernin and CCM3/PDCD10 in Ctcfl transgenic animals and, b) whether there is CTCFL expression in human CCM and AVM tissues. Ctcfl transgenic animals exhibited increased CD31 expression in vascular areas of the dermis and periadnexal regions but no difference was observed for vWF and α-SMA expressions. CCM-related proteins CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2/malcavernin and CCM3/PDCD10 were aberrantly expressed in coronal sections of the head in transgenic animals. We also observed CTCFL expression in human CCMs and AVMs. The induced expression of CTCFL resulting in vascular brain malformations in mice combined with the presence of CTCFL in human vascular malformations provide new insights into the role of this gene in vascular development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Sati
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Bikem Soygur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ethem Goksu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - James McGrath
- Departments of Genetics and Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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